Test for the Top Ten

Test for the Top Ten . . .

Dongsheng Ting's eyes swept across the gathered participants, a genial smile gracing his countenance. The promise of rewards for the top three contestants, considering the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's vast wealth, naturally hinted at treasures of the highest caliber - those befitting the status of immortal kings.

Immortal-king treasures were enigmatic artifacts that even the most accomplished immortal-foundation experts could only dream of possessing. Yet, on this auspicious occasion, the top three contenders had the chance to claim such unparalleled treasures. The anticipation and intrigue surrounding this revelation were palpable.

"In the grandeur of this immortal banquet, the top-ranked individual shall receive a Sky Roc Rune Bone. The Sky Roc Immortal King stands as one of the four supreme paragons of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Immortal kings across the land revere him as Paragon Sky Roc, and he stands but a step away from achieving immortal emperor status. This rune bone encapsulates the very essence and energy of Paragon Sky Roc himself."

As Dongsheng Ting spoke, his words resonated like celestial music, causing even the immortal kings to feel their hearts tremble with reverence.

Paragon Sky Roc, the sovereign of the boundless skies - a name that commanded respect and awe. A rune bone bestowed by such a luminary was an exceedingly rare and invaluable treasure. To meditate upon the runes etched within this bone was to embark on a journey of profound comprehension.

Throughout the banquet hall, countless immortal-foundation experts gazed with incredulity. The mere thought of obtaining the Sky Roc Rune Bone ignited a fervent desire within them. However, the harsh reality remained: only the top-ranked contender would claim this coveted prize.

Dongsheng Ting continued, his voice unwavering, "The second-ranked participant will also receive a treasure crafted by one of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's paragons. This particular paragon once dedicated thousands of years to meditation before a towering mountain rampart, etching his profound insights into cultivation upon it. Its value extends even to immortal kings."

His words hung in the air like a spell, eliciting gasps of astonishment. Even the immortal kings hadn't anticipated the unveiling of such an extraordinary reward.

The four supreme paragons of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, stalwarts who had accompanied the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor since time immemorial, represented the pinnacle of power within the sect - second only to the immortal emperor himself.

"As for the third-ranking contender," Dongsheng Ting continued, "they shall be awarded an immortal-king ranked divine weapon. Recognizing that Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants cannot fully unleash the potential of immortal-king ranked weapons, this particular treasure is a flying-type divine weapon, capable of serving as a life-saving instrument."

Dongsheng Ting's announcement left a lingering sense of awe in its wake. A flying-type immortal-king ranked treasure, a rarity beyond measure, was now designated as the third-place prize. The sheer magnitude of this revelation was staggering.

All three rewards held the prestigious status of being immortal-king ranked!

Dongsheng Ting turned his attention to Jun Mengchen, his smile warm and inviting. "Are you satisfied now?"

Jun Mengchen's laughter resonated through the hall, his carefree demeanor exuding an air of wild arrogance. "Haha! Well, since that's the case, I'm determined to secure a place among the top three rankers."

His words carried an audacious confidence, an assurance that he would undoubtedly claim a spot within the upper echelons. It was a level of arrogance that transcended the ordinary.

The ten participants were, without a doubt, extraordinary individuals, each a prodigious genius in their own right. The competition for a place in the top ten had been fierce, and becoming one of the top three would prove to be an even greater challenge.

Amidst the assembly of extraordinary talents, Jun Mengchen's fellow sect members stood as demon-level characters, commanding respect and awe. However, it wasn't just the disciples from Jun Mengchen's sect who held such prestigious positions. Gusu Tianqi, Feather King, Hua Taixu, Ruthless, Ye Qianchen, Qin Ta, and Mo Wen, each in their own right, exuded immense power and skill. The spectators found themselves in a quandary, as it seemed a shame to see any of these formidable contenders eliminated.

In the midst of this contemplation, Princess Glaze stepped forward, her regal presence commanding attention. "Your Highness," she began, "I have a question I wish to pose."

