Emperor Amethyst Constellation.

Emperor Amethyst Constellation.

Qin Wentian approached the platform, tilting his head to glare at Qiu Mo in the spectator's stand. There was a distinct touch of sarcasm dancing across his face.

As he arrived, he couldn't help overhearing Yu Xuan's words. While he wasn't familiar with Yu Xuan, her comments hadn't won him over. What truly irked him was Qiu Mo's retort.

Yu Xuan had claimed that he'd reached the 6th level of the Astral River Hall. Regardless of the veracity of her statement, what did that have to do with Qiu Mo? What gave him the right to berate others? Qiu Mo's vehement response only fueled Qin Wentian's irritation.

Upon spotting Qin Wentian, Qiu Mo furrowed his brow and continued his tirade with a cold tone. "Don't tell me you've genuinely treaded the 6th level? Even if you did, I'm still your senior. You ought to show some respect when you speak to me."

"Respect isn't granted, it's earned," Qin Wentian retorted sharply. "Just look at the way you treat your junior sister. Are you even worthy of anyone's respect?"

"Hehe, you're just in the top nine. Why are you acting as if you've already clinched the championship? Quite disgraceful," Qiu Mo quipped, dripping with sarcasm. The spectators exchanged perplexed glances. Weren't they both students of the Emperor Star Academy? Why this intense rivalry?

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze away from Qiu Mo, dismissing him with a shake of his head. Without further ado, he leaped into the air and landed firmly on the platform.

Despite Qin Wentian's dismissive attitude toward Qiu Mo, Fan Le couldn't contain his dissatisfaction. He shouted from below the platform, his voice echoing with indignation, "Last year's Jun Lin Banquet had someone at the peak of Arterial Circulation only securing the 5th position. Now, look at this guy with a mere cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation. If people didn't know any better, they'd think he was the reigning champion of the Jun Lin Banquet!"

Fan Le's words sent a chill across Qiu Mo's face, and his gaze towards Fan Le brimmed with icy hostility. "Even with so many academy elders here, someone still dares to blather such arrogant nonsense. To the uninformed, it'd seem like this person holds a high position among the academy's elders."

Fan Le didn't relent, and continued, igniting Qiu Mo's fury. The seething young man sitting in the spectator stand wished he could split Fan Le in two with his bare hands.

On the platform, Qin Wentian stood, drawing countless eyes upon him. Yu Xuan's earlier comments had largely faded into the background, for most regarded them with skepticism. They were eager to witness the climactic final battle of the Jun Lin Banquet.

"I hope I'm not too late," Qin Wentian said with a smile, casting a sun-kissed glow on his face. He had indeed been tardy due to a nightmare he'd experienced the previous night—a vivid dream where his own bloodline limit nearly consumed him. After waking, he had to spend considerable time recovering before rushing here.

How could he possibly miss the final round of the Jun Lin Banquet?

"Uncle Black, I know you'll be watching the Jun Lin Banquet today, keeping an eye on me," Qin Wentian murmured to the sky. He couldn't shake the feeling that the old coot would be observing him closely.

And then there were the expectations of his teachers from the Emperor Star Academy, his friends like Mo Qingcheng, Mu Rou, Luo Huan, Fatty, and everyone at the Divine Weapon Pavilion. He couldn't let them down.

"Senior, I apologize for my tardiness. Fortunately, I made it just in time, and I hope you can pardon my lateness," Qin Wentian addressed the aged figure standing beside the Azure Dragon Jadeite Seat.

"You've missed the group battle, and the rankings are already determined. Tell me, what do you suggest I do?" The aged figure regarded Qin Wentian, his demeanor tinged with dissatisfaction. After all, Qin Wentian had arrived late despite the intentional delay the figure had orchestrated earlier to ensure Qin Wentian's timely arrival.

"But the final rankings haven't begun yet, have they?" Qin Wentian glanced at the three towering platforms and noticed Luo Huan and Gu Xing alone on the 3rd platform.

"The rankings for each group have already been determined. Next up is the contest for the overall ranking," the aged figure announced.

"In that case, could Senior consider me conceding for the two group battles I missed?" Qin Wentian asked, acknowledging his tardiness and the need for consequences.

The aged figure pondered for a moment and then nodded. "Since you missed two group battles, it's only fair to count them as losses. Therefore, I will announce that you will join those on the 3rd towering platform and compete for the 7th to 9th ranking."

"Thank you, Senior." Qin Wentian expressed his gratitude with a bow and swiftly moved to the 3rd platform. There, he found two familiar silhouettes—Luo Huan and Gu Xing.

"Late again, huh?" Luo Huan scolded Qin Wentian with a glare.

"Well, better late than never," Qin Wentian replied with a chuckle.

"Are you confident?" Luo Huan inquired.

Qin Wentian nodded slightly. He hadn't slept well the previous night, and time had been short. Unfortunately, the Jun Lin Banquet couldn't be delayed.

