In the inn

  Rowan: Master, today while utilizing the stoneheart array, I pushed my limits further and seem to have identified a bottleneck that could lead to a breakthrough into the essence realm.

  Alden: Is that so?

  Lucen: Oh! How much longer can you keep exceeding your limits?

  Before, I could only use one skill and then switch to another to win, but now it seems I can hold it for almost a minute. During the battle, I managed to use stoneheart for a longer duration while also creating a willow shield against my opponents.

  Mira: A minute?

  Liora: That's impressive!

  Lucen: What's impressive about that? Are you trying to get yourself killed? Without sufficient power, why are you pushing yourself like this?

  Rowan: That's...

  Lucen: We agreed to avoid using all elements until you reached the essence realm, didn’t we? So why are you doing this now?

  Rowan: I was wrong. Please punish me, master!

  Lucen: I will let it go this time, but there won't be another chance.

  Rowan: Yes, master.

  Silas: Hey! Everyone from the Sky Devouring Academy has come to see us.

  Finn: Why are they here? Are they seeking mercy for tomorrow's match?

  Taron: (slapped on the head) Don’t be ridiculous.

  Darin: Let's go find out.

  Final day of the competition:

  Vilas: Let's welcome all participants to the semi-finals. We also have a chief on stage. I know everyone is eager for the match, so I won’t take up your time anymore. Let’s start the battle between Sky Devouring Academy and Willow Shield Academy.

  Xenu (the leader of the Sky Devouring team): Wait...

  Vilas: What? What’s going on?

  Xenu: We propose a single battle to determine the winner.

  Vilas: What? Is something wrong with your team members?

  Xenu: No.

  Vilas: Then why the proposal?

  Xenu: I know the rule that allows us to propose to the other team.

  Vilas: Yes, but only if your opponents agree as well.

  Xenu: HAAAA.

  Xenu approached the Willow Shield team and asked if they were willing to accept the challenge.

  Thinking back,

  Lucen: Why did you come all the way to see us? Is there something...

  Rian (guardian of the team): I'm aware of the situation and your identity in the water domain as well!

  Lucen: So what do you want to discuss now?

  Rian: I hope we can work together for tomorrow's match!

  Liora: What do you mean? Please clarify.

  Rian: To be honest, we came to ask for your support! Long before the alliance members arrived, they warned us to accept defeat if you win against Willow Shield Academy; otherwise, they will kill us.

  Liora: What? How dare they?

  Lucen: But why did you come to us?

  Rian: We need your assistance. As I see it, we're likely to lose too, but instead of fighting fiercely, why don’t we come up with a plan to minimize losses on both sides to ensure the safety of our people?

  Lucen: This…

  “Who’s there? Come out!” (A voice suddenly calls from outside.)

  Rian: It must be them, we will hide and you guys go and talk to them.

  Rian and their group concealed themselves inside the inn while Lucen and the others went outside, and exactly as Sky Devour Academy had said, they warned everyone just like them. Liora attempted to attack but was restrained by Lucen. After they left,

  Lucen: Something significant is about to happen.It's great that both teams agreed to support one another in the arena.

  So both teams agreed upon,

  Present;

  Lucen: Yes, we will agree to that.

  Vilas: Alright, let’s begin the match. Both competitors take the stage.

  Darin: Sera, you go!

  Rowan: Wait, I will step up to face him.

  Lucen: What are you doing?

  Rowan: Master, trust me; I can win.

  Vilas: You... Willow Shield Academy, are you really sending someone from the Spirit Realm?

  Lucen: Yes, we are certain!

  Vilas: If you’re sure, then let’s start.

  Everyone present was ridiculing Rowan and the academy for choosing a fighter from the Spirit Realm.

  Rowan: Xenu, right?

  Xenu: Hmm!

  Rowan: Since we’ve agreed to your challenge, accept my terms. Don’t hold back and fight me fair.

  Xenu: You… Alright, then I won’t hold back!

  Darin: What is Rowan doing?

  Lucen: I think he’s going to… but it's too dangerous.

  Vilas: Begin! (Loudly)

  Rowan: Then be careful…

  Xenu: You too.

  Rowan used ‘Scattered Palm’ to push Xenu to the edge of the stage, but he was held back by Xenu’s ‘Unbreakable Shield’.

  Xenu: Seems His strength is not inferior to mine… (mumbling) … oh, nice kick…

  He used Binding Tree (which entraps a person with numerous wooden branches).

  Sera: This… is that an Essence Realm power?

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Liora: It is, but he possesses more enlightenment than those in the Essence Realm.

  Lucen: No wonder he is the son of the Domain Leader!

  Alden: What? Son of Earth Domain Leader Xean?

  Mira: That makes sense!

  Everyone was astonished.

  Alden: Didn’t they have an Enlightenment Tree?

  Lucen: Yes, and his strong foundation and knowledge from the Enlightenment Tree allow him to look down on others at the same level—even those higher—with disdain! And also he can perform soul ascention influence with essence power.

  Darin: So Rowan…

  Finn: Is going to lose despite our cooperation.

