Battle at the Peak

Battle at the Peak...

The showdown for the Heavenly Fate Rankings was turning into a saga, one that promised more drama than an opera with multiple acts. It appeared that determining the true champions would take more than just two final matches. The spotlight currently hung over Zhan Chen and Qin Wentian. If Zhan Chen could overcome Qin Wentian, the climactic battle would feature Si Qiong pitted against Chen Wang.

Chen Wang had not disappointed those who had placed their hopes in him. He had persevered through a grueling journey, but what no one had foreseen was that his adversary wouldn't be the formidable Shi Potian or the indomitable Emperor Azure; it would be none other than the dark horse, Si Qiong.

Si Qiong's power was nothing short of terrifying. He seemed impervious, wielding a diverse range of ultimate martial arts and even unleashing soul-shattering attacks. Facing him was akin to confronting an enigma, and every challenger he had vanquished left with a profound sense of fear and reverence.

The enigma surrounding Si Qiong's invincibility left spectators speculating about the fireworks that would ignite when these two forces clashed.

Chen Wang, who had garnered the highest praise, now stood opposite Si Qiong, the enigmatic dark horse.

Up in the skies, Old Man Tianji surveyed the four remaining contenders. His gaze lingered on each of them for a moment before shifting to the next. The destiny of Grand Xia hung in the balance during this pivotal battle for the Heavenly Fate Rankings. He was certain that the person represented by the demon star would emerge victorious from this clash.

Shi Potian's ancient beast bloodline and Emperor Azure's fearsome transformation ability had both been vanquished. The sole contender who practiced demonic arts was none other than Qin Wentian, who had carved a path of destruction to reach this point. Could he be the chosen one, or would his journey come to an end here?

Old Man Tianji's voice resonated with authority as he announced, "The next two battles: Zhan Chen versus Qin Wentian, and Chen Wang versus Si Qiong." He then turned his attention to Zhan Chen and inquired, "Zhan Chen, are you still willing to fight?"

"I require some time to recuperate," Zhan Chen replied.

Old Man Tianji nodded before declaring, "In that case, let the duel between Chen Wang and Si Qiong commence."

As the anticipation reached its zenith, the crowd braced itself for the forthcoming clash, which promised to be an unforgettable spectacle.

"Hmm?" The spectators were taken aback by Old Man Tianji's announcement. Chen Wang versus Si Qiong, leading the charge? The winner of this duel could potentially shape the destiny of Grand Xia. It seemed only fitting that their clash should be the grand finale. So, why this sudden change?

Traditionally, the most spectacular showdown was reserved for the end, and earlier, when Zhan Chen had revealed his trump card, it had appeared almost certain that he would defeat Qin Wentian, securing the third rank while Qin Wentian would be fourth. In that scenario, shouldn't the battle between Chen Wang and Si Qiong be the ultimate showdown?

Old Man Tianji's decision left many perplexed, but throughout history, the Venerate Heavens Sect had always been the ultimate authority in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Since Old Man Tianji had made his pronouncement, the audience had no choice but to accept it and heighten their anticipation for the final confrontation.

The arena platform was bathed in scorching sunlight as Chen Wang and Si Qiong stood in the spotlight, absorbing not only the radiant beams but also the countless gazes of the onlookers.

Today, who would emerge as the true shining star on this stage? Would it be Chen Wang or Si Qiong?

"Your strength is commendable. Although I'm not particularly interested in these Heavenly Fate Rankings, now that I'm here, the number one spot naturally belongs to me," Si Qiong declared with an air of nonchalance.

"In the ranking battle three years ago, I claimed the second spot. Today, as I stand here once more, the position of the top ranker is mine to take. Even you won't be able to stand in my way," Chen Wang retorted, his gaze locked onto Si Qiong, radiating unyielding arrogance.

Chen Wang had a single, unwavering goal - to secure the first rank. He had waited patiently for three long years, all for this moment.

"Very well, let our strength speak for us," Si Qiong replied serenely, as if nothing in the world could disturb his inner tranquility.

