Solar Blood Masters

The skies above the central territory of Black Wind was bombarded with screeches, chirps, and the rhythmic beating of massive drums. They created a powerful rhythm that had even the clouds above dancing. Below, creatures of varying sizes and lineages had gathered, forming a breathtaking spectacle.

A grand, circular stage adorned with dazzling gold accents, floated serenely in the center of this open-air venue.

Upon the stage, a troupe of Sky Dancers in flowing azure silk robes moved gracefully. Their wings were tipped with colorful feathers which created intricate patterns as they manipulated the very air itself, conjuring bursts of rainbow-colored wind. It was a mesmerizing display of artistry and power that captivated the hearts of every creature.

This wasn't simply a spectacle for entertainment. This gathering was all in anticipation of the 'Selection Trials'—the selection process to determine those worthy enough to represent Black Wind Territory at the upcoming Great Divine Tribulation.

Apart from the eager contestants who would be participating, a sea of spectators thronged the venue, eager to witness the Trials unfold.

A few perched upon massive floating rocks that orbited lazily, while others found comfort within gigantic tree canopies nearby or atop the numerous platforms the organizers had constructed specifically for this momentous occasion.

Even the bravest insects huddled in cracks, craning their tiny heads for a peek at the stage below. They were all there to witness, to cheer, to judge, and most importantly, to savor the essences from the battles they envisioned.

"Oh, how I crave those succulent roars and taste of blood, just a drop." A tiny Vampsquitoe whispered with anticipation. Such was the brutal nature of their world.

On a massive platform, elevated above the crowd, stood two figures in brilliant yellow silk robes. They were Elders Feng Huo and Lei Lang. Their white feathers, indicative of their advanced age and potent Solar Essences, fluttered in the rainbow colored breeze coming from the stage.

And behind them, crafted from purest gold and studded with dazzling gemstones, was Qi Hawk's throne.

"And THAT'S how a grand performance is conducted!"

A final blast of potent energies created a blinding flash of colors that sent shockwaves rippling through the gathering as the last dancer left the stage, leaving a magnificent echo behind, truly unforgettable.

"ROAR!"

"Such grace! Such beauty!"

"Magnificent! Truly something else! Encore! Encore!"

The crowd shouted their approval! Their whistles and claps reverberated in the open air.

"The Emperor, he has truly impeccable taste indeed!" one enthused.

Another added, "Yes! Such dedication to art!"

They were all pleased with this display of skill.

After their cries subsided, the two elders approached the edge of their platform and spread their massive wings. A silence then fell across the crowd.

"Greetings!" Elder Feng Huo spoke in a resonant, baritone voice that carried with a certain authority they couldn't deny.

"A wondrous performance indeed, for we in Black Wind Territory… well, we embrace the beauty of the art as well as its power to destroy. And this is our message to those who call this place their home, as well as those from afar who bear witness, for today, this chaotic scene will be the catalyst for our dominion over the skies above."

His words were met with cheers and claps that had some nearby bats scrambling with fear. It truly was deafening, this energy.

Then, his companion, Elder Lei Lang continued:

"It is with great joy that we welcome you to this momentous occasion. From this place, at this moment of creation, many brave souls below us, you all are about to challenge your limitations and push boundaries to discover your true potential. Those who emerge victorious, shall be granted a reward that could easily elevate even the lowliest insect to a force of reckoning.

Those brave, strong, and most of all, skilled contestants will be given entry to… The Great Divine Tribulation. They shall bear our banner, defend our pride, and carve their name upon the celestial monument of fate."

After a magnificent golden image of constellations appeared above, he then let out another thunderous proclamation. "FOR BLACK WIND!"

His speech and shared ideals resonated deeply with the crowd. For those who sought a higher power and had honed their skills to the utmost, they all craved this opportunity! Those in the crowd whose dreams mirrored those of the elders also couldn't help themselves but to scream their ideals!

"BLACK WIND!"

"BLACK WIND!"

"BLACK WIND! BLACK WIND! BLACK WIND!"

Everyone chanted this motto and recognized it's power.

But Elder Lang wasn't finished. He showcased the greatest moments from their past triumphs in vivid colors that had the colors around them dulling.

"Three souls native to our domain have ascended from these very trials to claim victory in the Grand Divine Tribulations over the past three hundred millennia! They brought our banner glory! Today… WE AWAIT ANOTHER HERO! But will you heed this call! Those who seek eternal life… STAND STRONG!"

