A Missing Contestant?

A Missing Contestant?

The sky gradually brightened, signaling the dawn of the final round of battles for the Jun Lin Banquet contestants. Today, the top nine participants had been grouped into threesomes to determine their ultimate individual rankings through intense combat.

The Chu Emperor District was thronged with even more people than the previous two days, making history with the sheer magnitude of the crowd. Inns and towering buildings in the vicinity were completely filled, with some spectators resorting to watching from windows or the highest points of these structures, all with their eyes locked onto the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet. The air was electric with anticipation for the clashes that would unfold today.

Preparations for the grand feast were already underway, and valuable guests started to arrive. Among them were Chu Tianjiao and Xiao Lǜ, both wearing smiles as they observed the sea of attendees. The Jun Lin Banquet hadn't seen such grandeur in many years, a testament to the popularity of this year's contestants.

In the spectator stands, specifically in the section designated for the Star River Association, Vice President Zuo Yin had made a personal appearance. He was accompanied by Murin and several other high-ranking members of the association.

"Murin, the task I entrusted to you earlier—did you completely botch it?" Zuo Yin's voice was stern, and it caused Murin's face to contort into an uneasy expression.

Zuo Yin was referring to the Divine Inscription painting that depicted Qin Wentian's back. He had instructed Murin to acquire the painting at any cost and to invite the inscriber to join the Star River Association.

"Vice President Zuo, there were some unforeseen complications, but I genuinely tried my best," Murin replied in a hushed tone.

"Oh?" Zuo Yin continued with a measured tone, "Then why did I hear that the painting was actually created by Qin Wentian himself? Moreover, during your time in Sky Harmony City, you had the opportunity to recruit him for the Star River Association. However, I heard that you needlessly offended him, which ultimately led him to join the Divine Weapon Pavilion instead. Is this information accurate?"

"Indeed," Murin replied with a tinge of regret. "I did try to reason with him back then, but this guy was insufferably arrogant and had nothing but disdain for our Star River Association. That's when I decided to involve the Ye Clan. As for the subsequent events, I couldn't have foreseen them." Murin's expression was marred with unease; the vice president's scrutiny was making him uncomfortable.

Zuo Yin snorted disapprovingly. He was far from pleased. How could he not have heard about these past incidents, especially now that Qin Wentian had become so renowned? If only Murin had successfully recruited him into the Star River Association, considering his exceptional talent, he might have become a future vice president.

Zuo Yin contemplated the forthcoming conclusion of the Jun Lin Banquet. "I wonder what his final ranking will be," he mused silently. However, he wasn't the only one eagerly awaiting the results; anticipation was palpable among the spectators, all wondering how the rankings would play out.

In the section reserved for the Mo Clan, Mo Qingcheng's father engaged in conversation with her. "Qingcheng, where do you think that young man will place in the final rankings?"

"I'm not sure, maybe in the top three?" Mo Qingcheng responded with a smile.

"Wow, you have quite a lot of faith in him," her father remarked. Securing a top-three spot was no small feat.

He was well aware of Luo Qianqiu's background and Sikong Mingyue's remarkable abilities, acknowledged by the Nine Mystical Palace itself. Surpassing them would be an arduous task.

The competition for the last slot in the top three was equally fierce, with Orchon, 2nd Sword, Chu Chen, and Hou Tie vying for it. Securing a top-three position wouldn't be a walk in the park.

"No matter where he places, his achievements in this Jun Lin Banquet are already impressive. It's rare to see someone with a lower cultivation base win against opponents with higher levels. At only the 7th level of Arterial Circulation, his Astral Energy's quantity and quality seem astonishing, likely due to his Astral Souls being condensed from a higher Heavenly Layer," Father Mo whispered thoughtfully. He was intrigued by Qin Wentian's unique abilities, such as his proficiency in innate techniques and mastery of unorthodox attacks, such as spitting out swordlight or using palm strikes with his feet. His control over these techniques was extraordinary.

Near the Chu Emperor District's dragon seat, Luo Qianqiu stood with a middle-aged man who had been by his side since the beginning of the banquet. The man finally spoke, his gaze fixed on Luo Qianqiu. "Qianqiu, today's outcome hinges on you."

Luo Qianqiu nodded confidently. "I'll be the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet without a doubt. It's my destiny to claim the top spot this year."

"I respectfully request that Uncle refrain from intervening in my battle with Sikong Mingyue. I don't need any special concessions; I want to face him at his full strength," Luo Qianqiu whispered earnestly. Had anyone overheard, they'd have been astonished by the implications. Were there hidden manipulations behind the scenes of the Jun Lin Banquet?

