Chapter 169 The Road To the Grand Competition

Chapter 171 — The Road to the Grand Competition

Morning sunlight entered through the open window, illuminating the regional map spread across Aether's table. His attention rested on a marked location in the eastern region: Radiant Summit City. Three days away from Stonehaven, it was one of the largest cultivation cities in the region and the designated venue for the upcoming Young Generation Grand Competition.

Unlike ordinary competitions hosted by individual sects, this event was jointly organized by several influential factions. Clans, sects, independent cultivators, and unaffiliated geniuses could all participate, provided they met the requirements. Aether studied the information he had collected. The competition consisted of four stages: foundation assessment, Origin Energy control, a dangerous territory trial, and finally the combat tournament. The rewards were considerable. The Origin Marrow Fruit could improve a cultivator's foundation, the Ancient Cultivation Inheritance offered opportunities to comprehend forgotten techniques, and the Spatial Origin Crystal was particularly interesting given Vaelira's research.

However, what caught Aether's attention wasn't the rewards. It was a note concerning the previous competition. Several participants had entered as unknown independent cultivators and left with invitations from major factions. Others had challenged established geniuses and built reputations that lasted long after the event ended. Aether leaned back slightly. "Not a bad opportunity."

"Planning to become famous?" Aria's voice came from the doorway. Aether glanced at her, then returned his attention to the map. "Fame is useful when it opens doors. Otherwise, it's just noise."

Lyra entered behind Aria, followed by Seris and Vaelira. "That's a convenient answer," Lyra remarked. "So you're going to win?"

"I haven't seen my opponents yet."

"You're avoiding the question."

Aether finally looked at her. "Would you prefer I announce my victory three days before arriving? That would certainly save everyone the trouble of competing."

Lyra laughed. "You could at least pretend to be humble."

"Why would I pretend to be something I'm not?"

Aria shook her head, hiding a smile. "Just make sure you don't underestimate anyone. Astralis has far more talented cultivators than we encountered in the forest."

"That's precisely why I'm going." Aether folded the map. He wasn't interested in collecting meaningless victories against opponents weaker than himself. He wanted to understand the standards of Astralis' younger generation, discover the limits of his current abilities, and obtain resources that could accelerate his development. If he encountered someone genuinely talented, even better. A worthy opponent could reveal weaknesses that ordinary battles would never expose.

The conversation soon shifted toward everyone's individual plans. Aria had been practicing her spear techniques, concentrating on improving penetration and controlling the distribution of Origin Energy through each strike. Lyra was working on her thunder movement technique. Her speed had improved, although maintaining that speed without wasting energy remained difficult. Seris continued examining the medicinal plants Blackfang had discovered. Some possessed properties she had never encountered before, and she was particularly interested in understanding how they interacted with Life Essence.

Vaelira had made progress with the damaged spatial inscriptions discovered in the eastern mountain range. "I've compared several sections with the Spatial Anchor Stabilization technique," she explained. "There are similarities, but the original formation appears to have been designed for a much more complicated purpose. I can understand portions of its structure, but not enough to reconstruct it."

"Then keep the parts you understand separate from the ones you're uncertain about," Aether advised. "A wrong assumption could cause more problems than incomplete knowledge."

Vaelira nodded. "That's what I've been doing."

Nearby, Sylvara, Elara, and Evelyn were reviewing the information they had gathered about dormant physiques. Yun Xiya's explanation had given them a direction, but not an answer. They still didn't know the exact nature of their constitutions or what resources would be required to awaken them.

"I still find it strange that something like this could remain hidden for so long," Evelyn said.

"Perhaps our constitutions were dormant from the beginning," Sylvara replied. "If they haven't awakened, there's no reason to assume we would recognize them."

Elara closed the record. "Whatever they are, I want to know. But I'm not going to use some random awakening method just because it promises results."

"Good decision," Seris said. "An unsuitable method could be dangerous. We need proper identification before attempting anything."

Aether glanced at the three girls. "If an opportunity appears, investigate it. Just don't mistake an opportunity for a guarantee."

Evelyn tilted her head. "You're making it sound as though we're about to do something reckless."

"Considering the company you keep, I prefer to establish the warning early."

Lyra immediately pointed at him. "Are you referring to yourself?"

Aether gave her a calm look. "Did I say your name?"

"You didn't have to!"

The room filled with laughter. Even Vaelira, who usually remained composed, showed a faint smile. For a moment, the upcoming competition and their individual concerns seemed distant.

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Later that afternoon, Aether headed toward the clearing behind their residence. He had spent enough time considering his weaknesses. Now he wanted to address one of the most important ones: his shadow army.

Aether released his Origin Energy, and five dark figures emerged from the ground, their forms gradually becoming distinct. Blackfang appeared first, followed by Ironhide and Grimhorn. Dreadmaw's enormous body rose behind them, while Ravager emerged with its reinforced claws scraping against the earth. Aether examined each shadow. Their previous assimilation had reduced their available energy, but their recovery had progressed. Dreadmaw and Ravager were particularly important because of their complementary combat styles. One could endure punishment that would overwhelm the others, while the other could turn even a brief opening into a devastating attack.

"Let's see how much you've improved."

He positioned the five shadows across the clearing. Blackfang and Grimhorn would act as mobile attackers, forcing their opponents to divide their attention. Ironhide would support the frontline, while Dreadmaw would hold the center. Ravager would remain slightly behind, waiting for an opening.

The first exchange began. Blackfang moved quickly, drawing attention toward the left. Grimhorn attempted to exploit the distraction, but its timing was slightly off. Ironhide moved to intercept the counterattack, leaving Dreadmaw's position exposed. Ravager attacked too early, and the formation collapsed.