Dongsheng Ting responded with an affable smile, "Princess, please, feel free to ask."

"Regarding Hua Taixu and Ruthless," Princess Glaze inquired, "both have secured places in the top ten. However, should they earn a spot in the final top three, how would they be regarded? They are disciples of the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King and the Undefeatable Devil King, respectively, and they do not hail from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. What would occur if they were to become top three rankers? The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor may not be able to accept them as his disciples."

Dongsheng Ting responded with clarity, "Naturally, their achievements would be recognized. If they attain a top-three ranking, they will receive the designated rewards. My royal father will not impose his mentorship upon anyone. It will be their prerogative to choose whether they wish to become his disciples or not. Fairness and impartiality are our guiding principles."

His words, filled with grace and elegance, resonated through the hall.

"Understood," Princess Glaze acknowledged, her expression unwavering. Privately, she recognized that Hua Taixu and Ruthless' participation in this event had been orchestrated by Dongsheng Ting. They served as a litmus test for the other participants. If either of them claimed a top-three position, it would signify that the remaining contenders lacked the qualifications to be accepted as disciples by the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. Any alternative outcome would tarnish the prestige of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and invite unfavorable comparisons between his disciples and those of the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King and the Undefeatable Devil King.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, a figure of unparalleled standing, would not tolerate any insinuation that his disciples were of lesser caliber. Although, in reality, it was impossible for his disciples to surpass the disciples of every immortal king, it was essential that such an occurrence did not transpire during this once-in-a-century immortal banquet hosted by the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. The potential ramifications on his reputation were too grave to overlook.

"Your Highness," an immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect chimed in, "the ranking of the top ten must be approached with caution. A single round of combat may not suffice to determine their standings. I propose three rounds of testing. The first two rounds will evaluate the participants' willpower, temperament, and determination, and we can invite immortal kings to oversee these aspects. The third round will focus on combat prowess, with all participants' cultivation bases equalized for a fair assessment."

Dongsheng Ting welcomed the suggestion with a warm smile. "Your proposal is well-reasoned. Combat prowess is indeed a significant criterion. Given the varying cultivation levels of the participants, their abilities should be standardized for the third round. We will proceed with three rounds of testing. Each round will be individually ranked, and the final results will be tallied to determine the top three."

The immortal kings present nodded in agreement.

"For the first test," Dongsheng Ting continued, "we shall entrust the Dream Demon King. It is the most suitable choice."

His gaze turned toward a shrouded figure nearby, an immortal king cloaked in deep black. At first glance, the immortal king appeared to be in a state of profound slumber, lounging in his chair as if detached from the world.

Dongsheng Ting paid little heed to the apparent slumber of the Dream Demon King, fully aware that the Dream Demon King's senses were attuned to their discussion. This enigmatic figure was the stuff of nightmares for many formidable experts. With the power to infiltrate the dreams of others, the Dream Demon King wielded a terrifying influence within the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

"It's settled then," Dongsheng Ting acknowledged, and the other immortal kings concurred with a nod.

"However, there's no rush. Let them have a bit more rest, and we can savor this fine wine a little longer," Dongsheng Ting proposed, raising his cup in a toast to his fellow immortal kings. They continued their leisurely conversation, creating an atmosphere of harmony and camaraderie.

Amidst the congenial chatter, Jun Mengchen leaned towards Qin Wentian and began a telepathic conversation. "Senior brother, do you have any history with Dongsheng Ting and Deepflame? Earlier, Deepflame hinted that you would never make it to the top three, and Dongsheng Ting has been exceedingly polite, like a smiling tiger ready to strike. I wonder if he'll target you in the next round."

Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with intrigue. He hadn't anticipated Jun Mengchen's perceptiveness. According to Dongsheng Ting's earlier remarks, there would be three rounds of testing, with only the final round involving direct combat. Dongsheng Ting had the authority to set the rules for these tests, leaving room for potential manipulation.

