Time silently passed as Raja Kint digested his experiences.

“Knock, Knock.”

Raja Kint sat up and walked to his door. Opening the door, he met Kyoot Kint’s face.

“We’re about to leave for the Bisuke Empire.”

Raja Kint nodded his head. “Ready?”

Kyoot Kint moved her lips around before saying, “Nervous, these are the strongest of our generation. All competing for a spot in one of the higher powers. Not to mention, I’m only at the eighth stage. There are plenty of people at a higher stage than me.”

“Hmm, that’s true. But you're not weak yourself. I’m not exactly sure where your strength stands. But I know at least amongst those of the same stage. You're probably in contention for the strongest.”

“I can only give my best here. Guess there’s no point in getting antsy now.”

The two went outside, when they arrived outside. The large yellow bird just landed. Rhode Kint quickly running over to pet it. Not just their transportation arrived. Various animals and vehicles were there. Even the flying ship from Alexander City was at a lower altitude than usual.

The man on the Alexander City ship who spoke before traveling to Julchen City. Spoke out for everyone to hear. “Board your transportation now. The Julchen City is coming along with the regional lord.”

People began to quickly mount, not wanting to have Lord Julchen waiting on them. Raja Kint hopped onto the bird and laid back.

A silhouette appeared in the distance, Rapidly closing in on their location. Raja Kint watched as the silhouette began to take more shape. It was an extremely simple-looking ship. When a man appeared on the edge. Everybody quickly cupped their hands and bowed, Raja Kint following suit.

“Greetings, Lord Julchen!” The voices from hundreds of people melded together to create a humongous sound.

“We leave immediately.” Lord Julchen’s voice was smooth and deep. Almost like a massage for your ears.

As the Julchen ship began moving. Everyone else followed in kind. Raja Kint laid back while looking up at the Julchen Ship. Below them, were two ships and one large bird. Symbolizing the three countries within the region. Everyone else below was just an amalgamation from there.

Despite a congregation of people moving together. Not a single voice could be heard. Everyone understood that every young cultivator's future was in the balance.

As the sun and moon played tag. The Bisuke Empire finally came into view. Tall buildings reaching hundreds of feet into the air. One hill with a majestic palace on top. Below are countless hard-to-differentiate buildings.

Before they could even enter. Three huge warships appeared in the air. Raja Kint looked at them with curious eyes. After Lord Julchen talked with another man for a few moments. The group was directed by a warship to a designated area. For such a large competition, the empire carved out land specifically for this event.

The group landed and Raja Kint followed his elders to a building. There were many simple-looking buildings lined up together. As the Kint Sect group entered their building. Empros Kint placed a sign above the front door with “Kint” etched on it.

Empros Kint gathered everyone around. He solemnly spoke, “There’s a week until this competition begins. Do what you can in this time. Above all, make sure you're mentally prepared. Wild emotions will impact your performance.” His eyes scanned the kids, with a smile he says, “Regardless of what happens. Fight, fight, and when you’re finally too tired. Muster the strength to fight some more. Only in this way will you gain the most from here.”

The kids replied, “Thank you Headmaster.”

The man nodded his head as King Kint walked up. “You all can leave except for my two kids.” His eyes landed on, “Kyoot Kint,” his eyes turned toward, “Raja Kint.”

The other kids quickly left leaving those five. Along with Master A and Martial Master still hanging around.

“You four have a good chance of getting picked here.”

Kyoot Kint’s eyebrows quickly shot up before settling down.

King Kint looked at her with an amiable smile. “You’re stronger than you think. Master A has told me of your progress. Quite impressive. Although you could wait another three years. You’re clearly ready today. Also, in three years, would you still have any competition at this event?” King Kint’s right eyebrow raised.

Stolen story; please report.

Kyoot Kint was at a loss for words. Her mouth switching from an “O” to an oval.

Rhode Kint patted her back. “If father believes you’ll be picked. Then you’ll be picked.”

King Kint glanced at Raja Kint. Who was casually staring off into space. “Raja.” Raja Kint looked toward King Kint. “You’re a talented young man. Everyone in this room knows despite the sharing of names. You have no relation to us. I only ask that you remember the kindness of those who treat you well.”

