Chương 43: Crimson Crater Kingdom

Cultivation World - Approaching the Crimson Crater Kingdom The Ark began its descent through a layer of clouds, and Lia pressed her face against the massive viewing windows in amazement. Below them, the landscape opened up to reveal something that defied imagination—a perfectly circular crater that stretched beyond the horizon in every direction.

"Wow," Varek breathed, moving to stand beside her.

"It's enormous."

"One hundred kilometers across," Marcus said with obvious pride, joining them at the window.

"Twenty kilometers deep. The largest inhabited crater in the known world." The sheer scale was mind-boggling. What Lia had initially thought was just a large valley revealed itself to be a massive basin carved from the earth itself. The walls of the crater rose like impossible cliffs on all sides, their red-orange stone catching the afternoon light and giving the entire realm an otherworldly glow.

"How was this created?" Lia asked, unable to keep the awe from her voice. Elena moved to stand on Varek's other side, her expression taking on the reverent tone of someone recounting ancient history.

"Eight thousand years ago, a Nascent Soul cultivator named Aurelius Lifeheart attempted to break through to the Demigod realm. The breakthrough... didn't go as planned." She gestured toward the vast crater spread below them.

"The explosion rocked this world and changed the climate. It shattered mountains, vaporized forests, and left this crater as a permanent scar on the world. But Aurelius wasn't just any cultivator—he had achieved a significant insight into the Dao of Life."

"When he died, his understanding of the Life Dao saturated the entire crater," Marcus continued.

"The explosion didn't just destroy the landscape—it transformed it. The soil, the air, even the stone itself became infused with life essence." As the ark descended deeper into the crater, Lia could see what he meant. The crater walls weren't barren—they were covered in lush vegetation that seemed to glow with inner vitality. Waterfalls cascaded down the red stone faces, creating ribbons of silver that caught the light like liquid diamonds.

"And that's when the Crimson Lotus began to grow," Elena said, pointing toward terraced gardens that lined the crater walls like steps for giants.

"A flower that exists nowhere else." Lia followed her gaze and gasped. Covering the terraced gardens were millions of flowers that seemed to pulse with soft red light. Each bloom was the size of a dinner plate, with petals that shifted from deep crimson to brilliant gold as they moved in the breeze.

"The Crimson Lotus extends life," Marcus explained.

"Not cultivation—actual biological life. A single flower, properly prepared, adds ten years to anyone's natural lifespan. Mortal or cultivator, it doesn't matter." Varek's eyes widened.

"Ten years? That's incredible."

"For mortals, yes," Elena agreed.

"For high-level cultivators who already live for millennia, it's less impressive. The life extension properties only work once but the flower has other properties—when processed correctly, it creates cosmetics and treatments that can help maintain a youthful appearance effectively." The ark continued its descent, and Lia could see that the entire crater was a masterwork of cultivation engineering. Terraced gardens covered the cliffs of the crater.

Small settlements dotted the crater walls, their buildings carved directly into the red stone and glowing with formation light.

"But the real treasure," Marcus said with obvious pride, "is the capital." At the very center of the crater, Lia could see a massive lake of crystal-clear water. The lake itself was nearly twenty kilometers across, and rising from its center was the most beautiful city she had ever seen.

"Crimson City," Elena announced.

"Built on the exact spot where the breakthrough attempt occurred." The city looked like a fusion of ancient Venice and impossible elven fantasy architecture. Elegant buildings of qi-infused stone rose directly from the lake's surface, connected by graceful bridges and waterways that sparkled against the white stone.

"The lake is fed by underground springs that channel the deepest life essence," Marcus explained as their ark began its final approach to landing platforms that extended from the city like delicate fingers.

"The water itself has healing properties. It's a significant tourist destination for its ability to heal significant injuries." But as beautiful as the city was, Lia couldn't help but notice the tension in Marcus and Elena's voices when they spoke about their home. There was something they weren't saying, some concern that shadowed their obvious pride. The ark settled onto one of the landing platforms with barely a tremor, the advanced stabilization formations ensuring a smooth arrival.

As they prepared to disembark, Elena turned to face them with an expression that was suddenly serious.

"Before we enter the city properly," she said, her earlier warmth replaced by something more formal, "there's something Marcus and I need to discuss with you. About why we truly invited you here." Marcus nodded grimly.

