Chapter 4: First Display of Brilliance

The morning sun always feels so refreshing, and soaking up the morning sun, Mels and his four companions followed behind Xiu Lante, heading toward the venue for the Probationary Knight trials—the Imperial Capital's Central Arena. The arena was located in the center of the commoner district of the capital, and from the peak of the Flying Dragon Mountain, one could directly observe everything within it.

The area surrounding the arena was filled with noble estates, making it one of the most prosperous districts in the capital. Whenever the Relkes Empire held major entertainment events or announcements, the imperial court would choose the arena, which could accommodate eighty thousand people, to allow more citizens to participate. Due to the arena's significance, the once-in-a-decade Probationary Knight trials were held here.

On the way to the arena, Xiu Lante did not ride his warhorse but chose to walk side-by-side with Mels. Since the passing of Duchess You'er, Xiu Lante had rarely interacted with others, but whenever Mels appeared before him, he always felt a sense of familiarity.

His careful attention to Mels and the others, as well as his assistance in helping them participate in the Probationary Knight trials, was not only a repayment for their timely aid when he needed it most but also stemmed from his genuine fondness for these big kids. It was precisely this heartfelt concern that drew the attention of certain individuals in the capital with ulterior motives toward Mels, even leading to speculation about the relationship between Xiu Lante and these youths!

Before heading to the arena, Xiu Lante first had to take Mels and the others to the Imperial Knight Academy. This academy was a key pipeline for elite talent to the empire and the registration site for each Probationary Knight trials. Located slightly west of the capital's center, the academy was only two streets away from the arena, so Xiu Lante and the others were not in a rush. "This is the Imperial Knight Academy. If you successfully pass the assessment, you will likely enter here to learn essential tactics and various practical skills," Xiu Lante said, stopping before a large building surrounded by blue walls.

After hearing Xiu Lante's words, Mels and the others looked up simultaneously. The Knight Academy covered approximately a hundred acres, surrounded by blue walls nearly two meters high. The academy's gate was constructed of brass, and above the lintel hung a plaque with four elegantly written characters: "Imperial Holy Knights"!

Various exquisite sculptures and stone statues of famous knights from past generations stood atop the tall walls. To emphasize the academy's solemnity, eight guards were stationed near the gate, making it clear that ordinary commoners had little chance of entering this institution reserved for nobles.

"Xiu Lante, I never expected you to grace us with your presence!" Just as Mels and the others marveled at the academy's grandeur, an elderly male voice suddenly came from behind them. A man around sixty years old, with graying temples, stood behind the group.

"Hello, Teacher Kamo!" Xiu Lante turned and, seeing the old principal of the Knight Academy, hurriedly greeted him.

"Haha, what brings Xiu Lante here? Is there something you wish to convey to this old man?" Kamo approached Xiu Lante with a smile.

"Please, do not address me so formally. I am still the same child who often annoyed you," Xiu Lante replied with a slight smile, warmly shaking Kamo's hand. From his tone, it was clear that Xiu Lante had been Kamo's student.

"Ha... Calling you that is actually my proudest achievement. Anyone who has trained an Imperial Dragon Knight Commander can boast to their descendants. So, what brings you here? Surely not just to visit this old man," Kamo said with a laugh.

"I do have a favor to ask of you, Teacher. These children are talents I discovered unexpectedly during my southern inspection. Although they still have many shortcomings and lack exposure to knightly virtues, I believe that with some training, their future achievements will not be inferior to mine. They may even become the new generation of outstanding talents to revitalize the empire! Therefore, I wish to recommend them for this Probationary Knight trials and ask for your help in completing their assessment records," Xiu Lante explained.

"Oh? So they want to participate in the Probationary Knight trials! But you know that all preliminary evaluations for the trials must be completed a month before they begin. Now, with only two weeks left, according to imperial regulations, the registration period has already passed, so..." Kamo said with a troubled expression.

