Path of the Berserker

Princess Lunalah could barely contain herself.

The excitement of finally touching the Iron Bull in the flesh was still coursing through her system like a surge of concentrated Qi. Even now as she retreated to her inner chambers, she could feel the texture of his rugged hands within her own.

She prayed she had masked her intentions well enough.

Now was not the time to speak of marriage, but she hoped she had tilled the soil well enough to plant those future seeds later. She would have wished nothing more than to join the Iron Bull upon her transport and attend the match in person.

But such were the sacrifices she had to endure now.

Not only would that look biased against the Warden, but she had to take care of how much time she spent visiting that province now. The last thing she wanted to be accused of was chasing after the Iron Bull.

In fact, she would need to orchestrate the opposite.

To have her be the one to be chased instead.

And that started by maintaining her exclusivity and majesty.

The match with the Warden would not start for a few hours, but Lunalah prepared anyway. She would project her Sacred Soul instead of attending in person. A means to put on display, her powers before the masses. Powers that could also be his, if he chose to pursue her and join her upon the throne.

That same giddiness of a young girl rose up inside of her again.

She finally had a man worthy to entice.

A man she would drive mad with her intoxicating feminine charms.

And when it came to enticing men, dangling the bait was often the most exciting part.

Lunalah could not wait.

* * *

The view of Jurin Province from above did nothing but further fuel my ire.

It had been nearly a month since the attack by that demonic bastardization of Hong Feng and the entire city still looked like crap. All save for the stadium that was. The Native Housing District was still in shambles, but the stadium, which had been nearly reduced to ashes was completely rebuilt in all its glory. I could only imagine what kind of effort it took to do that, but it was clear everything else had been neglected as a result.

It was once again the cultivator mindset at its best.

Putting the petty and ridiculous above the basic needs of the people.

But that would all end tonight.

After this match, I would be the Warden of Jurin Province.

The idea fueled me with fresh Frenzy as I once again tapped into the root of my Twin Dao. My Struggle against the Empire and all of its wickedness. I cultivated the Frenzy and tucked it away into the solid core of my Dantian. The battle before me was one I had waited for my entire life it seemed. Or at least, my life after that night some fifteen years ago now.

The night the Earth fell to the Yee.

The night I lost everything.

The night I would now finally avenge.

“You good, Max?”

I gave Hein a nod as he stood next to me on the observation deck of the imperial transport. In mere minutes it would be delivering us to the stadium proper, where I could see what had to be the entire population had now gathered.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I said. “Will be even better after this match.”

Hein chortled. “Who would have thought that one day I would be rooting for the fall of my own sect leader?”

I glanced at Hein, able to get out of my own head for a bit. I hadn’t given much thought to that beyond being a soldier now, he was still a member of the Silver Leaf Clan.

“How does all this make you feel, Hein?”

He looked surprised by the question, but merely shrugged. “I feel unconstrained by Sect politics now. But I still don’t think I would be able to look her in the face today. Lady Silver Tear is a powerful and terrible woman that way.” He then chuckled. “And an even worse great aunt.”

“Yeah, Fia described her much the same.”

“You’re powerful now brother,” Hein said. “Certainly, as powerful as she is, or even more so, but don’t let that breed overconfidence. Lady Silver Tear is still renowned in our clan for her martial prowess.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I get it. She hit Diamond Bracket the old-fashioned way. Skill in the ring, right?”

“I’ve never seen her truly fight myself, but back in the core worlds she was undefeated.”

What Hein said was likely true. I’d grown a shit ton in terms of raw strength and power, but fighting monsters and demons versus fighting cultivators were two different things. And I hadn’t been honing my fighting techniques much of late. Plus, I couldn’t cut lose in the ring with my manifestation techniques either. I would have to rely on skill and the strength of my techniques alone.

And being put up against the two-hundred plus year old Warden, perhaps the [Odds were Against Me] now.

I chuckled as my Flame rendered an additional surge of Frenzy.

“Thanks for the pep talk, Hein,” I said. “It helped more than you know.”

* * *

I stepped down the ramp of the imperial transport with Blue Rose at my side. Flaking each of us were our respective retainers, Tu’lok and Mal’kira. Ahead of us Ling Wei led off, joined by Hein. We formed quite the formidable assembly and if the amount of fear and lemonade produced by the awaiting arena staff was anything to gauge by, we were putting on an S-tier show of force.

