Chaotic Competition

Chaotic Competition . . .

The excitement rippled through the thirteen prefectures like an unstoppable wave, a culmination of countless selection tests, all leading to this grand event—the immortal banquet.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's intentions were clear: the top three rankers would ascend to the coveted position of his personal disciples, while the next 157 would earn the title of core disciples. As for the survivors of the earlier trials, they would be granted the status of external disciples. In the world of immortals, the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect aimed to remind all that they reigned supreme in this realm.

The preparations for such an occasion were monumental, leaving no room for oversight.

"As our esteemed seniors have mentioned, simplicity in the rules wouldn't befit the occasion. The participants have already surmounted numerous trials to reach this stage. Although they are qualified to become core disciples of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, we encourage them to reach even greater heights. Thus, we are prepared to offer more incentives. For the upcoming competition, we will reward the top twenty rankers with an immortal-ranked weapon each," Dongsheng Ting announced with an air of magnanimity, as if twenty immortal-ranked weapons were but a trifling matter to their illustrious sect.

"Afterward, the top ten and, finally, the top three rankers will be entitled to even more remarkable rewards. Particularly for the top three, we have prepared treasures of unparalleled value to further ignite their motivation. However, I shall withhold the details of these treasures to maintain the element of surprise."

"Indeed, the prospect of His Majesty accepting new disciples is an occasion of grandeur. Our sect has spared no expense for this momentous event, creating an air of anticipation for all," the Undying Immortal King chimed in with a chuckle. "Even I, an old-timer, am eager to vie for such a treasure."

"I have a suggestion," Princess Glaze, who stood by Dongsheng Ting, interjected. Her words commanded his attention, and he gestured for her to continue. She spoke with a warm smile, "Princess, please feel free to share your thoughts."

"Considering that the 160 participants have successfully navigated numerous tests to reach this stage, I propose that we not determine their rankings through a single battle in the upcoming competition. This approach would be both cruel and lacking in the ability to evaluate their true strength and potential," Princess Glaze suggested calmly.

"Princess Glaze's proposal aligns with my own thoughts. Determining their ranks with just one battle could prove unfair and obscure their true abilities. A better solution would be to allow each participant multiple opportunities to engage in combat, ensuring that they can showcase their skills to the fullest," the Scarce Moon Immortal King added. The proposal received nods of agreement from many of the immortal kings. After all, it wouldn't be fair if a supremely talented individual happened to face off against a formidable opponent in their first bout.

"Very well, considering the consensus, how about we introduce a random challenge format? Participants can select their opponents, provided they are at an equal or higher cultivation level; battling lower-level participants is not allowed. All of the immortal kings present will serve as judges, and the conclusion of each battle will determine the top twenty rankers. What are your thoughts on this?" Dongsheng Ting inquired.

"A splendid idea. Since we have assembled in great numbers, it is the perfect opportunity to witness the prowess of these young geniuses. But what if someone has too few battles?" queried one participant.

"Hmm, let's add a rule: each participant must engage in a minimum of ten battles, and no one can decline a challenge from an opponent whose cultivation level is equal or higher. Furthermore, divine weapons and treasures are prohibited, and if a participant is defeated, the battle will cease immediately," Dongsheng Ting proposed.

"Agreed. Additionally, the personal disciples of various immortal kings who have reached the Celestial Phenomenon Realm will also participate. However, these disciples will not engage from the outset; they will serve as tests for the participants in the latter stages of the competition. How does this sound?" suggested an immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

The Myriad Transformations Immortal King exchanged a knowing glance with Hua Taixu, her comrade in the world of immortal kings. The discussions had been brewing for some time among the immortal kings, and they had a common objective: to push their disciples to greater heights by pitting them against the formidable geniuses from the thirteen prefectures.

The Scarce Moon Immortal King, renowned for his wisdom, stepped forward with a proposal. "How about this: if any disciple of an immortal king feels a burning desire to challenge a top-tier expert among the participants, they may do so, provided that their cultivation level is not higher than that of their chosen opponent. In this way, we can accurately gauge the strength of the participants, and the disciples of the immortal kings will not be included in the official rankings."

The idea garnered immediate support. The Deepflame Immortal King, despite his earlier humiliation at the hands of a junior, joined in with a smile. However, he hadn't forgotten the sting of that slap to his pride. Once the rules for this chaotic battle were set, he vowed to teach Qin Wentian a lesson he would never forget.

Blackpeak, a disciple of the Deepflame Immortal King, had a higher cultivation level and thus couldn't challenge Qin Wentian directly. However, in this gathering of immortals, he had many friends who had also brought their disciples. Among them were exceptional geniuses, some of whom might be able to challenge Qin Wentian.

Dongsheng Ting turned his gaze to Princess Glaze, seeking her opinion on the matter. She responded, "Your highness should make the final decision, but the suggestion is a good one."

"Since Princess Glaze agrees, let these rules be established," Dongsheng Ting declared. "The competition will proceed informally, with participants stepping onto the platform to challenge as they see fit. Those who leave a remarkable impression will be the ones remembered. Myself and the other immortal kings present will serve as judges."

