As Many Geniuses As Clouds

As Many Geniuses As Clouds . . .

"Absolutely incredible! Gusu Tianqi truly lives up to his reputation as the number one genius of the Eastern Prefecture."

"I've heard rumors that Gusu Tianqi's combat abilities can surpass those of cultivators three levels above him. Considering the exceptional talents gathered at this banquet, I wonder how many levels he could surpass if he went all out. After witnessing his earlier display of dominance, I wouldn't be surprised if he could defeat any eighth-level ascendant here with ease."

The audience watched in awe, their hearts filled with silent admiration. With Gusu Tianqi's astounding performance, it seemed almost certain that he would secure one of the top three positions, possibly even claiming the top spot.

"Excellent. Now, for the second battle, who among you is ready to step forward?" Dongsheng Ting, perched upon his azure dragon, returned to his seat. However, the participants remained silent, hesitating to challenge Gusu Tianqi's brilliance.

"I will."

A chilling breeze swept across the platform as a figure in grey robes materialized. While he lacked Gusu Tianqi's overt dominance, a palpable aura of malevolence emanated from him.

This enigmatic figure exuded an eerie presence. His skin was unnaturally pale, and his slender form was concealed beneath his grey attire. The malevolent gleam in his eyes sent shivers down the spines of those who met his gaze. Like Gusu Tianqi, he too was a sixth-level ascendant, but his brilliance was destined to be overshadowed.

His robe bore the emblem of the Underworld Prefecture, and the medallion read "Underworld Prefecture, #2, Xie Ying (Evil Shadow)."

The crowd couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as they watched Xie Ying. He stood casually, his eyes glowing with an eerie white light as he scanned the participants. Then, in a voice that sent chills down their spines, he issued a sinister challenge, "Is there anyone brave enough to challenge me?"

"Xie Ying of the Underworld Prefecture. Defeating him would undoubtedly make a lasting impression on the judges. But make no mistake, Xie Ying is far from an easy opponent," whispered the other sixth-level ascendants, well aware of the stakes. The competition aimed to select the top twenty, and with Gusu Tianqi already representing their level, the second spot was their only hope.

Yi Changfeng and Xia Hanjiang, both hailing from the Cloud Prefecture, understood this well. Yi Changfeng was a disciple of the Myriad Sage Academy, and Xia Hanjiang belonged to the Cloud Tower Sage Sect. Their sects pinned their hopes on them to secure a spot in the top twenty.

The Idlecloud Immortal King cast a brief glance at them, as did the experts from their respective sects. All eyes were on these two, hoping they could secure a coveted spot among the top twenty.

"I'll give it a try," Xia Hanjiang declared boldly, stepping onto the platform. As a disciple of the Cloud Tower Sage Sect, he possessed proficiency in numerous potent techniques, and he exuded an overwhelming aura of power.

Xia Hanjiang stood resolute on the battle platform, radiating a domineering presence. In response, Xie Ying launched at him, his movements resembling an elongated shadow in the void. A bone-chilling cold permeated the air, and Xia Hanjiang unleashed his constellation. But at that critical moment, the sky darkened as Xie Ying's own constellation loomed overhead. Under the murky darkness, countless shadows flickered, emitting eerie whistling sounds. Xie Ying himself seemed to vanish into thin air.

Xia Hanjiang unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, each strike echoing with deafening explosions. His moves were filled with towering might, but the biting cold in the air intensified, threatening to freeze the very space itself.

However, a sudden swish cut through the air like a ghostly claw, sharp as a blade. It gleamed with a sinister, blood-red light, possessing an eerie, unyielding toughness. Xia Hanjiang's expression shifted drastically. He hurriedly summoned an ancient shield, but in an instant, the ghostly claw shattered it to pieces, disappearing into the shadows once more.

From another direction, another ghostly claw emerged, slashing through the air toward Xia Hanjiang. Then, countless grey silhouettes materialized in the darkness, filling the space with eerie, ghostly claws. Xia Hanjiang roared in defiance, striking out in all directions, but it became evident that he was bound to lose. His every attack was effortlessly countered.

In a final surge of power, Xia Hanjiang attempted to turn the tide, but it was in vain. Xie Ying grew stronger, and his ghostly claws nearly claimed Xia Hanjiang's life. Fortunately, Xia Hanjiang managed to admit defeat in time, sparing his life but leaving the battle platform heavily wounded.

As Xie Ying returned to his seat, an unsettling, sinister aura still hung in the air. The Idlecloud Immortal King couldn't help but sigh inwardly as he watched Xia Hanjiang's despondent return. Xie Ying, the second-ranked participant from the Underworld Prefecture, had proven himself a formidable opponent, and Xia Hanjiang's defeat was hardly surprising.

Xie Ying excelled in underhanded tactics, and though he might be considered weaker in direct combat compared to Gu Zhantian, the top-ranked participant from the Cloud Prefecture, he was certainly no pushover. This outcome had been preordained.