Upon hearing Kamo's words, Mels and the others realized they had arrived too late. Surprised, they wondered why Xiu Lante had brought them here when he must have known they would miss the registration deadline during their initial meeting.

Sure enough, Xiu Lante's next words immediately cleared up their confusion.

Xiu Lante took a document from his pocket and respectfully handed it to Kamo, saying, "I know this will put you in a difficult position, Teacher, so last night I obtained Duke Bolt's approval in advance and had him issue a special exception document. Although imperial regulations indeed prevent them from participating in the Probationary Knight trials, with the consent of the Imperial Marshal and your signature, I believe there will be no problem."

"Haha, you always like to give me difficult tasks. But since Duke Bolt has already agreed, I can't deliberately make things hard for you," Kamo said with a smile after reading the document, turning his gaze to Mels and the others.

Hearing his words, the five youths felt a surge of joy, thinking: The path to knighthood has finally opened.

However, Kamo suddenly changed his tone, his expression turning serious. "Xiu Lante, although I can sign, I must first assess their abilities. You know, this old man has no other specialty to boast of except his discerning eye. If, after my recommendation, they fail to pass even the preliminary rounds, then..."

"Teacher, you need not worry about that. I have brought them here precisely for that purpose. I understand your thoughts perfectly. The reason I brought them now is to ensure you willingly write your signature," Xiu Lante replied with a confident smile.

"Haha, no wonder you are my most accomplished student. Come on!" Kamo laughed heartily and then led the way into the academy.

"Uncle, does this mean we..." Confused by the conversation between Kamo and Xiu Lante, Mels hurriedly approached Xiu Lante and whispered after Kamo left.

"Don't worry. Teacher is even more fond of young students than I am. Right now, he wants you to undergo his assessment first. Although he says he doesn't believe in your abilities, it's actually because he is eager to see how strong you are. So, don't worry. Just show your best later, and Teacher will be overjoyed!

Remember, Teacher is arguably the most influential person to His Majesty the Emperor besides the Pope. Even Duke Bolt cannot compare to him. If you have the chance to receive his guidance, your future achievements will be beyond my imagination!" Xiu Lante advised Mels and the others.

Although Mels and the others still did not fully understand, Xiu Lante did not want to waste time explaining further. Under his repeated urging, Mels and his four companions quickly entered the Knight Academy, taking their first step toward knighthood.

Once inside the academy, Mels and the others realized that the interior of the Knight Academy was far more expansive than they had imagined. There were wide lawns, training grounds marked for various subjects, and... a hexagonal magic defense center! "Mels, you seem particularly interested in that thing!" Xiu Lante said, following Mels's gaze. "Yes, I once heard my foster father say that the most mysterious structure in the Relkes Empire should be the magic defense center! Although he had the chance to see such buildings, he never knew their purpose!" Mels withdrew his gaze and turned to face Xiu Lante.

"Haha, this is actually an imperial secret. Aside from a few major nobles and 'Glory Knights,' almost no one knows its function. Well, now is not the time to discuss this. Once you become a true Glory Knight in the future, you will surely learn its purpose and how to use it!" Xiu Lante said mysteriously to Mels before leading the way.

Although Mels did not get the answer he wanted from Xiu Lante, the term "magic defense center" was deeply etched into his mind.

"Glory Knights! Don't worry, Boss. I think it won't be long before we earn that honor!" Sol, seeing Mels's despondent expression, mistakenly thought he yearned for the title of Glory Knight.

For a knight, only after achieving major victories such as saving the kingdom, quelling rebellions, or repelling foreign enemies could one be granted the honor of Glory Knight by the Pope. Although these Glory Knights did not possess the actual authority to command knight orders like Xiu Lante, the respect they received was no less than his. Rather than calling it an honor, it was more like a legend.

"Heh, you're the only one brimming with confidence. Be careful not to get kicked out by the principal just now! Alright, enough talk. Everyone else has already left. Let's catch up," Mels said, pulling Sol along as he ran toward Xiu Lante and the others.

