Demon of Dawn and Dusk

Second Master and I soon neared the courtyard I shared with Cultivator Aneira and the minions. Impatience and excitement stirred within my heart. Why couldn’t this flying boat go faster? I wanted to hear more about this Rising Heroes Tournament. The sooner we reached my living space, the sooner I would get my wish.

When the flying boat neared the ground in front of the courtyard, I jumped off and rushed towards my living space. Second Master chuckled and followed me at a more leisurely pace. When I reached my living space, I headed towards the kitchen and started preparing a pot of tea. I tapped my foot with impatience the entire time

When it was ready, I placed the tea pot on a tray and carried it into my living room. Second Master was already there, waiting for me. I placed the tray on the living room table and reached for the pot to pour some tea, but I saw that I had forgotten to bring any tea cups. I rushed back into the kitchen, grabbed a pair of tea cups, and hurried back into the living room.

To avoid making any more mistakes, I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself before pouring Second Master a cup of tea. He took the cup, blew on the tea to cool it down, before taking a sip. It took a considerable amount of willpower on my part not to grab Second Master by the shoulders and shake him. He seemed amused by my impatience.

“Now then,” Second Master said after he finished sipping his tea. “Where was I?”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“You were about to tell me about the Rising Heroes Tournament.” I said.

“Ah yes.” He said. “As I said earlier, the tournament takes place every fifteen years in North King City.”

I sucked in a breath at that. North King City was the regional capital of the Northern Region. While I had never been there, or even seen paintings of it, I heard a few things about it. It wasn’t the largest city in the Northern Region, but it was considered the most magnificent. Unlike most cities, North King City was a massive mountain. As in, the city occupied both the exterior and the interior of the mountain.

“If the tournament is held in North King City, does that mean it is run by Clan Black Iron?” I asked.

Second Master nodded with a proud smile on his face.

“Yes, Darian.” He said. “Good job.”

Clan Azure Dragon ruled most of the known world. However, the world was far too large of a place for them to rule directly. Thus, they entrusted four vassals to rule the outer administrative regions in their stead. Clan Black Iron ruled the Northern Region, with the head of their clan being called the North King. The other regions had a similar arrangement.

“Every sect and clan that can afford to participate in the Rising Heroes Tournament does so.” Second Master said. “It is an opportunity for them to show off the strength and talent of their junior generation. As for the participants themselves, it is a chance for them to earn glory and honor, in addition to the prizes from the tournament itself. For cultivators from smaller clans or sects, as well as rogue cultivators, it is an opportunity to gain the attention of the more powerful clans and sects. If they distinguish themselves, they may elevate their standing, even if they don’t win the tournament.”

I stared at Second Master with wide eyes. This Rising Heroes Tournament sounded amazing. Learning about it made me even more eager to reach Foundation Establishment.

“However, only those who meet the criteria can participate in the tournament.” Second Master said. He held up a single finger. “First, one must be born in the Northern Region.” He gave me a sardonic look. “This seems obvious, but cultivators from the other regions have tried to sneak into previous tournaments.”

Second Master held up another finger.

“Second, one needs to be in the Foundation Establishment realm. No more, no less.”

I nodded. Given the name, that made sense. It was called the Rising Heroes Tournament after all. Qi Condensation cultivators were too weak, while Golden Core cultivators were too strong.

“The third, and final, criteria is that only those who reached Foundation Establishment in less than ten years qualify.”

This caught me off guard.

“What?” I asked. “It takes the average cultivator ten or so years to reach Foundation Establishment, assuming they reach it at all. Most cultivators don’t.”

Second Master nodded.

“Exactly.” He said. “The tournament is for those with above average talent.”

So that was why Sidra wanted me to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible. While I had plenty of time, my talent in qi refinement wasn’t as high as my talent in physical refinement. Even with the help of pills, it would take me a few years.

“When is the next tournament?” I asked.

Second Master gave me a level look.

“Five years from now.” He said.

I gave him a flat look.

“I think you’re right.” I said. “My sister had this planned out from the beginning.”

“It seems likely, yes.” He said.

I frowned in thought.

“If I’m lucky, I might be able to qualify in time.” I said. “It took me about a year and a half to reach the fourth small realm of Qi Condensation, though that was because I had several fortuitous encounters along the way.”

The biggest was the Starsoul Tea that Uncle Jericho gave me. Would he give me some more if I asked him? Perhaps. Then again, given how valuable it was, perhaps not. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

“I think you can make it.” Second Master said. “Your talent in qi refining is above average, and you have me to help you. I would be honored to have my first disciple participate in the Rising Heroes Tournament.”

His words warmed my heart and I smiled at him. However, a thought occurred to me and my smile faded away.

“Even if I do reach Foundation Establishment in time for the next tournament,” I said, “Should I even participate in it? I want to, but I would be at early Foundation Establishment. Most of the other participants would have higher cultivation bases than me. My chances of winning would be low.”

Second Master hesitated, before nodding.

