You are not a match for me

You are not a match for me . . .

Zi Qingxuan cast a meaningful glance at Qin Wentian. It was evident that he hadn't given up on the idea of securing a top-three position, even though the odds seemed overwhelmingly against him.

However, she couldn't fathom what strategies or methods Qin Wentian might employ to challenge for a position that Dongsheng Ting appeared determined to deny him. What could he possibly do in this seemingly impossible situation?

Returning her gaze to the ongoing aerial battle between Gusu Tianqi and Jun Mengchen, she was struck by the sheer power and terror displayed by both combatants. Gusu Tianqi swung his sun spears, each one pulsating with the scorching intensity of a real sun, emitting beams of light capable of melting anything in their path.

Yet Jun Mengchen effortlessly dispersed it all with a single punch, his fist techniques resonating with celestial might. Each strike he delivered carried boundless force.

Moreover, their attacks unfolded at breakneck speeds, resulting in multiple collisions within the blink of an eye.

A deafening rumble echoed through the air as the sun furnace produced a hissing sound, launching molten, sun-bathed spears with incredible ferocity. The nine silhouettes of immortal kings behind Gusu Tianqi extended their hands, manipulating these spears with uncanny precision. Gusu Tianqi himself wielded a blazing sun spear, stepping forward to intensify the overwhelming pressure bearing down on Jun Mengchen.

"PERISH!" Gusu Tianqi roared, thrusting his spear alongside the nine immortal king shadows, encasing the space in a web of spears aimed squarely at their adversary.

In response, Jun Mengchen's furious howl stirred a formidable windstorm before him. However, the windstorm crumbled under the relentless assault of the spears. His Clear Sky Worldly Diagram spun wildly as an unprecedented power surged through him, causing his kingly aura to soar to unprecedented heights. At this moment, a majestic crown materialized on his head, gloves adorned his hands, and beneath his feet, a throne fashioned from the scales of a war king dragon took form.

With both fists raised, Jun Mengchen harnessed the surging energy from the diagram, filling the entire space with apocalyptic and chaotic destructive qi reminiscent of primordial warfare. It was as if this space existed solely for endless battles, and Jun Mengchen was its undisputed king.

The blazing sun spears pierced through the turbulent qi, relentlessly advancing in an attempt to eliminate Jun Mengchen. Even as a supreme king, he appeared destined to fall in this onslaught. Gusu Tianqi's nine immortal king shadows converged their attacks simultaneously, unleashing a combined might capable of shattering heavens and upending the very fabric of the universe.

Jun Mengchen remained remarkably composed, his kingly aura reaching its zenith. Onlookers tilted their heads to watch in awe, and even immortal kings found their hearts trembling. Were these still attacks within the realm of Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants? What unimaginable levels of power would Jun Mengchen attain in the future if he ascended to the ranks of immortal-foundation or immortal king experts? Such speculations left them both awed and terrified.

In the realm of strength, there were those whose power seemed innately woven into the fabric of their being, like Jun Mengchen and Gusu Tianqi. These were individuals born with an extraordinary prowess that set them apart from the masses.

And then there were those who, despite being born with ordinary potential, honed their strength through relentless effort and external means. Hua Taixu was a prime example of this relentless determination.

"Behold the Chaotic World King Punch!" Jun Mengchen's voice echoed through the heavens as both his fists rocketed through the void. The apocalyptic and chaotic destruction qi swirled around him, coalescing into an immense, corporeal violet-golden fist. As it moved, the ten-thousand-meter-long streak of violet-gold light it emitted was blindingly brilliant.

With a resounding explosion that shook the very cosmos, Jun Mengchen's mighty punch collided with the blazing sun spears. The spears shattered like fragile glass, unable to withstand the overwhelming force. The punch continued its unstoppable journey, hurtling toward Gusu Tianqi.

For a moment, Gusu Tianqi found himself frozen in disbelief, his gaze fixed on the oncoming cataclysmic force. He mustered all the strength he could muster and threw up a desperate defense. But the ensuing thunderous impact told the tale—a tale of Gusu Tianqi being propelled through the air. His celestial constellation in the skies dimmed and eventually faded into oblivion.

The sound of blood being wiped from Gusu Tianqi's mouth reverberated through the air as he stood suspended. His body bore the weight of heavy injuries, but the anguish in his heart ran deeper still.

Participating in this centennial event, his sole purpose had been to secure the top rank, to emerge as the most dazzling presence. Defeat was not an option he had considered. Yet here he was, defeated by Jun Mengchen.

