Contest of Supremes

With the information given by the brothers, Julian and Mateo managed to capture the operatives hidden in the town. Considering the situation, the Imperial Court gathered to make a decision. Many of the Ministers voted to dissolve the town and relocate the people to the closest established cities. However, 4th General Li explained, "I would not recommend that approach. That town has already been recognized and is under the protection of an Imperial Guardian." The Crown Prince laughed and asked, "just an Imperial Guardian? What is there is to worry about?" Hearing those words, everyone turned and awaited the response of the Grand Guardian. 

Even the other leaders of the Imperial Clan seemed nervous. Guardian Wen responded in his stead, "the Imperial Guardian in question, is a personal appointment by the Emperor's Decree. Unless ordered by the emperor, he need not obey. Any violation will incur Imperial Punishment." On behalf of The Majesty, the Ministers handle most civil affairs, leaving the Imperial Clan to focus on the defense and stability of the empire at large. The Imperial Court was set up to bridge the Imperial Clan and Parliament, to keep both branches in the loop. The Imperial Court is managed by the Imperial Guardians, with the power of, internal security leaders, oversight and impeachment when required. 

Within the walls of the Imperial City, the Grand Guardian's authority is surpassed only by the emperor. When outside, he is on equal grounds with the Crown Prince. He softly suggested, "why don't we leave the town and use it as an information and trade depo? It is near a coastline and a cultivation academy. With an Imperial Guardian at its helm, we can ensure a balance in Civil and Cultivation Authority. We just need to be more vigilant. What say you all?" "Give the enemy a place to rest while we watch in the dark? Brilliant plan Grand Guardian. I approve. Anyone else?". That response from the Crown Prince was unexpected, but completely right, so it became a unanimous decision. 

The Imperial Decision was sent to Julian, instructing him to develop a city, maximizing the use of the coastline. Approval for the settling and establishment of clans will be handled by the Imperial Guardian, token number 121. News of the decision spread across the continent, bringing a flood of development requests from various clans and families. Before any other decision is made, Mateo asked Julian to formally join The Son Clan. All of what he has done, is to raise the name of The Son Family and gain powerful influence. However, he does not want to rely on the Imperial Guardian title publicly just yet. Moreover, Julian should really be a part of the clan. 

The kinship he felt with Mateo was more than enough to fill any request, so Julian pledged without question. The Son Clan established a branch in the city and held the highest status for civil and cultivation affairs. Through the Central Palace, Mateo has access to all the basic techniques of each division of the academy. He used that to his advantage, requesting scrolls for both him and Julian to practice. While Mateo worked on perfecting his War Body, Julian's talent lies in the spear. Over the course of several months, more and more people migrated to the city. With it, came a few problems. Many clans disagreed with hierarchy and challenged The Sons. 

Against his better judgment, Mateo had allowed the Tavin Clan to do business in the city, but the closer the better. They wasted no time in sowing discourse to destabilize The Sons. However, Mateo was more than ready. During his practice with Julian, the scroll in his sea of qi, imparted an ancient spear technique to Julian. While Julian was able to breakthrough to the second level of the Golden Core Stage, Mateo remained in the Foundation Establishment Stage, but Pseudo Golden Core 2. The dominance of The Son Clan would be on full display, as Mateo and Julian issue a challenge to every clan questioning their power. 

Sani and Felix came to represent their respective families, to obverse the might of the young clan, to make an informed decision. In the arena designed and built by Dean Ion, 7,000 people gathered to watch. Win or lose, Mateo could still use his imperial title to demand obedience, but he prefers to use his own power. Dean Ion himself oversaw the challenges, giving ease to all participants. However, Mateo gave a stark warning. He declared, "I see these fights as friendly sparring to test each other's metal. If anyone bares any ill intention, this day will be your death day. Under the watch of heaven!" Thunder rumbled, giving his words support, as his declaration was accepted by heaven itself.

