Chapter 381: The Winner’s Ceremony Begins

Chapter 381: Chapter 381: The Winner’s Ceremony Begins

The grand doors of the Great Solaris Arena swung open.

King Aurelius Solaris emerged from the royal pavilion, his golden robes trailing behind him like a river of light.

Queen Vespera walked at his side, her silver gown shimmering with embedded spirit stones. Crown Prince Caelum and Prince Alex followed, their expressions formal and measured.

Behind them, a procession of royal guards in white and gold armor marched in perfect synchronization. Their spears gleamed under the afternoon sun, each tip enchanted with a soft glow that added to the spectacle.

The crowd rose to their feet.

Cheers erupted from every corner of the arena. Tens of thousands of voices merged into a single thunderous roar that shook the very air.

Confetti made from spiritual paper rained down from the upper tiers, catching the light and painting the arena in a cascade of colors.

Damon stood at the center of the arena floor with the Azure Dragon Sect.

He had changed into fresh robes, black with silver trim, the Azure Dragon Sect emblem embroidered over his heart.

The Chaos Devourer was stored away, but he kept his wooden sword at his hip.

A habit now.

Ariel stood to his right, her trident planted in the ground beside her. Mio and Mia flanked her, their eyes scanning the crowd with the same vigilance Damon carried. Seraphina and Flare stood behind them, their postures relaxed but ready.

Alena held her staff, her gaze fixed on the royal procession with clinical curiosity.

And Lumina stood at the edge of the group, still disguised as Lark.

Damon watched her from the corner of his eye.

She was nervous.

Her hands were clasped behind her back, but he could see the slight tremor in her fingers. Her jaw was tight, her shoulders rigid. She kept her eyes lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with the royal family.

’She’s afraid they’ll recognize her.’

Damon understood. The Solaris family had been searching for her for years. If they saw through the disguise, everything would change.

He stepped closer to her.

Damon stepped closer, his shoulder brushing against hers in a subtle gesture of reassurance.

"Relax," he murmured, his voice a low whisper meant only for her ears.

"You’re Lark. Nothing more. Just another core disciple."

Lumina exhaled slowly, her breath shaky but controlled. The tension in her rigid shoulders gradually eased as his words sank in.

"I know," she whispered back, her voice barely audible above the crowd.

"Then act like it." His tone was firm yet gentle, carrying the weight of absolute confidence.

She straightened her spine and lifted her chin, her pale blue eyes hardening with renewed resolve. The tremor in her hands stopped entirely, her composure restored.

Damon smiled inwardly, his golden eyes gleaming with quiet warmth. "Good girl."

King Aurelius reached the elevated platform at the center of the arena. He raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent.

The silence was absolute.

"My people," the King began, his voice amplified by spiritual energy. "We have witnessed something extraordinary today."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air.

"Thirty-two sects entered this tournament. Only one remains standing."

The crowd cheered.

"The Azure Dragon Sect has proven itself the strongest among you. Their fighters displayed courage, skill, and an unyielding will to win."

Damon felt the eyes of the arena turn toward him.

He didn’t flinch.

"But this tournament was not merely about glory," the King continued. "It was about preparing for what lies ahead."

His tone shifted, growing darker.

"The Eastern Continent faces threats that we have not seen in centuries. Darkness stirs in the shadows. Ancient evils awaken from their slumber. And there are those among us who would see this land fall into chaos."

Damon’s eyes narrowed.

He’s talking about the Eclipse Cult.

The King’s gaze swept across the arena.

"But I have faith. I have faith in the young cultivators of this generation. I have faith in the sects that train them. And I have faith that together, we will overcome whatever darkness rises against us."

The crowd erupted again.

Damon didn’t join the cheering.

He was watching the crowd.

His Incubus Celestial Eyes swept across the stands, searching for any sign of hostility.

He spotted several figures in the shadows near the upper tiers. They were dressed in civilian clothes, but their postures were too rigid, their gazes too focused.

’Eclipse Cult spies.’

He memorized their positions.

The King continued his speech, speaking of unity and cooperation between the sects. He praised the champions, the fallen, and the spirit of competition itself.

Damon tuned it out.

He was already thinking about the next step.

The tournament was over, but the real battle was just beginning. The Eclipse Cult had been watching. They had seen his power. They knew what he was capable of.

They would come for him.

And he would be ready.

The King raised his hand again.

"And now, let us honor the champions of the Eastern Continent Tournament!"

The crowd roared.

Damon stepped forward with his team.

The royal guards parted, creating a path to the elevated platform. King Aurelius gestured for them to approach.

Damon led the way.

As he climbed the steps, he felt the weight of every eye in the arena. The sects, the nobles, the commoners, the spies. They were all watching him.

He reached the platform and bowed.

"Your Majesty."

The King smiled.

"Rise, Champion."

Damon straightened.

The King looked at him with approval.

"You have done well, Damon Arcknight. Your performance in this tournament will be remembered for generations."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The King turned to address the crowd.

"Let the award ceremony begin!"

The crowd cheered as attendants carried chests of spirit stones and jade boxes containing pills and artifacts onto the platform.

Damon’s eyes scanned the arena one last time.

The Eclipse Cult spies were gone.

’They’re reporting back.’

He filed that information away and turned his attention to the ceremony.

The rewards were being presented.

The Azure Dragon Sect had won.

And Damon had taken the first step toward his true goal.