Since encountering those mysterious, hyper-modern technologies and strangely dressed individuals on Frank Island, many questions had gradually arisen in Mels's mind. Although he did not yet know when these questions would be answered, he had a premonition that as long as he continued down his current path, these mysteries would one day reveal their true nature to him.

On the way to the central training ground with Kamo, Mels finally understood the honor and status Xiu Lante held within the Relkes Empire.

Walking through the Knight Academy campus, whether they were major nobles, generals, or knights, when their gazes fell upon Xiu Lante's mature face, they would inevitably show respect. Even if there was a hint of jealousy mixed in, it was always accompanied by awe! Imperial Dragon Knight Commander Xiu Lante was indeed a name that could shake the continent!

"Children, this is where I will test you," Kamo said to Mels and the others as soon as they entered the central training ground located in the heart of the Knight Academy.

Following his words, everyone turned their attention to this cradle of knights. The central training ground, like other combat arenas, was an oval-shaped, open-air training field approximately three hundred meters long and one hundred fifty meters wide at its broadest point.

However, unlike other training grounds, there was a light blue, transparent dome above this field. Although the sky could still be clearly seen through the dome, Mels inexplicably felt that it was not a real, physical structure.

"Principal Kamo, what is this roof made of?" Just as Mels was puzzled, Akafir, who usually showed little interest in external matters, suddenly asked.

"Haha, this is the pinnacle of the empire's technological power! Since this is the training ground for graduating knights, graduates often unleash large-scale magic and powerful attacks here, causing the ground to be destroyed annually. To avoid constant, unnecessary repairs, the 'Celestial Holy Church' alchemists spent over a decade researching and finally invented this anti-magic barrier.

As long as magic is released within this structure, when it contacts the surrounding protective net, no matter how powerful the force, it will be absorbed by the barrier, preventing the training ground from being completely destroyed. The absorbed magic is then gathered in the protective energy collection area, forming an even stronger protective barrier. Thus, it can be said to be a monster that grows stronger with each battle!" Kamo explained with a laugh.

"Yes, this is a device the Relkes Empire can be proud of! It is also the second super creation successfully utilized from ancient technology!" Just as Kamo was speaking with everyone, Xiu Lante, who had left earlier, returned to Kamo's side holding some documents.

Ancient technology? Again, ancient technology. What exactly were these technologies? Hearing Xiu Lante's words, Mels's mind was once again filled with questions. The strange scenes from Frank Island resurfaced in his memory.

Although Mels wanted to know more about ancient technology, Xiu Lante and Kamo did not continue the topic.

After Xiu Lante handed the documents he had brought to Kamo, Kamo glanced at them briefly and said, "You are... Mels, Rek, Sol, Akafir, and Bagina, correct? Hmm, three warriors, one Magic Knight, and one mage! Haha, a perfect combination. Alright, to save time, let's have you engage in a team battle. As for your opponent... let your recommender, Xiu Lante, take on that role."

"What?" Xiu Lante and Mels's group exclaimed simultaneously.

Xiu Lante then spoke up, "Teacher, that's too much. For them..."

Before Xiu Lante could finish, Kamo waved his hand decisively and said, "If you want me to sign this, you must do this. Also, remember, I will not sign if you deliberately go easy on them. These boys must win on their own merit. If I feel their strength is insufficient for the Probationary Knight assessment, I will absolutely not agree!"

Seeing Kamo's unyielding expression, Xiu Lante could only turn to Mels and the others and say reluctantly, "You all heard him. Since Teacher has decided, I cannot change it.

Teacher just said we must give our all in the battle, so you must be extra careful during the fight. Although I will hold back some and try not to injure you, anything can happen in combat, so you must rely on your own strength.

Additionally, I should tell you that when you aided me earlier, I was poisoned by Seven-Step Soul Chaser, so I couldn't use my Raging Battle Qi. Now it's different. If you are careless, you could be injured immediately!" Xiu Lante said kindly.

