As the sun rose over the capital city of Beijing, the seven warriors began their rigorous training. They had been given a demanding task: to defeat the pirate confidant. The sect leaders of Mount Hua, Wudang, Kustang Sect, and Langtang Sect, along with the heads of the Tang, Han, Chen, and Ming clans, had gathered to oversee and assist in their preparation.
Zhang Tian, the head of the Wudang Sect, focused on teaching the young warriors the art of internal martial arts and Tai Chi, refining their techniques, and enhancing their inner strength. Liang Feng, the leader of the Mount Hua Sect, trained them in the art of swordsmanship and lightness techniques, while the plum bloosoms.
Tenzin Gyatso of the Kustang Sect taught them mixed martial arts, combining grappling and striking techniques to create well-rounded fighters. Mei Ling, the leader of the Langtang Sect, focused on speed, agility, and ranged attacks, training the warriors to strike swiftly and accurately.
Tang Wei, head of the Tang Clan, shared his expertise in hidden weapons and poisons, teaching the warriors the art of subtlety and surprise in combat. Han Lian of the Han Clan focused on the art of pressure points and acupressure techniques, teaching the warriors how to incapacitate their opponents with precision.
Chen Zhi, the leader of the Chen Clan, imparted knowledge of advanced weaponry, training them in the use of various traditional weapons to enhance their versatility in combat. Ming Jun, head of the Ming Clan, specialized in stealth and espionage, preparing the warriors to gather intelligence and execute strategic maneuvers with cunning and discretion.
All seven warriors possessed a rare natural affinity with all four basic elements—fire, water, earth, and air. This exceptional ability made them unique and highly valuable, as few individuals could master the elemental arts to such an extent. Recognizing their potential, the sect leaders and clan heads subjected them to rigorous training, pushing their limits to unlock and refine their elemental prowess.
Every six months, the warriors underwent a grueling evaluation test. These tests were designed to assess their progress, adaptability, and mastery over the elements. They faced a variety of challenges, from intense combat simulations to complex elemental puzzles, ensuring they were prepared for any situation. These evaluations not only tested their physical and elemental skills but also their mental resilience and strategic thinking.
In addition to their elemental training, the Prime Minister himself took a personal interest in their development. Understanding that a well-rounded warrior needed more than just physical prowess, he taught them about politics, diplomacy, and statecraft. He provided insights into the intricate workings of the political landscape, the art of negotiation, and the importance of strategic alliances. The Prime Minister's lessons aimed to prepare the warriors to navigate the complex web of political intrigue they might encounter and to lead with wisdom and foresight.
The emperor had promised the seven warriors summoning scrolls as a reward for their loyalty and the signing of blood contracts. On a bright morning, they gathered in the core of the palace, where sacred rituals took place. The grand hall was adorned with intricate carvings and sacred symbols, creating an atmosphere filled with reverence. The head priest, Kubalai, stood at the center, ready to guide them through the ritual.
One by one, Takeshi Shirokawa, Mei Lin, Huang Fei, Li Wei, Tao Jin, Fang Xue, and Chen Long lined up before Kubalai. The head priest handed each warrior a scroll, each intricately decorated with ancient runes and symbols representing their unique affinities and strengths.
"These scrolls contain powerful summonings," Kubalai announced. "You must follow the instructions precisely to summon your companions."
The warriors nodded, their faces resolute. They unrolled their scrolls and placed them on the sacred altar. Kubalai began chanting ancient incantations, and the runes on the scrolls started to glow. The warriors focused their essence into the scrolls, feeling a powerful connection to their respective creatures.
Takeshi Shirokawa received a scroll decorated with azure scales. His summoning of a majestic Drakonis (Elemental Dragon), embodying the power of the sky and sea, emerged with a thunderous roar, controlling both lightning and tidal waves.
Mei Lin's scroll, adorned with fiery feathers and blooming flowers, summoned a phoenix, representing the will of fire. Its flames danced gracefully, capable of healing or destroying.
Huang Fei held the scroll inscribed with rugged mountains and ancient trees. His summoning, a mythical creature embodying the earth's strength, appeared, bringing forth both life and destruction through its control of earth and flora.
Li Wei's scroll, marked with swirling clouds and swift gusts, summoned an ethereal wind spirit, commanding the winds. It manipulated air currents, creating storms or providing serene breezes.
Tao Jin received the scroll, illustrated with deep ocean currents and abyssal depths. His summoning, Leviathor, a colossal sea serpent, emerged with a powerful splash, governing the waters and commanding aquatic creatures.
Fang Xue's scroll, embellished with silver moons and starry nights, summoned a majestic white tiger with lunar energy. Its eyes glowed, enhancing agility and stealth and unleashing devastating attacks.
Chen Long held the scroll decorated with volcanic eruptions and molten lava. His summoning, a fearsome creature of fire and magma, radiated heat and controlled volcanic eruptions.
Takeshi Shirokawa stood before the gathering, surprised and happy, as the priest explained the rarity and significance of what had occurred. The ceremony had been a test of resolve and inner strength, and Takeshi had emerged with the strongest of summons—an Elemental Dragon, a Drakonis. The air crackled with awe and murmurs of disbelief among the assembled sect leaders, priests, warriors, and clan heads.