“True.” He said. “However, even just participating in the Rising Heroes Tournament is a great honor. Not only that, but I believe the experience would be good for you. If nothing else, it would give you a chance to experience more of the world.” He tilted his head and gave me a thoughtful look. “While I agree that your chances of winning the tournament are low, I think you would have a good chance at reaching the top one hundred or even the top twenty five.” He grinned. “While the winner of the tournament wins the grand prize, there are also prizes for those who reach a certain rank.”

“I didn’t know you had that much faith in me.” I said, touched.

Second Master snorted.

“Of course I do.” He said. “While you would be at early Foundation Establishment, don’t forget that you practice both qi refining and physical refining. Even among the best of the best, this is rare. Most are qi refiners, while some are physical refiners. Only a few practice both. This makes you stronger than other cultivators at the same level.”

“I see.” I said. That made me more confident in my chances. “What is the prize for reaching the top one hundred?”

While I doubted that I would make it to the top twenty five, given what I knew about my own abilities, reaching the top one hundred wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility. Even if there wasn’t a prize, I would still give it a try. Placing among the top one hundred rising stars of the Northern Region would earn a lot of glory and honor for myself, the Dawn and Dusk Sect, and my family.

“The prize for reaching the top one hundred is five hundred spirit stones and some cultivation resources.” Second Master said.

My eyes widened.

“Five hundred spirit stones?” I asked, making some quick calculations in my mind. “For each person in the top one hundred? That would total to…” I trailed off.

“Fifty thousand spirit stones total, yes,” Second Master said. “However, considering the wealth of Clan Black Iron, fifty thousand spirit stones is a negligible sum for them. Besides, the fee for entering the tournament in the first place is one hundred spirit stones and there are hundreds of participants in each one.”

I stared at him. Not too long ago, a hundred spirit stones seemed a large sum. Now I realized just how small my thinking had been. Fifty thousand. Even now, I found the thought of that many spirit stones mind boggling.

“For those who reach the top twenty five, the prize is two thousand spirit stones and a mid-grade Foundation Establishment magic treasure,” Second Master said.

My jaw dropped as I stared at him. It fell further as he continued speaking.

“For those who reach the top ten, the prize is four thousand spirit stones, a high-grade magic treasure, and a technique from Clan Black Iron’s archives.”

I started panting. A technique from Clan Black Iron’s archives was a worthy prize in and of itself. As one of the most powerful clans in the entire world, they must have had access to some rare and powerful techniques.

“The grand prize for the entire tournament is ten thousand spirit stones, a top-grade magic treasure, a technique from Clan Black Iron, and a boon from the North King himself,” Second Master said with a smile.

I closed my mouth and looked him right in the eyes.

“I need to win the Rising Heroes Tournament.” I said. “If not the next one, then the one after that.”

While reaching Foundation Establishment within ten years was possible, reaching Golden Core was much more difficult. I didn’t know how long it took the average cultivator, but I imagined it took decades. The Rising Heroes Tournament occurred every fifteen years. That meant that I would be able to participate multiple times. As long as I kept trying, I was sure I would be able to win the grand prize before I reached Golden Core.

“That’s the spirit, Darian,” Second Master said. “As long as you have that fighting spirit, I’m sure you’ll reach soaring heights.” He gestured to me. “To help you along, I’ll visit you twice a month from now on. I’ll also ensure that you receive a monthly stipend. As a disciple of Celestial Warrior Hall, even an honorary one, you are entitled to it. The only reason why you haven’t received one yet is because of Vice Hall Master Sidra.”

I frowned.

“I don’t know if I can accept a monthly stipend.” I said. “My family, and Flame Fiend Hall in general, believes in earning one’s cultivation resources rather than receiving them as a gift.”

“It isn’t a gift,” Second Master pointed out, “It is an investment.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Investments have to be paid back.” I said.

“Yes.” Second Master said. “You can pay me back by reaching the top one hundred in the Rising Heroes Tournament. However, if you still feel uncomfortable, you can perform a number of errands and missions for Celestial Warrior Hall. While most are only available to Foundation Establishment cultivators, a few are suitable for Qi Condensation cultivators. These are often duties assigned to outer disciples, but we can include you if you wish.”

I thought about it for a moment, before nodding.

“Let’s do that.” I said. “I feel much more comfortable with this arrangement. Otherwise, I would feel as if I were receiving something for nothing.”

Second Master smiled at that.

“Most cultivators would love to receive free resources.” He said. “That way, they can focus on their cultivation.”

I shook my head.

“In that case, I’m not like most cultivators.” I said.

“I can see that.” Second Master said. He stood up. “Since we’re doing all this to get you ready in time for the Rising Heroes Tournament, we might as well start now. I’m already here after all, and five years isn’t much time at all.”

No, it was not, now that I thought about it. Five years seemed like forever, since that was how long I would have to wait until I saw Ellen again. However, those same five years seemed like nothing since I only had that much time to prepare for the Rising Heroes Tournament.

Perspective was a strange thing.

