The disciples of the Blazing Sun sect, battered and humiliated, found themselves outside the teahouse, nursing their wounds and nursing a seething anger towards Orion and Lily.
Though their bodies may have been bruised, their pride remained unyielding, fueling their desire for revenge.
As they regrouped, their faces twisted with frustration and fury, the disciples knew they were powerless at that moment.
They shouted their threats, their voices laced with venom and determination. "We will get you later!" they cried, their words carrying an ominous weight.
Orion and Lily, their resolve unshaken, regarded the disciples with calm yet vigilant eyes. They understood the depth of resentment and the need to remain cautious.
While their actions had temporarily subdued the immediate threat, they knew that the disciples would seek an opportunity to retaliate.
The customers and the attendant, witnessing the exchange from inside the teahouse, felt a mixture of concern and admiration for Orion and Lily's unwavering courage. They understood that the confrontation had not reached its conclusion.
As the last echoes of the disciples' threats dissipated outside the teahouse, the attendant, her gratitude overflowing, approached Orion with a warm smile, "Thank you once again."
Orion acknowledged her gratitude with a nod and a modest smile. "It is okay," he replied, his voice carrying a touch of humility.
The attendant, still brimming with appreciation, continued to speak, her words flowing with a blend of curiosity and excitement. "Also, I want to ask you, are you here to enter the tournament in the arena?"
Orion was taken aback by the attendant's mention of a tournament. He hadn't been aware of such an event taking place in the city. His surprise was evident on his face as he looked at her, waiting for her to elaborate.
The attendant, perceptive to Orion's reaction, interpreted his expression and spoke with a hint of curiosity, "It seems that you don't know about it?"
Orion shook his head slightly, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. "No, I am not aware of any tournament happening here," he admitted, his tone tinged with intrigue. "Could you please enlighten me?"
A smile played on the attendant's lips as she sensed Orion's genuine interest. She took a moment to compose her thoughts, eager to share the details of the renowned tournament.
"The tournament in the arena is a celebrated event that is held yearly," the attendant began, her voice carrying a sense of reverence. "But this time, the prize is so good that it has garnered the attention of people from near and far."
Orion's interest was piqued at the mention of an extraordinary prize. He leaned in slightly, his eyes fixed on the attendant, captivated by her words.
"The allure of this year's tournament lies not only in the display of martial prowess but also in the remarkable reward awaiting the victor," she continued, her voice tinged with excitement. "The organizers have spared no expense to offer a prize that is truly unparalleled."
The attendant's words hung in the air, enveloping Orion in a wave of curiosity and anticipation. His mind began to wander, envisioning the possibilities of what such a remarkable reward could entail.
The attendant's voice took on a tone of reverence as she delved deeper into the tournament's significance. "It is said that the tournament serves as a gathering ground for disciples from various big sects. They come from far and wide, drawn by the allure of the prize and the opportunity to prove their worth."
Orion's eyes widened at the mention of disciples from renowned sects converging upon the tournament. He could only imagine the level of skill and expertise that would be on display as disciples sought to showcase their sect's superiority.
"It is not just about personal glory," the attendant continued, her voice filled with admiration for the disciples' dedication. "The sects themselves have a vested interest in the tournament, as it serves as a platform to establish dominance and secure their reputation."
Orion nodded, understanding the intricate dynamics at play. The tournament wasn't merely a display of individual talent; it held the potential to shape the power balance among the sects, leading to alliances forged and rivalries deepened.
"The sects send their most promising disciples, those who have trained rigorously for years, honing their skills in preparation for this very moment," the attendant elaborated.
Her voice was then carrying a hint of excitement. "They come with the hope of not only claiming the prize but also elevating their sect's standing and influence."
Orion's admiration for the disciples grew as he imagined the dedication and discipline they must possess to represent their sects on such a grand stage.
Just as Orion was fully immersed in the attendant's captivating description of the tournament, she dropped a bombshell that left him stunned. "The prize is a young fire dragon for the winner," she revealed, her voice carrying a mix of awe and excitement.
Orion's eyes widened in astonishment as the words sank in. The prize he had stumbled upon in this town went beyond his wildest expectations.
He had come here with a singular purpose, 'to search for a beast with a dragon bloodline,' but fate seemed to have aligned his path with a chance at something even greater.
The attendant's revelation filled him with a mix of excitement and disbelief. A young fire dragon, a creature of immense power and rarity, was the prize awaiting the victor.
As the attendant's words echoed in his ears, Orion's mind raced with possibilities. A fire dragon, with its fiery breath and majestic presence, was a legendary creature coveted by many.
Its power could reshape the fate of battles and the balance of power among sects. she then turned his gaze to Lily, his sister and companion.
Lily possessed a remarkable talent, her martial skills surpassing many of their peers. If anyone was deserving of such a prize, it was her.
Orion's decision crystallized in his mind. He would step aside and let Lily take part in the tournament, allowing her to showcase her abilities and compete for the fire dragon.
The thought of witnessing her growth and witnessing the unleashing of her true potential filled him with a sense of pride and anticipation.