You, Aren't Qualified...
The epic clash between Emperor Azure and the enigmatic black-robed figure still lingered in the minds of the spectators. They had witnessed firsthand the immense power of Emperor Azure.
Emperor Azure was a master of various arts and techniques, bearing a striking resemblance to Qin Wentian. Both of them possessed the ability to undergo a demonic transformation, which turned their physiques into formidable, nightmarish forms.
Had the black-robed figure not pushed himself to the brink by unleashing the Nine Slashes of the Underworld, especially that earth-shattering fifth slash, Emperor Azure would undoubtedly have emerged victorious. It was considered one of the most formidable saber techniques within the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil.
Now, as Qin Wentian stood on the arena platform, he dared to make an audacious declaration: he would defeat Emperor Azure in a mere ten breaths.
Emperor Azure's eyes widened in disbelief upon hearing these words. Could he truly be defeated in just ten breaths? Qin Wentian, who had seemingly climbed the ranks thanks to Mo Qingcheng, was boldly making this proclamation right in front of him. Emperor Azure couldn't believe his ears.
Demonic light gleamed in his eyes as Qin Wentian's massive wings sprouted from his back, and he prepared to strike.
"One breath," Qin Wentian announced calmly.
In an instant, he vanished, reappearing before Emperor Azure with a blazing palm strike.
As his palm took form, ethereal ancient bells appeared around it, emitting a mystical energy. The persistent chiming of the bells penetrated Emperor Azure's defenses, targeting his heart directly. He felt his heart being crushed by the deafening tolls, an unbearable sensation that he couldn't resist.
Emperor Azure's back was soaked with sweat as he let out a mad roar. He transformed into the Blood-Winged Devil Ape, frantically launching a punch in an attempt to halt Qin Wentian's relentless attack.
"BOOOM!"
The resonating chimes continued, and Emperor Azure's heart raced, threatening to burst at any moment. His face had turned as white as paper. With his left palm, he unleashed a devilish imprint aimed directly at Qin Wentian's face.
"A test of pure strength?!"
Qin Wentian's Mandate of Force and Mandate of Demons surged simultaneously as their palms collided, sending shockwaves reverberating through the entire arena platform.
"Boom..."
A colossal surge of Astral Energy swept the surroundings, and Emperor Azure's figure vanished completely. It was that mysterious movement technique, reminiscent of Stellar Transposition. In the blink of an eye, Emperor Azure reappeared behind Qin Wentian.
Without even turning around, Qin Wentian thrust a single finger backward.
Heaven Breaking Finger—a technique capable of shattering the heavens with a single digit. As his finger pierced the air, demonic qi spiraled rapidly, forming a black hole of malevolence at its tip, aimed directly at Emperor Azure's heart. Simultaneously, a golden ray of light shot from the center of Qin Wentian's brow, striking Emperor Azure's eyes and sending shockwaves through his entire mind.
"Die!" Emperor Azure roared, slashing his sword downward. A resplendent blade descended from the heavens, brimming with overwhelming power. Yet, the crowd watched in bewilderment.
Why did Emperor Azure's powerful sword strike empty space next to Qin Wentian? Such a magnificent sword, filled with unmatched energy, and it had missed its target?
Upon the landing of the Heaven Breaking Finger, the Purgatory Vermilion Bird behind Qin Wentian screeched and charged towards Emperor Azure's Vermilion Bird. Although accumulating more ancient luck at this point seemed futile, Qin Wentian's Vermilion Bird couldn't resist stealing even Emperor Azure's share.
Emperor Azure's heart endured immense pressure, as if it were on the verge of exploding. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian dashed forward, his hands morphing into golden dragon claws, gripping his adversary in a chokehold.
"It seems I didn't even need ten breaths," Qin Wentian remarked calmly as he dragged Emperor Azure by the throat to the edge of the arena platform.
The spectators stared in utter astonishment at the unfolding spectacle, their minds in a state of disbelief.
Today had witnessed an abundance of astonishing scenes, but none as shocking as Qin Wentian's complete domination of Emperor Azure within just ten breaths, rendering the mighty Emperor Azure powerless and defeated.
In a pure test of strength, it was undeniable that Qin Wentian held the upper hand against Emperor Azure. However, Emperor Azure possessed an array of techniques at his disposal, each unique and potent in its own right. While these techniques may not have been as grandiose as his primary combat style, they were formidable in their own regard.
Regrettably, despite Emperor Azure's repertoire of skills, he had squandered his chances with that missed sword strike. The spectators couldn't fathom how such a thing could happen. Given Emperor Azure's prowess, missing an attack of that caliber was nearly inconceivable. Even more bewildering was the fact that he had been wounded by Qin Wentian's finger attack.