True to his word, Second Master helped me get ready for the Rising Heroes Tournament. He started visiting me twice a month, and also ensured that I received a monthly stipend from Celestial Warrior Hall. It wasn’t much, just ten spirit stones and five Qi Condensation Pills a month, but they would go a long way towards helping me get ready for the Rising Heroes Tournament in time.

However, to earn that monthly stipend, I started performing errands and missions for Celestial Warrior Hall. They weren’t anything too dangerous or difficult, at least for someone like me. In fact, they were similar to the things I had already been doing. Hunting demon beasts or spirit beasts, collecting low-grade spirit herbs, etc. In short, I started working like an outer disciple of the sect, even though I was an honorary disciple of Celestial Warrior Hall and a core disciple of Flame Fiend Hall.

When my sisters heard about this, they were incensed and confronted me about it. However, when I explained the matter to them, they understood my reasoning. In fact, Sidra even seemed proud of me. My sisters resolved to also help me prepare for the Rising Heroes Tournament. They visited me more often and the training they put me through became even more difficult. It was hellish, and I always ended up battered and bruised by the end. In time, I grew used to the pain.

With the help of Second Master and my sisters, my proficiency in my mystic arts and techniques grew at a rapid rate. After a few months, I finally mastered the Wind Dash technique. In fact, inspired by my duel with Cultivator Byron, I incorporated Wind Dash into my attacks in order to create a new technique.

At first, I called this new technique Wind Dash Punch. However, Estelle pointed out that using my fist to attack with Wind Dash was stupid since I injured myself almost as much as I injured my opponent. It was much smarter to hit my opponent with either my elbow or my shoulder. Thus, Wind Dash Punch became Wind Dash Elbow Slam and Wind Dash Shoulder Slam.

Speaking of my duel with Cultivator Byron, a few days after I returned from Martial Idiot Clinic, I apologized to Cultivator Aneira. At first she was angry with me. However, to my surprise, it wasn’t because of the rumors that spawned as a result of the duel. She thought that I had only befriended her because I was interested in her beauty and her Pure Yin Physique. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to convince her of my sincerity.

It took more effort to convince her future master, Elder Celine. Like an overprotective mother, Elder Celine doubted my intentions towards Cultivator Aneira. Before the duel, she considered me someone to keep an eye on, but nothing more. After the duel, Elder Celine regarded me as an actual threat to her future disciple. Part of it was because of Cultivator Aneira’s past experiences, but part of it was because of my family’s reputation for licentiousness.

Elder Celine let her guard down around me eventually, though she never warmed up to me. Whenever she visited, I made sure to stay inside my living space to avoid her glares. Still, I considered it a small price to pay in order to preserve my friendship with Cultivator Aneira.

Despite focusing most of my time on cultivation and training, I made sure not to neglect my friends. For me, walking the path towards immortality wasn’t worth it if I couldn’t be with my friends and family. Since I couldn’t use a flying magic treasure myself, I turned to others for help. It turned out that several inner disciples within the Dawn and Dusk Sect worked by ferrying others around for a small fee. They did this to earn some extra spirit stones. Calling one just required a transmission talisman.

That was when I learned about transmission talismans. Apparently, they were used for long distance communication between cultivators. While they were somewhat expensive for a Qi Condensation cultivator, one hundred spirit stones, the convenience was well worth the price.

Unfortunately, I learned about transmission talismans far too late. Otherwise, I would have bought one before Ellen left so I could keep in contact with her. Or maybe not. Perhaps my sisters would have prevented that somehow.

Thanks to the flying ferry service, I started visiting Cultivator Willow, Cultivator Harlow, and Junior Sister Clarissa on a regular basis. At first all three were upset with me since I hadn’t made the effort to see them in a while, and they believed the rumors about me and Cultivator Aneira, but I mollified them in the end.

Over the course of our interactions, each one hinted at romantic interest in me, but I told them that I wanted to focus on cultivation and training for the time being. They were disappointed, but as cultivators themselves they understood. I also warned them that I intended to have more than one wife, which they were far less understanding about, rightfully so. They didn’t speak to me for some time after that, though they forgave me after a while.

As for Senior Sister Zenia, the two of us drank together every now and again. Sometimes we drank with Senior Brother Kayden and Senior Sister Eliana, sometimes the two of us drank alone. Later on, Senior Sister Zenia joined the Guardians of Dawn and Dusk thanks to Estelle’s support. When this happened, she gifted me a bottle of expensive spirit wine as thanks.

I never forgot about Ellen, and thought about her everyday. That said, as the months and years passed, I began to see the wisdom in Sidra’s actions. Ellen and I moved too fast. I hadn’t been ready for a long term commitment. However, my love for Ellen never diminished and I awaited the day when we would be reunited. Whenever I thought of her, the side of my neck ached, a reminder of the mark she left on me.

This was how I spent the next four years of my life. Cultivating, training, and spending time with those I cared about the most. In those years, I reached peak Qi Condensation in both my qi refining and physical refining, putting me one step closer to breaking through to Foundation Establishment. More immediately, I was ready to learn about the innate abilities of my three cultivation techniques.