Cloudheaven Arena

Cloudheaven Arena . . .

Qin Wentian's eyes swept across the sprawling expanse of combat puppets that stretched out before them. The field was already alive with the frenetic dance of contestants battling these mechanical adversaries, their blows echoing through the arena.

Mu Yan, his arms crossed in contemplation, broke the silence with a knowing observation, "It appears that the Thirteen Prefecture Lords, all hailing from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to recruit talents for their sect. Just look at the celestial sentinels patrolling the skies above. They've rallied the collective resources of an entire prefecture to ensure the event's seamless execution. With such a massive turnout, one can only imagine the countless combat puppets they've prepared for the occasion."

Jun Mengchen chimed in with a voice tinged in awe, "This formidable display of power and organization is reminiscent of my own world—a realm where a hundred answers the call of one. The Thirteen Prefectures truly exist in thrall to the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect."

Mu Yan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Jun Mengchen's audacious proclamation. "That's quite the grandiose statement. I wonder where my master unearthed such a character. Could it be that he intends to take Qin Wentian and the two of them as fellow disciples?"

Unbeknownst to Mu Yan, these three could already be considered his senior apprentice uncles and aunt. Moreover, the Saberlord of Death had a distinct purpose in mind for Mu Yan's participation—he deemed this trial an ideal crucible for honing his skills. If Mu Yan excelled and secured a commendable outcome, the Saberlord might extend an invitation for him to join the Heavenly Talisman Realm.

Their conversation aside, Qin Wentian and his companions approached a line of immortal-foundation experts. Two immortals trained their discerning gazes on the quartet before them. With a flourish of their hands, badges materialized upon their robes. Qin Wentian's bore the number '4,' denoting his fourth-level Celestial Phenomenon cultivation. Mu Yan's badge bore the digit '8,' while Zi Qingxuan's displayed '5,' and Jun Mengchen's exhibited '3.' These numerical designations succinctly represented their cultivation levels.

"Proceed," one of the immortals instructed. The quartet passed through an arched passageway, finding themselves within the arena where the combat puppets awaited. Many contestants were already present, all here for the preliminary test.

"Be wary," one voice cautioned nearby, casting a discerning eye over the formidable combat puppets. "These constructs excel in both offense and defense. They are finely balanced to overpower average ascendants at their own level. Attempting to surpass their might is no trifling task."

Yet, another individual, his expression an icy mask, retorted with a cold, dismissive tone, "If you're feeble, spare us your presence. Don't waste time and tarnish your dignity here. Understand that the later tests following this preliminary round could inflict grievous injuries or even cost you your life."

Those in the vicinity turned their attention to the speaker, whose arrogance was unmistakable. By his side stood a cadre of formidable experts, each exuding an aura of extraordinary prowess. Among them, two figures gleamed like radiant moons amid a constellation of stars.

"Ah, not everyone has a firm grasp on their own limits," remarked one of the bystanders with a disinterested air. "Many harbor illusions of their strength simply because they've never crossed paths with geniuses more powerful than themselves. When they finally do encounter superior talents, it's often too late to recalibrate their self-perception. Given the sheer number of participants in this selection, it's only natural that we'd encounter a few fools along the way. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Qin Wentian turned a contemplative eye toward this group of speakers. While their words weren't entirely devoid of merit, their tone bore the weight of overbearing arrogance. Nevertheless, the two most formidable figures among them maintained a silence, content to observe as others engaged in combat with the puppets.

"You there, it's your turn," instructed an immortal expert, directing his gaze to one of the two prominent figures. This young man, distinguished by a crown-like emblem gracing his head, possessed a striking handsomeness that set him apart in the crowd. His presence radiated an aura of natural superiority, akin to a lone crane amidst a gathering of crows. His eyes gleamed with starlight, exuding an invigorating vitality.

Stepping forward with confidence, he approached a seventh-level ascendant puppet, a fitting challenge given his own cultivation at the sixth level of Celestial Phenomenon.

"It's almost effortless for Changfeng to deal with this combat puppet," quipped one of his companions.

"Of course. Changfeng's inclusion among the top 1,000 participants for this preliminary selection is virtually assured."

Laughter rippled through their group. In the arena, Changfeng, crowned and regal, unleashed a barrage of strikes upon the puppet. His constellation materialized into a shimmering, silver-white astral light that painted the heavens with its brilliance. A tempestuous maelstrom of silver metal surged forth, carrying an aura imbued with the essence of countless divine weapons. Each attack was a symphony of destructive force, shaking the puppet to its core and echoing with thunderous reverberations. It seemed the puppet would soon crumble to pieces under this relentless assault.

"Enough," commanded one of the two immortal supervisors. At the behest of the immortal, Changfeng ceased his onslaught.

"Wait over there," the immortal directed, pointing to a designated area. Changfeng complied, his expression an oasis of calm amid the whirlwind of speculation among the onlookers.

"Changfeng—Yi Changfeng, to be precise. He's a highly promising disciple of the Myriad Sage Academy," whispered those in the know within the crowd. Within the Myriad Sage Academy, various factions cultivated its most exceptional talents, and Changfeng hailed from the illustrious Sage Court, a breeding ground for the academy's brightest stars.

"You lot, step forward," ordered the immortal supervisor, gesturing to the remaining figure who stood alongside Yi Changfeng and a handful of others who had congregated around them. This man, whose aura matched Changfeng's in brilliance, wore pristine white attire and sported raven-black hair. His presence exuded an air of effortless elegance, and his cascading hair danced gracefully in the breeze, embodying a spirit of carefree nonchalance.

