The Rise of the Black Plain

"Yes, after we resolve these issues with these criminals and stop by the Kingdom of the Waves to work something out, we'll head to the Flaming Empire," Minos commented as he looked at Gloria and winked at Abby.

As Abby smiled at Minos, Gloria continued to play with his hair and asked. "Do you think we will resolve this situation in a short time? Considering your last war, why don't you imagine resolving this will take several years?"

He then answered her. "The Black Plain's War of Independence and this situation are different. Before, I had no power, no influence, not enough allies to fight and win a confrontation in a short time."

"But today, I have all that, and I still have you and your Church to ensure the region's safety. So, unless countless people start defying the laws of the Church, I am confident of ending this situation in a short time."

"Oh? You have that much power on your side?" She smiled curiously. "From what I heard, there will be tens of thousands of enemy Spiritual Kings, right? How are you going to deal with that many people? Spiritual Emperors are strong, but even I would die if I tried to face so many opponents."

"As I said before, dear Gloria, I'm a little stronger than you, hehe." He squeezed one of her thighs as she looked at him intently. 

"Is that so? And why don't we train together so you can show me that? I don't want to hear you repeating those arrogant things without having proof."

He noted the slightly annoyed look on her face, but still with the loving expression typical of this beauty. "I would love to do that, but before such a thing, you must choose between the Church and me. Only when you can keep my secrets from the people in your organization will I show you all that I am capable of."

'What does that mean?' She looked at him, full of curiosity in her eyes, not understanding what Minos was so afraid of.

He then continued his previous words. "In any case, as long as there aren't dozens of Spiritual Emperors or a Spiritual Saint among the opponents, we will be able to deal with these criminals in no time."

"Then, after we settle Abby's affairs in the Kingdom of the Waves, we will travel to the Flaming Empire."

Gloria and Ruth already knew about the inheritance from the Goddess of Life, so when Minos mentioned such a thing, they both readily understood what he wanted to find in the Kingdom of the Waves.

There were still some months until the deadline he promised the Walker family would expire, so Minos was in no hurry to take his wife to that place just because she had already reached level 60.

Gloria then said. "All right, I will take you to order your Black-grade techniques and buy copies of Silver-grade techniques when the time comes." 

"I'll be your tour guide..."

They smiled at that comment and soon began to plan this trip. "But don't get too excited, Gloria. When we leave the northern region, we will travel little by little through those states neighboring our region and the empire..."

...

A few more days passed, and finally, the last day of competitions on the Black Plain ended.

After almost a month of fighting and daily matches, 99% of the competitors had been eliminated, leaving only the finalists who fought on this day.

The final had been a memorable one, with several battles that would probably remain in the memories of the millions of people who followed this event on the final stage or in the streets of the capital.

On the other hand, Minos and his family had followed the last day of this event from start to end, and as much as they were not impressed with the level of this type of competition, they had seen good things today.

Because of how successful their initiative had been, the core of the local royalty had not been too bored with having to follow the event planned by Ruth.

With that, as the audience of over 100,000 people continued in their seats in the Dry City Stadium, Gloria walked ahead of several young people, heading for the VIP area, where Minos was.

Minos, Abby, and Ruth continued in that VIP area protected by spirit arrays, hiding their levels from the curious while they waited to award those young people.

After this day, each of them would become a soldier in the local army, and they would already have to follow the rules of such an organization. So, allowing them to sense Minos' level would not be a problem.

In any case, Minos intended to act in a few more days, so holding these people would not be a problem.

Anyway, after the narrator finished announcing all the names of the competitors who would have the chance to join the army, more than 150 names, the group of young people who achieved first place finally entered Minos' area.

This group had competitors who reached first place in each tournament stage. In this group were nine spiritual professionals, one individual warrior, and four warriors from the group that won the collective battles. 

When they met the royal family on that special balcony, the 14 youths swallowed their saliva as they watched the three young Spiritual Emperors in front of them.

'All of them are already at the 7th stage!' A young woman from the Kingdom of the End looked at Minos' handsome face and blushed, confirming why her state had lost in the war and subjected itself to this person. 'Not for nothing! He is amazing!'

On the other hand, the young man from the Stone family in that group was not so surprised by this. He did not know anything about it, but he already expected Minos to be a Spiritual Emperor. 'It will be impossible to beat his record!'

'He's under 30 and is already at that level. Who among us will achieve that?'

As Minos and his wives were already handing out those youths' medals, this being broadcast to the people in that stadium and the city, a young man from the Cromwell Kingdom, asked. "Your Majesty, how will we beat the record? That is impossible."

"Is it?" Minos laughed and pointed in Lee's direction. "That one over there is about five years younger than me, and already at level 56, he'll have a chance to do the impossible, even though he only has one Black talent."

Abby then complemented her husband's line. "So, don't worry about beating Minos' record or mine. Just think that your competitor is that one over there."

All the youths there looked toward the individual getting a tug of the ear from a beautiful woman. 'Duke and Duchess Hunt!' They recognized such a prominent couple.

After that, each of those young people greeted the rest of the people there, such as Abby's parents, Dillian and Abby.

Meanwhile, the audience was finally starting to leave the stands, happy for all they saw and sad that such a competition was over.

"Oh, that was so awesome! I never thought it would be so cool!" One young man commented to his group on one of the exit stairs.

"Hmm, my grandfather always told me about the Spiritual Tournament and how I should watch it one day... And indeed, watching this kind of competition up close brings an incredible feeling to the soul!"

"I feel motivated because of it!"

A group of elders in another part of that stadium was also discussing the competition days. "It was terrific!"

"Hmm, even more so considering that many young rogue cultivators showed up at this event, and some of them were not called up by the local army."

"That's our chance!"

Minos' team had chosen the best candidates to join his army. But those who, even with potential, did not show some results in the competition naturally lost their chance to join this organization.

Because of this, many people were now available for these regional families to attract to their sides.

The best of all?

Since it made no difference whether or not they were part of regional organizations to enter the army, they would most likely join these powers to try to enter the army again in the future.

With that, many had won in this competition period and were now preparing to return to their homes and states with their winnings or experiences.

"Luckily, this competition will take place at shorter intervals than the Spiritual Tournament... I'll have a chance to return in a few years!" One young man who did not get one of the spots clenched his fists in determination as he watched the group of winners bid farewell to the royal family.