"The hospitality we've shown you isn't just kindness. We need your help." Varek's hand moved instinctively toward his sword hilt.

"What kind of help?"

"The kind that involves fighting," Elena replied honestly.

"And potentially dying. But also the kind that could secure the future of our entire kingdom." Lia felt the shadow leech stir uneasily on her chest, responding to the sudden tension in the air.

"Perhaps," Marcus said, gesturing toward the magnificent city before them, "we should discuss this somewhere more private. What we're about to tell you involves the survival of everything you see before you." As they walked down the ark's stairway, Lia sighed and thought internally "everything has a price." Cultivation World - Crimson City, Royal Palace The palace complex rose from the center of the lake like something from a Lord of the Rings movie.

Spires of white stone twisted impossibly skyward, connected by bridges linking the many tall stone towers. As their water taxi—an elegant boat powered by qi formations that moved without any visible means of propulsion—approached the royal docks, Lia marveled at the architecture that somehow managed to be both ancient and advanced.

"The palace has been our family's seat for three thousand years," Elena explained as they disembarked onto docks made of the same white stone.

"Though the current crisis threatens to end that lineage." They were escorted through gardens where Crimson Lotus flowers grew in careful arrangements, their soft red glow creating a perpetual sunset atmosphere. Servants and guards they passed bowed respectfully to Marcus and Elena, but Lia noticed the worried expressions on many faces. The throne room they were led to was a masterpiece of cultivation craftsmanship.

The domed ceiling appeared to be made of a single piece of crystal that showed the sky above the lake, while the walls were covered in living murals—formations that displayed moving scenes of the kingdom's history. At the center, two throne-like chairs sat on a raised dais, though they remained empty.

"Our parents are currently in seclusion, attempting breakthroughs," Marcus explained, noting their glances toward the empty thrones.

"Which is actually part of our problem." Elena gestured for them to sit on comfortable cushions arranged around a low table. Servants appeared as if by magic, providing tea that steamed with subtle qi enhancement and small pastries.

"The Crimson Crater Kingdom and the kingdoms of the central continent operate under a system that prevents large wars," Marcus began, his usual charming demeanor replaced by serious concern.

"Because our territory is so valuable—the only source of Crimson Lotus in the known universe—we face constant pressure from larger powers who want to claim portions of our land."

"Rather than kingdoms and sects engaging in costly wars that would damage and eventually destroy the main continent or weaken us against the qi beasts, our ancestors established the Inter-Realm Competition system. Every two years, disputes over territory and resources are settled through contests between the younger generation." Lia sipped her tea, noting how it seemed to energize her qi circulation.

"What kind of contests?"

"Individual combat, team battles, cultivation technique competitions, artifact crafting, formation puzzles," Marcus listed.

"The competitions test every aspect of cultivation excellence. Winners gain territory and resources, losers... lose them." The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Varek leaned forward, his warrior instincts engaged.

"And your kingdom is facing a challenge for its lands?"

"Multiple challenges," Elena said grimly.

"Three major powers have filed territorial claims that will be decided in next month's competition. The Azure Dragon Empire wants the eastern terraces. The Golden Phoenix Federation claims the southern gardens. And the Iron Fist Confederation is demanding the northern quarter of the crater." Marcus pulled out a detailed map of the crater, spreading it across the table. Red sections marked the disputed territories, and Lia was shocked to see how much of the kingdom was at stake.

"If we lose all three disputes," Marcus said quietly, "we'll retain only the central lake and the immediate city. Everything else—seventy percent of our kingdom's territory and ninety percent of our Crimson Lotus production—will be divided among the challengers."

"But you're nobility," Varek protested.

"Surely you have cultivators capable of representing your kingdom?" Elena laughed bitterly.

"That's the cruelest irony. Our kingdom's greatest strength is also our greatest weakness. The life-extending properties of the Crimson Lotus mean our population lives much longer than normal—but it also means we have fewer young cultivators at their peak fighting condition. We are also a city of the arts. Our alchemy is some of the best in the world, but with the defenses of the crater walls we don't fight many qi beasts."

"Most of our powerful cultivators are over two hundred years old," Marcus explained.

"The younger generation is below 25." Lia began to understand their situation.

"So you need young, powerful cultivators who can compete against the other sects in battle and cultivation."

