Final Battle

Final Battle . . .

As the turmoil continued to grip the Sage Devil Gorge, the losses suffered by the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect were indeed substantial. However, the sheer number of disciples far exceeded that of the participants. Initially, the disciples held the upper hand, tasked with hunting down the participants or compelling them to withdraw. It was only later, when the participants began to unite, that this balance started to shift.

Nonetheless, even in this chaotic tempest, the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect held the numerical advantage. They had gathered together with a burning desire for revenge and to uphold their sect's honor. Conversely, the participants, now assembled into formidable forces, had no intention of leaving through the miniature spatial formations. Formerly the hunted, they had now become the hunters, determined to eliminate every last disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

In this moment, Qin Wentian's group of fifth-level ascendants had swelled to over fifty members. It was a formidable assembly, boasting numerous exceptionally talented individuals. Among them, Su Feng and the three other top-ranked participants from the thirteen prefectures stood out like celestial bodies, their auras so potent that no one dared approach them.

However, upon closer inspection, a distinct pattern emerged at the rear of their formation. Over a dozen participants surrounded a solitary figure. This young man, while unassuming in appearance, exuded a quiet strength. Those who had observed him in combat knew the truth—he was a formidable force.

Qin Wentian, ranked #27 in the Cloud Prefecture, had been the catalyst for this gathering of geniuses. He was the first to unite individuals, and his combat prowess struck fear into the hearts of many. As the group expanded, he gradually faded into the background, concealing his role as its founder. Many who joined later had no idea that Qin Wentian was the mastermind behind this alliance.

Walking alongside him, Zi Qingxuan voiced her concern about the unusual circumstances. Finding disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had become increasingly challenging, raising suspicions that something was amiss. Qin Wentian nodded in agreement, acknowledging that the situation was indeed abnormal.

Over the past few days, he had confirmed that disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect could track their movements only if they were at the same cultivation level. However, for those with differing cultivation levels, tracking became impossible. The absence of encounters with disciples of different cultivation levels in recent days was strange. It was as if the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's disciples had abandoned their roles as hunters and were gathering into groups, preparing for a final showdown—a battle of slaughter that would redefine the course of the selection test.

Despite their formidable group, Qin Wentian couldn't afford to underestimate the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. The sect's disciples held the advantage of operating in the light while the participants were shrouded in the shadows. This left them unable to initiate confrontations and forced them to wait passively for their adversaries to make their move.

Halting their advance, Qin Wentian addressed those following him. Their collective gazes locked onto him, waiting for his guidance. With a calm demeanor, he expressed his concerns, "Something doesn't feel right. I suspect the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect are waiting for us ahead. If we continue blindly, we might walk right into a trap."

Some of the geniuses in the group bristled with confidence, dismissing the notion of fear. "With over fifty geniuses in our group, we have nothing to fear. Even in battle, we are unstoppable."

However, a more cautious voice weighed in, "We've already hunted down many of their disciples. Yet now, we hardly encounter any. They must be grouping up as well. I wonder how formidable the remaining forces of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect have become." This observation resonated with many, who sensed the abnormality in the current situation.

Lu Longcloud, a top-three ranker from the Jing Prefecture, questioned Qin Wentian, "What's your take on this?"

Qin Wentian responded with a practical suggestion, "It's time for us to disband. We've killed enough of their disciples to provoke retaliation. They may outnumber us and launch a massacre, denying us the chance to escape using the spatial formations. Disbanding and scattering in all directions is our best option. Those less powerful can hide near the mini spatial formations. If they are surrounded, they can use them to escape."

Lu Longcloud responded harshly, accusing Qin Wentian of fearfulness. Tensions rose as others joined in, questioning Qin Wentian's motives. They believed that their combined strength would be sufficient to face the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's disciples, and disbanding would expose them to individual hunts.

Some even taunted him, suggesting that if he was afraid, he should leave. A divide emerged as some supported Qin Wentian, appreciating his concern for their safety, while others ridiculed his proposal.

Amidst the heated exchange, Su Feng, the top-ranked participant of the Thunder Prefecture, was called upon to settle the matter. Su Feng's gaze met Qin Wentian's, leaving Qin Wentian uncertain of his intentions.

Ultimately, Su Feng spoke, "Since we are already gathered here, let's continue as one group. If we encounter an overwhelmingly strong enemy force, we can disband at that point." His decision garnered support, leading the group to proceed together, at least for now.

Qin Wentian didn't waste time arguing. The truth was, whether they found themselves surrounded or not, both he and Su Feng, the Thunder Prefecture's top-ranked participant, were virtually invulnerable. They could escape instantly once the fighting commenced. It was the weaker members who had reason to be concerned.

Suddenly, a crimson beam streaked across the distant skies, casting a fiery hue upon the clouds and heavens. All eyes in the Sage Devil Gorge turned towards this spectacle.

"Go!" Su Feng took the lead, urging the participants to follow. Though Qin Wentian was wary of this unexpected development, he couldn't resist the momentum as the group surged forward.

"Brother Qin, something feels off about this situation," a voice near him whispered.

"Yes, Su Feng and others must be aware of it too. However, by taking the lead, they've compelled even the hesitant ones to follow," Qin Wentian replied. Those around him nodded in agreement. Soon, they reached the location where the crimson phenomenon had occurred—a secluded area surrounded by towering peaks. The skies were painted red, and the source of this phenomenon remained a mystery.

Other groups of participants had also gathered here, converging from all corners of the Sage Devil Gorge. It was evident that this location would be the site of the final battle.

All nine groups, spanning from the first to the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, were represented here. The participants had collectively slain numerous disciples, and revenge was clearly on the disciples' minds. This final battle had been orchestrated to draw participants from all nine cultivation levels to this location.

"Prepare for the last battle," someone advised, and the participants, not fools by any measure, understood the situation. They knew that this was a trap set by the disciples, luring them into a final confrontation.

Surrounded by the towering peaks, around 300 to 400 participants stood on the precipice of battle. On a distant peak, figures began to appear, all clad in similar robes, their expressions icy.

As time passed, more and more disciples filled the surrounding peaks, encircling the participants. It became apparent that the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had twice the number of participants, regardless of their cultivation levels.

Standing on a tall peak, Xia Hou surveyed the hundreds of participants, his eyes brimming with murderous intent. He addressed them with a chilling tone, "This was meant to be a trial for you, a chance to become core disciples if you followed the rules. Even if you were weaker than the external and core disciples sent to hunt you, you would still have had a chance to escape via the mini spatial formations. But it seems you participants lacked wisdom."

"Instead of becoming official disciples, you audaciously chose to become hunters. Now, face the consequences. Most of you won't even get the chance to escape." Xia Hou's voice resonated with killing intent as the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect advanced, targeting participants of the same cultivation level. Even elite disciples joined the fray.

The atmosphere grew tense, filled with murderous intent, and chaos erupted in every direction. Qin Wentian and the other fifth-level ascendants faced nearly a hundred disciples, their foes overwhelming in both strength and determination.