Solar Blood Masters (148)

Chapter 148 - Breath Takers Vs Crimson Slithers

Hours blurred into a whirlwind of epic clashes and crushing defeats as team after team fell in the Tournament of Calamity. The arena stage was marred with scorch marks, shattered ice, and the lingering scent of burnt fur and feathers. Each battle whittled down the competition closer and closer to the final confrontation.

The Desolate Huang and Subterranean Gorge territories clashed in a chaotic battle of mandibles and claws. A team of ants, defending their home ground, faced off against a team of diggers led by Amon, a colossal armadillo whose shell was as impenetrable as a mountain. Despite their valiant efforts, and the home ground advantage of being ants in a grand mound of ants, the ants were defeated, their exoskeletons were crushed beneath Amon’s relentless assault, truly an upset.

Next, the Breath Takers faced Aqua Depth. It was a swift and brutal affair, with Gastaroid taking center stage. He unleashed his fiery might and crushed Kralaton and his teammates without breaking a sweat.

“Hmph! I didn’t even get to use my ‘Black Wind Lightning Gate’! What a waste!” Qi Fenwei grumbled, annoyed that she hadn't had a chance to showcase her skills before her father.

“You have a problem, bird?” Gastaroid glared at her. “Want to spar with me? I’ll gladly crush those pretty feathers of yours.”

“Enough, you two!” Raphael quickly intervened, putting a stop to their bickering before it escalated into another chaotic duel. “Save your energy for the next battle. We’re a TEAM, remember?”

The Crimson Slithers then faced the Black Stingers, a team comprised of Pincer, Clamper, and three other equally venomous creatures. Lord Lingshi’s ‘World Canvas’ techniques proved too much for the Black Stingers’ crude poisons and brute force tactics. They were utterly defeated. They were forced to yield before the entire arena, thus shattering their pride. Pincer and Clamper slunk back to their platform with their tails between their legs and their earlier arrogance extinguished.

More battles followed, each a thrilling spectacle of skill and power. The arena floor became a canvas of chaos, painted with the blood and Solar Essence of fallen warriors. The crowd excitement reached a fever pitch as the tournament bracket whittled down to the final two teams.

Muburt addressed the audience.

“Mighty contenders! Glorious spectators! We’ve witnessed a magnificent display of strength, cunning, and sheer tenacity! Battles that will be spoken of for ages to come, until the next Great Divine Tribulation graces these hallowed grounds, ten thousand years from now!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“You have all entertained us! You’ve made us laugh! You’ve made us weep! And you’ve made us question the very nature of reality itself! For that, we are eternally grateful!”

He paused, then with a dramatic flourish, announced,

“And now… we come to the grand finale! The culmination of a thousand battles! The ultimate clash! The two teams who have fought their way to the pinnacle of the Tournament of Calamity shall now face each other… for the ultimate prize! The 500,000 year blessing of Void Emperor Sindoll!”

He slammed his staff onto the platform.

BOOM!

The central platform expanded, creating more space for the epic battle that was about to unfold. It was now as large as a small island with several stone pillars erected.

Above, on the Emperor’s platform, a hushed conversation was taking place.

“Hmph! Another failure. It seems Jingling Ocean’s luck has run dry.” Mermaid Merlando sighed, and his tail flicked with disappointment.

"Indeed. My subterranean diggers… they lacked the finesse needed for this tournament.” Elux Badger grunted, then nuzzled his face into Worchilla’s ample bosom, seeking comfort.

“Those pesky brutes… If only they’d been a little more patient.” Silk Yune’s icy gaze settled on the empty Yunyin platform.

Even Anakin Vader whose face was hidden behind his mask, emitted a soft sigh. “Disappointing.”

“Boboboboho! It seems I’m not in the same boat as you lot!” Julian Ringtail’s jovial laughter shattered the somber mood. He took a large gulp of wine from his gourd.

Mermaid Merlando raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, Ringtail? Your team, the ‘Big Boss’, they were eliminated as well.”

Julian laughed. “Boboboboho! True… true… But…” He pointed down at the Black Wind platform, where Gastaroid stood with his arms folded.

“That Bull Mountain Demon… he’s from Kongming Mountain. So… if the Breath Takers win, I’ll be quite content.” He winked at Qi Hawk. “Right, Brother Hawk? Our territories are like… sworn brothers now. Boboboboho!”

