Resting upon the velvet litter was the ancient prize of the Seven Sects: the Grand Champion Seal.
It wasn’t a modern gold medallion stamped by country judges.
It was an authentic Precursor ancient object. A three-inch cubical block carved from dense, unpolished star-iron alloy, its dark surfaces inlaid with tiny silver circuit traces that pulsed with a faint, rhythmic emerald soft glow. Mounted on its upper face was a rotating disc of white green jade carved with thirty-two Precursor glyphs, perfectly lined up with the map point axes of the planet.
The Chief Judge dropped the marble stairs, with four High Judges, and bowed deeply before Lin Tao.
“Grand Champion Lin Tao,” the Judge spoke with deep respect. He held out the seal with both hands. “This ancient object was recovered twelve hundred years ago from the Primordial Precursor Vault beneath the Continental Rift. For twelve hundred years, it has served as the sovereign emblem of martial supremacy among the Seven Sects. Whosoever holds this seal possesses sovereign passage through all seven country gateways, exemption from royal taxation. The right to inspect all old family libraries.”
Lin Tao reached out and took the heavy star-iron cube.
His fingers made contact with the cool metal. Then, a sharp, electric tingle leaped from the silver traces into the palm of his right hand.