Chen Wang's body ignited, absorbing the sunlight and transforming into a towering figure of living flames. His third and mightiest Astral Soul, a colossal sun, merged seamlessly with him, causing the surrounding temperature to skyrocket. It was as if mere proximity to him would result in instant incineration, consumed by the scorching power of the Great Solar Flames.

Si Qiong unleashed his third and most formidable Astral Soul, a malevolent specter. Its eyes had a sinister allure, capable of ensnaring the souls of anyone who dared to meet its gaze. Merely being in its presence sent shivers through the nearby souls.

"Boom!"

"Peng!"

Astral energy erupted as they both employed the Stellar Transposition technique in an instant. Their movements were so swift that their figures blurred into indistinct after-images.

A colossal ember palm, radiating the power to incinerate all, came crashing down. It exuded an intense heat that instantly vaporized the moisture in the air, creating sizzling echoes.

In response, Si Qiong extended his left palm, conjuring numerous watery screens in the form of protective shields. As Chen Wang's ember palm descended through these shields, it felt as if he were plunging his hands into a yielding, water-like substance.

This was Si Qiong's Mandate of Water. He excelled not only in soul attacks but also in his mastery of the Mandate of Water. He had concealed his true strength all the way to this final battle with Chen Wang.

"Boom!"

The water shields began to wither under the relentless assault of the scorching fire. Chen Wang's ember palm was simply too overwhelming. However, Si Qiong had already achieved his purpose. The water shields were designed to stall Chen Wang for a brief moment—just that moment was all he required. A wicked grin crept across Si Qiong's face as he thrust a finger forward.

The Soul Destruction Finger - a strike that could annihilate a soul with a single touch.

"Split!"

In the next instant, Chen Wang's form divided into three, deftly evading the attack. Two additional flame giants emerged, resembling Magma Divinity Wargods.

This extraordinary sight sent shockwaves through the hearts of the spectators.

Chen Wang, the contender for the top spot, had unveiled his true power. It was a revelation saved for this pivotal moment, a hidden strength similar to what Si Qiong had concealed.

The trio of flame giants surged towards Si Qiong simultaneously. The aura they emitted was so overwhelming that it left onlookers breathless with terror. Their cultivation levels were at the pinnacle of Yuanfu, hovering on the brink of the Heavenly Dipper realm.

A haunting melody filled the air. Si Qiong locked his gaze onto the real Chen Wang and waved his hands. In an instant, two colossal water shields materialized to engulf the flame giants. Simultaneously, Si Qiong thrust his fingers violently forward, aiming to obliterate Chen Wang's soul with the Soul Destruction Finger.

"The speed! Why is Si Qiong so incredibly fast? Using soul techniques for offense and water shields for defense, Si Qiong seems to have no discernible weaknesses," the spectators buzzed with excitement and amazement. Even Chen Wang found himself pushed back by the sheer power emanating from that finger attack, and his two remaining flame giant incarnations were on the brink of being extinguished. He roared with a thunderous rage, causing the two incarnations to swiftly return to his body, unleashing an aura that surpassed the pinnacle of Yuanfu.

"It's just as I suspected. Chen Wang had long prepared to step into the Heavenly Dipper realm. All this time, he's been suppressing his cultivation, waiting for the conclusion of the Heavenly Fate Rankings before making his move. His aura is practically at the Heavenly Dipper Realm right now."

The crowd watched in stunned disbelief as Chen Wang's Astral Soul inched closer to merging with his body.

No one doubted it; the moment the Heavenly Fate Rankings concluded, Chen Wang would ascend to the Heavenly Dipper realm. What's more, given his mastery of the Mandates, he would instantly outclass ordinary Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns.

Thus, despite biding his time, this edition of the Heavenly Fate Ranking battle had been nothing but beneficial for Chen Wang. With his incarnations reabsorbed, the sun flames surrounding him burned with even greater intensity. When he launched a palm strike, the space in front of him was incinerated into nothingness.

Si Qiong ascended into the sky and signaled the formation of a protective water cage. He swiftly entered this watery sphere and sped toward Chen Wang, his five fingers outstretched, aiming to seize Chen Wang's head.

