Chaotic Battle at the River of Life and Death

Chaotic Battle at the River of Life and Death...

The crowd was gripped by bewilderment as their gazes settled on Qin Wentian. This young man was entirely unfamiliar to most of them.

Adding to the intrigue was the fact that Qin Wentian's aura was merely at the seventh level of Yuanfu.

No one could doubt his determination, considering he had produced a nineteenth echo. Achieving such a feat required not just a heart of steel but also an attack of immense power and robust defenses to withstand the rebound force.

Zhan Chen's expression turned icy as he directed his gaze at Qin Wentian. The golden radiance around him intensified. He was acutely aware of Mo Qingcheng observing from the sidelines. Moreover, with the crowd's attention firmly fixed on him, he couldn't afford to lose to someone at a mere seventh level of Yuanfu.

Even though this was a drum-sounding competition, he couldn't allow himself to fall behind.

Releasing his Astral Souls, Zhan Chen summoned a fearsome golden wind that gradually took on the form of a Heaven Punisher Ancient Sword. With a thunderous roar, he wielded the sword and struck the drum once more.

"BOOOOM!"

The twentieth echo resounded, but the tremendous rebound force shattered Zhan Chen's golden armor. The shock surged through his body, causing his heart to race violently. He knew that attempting the twenty-first echo would result in severe injury.

With the sound of the twentieth echo still hanging in the air, Zhan Chen glared coldly at Qin Wentian.

However, he was met with the sight of Qin Wentian simply extending a single finger toward the drum. An overwhelming destructive force tore through the space, causing the twentieth echo to ring out as it struck the massive drum's surface.

"BOOOM!!" The entire world trembled. Qin Wentian too had achieved twenty echoes. As the echo reverberated, it seemed to physically impact the hearts of the onlookers. When the intense rebound force surged toward Qin Wentian, his body remained steady, and his heart remained as calm as a placid lake. It was as though he could once again witness the fall of Ancient Grand Xia, the day when blood and tears had mingled, and the once-magnificent dynasty had crumbled. All the countless streams of determination converged and flowed into his mind like a roaring river. It was a terrifying spectacle to behold.

Zhan Chen hesitated for a brief moment, and the echoes he had previously created dissipated. His momentary lapse had cost him his opportunity, but achieving twenty echoes was already an incredible feat. He stood on par with Chen Wang and Shi Potian. While the drum-sounding competition didn't affect the final results, it showcased Zhan Chen's commanding presence.

Qin Wentian's voice echoed through the air, "How can your feeble determination hope to match my unwavering resolve?"

As his words faded, Qin Wentian thrust another finger forward. The boundless force of the world concentrated into a spiraling vortex, infusing his finger as he struck the drum once more.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Twenty-one echoes—he had shattered the record. The resonance blended with Qin Wentian's voice, shaking the hearts of the spectators.

With this final provocation, Qin Wentian had openly challenged Zhan Chen.

The first elimination test, although it used drum echoes to separate the strong from the weak, was, in terms of pride, a challenge among the attending geniuses. Given that Zhan Chen had stepped up alongside him, and with Mo Qingcheng watching from the sidelines, there was no way Qin Wentian could afford to lose to Zhan Chen.

As Qin Wentian stepped forward, his companions around him wore smiles of encouragement as they moved ahead as well.

While this young man was undoubtedly exceptional, his cultivation base remained too low. Provoking Zhan Chen, who was at the seventh level of Yuanfu, was audacious and reckless.

Most of the contenders had already completed the drum test, leaving only a few of the weaker ones to step up.

The nine-sided gigantic drum had eliminated over half of the original ten thousand participants.

The next challenge would be even more perilous: the contenders would confront the River of Life and Death.

The River of Life and Death was a true test of survival; those who succeeded would live, while those who failed would meet their demise.

Throughout the ages, countless heroes of Grand Xia had faced the River of Life and Death, and many had met their fates within its treacherous waters.

Qin Wentian and his companions ascended the majestic azure dragon steps. Upon reaching the pinnacle, they laid eyes on the River of Life and Death stretched out before them. In truth, it was more fitting to call it a Life and Death lake.

The River of Life and Death was as wide as the first step, the very stage where the colossal nine-sided drum was situated. It could effortlessly accommodate thousands of individuals. In terms of length, it extended over ten thousand meters, a distance that seemed relatively short for Stellar Martial Cultivators. Any of these geniuses could likely cross it in record time.

However, the challenge wouldn't be so simple with thousands of participants crossing the river while vying against one another.

Yet, more formidable than the competitors they faced was the peril concealed within the river's waters—a corrosive will. No doubt, all Yuanfu-level cultivators would meet their demise if they fell into its depths.

The crowd watched as Old Man Tianji and the leaders of their respective transcendent powers ascended into the air, flying over the River of Life and Death. They landed safely on the opposite side and opened the gates of the Kingdom, taking their positions on the city walls of the Ancient Kingdom.

This River of Life and Death had once served as a celestial moat, acting as the foremost line of defense for Ancient Grand Xia. With this strategic setup, a single defender could hold the pass against ten thousand.

Old Man Tianji's gaze remained fixed ahead. All the contenders now faced the formidable River of Life and Death. Although ten thousand meters might not appear excessively long, this place was destined to become the grave of several contestants attempting to complete the test.

Old Man Tianji then ignited a candle. This candle was diminutive and slender, signifying a time limit of only a hundred breaths for the contenders to conquer this challenge.

