Facing the World Together

Facing the World Together...

"How can this be possible?"

"Yun Mengyi's sword clearly struck Zhan Chen's body, yet... there was no harm?"

The clash between Zhan Chen and Yun Mengyi unfolded so rapidly that it seemed like the battle had concluded in the blink of an eye. The spectators struggled to keep pace with their movements. Zhan Chen stood victorious on the platform, unscathed, defeating Yun Mengyi with apparent ease.

This contender, who was once ranked 11th from the Pill Emperor Hall, had now temporarily secured a spot in the top six, and his enigmatic prowess left everyone bewildered.

Zhan Chen had emerged as a dark horse in the competition, a formidable and mysterious one.

All the remaining contenders were exceptionally powerful, each shrouded in a veil of mystery. Their true strengths and hidden trump cards remained elusive to the spectators.

Qin Wentian's eyes remained locked onto Zhan Chen, sensing the intense animosity radiating from him. Their long-standing grudge had festered, and Qin Wentian had exposed Zhan Chen's unsavory deeds, further deepening their hatred. On the Vermilion Bird arena platform today, Zhan Chen intended to showcase to the entire Pill Emperor Hall, and especially to Mo Qingcheng, how he would torment and humiliate Qin Wentian before sealing his fate.

Today's ranking battle seemed orchestrated for Zhan Chen alone, a stage for his name to reverberate throughout Grand Xia.

He turned and left the platform.

Zhan Chen now held a temporary position in the top six, while Yun Mengyi joined the ranks of the bottom five.

The next bout featured Emperor Azure versus the black-robed figure.

Emperor Azure, one of the three contenders who had ranked in the top five in the previous battle, held the #5 position. The other two were Chen Wang and Shi Potian.

Emperor Azure had always been an enigmatic figure, his origins and background shrouded in mystery. He was one of the most low-profile rankers on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Even this year, his true identity remained elusive, but no one dared to underestimate him because of it.

As for the black-robed figure, they were even more mysterious than Emperor Azure. No one knew anything about them, not even their true name or gender. It was as though they had suddenly emerged onto the scene this year. The crowd was abuzz with anticipation as their battle began.

Both contenders took their places on the platform. Emperor Azure's vermilion bird emitted a low screech, and he wore a cold smile as he addressed the black-robed figure. "You've come to participate in the ranking battle, yet you hide your true face. Why?"

The black-robed figure remained silent, their devilish aura billowing like a storm as they coldly observed Emperor Azure.

"Very well, today I shall seek guidance from you." Emperor Azure moved with astonishing speed. The entire platform was soon filled with his indistinct afterimages. Each afterimage wielded a razor-sharp sword, making it impossible to discern the real Emperor Azure.

"How swift his movements are! His Illusion Swordplay has reached an incredible level where reality blends seamlessly with deception. No one can pinpoint his actual location."

Emperor Azure's sword techniques were truly fearsome. In a single stride, all his afterimages converged upon the black-robed figure.

The black-robed figure focused their devilish energy onto their spear. Stepping forward, they thrust their spear with such force that the sword-light from the illusions was instantly suppressed.

However, the onslaught of after-images proved overwhelming. One of the illusions managed to break through and aimed a sword straight for the black-robed figure's throat.

Swiftly, the black-robed figure evaded the attack, shrouding themselves in a devilish armor. The devilish aura above intensified, sending forth a terrifying presence. With a powerful thrust of their palms, the aura cascaded down like black thunder, obliterating thousands of Emperor Azure's after-images.

The black-robed figure, unable to discern the real Emperor Azure, opted for a devastating approach—obliteration of everything.

But Emperor Azure was not one to be dealt with so easily. He soared into the sky, multiplying his image again, creating countless duplicates that confronted the black-robed figure. Columns of Astral Light descended, reflecting off their swords, making Emperor Azure appear as if he were an immortal descended from the heavens.

"Isn't that the Heavenly Swordplay...? Has Emperor Azure mastered that as well? But it seems there's more to it; his swordsmanship isn't as pure as Yun Mengyi's."

As the seemingly identical Heavenly Swordplay rained down, the black-robed figure unleashed an explosion of devilish might, causing his aura to surge.

Innumerable devilish spears materialized, piercing through space and clashing against the multitude of swords formed by the Heavenly Swordplay. In the heat of battle, no one could discern which Mandates the black-robed figure had mastered or the Astral Souls he possessed. All they could witness was the seething black devilish might erupting from him.

Emperor Azure's true form descended with a mighty sword strike, releasing his Astral Souls to enhance his attacks. His first Astral Soul was a Sword-type, while his second was an Evil-eyed Astral Soul. In an instant, his eyes assumed a demonic appearance. With a burst of Astral Light, Emperor Azure appeared instantly before the black-robed figure, slashing downward.

"Stellar Transposition?"

Astonished expressions swept over the crowd. Why did Emperor Azure possess knowledge of so many ultimate arts? He did not hail from any of the seven Grand Clans that betrayed Ancient Grand Xia.

Could it be that the techniques he employed were neither the Heavenly Swordplay nor Stellar Transposition?

"Chi, chi..."

A sharp sound pierced the air as blood splattered onto the black robes, staining them a deep crimson. The figure hastily retreated, his gaze icy as he stared down Emperor Azure. The emperor's eyes had transformed into something increasingly demonic as his third Astral Soul was unveiled, revealing a creature from the 5th Heavenly Layer—the Blood-Winged Devil Ape.

"Ranked #2 on the Warbeast Index, the Blood-Winged Devil Ape..."

The spectators were thunderstruck; the enigmatic Emperor Azure had finally revealed all three of his Astral Souls.

