Top Twenty

Top Twenty . . .

The battles raged on the platform, a cacophony of clashing forces and resolute determination. The immortal banquet above was a different spectacle altogether. Immortal kings from various domains engaged in light-hearted conversations, exchanging thoughts on the participants who dared to challenge the trials of the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

Amidst this lively atmosphere, the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King stood out for her unusual silence. She turned her attention to Hua Taixu, the disciple sitting beside her, breaking her momentary quietude. Her words carried an air of curiosity and warmth as she spoke of their common acquaintance.

"In yesterday's battle, Qin Wentian displayed remarkable brilliance. You, Hua Taixu, are perhaps the most acquainted with him. Over the years, while your progress has been astounding, Qin Wentian's cultivation pace seems equally remarkable. If the two of you were to face off, how confident would you be?"

Hua Taixu and Qin Wentian were currently both at the fifth level of Celestial Phenomenon. The Myriad Incarnations Immortal King was well aware of the sacrifices and dedication that had propelled Hua Taixu's rapid growth. Her guidance, combined with his grueling training, had molded him into the formidable cultivator he had become.

Initially, when she had first seen Qin Wentian's ranking at #27, she had assumed that Hua Taixu had left him far behind. But to her surprise, Qin Wentian had not only caught up but had also matured into an extraordinary individual who radiated an enduring magnificence.

Hua Taixu's response was candid, and he couldn't hide the sense of longing in his eyes as they briefly flickered towards Qin Wentian.

"I can't say for certain," he admitted, shaking his head. The passage of time had changed him, and many things that once perturbed him no longer held the same weight. However, one obsession remained constant—the desire for a genuine battle against Qin Wentian.

Hua Taixu had once been the top-ranked cultivator on the Heavenly Fate Rankings in Grand Xia, but Qin Wentian had achieved the same feat in a later batch. Their paths had consistently crossed, and Qin Wentian had consistently measured up to Hua Taixu's accomplishments.

Even in the Immortal Martial World trials, Qin Wentian had surpassed him, becoming the top-ranked cultivator.

During the disciple recruitment event in the Royal Sacred Region, Qin Wentian's performance had once again outshone everyone else.

The Myriad Incarnations Immortal King smiled gently, her eyes reflecting the depth of her understanding. She reminded Hua Taixu of his remarkable journey, marked by nine reincarnations and lifetimes in the samsara world, an experience that had solidified his heart and soul.

"You've undergone nine cycles of reincarnation in the samsara world, a feat achieved by very few. Your heart has become unshakable, far beyond your actual age. You've endured rigorous trials and tribulations, forging yourself into an extraordinary individual. Given your comprehension and cultivation speed, you are exceptional. Don't underestimate yourself," she encouraged.

Hua Taixu remained composed, his demeanor steady. He acknowledged his arduous journey but remained humble. "True, I've faced numerous trials, but who's to say Qin Wentian hasn't? Often, we witness our own struggles but overlook the efforts of others. While I've labored diligently, he might have been doing the same. Comparing our innate talents, I'm at a disadvantage. Astral souls and bloodline advantages can't be easily surpassed."

The Myriad Incarnations Immortal King nodded, her wise eyes glistening with understanding. "Indeed, but don't underestimate yourself. Your comprehension and cultivation speed are exceptional. Late-blooming talents often shine even brighter in the end. Many ordinary individuals who believed in themselves reached the immortal king level and surpassed so-called heaven-defying geniuses from their pasts."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, devoid of the typical formality between a master and disciple. Instead, they exuded a sibling-like camaraderie, their banter laced with familiarity and ease.

As the battles on the platform reached their climax, each participant had engaged in at least ten fierce contests. Some, driven by a thirst for improvement, had even ventured into more battles, pushing themselves to the brink of their limits.

Dongsheng Ting, occupying the host seat, surveyed the participants, his voice resonating across the arena. "Is there anyone else who dares to step onto the battlefield?"

A palpable silence descended upon the platform, broken only by the faint rustle of shifting garments as no one dared to challenge the exhaustion that now gripped them.

"Very well." Dongsheng Ting's smile was warm and encouraging as he turned his attention to the illustrious immortal kings attending the banquet. "The battles for this round have reached their conclusion, and many participants have displayed exceptional prowess. I, Dongsheng Ting, humbly request our esteemed seniors to select the twenty participants who will advance to the next round. We need not consider those who have suffered three or more defeats; they have shown their limits. As for those aiming for the top twenty, they must not have more than two defeats. I seek your esteemed opinions on this matter."