  Lucen: This is what he was asked for!

  Mira: Are you not worried? Is it…?

  Lucen: Don’t be concerned; even if Xenu is stronger, my disciple isn’t inferior to him.

  Rowan performed ‘’Earthquake Stomp’’ (which creates a localized tremor to unbalance enemies).

  Lucen: Look, Sera, watch and learn his techniques closely.

  Sera : you mean Rowan?

  Lucen : Otherwsie, who?

  Alden: This “Earthquake Stomp”

  Sera: What is that?

  Alden: It’s a skill that causes the enemy to lose control over their power, and now Rowan can easily break free from the binding.

  Sra: Oh!

  Finn: Look, it's he came out!

  Rowan: Since you employed binding, let's deal with mine...

  Rowan Used ‘Mud Trap Binding’ (Creates a muddy pit that slows or restrains enemies.)

  Xenu trying to use his escape technique, but I'm unable to free himself! Again, he tried using ‘Mountain Breaker Palm’, but still can't utilize his power.

  Rowan: Stop trying; you can't execute any skills under this binding. Surrender now!

  Darin: isn’t he provoking him?

  Xenu: No! I can't be defeated by the spirit realm! especially not this quickly!

  He summoned his mount, Xeno, and commanded it to attack Rowan. Xeno used ‘Earth Dragon Emergence’ (Summons a serpentine dragon of stone to attack and constrict enemies.), but it was blocked by his ‘Granite Wall’ (Summons a thick wall of earth for defense against spiritual projectiles.)

  Rowan employed his stone heart sealing array against Xeno while simultaneously gathering power to attack him, but rowan was using more skills at once and was now low on spiritual power.

  Alden: What is he doing? He’s continuously using skills and also being held by three bindings until now.

  Finn: Held? What skills?

  Lucen: He’s using Mud Trap Binding, Earthquake Stomp, and now Stone Heart Sealing.

  Do you think Xenu can be easily controlled? From the beginning, he’s pushing his limits. And now he’s accumulating power while keeping his opponents in check.

  Grin: Is he trying to push his limits to achieve a breakthrough to the essence realm? He’s very bold to attempt that...

  Slowly, Xenu and Xeno were breaking free from Rowan’s control as his power began to fade from lack of spiritual energy. Meanwhile, Xeno and Xenu executed a powerful move called “Iron Fortress Shell” (A nearly impenetrable pillars that surrounds the opponent in reinforced stone layers) to confine Rowan, but rowan, then activated his unbreakable shield for defense. Xeno and Xenu launched a combined assault known as “Mountain Crushing Palm” (which crushes opponents to the ground and inflicts heavy damage.) Rowan was still gathering power while maintaining the unbreakable shield to repel the attack; Mountain Crushing Palm still did not manage to breach his defenses as Xeno exerted all his strength to reinforce the attack. However, Rowan was resisting a force that exceeded his level. After a while, Rowan’s body radiated a different aura and light. Under the intense pressure, he broke through to the essence realm and unleashed ‘Sky Destroying Fist’ skill to shatter the attack from Xeno and obliterate the stone pillars surrounding him.

  Due to the excessive depletion of spiritual power, Xenu became exhausted since this was part of the plan to induce his breakthrough, and he accepted defeat.

  Xenu : Finally, he made it but I’m done already (exhaustedly mumbling)

  Lucen: This kid succeeded but at great cost.

  Finn: He actually went through with it. I didn't think we could do something like this too.

  Taron: What are you implying at?

  Finn: Last night, he approached their leader xenu and devised a plan to break through using his abilities.

  Sera: So, we can pull off something like this as well?

  Darin: A monster? He must be a genius of monstrous proportions.

  Lena: Absolutely!

  Lucen: Hmm. He must be feeling quite pleased now?

  Mira: That's risky!

  Alden and Silas: This kid is bound to achieve something significant in the future and make a name for himself.

  Liora: Naturally, he will.

  Lucen: Now he’ll be in the spotlight; we need to stay vigilant.

  Vilas: This youngster achieved a breakthrough during the fight just now, which is unprecedented in history.

  Grin: Wow! He really pulled it off; this kid’s potential is exceptional. Willow Shield Academy... maybe it's wiser to align with them rather than confront them.

  Everyone was astonished, and Grin applauded, exclaiming it was an incredible match; this year truly had some outstanding participants.

  Grin : What's your name, kids?

  Rowan: Rowan from the Earth domain.

  Xeno: Xeno from the Earth domain.

  Grin: Haha, Rowan… Xeno and both are from the Earth domain. ….What? Are you interested in forming an alliance team?

  Rowan: I don't think it's a good idea.

  Grin: Oh, why? Do you believe that after declining, you will be able to leave this place?

  Alright!

  Grin announced, The winner of this year champion is Rowan team from Willow Shield Academy. From now on, Willow Shield will take the place of the alliance team, and the Sky Devouring team will be the substitute team.

  Lucen: Is something about to happen? Be prepared to rescue them at any moment.

