The top three rankers

The top three rankers

The Nine Astral Rivers held a treasure trove of secrets, concealing extraordinary constellations that could manifest in any of the Heavenly Layers. Yet, not everyone had the privilege of forming a connection with these celestial patterns. Some constellations were selective, choosing their own masters. As Stellar Martial Cultivators wandered through the Heavenly Layer, these chosen ones would feel an irresistible pull, their consciousness drawn towards the constellation. This communion allowed them to forge a bond and eventually condense an Astral Soul from that specific celestial body.

The revelation that both Chu Tianjiao and Chu Chen, members of the Royal Clan, had successfully formed an innate link with the Amethyst Emperor Star left the crowd astonished. The Amethyst Emperor Astral Soul was revered among the people of Chu for its unique abilities. Shaped like a scepter, it enhanced the user's power across various forms of combat and had the added advantage of strengthening their other Astral Souls.

Chu Chen had been concealing his true strength throughout the earlier battles due to his possession of the Amethyst Astral Soul. But now, he unleashed his full might. His second Astral Soul took the form of a palm imprint, hinting at its origin in a colossal palm-like constellation.

"Shall we?" Chu Chen smiled confidently as 2nd Sword's gaze grew more serious, unleashing a barrage of sword light.

Chu Chen advanced with a step, his palms pulsating with energy. His Astral Soul enveloped his hands, unleashing an overwhelming force that assailed 2nd Sword relentlessly.

"Such incredible speed!" The spectators marveled as they witnessed countless palm shadows striking out within the blink of an eye. Though 2nd Sword possessed great strength, the sheer volume of palm shadows overwhelmed his defenses, leaving him to desperately parry the relentless assault.

The rapid, wind-like sword strikes couldn't fend off the relentless barrage of palm attacks from Chu Chen. Eventually, Chu Chen's overwhelming might proved too much for 2nd Sword, who would now face Hou Tie in a showdown for the 4th rank of the Jun Lin Banquet.

"Next up, Orchon versus Luo Qianqiu," the aged figure declared, directing the spectators' attention to the 1st towering platform.

This battle held no suspense. Despite Orchon's power, he paled in comparison to Luo Qianqiu. As expected of the favorite to claim the championship, Luo Qianqiu easily dominated Orchon.

The spectators could only marvel at Luo Qianqiu's incredible strength. Only Sikong Mingyue appeared capable of challenging him.

With the conclusion of the battle between Luo Qianqiu and Orchon, the spectators sensed that the most intense confrontation was on the horizon. After the match between Hou Tie and Chu Chen, Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue would vie for the top position.

"Chu Chen versus Hou Tie."

As the aged figure's voice resonated, the climactic showdown on the 2nd towering platform commenced. Chu Chen regarded Hou Tie with a calm demeanor, delivering his words deliberately. "You are not my equal, and there's no need for you to risk your life over this. After defeating you, I will challenge those on the 1st platform for a spot among the top three."

The spectators' hearts quivered upon hearing Chu Chen's statement. Chu Chen had previously conceded to Sikong Mingyue, leading to a less favorable opinion among the spectators. However, no one had anticipated that Chu Chen might have intentionally avoided Sikong Mingyue to secure the 4th rank on the 2nd platform and then challenge the top three in nearly perfect condition.

Chu Chen's unwavering confidence stemmed from his strength. Despite Hou Tie's ferocity, Chu Chen had still emerged victorious, securing the 4th rank and earning the right to challenge those on the 1st platform for a spot in the top three.

With this battle's conclusion, Chu Chen occupied the 4th rank, Hou Tie the 5th, and 2nd Sword the 6th position. Now, the spectators eagerly turned their attention to the 1st platform.

Was the final, decisive battle that would determine the victor about to commence?

"The battle between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue will be postponed. Instead, Chu Chen will face Orchon. If Chu Chen wins, there will be another match to decide the top three positions, but if he loses, the top three will be set," declared the aged figure, dashing the spectators' hopes with a single sentence. Nonetheless, it provided the opportunity to witness the showdown between Chu Chen and Orchon to determine who was the stronger contender.

"The final battle for the top three positions?" Old Man Gu from the Emperor Star Academy chuckled, drawing puzzled gazes from the crowd. He was clearly referring to Qin Wentian. But what did he mean? Did Qin Wentian have what it took to vie for the top three spots? Could he overcome formidable foes like 2nd Sword and Hou Tie?

"After the battle between Orchon and Chu Chen concludes, I will give him a chance to see if he can rise to the occasion," the aged figure responded calmly. At the beginning, 2nd Sword had garnered the most attention but ultimately placed 6th, showcasing the immense strength of the top nine contestants.

Did Qin Wentian aspire to ascend step by step and claim the championship? Such an endeavor appeared virtually impossible.