As Qin Wentian reached the edge of the platform, he effortlessly lifted Emperor Azure.
Standing there with an air of authority, Qin Wentian locked eyes with the onlookers and the prominent figures from various transcendent powers. He wanted to make a resounding statement, not just to the Di Clan and the White Deer Institute, but to the world: He was Qin Wentian.
Was he not worthy of Mo Qingcheng?
By boldly clasping Mo Qingcheng's hand in front of the world on the Vermilion Bird arena platform, he had already made his intentions clear.
"You are not qualified," Qin Wentian declared as he tossed Emperor Azure off the platform. Emperor Azure's face visibly paled as he grasped the profound implications behind Qin Wentian's words.
Emperor Azure, also known as Di Feng, was deemed unworthy to inherit the legacy of the Azure Emperor. Their battle had served as a contest to determine the true successor, and Di Feng had suffered a humiliating defeat.
Among the spectators were members of the Di Clan who were well aware of Qin Wentian's existence. Upon Qin Wentian's revelation of the Azure Emperor Token and the appearance of the Celestial Lake Palace, Di Feng had shared the entire story with them.
The impact of this event was deeply felt by those from the White Deer Institute as well, leaving them with much to ponder.
The astonishing achievement of the young man from earlier had occurred in just a few short years.
All eyes were fixed on Qin Wentian as he stood on the arena platform. Behind him, the Purgatory Vermilion Bird, having devoured Emperor Azure's Vermilion Bird, loomed, a powerful and imposing presence. The duo, man and bird, stared out imperiously at the world. Had he truly been unworthy when he held Mo Qingcheng's hand before them all yesterday?
Stepping off the platform, Qin Wentian descended, securing his place among the top six rankers. The current top six were Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, the enigmatic figure in black, and Qin Wentian.
Old Man Tianji called for another break before announcing, "Qin Zheng versus Emperor Azure."
This duel would determine the seventh and eighth rankings.
Emperor Azure was determined not to suffer another defeat. He engaged in a fierce and frenzied battle with Qin Zheng, showcasing a wide array of techniques, thrilling the spectators.
Yet, in the end, Emperor Azure was defeated.
Emperor Azure, once a powerful force, had now suffered three consecutive defeats: first to the enigmatic figure in black, then to Qin Wentian, and now to Qin Zheng.
He couldn't secure a single victory.
The formidable Emperor Azure had experienced a sharp decline in his ranking despite displaying an evident increase in combat prowess. He had lost all three rounds.
Emperor Azure wore an expression of utter dejection, struggling to come to terms with this harsh reality. Following Old Man Tianji's announcement, the name "Emperor Azure" appeared in the eighth position on the gleaming scoreboard.
Now, the actual rankings of the top six were yet to be determined, and these six individuals represented the pinnacle of power in the entire Yuanfu realm.
The spectators held their breath in anticipation.
Who would Chen Wang face in the battle for the top rank? What level of strength did Si Qiong truly possess with his enigmatic soul attacks? Could anyone other than Mu Feng possibly harm him?
The questions swirled in the minds of the audience. Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, and Zhan Chen – who among them was the strongest? Had the black-robed figure reached his peak, or did he still have room to grow? Was Qin Wentian truly the weakest among the six, or would he continue to defy expectations and aim for the top five, or even the top three?
Speculation and excitement ran high among the spectators as they eagerly awaited the final results of the ranking battle.
"Next, everyone in the top six will have multiple chances to face off against each other. We won't determine the rankings based on a single round. I will decide the order of these matchups," announced Old Man Tianji as he fixed his gaze on the contenders.
"For the first round, it will be Chen Wang versus Zhan Chen, Si Qiong versus the black-robed figure, and Shi Potian versus Qin Wentian," he declared.
The crowd murmured in agreement. The arrangement made sense – it prevented the strongest from immediately clashing against each other, building up anticipation for their eventual showdowns.
However, it was important to note that there were no true weaklings among the top six. Regardless of the pairings, they were all formidable talents in the Yuanfu Realm. It was a competition of strength against even greater strength.
Chen Wang against Zhan Chen. Chen Wang was the favored contender here, with higher odds of securing the top rank.
Si Qiong versus the black-robed figure. Si Qiong was expected to emerge victorious, given the mysterious nature of his techniques, including soul attacks and soul-searching methods. The black-robed figure's devilish art had not yet reached maturity, making Si Qiong the stronger candidate.
Shi Potian versus Qin Wentian. While Shi Potian was the stronger contender on paper, the spectators believed he wouldn't lose to Qin Wentian.
The stage was set for intense battles among the top six, leading to a climactic showdown for the top rankings.