Eternal Emerald Dragon

Chapter 1438 - 1437 - A Lady Never Tells

The Heaven Realm battles were fast paced but ultimately not as exciting as Immortals. Heaven Realms could bring a lot of power but they were focused more on integrating secondary elements into their existing framework.

Even Sun Tiers, that were considered experts, paled in comparison to those that could lose a limb and keep going.

Yet, the betting pools still kept it exciting for many of the audience. Certain sections cheered despite a mediocre win.

Romana ignored them as she cultivated on the side. She was awaiting her turn as she was now a Shard Tier. She was almost at the peak but had refused to push herself after reaching the 2nd tier of Immortality.

Her pristine white robes only had the emblem of the sect but no office. It was one of the few requirements for the tournament. No elder or officer of a power could exert their authority in the tournament.

Thus, for the duration of the tournament, any badge of office is removed for anyone participating.

She marveled at the power of the weavings around her. She saw Immortals conjure pure armageddon in various elemental attacks but the wards did not even shift. Cyclones, earthquakes, or any other phenomena remained contained safely from the crowd.

They could still enjoy the power and devastation but never worry about being wiped out by the interaction alone.

She was actually getting inspired by some of her seniors as she was able to watch Crystal and Radiant Tiers fighting away at each other.

[Contestant 4137, your match in ring 17 is about to begin.] A voice suddenly entered her mind and she stood up. She quickly followed the instructions from the jade slip she had been issued on arrival.

Her duel ring was near the center of the designated area. Like all the others, it shimmered with a powerful weaving to isolate it.

The duels were straightforward in that it was a simple raised platform no more than 30 meters across.

It allowed for some quick maneuvers, but it was still limited.

She hopped up on the platform and saw her opponent was a middle aged looking man. He had a scar down one cheek but she could feel his power as well as see how easily he moved.

"What is this? They let children come to die here?" She frowned at his arrogance but simply stayed silent. His blue eyes narrowed at her but he said nothing more.

A dragon in human shape entered the ring and both flinched at the feeling. She knew they were a Sovereign Tier but that was not all, she felt like she was in front of Lind once more.

He had to be one of the Harmonic Dragons. His robes were wine red with dark red eyes. His hair was so dark it seemed to absorb light.

"A reminder that these battles are non-lethal. It is only an elimination round. If I detect any attempt to kill the opponent, it will be stopped." She bowed but the man only huffed.

"Just get this farce over with." He produced a massive broadsword that shimmered with power. Her eyes narrowed as she felt Law Grade power coming off the blade.

The dragon also narrowed his eyes but that was all. She had no such artifact or weapon like that, but then again, she was taught far better methods.

He took a stance with the blade ready to strike and his feet ready to launch. It was not a bad stance but she sneered as she felt both air and water flicker around him.

The dragon stepped back and raised his right arm. She noticed it held a cylinder with some kind of jade stone on the end. She had no idea what it did until it lit up with yellow. It made a sound and went green as his arm dropped.

She understood, it was a way to ensure no one got an advantage by sensing audible waves or other preparations from the judge.

The artifact also likely engaged the weavings for the fights.

She felt the air shift and snapped her back to the fight but she simply smiled. She took a single step forward and the man roared as his sword reflected the sunlight at her. It was a clear lethal attack but she never deviated from her path.

The blade sliced through her body with ease, far too much ease! Shock flashed in the man's face as not a single drop of blood or damage to her robes occurred.

She simply raised her left hand and sliced downward. His chainmail shattered like glass as he was sent flying backward. He slammed into the barrier before crumpling in a heap on the platform.

It was so fast that even the dragon was left shocked before he raised the artifact once more and it glowed red with a horn sound.

"Winner: Maiden Romana!" She smiled as she bowed to the defeated foe before turning to leave.

Yet, the dragon actually came up to her with confusion.

"I know you did not cheat but I need an explanation for my report. What was that?" She narrowed her eyes at that. She then smiled wide before tilting her head at him. It made him blink but that was all.

"You might want to re-think your request. This is my only warning." His face went from calm curiosity to anger. His aura flared but she noticed the barrier reacted. It seemed a restriction activated as a warning.

He glanced at it but then turned back.

"I can disqualify you if I suspect you cheated. The battle will be reviewed and there will be no doubt you did something not allowed." She shook her head. There was no malice in his words but she understood how young the person was in front of her.

She was easily twice his age but he did not seem to know that.

She instead summoned a communication jade stone that was bright emerald. The dragon laughed at her.

"No one can help–" Space suddenly tore open and Romana smiled as Shoti walked in like she owned the world. The dragon froze in terror as his eyes went wide.

"Romana! You made it! Why haven't you reached out?!" Shoti's energetic greeting only made the dragon pale but Romana was not forgiving.

"Your judge wanted me to explain how I fight. He said he had to report if I cheated or not." The temperature dropped like a stone. The multiple cracking sounds were actually all Romana perceived before she saw the dragon was ensnared in elemental whips.

They were not conjured either but a true Law Grade weapon! She was intrigued how that worked but focused on what was about to happen.

"You are–Nelvar, correct?" He nodded quickly as that was all he was allowed. "You tried to pry into a lady's secret without cause. You know very well that Lind's weavings would detect most attempts to bypass them. Further, as you clearly see, she is a friend."

He nodded vigorously but Shoti was not so forgiving either.

"What would you like me to do with him?" Her question to Romana made the man squirm but Romana only smiled.

"A lady never tells her secrets, so I suppose he is single?" Shoti actually shrugged. It was impossible to track all the relationships unless they volunteered about themselves. The dragon, however, flinched to confirm her guess.

"I suppose we could out him to the female dragons…" She put a finger to her cheek and smiled sweetly at him hanging in the air. His panic was clear and he was sweating buckets now.

"It was time." A voice spoke up as the swordsman slowly sat up. His face was covered in blood but otherwise uninjured. He swallowed a pill and looked immediately better. "She did something with time but I do not understand what."

Understanding flooded the dragon but only regret filled him.

"So, you wanted to steal the technique or Art Romana used to win so easily? Lind will deal with you once he finishes his current round." Shoti tapped something on her handle and the whips lit up.

Space distorted and the dragon vanished! Romana was now shocked but only snapped out of it when she was dragged off the platform.

"Come, let's catch up before your next fight!" Romana suspected Shoti was shirking responsibilities but then a young woman with similar features came pelting out of the tunnel leading to the arena.

She had bright forest green hair and what seemed like partial scales on her skin. Her eyes were also partially vertical but her Sun Tier aura felt on part with an Immortal!

"Mom! You left the monitor room so suddenly. Is everything all right?!" Shoti looked a little guilty before quickly sending a message. The young woman looked at Romana confused until several more tears in space appeared.

Romana sighed as she was suddenly surrounded by her friends.

"It is good to see you, Romana. How are you enjoying the tournament?" Kora was happy to see her but Romana was now frustrated.

"You all need to go back to your jobs! We will catch up later! I have a bout shortly!" It was true but Cyntilla only smirked before a slate was summoned that she punched something into.

"You have 2 days before your next fight. You are not getting away that easily." Romana loved them but her current body–wait a moment?!

"How did you recognize me?" Lind had issued the jade stones to several people. It might have identified her but all of them seemed familiar with her new body.

Qing laughed before she simply pointed at the emerald token Romana had on her belt. It held her identity for all to see?!

"Regardless, you are not getting away from us for a day. Come on!" They pulled her to the side where all could see she was being pelted with endless questions but Romana felt a smile spread on her face.

She had missed them. They all had a deep connection and she was glad to see them.

The battles continued.