Emperor's Reckoning



Ning's shock was palpable as she watched the severed head of their former teacher lying on the stage. Her expression twisted into a mix of anger and disbelief, and she immediately raised her voice to berate the three students for their actions.

"Are you kidding me? This is a graduation event, and you choose to disrespect it with such a gruesome display?" Ning's voice resonated with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "We should be celebrating our achievements, not resorting to violence and shocking the entire crowd!"

Her words echoed through the courtyard, drawing attention from both the spectators and the young masters. Some of the onlookers murmured in agreement with Ning's sentiment, while others remained uncertain about how to react.

However, amidst the whispers and speculations, a sudden shift in the atmosphere drew all eyes upward. Gasps of awe echoed through the courtyard as the magnificent sight unfolded before them.

A horse, adorned in an ethereal mane and wings, galloped gracefully through the sky, pulling an elegant carriage behind it. The crowd stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the celestial spectacle. It was a sight that transcended the ordinary, a sight that seemed straight out of legends.

As the horse and carriage descended, the young masters, Ning, Lyra, Esmeralda, Azleid, Mavis, and Yuri, leaped from their seats with unmatched agility and landed on the stage. Their reverence for the arrival was evident, paying tribute to the unknown figure gracing their presence.

The horse glided through the air with ease, its hooves barely grazing the ground as it made its elegant descent. The crowd held their breath, their gazes locked on the awe-inspiring scene unfolding before them.

Azleid frowned catching a glimpse of the severed head. He summoned a rod with a flick of his hand before swinging it away. A bellow of wind blasted in the direction that he aimed. The crowd sitting over had their eyelids and hair fluttering upward as they failed to catch a view of the severed head leaving the scene.

The horse, seemingly enjoying the welcome it received, continued its gallop around the courtyard, creating an almost ethereal dance in the sky. The crowd watched with bated breath, captivated by the horse's elegance and the aura of power surrounding the carriage.

Finally, with a grace befitting royalty, the horse decided to land at the center of the stage. The ground trembled slightly as its hooves touched the floor, leaving everyone in awe of the majestic creature.

The driver remained silent, their identity still concealed beneath the wide-brimmed hat. Yet, their presence commanded attention, and an air of mystique enveloped the stage.

The young masters stood in a semi-circle, their expressions a mix of respect and intrigue. Each one was keen to unravel the secrets that the newcomer carried. Their eyes met, exchanging silent communication, as they prepared to welcome the mysterious visitor to their ranks.

"Target in sight..." Kesya muttered with a sly smile.

"Look like it," said Lyon as a mischievous smirk emerged on his face.

"That must be the seer," mentioned Reinhard. "They always come to the Graduation Event, and the winner will get their future read, by them."

"Lyon, I think you should go there," said Cecile.

"Darling can go if he wants to," said Selena as she leered at Cecile.

"Hahaha," Lyon leaped from his seat and left the conflicting gaze of Cecile and Selena. 

"?!" Esmeralda raised her brows.

"Eh?" Lyra blinked her eyes, refreshing her sight to make sure.

"Hm?" Azleid and Yuri shared the same expression.

"Heh," Mavis smiled helplessly.

The courtyard fell into a hushed silence as Lyon boldly leaped from his seat, his figure now standing at the frontmost position, right in front of the six young masters. The crowd gasped, not expecting such a daring move from a mere teacher of Second Heaven.

Lyon's actions were unprecedented, challenging the traditional hierarchy and asserting himself at the forefront of the stage. The other young masters exchanged glances, surprised by his audacity, while the spectators held their breath, unsure of how the situation would unfold.

The atmosphere crackled with tension, as if time itself held its breath, waiting for what would come next. The enigmatic figure in the carriage remained still, seemingly unbothered by Lyon's bold move, their face still obscured from view.

Esmeralda's eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Lyon take his stand. The corners of her lips curled into a knowing smile, intrigued by the young master's audaciousness. She had always appreciated a good display of confidence and assertiveness.

The crowd was abuzz with surprised whispers and gasps as they witnessed Lyon's daring act.

"Did you see that? He just stood right in front of the young masters!" said one of the cultivators

"I can't believe it! Who does he think he is?" said another

"That's Lyon, the one who defeated Drogan!"

"I know that!"

"He must be incredibly powerful to be so confident."

"I wonder what the other young masters think of this, or rather, what is he thinking right now."

As the crowd buzzed with astonishment and confusion at Lyon's bold move, Ning's irritation was palpable. Her lips parted, ready to voice her disapproval, but before any words could escape, the attention of everyone present shifted to the arrival of the mysterious guest.

The carriage driver, still shrouded in the shadow of his farmer's hat, gracefully descended from his seat. The crowd's eyes were drawn to him, curious to see who this person was and what had brought him here. With deliberate and measured movements, he made his way to the carriage's door, reaching out to open it.

As the driver's hand on the carriage door. One by one, they lowered their heads, showing deference and acknowledging her authority. The crowd watched in awe as even the esteemed young masters humbled themselves in the presence of the seers. Though, one on the stage, was not.

The driver glanced disapprovingly at Lyon, the only one who dared to defy the unspoken rule of bowing before the seer. His eyes seemed to emit an otherworldly aura, and his commanding presence filled the courtyard.

"Bow," he commanded, attempting to force Lyon's compliance with the sheer weight of his power. The crowd watched in stunned silence, knowing that crossing paths with the enigmatic seers always carried consequences. But Lyon, ever audacious, stood his ground.

Instead of submitting to the driver's command, Lyon's lips curled into a sly smile. He tilted his head slightly, flexing his neck as if to shake off the attempt to impose authority. His demeanor shifted from playful to cold and unyielding.

"There is a beautiful woman about to come out," Lyon retorted, his voice unwavering, "I'm not going to disrespect my eyes and the lady by looking at a cracked stage instead." His words carried a hint of arrogance, but there was also an unmistakable challenge in his tone.

Undeterred by the driver's ominous aura, Lyon continued with a warning of his own, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Do it again," he said, the coldness in his tone sending shivers down the spines of those nearby, "and see how you'll become headless."

"Huh?!" The driver's imposing demeanor faltered for a split second as he sensed the collective tension in the crowd. Three pairs of eyes locked onto him, filled with determination and a readiness to act upon Lyon's word.

The courtyard fell into an eerie silence. The tension was palpable, and even the other young masters and teachers, who had shown respect to the mysterious figure, watched in astonishment at Lyon's audacity.

As Lyon stood firm, his gaze locked with the driver's, the enigmatic woman inside the carriage remained enigmatically composed. Her serene expression seemed to suggest that she was enjoying this unexpected turn of events.

"You are a formidable soul, state your name, young cultivator."

The air seemed to hold its breath as the voice of the seer resonated from within the mysterious carriage. It was a voice that carried a sense of otherworldly allure, captivating the hearts of all who heard it. The crowd hushed, and the young masters on the stage exchanged curious glances, unsure of what was about to unfold.

Lyon, not one to shy away from a moment of audacity, responded with a theatrical sigh as if slightly disappointed by the question. "My name? I thought Vivi would have told you already," he said, feigning surprise. His smirk played at the corners of his lips, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

The courtyard fell into a hushed silence as the seer's surprised voice emanated from within the unopened carriage. Her enchanting tone was tinged with curiosity and a hint of amusement. "Well well... I never expected that you had met Vivi," she mused, "She mentioned many names but perhaps... you're Lyon?"

"Heh," Lyon smirked, "Why not open the door and see for yourself."

"Very well."

The driver nodded before reaching for the door once more. The handle turned and a subtle click was heard under the hushed silence.