Although everyone knew Xiu Lante was acting out of goodwill by revealing his most skilled martial arts, his attitude of not taking them seriously still left Mels and the others feeling somewhat resentful. Especially Akafir, who was practically itching to immediately engage Xiu Lante in a fierce battle.

Seeing that the youths had no further objections, after requesting Kamo to clear the training ground of personnel, Xiu Lante entered the center of the field with Mels and the other four. Pausing briefly, Xiu Lante turned to face Mels and the others. In that instant, a powerful aura suddenly surged from Xiu Lante, enveloping Mels and the others like a whirlwind in less than half a second.

Incredible! That was the only word that came to Mels's mind.

Xiu Lante's amiable demeanor usually made people forget he was the Imperial Dragon Knight Commander, but at this moment, Xiu Lante made Mels and the others understand why he was called the "Sword of the Empire."

"Bagina, Rek, you two protect Sol! Sol, start casting a large-scale spell from the beginning of the battle! Don't worry about me and Akafir. As soon as you're ready, cast the spell as we usually do!" Mels knew that if they waited any longer for Xiu Lante to intensify his aura, they would have no chance of victory. So, he immediately directed everyone to begin the fight.

As soon as he finished speaking, Akafir, who was responsible for the main assault alongside him, could no longer restrain himself and leaped forward! In fact, Mels's words plunged them into an even greater predicament! Initially, Xiu Lante thought that using forty percent of his power would be enough to suppress Mels and the others with his aura fluctuations. However, when he realized that Mels not only withstood his aura but could also speak effortlessly, he suddenly understood he had underestimated these youths. So...

"Ah...!" Xiu Lante abruptly increased his aura fluctuations to sixty percent, immediately blowing Sol back seven or eight meters. If Bagina and Rek hadn't realized the danger and used their own Qi to protect Sol, Sol would have been defeated at the very start of the battle.

"Oh, that Xiu Lante is truly impressive. He has already mastered the Raging Battle Qi to such an extent! Those boys are no ordinary youths either. Under such intense Qi fluctuations, even this old man feels somewhat overwhelmed. How can these ordinary boys still withstand it? Hehe, this is going to be a good show. This old man will watch it to the end," Kamo muttered to himself while observing from the sidelines.

However, the situation on the battlefield was not as relaxed as Kamo described. To relieve the pressure on Sol, Mels and Akafir had already leaped forward, attempting to engage Xiu Lante in close combat to prevent him from harming Sol. Both young men, swords in hand, attacked from left and right with lightning speed, flanking Xiu Lante. Over two years of training had made the coordination between Mels and Akafir seamless. Akafir, with his incredible ground speed, dragged his sword behind him, lowering his body to the minimum angle to pierce through Xiu Lante's Qi defense and directly assault Xiu Lante head-on.

Using Akafir as a decoy, Mels—who had been tailing him closely—suddenly channeled his Qi into his feet when they were roughly ten meters from Xiu Lante. His body shot skyward, merging seamlessly with his sword like a divine blade descending from heaven, aimed straight at Xiu Lante’s head.

Faced with this dire threat, Xiu Lante remained utterly unruffled. He hadn’t even drawn the knight’s sword at his waist—merely raised his right hand, palm extended directly toward Akafir.

“Oh no!” Seeing Xiu Lante’s stance, Mels instantly realized he was preparing to unleash a Qi-based technique against Akafir.

Mels couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly Xiu Lante had pinpointed Akafir’s weakness and devised the most effective counter in such a fleeting exchange.

Sure enough, before Akafir could react, Xiu Lante suddenly roared, *“Shattering Demon Force!”* Before the echo faded, a torrent of bluish-purple Qi erupted from his right palm, hurtling toward Akafir like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Mels knew full well that Akafir possessed the weakest Qi among them. Recognizing Xiu Lante’s intent, he immediately abandoned his chance to strike Xiu Lante directly. Twisting midair, he redirected the Qi he’d gathered in his sword into his left palm and hurled it forward—forming an impromptu barrier between Akafir and Xiu Lante.