The challenge was daunting, especially with so many participants moving simultaneously. There was sure to be those who would resort to hostile measures against others, using them as stepping stones to cross. Chaos would undoubtedly reign.

"The candle is now lit. You must reach the end of the river before the flame expires. Failure means certain death," Old Man Tianji announced, his tone unwavering. "Begin."

"GO!" Qin Wentian shouted. The few thousand contenders sprang into action, moving as swiftly as lightning, jostling with one another in their race to the finish. With just a single candle to span ten thousand meters, they needed to harness every remaining moment and advance at their utmost speed to succeed.

The frenzy of thousands of contenders surged forward, creating a powerful afterwind capable of slicing through anything in its path. It was a terrifying spectacle, visually stunning and chaotic.

The auras of the contenders exploded into the scene, intensifying the chaos. Some had already resorted to fighting amongst themselves, determined to advance even if it meant pushing others aside.

"MOVE!" A contender behind Qin Wentian shouted, slashing forward with a lightning-fast ancient sword while simultaneously riding a flying sword to move ahead.

"I'll hold them off, you guys go ahead!" Qin Wentian yelled, flipping his palm and unleashing a terrifying demonic palm imprint that collided head-on with the ancient sword. His eyes gleamed with icy resolve as his hands weaved intricate runic gestures. Instantly, several colossal rocs materialized, rushing forward to obstruct the oncoming attack.

Meanwhile, contenders ahead of Qin Wentian's group were also turning to launch attacks, trying to block their path. Even when Qin Wentian and his companions took to the skies, they encountered contenders above them who were raining down attacks, attempting to knock them into the treacherous river.

Chaos reigned, and the situation grew increasingly frenzied.

With a loud splash, someone finally plummeted into the river. Heart-wrenching screams filled the air as the unfortunate individual's body rapidly corroded, dissolving into white bones before vanishing altogether.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but shudder at the sight. This was just the first trial after the nine-sided drums. How ruthless and tragic was this battle among geniuses?

"Qingcheng." Qin Wentian cast a worried glance in her direction. Amidst the chaos, where everyone was focused solely on advancing, he couldn't help but worry about Mo Qingcheng. Fortunately, he soon spotted her and saw that she was unharmed. Perhaps due to her beauty, no one dared to target her. It seemed that all beauties possessed this innate advantage.

Chu Mang and Fan Le stood at the forefront of their group, releasing their Arrow Astral Souls. Fan Le had fully unleashed his bloodline limit, engulfing himself in golden flames and appearing like an Empyrean War God, radiating a majestic and powerful aura.

A loud "Peng!" erupted ahead of them as someone attempted to obstruct their path. Chu Mang and Fan Le coldly snorted and rapidly released arrows at the assailant charging toward them. The individual flipped his palms, trying to deflect the arrows, but to his horror, the feathered bolts suddenly changed their trajectories, catching him off guard. Moments later, the flaming arrows pierced through his head, and his lifeless body tumbled into the river.

Their group didn't seek to take lives, but for those who attempted to impede their progress, mercy was a luxury they couldn't afford.

Chu Mang, after consuming the Limit-break pellet, had reached the peak level of Yuanfu. His attacks were nothing short of overwhelming.

"BOOOOM!"

Suddenly, an immense pressure bore down upon them as mountains upon mountains materialized from the skies, crashing down towards their group. Additionally, colossal mountains emerged before them, forming an impenetrable barrier.

"Situ Po," Qin Wentian muttered as he noticed Situ Po soaring in the sky, encased in starstone armor, bombarding them with attacks.

Qin Wentian's figure flickered as he ascended into the heavens. With a powerful punch, he shattered the mountain manifestations. Yet, at that very moment, a sharp sword descended upon his head. It was Situ Po's Life Extinction Swordplay.

Simultaneously, a domineering suppressive force bore down on them. A gigantic leg manifested in the sky, descending with earth-shattering power.

"Duan Qingshan."

Qin Wentian's expression turned ice-cold. Situ Po had actually teamed up with Duan Qingshan to launch this surprise attack against them.

Duan Qingshan, ranked #25 on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, and Situ Po, no slouch in combat, both posed significant threats. The air sizzled as Chu Mang's massive axe swung toward them, while Ouyang Kuangsheng's body blazed, unleashing a fiery storm laced with thunder.

Zhan Chen, seizing the opportunity, couldn't resist joining the fray against Qin Wentian. His palms clasped together, summoning a colossal golden sword aimed squarely at their target.

Caught between a relentless assault from the front and a fierce attack from behind, Qin Wentian's group faced imminent danger.

Suddenly, an overwhelming surge of devilish energy descended, and a black devil's spear pierced through the void, targeting Zhan Chen. Zhan Chen's face contorted with fury. "IT'S YOU AGAIN!"

Yun Mengyi sprung into action, her frigid intent freezing the surrounding atmosphere, creating an icy storm as she closed in on Situ Po.

It was complete and utter chaos. Wild attacks filled the air, and the contenders in this perilous test had no choice but to rely on luck as they fought to advance.

Observers couldn't help but be astonished by this scene. The young man who had shattered the drum echo record seemed to have a considerable influence—friends and foes alike gathered around him.

The adversaries pursuing him were formidable figures of their generation: Zhan Chen, Duan Qingshan, and Situ Po.

And just when things couldn't get more chaotic, another Star-Seizing Palm Imprint joined the fray. The spectators' faces tensed as they witnessed this attack, originating from the Star-Seizing Manor. It appeared that Yang Fan and one of his allies wanted to partake in the mayhem as well.