Chapter 35 – Rewards
"I surrender."
Flux's voice rang out across the arena, calm and unwavering.
For a single heartbeat, the world stood still.
Then came the thunder.
A tidal wave of cheers erupted from every direction. The crowd rose to their feet, a sea of clapping hands and cheering voices, roaring in approval—not just for the victor, but for the fierce battle they had witnessed.
High above the arena, the presiding elder raised his hand, his voice echoing across the coliseum, amplified by spiritual force.
"The winner of this tournament—Xavier Reu!"
Applause shook the very walls. The sound of joy, reverence, and awe fused into a single roar that rolled like thunder.
Xavier lowered his sword, but his eyes never left Flux. He didn't raise his hands in triumph. He didn't smile. He stood still—more statue than man—expression unreadable.
Medical attendants rushed onto the stage, kneeling beside Flux's almost collapsed form. Though his eyes remained open, his body trembled with spiritual fatigue, on the edge of collapse.
As they carefully lifted him onto a stretcher, Xavier continued to watch.
He muttered softly, voice lost beneath the cheers.
"Where did he come from…?"
His gaze drifted upward toward the clouds. A faint breeze tugged at his robes.
"He wasn't the one I was supposed to face in the finals. Another butterfly effect?"
---
Inside the medical pavilion, the chaos of the arena faded into silence.
Flux sat on a low bed, breath slow and steady. His limbs ached. His core felt hollow.
The attendants had just finished their examination.
"You're stable," one of them said respectfully. "With a day or two of rest, you'll be back to full strength."
Flux gave a faint nod. "Thank you. But… I'd like to be alone now."
They hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances, but bowed and filed out quietly.
As the door closed, the silence deepened like a pool.
"…Haa." Flux exhaled, sinking into the bed's soft frame. "I really ran out of energy this time."
His shoulders slumped. A moment later, soft mist began to rise from his skin, curling around him like steam.
With a shimmer of light, the illusion broke.
In the mirror across from the bed sat a childlike figure—pale-haired, fox-eared, and faintly glowing. His small frame seemed delicate, but the aura around him was anything but.
Two fluffy tails swayed behind him.
He stared at his reflection and groaned.
"It's been a while since Im In my true form."
He wiggled his fingers, scowling.
"If I'd stayed onstage even a few seconds longer… tch, the whole arena would've seen this."
He shivered.
"I can already hear Ryo's voice. 'You're a what now?!' Ugh. That guy cannot know. Ever."
He rubbed his temples.
But he wasn't alone.
---
Far above the arena, within a private chamber encircled by runic jade and concealing veils, a circle of Nascent Soul elders sat in quiet contemplation.
Their spiritual senses had long pierced through Flux's illusion.
"So that's his true form?" murmured one elder, stroking a beard like flowing silver. "I assumed he was a runaway noble girl in disguise… but a child? A fox-child at that."
The golden-eyed woman to his left chuckled softly. "Demon fox bloodline. Quite rare. And look at those tails. Two already… if he's this young, he may grow more with short time."
"And the aura around him…" said a third, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "His qi isn't unstable. In fact, it's incredibly refined for someone at his apparent age."
Another elder frowned. "I don't sense any guards with him. Since he entered the city, he's moved alone. Could he be… a runaway? A scion from a demon clan sent into the human lands?"
"The demon territories lie far beyond the east mountains," someone added. "To appear here, in the Blue River Prefecture of all places… it's no mere accident."
A silent pause followed.
Then one elder leaned forward, voice low.
"Some demon clan heirs are born directly at Foundation Establishment… he might be one. His presence in this tournament… may be a test."
"Or exile," another muttered. "Either way, if we interfere, we could draw the attention of their higher bloodlines."
There was a heavy pause.
Finally, the oldest among them—the one who hadn't spoken until now—opened his eyes.
"Then we act as though we saw nothing."
The others turned to him.
"We will not interfere," he said. "Whether he is hiding or being hunted, we are not his guardians. If he brings trouble, we deal with it then."