We were atop the highest point of the new stadium, upon a landing pad that could oversee the entire arena. The night air was filled with skiffs, although notably a few less than what I had seen a month ago when I appeared in my spectral form. Nevertheless, the place was as packed as I could remember and even from where we were, I could hear the muffled roar of the huge crowd below. High above us, the Imperial City itself loomed with the radiant luminescence of its glowing Aetherite crystal and for a moment I wondered what the name of the planet was that it had been harvested from.

Once I was Warden, I would make a note to find out.

As we crossed the landing pad, a couple of people were gathered to greet us.

I spotted the tall figure of the Stadium Manager, Master Lein Cho along with Master Bo Ren. Despite my mental focus and getting my head in the zone, seeing the two of them brought on a joy of nostalgia that was reinforced by their yells of welcome.

“There he is!” Bo Ren shouted. “The Iron Bull returns!”

He ran to me and slapped his arms around me in an embrace. “Well done, my boy!”

“Bo Ren!” Lein Cho shouted. “You can not greet him so commonly now!”

Master Lein Cho then performed a formal bow. “We welcome you home, Marshal Iron Bull.”

“Ah right!” Bo Ren said and then quickly bowed as well. “Marshal Iron Bull.”

I quickly waved their praise away. “Please, if not for the both of you I’d still be stuck in the Wooden Bracket. Master Bo Ren and Master, Lein Cho, its wonderful to see you both again.”

I shook both their hands heartily in turn.

“We made arrangements for a few of your clan members to join you,” Lein Cho said. “Bo Ren, show them up.”

“Right away,” Bo Ren said and then disappeared down a set of steps below the platform. He returned less than a minute later with three people I had seen but a month ago, but not with my real eyes for ages.

“Lee! Jian Yi! Zu Tien!”

I rushed to embrace them all.

Lee slapped me on the back. “Damn great to see you, boss.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Zu Tien and Jian Yi both resisted my hugs with awkward discomfort, but I didn’t care. I was happy as hell to see them both. “Man, it’s great to see all you guys.”

Zu Tien stepped back and fell to both knees, pressing her forehead to the ground. “I praise your return, most honorable Sect Leader. Your great ascension is an honor to behold.”

I laughed. “Thanks, Zu Tien.”

Jian Yi on the other hand merely smirked at me. “Good to see you’re not late for once.”

I laughed even harder at that. “Man, it feels great to be home.”

“There is much to catch you up on,” Jian Yi said. “There are major developments within the clan.”

“I can only imagine,” I said. “Once this match is done with, we’ll have to…”

My words trailed off as I was distracted by the entrance of another group of people.

There was an older woman in imperial robes who I recognized as the High Magistrate, followed by a Dharmian man with a red beard who I knew to be the Silver Leaf Clan’s chief Barrister, Lui Wi or something, if I recalled his name right. But seeing them was not what made me pause.

There, following behind them, was the chief bitch herself.

The Warden, Lady Silver Tear.

She was decked out in a modified variant of her normal black and silver trimmed robes, with these ones clearly build for combat. No different than the ones Fia had worn for our own duel. Her long silver hair too, was styled in a top knot fashion, a fixed by her small crown. Her cold, silver eyes met mine and I could sense only a deathly indifference within her soul.

The aloof ice queen as always.

Heartless bitch, I thought.

But I was going to make her atone for his sins before the night was over.

Already I could feel my ire returning.

She would pay for killing my family.

And pay even more for targeting Fia and my unborn child.

Before she died, she would damn well know why she was going straight to hell.

“I see both parties are gathered,” the High Magistrate said. “Will counsel for both sides please approach.”

Ling Wei took a step forward but stopped short when Jian Yi shot her a set of dagger eyes that would have killed even the princess. “Excuse me. I

Ling Wei blushed embarrassed. “Why, yes of course.” She then bowed to me. “My very best to you, Marshal Iron Bull. I take my leave now to rejoin the princess. It was an…interesting task to escort you and your entourage home.”

“Pleasure was ours,” Blue Rose said with a grin.

“Yes, I’m sure it was,” Ling Wei said sardonically with an eye roll. “I will be in contact, Marshal Iron Bull.”

I bowed to her. “Take Care Ling Wei. And thank you.”

As she departed for the transport, Jian Yi made her way to the magistrate. Her counterpart Lui Wi stood opposite her.