"Exactly," Elena said, her eyes brightening with hope.

"And after battling beside you, seeing your incredible performance and Varek fighting a wounded core cultivator, we knew our best chance was to recruit you two." Marcus leaned forward earnestly.

"We're not asking you to fight for free. Victory in the competitions comes with substantial rewards—rare cultivation resources, advanced techniques, territory rights, and political connections that could benefit you for centuries."

"Plus," Elena added with a sly smile, "winners gain access to the Crimson Lotus cultivation pools. Direct immersion in life-essence-infused water that can accelerate cultivation advancement and life energy." Varek exchanged a look with Lia. The opportunity was incredible, but so were the risks.

"What happens if we lose?" Lia asked practically.

"The kingdom loses the disputed territories," Marcus replied honestly.

"But competitors aren't typically killed—the diplomatic consequences would be too severe. Injured, certainly. Humiliated, probably. But alive."

"There is one other consideration," Elena said more quietly.

"The Shade Sect contracts on your lives. As competitors representing the Crimson Crater Kingdom, you'd be under the direct protection of our royal formations and guard units. Assassins would have a much harder time reaching you here than if you were wandering alone." The offer was tempting—sanctuary, resources, advancement opportunities, and the chance to help people who had shown them kindness.

But it also meant committing to battles against opponents who would be trying their absolute best to defeat and kill them.

"How long do we have to decide?" Varek asked.

"The competitions begin in one month," Marcus replied.

"Training facilities, cultivation resources, and technique libraries would be available immediately if you accept." Lia felt the shadow leech stir against her chest. It thirsted for battle.

"We need to discuss this privately," she said finally.

"Of course," Elena stood gracefully.

"We'll have you shown to guest quarters in the palace." As they were escorted from the throne room, Lia caught sight of the kingdom spread out below them through the crystal windows. Millions of Crimson Lotus flowers glowed softly across the terraced gardens, their light reflecting off the lake's surface like scattered rubies.

Cultivation World - Palace Guest Quarters The guest suite they were assigned was opulent beyond anything Lia had experienced—silk tapestries depicting the kingdom's history, furniture inlaid with spirit stones, and a balcony overlooking the glowing lotus gardens. But despite the luxury, tension filled the air as she and Varek stood facing each other.

"This is a lot to take in," Lia said, moving to the crystal windows that showed the vast crater spread below them.

"Fighting for an entire kingdom's survival." Varek moved closer.

"The rewards would be incredible though. Access to techniques, cultivation resources, protection from assassins..." He paused.

"And we'd be fighting together." Something in his voice made her turn around. He was closer than she'd expected, close enough that she could see the flecks of gold in his dark eyes.

"Lia," he said softly, "whatever we decide, I want you to know that I—" Earth - Soaring Phoenix Fist Dojo Tim and Riku were halfway through their warm-up routine when Tim suddenly went rigid, his eyes unfocusing as his consciousness shifted more fully to the cultivation world. Riku was making a move as Varek and could feel his body's emotional intensity bleeding through to her body.

She caught Tim's eye across the training mat, both of them suddenly very still as they experienced their other selves' moment together. Cultivation World Before Lia could step back or protest, Varek closed the distance between them. His hand cupped her cheek gently, thumb tracing along her jawline as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was different from their first one—less desperate, more intentional.

Varek's other hand settled on her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed her with the confidence of someone who'd decided to stop holding back. For a moment, Lia melted into it. Her feminine instincts responded to his warmth, his strength, the way he held her like she was precious. The mental wall Tim had constructed wavered as her body's responses threatened to overwhelm his consciousness entirely.

But then Tim's awareness surged back, and Lia's hands came up to press against Varek's chest, pushing him away with flustered panic.

"Varek!" she gasped, her cheeks burning red as she stumbled backward until she hit the window.

"You can't just—we were talking about the kingdom and you—" Varek's grin was pure masculine satisfaction.

"Sorry," he said, though he clearly wasn't sorry at all.

"You looked like you needed to be kissed." Earth - Dojo Riku's eyes snapped back into focus, and she immediately burst into a delighted grin at Tim's utterly flustered expression. His face had gone bright red, and he was touching his lips unconsciously while staring at her with a mixture of embarrassment and accusation.

"Oh my god," Riku giggled, trying to keep her voice low so Yui and Himari wouldn't overhear.