"Mengchen, if they intend to target anyone, it's likely all three of us will be in their sights. I'll do my best to shield us from any schemes. Even if they try to sabotage us during the critical third round of direct combat, we'll cause such a commotion that it will shake the very foundations of this event," Qin Wentian replied. Jun Mengchen nodded in agreement, his determination unwavering.

The trio communicated silently, but Dongsheng Ting's voice interrupted their thoughts. "Ladies and gentlemen, the rules for the testing rounds have been established. The Dream Demon King will oversee the first round. Participants, please proceed to the battle platform."

In response, the top ten contenders ascended the platform, each positioning themselves at different spots.

The Dream Demon King remained in his slumber, seemingly untouched by the proceedings of the immortal banquet.

"For the first round, the Dream Demon King will oversee the test. Participants will be ranked based on their ability to endure. This ranking pertains to the first round only. Separate rankings will be assigned for the second and third rounds, with final placements determined after all three rounds," Dongsheng Ting explained. He then turned to the Dream Demon King and signaled that he could begin.

Without a hint of warning or any perceptible change in the environment, the participants found themselves transported. In mere moments, the battle platform vanished, replaced by a boundless, surreal dreamscape—a realm governed by the Dream Demon King's power.

Qin Wentian recognized the familiar sensation. "A dreamscape," he muttered to himself. He had been transported into the Dream Demon King's realm, a place governed by dreams.

Surveying his surroundings, Qin Wentian found himself utterly alone in this expansive dreamscape. No other living beings occupied this surreal realm except for him. He spotted a stone platform and settled onto it, adopting a cross-legged posture. Then, he closed his eyes, entering a meditative state.

The silence within this dreamscape was almost palpable. It was as if he were the sole inhabitant of this ethereal world, isolated in a realm where time and space lost their customary meaning.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly in the surreal dreamscape, and Qin Wentian remained in a state of serene contemplation, unaffected by the passage of moments. He sat there in tranquil silence, seemingly disinterested in the unfolding events within this dream realm.

However, in a sudden, dramatic twist, his eyes snapped open. Before him materialized a female figure, ethereal and enchanting. Her presence was nothing short of mesmerizing, like a rare snow lotus gracing an icy mountain, and her eyes, now fixed upon him, held a clarity that rivaled the endless blue skies.

"Qing'er..." Qin Wentian whispered, his gaze locked onto the mesmerizing silhouette before him. "Are you well?"

A transformation washed over Qing'er's expression, bestowing it with a soul-stirring, bewitching smile.

"But this is just a dream. How can you be here?" Qin Wentian chuckled softly, a trace of self-deprecation in his tone. Yet, his longing for Qing'er was undeniable. As he contemplated, a warm smile crept onto his lips, and a flood of memories between them unfolded in his mind—from their time at the Celestial Lake Palace to their parting.

Each memory resurfaced, replaying before his eyes like a vivid dream. Qin Wentian seemed to be immersed in a sea of recollections, his eyes shimmering with the longing for what once was.

"I find it hard to steady my heart and mind in this place," Qin Wentian pondered silently. He realized that he had been transported from the open arena into the depths of his own memories. These recollections, the moments he had shared with Qing'er, played out before him like an ongoing dream.

Suddenly, a sheen of perspiration glistened on Qin Wentian's brow, and cold sweat trickled down his back. He too was a practitioner of dream energy, and now, he noticed something amiss. This wasn't the Dream Demon King's creation—it was his very own dream!

The Dream Demon King was intruding into his dreams, invading his memories.

"NO!" Qin Wentian's willpower surged as he fiercely guarded his heart and mind, attempting to banish all distractions. Yet, the scenes continued to play out relentlessly. This time, it wasn't solely his memories with Qing'er but every aspect of his life.

Outside the dream, the other participants remained still, their expressions betraying no awareness of what was transpiring within Qin Wentian's mind. The Dream Demon King remained motionless, a silent observer. Dongsheng Ting's gaze swept over the participants, his eyes at times gleaming with an unsettling intensity whenever they landed on Qin Wentian.