Chapter 181 Challenge: It's Time to Leave
The atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable as Crixus's challenge hung in the air.
His proposal to challenge Balor for the position of Prime Disciple sent shockwaves through the gathered disciples.
Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire as they realized the implications of the ancient sect rule he was invoking.
The Sect Leader's eyes flickered with interest, a faint smile playing on his lips.
He expected the father and son duo to play this card. "You wish to challenge Balor for the position of Prime Disciple?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of history.
Crixus nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes, Sect Leader. As per the old rule, if the Prime Disciple is defeated once, he must relinquish his position to the victor."
Balor's expression was a mix of surprise and intrigue, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed Crixus's intent.
He seemed taken aback by the challenge, yet he did not appear ready to back down. Arthur had already given him a heads up on this.
"I accept," Balor replied, his voice steady and determined.
Balor's response was even more shocking to the disciples present as they all knew the staggering difference between the cultivation levels of the two.
They wondered what gave Balor the gut.
"However, I assume you have a proposal considering our different cultivation levels," Balor smiled a little.
Crixus raised a brow and spoke, "You are right. Since the difference in our cultivation levels is substantial, we shall settle this through the Grand Martial Arts Tournament."
The gathered disciples exchanged glances, intrigued by the swift turn of events.
The Grand Martial Arts Tournament was a prestigious event within the sect, where disciples from various factions competed to showcase their strength.
Crixus's lips curled into a confident smile.
"The highest rank in the Grand Martial Arts Tournament shall claim the position of Prime Disciple."
Balor exchanged glances with Arthur and then nodded firmly, "Agreed."
Many became shocked again and hushed whispers went around.
"Isn't this too unfair? There's no way Balor can catch up to Crixus before the tournament so Crixus is bound to win."
"Who knows maybe the founder had granted him some heaven defying cultivation method so this is giving confidence."
"That could be true or this was all planned and Balor had already given up on the position from the start."
"Yeah, cause if you ask me, this all looked staged," some remained suspicious but only time will tell.
Meanwhile, amidst the backdrop of the unfolding drama, Kira approached Arthur.
Her eyes held a mixture of emotions—gratitude, determination, and a hint of sadness.
She had received a message immediately she returned from the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm and they meant she had to leave the sect.
"Invincible," she began, her voice calm and cold, "thank you for this time, consider your debt paid."
Arthur looked at her with a hint of understanding though her emotions left him confused. "Okay. I'll see you around then," he smiled like he understood what was going on.
Although Kira felt the knowing look in his eyes was weird, she nodded and left.
Arthur's attention then shifted to Mark, who stood a bit distant, observing the scene.
"Mark," Arthur called, his voice inviting.
Mark approached, his expression was one of surprise. He didn't think Arthur would speak to him on his own accord.
'Guess I misjudged him,' he thought.
"You have grown stronger my friend. Keep honing your skills, Mark," Arthur chuckled and advised, his tone encouraging. "You have great potential, and I believe you can achieve remarkable feats."
A smile tugged at the corners of Mark's lips, his determination reignited. "Thank you, Invincible. I'll make sure to work hard."
And then he chatted with Mark about other things as they descended from the mountain.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm hue across the surroundings, the events of the day came to a close.
The disciples dispersed, each lost in their thoughts and aspirations. Balor followed the Sect Leader who had matters to discuss with him and Crixus left with his father and Julius in tow.
Finally, night settled over the sect, and Arthur found himself in his residence.
He summoned Luke, Balor, and Sun Wukong, the trio who had been part of his journey through the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm.
Arthur's residence was bathed in a soft glow, the air tinged with a sense of anticipation as Luke, Balor, and Sun Wukong gathered.
As they stood before him, Arthur couldn't help but notice a subtle change in Sun Wukong's demeanor—a shift that Sun Wukong tried to conceal under his usual veneer of playfulness.
Ignoring the change for now, Arthur addressed them with a sense of purpose. "So, it's time for me to return to the empire and attend to my responsibilities as the crown prince."
Luke and Balor exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and understanding passing between them.
"You two will accompany me," Arthur continued, his gaze shifting between Luke and Sun Wukong. "Balor, I'm entrusting you with the role of leading the Invincible Sword Faction in my absence. You've grown immensely during our time in the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm, and I have confidence in your leadership."
Balor's expression was a mix of determination and humility as he nodded. "I won't disappoint you, Master."
"Good, remember what we talked about. Just do things according to the plan."
Balor nodded and Arthur said a few more this before he dismissed Luke and Balor, asking them to make the necessary arrangements for their departure.
He then turned his attention to Sun Wukong, who lingered behind.
"Sun Wukong," Arthur began, his tone calm, "I sense a change in you."
Sun Wukong's grin remained in place, but his eyes held a flicker of unease. "Oh, come on, Invincible. You're might just be overthinking things."
Arthur's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Is the Monkey King back?"
Sun Wukong's grin froze...
Arthur's gaze remained unwavering. "You can't hide much from me, Wukong. So, tell me, how much of the true you has awakened?"
Sun Wukong's demeanor shifted. His aura became more focused, his posture straightened, and a hint of seriousness replaced his usual playfulness.
He clutched his staff, and a spark of anger gleamed in his eyes. "How do you know about that?"
Arthur's grin widened. "Let's just say I have my sources."
"How much do you know?" Sun Wukong's voice carried a note of urgency, and he pointed his staff at Arthur.
Arthur leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. "Enough to understand the situation."
Frustration and resignation warred within Sun Wukong's expression. "Fine, Invincible. You seem to know more than you should, but that doesn't change by plans. I can't stay and play gang with you little children so I'll be leaving soon."
Sun Wukong turned to leave.
Arthur's tone was calm but firm. "We had a deal, Wukong. You agreed to work for me until you defeated me."
Sun Wukong's eyes flared with defiance. "That was the old me talking!"
A solemn realization dawned on Sun Wukong's face as he recalled an unbreakable oath he had taken by the heavens—a promise that bound him to his word, no matter his personal desires.
Arthur smiled, "You know wha will happen if you go back on it. You don't want to get noticed by the Heavens this early do you?"
The Monkey King's anger flared anew. "I just have to defeat you right? How hard can it be? Let's go. Right here, right now!"
Arthur's laugh was hearty. "No, not today. I have other matters to attend to before I leave the sect."
Sun Wukong's fists clenched in frustration, but he understood the practicality of Arthur's words.
He couldn't force it or things might get complicated.
"What time then," he growled.
"Tommorow, at sunset when we would have left the sect."
"Humph! Get ready for a beat down kid!"
As Sun Wukong stormed off, Alfred Stone, the enigmatic old man Whitebeard, materialized before Arthur.
"Young master, it's time to go," Alfred's deep voice resonated with urgency. "There's urgent news at the palace."
Arthur's expression turned serious. The time for departure had come, he had to prepare for the tournament.
"Okay, make the arrangements with Sect Leader. I have some things to discuss with him. And also does Father know about Julius and his father?"
"Yes, young master. The Emperor is aware."
"I see then. Is there anything I need to know?"
"The Emperor has said that you can do as you wishes. He trusts your judgement."
"I see. That's good then. I want to be alone for now."
"Acknowledged," Alfred disappeared jus like that.
Arthur took a breath and vanished from where he sat and appeared within the inner world of the Serene Palace Painting.
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