The others nodded slowly.
"Agreed."
"Let fate guide his path."
---
Back in the medical room, Flux's ears twitched. A faint prickle danced down his spine.
"… felt like Someone's watching me."
He looked up, eyes narrowing slightly. The presence was faint, nearly imperceptible—but not nonexistent.
"Elders, huh?" he murmured. "they already noticed my disguise from the beginning I think?. And yet… not a word."
He sat back with a sigh. "Well, as long as Ryo doesn't find out, I'll live."
He sat cross-legged, forming a simple hand seal. Threads of silver qi began to circle him, entering his pores like drifting smoke. His body pulsed gently as he began to recover.
---
An hour passed in peace.
Then—knock knock.
"What is it?," Flux said, his voice calm.
"Senior Elder requests your presence at the arena stage," said an attendant from behind the door. "The rewards ceremony is about to begin."
Flux blinked.
"…Right."
He rose to his feet with a quiet grunt. With a flick of his wrist, his illusion shimmered back into place. The child disappeared. In his place stood the familiar, quiet-eyed teenager once again.
The tails vanished, his features sharpened. He tightened his sash, adjusted his outer robe, and placed his hat neatly on his head.
"Okay. Back to work."
He stepped out and followed the corridor back toward the grand arena.
---
The arena was still mostly full, many spectators refusing to leave until they had witnessed the rewards ceremony.
The golden banners fluttered in the wind. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the whole stage in warm, amber light.
Xavier stood alone near the front of the platform, quiet and dignified. Further back, Selina and Rai waited with patient expressions.
Flux walked up and joined them, nodding briefly.
Selina gave him a curious glance. "Recovered already?"
"Huh? Mostly," Flux replied.
Rai grinned. "Dude, that final attack was so powerful. I thought you were gonna pass out."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Flux muttered.
The elder presiding over the ceremony stepped forward, his sleeves fluttering as he raised his voice.
"To all participants of the Blue River Prefecture Tournament, our deepest thanks. Whether you come from sects, clans, or wander alone, your courage has made this an unforgettable event."
Applause swept through the crowd like a gentle wave.
"And to the honored guests from all across the province—your presence has brought prestige and excitement to this gathering. Now, let the reward ceremony begin."
He called Selina first.
"Selina of Crimson Vail Sect—1,000 middle-grade spirit stones, and your choice of a top-tier Foundation Establishment item.
She stepped forward gracefully, bowing deeply. "Many thanks to the Prefecture Council."
Then came Rai.
"Rai of Iron Thunder Sect—1,000 middle-grade spirit stones, and your choice of a top-tier Foundation Establishment item."
Rai gave a goofy salute before bowing formally. "Thank you, Senior Elder."
Then the name many waited for.
"Flux, independent cultivator."
A soft murmur passed through the crowd.
He walked forward, calm and silent.
"For your remarkable performance and reaching the final round without sect or clan backing—you are awarded 1,500 middle-grade spirit stones."
The elder offered him a shimmering jade token.
"You are also granted one full year of cultivation within the Blessed Land of Blue River Prefecture. Additionally, you may choose one weapon suited to your path."
Flux bowed deeply. "I am honored."
He stepped to the weapon rack. After a few breaths of quiet inspection, he selected a sleek sword—lightweight, with a gentle curve and faint silver runes along its spine.
As he returned to his place, Xavier was called forward.
"Xavier Reu of Blue Mist Mountain Sect—2,000 middle-grade spirit stones. A top-tier Foundation Establishment item. Full-year access to the Blessed Land. And…"
The elder raised a hand. A new token floated through the air, radiating subtle pressure.
"…a personal invitation to the Prefecture Treasury. You may select one treasure, without restriction."
The crowd gasped.
Even some of the Sects elders arched their brows.
Xavier accepted the token without fanfare. He bowed, eyes calm.
The elder smiled faintly. "May all four of you rise ever higher. The path of cultivation is long, but today, you've taken a great stride."
Applause rose once more.