Breaking through to the 8th level of Arterial Circulation was the goal that loomed in Qin Wentian's mind. He believed that with his martial prowess, he still had a shot at the top three positions. However, breakthroughs weren't as simple as wishing for them; they required diligent cultivation, step by step, accumulating Astral Energy. Even though precious spiritual medicines like Yuan Meteor Stones could expedite the process, true progress demanded time and effort.

"Prince Chu, those top three ranks won't slip from my grasp," Orchon declared, his voice brimming with confidence. Despite his close friendship with Chu Chen, this competition was about honor, and he intended to give it his all.

"Orchon, you're formidable, but the top three spots are mine. I'll even help you challenge Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue, avenging your previous losses. Since you've been defeated by them, why not yield your position and let me take the reins?" Chu Chen's voice exuded unwavering self-assurance, a sentiment echoed by Orchon. Both believed in their inevitable triumph.

Orchon had already secured one of the top three positions. Losing now would mean a loss of face.

"Orchon, you've got to win!" Many spectators had placed bets on Orchon and were silently praying for his victory. The fate of their Yuan Meteor Stones hung in the balance.

"Then let's battle," Orchon declared, brandishing his long spear. His fighting spirit surged as he unleashed a dazzling meteor shower of spear strikes against Chu Chen. The platform seemed to be shrouded in a dreamlike cascade of silver light.

Chu Chen responded with a single fist, extinguishing the spear rain. He calmly addressed Orchon, "Out of respect, I'll show you my true strength. Now, reveal your ultimate attack."

As his words echoed, the sounds of surging blood emanated from Chu Chen's body, which seemed to grow taller and more robust with each passing moment.

The Chu royal clan, holders of the Emperor Bloodline, had governed Chu for over three millennia, their Amethyst Astral Soul intertwined with the Emperor Bloodline forming the bedrock of the nation's history. In a world centered around cultivation, power was the cornerstone of governance.

Orchon's heart sank as he watched Chu Chen. "I didn't expect Prince Chen to have already awakened his bloodline limit. In that case, I won't hold back any longer."

Sensing Chu Chen's bloodline power, Orchon realized that his odds of victory were dwindling.

"Could it be that Orchon will really be defeated? Is this dark horse Chu Chen going to rampage into the top three positions?" Many spectators were vexed. Had Heaven's Wonder been deceived, or were they unaware of Chu Chen's true strength?

Orchon thrust his long spear, his attacks blooming like a lotus. Countless spear filaments erupted, covering the sky, coalescing into an Astral Spear carrying Orchon's full power.

Chu Chen unleashed a palm strike, enhanced by both his bloodline limit and the Amethyst Astral Soul's power, easily stopping Orchon's strongest attack.

Orchon knew he had lost. He sighed, gazing at Chu Chen. "I thought I could make it into the top three this time. Ended up in fourth place. But, Prince Chen is naturally one of the top three, considering his strength."

He bowed slightly to Chu Chen, a sign of his respect. "You're already incredibly powerful to secure fourth place. This year's contestants are exceptionally strong. Let's compete on who breaks into Yuanfu first. Once we do, we'll spar again."

Chu Chen grinned. "Agreed."

Orchon nodded and chuckled, no longer bothered by his defeat. Achieving fourth place in such a fierce Jun Lin Banquet was already a commendable feat.

At this moment, the top three rankers had been revealed – Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, and Chu Chen. However, their exact rankings remained uncertain and would be determined in a final round of battles.

The 4th to 6th positions had been tentatively secured by Orchon, Hou Tie, and 2nd Sword. The only wildcard left was Qin Wentian.

Despite Qin Wentian's remarkable strength, not many held high expectations for him. The first formidable obstacle he had to overcome was 2nd Sword.

The spectators eagerly awaited the ultimate showdown among the top three rankers.

The aged figure turned his attention to Qin Wentian, who was sitting cross-legged. He asked, "Do you still wish to participate?"

Qin Wentian paused his cultivation and opened his eyes. "Of course."

"Very well, your first opponent will be 2nd Sword," the aged figure announced. All eyes turned to Qin Wentian, and a sharp aura emanated from 2nd Sword. He was once considered a strong contender for the top three but had now fallen to the 6th position.

Today, Qin Wentian dared to challenge him, which was seen as a humiliation. 2nd Sword exuded a boundless sword intent, inclining his head as his eyes emitted piercing sword rays directed at Qin Wentian.

"If you seek death, I shall gladly oblige. I will avenge 3rd Night," 2nd Sword declared with a sharp, unforgiving tone. His entire being radiated an intense sword presence filled with arrogance, determination, and a thirst for vengeance.

He intended to make Qin Wentian pay with his blood, washing away the humiliation of the Jun Lin Banquet. After all, Snowcloud had suffered a miserable defeat. Sikong Mingyue was the only one securing a top-three position besides 2nd Sword himself among the top nine contenders.