Chapter 104: Awakening

Time passed bit by bit.

By today, the Twelve Heavenly Descendants had spent two full days bathed in the baptism of the sun, moon, and stars. Throughout these two days, Xiao Yu had remained by their side, keeping watch. Just as he had anticipated, certain martial artists from the Sakura Kingdom had sensed the sacred aura emanating from Mount Gehe, and many had come to investigate.

However, because Xiao Yu had used his divine arts to isolate this space in advance, most were kept at bay. Yet, a few individuals with profound cultivation managed to perceive that something was amiss.

At this moment, outside the barrier, a significant number of Sakura Kingdom’s martial artists had gathered. None of those who arrived were weak; among them were four masters from the Nine Great Sects and three high priests from the Shrines. Others were wandering warriors from the Sakura Kingdom’s martial arts world.

"Great High Priest, do we really intend to force our way through this seal? If we disturb the senior practicing inside and incur their wrath, I fear none of us will meet a good end," Yagyu Wei said, looking at the barrier before him with a grave expression.

"Do you not wish to know what is behind the aura radiating from within? Besides, we have gathered so many experts here; even if the senior inside were to take offense, they would surely not slaughter us all, as we are, after all, people of the same nation," Sakai Muramasa replied slowly.

Sakai Muramasa’s words immediately stirred the curiosity of Yagyu Wei and the others. After all, the power emanating from within was unlike anything they had ever encountered. Even separated by the barrier, they could still feel the benefits this energy bestowed upon them.

After weighing the situation, everyone agreed that Sakai Muramasa’s reasoning held merit. They were all compatriots; even if there were an peerless expert inside, they likely wouldn't do anything drastic out of respect for their shared origin.

With this thought, many stepped forward to the barrier. At a sharp command from Sakai Muramasa, the group unleashed their most powerful strikes simultaneously. The barrier shuddered. Seeing this, the crowd was filled with joy and launched a second wave of attacks.

Inside the barrier, Xiao Yu felt the external forces attempting to breach his defenses, and his eyes narrowed. He knew without a doubt that the attackers were martial artists from the Sakura Kingdom, and a powerful group at that.

Xiao Yu glanced back at the others, who were still absorbing the power of the sun, moon, and stars. He then rose high into the air, and a majestic wave of power surged from his body, stabilizing the crumbling barrier once more.

The people outside saw the barrier, which had been on the verge of collapse, suddenly harden again. Their gazes instinctively turned toward Sakai Muramasa, whom they had seemingly accepted as their leader, given his status and strength in the Sakura Kingdom.

"It seems the one inside has noticed our attack," Sakai Muramasa said, his face darkening.

"What do we do now? It looks like the person inside does not want us to shatter this barrier. If we strike again, we might truly provoke this senior," Yagyu Wei said with a frown.

"No matter! You must have felt the power existing within. Nothing ventured, nothing gained—continue the attack!" Sakai Muramasa gritted his teeth and spoke fiercely, a daunting aura exploding from his body.

Seeing that Sakai Muramasa was determined to break the barrier, the others—despite their lingering fear—were equally consumed by curiosity. Seeing him disregard the consequences, they followed suit, unleashing their own formidable auras and launching another assault on the barrier.

Boom!

Wave after wave of immense power fell upon the barrier, causing it to shake violently. The group rejoiced and rained blow after blow upon it.

Sensing the barrier’s imminent collapse, Xiao Yu’s expression turned grim. While repairing the barrier, he kept a constant watch on Tai Sui and the others.

Just then, Tai Sui, who had been eyes-closed in meditation, twitched his brow, followed by Qinglong, Liuhe, Lige, and the others.

Though the movements were subtle, they did not escape Xiao Yu’s notice. He knew they had absorbed the power of the sun, moon, and stars and were on the verge of awakening. Xiao Yu felt a sense of anticipation—he was eager to see what kind of surprise the Twelve Heavenly Descendants would bring him.

At that moment, a shattering sound rang out. Xiao Yu turned back just in time to see the barrier he had set up being completely destroyed by the Sakura Kingdom’s warriors.

Sakai Muramasa, Yagyu Wei, and the rest appeared in his line of sight. When they saw the figure hovering in mid-air, they were momentarily stunned, but upon recognizing his face, their expressions shifted violently.

"It’s you! Xiao Yu!" Sakai Muramasa exclaimed, his eyes turning sharp.

Hearing the exclamation, the surrounding experts who had never met Xiao Yu were startled and began to size him up. They had not expected the War King of the Great Yan, who had repeatedly thwarted the Sakura Kingdom, to be such a young man.

Just then, several roars, as if in release, erupted into the void. Powerful auras surged from behind Xiao Yu. This scene left Sakai Muramasa and his companions utterly shocked.

Xiao Yu turned around with a broad smile, looking at Tai Sui and the others. As expected, after two days and nights of baptism, they had all awakened.

Having awakened, each of the Twelve Heavenly Descendants radiated an overwhelming aura—far stronger than before. Xiao Yu knew his plan had succeeded; the Twelve Heavenly Descendants were now reborn.

Led by Qinglong, the auras emanating from Huofeng, Liuhe, Lige, Baihu, Xuanwu, and Taiyin had reached the level of Divine Ranking experts. As for Tai Sui, Tengshe, Guiren, and Gouchen, they were brushing the edge of the Divine Ranking. The others, such as Taihou, were not combat-oriented, so their strength was relatively lower.

"Haha, Brother! I feel like I'm bursting with power! I feel like tearing something apart!" Tai Sui flashed before Xiao Yu, laughing wildly.

At the same time, Qinglong and the others stepped forward to join Xiao Yu. Now, with the combined strength of their group of thirteen, they no longer feared the forces of the Sakura Kingdom.

"You want to tear something apart? Very well. Let us show these people from the Sakura Kingdom what we are truly capable of!"