Top Ten

Top Ten . . .

In this captivating moment, the silhouette of Jun Mengchen took on an even more imposing aura. His adversary? None other than Cang Ao, the reigning champion of the Li Prefecture!

With a single punch from Jun Mengchen, Cang Ao lost an arm and was sent careening off the platform in a rather undignified manner.

The majestic king's armor that had enveloped Jun Mengchen vanished, leaving him standing tall and fierce. His gaze remained locked onto Cang Ao as he delivered his taunting words, "Can you truly withstand even a single blow? Do you possess the qualifications to challenge me?"

Having spoken his piece, Jun Mengchen returned to his original spot, sitting down with an air of indifference, as if defeating Cang Ao was nothing more than a trivial accomplishment.

Among the spectators, murmurs of anticipation filled the air. "Only eleven contenders remain, one more to complete the top ten. It appears that no one dares to challenge Jun Mengchen and his fellow sect members," the onlookers speculated. At the host seat of the immortal banquet, Dongsheng Ting cast a profound glance at Princess Glaze by his side. Princess Glaze had indeed lived up to her reputation, displaying impeccable judgment.

On the elevated platform, a heavy silence fell upon the eleven heaven-chosen individuals. They appeared calm and collected, as if the ongoing contest had no bearing on their destinies.

No one dared to initiate a challenge against their peers. After all, this was the ultimate showdown to determine the top ten, and each participant harbored reservations about their chances of emerging victorious against the others. Caution prevailed.

This prolonged period of anticipation stretched on, testing the resolve of the contenders.

Finally, the atmosphere shifted, as impatience gripped one of them.

The culprit was none other than Dugu Xishan, the highest-ranked contender hailing from the Blazing Sun Prefecture.

The intensity of Dongsheng Ting's gaze intensified, and he couldn't help but mutter, "Princess, your judgment is nothing short of divine. I've heard tales of Princess Glaze's ability to peer into celestial fate and unveil heavenly secrets. Your reputation is well-earned. Could it be that you already know the identities of the top three contenders?"

Princess Glaze responded calmly, "My ability to deduce information through my innate connection with my constellation is but one path among countless martial disciplines. It doesn't grant me the gift of foresight. No one possesses omniscience, and I cannot discern the identities of the top three contenders."

Back on the battle platform, Dugu Xishan's aura began to suffuse the surroundings. As a heaven-chosen representative of the Blazing Sun Prefecture, his cultivation arts revolved around fire. His innate techniques were nothing short of tyrannical, and the chosen path of a martial cultivator often left an indelible mark on their personality. Those who delved into sinister poison arts gradually grew cold and insidious, while practitioners of ice arts adopted a frosty disposition.

Dugu Xishan voiced his impatience, gesturing at Mo Wen, the highest-ranked contender from the Supreme Moon Prefecture, with a challenge in his eyes. "Why prolong the wait? I, Dugu Xishan, stand as the top-ranked contender of the Blazing Sun Prefecture, while you, Mo Wen, reign as the highest-ranked contender of the Supreme Moon Prefecture. Our cultivation arts are polar opposites. Let us determine who possesses greater strength."

In the heart of this heated showdown, the figure of Mo Wen emerged, her form so svelte and seemingly perfect that it could rival the finest sculptures. On the surface, she wore an icy veneer of beauty, but when the fires of combat ignited within her, her strength proved nothing short of astonishing.

As she confidently stepped onto the battleground, her frosty eyes locked onto Dugu Xishan. Given his eagerness for a fight, she saw no reason to decline his challenge.

Their auras surged forth, and the once-neutral battle platform now found itself divided into two distinct halves: one radiated scorching heat, while the other emanated an icy chill.

Dugu Xishan's aura blazed fiercely, as if he aimed to incinerate the very heavens and earth. The air surrounding him grew so hot that even the molecules seemed to ignite, casting a fiery red hue upon the surroundings.