His command resonated like thunder, accompanied by the roaring of his azure dragon, causing a flurry of activity as immortals swiftly set up the battle platform. In no time, the platform stood before them, exuding an ancient aura, as if it had witnessed the entire history of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

The troops assembled with resounding cheers, their aura awe-inspiring. Dongsheng Ting rose and gazed ahead, addressing the crowd with solemnity. "After a century, this battle platform awakens once more. The participants will compete on this ancient stage, which has witnessed the triumphs and tribulations of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. It serves as a commemoration of this grand event. I hope that all participants will give their utmost, striving to become highly skilled experts of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, their names resounding throughout the immortal regions."

A thunderous "ROAR" erupted as the soldiers thrust their spears skyward, beams of radiance piercing the clouds. It was an ancient ritual, and the onlookers felt their hearts swell with excitement.

The atmosphere had shifted dramatically from the earlier convivial mood of the banquet. Here, in the heart of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, the atmosphere grew tense and charged with energy. This was a place that held immense power—the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, the undisputed ruler of the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures.

As Dongsheng Ting ascended into the sky, his azure dragon roared beneath him, offering a majestic platform for his ascent. His eyes fixated on the Greencloud Ancient Battle Platform below as he addressed the gathered participants, his voice carrying the weight of authority and expectation. "The Greencloud Ancient Battle Platform has been activated, and the competition commences now. Strive for excellence, seek to leave a lasting impression on our judges."

His words echoed through the heavens, resonating with the roars of the dragon and the blue luan, filling the atmosphere with anticipation and excitement.

At the immortal banquet venue, the ancient battle platform stood ready, an altar of destiny where battles would unfold. The audience eagerly awaited the commencement of the competition, eager to witness the talents and abilities of the young participants.

The immortal kings and representatives from the thirteen prefectures wore smiles of anticipation. They, too, were eager to witness the rising stars of this generation and gauge their potential.

A sudden rush of wind announced the arrival of a figure on the platform. This man radiated an aura of magnificence, a presence that demanded respect. His gaze swept over the onlookers, and even those of equal stature dared not meet his eyes directly. Several individuals at his level, the sixth level of Celestial Phenomenon, instinctively averted their gaze.

This extraordinary figure was none other than Gusu Tianqi, the preeminent genius of the Eastern Prefecture. He possessed an innate immortal king physique and was rumored to have the potential to reach the Immortal Emperor Realm. Many believed he had the highest chance of becoming a personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor.

Therefore, it was only fitting that he took the stage for the first battle, and no one dared to challenge him. His presence seemed to proclaim him the undisputed top contender among all the participants from the thirteen prefectures.

"In search of a challenger," Gusu Tianqi calmly declared, breaking the silence that had fallen over the platform and the spectators. No one dared to step forward.

It was as if he had already earned the title of the number one participant among all the geniuses from the thirteen prefectures. No one had the courage to face him.

"In that case, I shall issue a challenge," Gusu Tianqi decided, pointing at a seventh-level ascendant from the Rock Prefecture.

Despite his sixth-level cultivation, Gusu Tianqi chose to challenge someone a level above him for the first battle.

The participant from the Rock Prefecture hesitated briefly, then swiftly appeared on the platform, facing Gusu Tianqi. He stared at the rumored top talent of their generation.

A resounding "BOOM!" echoed as a formidable surge of battle energy erupted from Gusu Tianqi's being. A battle halo enveloped him in an instant, and an astral wind akin to tidal waves battered the platform. The seventh-level ascendant from the Rock Prefecture summoned his constellation, manifesting a rock armor that shielded him. A colossal stone giant materialized behind him, offering immense defense.

Undeterred, Gusu Tianqi radiated a blinding battle light, like a sun in its glory. His entire being exuded the aura of a war deity, ready to unleash his might on the platform.

A deafening rumble shook the entire battle platform as Gusu Tianqi sprang into action, his fist hurtling toward the seventh-level ascendant from the Rock Prefecture. As his fist shot forth, it unleashed a blinding brilliance, a beacon of power cutting through the very fabric of reality itself.

The air crackled with the radiance of his punch, an unstoppable force that shattered every obstacle in its path. The atmosphere was ablaze with the brilliance of his fist, and it seemed as if nothing could withstand its ferocity.

The participant from the Rock Prefecture, realizing the impending catastrophe, summoned every ounce of his defensive prowess. His defenses surged to their absolute peak as he braced for the onslaught. The thunderous, relentless onslaught of Gusu Tianqi's might crashed into him with unrelenting force.

For a few heart-pounding moments, the stone-armored ascendant fought valiantly to withstand the tempest of power. However, in the face of Gusu Tianqi's brilliance, he couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of futility.

"I ADMIT DEFEAT!" he cried out, his voice resounding across the platform. Another thunderous explosion echoed as his body was propelled off the platform, leaving behind a trail of blood.

Gusu Tianqi, bathed in the afterglow of his astounding victory, calmly retraced his steps. The radiance that had surrounded him gradually faded as he returned to his original seat. His performance had been nothing short of dazzling, a testament to his status as the Eastern Prefecture's premier genius. The crowd could only marvel at the brilliance of this extraordinary young talent.