*Where have I seen that move before?* Both Xiu Lante and Kamo wondered in surprise at Mels’s sudden tactical shift.

Mels’s timing was flawless. The instant his Qi surged forth, Xiu Lante’s *Shattering Demon Force* was about to strike Akafir! The two streams collided head-on—triggering a violent explosion, like opposing forces detonating on contact.

Qi released from the body is not like spilled water—utterly severed from its source. The peril of Qi-clash combat lies precisely in the backlash: after the explosion, residual energy surges back toward the side with weaker Qi output.

Thus, when Xiu Lante’s and Mels’s Qi met, Mels—who was disadvantaged in timing, positioning, and intensity—became the natural target of the recoil. Suspended midair and unable to replenish his depleted Qi in time, he was struck squarely by the rebounding force and sent flying backward like a kite whose string had snapped.

This should have placed Mels’s team at a severe disadvantage. Yet what followed stunned both Kamo and Xiu Lante. In the heat of battle, Akafir showed no concern for Mels’s injury or defeat—instead accelerating toward Xiu Lante with even greater speed.

Disrupted by Mels’s intervention, Xiu Lante couldn’t immediately unleash another devastating Qi technique like *Shattering Demon Force*. In an instant, he was drawn into a chaotic melee by Akafir.

Meanwhile, Bagina—positioned on the rear line—charged forward swiftly, seamlessly filling the gap left by Mels’s retreat. She and Akafir formed a new combat pair. After regaining his footing, Mels returned to Sol and Rek’s side, reassembling a fresh reserve unit.

Witnessing Mels’s group execute such seamless tactical coordination, Kamo couldn’t help but give a slight nod, murmuring to himself, “No wonder these youngsters caught Xiu Lante’s attention. With such adaptable tactics—and their ability to rapidly establish numerical superiority even before battle begins—they’re more than qualified for the Knight Order’s elite combat unit!”

On the battlefield, though Xiu Lante possessed deep Qi reserves and managed to force Akafir back several times, Akafir’s ingenious swordsmanship and unexpectedly swift offensive rhythm kept Xiu Lante on the defensive. Moreover, each time Xiu Lante pushed Akafir away, Bagina instantly closed the gap—denying him any opportunity to pursue. Gradually, Xiu Lante was forced onto the defensive, unable to mount meaningful counterattacks.

“So impressive! Truly impressive! No wonder Mosde fell so easily to them that day. I naively assumed it was merely because Mosde was too exhausted to face fresh opponents. I never imagined… No! If this continues, I’ll be defeated soon! What should I—?” Amidst the fierce clash, Xiu Lante began weighing whether to escalate his power and overwhelm Mels and the others through sheer force.

Just as Xiu Lante hesitated—locked in brutal combat with Akafir—Kamo’s laughter rang out: “Xiu Lante, if you keep this up, you’ll lose soon. From where I stand, these kids haven’t even shown their true strength yet. Why not unleash your *Dragon Battle Aura*, and let them demonstrate what they’re truly capable of?”

Though Kamo spoke lightly, Xiu Lante grasped the underlying meaning instantly. Kamo had noticed that Mels and the others—seeing Xiu Lante struggle—were growing subtly complacent.

With his vast experience, Kamo could tell plainly that Mels’s group wasn’t fighting at full capacity—and were beginning to underestimate Xiu Lante. Thus, his words served as a subtle reminder: Xiu Lante ought to teach these youths a lesson, lest their confidence swell into arrogance.

Understanding Kamo’s intent, Xiu Lante made his decision. Mid-battle, he gave Kamo a sharp nod—then threw a punch ten times faster than before! The Qi blast unleashed by that single strike dwarfed anything he’d displayed earlier, instantly driving the unprepared Akafir and Bagina backward.

Seizing the opening, Xiu Lante crossed his fists over his chest and bellowed, *“Ha!”* That explosive cry triggered a ferocious gale centered on him—sweeping across the enclosed practice field. Within that tempest, pale golden Qi rapidly enveloped his body, coalescing into a radiant, armor-like golden form.