  Vilas: Yes chief , and but the final match between…

  Grin: What! Are you deaf? I just said that Willow Shield Academy will take the place of the alliance team, so there's no need for a fight among the same people, and the champion of this year is the alliance team.

  Vilas: But…

  Grin: What! Do you also wish to question my decision?

  Vilas: No… (shivering)

  Lucen: Grin, I don’t think your decision is wise, and you are clearly being forceful.

  Grin: Who are you to interfere in this?

  Lucen: I'm his master, so I have the right too.

  Grin: Oh! Your disciple has great potential, and you must also be a valuable seed; then everyone should surrender to the alliance and be protected for life.

  Everyone is whispering and wondering.

  Grin displayed the dagger and offered it to Rowan in an attempt to entice him, but Rowan resolutely declined, infuriating Grin.

  Grin: Since no one is willing, let’s all perish here.

  My subordinates! Eliminate anyone who refuses to submit to us. .

  …………suddenly……The ground began to tremble... trembling...

  Grin: What! What is happening!

  Mysterious voice: HAAAA! HAAAA! What a Chief of the Alliance we have here, forcing everyone to submit.

  Grin: Who are you? Acting like a ghost? If you have the guts, come out!

  Vilas: Chief!............look over there!

  The mysterious figure emerged, wearing a mask.

  Mysterious person: I am the one who will end you!.......No one in the celestial path can defeat you? Right!… what a ridiculous statement; you are nothing without your external trinkets.

  Grin: Why can’t I see through his cultivation? Is he far beyond me?..................No..No one is aware of what’s happening; he must be pretending and sealing his cultivation using some treasure. (Mumbling)

  How arrogant! Then let me find out if your power measures up to your words.

  Grin unleashed his most powerful attack, “Volcanic Strike” ( Concentrating heat and pressure to simulate a volcanic eruption in a single blow). However, the mysterious person countered with “Lightning Dragon Dance” (Striking with storm-charged speed as a dragon-shaped surge of thunder qi), which manifested as a thunder dragon emerging from his hand, easily overpowering Grin and his attack. Despite having numerous treasures, he cannot utilize them due to his injuries. Grin sustained significant injuries and subsequently transmitted a signal.

  Upon hearing the signal, everyone outside the barrier prepared to strike anyone who crossed their path. Meanwhile, the soldiers of the Alliance were advancing towards the arena intent on killing everyone. Suddenly, a group of soldiers emerged from inside and began battling against

  While Vilas stabbed Grin from behind with a poisoned sword and declared to the enigmatic figure, "My lord, we have full control and the entire water domain army will annihilate the alliance forces according to your plan."

  Enigmatic figure; quite impressive! …………….. afterward he shatters the barrier with a single bolt of lightning.

  Enigmatic figure: if you wish to survive, depart immediately (cautioned everyone that present).

  ………….

  People scattered, fleeing for their lives as Lucen called Rowan and the others from Sky Devouring Academy to leave together. While most had exited the arena, some individuals still perished during the retreat, but the majority managed to survive the conflict between the Alliance Army and the Water Domain Army. That battle lasted two days and one night. Later, Mysterious person forces intentionally inflicted injuries on Vilas and assigned him a mission.

  Five days after the war:

  In the Alliance:

  "Report!...Report!..."

  Tarin Greyfall: "What report?! Tell me!"

  Reporter: "It's Vilas, senior; he has come to report."

  Tarin: "Oh! Let him enter."

  Reporter: "Yes, my lord!"

  Vilas: "My lord!"

  Tarin: "What happened to you? Why are you covered in injuries?"

  Vilas: "Our plan failed, and everyone from the Water Domain almost perished all cultivators."

  Tarin: "What! How is that possible?"

  Vilas: "It was the people from the Air Domain who massacred everyone; they killed the Water Domain leader and took control of the entire territory temporarily. It seems they have been planning this for a long time."

  Tarin: (furiously) "Are you speaking the truth!?"

  Vilas: "Yes, my lord. As a member of the Water Domain, if we were to betray the Alliance, why would I come here to tell you the truth? We are depending on you for revenge. Only you can help me, my lord."

  Tarin: "Hmm! You mean the Water Domain leader is dead, so who’s taking control now?"

  Vilas: "It's almost deserted, and there are corpses everywhere, and only normal people my lord—it's leaderless."

  Tarin: "Then take control of the domain land and rule with my backing."

  Vilas: "How is that possible, my lord? I am just a subordinate."

  Tarin: "You can; you have my support."

  Silently mumbling: "Now I have a chance to create my own empire, and slowly I will unite the world and rule with my power. In the end, I will take care of you, my dear brother."

  Vilas: "Yes, my lord, I will follow whatever you command."

  Tarin: "Then go back, recover from your injuries, and become the leader of the Water Domain."

  Vilas departed and Tarin instructed his deputy leader ‘Sashi’ to keep an eye on him and report on all his future actions. Tarin declared to the world that the water domain had fallen, and the reason for this is air domain and urging the other domains to unite and come to alliance to strategize revenge against the air domain.