The Thirteen Prefectures

The Thirteen Prefectures . . .

The gathering of brilliance from all thirteen prefectures had come to fruition, each region neatly segregated into its respective section. As the silhouettes of these exceptional participants soared gracefully through the air, they descended upon the designated spots marked for their particular prefectures.

Among these prestigious thirteen domains, the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures bore unique names that resonated with both grandeur and mystery: Eastern, Qian, Li, Cloud, Mo, Jing, Thunder, Yue, Rock, Blazing Sun, Supreme Moon, Western Desert, and Underworld. If viewed geographically, the top-ranking three prefectures stood proudly at the heart of this vast expanse, while the remaining four occupied the cardinal directions.

The Eastern, Qian, and Li Prefectures, positioned at the very core of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's territory, were hailed as the esteemed leaders among these thirteen regions. Their supremacy was undisputed, and their influence radiated across the entire domain.

However, a distinct tier existed even among these second-tier prefectures. Surprisingly, it was not the immediate six that followed but rather the last four, positioned on the fringes. These were the Blazing Sun Prefecture, Supreme Moon Prefecture, Western Desert Prefecture, and Underworld Prefecture. Speculation abounded that the might of these four prefectures rivaled, if not exceeded, that of the central top three.

While the Eastern, Qian, and Li Prefectures boasted opulence and resplendence due to their central location, their neighbors on the periphery had to contend with the pressures and challenges posed by neighboring immortal empires under the rule of immortal emperors. It was this very adversity that forged their strength. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect strategically stationed formidable forces in these border prefectures, further bolstering their martial prowess.

The Blazing Sun and Supreme Moon Prefectures stood as stark contrasts, just as the Western Desert and Underworld Prefecture mirrored each other. The Blazing Sun Prefecture scorched under the relentless heat of the sun's fiery embrace, while the Supreme Moon Prefecture dwelled in perpetual lunar serenity. The Western Desert Prefecture sprawled expansively, a parched expanse peppered with desolate cities and inhabited by formidable nomadic tribes, each boasting unconventional cultivation techniques. As for the Underworld Prefecture, it was aptly named the "Prefecture of Hell."

These peculiarities set the four outermost prefectures apart, endowing them with a distinctive strength that surpassed the remaining six squeezed in between the top three and the outer quartet: Jing Prefecture, Mo Prefecture, Cloud Prefecture, Thunder Prefecture, Yue Prefecture, and the Rock Prefecture. These six, though not without their merits, bore no unique attributes and, on average, were considered less formidable than their neighboring counterparts.

When it came to discussing the renowned geniuses hailing from the thirteen prefectures, the Eastern Prefecture undoubtedly took the spotlight, with the Qian and Li Prefectures closely trailing behind. This wasn't mere coincidence; the selection event itself unfolded in the Eastern Prefecture's embrace. Additionally, both the Qian and Li Prefectures held pivotal positions geographically, drawing them nearer to the Eastern Prefecture. Consequently, the names of these renowned geniuses had a higher likelihood of gaining widespread recognition, thus elevating their fame.

Hence, figures like Gusu Tianqi, Xia Jiufeng, Ye Qianchen, and Cang Aochi had achieved significant renown within the Eastern Prefecture. Nevertheless, the mini banquet hosted by Ye Zixuan had revealed that the top rankers from the four outer prefectures possessed unfathomable strength, emanating an aura of imminent danger. Moreover, considering the fact that even the top three from the remaining six prefectures had fought their way to prominence among countless geniuses, it was evident that this assembly of talent held exceptional promise.

With over ten thousand geniuses congregating in one place, the atmosphere was suffused with an almost palpable pressure. Although they were but Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants, the collective aura they exuded formed a formidable force field, capable of unsettling even the staunchest hearts.

Qin Wentian and his companions joined this awe-inspiring gathering as they headed toward the location where the Idlecloud Immortal King was stationed. Their expressions were solemn, for they recognized that these individuals would be their competitors, many of whom possessed extraordinary talents. Even a casual glance was enough to induce feelings of pressure, and the phrase 'geniuses as common as clouds' seemed particularly apt in this situation.

They understood that the rankings within the various prefectures didn't necessarily dictate the strength of these individuals. Qin Wentian himself was a testament to this fact. His 27th-place ranking in the Cloud Prefecture's selection test hardly reflected his true potential. If his talent had indeed ranked 27th, he wouldn't have had any reason to attend this banquet, let alone vie for a top-three position among the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures.

"They've arrived. The selected participants from all thirteen prefectures are here," murmured the onlookers below, their eyes riveted to the sky. The sheer presence of so many extraordinary characters left them awestruck, marveling at the magnificence that transcended generations.

"Gusu Tianqi is here too. He's over there in the Eastern Prefecture's area. It seems he's not vying for the spotlight this time, keeping a low profile. Nevertheless, I spotted him instantly," someone in the crowd remarked, gesturing toward a young man who appeared devoid of any ostentation. He stood there casually, yet his presence exuded a brilliance that outshone the rest. His innate immortal-king physique cast an undeniable halo around him, making him impossible to ignore. Gusu Tianqi's destiny had been etched in stone since birth—he was destined to ascend to the realm of immortal kings, sooner or later, thanks to his unique physique.

Some individuals were fated to become renowned figures, their names echoing through history. The Gusu Clan had produced only one descendant per generation for nine consecutive generations, and every single one had become an immortal king. Gusu Tianqi would undoubtedly follow in their footsteps, and those standing in his vicinity dared not encroach too closely, lest their own radiance be overshadowed. A mysterious force field enveloped him, eliciting the admiration and reverence of all who beheld him.

