Book 10: Chapter 12: Rush (3)
Dyon was quite satisfied with these results. The only reason Kaeara, Zaire and Little Lyla hadn’t been in the top 8 was because Dyon hadn’t allowed them to participate.Kaeara had an eccentric personality and was even madly in love with Ryu who was several years younger than her, but her power was indisputable. Though not as intelligent as her elder brother Alidor, her battle prowess was actually greater than Alidor’s.While Alidor was Dyon’s right hand man and most trusted commander, he was best used for his mind. In fact, Dyon believed that Alidor was no less intelligent than himself. He was a man far more worthy of the genius minds list than Kaori and Aritzia.Of course, this wasn’t to say Alidor was weak. Alidor was worthy of being placed within the Vice Commanders of the Demon Generals. Kaeara was just that much of a monster.She grasped Ethereal Permeation far faster than her brother did, her energy cultivation speed was much quicker, having reached the Higher Celestial Realm, and she was battle hungry.It was as though Alidor got all of their family’s soul talent, while his little sister took over all of the energy and body talent.As for Little Lyla, it hardly needed to be explained why she shouldn’t participate. Her doing so would just be a form of bullying.The same reasons stood for Zaire.In fact, the only reason Dyon even let Ryu participate was to prove a point.“It seems my words were proven correct.” Dyon said with a light smile.Though the geniuses below showed some indignation, there was nothing they could do. Ryu easily took first place among them all and hadn’t even broken a sweat. The most humiliating part was that he hadn’t said a word the entire time.Originally, Dyon was going to have Ryu stand off to the side as well, but others found this unfair. So, Dyon changed his mind.He told them that if they could beat Ryu, he’d demote Kaeara, Lyla and Zaire to regular foot soldiers.Unfortunately, their dreams were too easily crushed.Maybe the greatest shame was that they had allowed a Saint to make it into the final 8. In fact, Saru ranked 4th, above the Gemini triplets, the Amazonian girl and the Streyluna Clan girl, despite only being a Peak Saint!“There’s nothing to feel ashamed about.” Dyon said lightly. “I haven’t come here to humiliate you all. In fact, following me for the next few years will bring you endless benefits, that I promise. I’ll provide you with all the resources you need to improve and I have no intention of using you as canon fodder as some others might.“That said, don’t take my word for it. Time will show all that it needs to show. Now…”Though some were still unhappy, it couldn’t be denied that Dyon’s words made them more comfortable.“… Please introduce yourselves.” Dyon looked toward the top eight finishers of the elder generation. Though he was familiar with those of the younger, he didn’t know much about these men.While it was true that these eight weren’t talented enough to continue climbing the Tower, Dyon didn’t blame them for this. In fact, there might even be some hidden talents among them.Cultivation past the celestial realm was incredibly difficult. Even a single step after the saint realm was like ascending them heavens… No one was guaranteed to enter the dao realm, especially if you didn’t have enough backing.“I am Kuro. This are my brothers Aoi, Xi, and Kie. We’ve long since thrown away our given names and chosen these simple names. We will reclaim our names once we’ve climbed to the top of the world.”A middle-aged man with an aged greying beard stepped forward.In truth, based on his appearance, his words were ridiculous. To appear so old as a celestial, he was already nearing the end of his life, no? Even his brothers were no less grizzled. Yet, Dyon didn’t laugh.The resolution in the man’s eyes were very real. In fact, the look in the eyes of his three brothers was no less fiery.Dyon hardly paid attention to the introductions of the last four final sixteen participants. His mind was entirely on these four men. He wanted to know more about them, but this setting was entirely appropriate.After their introductions, Dyon nodded.“The Army Chief of this Battalion will be myself. Under me, there will be the Four Cardinal Generals. North General Zaire Sacharro. South General Lyla Sacharro. West General Ryu Ricci. And East General Kaeara Guatama.“They will each control 2 500 of you and have 5 Corps Captains beneath them. These 20 spots have been decided by your ordered ranking within this tournament and will be assigned as follows…”Dyon smiled after he finished organizing the army to his liking, his mind filled with every individual’s strengths and weaknesses.“Now, as promised, the top 8 from each tournament will be adequately rewarded. Here!”Dyon’s arm waved. In but a moment, the battalion below trembled as 15 transcendent grade treasures appeared, floating into the arm of every top 16 individual with the exception of Ryu.“From today forth, you will be the Blood Phoenix Battalion. Others will cower before danger, but we will bathe in it and be reborn!”Shere stood, expanding to her full length of over 500 meters and roared into the skies. Slaughter qi shattered space as though baptizing the newly formed legion.Whether they were onboard from the beginning or not, the warriors below felt their blood boil.Dyon’s laughing figure disappeared into teleportation array followed by ten thousand soldiers. The elders watching on from a distance suddenly felt a tinge of regret. Why had their youths been in such a rush?