"Your face right now is priceless."

"Riku," Tim hissed, glancing around to make sure they weren't being watched.

"Control your other half! I wasn't ready for that!"

"Why should I control him?" Riku's grin was absolutely wicked as she moved closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"Besides, from what I felt from Varek's lips is that Lia liked it." Tim's face somehow managed to get even redder.

"What, NO!! We were supposed to be discussing important political decisions and he just—""The lady doth protest too much, methinks," Riku interrupted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Isn't that what you taught me, sensei?" She grinned wickedly.

"Poor Tim-sensei, getting seduced by his own student's other body. However will you maintain your professional dignity?" Cultivation World Lia pressed her back against the cool crystal window, her heart racing as she tried to regain her composure.

"That was completely inappropriate," she said, though her voice lacked conviction.

"We have important decisions to make about the kingdom and you're just—""I'm just what?" Varek asked, moving closer again with predatory grace.

"Making it clear how I feel about you? Because I thought I'd been pretty obvious."

"You can't solve everything by kissing me!" Lia protested, her heart hammering as this part of Tim considered breaking the mental wall.

"Maybe not everything," Varek agreed, his grin widening.

"But it's what I really wanted to do." Earth - Dojo"You two are going to give yourselves away if you keep making faces like that," Himari's voice cut through their whispered conversation. She was standing nearby with Yui, both of them watching Tim and Riku's obvious distraction with growing amusement.

"Are you having another one of your weird psychic moments?" Yui asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Because you both look like you're watching the same invisible movie." Riku quickly wiped the smirk off her face, though her eyes still danced with mischief.

"Just... discussing weekend plans for the beach trip."

"Uh-huh," Himari said with obvious disbelief.

"And that requires Tim to look like someone just kissed him without warning?" Tim shot Riku a look that promised revenge later.

"We were just... debating swimwear choices," he said weakly.

"Swimwear choices," Yui repeated slowly.

"Right. Well, whatever weird flirting ritual you two are engaging in, save it for after training. We have actual work to do." Cultivation World Lia took a deep breath, trying to center herself as Varek continued to watch her with that infuriating satisfied expression.

"Okay," she said finally, moving away from the window and toward the seating area.

"Let's actually discuss this properly. The kingdom's offer, the competitions, what we're risking."

"Of course," Varek agreed readily, as he walked to the table and picked up what looked like grapes.

"Though I have to say, I'm already leaning toward accepting," he said while he tossed a grape into his mouth in a cocky manner.

"Why?" Lia asked, genuinely curious about his reasoning.

"Because," Varek said, his expression growing more serious, "we're both refugees from sect wars. We don't have homes to return to. Your sect was destroyed and I can't return as my sect would kill me. This gives us purpose, protection, and resources." He leaned forward earnestly.

"Plus, I want to fight beside you. Not just protecting you from assassins, but as partners. Equals." The sincerity in his voice made Lia's heart flutter despite Tim's lingering embarrassment from the surprise kiss.

"The political implications worry me," she admitted.

"If we represent the kingdom and lose, we become symbols of their failure. If we win, we make enemies of the powers we defeat."

"When have we ever taken the safe path?" Varek countered with a grin.

"Besides, you have more qi than most level 7 Foundation Establishment cultivators. I have saber dao comprehension that let me fight a Golden Core expert. Together, we're pretty formidable." Earth - Dojo"Alright, enough gossiping," Yui announced, cracking her whip for attention.

"Time for partner exercises. And since our Meteor Shower Sect leaders seem so... distracted today, they get to demonstrate first." Tim and Riku exchanged a look of mutual dread as Yui gestured them to the center of the mat.

"What kind of partner exercise?" Tim asked warily.

"Trust building," Yui replied with a wicked grin.

"Riku, you're going to fall backward, and Tim is going to catch you. Simple trust exercise."

"That doesn't sound so bad," Riku said, though she was eyeing Yui suspiciously.

"Oh, but you'll be doing it with your eyes closed," Yui added.

"Both of you. And from increasing distances. And eventually from the top of that stack of mats." Himari clapped her hands together excitedly.

"This is going to be so much fun to watch!" As Riku positioned herself for the first trust fall, she caught Tim's eye and whispered, "Just like Lia is falling for Varek, right sensei?"