Gusu Tianqi, the top-ranked contender from the Eastern Prefecture, had been defeated.

The spectators were left in stunned silence. Jun Mengchen had not merely displayed his prodigious talent but had also demonstrated unparalleled combat prowess. He stood there like a triumphant king, his breath heavy but his heart filled with elation. With this resounding victory, his name would echo throughout the thirteen prefectures.

The space above the platform fell into an eerie hush. Even amid the grandeur of the immortal banquet, silence reigned as though they were all grappling with the reality of what had just transpired.

After what felt like an eternity, Gusu Tianqi took a deep breath and conceded, "I have lost."

With those words, Jun Mengchen gradually receded his aura. His celestial constellation and king armor vanished, revealing the harmless and seemingly delicate young man beneath. He turned his gaze to Qin Wentian and Zi Qingxuan, a radiant smile gracing his features.

He had emerged victorious, securing his place within the top three rankings. His talent, coupled with his heaven-defying physique and unmatched combat prowess, had propelled him to this glorious moment.

In this battle, Gusu Tianqi had suffered a blemish on his record—a single defeat. Meanwhile, Jun Mengchen's name remained untarnished, bereft of any losses.

Jun Mengchen's gaze then shifted toward Dongsheng Ting, who presided from the host's seat. With confidence and a touch of curiosity, he inquired, "I stand undefeated, while Gusu Tianqi has one defeat. How will the rankings be determined now?"

Dongsheng Ting, the host of this grand event, turned his gaze toward the assembly of immortal kings, opening the floor for their opinions.

As the climactic battle unfolded, the immortal kings gathered, their discussions echoing through the ethereal realm. Among them, one immortal king voiced his opinion with a knowing smile. His words held a subtle suggestion, one that resonated with Dongsheng Ting's intentions.

"Indeed," he began, his tone laced with intrigue, "Jun Mengchen's performance in the first two rounds may have seemed lackluster, but the sheer potential and talent he displayed in the final round are simply overwhelming. His flawless record of zero defeats attests to his exceptional combat prowess. I have no doubt that his Majesty would take a keen interest in this young friend. Therefore, I propose that he be ranked first."

The immortal king's words carried a weight that wasn't lost on the assembly. Jun Mengchen's destiny seemed clear—he would become a personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, receiving unparalleled focus and nurturing.

In Dongsheng Ting's grand design, both Jun Mengchen and Gusu Tianqi were candidates who would undoubtedly catch his Majesty's eye.

"Very well," Dongsheng Ting concurred, his words deliberate. "Given the circumstances, Jun Mengchen shall be ranked first. Gusu Tianqi, with one defeat, will take the second spot."

This proclamation sent ripples of astonishment through the onlookers. In a competition spanning three rounds, Jun Mengchen had emerged as the ultimate victor, an outcome that defied expectations. Gusu Tianqi, who had once held the top position with an air of invincibility, was now relegated to second place.

It was a shift of power and prestige that left many awestruck. In the end, the Cloud Prefecture's chosen contender, Jun Mengchen, had seized the pinnacle of glory, an unprecedented achievement.

Amid the celebration within the Cloud Prefecture's camp, the Idlecloud Immortal King reveled in the moment. His laughter rang out like a triumphant symphony, for one of his own, a heaven-chosen from his domain, had become the immortal banquet's top-ranked participant. It was a glory unmatched and unparalleled.

Yet not everyone shared in his jubilation. Among the Cloud Prefecture's contingent, the smiles of some had stiffened, concealing their disappointment. The tide of fortune was fickle, and it could lift one while casting others into shadow.

"The Cloud Prefecture has truly outdone itself this time," Dongsheng Ting acknowledged, commending the Idlecloud Immortal King. His praise beamed a radiant light upon the Cloud Prefecture's triumphant moment.

But amidst the applause, a voice of dissent arose. A reminder that, even among the top ten participants from the Cloud Prefecture, there were those who had not fared as well. The idle boasting of other prefecture lords, once a thorn in the Cloud Prefecture's side, had now turned into an embarrassing self-inflicted wound.

"The Cloud Prefecture truly excels," Dongsheng Ting continued, his words doubling down on his approval. However, the smiles of those who had faltered grew strained, burdened by the weight of their earlier boasts.