"Duan Hong is bound to outshine even Yi Changfeng," someone confidently asserted. With that declaration, the black-haired young man named Duan Hong stepped forward, his cultivation at the seventh level, pitted against an eighth-level combat puppet.

Duan Hong summoned his constellation, conjuring a series of towering mountains that loomed in the skies. Each peak soared to a staggering 1,500 meters in height. With a commanding wave, Duan Hong sent the peaks hurtling like celestial comets, homing in on the combat puppet. The impact reverberated with a thunderous roar, prompting an immediate cessation by the immortal supervisor. Duan Hong sailed through effortlessly, and among those who had previously congregated alongside him, some passed while others met their demise.

"Duan Hong of the Duan Clan," whispered one observer, "rumor has it that he is the most exceptional talent among the younger generation of the Duan Clan."

Indeed, both Yi Changfeng and Duan Hong had employed overwhelmingly domineering methods to secure their passage through the preliminary. They now stood among the group of successful candidates, numbering around eighty participants. Yet, only one or two could match the presence exuded by Duan Hong and Yi Changfeng.

The trials continued, with the number of eliminations far surpassing those who advanced. Even among the earlier cohort from the Myriad Sage Academy, numerous hopefuls met their end.

Qin Wentian contemplated the situation, noting, "Everyone who dared to participate today must have had some measure of confidence in their abilities. Nevertheless, the elimination rate remains high, and this is merely the preliminary test held outside the city—not yet the official selection."

At that moment, the immortal supervisor pointed toward Mu Yan, instructing, "The four of you, step forward."

Qin Wentian and his three companions, each at different cultivation levels, were evidently assigned to combat puppets of varying strength. Before Qin Wentian stood a human-shaped puppet, its eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. Typically, human-shaped puppets boasted superior offense and defense.

With a resounding "BANG!" Qin Wentian surged forth, his palm aglow with a dazzling runic light, a brilliance beyond compare. His attack collided with the puppet's retaliatory strike, resulting in a deafening explosion. The puppet's arm shattered instantaneously. However, Qin Wentian promptly withdrew his force, choosing not to annihilate the puppet entirely.

"You've passed," declared the immortal supervisor, signaling for the puppet to be removed. Simultaneously, Mu Yan, Zi Qingxuan, and Jun Mengchen emerged victorious against their respective opponents. This display left the onlookers wide-eyed, their gazes sharpening with curiosity. Which faction did these four belong to? Their collective might was truly astounding.

"All right, escort them into the city," the immortal-foundation expert instructed, leading Qin Wentian and his companions past the city guards and into the heart of Cloud City. Here, another guardian awaited, astride a colossal avian creature aglow with golden radiance, controlled by an immortal handler.

"Come aboard," the expert beckoned. As everyone settled onto the avian beast, its mighty wings unfurled, propelling them skyward into the billowing clouds.

"Senior, where are we headed?" Jun Mengchen inquired eagerly.

"We're bound for Cloud City's sacred battlegrounds, the Cloudheaven Arena. That's where the next test will take place," the expert replied. High above the city, the participants gazed down upon the sprawling, ancient metropolis. Immortal experts thronged the streets, and opulent buildings graced every corner.

Cloud City, the centerpiece of the Cloud Prefecture, sprawled majestically. Even with the avian beast's immortal-grade speed, the journey consumed two full days before they reached the Arena. Only then did the participants comprehend the necessity of avian transportation.

Upon arrival, Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with intensity as he surveyed his surroundings.

"Look at that magnificent arena," Jun Mengchen marveled.

"The Cloudheaven Arena is renowned throughout the Cloud Prefecture. Though I've heard of it, seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring," Mu Yan confessed, similarly awed by the sight. The Cloudheaven Arena had been the subject of much discussion, and now that he beheld it, the sheer scale and grandeur overwhelmed him.

The arena exuded an immortal radiance, suspended in mid-air. Each platform shone brilliantly, exuding an aura of invincibility, fully capable of withstanding battles between superlative combatants.

A total of eighty-one platforms hung in the sky. This collective assembly of platforms was the Cloudheaven Arena of the Cloud Prefecture.

Facing the Cloudheaven Arena was none other than the Prefecture Palace of the Cloud Prefecture's Prefecture Lord. The colossal palace stretched endlessly and featured numerous tiers. Its uppermost level appeared to reach the heavens, ascending to the same heights as the Cloudheaven Arena's battle platforms.

Surrounding the arena were colossal spectator stands, multiple levels tall. Those seated at the highest tier merely needed to tilt their heads slightly to observe the events transpiring on the battle platforms below. Countless spectators had already gathered, and the selection test was underway, punctuated by enthusiastic cheers and jubilant shouts.

Regiments of troops patrolled the area, barring entry to ordinary individuals. These onlookers were confined to spectate from beyond the designated boundaries. Nonetheless, due to the combat unfolding on the Cloudheaven Arena's platforms, they could still clearly witness the battles.

"Your next challenges await on these platforms," the avian beast's controller informed the newcomers. Nearby, another avian beast arrived, welcoming additional participants. As the selection process continued, more and more individuals who had successfully passed the preliminary arrived to partake in the test. Despite the rigorous elimination, the number of participants remained staggering. The Cloud Prefecture's most formidable individuals had all convened for this grand event!