As Lin Ming clashed with the Golden Dragon Disciple, space shattered. Even the bluestone paving beneath their feet cracked inch by inch under the impact, and countless fragments were hurled into the sky.
Space fractured at the center of the collision, pitch-black fissures spreading in every direction. The spatial turbulence pouring out of them was utterly vaporized by the flames and spear light.
The spiritual energy tremors persisted for a long time before slowly fading.
The light gradually receded, and the scattered rubble and dust settled.
By then, Lin Ming and the Golden Dragon Disciple stood apart.
Lin Ming stood on the eastern side of the square, his figure straight as a spear. Light slowly swirled through his abyss-black eyes, and his aura was steady and composed.
The Golden Dragon Disciple stood on the western side of the square. Several scorch marks marred his black robes, and the black-gold glow at the tip of his black spear had dimmed somewhat.
He watched Lin Ming silently. Black-gold light flickered in his dark eyes for several breaths before finally receding.
Then the Golden Dragon Disciple cupped his fists toward Lin Ming and said, "I lost. Congratulations on becoming a Golden Dragon Disciple of our Ancient Heavenly Palace."
As his words fell, light blossomed from his body.
That black-gold light spread from his chest, like countless golden cracks crawling across his entire body.
Within the light, the Golden Dragon Disciple's figure crumbled and shattered inch by inch, finally dissolving into a skyful of luminous motes.
Those motes fluttered down over the square like a golden shower of fireflies.
Then they gathered before Lin Ming. The light grew denser and brighter, finally taking the form of an ancient token.
A golden giant dragon coiled upon the token.
The dragon was exquisitely carved, its head