The sect master spoke, "So, all of you will just watch as a member of my sect is tortured?"
Elder May was the quickest to snap back, "Aren't you guys the ones who proposed a death match? Haha, now you want to have regrets? You've got to be kidding me, humph."
The crown prince, who was also the host, spoke, "No disrespect, Zhen. But you guys did ask for it. You know, according to the rules and binding agreement, there can be no interference, not even intimidation, until one of them is dead."
Empyrean Lord Zhen shot a stabbing glare at the crown prince and said, "You're still wet behind the ears and you dare to address me in such a way?"
Then he shot a glare at the Queen and said, "I thought you were determined to raise your children differently than your father, Allure."
The Queen responded with a soft smile, "Did you have to bring up that old bag of bones, sect master Zhen? And I'm sorry, but this little child of mine thinks he's on the same level as us now. Even I only receive the respect that I deserve as his mother. Maybe you should put him in his place."
Before the Empyrean Lord could respond, another party spoke, "Yeah, Zhen. Are you just going to let someone who was just a snotty-nosed brat not long ago talk to you like that?" He said and snickered afterward.
It was the Black Wind Lord of the Valley, Kenji Abi.
Even though Empyrean Lord Zhen knew they were instigating a conflict, he still went along since his sect was being completely humiliated, something that had never happened since he became sect master.
As he was still staring at the Azure Queen, also known as Allure, he let out a Humph before saying, "Oh, so you wouldn't mind if I put him in his place then?"
Queen Allure gave a simple reply, "Of course not. Go ahead and give it a shot."
Empyrean Lord was confused by her response because he had always known the Queen to be extremely protective and doting of her children, but he didn't care about much of that.
While he stood tall, he glared back at the crown prince and declared, "Since you heard your mother speak, do you still dare to address me as if we were equals or as if we were peers?"
Before his words could be fully uttered, a colossal Sun, identical to the one high above in the sky, manifested above his area. The heat released was so intense that every leader present had to employ their unique protective measures to safeguard their people. However, those on the stage were only protected by the stage's means, which proved ineffective in resisting the power of the Empyrean Lord.
But their worries were soon dispelled by the arrival of an unexpected ally.
An illusory azure pool, with a much deeper hue than even the one present in this secret realm, covered the entire stage.
It was the crown prince's doing, and his actions left everyone present in astonishment.
He spoke, "I am not some spoiled, arrogant brat, and I am aware of when to remain in my place. However, my pride is as high as mountains.
I may not have been your peer like my mother and the others who address you in such a casual manner, but are you my equal? I might just fit the bill."
The Empyrean Lord let out a scornful snort and declared, "Do you believe that because you have inherited the inheritance of the Deep King, you can stand toe to toe with me? You are still just a lowly frog at the bottom of a well." Then, the sun shone even more intensely.
But his words and actions were met with an equal and formidable energy.
The Crown Prince laughed heartily before responding, "Hahahahahahaha, Honestly speaking, I was your equal before inheriting my ancestor's technique.
Then, his illusory pool began to solidify slightly as it rose high into the sky, aiming to meet the Empyrean Lord's Sun.
Before the two special powers could collide and cause potential devastation, they were abruptly interrupted.
The Empyrean Sun was trapped within a peculiar, transparent cube adorned with enigmatic symbols and containing an unusual liquid, effectively dousing its potency.
On the other hand, a colossal container was pouring a greenish-blue liquid onto the rising, deep royal blue azure pool. This liquid froze the top of the pool, preventing it from rising any higher. It seemed to freeze the pool in time instead of actually freezing it.
"Are you both insane? I'm certain you both know the devastation such concepts could create when they interact. Yet, you still dare to do so at this moment and place. This is a moment for the youth, not you prideful maniacs."
The stoppage of their intense exchange was Envoy Renon's doing. His anger was evident in his words and the redness on his face.
Amidst the commotion and the clash of egos and powers, no one had noticed that Horo's true cloud had already retreated back into him, except for Envoy Renon. Of course, he noticed, for no special concepts could escape the notice of a high-level mage like him.
....
Horo was in a daze as he stared above at the contained powers.
His lightless eyes slowly closed until they were only slightly open. Meanwhile, the golden vertical slit on his forehead began to open slowly until it was wide open, resembling an eye. In fact, it was his alternate eye.
He had never been able to activate this skill on his own or open the eye, but now it had reacted on its own.
As it opened, it revealed a translucent sclera and a green iris—the eye that had absorbed the temporal power that had previously prevented Horo from advancing. This eye felt a resonance with the greenish-blue liquid impeding the royal blue azure pool.
Horo was seeing a notification regarding this resonance.
....
"Your [Alternate Eye]'s temporal eye is attempting to absorb temporal energy."
"ERROR: Energy belongs to a powerful expert.
"Do you wish to attempt to forcefully steal this energy?"
Horo instinctively agreed. It was as if this eye had a mind of its own and was currently in charge.
Envoy Renon was astounded as he stared into Horo's eyes. During his earlier appraisal, he hadn't sensed any affinity with time within Horo. However, he could feel the kid desperately trying to grasp the concept Renon had introduced. This clearly indicated that Horo was attempting to acquire an affinity with this concept.
Renon immediately shouted, "Hurry and dismiss your powers! We must continue with the matches."
Crown Prince Ezekiel responded with a cool smile, his eyes fixed on Empyrean Lord Zhen's. Before they could even begin to dismiss their techniques, a sudden commotion erupted, drawing everyone's attention back to the stage.