Aether watched without immediately correcting them. "Again."

The second attempt lasted longer, but the same weakness appeared. Their individual strengths were considerable, yet their coordination wasn't consistent enough to make the formation reliable. Aether narrowed his eyes. He had been treating the shadows as individual combatants who simply needed to follow commands. That wasn't enough. An army required more than obedience. It required each member to understand how its actions affected the others.

He changed the formation. This time, Blackfang wouldn't simply attack; it would draw the enemy toward a specific direction. Grimhorn would pressure the opposite side, restricting movement. Ironhide would protect the center, while Dreadmaw would absorb the most dangerous counterattack. Ravager would wait.

The shadows moved again. Blackfang rushed forward, forcing Grimhorn's opponent to turn. Grimhorn immediately shifted its position, cutting off the retreat. Ironhide advanced just enough to prevent a counterattack from reaching the center. Then Dreadmaw moved. Its enormous body crashed forward, absorbing the simulated counterattack and forcing the opponent backward. A narrow opening appeared, and Ravager struck. Its reinforced claws tore through the defensive position with a sudden burst of destructive force.

The formation held.

Aether watched the final movement before raising his hand. "Stop."

The shadows returned to their positions. It wasn't perfect, but the difference was clear. Dreadmaw's defensive strength could create opportunities that Ravager's aggression could exploit. Blackfang and Grimhorn could control the enemy's movement, while Ironhide supported the formation. Their strengths weren't isolated anymore. They were beginning to complement one another.

Aether's expression carried a hint of satisfaction. "Much better."

He checked his energy reserves. Maintaining five powerful manifestations simultaneously still consumed considerable Origin Energy. His Infinite Origin Physique continued drawing in and refining the surrounding energy, but the absorption couldn't completely compensate for the expenditure. He dismissed the shadows. There was no point exhausting himself simply to prove he could maintain them.

His gaze lingered on the empty clearing. Once his Shadow Authority developed further, their coordination could reach another level. He didn't need more shadows merely for the sake of numbers. He needed an army that could fight intelligently, adapt to changing situations, and operate with minimal intervention. That was the direction worth pursuing.

By evening, the group had gathered for dinner. Their conversation returned to Radiant Summit City, particularly the young cultivators who might participate. Vaelira placed a small information booklet on the table.

"I found something interesting in the regional records. Several famous young cultivators have already announced their participation."

"Anyone particularly troublesome?" Aether asked.

"One name appears repeatedly: a young cultivator from a powerful clan who reportedly defeated several opponents above his own cultivation stage. The records describe him as exceptionally skilled in controlling Origin Energy."

"Sounds interesting," Aether replied.

"There's also an independent cultivator who has challenged several disciples from established factions. His reputation is less consistent, but his victories have attracted attention."

Lyra leaned forward. "So you'll be facing famous geniuses?"

"Possibly."

"And what if they're stronger than you?"

Aether calmly picked up his cup. "Then I'll have to determine how much stronger."

"That's all?"

"What else would you like me to do? Send them an invitation to lose?"

Aria laughed. "Just remember that you don't need to prove yourself to everyone."

"I know."

Aether's expression became slightly more serious. He wasn't going to reveal everything he possessed simply to impress an audience. His physique, his shadows, and the abilities he had developed were valuable advantages. There was no reason to hand opponents information they could use against him. He would fight when necessary, conceal what should remain concealed, and pursue the rewards that mattered. The competition was an opportunity, not an obligation to entertain strangers.

Nearby, Nyx rested beside his chair. Kiyomi was curled up against her, occasionally raising one of her tails as though imitating the larger beast. Nyx glanced down, and Kiyomi immediately straightened. Aether noticed the exchange. "You're learning from the wrong teacher."

Nyx turned her golden eyes toward him, her expression seeming almost offended. Lyra burst into laughter. "You're bullying her now?"

"I'm merely observing."

"That's a very convenient excuse."

Aether shrugged. Kiyomi, apparently deciding that the discussion was over, tucked herself against Nyx again. Nyx allowed it. Aether's gaze softened briefly before he returned to his meal.

The following morning, preparations were nearly complete. Their supplies had been checked, the regional map secured, and the remaining resources organized. The group would travel toward Radiant Summit City together, although their objectives after arrival would differ. Aether would register as an independent cultivator and participate in the competition. The others would continue their own cultivation, research, and exploration. There was no reason to force everyone onto the same path.

As Aether looked toward the distant mountains, his thoughts returned briefly to the Thundercrest Mountain Drake. That encounter had exposed a weakness he couldn't ignore. His abilities were versatile, his physique extraordinary, and his shadows offered advantages most cultivators couldn't replicate. Yet none of those things made him invincible. He needed better energy management, greater control over his abilities, and a deeper understanding of the enemies he faced. The competition would provide opportunities to test those improvements.

Perhaps he would encounter a genuine genius. Perhaps he would discover an unexpected technique or resource. Or perhaps someone would give him a reason to remember their name. Aether's lips curved slightly.

"Let's go."

The group departed Stonehaven, leaving the settlement behind as the road toward Radiant Summit City stretched before them. Across Astralis, countless young cultivators were preparing for the same event. Some carried the expectations of ancient clans. Others represented powerful sects. A few had spent years building reputations through their own strength.

Aether carried none of those affiliations. He would enter as an independent cultivator, with only his own strength and the abilities he had earned. He didn't need a faction to announce his arrival. If he performed well enough, the people watching would remember him without being told to.