Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 518: Glacier Shrine

“Those purple orbs are each embued with spatial essence, as well as a matching spatial formation,” Jeerda explained. “They’re called formation orbs, or just orbs for short. When crafted correctly, they can be broken to unleash the battle art or formation stored inside. These orbs in particular contain a teleportation skill linked to a particular teleportation circle. Should one of you break your orb, you’ll be safely transported to that place. That’s important to remember because your survival is more important than losing your life to a simple qualifier.”

All the mortal candidates stared at the small orbs with a sense of astonishment and amazement.

But Jeerda continued without giving them any time to think more about orbs, “In this first round, your survival will be put to the test. And, of the seven teams representing Permafrost Province’s seven regions, including its most recent addition of Rhyner Region, only four can move on to the second round.

“The four teams to move on will be determined by a few factors. But first, let us venture to the location of this year’s qualifier. Please, everyone please wait for your kings to escort you to the teleportation circle.”

Jeerda then turned around to face the six kings behind her. A hasty silence formation was thrown up as she finally admitted the location. After that, Jeerda vanished via the teleportation circle. The kings were all a little surprised by what they’d learned but none of them were shocked or baffled by the location of choice.

Zelsh was the first to bring his team to the teleportation circle. He offered a quick comment, “Stick together. Jeerda will explain why, but don’t forget this is a team challenge.”

Before the young cultivators could reply, they were all carried away to a new location in a pulse of spatial energy.

.....

The moment they reappeared on solid ground, everyone felt the temperature drop drastically. There was still no snow or hail but the raw temperature was even lower than what they experienced at the inn. Everyone stepped off the teleportation circle and scanned their new surroundings.

They were outdoors but still within a protective formation shielding them from the outer blizzard, only it was far smaller than the formation that spanned all of Avalanche City. In front of them was an open-aired shrine crafted with stone, concrete, and some kind of strange glittering glass. Under their feet, the team thought they were standing on stone until they noticed the ground’s icy sheen. And all around them the space was open and vast, with no signs of trees or life to be seen after the icy ground just stopped like a cliff’s edge.

Standing with her back to the shrine’s altar, atop two dozen stone stairs, Jeerda smiled down at the arriving teams.

Once all seven teams had appeared and were taking in the scenery, Jeerda spoke up again, “Teams, Welcome to Glacier Shrine! This is a place that my clan cherishes deeply, as it represents the fallen clans that eventually left behind my clan’s bloodline. That includes the Glacial Dragons themselves, which died out during the bloody era of Dominus’s rise...

“This year’s test is about survival. Using this circle in particular,” Jeerda added while motioning toward the formation under her feet, “each team will be transported somewhere in the surrounding area. This was created by my ancestors and used for their training during ancient times, so don’t expect this to be easy or simple. We’ve gone out of our way to make sure that no beasts able tarnish the results were left within the boundaries of the test. However, there might be a couple of early-perennials or peak-elder packs, so always be wary...

“The rules are simple. First: You must return to this shrine within the span of two suns. The four teams to arrive first, and with the most remaining members, will have all team members entered into the second round along with some wild card entries I’ll select personally.

“Second: Death is very possible and is permitted in battles between teams. Throughout the entirety of the Mortal Championship, death is a critical factor you must consider.

“Third: Mantles are allowed due to their lack of physical protection from attacks. However, we are not responsible for any mantles that are destroyed throughout the first round, so use them at your own discretion.

“Fourth: Should a team member activate their orb, they’ll be transported back to the shrine but disqualified from the first round. If either two team members or the team leader activates their orbs, then the entire team will be disqualified from both the first and second rounds of the qualifier. In other words, each team is only allowed to send back up to one team member without disqualifying the entire team in the process...

“Fifth: After two suns, we’ll move to round two. Anyone that hasn’t returned by then will be found via the same orbs, so you might as well use them if you know your team won’t make it in time or if you’re in a life-and-death situation.

“That’s all.” Concluding, Jeerda looked over the candidates and noticed some questioning stares. “... To answer some potential questions you may have, I’ll say this. Each team will be teleported the same distance away from the shrine but they won’t appear within the direct vicinity of any other teams. This was an ancient training ground, so it’s been designed for such use.

“And yes, you’re allowed to arrive at the shrine however early you’re able. If a team can do it, then arriving within the first few days would be best so you’ll have even more time to rest before the second round of fights,” Jeerda stated. “That being said, we’ll now begin to send the teams off. Zelsh, bring your team forward.”

All eyes shifted to Zelsh as he and the Rot Team ascended the stone steps. Oli kept everyone silent as they neared Jeerda, who stepped aside and motioned for them to stand front and center.

“If you have any mantles, then ready them now,” suggested Jeerda.

But Oli just shook his head in unison with his team. To help keep as low a profile as possible, they all agreed to equip the mantles the second they arrived on the other side of the teleportation instead of in front of everyone.

Seeing that reaction, Jeerda nodded. “Very well. I wish you youngsters the best of luck. Don’t get yourselves killed.”

Suddenly, a rush of essence was poured into the circle, engulfing the team of five and sending them away.