Chapter 16 Mandala

In Aurora City's Rose Holy Sanctuary, even the Rune Civilization Alliance and the opposing Nine Gods Empire have heard of it. However, its facilities are in no way inferior to those of other sanctuaries, with its hardware serving as the sanctuary's face.

The three-story private training arena has the ground floor for basic training, the second floor for rest, and the third floor for combat. A sign indicating "In Use" is already hung at the main entrance.

The tiles on the third-floor combat arena are meticulously crafted from obsidian, a mineral found only in the Uramos Mountains. Its texture is hard, and its patterns are exquisite, making it an excellent defensive material during battles and a coveted resource by various sanctuaries afterward. Headmistress Karida is a particular fan of obsidian. If not for budget constraints, she would have replaced all the tiles in the Rose Holy Sanctuary's training arena.

The vaulted ceiling of the venue is at least six meters high, with surrounding glass windows embedded with diamond-shaped runes, setting up a soul force absorption barrier. The supporting columns are made of solid steel, giving the entire circular venue the appearance of a sturdy fortress.

Of course, such places exist in the Rose Holy Sanctuary in only five locations, accessible only to certain levels and special VIPs.

Today, however, there was something different. Two women in exquisite armor stood at the entrance, tall and slender with pointed ears and calm silver eyes, ignoring the occasional passersby.

These were the Heavenly Guards of Lucky Heaven, elite members of the Datura Empire's Royal Guard "Heavenly Punishment," tasked with protecting the princess.

On the Nine Heavens Continent, there are six glorious legions: the Blade Empire's "Undying Heroes," the Nine Gods Empire's "Unknown Fire Corps," the Datura Empire's "Heavenly Punishment Guard," the Eastern Sea's "Sea Emperor Corps," and the Western Ocean's "Abyss Corps." All gained renown during the Hundred Years' War.

In terms of individual strength, the Datura Empire's Heavenly Punishment Guard is undoubtedly the strongest, and these two are certainly among the best of the guard.

Although Lucky Heaven appeared briefly at the opening ceremony and then vanished, not attending any classes, everyone had little expectation. Lucky Heaven is an unattainable figure even within the Datura Empire, let alone in the human realm. The princess's presence here is merely a publicity stunt; it's impossible for her to attend classes with human students.

Lucky Heaven's arrival has significantly reduced the opposition to Karida's reforms, alleviating much pressure on the headmistress.

*Swish, swish, swish...*

In this enclosed training arena, two figures were rolling about, swords and axes clashing, drenched in sweat.

Mo Tong, shirtless, revealed his muscular physique, his intense movements causing him to be drenched in sweat.

*Boom, boom, boom!*

With each heavy step, the entire venue buzzed. The dozens-of-pounds heavy steel Mahoraga battle axe in his hand seemed like a toy, swinging horizontally and vertically, accompanied by surging soul force tearing through the air.

His opponent was Hei Wukai, a man in loose robes, barefoot with wide feet. A long sword rested at his waist, unsheathed but constantly blocking with the secret metal scabbard, producing continuous sounds of clashing.

Unlike Mo Tong's ferocity, Hei Wukai's movements were light and graceful, like a breeze, weaving through the stormy attacks. Though forced back by Mo Tong's overwhelming momentum, he wore a lazy smile, taunting Mo Tong, who responded with louder roars.

Maho Raga always had a firm grasp on the atmosphere, especially with Lucky Heaven present. Indeed, Princess Lucky Heaven was watching nearby, and Mo Tong was giving it his all.

They had been fighting for some time, with Mo Tong attacking and Hei Wukai defending, neither side gaining the upper hand.

The intense sounds of combat echoed throughout the hall.

Three others watched the fight: Lucky Heaven, Longmoer, and Yin Fu.

This was a dedicated training arena prepared by Karida, primarily for Lucky Heaven.

She is the younger sister of Indra,

the true crown princess of the Eight Tribes. Even when Karida expanded admissions, she never imagined recruiting the crown princess of the Eight Tribes. Given their vastly different statuses, other sanctuaries viewed Karida's efforts as a joke. Yet, Karida not only succeeded but also brought the renowned "Pearl" of Datura, Lucky Heaven, to the Rose Holy Sanctuary, causing a stir and a flood of invitations. The Rose Holy Sanctuary remained on the front page for a week.

Among the four Eight Tribes students who came to the Rose Holy Sanctuary with her, all were elites, representing the face of Datura. The Eight Tribes claim to be the most noble race on the Nine Heavens Continent, and they did not want to lose face.

Though they do not belong to the same tribe within the Eight Tribes, they are all nobles, having grown up in Datura City, the capital of both the Eight Tribes and the Datura Empire.

The other four were selected from the capital, familiar with each other before coming. This trip was both for training and to understand each other better. Such training indeed strengthens bonds and family ties.

Mo Tong's opponent, Hei Wukai, was chosen by the Yaksha Tribe, known as the top troublemaker among the young generation. It was unclear what the Yaksha King was thinking, as this was the best opportunity to get closer to Lucky Heaven.

"Your Highness, Hei Wukai's strength among the young generation is undeniable. He is the second-best after Your Highness," Longmoer said respectfully.

Longmoer comes from the Dragon Elephant tribe, where the Heavenly Clan holds royal power and the Dragon Elephant clan holds divine power. As the eldest of the four, he acts as the big brother, showing humility only to Lucky Heaven.

"Brother Longmoer is too modest. Your mastery of lightning magic is unparalleled."

Lucky Heaven's voice, like a celestial melody in a tranquil valley, was soothing.

Even the mature Longmoer couldn't help but show a hint of pride, glancing at the masked Lucky Heaven. Curiosity is universal, and he had it too, but anyone who dared to glimpse Lucky Heaven's true face faced death. Only her husband could see her.

Yin Fu chuckled, "Stop flattering each other. Sister Lucky Heaven, Mo Tong is struggling in the Rune Academy. Why not send him to the Martial Dao Courtyard? I can manage on my own."

Longmoer shook his head slightly, "We need to temper his character, and you need someone to look after you."

"I can take care of myself!" Yin Fu pouted in protest.

Lucky Heaven looked at Yin Fu lovingly, patting her head, "Little Yin Fu, be good. This is the elders' arrangement."