The princess, known for her discerning eye and sharp wit, could not conceal her astonishment. "A mere commoner summoned a Drakonis, master of skies and seas," she murmured to herself, a mix of admiration and intrigue coloring her tone. "Is he to surpass my brother, the crown prince, who also commands such a formidable creature?" Her thoughts turned calculating as she considered the implications. "He would make a valuable slave; perhaps I should marry him and make him my own pet; he looks good and is destined to lead the seven pillars."
Meanwhile, the sect leaders and clan heads exchanged wary glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. "Could this boy be a rival to the crown prince?" one whispered, the weight of such a possibility sinking in.
The emperor intervened with a commanding tone. "This matter," he declared, "must remain confidential. We cannot afford to underestimate the significance of this summoning, nor can we let others know about it."
Among the other warriors present, jealousy simmered beneath the surface. Possessing an SS-rank summoning was not just a mark of strength but a symbol of potential and status. Takeshi's achievement had set him apart in ways that stirred both admiration and envy. However, bonding with the drakonis was a hard task in itself.
As the ceremony concluded and Takeshi was escorted away, whispers continued to ripple through the crowd. The revelation of his summoning had ignited intrigue and speculation. The emperor ordered that the priest immediately help Takeshi build a bond with the dragon.
Li Wei, who received a wind spirit, was also escorted away to build a bond. The other went to Li Wei to build bonds and make contracts with their respective summons. The emperor murmured that a lot of resources had been spent to get those scrolls. These scrolls only give S-rank or higher summons. Getting a SSS+ summoning is impossible from a scroll. The emperor's own summon was a SS-rank celestial phoenix.
In the private chambers of the emperor, Princess Měiyù spoke with a determined yet calculating tone, her gaze fixed on her father.
"Father, I believe this Takeshi should be my slave," she asserted confidently. "I will ensnare him with my affection and make him devoted to me. With both him and my brother by my side, we can wield incredible power. Besides, he is handsome, tall, and strong. His peasant background is inconsequential; I can overlook that."
The emperor, seated calmly, listened to his daughter's ambitious plans. "My dear," he began, his voice measured, "Takeshi is not a peasant. He hails from noble heritage as the grandson of a Kasai from the land of Yamato. His family met a tragic fate during the civil war there, forcing him to flee."
Princess Měiyù's eyes widened in surprise at this revelation, momentarily taken aback. Despite her shock, thoughts of dominance and possession swirled in her mind. She harbored visions of owning Takeshi as her devoted slave, thoughts that hinted at a darker aspect of her psyche.
"Father, please arrange for this," she urged, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Once Takeshi successfully eliminates the pirates alongside my brother, I will marry him. But for now, I intend to draw closer to him."
Her father nodded, acknowledging her desires with a hint of concern. "Very well," he conceded, understanding the depth of his daughter's determination. "We shall make the necessary arrangements.
Princess Měiyù's mind raced with plans and schemes as she left her father's chambers, her ambitions fueled by a mix of infatuation and a hunger for dominance. She rejoiced in having a slave soon.
Meanwhile, Takeshi had developed a bond with his dragon and made a contract in a short amount of time. He named the dragon Ryuunoten the "dragon of the sky.". Takeshi's eyes gleamed with joy. He giggled inside as he got a dragon that could erase blood contracts, and he would not have to be a slave to the emperor.
The sect leaders and clan heads praised Takeshi for his immense potential and expressed their anticipation for his future leadership. They acknowledged his determination and skill, foreseeing him as the leader of the new generation of warriors. Takeshi, in turn, harbored a deep-seated goal: to return to his homeland and restore his family's honor and legacy. This aspiration fueled his training and ambitions, aligning his path with a quest for redemption and renewal in the face of adversity.
After expressing his gratitude to the sect leaders and clan heads, Takeshi turned to them with a respectful bow. "Excuse me," he began, his voice carrying earnest curiosity. "I overheard talk in the hall about a potential rivalry with the crown prince. Who is he, and what dragon did he summon? How powerful is he?"
Liang Feng, leader of the Mount Hua Sect, regarded Takeshi with a knowing smile before answering. "The crown prince, Zhao Yun, bears the name Longwei," Liang Feng replied with deep reverence. "He commands the Imperial Dragon, Longwei, a majestic and powerful creature said to wield the storms of heaven itself. Zhao Yun is known for his mastery of both martial arts and governance, making him a formidable opponent. He is destined to reach the heavens themselves."
Takeshi listened with a thoughtful nod. "Longwei," he repeated softly, the name resonating within him with awe and respect. Takeshi responded, "Thank you for informing me."
. I shall surpass, if not rival, him and conquer the heavens themselves. My name shall be etched in history, and the heavens shall proclaim me Tinxià Dìyī, like the immortal warrior."
The sect leaders and clan heads chuckled at Takeshi's ambitious declaration. Tenzin Gyatso, leader of the Kustang Sect, interjected with a wry smile, "The immortal warrior is but a myth. It seems you have been believing myths, Takeshi."
Tang Wei, head of the Tang Clan, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the great war is nothing more than a myth added to entertain us," he remarked casually. "You seem overly confident. Being the strongest under the heavens is quite a stretch."
Takeshi met their skeptical gazes with unwavering resolve. "Myths or not, I will prove myself," he stated firmly. "Time will show that my determination and skills are not to be underestimated."
With that, the sect leaders and clan heads left. Unbeknownst to them, Princess Měiyù had been eavesdropping on their conversation. She couldn't help but chuckle softly upon hearing their doubts and Takeshi's ambitious declaration.
She said, "This guy is amusing; I can't wait for him to be my slave."