"Your Highness' proposal is quite sensible," nodded several supreme immortal kings from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, acknowledging the logic in Dongsheng Ting's approach. There was indeed no need to consider participants with three or more losses.

"In that case," Dongsheng Ting continued, his gaze turning to Princess Glaze, "I invite Princess Glaze to nominate individuals whom she believes should proceed. The honorable immortal king seniors shall then assess their qualifications based on her nominations. Princess, do you find this arrangement acceptable?"

Princess Glaze, without hesitation, accepted the responsibility. Her nod signaled the beginning of an anxious period for the participants below. Many among them braced themselves for disappointment, knowing that their performances might not secure them a place in the top twenty.

"I shall proceed with the nominations for the esteemed immortal king seniors to evaluate," Princess Glaze declared, her discerning gaze sweeping across the participants. Her eyes eventually settled on Gusu Tianqi, and her words resonated with conviction. "Gusu Tianqi, the top-ranked contender from the Eastern Prefecture. He secured victories against higher-level opponents and remained undefeated, often concluding battles in just a few moves. I believe he has unquestionably earned his place in the top twenty."

The immortal kings responded affirmatively, their unanimous agreement sealing Gusu Tianqi's passage to the next round.

With Princess Glaze's gaze continuing its exploration, participants' hopes and anxieties followed her every glance.

"The top-ranked contender from the Western Desert Prefecture, Feather King of the Winged Devil Race," Princess Glaze announced, her voice carrying authority. "He passes."

The collective approval of the immortal kings reverberated throughout the arena, confirming Feather King's advancement.

Amidst the celestial backdrop of the immortal realm, the assembly of immortal kings nodded in unison, their expressions reflecting the expected outcome. It was a moment of little suspense; Feather King had effortlessly secured his position, becoming the second participant to ascend into the coveted top twenty.

Princess Glaze, her eyes as enchanting as the starry heavens, continued her scrutinizing gaze over the gathered throng. All eyes followed hers, converging upon the location of the Cloud Prefecture. The Idlecloud Immortal King, his heart pounding with exhilaration, was well aware that his prefecture's performance had etched an unprecedented mark in history.

Jun Mengchen, the undefeated second-ranker of the Cloud Prefecture, had emerged as a sensation. Even after falling prey to a wicked poison, he had tenaciously persevered, defying the odds and ultimately slaying a disciple under the Absolute Poison Immortal King's tutelage. Princess Glaze's voice remained calm, but her words reverberated like a thunderclap, leaving the audience awestruck. Her nomination was none other than Jun Mengchen, and she didn't shy away from mentioning his audacious act of dispatching the Absolute Poison Immortal King's personal disciple.

"Agreed," a supremely confident immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect declared, wholeheartedly endorsing Jun Mengchen.

"He should pass," another chimed in, showing little regard for the Absolute Poison Immortal King's feelings. This gathering was primarily a recruitment drive for promising disciples, and Jun Mengchen's exceptional performance couldn't be denied. Even if he had previously offended the Absolute Poison Immortal King, it was unlikely to hinder his ascent.

Save for those few immortal kings who held a close association with the Absolute Poison Immortal King and chose to remain silent, the rest expressed their unanimous agreement. Dongsheng Ting then declared, "Since there are no objections, Jun Mengchen passes."

Princess Glaze's gaze then shifted to Qin Wentian, who stood beside Jun Mengchen. "Qin Wentian, undefeated in battle."

Once again, the atmosphere fell into an anticipatory hush. However, within moments, a supremely confident immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect proclaimed, "Agreed!"

The various immortal kings swiftly followed suit, and there were no dissensions. The Deepflame Immortal King maintained his inscrutable silence, and thus, Qin Wentian secured his place among the top twenty.

"Zi Qingxuan has maintained a perfect battle record, emerging victorious in all her duels," Princess Glaze declared once more.

As expected, no objections surfaced, and Zi Qingxuan passed this crucial round.

As the trio stood together, they exuded an inexplicable sense of unity, almost as if they were bound by blood. This piqued the curiosity of many observers. Who had nurtured these three prodigious talents, and from which formidable power did they hail? Their sect was conspicuously absent from the immortal banquet, further deepening the enigma surrounding their origins.

Apart from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, which seemed to be their only known affiliation, speculation swirled. Could these three exceptional individuals have been cultivated by a reclusive and immensely potent expert? Such conjecture held a glimmer of possibility.