“Brothers? Hmph!” Lu Ignis scoffed. “It is HO EASTERN that will emerge victorious! Mark my words! Lord Lingshi is a warrior and scholar of unparalleled wisdom! And my daughter… Lu Ruby? She has trained in ‘Fol Ash’. She’s tasted dragon fire and mastered the Draconic Dao!”

The other Emperors were stunned.

“Fol Ash?”

“She’s been to that realm of DRAGONS?”

“Even Sindoll would be treated as a mere guest there…”

“Lu Ignis is truly shameless… to send his daughter to such a place, just to boost her cultivation. And that realm? ”

A chill went through them.

Fol Ash was legendary. It was a realm of ancient dragons, beings whose power surpassed even that of the Void Emperor Calamity Stage, and their knowledge was said to rival that of the very gods who created Yama Yaguai!

To even survive a day in that place… it was a testament to one’s strength and cunning.

Mermaid Merlando chuckled, “If Lu Ruby has truly tasted dragon fire… then this tournament’s outcome is certain. But I doubt it, Lu Ignis. Surely, even you wouldn’t risk your daughter’s life, not for this event. What do you wager on your words?”

“Wager?” Lu Ignis grinned while shifting on his trident. His eyes narrowed dangerously. “If the Breath Takers win… I’ll return your trident, Merlando. How’s THAT for a wager?”

"You… You’re serious?!” Mermaid Merlando was stunned. He’d been trying to get his trident back for millennia. This was a gamble he couldn't refuse!

“Deal!” He extended a fin and his voice was laced with a newfound respect. “I’ll hold you to that, serpent.”

Lu Ignis nodded. “And if I win? Well, you’ll owe me… a favor. A favor I shall collect at the opportune time.”

"Deal.”

The other Emperors watched their exchange. Lu Ignis’s scales were still dripping lava.

“That serpent’s confidence… It’s unnerving.” Anakin Vader commented.

“He’s that certain of his daughter's victory?" Silk Yune’s icy gaze settled on Lu Ruby.

Even Lala Zhen shifted uncomfortably. He’d hoped for an ant to win this Tribulation. But now…

“It seems… this tournament’s outcome will be a… surprise.” He looked towards Qi Hawk, whose single, milky-white eye was fixated on the central platform where two teams were about to clash.

The Breath Takers and the Crimson Slithers.

Their Solar Essences exploded.

It was time for the final battle!

…

Muburt hovered between two lines of powerful contenders. On one side stood Gastaroid, Qi Fenwei, Raphael, Lu Jade, and Thienika – the Breath Takers. Their combined might radiated a chaotic blend of fire, shadow, lightning, emerald life force, and ancient wisdom that had the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Opposite them were Lord Lingshi, Splinter Roc, Hellphet, and Lu Ruby – the Crimson Slithers. Their presence was a more unified force of reptilian cunning and draconic power. It was a clash of titans; a battle that would determine the fate of two territories.

Muburt’s voice resonated through the arena. “We stand at the precipice of the ultimate showdown! The final battle of the Tournament of Calamity! This clash will be legendary! It will be talked about through the annals of Yama Yaguai for millennia to come!”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle upon the crowd, who roared with excitement, before continuing, “May the strongest team… WIN!” And with a final flash of light, Muburt vanished from the stage.

The two teams faced each other. Oppressive Solar Essences was bending the very space between them.

“Lingshi,” Gastaroid rumbled. “It’s time we settled our… disagreement. I’ve been waiting for this.”

Lingshi smiled and responded, “Indeed, Bull Mountain Demon. It would appear fate has granted us another opportunity.” He extended a hand, and a World Canvas unfurled before him. From within its painted depths, he withdrew the Manga Globe.

He offered the globe to Gastaroid with a sly smirk. “If you dare, step inside. Let us see if your brute force can withstand the might of my Absolute World Dominion.”

“Big Brother, he won’t be that foolish, right?” Lu Jade whispered with unease.

To their surprise, Gastaroid laughed.

“Muwahahaha! I’ll crush you in your own Marble World, turtle! Your Absolute World Dominion is nothing but a flimsy illusion! I, Gastaroid, will shatter it with my bare hands!”

He slammed his fists together, and with a final, defiant roar, he vanished into the Manga Globe. Lingshi followed with a knowing smile.