“As this contest for power will be viewed publicly, I wish to dispense with any legal matters beforehand.” The High Magistrate then turned to Jian Yi. “Counsel for the Iron Bull. Based upon your writ, your client has filed for a vote of no confidence against the current Warden of Jurin Province, the Lady Silver Light, and challenges her for dominance as a fellow martial sect leader. The matter was upheld by the princess, even though at the time, your client possessed insufficient bracket ranking to challenge. A reprieve of three years was granted by the Princess in order for your client to obtain Diamond Bracket ranking. You seem to have returned in but a third of that time. Can you please attest to your client’s current status?”

“I can, your honor,” Jian Yi said and then gestured towards me. “Witness now that the Iron Bull has successfully returned from service as a tribute to Du Gok Bhong where he fought valiantly across the Hell Worlds. He has not only obtained automatic Diamond Bracket Ranking as a Legionnaire, but an even higher ranking of Imperial Marshal.” She then stopped for a quick smile. “I would question the defending counsel if his client is now of sufficient ranking to face this match.”

Liu Wi let out a harrumph. “This is not a civil matter before the courts but one of martial sect precedence. Social ranking has no meaning. All that matters is a matching of Martial Bracket and Realm. My client, the Lady Silver Tear stands as a 9th Tier Sacred Soul Realm Cultivator on the cusp of breakthrough to the lesser Deity Realm and a Diamond Bracket contender. I ask for verification of the Iron Bull’s Current Tier and Realm to ensure he is sufficiently matched to challenge Lady Silver Tear.”

“Your honor, I object,” Jian Yi said. “My client, as little as a month ago, demonstrated powers to perform a Sacred Soul Projection a distance no cultivator has in history. This is clear evidence that he is too on the cusp of breakthrough to the Lesser Deity Realm.”

“Sacred Soul Projection is a 7th Tier ability, your honor. No matter the display of mastery it is still below grade. A mere 7th Tier cannot challenge a 9th.”

I huffed out a laugh. “What is this bullshit? Are you looking for a loophole to get out of this fight, Lady Silver Tear?”

“Your honor!” Liu Wi said. “I call for order! The counter party seeking to address my client direc--”

“It is fine, Lui Wi,” Silver Tear said. “Your honor, I now give instruction for my counsel to withdraw the request to verify the Iron Bull’s current realm and tier.” She then paused and gave me a little smile, along with a surprising splash of lemonade. “Even a Qi-less mortal could sense the strength of that core inside of him. I am ready to proceed, your honor.”

Liu Wi huffed out a sigh and then shrugged, shaking his head.

“Then it is settled,” the Magistrate said. “I deem both parties sufficiently fit to defend their positions in the match. While I shall be officiating the match itself, Third Princess Lunalah will present via Sacred Soul Projection to proclaim the winner and the new ruler of Jurin Province following its outcome. I wish you both good luck.”

She then bowed and Lady Silver Tear and I did the same.

“Counsel Jian Yi,” the Magistrate said. “Lady Silver Tear has indicated her readiness. Is your client prepared?”

“More than ready,” I said, answering for her and then shot Silver Tear a glare with [Fear the Flame].

“Very well, you may proceed to your respective corners.”

Silver Tear stared back at me, but didn’t say anything.

Just like her, I thought.

Not an emotion in sight.

I scoffed at her one last time.

“See you in the ring, bitch.”

* * *

The imperial pomp and fanfare was in full swing by the time I reached my side of the arena. High above, on the floating dais, was the image of Princess Lunalah that I had come to expect far more readily. She was hovering next to the High Magistrate in her thirty-foot-tall form, her gleaming spectral robes surrounded by not jade urns but huge jade crystals that were their spiritual counterparts, I supposed.

She was making a grand speech about the reopening of the stadium and was giving praises to the hard-working staff and the citizens of Jurin Province who had made it all happen. She made little mention of the awakened, star born demon that caused all the damage though. She ended the spiel by ushering in the singing of the imperial anthem and everyone stood as they sung along.

I lacked my Bull Mask to hide my face, so I mouthed the words with pure contempt in my heart. I lacked my normal red body paint as well, choosing to attend the match in my legionnaire’s robes.

Silver Tear’s barrister was trying to make a point about the power disparity between us. Little did the guy know it was probably skewed in the other direction. But I was keen now to give the Warden a fair fight, not for her, but for me.

I wasn’t going to overclock my abilities with my [manifestation] techniques.

I had advanced enough to challenge her with my normal strength.

And that alone would see me through.

That, and my pure rage for her destruction.