"Alright. The first battle: Luo Huan versus Qin Wentian," the aged figure announced. Luo Huan smiled at Qin Wentian and then turned to address the aged figure. "Senior, I concede this battle."

Luo Huan's concession was a gesture of support for Qin Wentian, allowing him to pursue his rightful rank.

"Understood. The second battle: Gu Xing versus Qin Wentian," the aged figure continued.

"I forfeit," Gu Xing declared, leaving the spectators bewildered. Was there any need for such a dramatic act? Two competitors had now given up their matches just for Qin Wentian?

"What about you two? Do you want to fight?" the aged figure asked Luo Huan and Gu Xing.

"No need. I also concede," Luo Huan responded, following Gu Xing's example. She sat down next to him, paying no attention to the events unfolding around her.

This turn of events left many feeling disappointed. The rankings for the 3rd platform had been determined without a single battle. They could only hope that the remaining battles would be more exciting.

"Qin Wentian obtains the 7th rank, Luo Huan takes 8th, and Gu Xing settles at 9th," the aged figure announced, shifting his gaze to the 2nd towering platform.

On this platform, the contestants were 2nd Sword, Chu Chen, and Hou Tie.

"The first battle: 2nd Sword versus Hou Tie."

As the aged figure's voice faded, the atmosphere grew tense, and the spectators held their breath in anticipation.

2nd Sword, despite his earlier defeat by Luo Qianqiu, was known for his formidable sword techniques. He had easily overwhelmed Luo Huan with his dominant sword strikes, reminiscent of Orchon's deadly spear techniques. The calculations from Drunken Wonder had given 2nd Sword and Hou Tie high ratings, suggesting a potential place in the top three. As they clashed on the platform, the crowd eagerly awaited the outcome.

Their Astral Souls emerged simultaneously. 2nd Sword wielded a violent and ferocious sword, while Hou Tie transformed into a terrifying ancient demon. They launched towards each other with incredible speed.

The impact of their collision sent shockwaves through the air, causing the spectators' hearts to race. The platform was enveloped in a fierce blend of demonic energy and swordlight, with thunderous clashes echoing around them.

Amidst the chaos, Hou Tie roared nine times in succession, shaking the heavens and the earth. His beastly form extinguished 2nd Sword's swordlight as he smashed through 2nd Sword's defensive sword Qi barrier. The sheer force of his attack lifted 2nd Sword into the air.

But Hou Tie wasn't done yet. He leaped into the sky, catching up to 2nd Sword and delivering two powerful punches that sent 2nd Sword crashing into the ground.

Hou Tie emerged victorious against 2nd Sword, leaving the spectators in awe. His power was truly astonishing. It seemed that the individual power levels were closely tied to Heaven's Wonder's payout rates, but there were still some discrepancies.

Hou Tie's Heaven's Wonder rating had been slightly lower than 2nd Sword's, yet he had emerged triumphant.

"Let's take a brief intermission for now. The battle on the first platform will be Orchon versus Sikong Mingyue," the aged figure announced calmly. The order of battles had been shuffled to allow the recently fought contestants to rest, ensuring the Jun Lin Banquet proceeded without delay.

The outcome of the battle between Orchon and Sikong Mingyue held little suspense. Orchon was undoubtedly a formidable opponent, but facing Sikong Mingyue was an entirely different challenge. Sikong Mingyue was Sikong Mingyue, a force to be reckoned with in her own right. As indicated by the payout rates, she was destined for a top position in the Jun Lin Banquet. The slim possibility of her falling from the top two rankings was hardly worth considering.

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian remained seated, cross-legged, focused on his cultivation. It was as if the outside world had no bearing on him. He had yet to fully master the second stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art – Falling Star, and time was of the essence. The upcoming battles would be the most intense of his life, and he needed to be in peak condition.

"2nd Sword versus Chu Chen," the aged figure's voice echoed once more, directing the crowd's attention to the second towering platform. 2nd Sword had already suffered one defeat and was determined not to lose again, especially against Chu Chen. If he did, Snowcloud's reputation would be left in tatters.

Chu Chen had conceded earlier when facing Sikong Mingyue, opting to conserve his strength. His true abilities were shrouded in mystery. However, as he clashed with 2nd Sword, Chu Chen unleashed his Astral Souls for the first time in the competition.

"What is that Astral Soul? It looks like a scepter!" An astonished spectator pointed at one of Chu Chen's Astral Souls.

"That's an Amethyst Astral Soul, condensed from the Emperor Amethyst Constellation, symbolizing the will of emperors. Chu Chen has actually formed an innate link with that constellation. Isn't this the same Astral Soul as Chu Tianjiao's first Astral Soul?" Another spectator marveled.

In the celestial realm, the nine Astral Rivers held countless fascinating and mysterious constellations. The Emperor Amethyst Constellation was among the most revered.