Jun Mengchen, basking in his hard-earned glory, then posed a question to Dongsheng Ting. "Your highness, considering I've secured the top rank, and my senior brother's potential, if he were to defeat Gusu Tianqi, why can't he be among the top three as well?"

Dongsheng Ting, with calm and measured words, responded, "As I've previously explained, the rankings of the final round must be considered in conjunction with the results of the first two rounds, as well as one's inherent talent and combat prowess. Your talent is undeniably exceptional, and your domination of the third round's opponents justifies your top ranking. However, in Qin Wentian's case, even if he defeats Gusu Tianqi in this round, it would be unjust to displace Gusu Tianqi from the top three, given his earlier performances."

Gusu Tianqi, his expression frosty, couldn't hide his displeasure. Having already suffered one defeat, he found it irksome to hear Dongsheng Ting and Jun Mengchen openly discussing the hypothetical scenario of another loss.

"I am prepared to fight," Gusu Tianqi retorted, his voice sharp and defiant. "If you wish to challenge me, we can do so now."

Qin Wentian, however, chose a different path, his words cutting through the tension in the air. "Even if I were to win against you, the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect has no intention of allowing me into the top three. Besides, you are not in peak condition. If I were to defeat you now, I fear that his highness Dongsheng Ting would readily find an excuse to deny me the position."

Qin Wentian's words carried a pointed insinuation. It was as if he believed that Dongsheng Ting had intentionally targeted him, casting a shadow over his prospects. He continued, his tone sharp, "Take a moment to recover your strength. Remember, you once believed you would emerge undefeated, and yet you ultimately fell to my junior brother. Caution would serve you well."

The atmosphere crackled with tension as the participants grappled with their ambitions and rivalries, each step in this celestial dance bringing them closer to destiny's precipice.

In the midst of this tense and charged atmosphere, Gusu Tianqi's response was nothing short of intriguing. He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the air, and then, with a sly grin, he quirked an eyebrow at Qin Wentian. "Well, since you put it this way, my dear friend," he drawled, his voice dripping with a playful tone, "why don't we make this a little more interesting? Just wait right there, and I promise you, you won't be disappointed."

Gusu Tianqi, a master of flair and drama, couldn't resist adding a touch of humor to the situation. He gracefully lowered himself onto the ground, his legs crossing with an air of nonchalance. As he settled into a meditative posture, he winked at Qin Wentian. "I'm going to need a moment to prepare for the show of a lifetime. Don't rush me now."

Meanwhile, the eyes of the spectators, including the various immortal kings, were fixated on Qin Wentian. His words had carried an air of immense confidence, and it was clear that he was up for the challenge. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they tried to decipher the true extent of his self-assured demeanor.

On the platform, the ten participants stood their ground, their faces reflecting a complex mix of emotions. Some among them radiated genuine power and strength, but the reality was that they were overshadowed by those even mightier. It was a bitter pill to swallow for these talented individuals, watching their dreams of ascending to the top ranks slipping away.

One of the immortal kings couldn't help but express his thoughts, breaking the silence that had settled over the banquet. "It seems we're approaching the final showdown, though Dongsheng Ting has already decided the rankings. This battle appears to be more symbolic than anything else—an opportunity for Qin Wentian to showcase his abilities."

The spectators, engrossed in the unfolding drama, nodded in agreement. The atmosphere in the banquet hall was charged with anticipation as everyone awaited the climax of this once-in-a-hundred-years event.

As time passed, Gusu Tianqi, still in a meditative trance, slowly opened his eyes. A brilliant and awe-inspiring light radiated from his being, captivating all who beheld it. He fixed his gaze on Qin Wentian and inquired with a hint of excitement, "Are you ready for what's about to transpire?"

Qin Wentian, exuding an air of unwavering determination, rose to his feet. His gaze shifted towards Dongsheng Ting, and he spoke with a sense of resolve. "I won't dwell on the past, Your Highness. If you believe my displayed talent falls short, then I shall use this final battle to demonstrate my worth more decisively. As for the concept of 'fairness' in this disciple recruitment event, I trust that the immortal king seniors gathered here already hold their own convictions."

With these words, he turned to face the other participants, his eyes scanning their determined faces. "Gusu Tianqi, Feather King, Ruthless, Qin Ta, and Ye Qianchen," he called out, his voice ringing with a challenge, "do me a favor and come at me together."

The gauntlet had been thrown, and the stage was set for a showdown of epic proportions. The banquet hall held its breath, waiting to witness the grand finale of this extraordinary event—one that would surely be talked about for generations to come.