A new song began to play as a familiar announcer came over the loudspeaker.

“And now citizens and natives of Jurin Province, it is the moment we have gathered for,” he said. “It is time to introduce our challengers for the night. She is the leader we have known since the inception of this great province. The architect who populated not only Jurin, but every great province across this planet. Selected by the hand of the princess herself, this elder of the Silver Leaf Clan has attained her standing from decades of hard work and service to the empire. Ascending to the Sacred Soul Realm and attaining the Ranking of Diamond Bracket some 113 years ago, she now comes with over a century of martial experience to bear in her defense of her position as Warden of Jurin Province. Please join me in welcoming to the ring, Seventh Warden, the most honorable, Lady Silver Tear!”

The arena broke into measured applause as Silver Tear entered the arena.

She was flanked by what looked to be the senior members of her clan.

People that would have perhaps included Fia’s mother by the looks of them.

They all stopped short as she progressed to the center of the arena alone.

The music then changed to a familiar theme.

Booming drums with a warrior’s chant.

“And now, we have the challenger,” the announcer said. “He’s a hometown boy who rose up through the local brackets with a fervor. He’s competed in enough matches in this arena to carve out a name for himself, but now that name extends to the very stars. Representing our planet as its first ever tribute, he now returns victorious over the Hell Worlds. But let us not forget, that even while defending the empire, he did not forget his home. In the devastating demon attack last month, an attack that saw this very stadium nearly destroyed, he performed a technique never seen in history and defended his hometown from millions of miles away. He returns to us now with a ranking unheard of for most planets, much less first-time native tribute. Having obtained the rank of Imperial Marshal, stand with me now as we welcome home the savior of our city and the gleaming pride of our planet, the IRON BULL!!”

The entire stadium went wild with thunderous applause as people stood and stomped their feet on the bleachers. A tidal wave of lemonade surged from them, and I cultivated it as I stepped onto the battlefield with my honor guard. Blue Rose, Tu’lok and Mal’kira held straight faces of discipline as they walked by my side, but even within them I could feel the surge of pride with their souls.

The same went for me, I supposed.

They greeted the Warden with honor and respect.

But the vast majority now greeted me with love and adoration.

Were this the old world, I would have won this competition already by winning over the masses. But this was a martial world. Power was obtained by force. And given who I was now up against, that would be just fine with me.

I gave the Warden a head nod as I squared off against her and she cooly did the same.

“Yes indeed, folks,” the announcer continued. “The Iron Bull has returned home at last. And while we all know and love him as the Iron Bull, I can’t help but think that his monumental achievements call for yet another ascension in rank. An Imperial Marshal is a great achievement indeed, but to us he will always be the stalwart champion of iron-willed determination. So, tonight let us join in combat the contenders for the rulership of Jurin Province. The incumbent, Seventh Warden, Lady Silver Tear versus the IRON MARSHAL!”

As my new moniker was declared the scoreboard solidified it into existence.

I chuckled at the odds. Guess they weren’t against me this time. But no matter. The surging roar of adulation from the crowd at my new title was all the Frenzy I would need to bury this bitch in hell.

“Contestants at the ready!”

I manifested my Axe and Phalanx Glaive, pulling them from my inner world.

Lady Silver Tear did the same, drawing a single jian blade from her side, but then five more emerged from thin air to form an array of glowing steel behind her back. She then shimmered with a radiance as her Sacred Soul emerged.

What looked like liquid mercury poured out of her back and it stretched like elastic in five separate strands, each of them joining with one of the floating jian blades behind her. The strands of amorphous silver liquid then began to take shape, each forming a human figure before turning instantly into a perfect copy of herself.

The five new forms of the Warden then each produced five new jian blades of their own.

Holy shit, I thought. I came for a fight against the warden, but not six of her.

Perhaps the [Odds were Against Me] indeed.

“Feel honored, boy,” Lady Silver Tear said in her multiple voices. “You are one of the few to ever face the full unveiling of my Sacred Soul in combat. Are you ready?”

I grimaced and summoned my own Sacred Soul, the red-hued struggler forming over my body and filling me with new power. “I’ve been ready for this since I was eight years old, bitch.”

She merely smiled in response.

I focused on my hatred of her as my Flame surged.

Tonight, I would avenge my parents and sister.

Avenge Fia and my child.

To take back fully a portion of what we had all lost.

The crowd then grew silent as we readied for the start.

“Commence!”