In no order, Mateo and Julian accepted challenges from all at the same time. However, Julian faced all the opponents, as Mateo waited for The Tavin Clan to make their move. With his spear, Julian made easy work of his opponents taunting, "with such mediocre talents, you want to face the Young Master? Dream on!" Throughout the battle, he used the basic skills of the Spear Deity Technique. With his level 2 Golden Core cultivation, his projected power was that of a peak stage Golden Core Master. The moment of truth came, when 3 Tavin clansmen joined Bran and Winan in their assault. They purposefully challenged last, using the moment to learn their opponents' abilities. 

Dean Ion was going to the stop the extra clansmen, but Mateo stopped him. Instead, Julian took on those three warriors, while Mateo dealt with Bran and Winan. Bran had reached the peak stage of Golden Core cultivation and Winan was nearing a breakthrough himself, to the second stage. Despite both of their impressive abilities, they could not easily dominate Mateo. Without even activating his War Body, he easily blocked their advances. The crowd become increasingly energized, the longer the fight went on. Eventually, Bran and Winan decided to use their family's signature Suppressing Palm. With his higher cultivation from the last time they faced off, Winan's power was iron handed. 

Still, Mateo refused to use his War Body. Even Julian could not tell what he was thinking but chose to let it be. He had already made easy work of those three warriors, so he was just looking on. Edu Tavin (the Clan Leader) felt uneasy by this battle. He could not tell why exactly, but something was off. Suddenly, Winan exclaimed, "you should activate your War Body! I am going to use that move again!" Unlike the other members of Tavin Clan, Mateo felt no animosity towards Winan. He seemed more genuine and morally sound. He smirked and responded, "fine!" That move Winan referred to, was the Weight of The World. It was the technique he used during their very first fight. 

Bran and Winan activated the formation, causing the Eyes of Heaven to appear in the sky. All masters present in the arena, leaped to their feet, in awe of the raw power before them. More importantly, they wanted to see the might of Mateo's War Body. The moment the immense pressure of the formation touched his body, the gong of a bell rang out, followed by a blinding white light. Then came rumbling thunder, later joined by the flashing of blue lightning. As the blinding light dimmed, it revealed Mateo leaping into the air, with a raised fist. He headed straight into the eye of the formation, shattering it upon impact. 

Shattering the formation not only cause great spiritual backlash against the brothers, but it also shook the arena violently. Patriarch Edu immediately jumped into action, saving his two sons. The two elders by his side, foolishly made a move to attack Mateo, who easily blocked their attack. However, that was just a distraction, giving Edu a chance to act. Just as Dean Ion was about to act, the five brothers appeared to stop him. Yin explained, "there is no need senior. Young Master has a plan." They were not the only ones to appear in the arena. Also arriving, is the Minister of Justice and the Crown Prince of the Imperial Court. 

Suddenly, the sky turned red, dispelling the Eyes of Heaven. A great sorrow fell upon the arena, while a powerful killing intent sent the elders and Patriarch Edu jumping back for cover. The entire crown erupted, "Death Omen!" Unlike that time at the entrance exams, the aura of this Death Omen exuded a breath of celestial power. In a completely dark tone of voice, Mateo declared, "today, I shall deal with thieves, murderers and traitors." From the heads of the three Tavin leaders, little blood red bubbles emerged. When they popped, it revealed the horrid massacre of his families and a high crime against heaven, the theft of cultivation.

Bran was completely devastated by the revelation, but even more devastated that Mateo had every right and opportunity to kill him but didn't. Even in this moment, Mateo did not direct a single drop of the Death Omen at the two brothers. Mateo remarked coldly, "the only reasons I have not yet exterminated your entire family, is because of Winan's good heart and Bran's innocence. Additionally, it seems that the rest of the clan is unaware of your actions. I wonder what story you told them to justify your actions. Today, I shall make arrangements for The Dyl Bloodline and The Winn Bloodline." 

From the stands, the members of the Tavin Clan looked on in horror and disgust. Julian turned to Mateo with tears in eyes and whispered, "cousin?".