The air above the academy grew heavy.
Not because of Asura.
Not yet.
But because of who was coming.
The sky cracked with black lightning as a strange chariot descended—dragged by two abyssal beasts with molten chains wrapped around their necks.
The students of the academy, from the lowest outer disciples to the highest core elites, paused mid-training.
"Is that… from the Demonfang Kingdom?"
"No. Not just any envoy… that's royalty."
As the chariot landed with a quake, the temperature dropped. Bloodlust flooded the entire plaza like a suffocating tide.
The gate opened.
And from it stepped a tall figure in crimson-black robes, long hair cascading like midnight fire, eyes glowing with demonic sigils that flickered with ancient runes.
He wasn't just strong. He wasn't just demonic.
He was angry.
Name: Raizel Nocthym, 4th Prince of the Demonfang Kingdom
Bloodline: Mixed blood of a Supreme Demon and an Abyss Phoenix
Title: Abyssal Flame Monarch
Goal: Find Asura. Challenge him. Break him.
Reason: Ten years ago, during the first Demon War, his older brother—the Crown Prince—was killed in a mysterious battle…
And the last words burned into his dying memory?
"He was smiling. Like a damn human… but his aura was ancient. Like he had lived a thousand lives."
Raizel never forgot those words.
And now, with Asura's aura awakening and echoing through the continent… Raizel knew.
"It was you, wasn't it? The reincarnated bastard who stole my brother's life."
Meanwhile… Asura Awakens
Inside his secluded training hall, Asura sat still, his body bathed in faint crimson lotus flames.
The Crimson World Lotus Core had completely merged with his qi sea.
His body had changed.
His qi was now sentient, responding to his thoughts.
His flames could consume other elements—not just burn them.
His aura… made weak-willed enemies kneel from kilometers away.
"This power," Asura whispered, opening his eyes, "is just a stepping stone."
"And still… I feel incomplete."
He could sense it—another force approaching. One filled with hate, darkness… and familiarity.
Someone from my past…
Academy Disruption
The inner courtyard exploded into chaos as Raizel walked in uninvited, escorted by two elders of the Demonfang Kingdom.
"Where is he?" Raizel asked calmly.
"Who?" an elder responded, confused.
Raizel smiled slightly.
"The reincarnated one. The flame-borne demon. The thief of destinies."
He crushed the jade badge in his hand.
BOOOOOM!
A massive pressure surged out, knocking several disciples to the ground.
Raizel turned to the elder.
"I'll be staying here. As a student. Try and stop me."
The academy's Head Council convened instantly. But the Demonfang Kingdom's elders brought with them an ancient decree, signed by the Continental Martial Alliance.
"He is to attend as a diplomatic student... under special observation."
They had no choice.
Word Reaches Asura
Asura stood on top of the training pagoda, watching the distant black aura rise from the academy's plaza.
"Took him long enough."
Beside him, Lira narrowed her eyes.
"You know him?"
"Not really. But he knows me. Or who I used to be."
"Are you worried?"
Asura smiled, carefree.
"Nah. I'm just wondering how long he'll last before kneeling."
Raizel's Challenge – Public and Brutal
Two days later, Raizel stood in the Battle Coliseum, surrounded by thousands of students.
"Asura!" he shouted, voice laced with dark fire. "I challenge you. Not tomorrow. Not later. Now."
"You took something from me."
"Let me return the favor… by taking your pride."
Asura stepped into the coliseum, hands behind his head, bored expression on his face.
"You talk too much. Let's fight."
The arena turned silent.
The Flame of the Phoenix met the Lotus of the World.
And as the clash began—flames, shadows, and ancient qi shattered the air—the continent trembled again.
End of Chapter 86