In stark contrast, Mo Wen exuded an aura of intense coldness, her presence freezing everything it touched, seemingly encasing the world in ice.

These two formidable opponents had never clashed before, and now, their opposing elements of frost and fire collided in a spectacular display. The air sizzled and crackled as they fought, and the once-unified battleground became a stark contrast: one side a scorching inferno, the other a frigid abyss.

Their auras intensified with each passing moment, constantly crashing against each other like titanic waves.

Step by step, Dugu Xishan and Mo Wen inched closer to one another.

Above Dugu Xishan, a blazing wheel of fire began to spin, its searing heat capable of reducing anything in its path to ashes.

Over Mo Wen, an ice sculpture of a regal frost queen manifested, brandishing a long spear and poised for defense.

"BOOM!"

Suddenly, torrents of fire erupted from the spinning wheel, resembling fiery dragons as they surged towards Mo Wen. The frost queen's spear struck out repeatedly, causing snow to fall from the heavens in an attempt to quell the searing heat, resulting in a continuous sizzle.

Dugu Xishan charged forward, a fiery wheel of wind and flame forming in his hand, which he hurled toward Mo Wen. The combination of scorching heat and the power of the wind melted away the frost, and the attack sped straight for her.

Mo Wen's spear twirled rapidly, deflecting the spinning wheel, but more and more fiery wheels materialized, hurtling towards her with relentless fury. In an instant, the ice and frost began to erode under the onslaught of these blazing wheels.

Then, Mo Wen underwent a transformation. An icy cloak enveloped her, and her hair turned into icicles. Behind her, the phantom of an ice goddess, the queen of frost, materialized. With a wave of its hand, countless ice spears were launched, filling the air with a bone-chilling cold that neutralized the searing heat. The clash of these opposing forces set off a cataclysmic display of destruction.

With graceful yet determined movements, Mo Wen closed the distance between herself and Dugu Xishan. The frost goddess phantom behind her emitted a divine radiance, and in the blink of an eye, she stood before her adversary.

"YOU ARE COURTING DEATH!" Dugu Xishan's cold snort was met with a burst of blazing heat that emanated from him. His entire being transformed into a fiery tempest, and torrents of scorching heat surged forth repeatedly. With a single palm, he unleashed a diagram of a spinning wheel capable of incinerating everything in its path.

However, in a shocking turn of events, Dugu Xishan's expression shifted drastically. His gaze filled with terror as he beheld the frost queen phantom behind Mo Wen. The spinning wheel of terror in front of him was pierced through and frozen solid by the queen's phantom spear. Crackling sounds filled the air as his body gradually succumbed to the creeping frost, bit by icy bit.

In the heat of their intense battle, Dugu Xishan's defiant roar sliced through the tension. He knew that he had narrowly escaped a chilling fate, on the precipice of being transformed into a frigid ice statue, with death lurking menacingly close.

As the echo of his voice gradually faded, Mo Wenm took a step back, her demeanor transitioning from offense to a more relaxed stance. Meanwhile, Dugu Xishan worked to revive his inner fire, circulating his fire-attribute energy to thaw the icy grip that had momentarily ensnared him. While he eventually managed to regain control over his body, his expression remained one of extreme displeasure.

He had been defeated.

To make matters worse, he was the initiator of this ill-fated battle.

With his elimination, the top ten contenders now stood revealed.

Inwardly, Dongsheng Ting couldn't help but be impressed as he sighed. Princess Glaze's judgment had proven far more accurate than his own. It was as if everything had unfolded precisely as she had foreseen.

Cang Ao and Dugu Xishan's impatience had ultimately cost them their spots in the competition, as they had been the ones to challenge their opponents.

Dugu Xishan left the platform with a heavy heart, carrying the weight of disappointment.

Only the elite top ten remained on the platform.

