Immortal Ascension Rankings . . .
In the heart of the ancient city, the atmosphere crackled with tension as Qin Wentian assessed the five formidable individuals who stood before him and his companions. The young man at the forefront, distinguished by the regal crown atop his head, held an impressive eighth-level Celestial Phenomenon cultivation base. Meanwhile, three others among the group boasted seventh-level mastery, leaving the final member at the sixth level of power.
Every one of them exuded an aura of profound strength and indomitable determination. The significance of their surroundings wasn't lost on the newcomers. This location served as the very heart of their sect, and any altercation here could tip the scales against them.
With a hint of curiosity, Qin Wentian couldn't help but voice his question, "Is this how you treat those who decline to join your sect?"
The young man with the crown, a subtle smile playing upon his lips, responded with a mix of sincerity and gravitas, "Friendship, or the lack thereof, defines our interactions here in the City of Ancient Emperors. You, as newcomers, might not yet grasp the nuances of our unique code. In this realm, conflicts are an integral part of our daily existence, the crucible from which growth emerges. Allow my God Extermination Palace to impart upon you the first lesson today."
The mention of robbing interspatial rings hinted at a common occurrence within these ancient city walls. Here, treasures lay hidden within these pocket dimensions, and those who ventured into this realm often carried a wealth of valuables. While outright murder was rare due to the esteemed backgrounds of most residents, theft remained a recurrent theme. However, even in this cutthroat environment, there existed an unspoken boundary; personal vendettas rarely took root, as many experts safeguarded their descendants and disciples with immortal senses, ready to intervene at any sign of danger.
For the city's esteemed inhabitants, these skirmishes served as rites of passage, tempering their skills and character. It was a calculated gamble for their elders, who saw value in exposing their junior generations to adversity.
Undeterred by the escalating confrontation, Qin Wentian issued a simple command, "Let's go." The trio prepared to withdraw from the potentially explosive situation.
However, the young man with the crown refused to let them depart unchallenged. A hearty laugh escaped his lips as he declared, "Go? But where do you think you're heading?" With that, his group unleashed their formidable auras, each revealing a constellation that heralded their prodigious abilities.
The crowned young man's constellation, a dazzling fusion of celestial power, materialized above him. It depicted a towering figure brandishing a golden spear, standing atop a colossal spinning wheel that radiated boundless strength.
"Stay," he commanded, aiming the golden spear forward. In response, a dazzling barrage of golden chakrams erupted, slicing through the air like bolts of divine lightning, rending the very fabric of space.
Among his four companions, one wielded a control-type constellation in the form of an ancient tree. Its branches extended, attempting to seal off the battleground.
Undaunted, Qin Wentian and his comrades unleashed their own formidable auras and constellations. Qin Wentian's body expanded to colossal proportions, bathed in resplendent light that coalesced into a protective fiendgod armor. A pair of golden roc wings sprouted from his back, and a gleaming spear materialized in his grasp. Behind him, the ominous silhouette of his annihilation constellation loomed, exuding a dominating aura of suppression.
Figures of golden suppression emanated from his constellation, shattering the onslaught of golden chakrams with effortless authority. Qin Wentian's figure soared through the skies like a magnificent sky roc, its grace and swiftness captivating all who witnessed it.
"Such speed," the crowned young man marveled, momentarily taken aback by the sky roc's ethereal shadow. Before he could react, Qin Wentian had vanished from his senses, reappearing with a massive spear thrusting forth like a thunderbolt, aimed at the seventh-level ascendant bearing the control-type constellation.
The swiftness and precision of the attack left onlookers in awe. Qin Wentian embodied the very essence of a sky roc, his immense form and formidable spear unleashing a power and momentum that none could match.
Yet, in this realm teeming with peak-level geniuses, instant responses were second nature. The targeted expert summoned a legion of tree vines, hastily interposing them as a defensive bulwark against Qin Wentian's relentless assault.
The tension in the air crackled like an impending storm as Qin Wentian unleashed his devastating spear strike. The very heavens seemed to shudder as he channeled the formidable principles of the Heavenly Fiendgod Suppression Art into his thrust, a raw manifestation of annihilative might fueled by his profound insights. Runic patterns danced with ethereal grace, and the resonance of cosmic laws pulsed through him. The entangled tree vines, defenses of his opponent, were obliterated with ruthless efficiency as Qin Wentian's indomitable spear bore down upon its target.
A suspended breath echoed through the battleground as the long spear came to a screeching halt, a mere inch from piercing the chest of the crowned young man. Suspense hung in the air as beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his countenance contorting with a blend of astonishment and frustration.
Jun Mengchen, never one to miss an opportunity for a jest, couldn't resist a sly taunt, "Senior brother Qin, you truly are magnificent. The God Extermination Palace's finest are no match for you, it seems." Arrogance was a common trait among the geniuses of the City of Ancient Emperors, and the trio was no exception.