The ensuing battles saw countless participants take the stage, each displaying remarkable combat prowess that left the spectators in awe.

"Gu Zhantian, the top-ranked participant from the Cloud Prefecture, is truly exceptional. Clad in a shimmering violet-gold aura, he commands a legion of flood dragons in the sky, and his Wargod Fist could challenge even deities themselves. The Cloud Prefecture has indeed produced a remarkable genius."

"Blackpeak, the disciple of the Deepflame Immortal King, is quite impressive. His abyssal flames are terrifying, capable of incinerating all who oppose him. Even though his opponent was also a talented cultivator, Blackpeak emerged victorious with ease."

The battles continued relentlessly, each bringing new dazzling talents into the spotlight. As the competition unfolded, the atmosphere at the immortal banquet grew increasingly intense.

"Blackpeak, the Deepflame Immortal King's disciple, certainly lives up to his reputation."

"Cang Ao is exceptional; I have high hopes for him."

"It's hard to choose; Dugu Xishan, the top-ranked participant from the Blazing Sun Prefecture, is also incredibly formidable."

"Mo Wen from the Supreme Moon Prefecture is a force to be reckoned with. She dispatches her opponents effortlessly, and her unique aura is quite intriguing. It's a rare physique indeed."

Some immortal kings began discussing their favored participants, offering recognition and respect where it was due.

"Feather King, the top-ranked participant from the Western Desert Prefecture, appears to be a member of the Wing Devil Race," remarked an observer, catching the attention of many.

"Yes, Feather King is considered the leader of the younger generation in the Wing Devil Tribe, a title bestowed upon him by his elders," the prefecture lord of the Western Prefecture explained, drawing further interest from the immortal kings.

The Wing Devil Race, one of the three most powerful races in the Western Desert Prefecture, had a unique cultivation method involving the development of wings and body perfection. They guarded this secret closely and had rejected countless invitations from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Feather King's presence in the disciple selection test raised questions about the Wing Devil Race's intentions.

The atmosphere in the arena crackled with anticipation. The Western Desert Prefecture, known for its ruthlessness where only the strong thrived, had showcased its top-ranked participants. The crowd eagerly discussed the formidable contenders from this region.

"The top-ranked participant from the Western Prefecture belongs to one of the highest-ranking races, while the second-ranked is from the Heavenly God Race. Those of the Heavenly God Race possess larger bodies and the ability to transform into giants. They claim to be descendants of heavenly gods, blessed with innate divine strength. As for the third ranker, he's a monk, but there isn't much information available about him."

Spectators engaged in animated conversations, intrigued by the diverse backgrounds of the top contenders. Feather King had already begun his match against the fifth-ranked participant. At the onset of combat, a dazzling light enveloped him, revealing a pair of violet-gold wings that flapped so rapidly they seemed to flicker. His silhouette vanished from sight, moving at an unimaginable speed. With wings slashing like a supreme saber, he cleaved through heaven and earth. His opponent desperately defended but was powerless against Feather King's strike. A resplendent devil imprint materialized amid thunderous explosions, causing his palms to shatter, and he was sent hurtling off the platform.

Feather King returned to his seat with a triumphant air, a demon-level talent exuding a magnificence that promised enduring legacy.

"The strength of the Wing Devil Race's experts is truly terrifying," the crowd marveled.

"Feather King might even contend with Gusu Tianqi for supremacy," some immortal kings pondered, considering accepting him as their disciple. These geniuses had all passed the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's rigorous selection tests.

"There's likely only one spot left among the top three. Are there any participants who can rival Gusu Tianqi and Feather King?"

"Earlier, some participants spoke sharply and mockingly. Why haven't they stepped up to challenge others?" The Deepflame Immortal King's gaze fell on Qin Wentian and his companions. Jun Mengchen stood up briefly, but Qin Wentian intervened, declaring, "Mengchen, let me handle this."

Jun Mengchen nodded, allowing Qin Wentian to take the stage for the first time.

Qin Wentian surveyed the participants, and those at the fifth level of Celestial Phenomenon knew of his formidable strength. None dared to challenge him.

"Up to this point, the disciples of various immortal kings have yet to participate. Perhaps it's time for them to showcase their talents," the Deepflame Immortal King suggested, eliciting solemn expressions from the crowd. It appeared that the Deepflame Immortal King had been suppressing his discontent earlier and was now eager to vent his emotions.

"Purgatory Immortal King, your disciple is said to have fully inherited your legacy. Why don't you send him to the platform and allow us to witness his abilities?" Deepflame Immortal King turned his attention to a nearby immortal king with a gigantic stature. This individual, a war general under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, possessed supreme combat prowess. His fifth-level Celestial Phenomenon disciple was also extraordinarily powerful.

"Very well. Since you, Deepflame, wish to see, I shall have my disciple step forward," the Purgatory Immortal King declared. Beside him, a young man with blazing purgatory flames in his eyes emerged, exuding a terrifying presence.