Gusu Tianqi couldn't escape Qin Wentian's notice. His visage bore the marks of youthful vigor, and his chiseled features remained as placid as a tranquil lake, devoid of any discernible emotions. His expansive forehead resembled the boundless sky, while his sharply defined brows gave him an air of authority. His deep black eyes radiated an intimidating brilliance, as if they possessed the power to ensnare anyone who dared to meet his gaze.

Another figure drew Qin Wentian's attention—the tall and lean individual exuded an aura of extraordinary strength. His gaze, fierce and unwavering, remained fixed on Gusu Tianqi, as if he were eager to engage in a contest of wills. This person was none other than Xia Jiufeng, the second-ranked genius of the Eastern Prefecture.

"So many exceptional individuals," Jun Mengchen remarked beside Qin Wentian. Both Qin Wentian and Zi Qingxuan nodded in agreement. Aside from the top two geniuses of the Eastern Prefecture, there were numerous other remarkable talents among the participants.

"That person is intriguing, the top-ranked genius of the Blazing Sun Prefecture. He seems surrounded by fiery auras and adorns himself with radiant rings. Just looking at him makes me feel the scorching heat. I wonder how anyone can stand against him," murmured the crowd as they directed their gaze toward the Blazing Sun Prefecture's assembly.

Notably, many experts from the Blazing Sun Prefecture also sported radiant rings.

"In contrast, the Supreme Moon Prefecture exudes an icy and eerie aura."

"Look at the individuals from the Underworld Prefecture—some of them have truly unusual appearances, almost as if they hail from the underworld itself."

"Both the Underworld and Western Desert Prefectures boast formidable figures. What kind of being is that person? And are those monks I see? Monastic cultivators are a rare sight, but they are abundant in the Western Desert Prefecture. The arid, desolate environment there is plagued by natural disasters like random bolts of heavenly lightning, which often obliterate entire cities. A building erected today might be reduced to rubble tomorrow due to these catastrophic events. Consequently, the Western Desert Prefecture has fewer cities, and it accommodates a diverse population of cultivators from various races."

"These four outer prefectures are also situated near numerous particle worlds. The Deepflame Immortal King frequently stationed himself in the Underworld Prefecture and led his troops on punitive campaigns."

The crowd engaged in spirited discussions, and Qin Wentian's keen perception allowed him to eavesdrop on their conversations. He marveled at the vastness of the immortal realms. Even within the thirteen prefectures, there were countless facets of life and phenomena he had yet to encounter. Upon his arrival in the immortal realms, he had directly entered the Cloud Prefecture, which, compared to the other prefectures, was relatively ordinary in terms of power. The thirteen prefectures harbored a multitude of extraordinary realms and diverse races that he had never imagined or encountered before.

"Proceed," commanded the Eastern Prefecture's Prefecture Lord. Instantly, a thousand geniuses from the Eastern Prefecture moved forward in unison, creating a magnificent and imposing spectacle.

"Proceed."

"Proceed."

The Prefecture Lords of the thirteen prefectures issued their commands in succession, and the participants soared toward the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in unison.

Over 10,000 experts now soared through the skies, gazing down upon the ancient Emperor City, which extended beyond the limits of their vision. However, they couldn't miss the colossal towering statue in the far distance.

This statue seemed to reach the very heavens, its grandeur visible even from an incredible distance. It stood as the most majestic statue throughout the thirteen prefectures, and no other statues were permitted to surpass its size. This magnificent sculpture depicted none other than the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, the hegemon of the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures.

"Do you see that statue? How majestic it is. That's the Eastern Sage Majesty. It's positioned at the apex of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, symbolizing an unparalleled pinnacle," someone explained. "We must show utmost respect when in its presence. Should anyone dare to show disrespect or attempt to vandalize it, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor would instantly become aware."

"Is it truly so mystical?" another person inquired skeptically.

"Indeed, it is. He's an immortal emperor. His level of cultivation is beyond our comprehension. With a single thought, they can span the entire world and shape reality with the wave of their hand. How awe-inspiring is that? It's something we can never hope to fathom. In any case, we must remember to be reverent before the statue. Otherwise, even if you ascend to great heights in the future, if the Eastern Sage Majesty learns of your earlier disrespect, though he may not take action due to his status, he won't hold you in high regard."

As they flew, a group of individuals engaged in lively conversation. Gradually, the towering statue drew nearer. When they were within 1,000 miles of it, they had already reached the exterior grounds of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Here, immortal mountains with staircases leading upward dotted the landscape. Statues of the Four Paragons of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect stood, one in each direction. Upon the arrival of the participants from the thirteen prefectures, they were required to bow before these statues.

The Four Paragons of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect were foundational figures who had been with the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor from the outset of his quest to establish his empire. Their strength had reached an inconceivable level, and they no longer appeared in public. They were on the cusp of the Immortal Emperor Realm, their cultivation levels surpassing countless immortal kings. Rumors circulated that one of the four paragons would inevitably step into the immortal emperor realm in the future.

These four paragons served as the guardians of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, and no one dared to show them any disrespect.

In the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures, if the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor were a deity, the four paragons were the divine generals beneath this deity. Even a formidable character like the Deepflame Immortal King fell far short in comparison to these four paragons.

After paying their respects to the statues of the four paragons, the geniuses from the thirteen prefectures ascended the stairs. Suddenly, a resounding bell chimed through the air, signaling their arrival, and the experts of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect greeted them with welcoming smiles!