In this world, might held sway over all. The Jun Lin Banquet was no exception. "Very well," the middle-aged man nodded. However, he couldn't help but think that Luo Qianqiu was still too inexperienced. With his age came an understanding that, at times, one needed to employ whatever means necessary to achieve their goals.

This mission was clear: Luo Qianqiu had to reach the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. To do that, he had to become the Jun Lin Banquet champion, no matter the cost.

Luo Qianqiu walked onto the first towering platform, and Sikong Mingyue followed suit, but to the second platform. They were in the second group.

As the contestants took their positions, eight silhouettes appeared on the three platforms. However, one competitor was conspicuously absent.

On the second platform, only Sikong Mingyue and Chu Chen stood. Qin Wentian was nowhere to be seen.

Today marked the final battle of the Jun Lin Banquet, and even if Qin Wentian was running late, he shouldn't have chosen this moment.

Unless, of course, he had no intention of coming.

Chu Tianjiao refrained from announcing the start of the third round, opting to wait. However, time continued to pass, and Qin Wentian remained absent, causing murmurs and speculation to ripple through the crowd.

Was he perhaps afraid to face Sikong Mingyue? If so, he could have simply admitted defeat. Why skip the Jun Lin Banquet?

Or could it be the shame of admitting defeat was too much for him to bear, prompting him to intentionally avoid the event?

"This guy, why hasn't he shown up?" Mustang nervously turned to Ren Qianxing, who sat behind him.

"No need to disturb him. He must have a reason for this," Ren Qianxing replied calmly, surprising Mustang. Elder Ren had this much faith in Qin Wentian? It seemed that no matter what Qin Wentian did, Ren Qianxing would support him wholeheartedly.

"Let the first battle begin," Chu Tianjiao finally declared, opting not to delay any further.

Standing proudly on the first towering platform were Luo Qianqiu, 2nd Sword, and Luo Huan, creating an intense atmosphere charged with anticipation.

"The first battle: Luo Qianqiu versus 2nd Sword," announced the aged figure standing beside Chu Tianjiao.

As Luo Huan gracefully moved to the side of the platform, Luo Qianqiu and 2nd Sword unleashed their formidable auras.

Crackling arcs of lightning energy surrounded Luo Qianqiu, creating an electrifying spectacle, while 2nd Sword was enveloped in an overwhelming Sword Qi so potent that it seemed capable of splitting the heavens.

Luo Qianqiu confidently declared, "You are no match for me." He had been waiting for this moment, the culmination of the Jun Lin Banquet.

But 2nd Sword wasn't one to back down easily. He dashed forward, his Sword Qi intensifying with each step. His Sword Qi transformed into tangible sword lights that thrust toward Luo Qianqiu. However, as these sword lights approached Luo Qianqiu, his aura surged, rising from the 8th to the 9th level of Arterial Circulation. In previous battles, he had intentionally suppressed his cultivation, but there was no need for that now. He unleashed his full power.

2nd Sword's Sword Qi seemed to waver as it neared Luo Qianqiu, but when it reached him, it coalesced into a colossal greatsword, descending from the heavens as if to cleave both heaven and earth.

Yet, Luo Qianqiu merely cast an upward glance, summoning an illusion of a thunder god behind him. With a lightning-infused palm, he intercepted the greatsword's strike, shattering it into countless shards.

Boom! Luo Qianqiu advanced, vanishing from sight as the lightning-formed palm extended, obliterating everything in its path.

In response, 2nd Sword unleashed a frenzied onslaught, sending forth thousands of sword lights in all directions. However, the lightning palm transformed into a serpentine form, coiling around the sword lights. A surge of potent lightning energy surged into 2nd Sword, causing him to convulse uncontrollably.

"Step aside," Luo Qianqiu ordered, sending out a palm that propelled 2nd Sword away. When 2nd Sword finally landed, he bowed to Luo Qianqiu and conceded defeat.

There was no doubt of his loss, and many spectators were shaken by Luo Qianqiu's overwhelming power.

"The second battle: 2nd Sword versus Luo Huan," the aged figure announced. Luo Qianqiu stepped aside, leaving the platform to 2nd Sword and Luo Huan.

2nd Sword launched his ultimate attack from the outset, sending forth a rapid barrage of sword lights, denying Luo Huan the chance to engage in close combat. Although she excelled in flexibility and close-quarters combat, she couldn't even get close to 2nd Sword. Ultimately, without suspense, Luo Huan conceded defeat.

With Luo Huan out of contention, there was no need for her to battle Qin Wentian.

The final rankings of the first platform were as follows: Luo Qianqiu took first place, followed by 2nd Sword and Luo Huan, who, despite her formidable skills, couldn't compete with the other two.

The audience's attention shifted to the second platform, where only Sikong Mingyue and Chu Chen stood. But where was Qin Wentian?

Had he truly chosen to dodge the Jun Lin Banquet?