The echoes from his heart had many chanting louder as their bodies shook. This display had even those who hadn't considered the possibility of becoming a god, drooling for a glimmer of hope in their hearts and minds. It was as if they'd seen the stars align before them.

A vision of endless power and pleasures.

"BLACK WIND! BLACK WIND!"

Their chanting was silenced abruptly by an energy so powerful that everyone involuntarily bowed their heads. The clouds parted in awe! The air crackled! It was him!

From the heavens, a colossal bird descended. His massive black wings, tipped with blinding-white, cut through the sky, with a radiance that extended for miles.

Those who'd only heard whispers of his might or the exaggerated stories now gaped!

This wasn't just the Black Wind Emperor! This was their King!

His retinue trailed close behind in a breathtaking vision of loyalty and strength. And within their midst was his most favorite, a daughter that was worthy of the gods.

Qi Fenwei was dressed in vibrant green silks and a magnificent head piece that had her wings ruffling. Such pride and respect she exuded, for she had never been so honored in their court. Such a fortunate opportunity. It made her feathers sparkle.

"Emperor Qi Hawk!"

The chants grew louder and more enthusiastic as he descended towards his throne with a casual grace that sent chills running through their bodies.

"Emperor Qi Hawk!"

With a gentle wave of his hand, their reverence and cries ended, he then waited for the cheering to die down entirely before clearing his throat. A small tremor followed that act.

Then as if bored with such trivial things as waiting on insects to compose themselves, he commanded:

"LET THE SELECTION TRIALS BEGIN!"

That statement, so abrupt, so powerful, was music to the ears.

The two Elders in their fancy, bright yellow outfits who were flanking the throne hopped off with glee. They'd both hoped for a swift Selection process so they could spend more time bathing in their Fire Pools. It was such an arduous thing being so magnificent and influential in Yama Yaguai, they thought to themselves with shared sighs.

They reached their destination. A large, intricately carved platform had been specially crafted from Oreng Earth and imbued with Solar Essences from their lord.

"Hmmm…"

They adjusted their flowing robes with a subtle and knowing smile that calmed anyone who stood within earshot.

"Excellent! As per the pronouncements from our esteemed Emperor - Qi Hawk. Let us proceed with the selection of those who are deemed worthy of claiming the ancient glories bestowed upon those who emerge as victors in The Great Divine Tribulation! FIVE HUNDRED will be chosen!"

"Five Hundred?" Their announcement was met with mixed emotions.

"This year will be mine, MINE I SAY! Those lesser creatures, they can simply kneel and watch my might, as my feathers shine like the dawn!" A Golden Crane at the 5th Layer Nightmare Calamity shouted.

His sentence had his peers releasing a flurry of insults and boasts. It would appear they weren't simply eager to win. No. They were also ready to remind those watching that power and arrogance truly did go hand in hand.

"Such arrogance. These birds." Lu Jade watched from a safe distance in the crowd. Thienika was by his side.

"Our mission is simple: REDUCE!"

That utterance from the elders instantly hushed the pandemonium below them.

Elder Lang continued, "Over TEN THOUSAND of you stand eager, but sadly, this reality cannot reflect the aspirations of grandeur for this Trial require a much more succinct solution that won't require our Emperor's precious time and energy to be diluted.

Fear not, my little hatchlings, for we have come up with a different Trial than in the prior years."

This mention of change was music to many who had experienced that brutal first round selection method from previous centuries where weaker and slower opponents were simply crushed without any mercy. It would seem their emperor was more compassionate.

But wasn't this simply those old birds' hopes for less work to be done? These were the thoughts resonating through many folks watching below.

"The Emperor Qi Hawk, the magnanimous, wise and patient soul that he is, has devised a new method of elimination that will bring swift results. And to guarantee fairness, every step in the Selection Trials, will be visible to all who stand before us!"

"Hmmm, interesting." Thienika glanced towards Lu Jade, then asked, "Do you think Raphael will do alright?"

Lu Jade responded, "Oh… it is obvious that Big Brother will be one of those five hundred to win. No beast here could withstand his might. Those skills he showed me? My jaw dropped to the very ground upon witnessing what he did. I truly can't wait to become strong. To squash those who insulted my scales. That'll be such a wonderful reward!"

Their chat was interrupted by a blinding emerald flash below which expanded into a portal.

 "A gateway? It's… cold!"

Then a collective gasp followed!

From within that spiral, a snow-covered, treacherous landscape with icy winds howling emerged. 

This revelation of their Emperor's method for weeding out those deemed worthy had the creatures buzzing:

"A new realm to be traversed?"