"ROAR!" Chen Wang bellowed, and torrents of ferocious flames surged upwards. Everything in his vicinity was annihilated, and even the protective water cage rapidly evaporated. Si Qiong had no means of escape; he was trapped inside the very barrier initially designed to shield him. To leave it now would undoubtedly result in his incineration.

"You've lost!" Chen Wang thundered, delivering a devastating punch that sent Si Qiong hurtling through the air. Even though he had been sheltered by the water cage, his body bore the burns from the intense flames.

Si Qiong, the dark horse, still struggled to match up to Chen Wang. This clash between the two titans at the zenith of their power left the audience awestruck, their breaths held in rapt attention.

Si Qiong rose to his feet, gazing at Chen Wang with newfound respect in his eyes. "You do indeed possess the qualifications to stand at the pinnacle of Yuanfu. Congratulations on securing the top spot."

Chen Wang acknowledged the compliment with a polite nod, then raised his gaze to the vast expanse of the heavens above.

"You displayed exceptional strength as well today. I anticipate a lengthy recovery period after this battle before I can regain my full power. It wasn't an easy feat to claim the first rank," Chen Wang calmly remarked.

The spectators erupted into excited chatter; what a mesmerizing battle it had been. Chen Wang had finally achieved his long-sought-after goal, becoming the number one.

"Do all of you believe that the Heavenly Fate Rankings have already concluded?"

A commanding voice cut through the air as Qin Wentian ascended into the skies, his eyes imperiously fixed on Chen Wang and Si Qiong.

From their conversation, it was evident that they believed the rankings had been decided.

Chen Wang cast a contemptuous glance at Qin Wentian. "Consider yourself fortunate that you didn't have to face me."

"Are you preparing to face me with such an attitude?" Qin Wentian's lips curled in sarcasm. "If you truly wish to fight now, as long as Old Man Tianji agrees, I wouldn't mind hurling you off the stage before this vast audience."

Chen Wang frowned but held his tongue.

"The ignorant are often the most fearless," Chen Wang icily retorted.

"Utterly absurd." Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with a wicked light. "The Heavenly Fate Rankings are far from over, and yet you dare to proclaim yourself as number one? 'Shameless' wouldn't even begin to describe you. If you're defeated in the next battle, it will be akin to you slapping your own face."

As Qin Wentian's voice fell silent, he was already standing on the arena platform. The formidable Purgatory Vermilion Bird hovered behind him, its eyes sharp as it locked onto Chen Wang.

In the midst of rolling waves of demonic energy, Qin Wentian stood in quiet defiance. The crowd's interest swiftly shifted toward him.

Qin Wentian refused to back down; he, too, sought the top position. However, despite his formidable strength, he still had to overcome both Zhan Chen and Si Qiong to challenge Chen Wang's supremacy.

"You do appear remarkably confident."

A voice dripping with contempt echoed as Zhan Chen ascended the platform, his laughter aimed coldly at Qin Wentian. "At last, our paths cross. You should be more concerned about saving your own skin."

Qin Wentian turned his gaze towards Zhan Chen, a man he had no choice but to defeat. Whether it was to secure one of the top three ranks or to fulfill his promise to Mo Qingcheng, victory over Zhan Chen was the path forward.

"And where does your overconfidence stem from? After all these years, your strength remains at this level? How pitiful," Qin Wentian replied in a hushed tone.

Zhan Chen's eyes gleamed with sharpness as he retorted, "Oh, is that so? With your cultivation merely at the eighth level of Yuanfu, do you dare to utter such words? On what grounds do you challenge me?" His desire to annihilate Qin Wentian before the multitude of onlookers was palpable.

Qin Wentian's sinister gaze turned skyward, and a sly smile crept across his lips. When he refocused on Zhan Chen, an aura erupted from him, rapidly intensifying.

With a single stride, his demonic energy surged, and the grin on his face widened.

"Who told you I'm only at the eighth level of Yuanfu?"

As he spoke, he took another step, releasing his aura in a violent torrent directly towards Zhan Chen—an aura befitting someone at the pinnacle of Yuanfu!