Chapter 18: The Ceremony of the Crown

  Time flew by quickly, and before they knew it, the day of the ceremony had arrived. This was a rule on the continent of Tian Xing, where men would hold a coming-of-age ceremony one month after their sixth birthday. However, this was not something that ordinary people could enjoy; only those with wealth, power, and ability could afford to participate in such an event. This was also the first step towards embarking on the path of cultivation.

  On this day, the palace was as usual, but the large square in front of Tian Xing Palace was abuzz with excitement. This was a well-known royal martial arts arena, where people would gather to watch the ceremony. As one entered the arena, they could feel an extraordinary atmosphere that only warriors could understand. The ground was covered with intricate patterns and lines that intersected each other, occasionally emitting waves of light that made one feel as if they were in a mystical realm.

  In the center of the arena stood a massive altar over a thousand meters tall, where important events such as military parades and diplomatic meetings would take place. Many officials, nobles, and commoners had gathered at the foot of the altar, including warriors who had come from afar to witness the ceremony. They were all discussing the event in hushed tones.

  The master of the Cheng family, who was also a city lord, stepped forward and said, "May the heavens bless the young master of the Zi family, may he safely pass through the ceremony." The crowd echoed his sentiments, for this was not only the beginning of a new era for the city but also a crucial moment that would determine the fate of the continent.

  Suddenly, several figures appeared on top of the altar. At the forefront was Tian Xing City Lord Zi Heng, followed by Zi Feng and Zi Wei. An old man with white hair and beard suddenly knelt down and pointed at an old man in purple robes standing behind Zi Wei, exclaiming, "That is the legendary city lord Zi Bin!"

  The crowd gasped in shock, and as they looked closer, they realized it was indeed true. They quickly knelt down to pay their respects. Zi Bin shook his head and said, "I have come." He took three steps forward and suddenly appeared in mid-air, standing on nothing.

  With a gentle clap of his hands, a boundless purple energy emanated from his hands, covering the minds of all those present. Zi Bin softly chanted, "My people of Tian Xing, I will forever protect you from harm and bring you peace. This is not only a purification but also a manifestation of faith, an unbreakable spiritual power that transcends all else."

  The crowd echoed in unison, "Long live the wise city lord Zi Bin!" The current Tian Xing Prime Minister, Yu Cheng, stepped forward and said, "May the divine power shine upon us, may it bless the young master Zi Wei's coming-of-age ceremony. May he successfully pass through this trial and lead our people to even greater glory."

  As the crowd began to quiet down, a voice from below shouted, "The time has come, let the masters take their positions! Young Master Zi Wei, please take your position!" The ceremony was about to begin.

  Zi Wei's eyes widened as he was suddenly transported to the center of the altar. Below him lay an enormous eight-trigram formation, with eight city lords standing at each corner. They each offered a drop of their blood, which merged together in mid-air and slowly transformed into a deep purple color that seemed to connect the heavens and the earth.

  Zi Feng appeared before him, his armor shining brightly as he drew out his sword and leapt into the air. With a gentle touch of the sword's tip, he sang, "Great ancestors, great gods, your descendants today will revive your bloodline, inherit your legacy. Please bestow upon us your divine glory and blessings, that we may spread your greatness far and wide."

  Zi Wei shouted, "Zi Dian Ninth Style – Sky Splitter!" A hundred-meter-wide sword energy shot towards the heavens, and in an instant, dark clouds gathered above the altar.

  Zi Feng said, "We defy the heavens, the heavenly tribulation has arrived. Ancestors, please protect the altar!"