Raja Kint went to cup his hands when King Kint said, “No need.”

Raja Kint replied, “Of course. I wouldn’t forget kindness even after ten lives.”

King Kint nodded his head. “You’re aiming for number one?” Raja Kint nodded his head. King Kint continued, “You’ll need to be stronger than just the seventh stage. Also, don’t be worried about showing your full abilities. It will only make them want you more.”

King Kint’s eyes turned toward his kids. “I expect you both will do as you wish. Carefree and strong-willed.”

Exochos Kint says, “Father, I will win this competition.” His eyes seeming to burrow holes into King Kint’s.

King Kint nods. “I have raised a strong son.” He takes a deep breath. “I will be looking to rename our Kint Sect into Kint Country. All four of you will be appreciated in helping with that.”

“You know brother and I will help dad,” said Rhode Kint.

Kyoot Kint says, “I will gladly help in however I can.”

Raja Kint looks at everyone looking at him. Damn, I didn’t really want to end up with any promises. Although, maybe they can help the tribes? “I’m willing to help if the King is willing to agree to one thing.”

Master A’s eyes shot open in disbelief. While Martial Master stifled back a laugh. King Kint responds, “What is it?”

“There’s a tribe who can only cultivate using the earth ki. Do you know of them?”

“Yes.”

“I would ask the King to protect them.”

King Kint narrows his eyes. “Why would I protect those who can’t go beyond the ki realms?”

“Because they can go beyond the ki realm.”

The room turns silent as everyone digests what was said. Martial Master and Master A wore shocked expressions. The siblings curiously look toward their father. While Kyoot Kint wears a confused expression.

After a few moments, King Kint responds, “If that’s the case. Protection won’t be an issue.”

“The King has my full support in becoming a country.”

“Good.” King Kint sits down in a chair, dismissively waving his hand. The four kids scatter away to find a room.

Master A says, “To think those people found a path.”

“Indeed, it’s been known for hundreds of years. Before I was even born that they were cursed people. Never to rise beyond the ki realms,” says Martial Master.

King Kint furrows his brows. “Indeed, the boy seems to have fate with them. Now I have been tied into this fate as well.”

“It might have something to do with that thing.” Master A’s eyes light up.

King Kint smiles. “Such a thing would have slim fate with us. But, for the boy, it may be different. There was a young man I met who came from there some decades ago. He should still be alive today.”

Martial Master raises his eyebrows. “You have more affinity with them than I thought.”

“Maybe so, but things can quickly turn muddy. The future is becoming complicated. My son, Raja and the Fenix kid. So much talent doesn’t appear without some changes to the structure of society.”

Master A sighs. “Indeed, the future is for the younger generation. I have a chance to reach the next realm. But I won’t amount to much else. Same with you.” He looks at Martial Master.

King Kint says, “Even with my talent. I doubt I’ll go beyond the next realm. But, my son and daughter have a chance. I forsook the strength for my sect and family. Now, it seems it will all pay off.”

Elsewhere, A carriage is stopped outside of the Bisuke Empire. A guard walks to the side of the carriage. The carriage driver, who’s an older man, states, “Tell me and I’ll relay the message.”

The guard gruffly responds, “Who is on this carriage?”

The old man responds, “Someone you don’t want to offend.”

Seeing the driver didn’t even consult those in the carriage. His brows furrowed. “Old man, you’ll get one more chance. You should know that this time of the empire is high-strung for us guards.”

A man’s voice sounds from within the carriage. “Here.” A hand sticks out with a piece of paper. The driver turns to grab the paper and hands it to the guard.

The guard looks at the paper when he notices a seal. His eyes widen as he quickly stands upright. “You should have said so sooner. I’ll quickly send message of your arrival.”

A small head pokes out of the carriage. “No need.”

“I’m sorry young miss. It’s a part of my job.”

The girl is silent for a moment. “Oh, if he doesn’t know then I can still surprise him. Heehee.”

Her head disappears behind the curtains as the carriage enters the empire.