Raphael watched them go and was dumbfounded. “That idiot! Why would he do that?! He’s put himself at a disadvantage!”

Qi Fenwei explained with a hint of annoyance, as if she were scolding a hatchling. “He’s a warmonger, bull. He’s desperate to prove his strength, to show everyone that he’s superior to Lingshi, even within Lingshi's own domain."

“And that… will be his undoing.” Splinter Roc’s voice had those on the Breath Takers team turning to face him. He’d unsheathed his katana and was pointing it at Qi Fenwei.

“While that Bull Mountain Demon is groveling before Lord Lingshi, I will flay your feathers, princess. And use them to decorate my nest. You hear me?!”

“Peacock, without Lingshi’s shell to hide under, you’re as good as dead. Yield now, and I might consider sparing your pathetic life.” She retorted coldly and was observing Splinter Roc with an air of utter disinterest, she’d hoped for more of a challenge, not this.

“You first! Your arrogance is pissing me off!” Splinter Roc shouted. He’d had enough of her condescending tone.

“Primal White Blade!”

A white energy slash, thin and sharp, zipped towards Qi Fenwei!

“Whisper!”

She parried the attack effortlessly with Lullaby. But in that instant, Splinter Roc vanished and reappeared behind her.

“Lightning Dao – Fist of Fury!” He roared as his fist, charged with potent lightning, slammed into her back, and sent her tumbling across the platform like a weed in a hurricane.

“Fenwei!” Raphael yelled, concerned.

Qi Fenwei landed on her feet. She dusted off her feathers and a small smile had his fears fading.

“I’m fine. That peacock’s Lightning Dao… It’s not half bad.”

“Oh really? Then have some MORE!”

Splinter Roc grinned as his katana pulsed with white lightning.

“Lightning Storm – Thousand Cuts!”

Hundreds of spectral blades materialized and unleashed a chaotic storm!

Qi Fenwei drew Archon.

“Black Wind Lightning – Dance of a Thousand Storms!”

Black lightning crackled around her as she deflected the incoming blades. The platform trembled beneath the force of their clash. It was a mesmerizing, deadly duel.

…

At another side of the stage, Hellphet spat a glob of saliva towards Raphael who simply deflected it with his Condensed Blood Barrier.

“You… BULL! I’m going to make you PAY for the humiliation you caused me… back at my Fire Pool!”

“That was just a misunderstanding. I was new to Yama Yaguai, and I didn’t know that Fire Pool was your territory.” Raphael cupped a fist respectfully. “I sincerely apologize for my transgression. And if you yield now, I’ll even give you a share of Sindoll’s blessing. What do you say?”

“Don’t listen to that bull, Hellphet!” Lu Ruby slithered closer. “He’s trying to trick you! KILL him!”

“You think I’m a FOOL, bull?! You want an EASY victory! I will NEVER yield to the likes of YOU! It is YOU who will YIELD before ME!” Hellphet hollered hotly.

He materialized his spear and shield. The spear’s tip was blazing hot.

“Tyrannical Spear – Inferno Thrust!”

WHOOSH!

He lunged. The spear shot forward like a fiery comet towards Raphael’s head, almost blowing it to bits.

‘My Condensed Blood Barrier can’t block that. Then…’

“Shadow Teleportation!”

Raphael vanished in a blink. He reappeared behind Hellphet, who’d crashed his spear into the stage. It created a small crater and a series of fissures that snaked outwards across that platform’s surface.

Raphael wasted no time,

"Sapphire Blood Sword!”

A blue, double-edged blade materialized in his hand.

"Sapphire Spring Melody!”

He unleashed his technique!

A flurry of miniature, blue dragons, each one radiating a razor-sharp energy, swarmed around Hellphet, attempting to cut him apart in perfect spirals.

"What the…?!" Hellphet quickly raised his shield. “Those puny water snakes… they won’t scratch my hide!”

“HELL BLAZER!”

Those blue dragons began melting away!

Hellphet’s body erupted in flames!

His trunk was now a fiery inferno waiting to be unleashed. His strength and speed amplified. He turned his burning gaze towards Raphael.

“This is MY power, bull! Now… BURN!”

He charged.

Raphael grinned. He’d been hoping for a true challenge.

"Let’s get down to business, elephant.”