"Gu Zhantian, the Cloud Prefecture's top ranker, has also emerged victorious in all his battles," Princess Glaze continued, and without hesitation, Gu Zhantian secured his place among the top twenty.

"The Qian Prefecture's top ranker, Ye Qianchen."

"The Li Prefecture's top ranker, Cang Ao."

"The Blazing Sun Prefecture's top ranker, Dugu Xishan."

"The Supreme Moon Prefecture's top ranker, Mo Wen."

"The Underworld Prefecture's top ranker, Blackpeak."

Princess Glaze methodically nominated each participant, and the assembly remained unanimous in their approval. Everyone she nominated passed the rigorous selection process.

In the blink of an eye, eleven remarkable individuals had successfully earned their spots. Only nine openings remained for the top twenty, and it was apparent that among these eleven, the future top ten contenders had likely emerged.

Under the resplendent celestial canopy of the immortal realm, Princess Glaze's voice carried the weight of destiny as she called forth the names of those who had shown exceptional prowess. Immortal kings exchanged knowing glances, their nods serving as unanimous endorsements. For Xia Jiufeng, the second-ranker of the Eastern Prefecture, a place among the top twenty was a foregone conclusion, her brilliance undeniable.

"Behold Qin Ta, the second-ranker of the Western Desert Prefecture, a prodigy hailing from the Heavenly God Race," Princess Glaze announced, her words resonating with an air of reverence.

In tandem, the immortal kings signaled their consent. Qin Ta, with his heavenly lineage and exceptional talent, claimed his rightful place within the top twenty.

"Sorrowless," Princess Glaze continued, her voice carrying an undertone of solemnity. Many eyes turned to the humble monk garbed in tattered robes. Once again, the assembly of immortal kings nodded in accord, acknowledging the third-ranker of the Western Desert Prefecture.

Such was the astonishing revelation that unfolded as Princess Glaze unveiled her nominations. The Cloud Prefecture, often overshadowed by its peers, emerged as a beacon of surprise, boasting four remarkable talents within the top twenty. The Western Prefecture, too, held its own, with three formidable individuals securing their spots.

"The Mo Prefecture's pinnacle, Yan Zimo."

"The unyielding warrior of the Rock Prefecture, Ba Shan."

"From the Yue Prefecture, the indomitable Gu Hong," Princess Glaze continued to echo names, her voice resolute. While these top rankers didn't quite match the staggering brilliance of the first eleven, their performance warranted passage without question.

With seventeen names called, the top rankers of ten out of the thirteen prefectures had already claimed their spots. The remaining three positions would undoubtedly spark heated debate among the immortal kings, each vying for the coveted slots.

"Su Feng of Thunder Prefecture," Princess Glaze proclaimed, and a ripple of astonishment washed over the assembly. For a moment, Su Feng froze, struck by the irony of his situation. Amongst those sharing his cultivation level—Qin Wentian and Zi Qingcheng—he alone had tasted defeat in two battles, his name echoing in the late stages of the announcement.

"Su Feng's two losses may raise concerns," an immortal king ventured, foreshadowing the impending controversy over the final three positions.

"Although Su Feng faced formidable adversaries in his defeats, I leave the assessment of his talent to your esteemed judgment," Princess Glaze responded with grace. The immortal kings engaged in fervent discourse, scrutinizing the remaining participants and their respective merits. After a thoughtful deliberation, they reached a consensus, allowing Su Feng to advance to the top twenty.

"Two slots remain, and I find myself in a quandary," Princess Glaze admitted, a faint smile touching her lips. The impending contest for the final positions promised heightened tension, as none of her nominees could claim an absolute assurance of success.

"In light of Princess's predicament, allow me to propose a solution. Earlier, we discussed including the personal disciples of immortal kings as a test for these participants. Given that the personal disciple of the Deepflame Immortal King has already secured a place, I suggest admitting Hua Taixu, the protege of the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King, and Ruthless, the disciple of the Undefeated Devil King, into the top twenty as well. They can partake in the participants' trials while also competing for higher rankings in the subsequent rounds. This addition should quell any controversy or dispute. How do you all feel about this proposition?" Dongsheng Ting's eyes sparkled with conviction as he unveiled his proposal.

The moment their names were uttered, a collective gasp filled the air, for Hua Taixu and Ruthless were both luminous stars in the firmament of talents. Their inclusion in the top twenty was a resounding endorsement, one that was sure to put an end to any lingering disputes and bring a measure of harmony to the selection process.