“Sol—now!” Even as Xiu Lante underwent his transformation, Mels and the others refused to yield their chance at victory.

At Mels’s sharp command, Sol slowly closed his eyes and raised his magic staff high. A black light gathered upon its tip—swelling into a basketball-sized orb—while his lips trembled faintly.

*“Wordless Magic Gathering Chant!”* Kamo, observing from the sidelines, was visibly astonished to see Sol wield such an advanced spell.

A moment later, Kamo smiled faintly, regaining his composure. “Heh—truly surprising. But unfortunately, no matter how potent your magic may be, it will have no effect—because…”

*“By the will of the Wrathful Thunder God Cado, by the surging lightning blood within my veins, by the silver serpents rending the skies, by the roaring heavens that shake the earth—awaken the destructive desire slumbering in my heart; reveal the divine power to shatter heaven and earth! O gods, forgive my sins—welcome the impending destruction! MILLION RAGING THUNDER CURSE!”*

The instant the incantation concluded, Sol snapped his eyes open. His hair stood on end, crackling with countless flickering arcs of lightning. As he thrust his staff forward, torrents of lightning descended from thin air around Xiu Lante.

Deafening explosions followed in rapid succession. Continuous flashes of lightning and thick clouds of dust completely obscured all vision. Judging by the spectacle, Xiu Lante appeared utterly obliterated by this furious magic! The practice field’s perimeter swelled with onlookers who’d rushed over upon hearing the commotion. As the magic raged, they panicked—stumbling backward en masse—yet the billowing dust swallowed them whole. By the time the spell subsided, most of the less capable spectators were coated head-to-toe in dust.

Kamo—standing closest to the battlefield—remained immaculate, fully encased in a shimmering, full-body magical barrier. So this Imperial Elder was, in fact, a Holy Knight proficient in magic!

“Heh—truly astonishing. For a youth in his twenties to achieve such mastery is almost dreamlike! Xiu Lante, you’ve truly unearthed extraordinary talents this time!” Kamo remarked with a smile, glancing across the field. Meanwhile, Mels and the others stood tense. Initially, seeing Sol strain to control such overwhelming magic—nearly exhausting himself—Mels had feared Xiu Lante might not survive the assault intact.

But as the magic faded, the aura emanating from within the dust revealed Xiu Lante’s power still rising—steadily, inexorably. Mels suddenly grasped the truth: Xiu Lante’s strength far surpassed everyone’s expectations!

“Surrender. I can no longer fully restrain my power now—if you refuse, you risk serious injury!” A dark silhouette emerged slowly from the swirling dust, advancing toward Mels and the others—a living testament to Xiu Lante’s overwhelming might.

“Hehe—you’re really strong, Uncle. I nearly drained every last drop of my magic! Yet I couldn’t even graze a single hair on you. Looks like I’m done fighting. So—I surrender!” Sol laughed, his expression confirming he’d expended virtually all his magical energy, leaving him physically spent.

“I surrender too. I’m simply unsuited for battles against Qi cultivators. Continuing would only lead to defeat!” Akafir sheathed his sword and stepped aside willingly. His face bore no trace of dejection—only the deep satisfaction of having fought a magnificent battle.

“Big Ape—let’s step aside too. Though it’s hard to accept, he’s truly too strong. Even together, he’s beyond our reach!” Bagina also slid her sword back into its scabbard and called out to Rek. Both withdrew simultaneously. Though her words conveyed reluctance, her eyes—and Rek’s—shone with genuine admiration for Xiu Lante. Four of the five youths had now withdrawn—leaving only Xiu Lante and Mels, who remained motionless in the center of the field.

“You still refuse to surrender? Based on your performance just now, I’m certain Master Kamo will approve of you!” Xiu Lante said coldly.

“Uncle—I know I’m no match for you. But I truly want to see how far I can go!” Mels smiled faintly, then declared, “I want a second match—with you!”