Elder Lang spoke, "Behold! A realm of snow and ice and dangers that will cull your ranks to find those worthy of representing Black Wind!

To be succinct, and for the pleasure of Emperor Qi Hawk whose schedule is burdened, I say this. We the guardians of these Trials and upholders of justice, shall not have you compete against each other in grueling one-on-one combats like last time. Instead, we shall have a… Race!"

"All ten thousand of you! YOU are now RACERS!"

"A race? Against each other?"

"What the hell is this about?"

Many were baffled by this revelation.

"This sounds fun, for me, hahaha." One Golden Hawk couldn't concealed his excitement because his wings were trained to fly since birth. He then released a mighty bellow to add emphasis on his confidence.

This holler had his comrades mimicking him and soon a wave of braggadocio and claims of, "This race! I will win!" resonated throughout that chaotic venue.

"Silence!" Elder Feng Huo shut up the excited chatter below. "This is no simple footrace! To claim a spot among the chosen, you must prove your strength! Prove your cunning!"

Beside him, Elder Lei Lang spread his wings, summoning forth a gust of wind that sent those weaker beasts scrambling. "As such. This race comes with challenges and obstacles that those whose heart is true will overcome with swiftness. And for those that lack might, this course will be their grave."

"This year's Trials is called The Race of Ten Thousand Souls!" Elder Feng Huo announced with a dramatic flourish, for indeed wasn't a well-chosen name just as potent and efficient as a well-crafted technique?

Then both elders, in a demonstration of unity, explained the rules.

"All participants shall now race each other to the finish line. But there's a twist. You see, it's not about speed alone."

Elder Lang added with a sly smirk, "Along the way, you shall be required to prove your worth, your power. This is done by earning Merit Points. The more you amass, the higher your chances. Simple, isn't it?"

The crowd buzzed with curiosity. Even participants whose skills lay more in deception or trickery rather than brute force were now intrigued.

Elder Feng Huo elaborated, "Merit Points are awarded for each opponent you overcome, so to speak. Defeat those before you on this path. Each fallen soul nets you ONE point! However, if the fallen one already possessed Merit Points, then these points will be transferred over to the victor."

"You may claim victory by slaying them or…" Lang chuckled darkly, "forcing them to utter a single word… 'Yield'."

"But that's not all! Should you be fortunate enough to reach the finish line within the top TEN? Well then… You will be awarded a bonus, ONE HUNDRED points!"

"You will have THREE DAYS to complete the course, and the clock shall begin ticking the instant ALL enter this portal. Waste no time on regrets nor mourning those who've fallen beneath your heels, or your claws, or… however those destinies play out. After all, Yama Yaguai is a place of might. And such is our Emperor's will, isn't it?"

"Now! To ensure fairness and a level playing field, you will all approach in an orderly fashion to receive 'Qi Hawk's Mark'. After you've been branded with Qi Hawk's special marker, we'll be able to keep perfect track of all your activities; this includes points tracking and fair elimination. Now, step forward and ENTER!"

Their final declaration was followed by the appearance of a glowing purple seal above the portal.

Down below, ten thousand eager participants shuffled nervously into multiple rows that resembled a serpent's tail, before moving forward to receive their 'mark'.

Raphael's hooves tapped anxiously against that Oreng Earth platform. He was in line to received the mark. As soon as it stamped, something within Qi Hawk stirred and he immediately looked that way. 

His eye widened upon recognition. "WHAT is that bull doing down there? Haven't I GIVEN him a Pass already?!" His question was directed at Qi Fenwei, who stood beside him.

A puzzled Qi Fenwei answered, "Father, you're right. What's he doing down there? Huh, could it be…?" She recalled her previous encounter with Raphael and that imposing old woman, and suddenly understood.

"It must be for her! He's participating to win a pass for his companion, Thienika. He calls her 'Grandma'."

Hearing that name, "Thienika? A Grandma?" Qi Hawk became intrigued. The name resonated within his ancient memories. "That name. It sounds… familiar. Hmmm. I must meet this companion. But the trial is still ongoing."

He wanted to summon the bull and that Grandma before him right away, his curiosity couldn't be contained. However, as he observed the thousands of creatures still waiting for the branding to conclude, he decided to wait until the trial was over.

Qi Hawk settled back into his throne. He then gazed upon those lines of eager contestants. His thoughts went back a couple thousand years to a tranquil forest where he'd first met her. 'If that bull's companion is truly HER… well, I should prepare a welcoming gift. Something befitting a Draconic Star Lumber.'