Grand Ancestral Bloodlines

"Ahaha! I'm controlling it now and I said we'd go for the very center! No more of your bullshit you old coward!"

Aika's voice rung through the skies in a booming cadence causing the eyes of several Sky Gods to narrow into slits. 

Someone was actually ascending to the Third Heaven right this moment? And they actually dared to do so in the no man's land between the Sentient Sword Sect and the Demonic Flame Sect?! What were they thinking?! 

This region was indeed the center of the Third Heaven and it was the location with the greatest concentration of resources and qi. For thousands of years, the Sentient Sword Sect and the Demonic Flame Sect had been fighting over these lands in a continuous tug of war. Often times, even if one eeked out a victory, they wouldn't bother to send anyone to claim the land because it would just be won back by the other side not long after. 

So, instead, they region became a free for all between the Sects where they would fight for resources and immediately snatch them before returning, benefiting from the resources, and then coming back to fight once more. 

The idea that some foolish Second Heaven Sect would actually dare to try and claim this land as their own left even the two Sects themselves speechless. They had been fighting amongst one another for so long without challenge from a third party that they were truly without words. They didn't even know what to say to these matters. 

By the time they realized that this wasn't a joke and that this was really happening, the outline of the Radiant Star Sect began to manifest itself. Compared to the last time it had done this, due to Aika's actions, the territory of the Sector was over 20 times larger, covering a span so wide that it blanketed over 50% of the so-called no man's land between the Sentient Sword Sect and the Demonic Flame Sect. 

Of everyone who was entirely confused about what was happening, it was only the members of the Bewithcing Charm Sect, Wallowing Wisp Sect and Dew Drop Sect who had the most recognition in their eyes, this was because they recognized this Sect all too well… 

This was the Sect that had wiped the Metal Work Sect off of the face of the map in the span of just a few years. 

However, even so, this was the Third Heaven and the Metal Work Sect was barely considered a Two Star Sect while the Third Heaven had dozens of Three Star Sects, not to mention the fact that this was the territory of not one, but two True Three Star Sects. Just what was going on here? How could they dare to do this. 

As the outline of the Sect solidified, powerful presences descended from all sides. Before the other Sky Gods could even act, the Sky Gods of the two True Three Star Sects were absolutely furious. Not having had their dignity infringed upon in so long, they hadn't reacted immediately, but the moment they did, it was absolutely explosive. 

A beam of swordlight that could render the skies rose up from one side and a pillar of flames that seemed to connect the heavens to the earth came from the other. The furious attacks were enough to crush everything in sight, collapsing mountains and ripping the oxygen out of the air for hundreds of kilometers. 

However, just as they were about to descend, the light cough of what sounded like an old man echoed. 

A resplendent barrier of starlight enveloped the Radiant Star Sect and even some of the surrounding territory. 

The swordlight and pillar of flames descended with a crash and burn, causing ripples to spread across the face of this barrier wildly. In just a moment, the entire Radiant Star Sect was enveloped, hiding it from view of everyone else. 

Many who didn't even see the formation of the barrier due to the speed thought that the Radiant Star Sect didn't even get a chance to react. As for those that did, they still believed that it wasn't enough. How could a mere Second Star Sect withstand the fury of two True Sky Gods? The Patriarchs of both Sects had reacted in fury, not even waiting for the subordinates to act first. 

However, at that moment, as the energies began to clear, the barrier became obvious to all, causing a long silence to descend. 

A formation capable of withstand the furious attack of two True Sky Gods? Just what kind of formation was this? And how could it be in the hands of a Second Heaven Sect?! 

"Apologies, apologies. My Radiant Star Se—"

Old Wan rose into the air, ready and willing to give an explanation, but before he could even get his words out, a petite young woman elbowed him in the sides so hard that he shot into the distance like a streaking star, crashing into a mountain within Radiant Star Sect territory so deeply that it was unknown how long it would take him to crawl out. 

"My Radiant Star Sect doesn't give explanations. If you want to lose your head feel free to step forward."

Aika's voice boomed and was immediately recognized by those who heard her speak earlier. 

The words echoed and the silence felt deafening. Just where had this woman come from, exactly? 

Aika looked around. Seeing that no one respounded immediately, she got bored just as fast. With a yawn, she waved her hand and the barrier disappeared. 

"Those of you young ones who managed to survive the war and want another chance to prove yourself, Heaven's Gates are about to open. You'll either sink or swim, leap over the gate like a dragon or sink into the tides like a little fish. The choice is yours."

After saying these words, Aika casually sat in the skies. 

The disciples below had hardened faces. Compared to years ago, there had already been enormous changes. Whereas before the pressure of the Second Heaven had made many of them fall prostrate, all of them could stand tall now. 

Even so… They hesitated. 

Here, it wasn't just the pressure of the Third Heaven they had to withstand, but the gazes of the masses, none of whom believed that they deserved to be here, and rightfully so. 

But at that moment, a streak of swordlight shot into the skies, this one originating from their Sect. 

Ryu appeared in the skies, his hands clasped behind his back and his white and sky blue robes fluttering in the wind. 

For an instant, it felt as though all the pressure in the surroundings had vanished.