"Congratulations to each and every one of you for securing a place in the top ten," Dongsheng Ting congratulated them with a forced smile, despite his internal dissatisfaction. Among the top ten, Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Zi Qingxuan claimed three of the coveted spots.

Though he harbored his grievances, Dongsheng Ting refrained from voicing them. Qin Wentian had likely returned to prove himself after the events of years past. He aimed to secure a position within the top three contenders, hoping to gain recognition from his royal father and subsequently strengthen his connection with Princess Qing'er. It was apparent that, aside from becoming his royal father's personal disciple, Qin Wentian had no other viable path to follow.

However, Dongsheng Ting couldn't help but believe that Qin Wentian was harboring illusions. Even if he managed to enter the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, Dongsheng Ting believed he had numerous methods at his disposal to bring Qin Wentian to an inglorious end.

Nonetheless, Dongsheng Ting did not wish for Qin Wentian to reach the top three. He feared that if things didn't unfold as expected, Qin Wentian might engage in reckless actions that would tarnish his royal father's reputation. While the likelihood of such an outcome was minimal, caution remained the prudent course.

"These young talents are truly exceptional. The top ten contenders all possess remarkable abilities," praised an immortal king.

"Yes, their strength is truly remarkable. I eagerly anticipate discovering which three among them will claim the top honors."

"Let's all take a break, savor some delicacies, and ease the tension in the air," Dongsheng Ting suggested with a warm smile. Subsequently, the ten participants departed from the platform and returned to their respective seats.

The location of the Cloud Prefecture's delegation was unmistakable, as three of the top ten contenders headed in that direction.

Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Zi Qingxuan. Even the mighty factions of the Cloud Prefecture could only watch in silence as these three remarkable talents approached.

These three had earned their places in the top ten and were now on the cusp of becoming personal disciples of a supreme immortal king.

While they had already demonstrated outstanding abilities, no one had expected them to shine so brilliantly and secure spots in the top ten. Their brilliance was nothing short of dazzling.

Disregarding the mixed reactions of the crowd, Qin Wentian calmly made his way back to his seat. He understood that their ultimate goal went beyond simply securing a spot in the top ten. There were greater heights to ascend, and he was determined to reach them.

"Now, for the final ranking battle to determine the standings of these ten participants, we should discuss and establish the rules," Dongsheng Ting announced, turning his gaze toward the assembly of immortal kings.

"Princess Glaze has shown exceptional insight. Why don't we seek her opinion?" suggested one of the immortal kings.

"Princess, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Dongsheng Ting inquired with a warm smile.

"The final ranking battle carries significant weight and should be conducted with great care. I believe it would be more appropriate for the esteemed seniors of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, as well as Your Highness, to formulate the rules," Princess Glaze replied, demonstrating her understanding of the boundaries she shouldn't overstep when dealing with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's affairs.

"Very well, since Princess Glaze suggests this, I shall confer with the senior members and establish the rules," Dongsheng Ting agreed, nodding his head as he initiated a conference with the other immortal kings.

A clear voice pierced the air, capturing the attention of everyone present. All eyes turned toward the Cloud Prefecture, where Jun Mengchen stood boldly as the speaker of the moment. He couldn't contain his impatience and inquired about the rewards for the top three rankings. The crowd couldn't help but silently scold him for his audacity. Did he genuinely believe he could secure a top-three position?

However, given the awe-inspiring display of strength Jun Mengchen had exhibited, no one dared to dismiss the possibility entirely. Still, it seemed that he was more intrigued by the rewards than the honor of becoming the personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. It struck many as rather comical.

"Dear friend, the prestige of securing a top-three position far outweighs any rewards," one of the immortal kings chimed in with a laugh. "You would become the personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor!"

Jun Mengchen, undeterred, persisted, "Haha, I appreciate the sentiment, but I'd like to hear about the rewards first. After all, there's no conflict of interest."

"Very well then, let's discuss the rewards," Dongsheng Ting responded with a warm smile.