The black-robed figure's expression remained as cold as ever, seemingly unfazed by the injury he had just sustained. He invoked the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, casting the arena platform into pitch darkness. A black dragon-like entity burst forth from his body, morphing into a fearsome black sabre—the Heavenly Devil Sabre.

With deliberate, measured steps, the black-robed figure advanced toward Emperor Azure. The devilish aura he emitted was so intense that it sent shivers down Emperor Azure's spine.

"BOOM!" An eruption of demonic energy surrounded Emperor Azure as his physical form grew immensely powerful, resembling that of a demon. At this critical juncture, an overwhelming aura emanated from him.

"Fiend Transformation Art?!"

Qin Wentian's eyes widened in astonishment. Emperor Azure had also mastered the Fiend Transformation Art. But the Azure Emperor had not passed down this inheritance to the Di Clan. So how had Emperor Azure acquired this knowledge?

Emperor Azure's unyielding gaze remained fixed on the black-robed figure. He had waited for this ranking battle for far too long; there was no room for failure now.

"Boom!" Emperor Azure took a mighty step forward, his body now encased in demon scale armor. Each of his strides seemed capable of reducing the arena platform to dust.

But the frigid determination in the black-robed figure's eyes never wavered. With a sweeping motion of his sabre, a surge of devilish energy rippled through the spectators' hearts.

"Nine Slashes of the Underworld."

Many among the transcendent powers recognized the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Dipper. They immediately discerned the inexorably tyrannical 'Nine Slashes of the Underworld' attack when the sabre slashed out.

The first blow from the sabre rent the very fabric of the heavens and earth, causing them to bellow in agony. As the weapon descended, the devilish aura coiling around it transformed into a wrathful underworld dragon, unleashing its rage upon the world.

Emperor Azure charged forward, his punch brimming with savage might. However, the countless fist imprints he generated were obliterated the moment they met the underworld dragon. The devilish power exuding from the sabre grew even stronger; the Nine Slashes of the Underworld were a sequential surge in power, with each slash exponentially more formidable than the last.

The second slash, the third, and on they went, each more heart-pounding than the last. The black-robed figure's qi swirled frantically, and it remained uncertain if he could muster the stamina to execute all nine slashes.

Emperor Azure's transformation into a Blood-Winged Devil Ape allowed him to match the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil's devil-might with his own demonic force. The two collided with incredible force. Then came the fourth sabre slash, and the very sky shifted in hue. The black-robed figure spat out blood to perform it, but he succeeded nonetheless.

"ROAR..." The furious howl resonated through the surroundings. The Blood-Winged Devil Ape summoned its utmost strength to withstand the might of the fourth slash.

Demonic power and devilish energy intertwined, creating a vortex of annihilation. Amidst the maelstrom, spectators suddenly witnessed an abyss darker than midnight slashing out, completely dissipating the whirlwind. It was the fifth slash of the Underworld! With a thunderous collision, Emperor Azure's demonic form was sent crashing down onto the platform, ruthlessly slamming into the ground.

The Heavenly Devil Sabre vanished, and the devil-might emanating from the black-robed figure faded. The spectators witnessed him clutching his wounded body as he descended from the platform, his posture bent and unsteady, his black veil stained with blood.

Such a terrifying battle, yet he had emerged victorious. What an incredible feat, defeating the Azure Emperor who had held the #5 rank in the previous ranking battle.

After this battle, the black-robed figure firmly secured his position. After displaying such incredible prowess, there seemed to be no one else daring to challenge him.

Emperor Azure retreated to his initial position, his eyes burning with intense fire. He had lost—right here, in front of everyone. The combination of the Heavenly Devil Sabre and the Nine Slashes of the Underworld was just overwhelmingly powerful.

The Heavenly Art of the Chaotic Devil truly deserved its reputation as the most tyrannical among the nine ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia.

"Hu..." A collective gasp swept through the spectators. The previous battle had left them breathless, and now, it was time for the fifth round, the climax of the competition.

Qin Wentian versus Mo Qingcheng.

Mo Qingcheng, the pride of the Pill Emperor Hall, and unquestionably the most stunning woman to grace the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Her beauty was unrivaled in all of Grand Xia. Could Qin Wentian emerge victorious against her?

As they ascended the platform and locked eyes, Mo Qingcheng's perfect figure and flawless countenance cast a spell of envy and admiration upon the onlookers. They marveled at the Creator's exquisite handiwork.

Then, something utterly unexpected happened. Mo Qingcheng gazed into Qin Wentian's eyes and a slightly mischievous, radiant smile graced her face. This smile seemed to halt time, sending shockwaves through the hearts of the audience.

Mo Qingcheng smiled. She actually smiled at Qin Wentian?

Words like "thunderstruck" and "utter shock" couldn't quite capture the bewildering emotions coursing through the spectators. This was supposed to be a fierce battle, a clash of titans. What had just transpired?

When they turned their attention to Qin Wentian, they saw him smiling too. It was a smile filled with warmth and tenderness, as if he were gazing at the love of his life.

"You've finally made it this far," Mo Qingcheng spoke affectionately, her radiant smile never fading.

"I always believed in you, I knew you could do it," she continued. Mo Qingcheng's hair danced in the breeze as Qin Wentian approached her. He gently placed his hand on her forehead, tenderly caressing her luxurious locks. Mo Qingcheng lowered her head in shy acquiescence, allowing Qin Wentian's intimate gesture.

Qin Wentian then reached for her hand, enveloping it with his own. In front of the countless spectators of Grand Xia, this unlikely pair held hands, forging a bond of eternal love.

Just as Qin Wentian had promised her before, during this year's year-end ranking battle, he would proudly announce their relationship to the entire world—Mo Qingcheng was his woman!