In a single strike, Qin Wentian had managed to completely subdue an ascendant of equal stature in control, a feat that left the fallen expert grappling with disbelief. Qin Wentian's assault had been both swift and explosive, leaving his adversary no room to employ additional techniques. The supremacy of sheer force had been demonstrated vividly.
"In the City of Ancient Emperors, conflicts are a daily occurrence," the crowned young man explained, his earlier stiffness dissipating into a more composed demeanor. "Robberies and skirmishes are commonplace, but seldom do these altercations result in fatalities. Although you are newcomers, I believe you can grasp this concept."
He continued, acknowledging Qin Wentian's prowess with a reluctant nod. "Being able to subdue a member of my God Extermination Palace in a single strike is a testament to your formidable strength. You may depart in peace."
However, Qin Wentian was not so easily appeased. A knowing smile curved his lips as he playfully remarked, "You speak the truth; robbery and plundering are indeed common here. Weren't you keen on seizing our interspatial rings just moments ago? Now that we've demonstrated our might, you suggest we simply leave?"
The crowned young man's cold laughter rang out, his tone dripping with mockery. "What do you propose, then?"
Jun Mengchen's voice boomed with authority as he issued a bold ultimatum, "Surrender your interspatial rings!"
But the God Extermination Palace's members were not so easily coerced. The crowned young man's voice oozed with arrogance as he responded, "This is the City of Ancient Emperors, friend. Threats find no favor here. Suppressing one of our own doesn't grant you the right to demand all our interspatial rings. If you persist, handle our comrade as you see fit."
Qin Wentian remained resolute, his voice unwavering as he stated, "Hand over your interspatial rings as recompense. As for the three of us, we shall depart immediately."
The audacity of Qin Wentian's demand left the other experts aghast, their faces drained of color.
"Friend, you're newcomers here," the crowned young man warned, his tone laden with menace. "Retreating without losses should suffice. Do not overreach, lest your actions ignite the wrath of the God Extermination Palace."
"Press me no further," Qin Wentian warned, his spear shimmering ominously with runic light. The response elicited heavy expressions from the God Extermination Palace's experts. The crowned young man sneered, a menacing undercurrent in his voice as he added, "Very well, remember this."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, he signaled for his comrades to withdraw from the confrontation. The seventh-level ascendant begrudgingly relinquished his interspatial ring to Qin Wentian.
With the spoils secured, Qin Wentian wasted no time. "Let's go!" he declared, accepting the ring and making a hasty exit with his companions.
It wasn't long before a group from the God Extermination Palace hurried to the scene, their eyes tracking the swiftly receding silhouettes of the triumphant trio. In their gaze, a cold determination simmered, etching the events into their collective memory.
...
Navigating the bustling streets of the city, Qin Wentian and his companions sought to equip themselves for the trials that awaited. Zi Qingxuan voiced the need for a map, recognizing the necessity of understanding the lay of the land in a city where they would be residing for some time.
Qin Wentian concurred with a thoughtful nod. "Indeed, we'll need a map to navigate this vast city effectively."
Slowing their pace, they approached a passerby, their warmth and curiosity evident as they inquired, "Excuse us, sir. Could you kindly direct us to where we can acquire a map of the City of Ancient Emperors?"
Amidst the bustling streets of the city, Qin Wentian and his companions sought guidance from a friendly passerby. Their query was met with a warm and informative response. The stranger pointed them in the direction of the Ancient Emperor Tower, a name that echoed with significance. "Head over to the Ancient Emperor Tower," he suggested with a friendly chuckle. "It's the largest hub for transactions in this city. The tallest structure there is where you want to be. You can find just about anything you desire within its walls."
Grateful for the helpful guidance, Qin Wentian and his companions extended their thanks before setting their sights on the city's towering landmark. The majestic edifice loomed above them, a beacon of promise and potential.
Upon entering the Ancient Emperor Tower, they found themselves amidst a bustling throng of individuals. Yet, as if by fate, a graceful lady approached them, her welcoming demeanor radiating warmth. With a genteel smile, she inquired, "Dear sirs and lady, what might you desire?"
Qin Wentian stepped forward, a sense of purpose in his voice as he spoke, "We require a complete map of the City of Ancient Emperors."
The lady's smile remained unwavering as she gracefully produced three jade slips, presenting them to their eager hands. "The city's map resides within these jade slips, and there's no need for any payment. I presume you three are newcomers to this splendid city. In the future, should you require guidance on cultivation arts, innate techniques, or seek to transact treasures, do not hesitate to return to the Ancient Emperor Tower."
Curiosity tugged at Jun Mengchen's thoughts, prompting him to pose a question. "Was the Ancient Emperor Tower created by the geniuses who came here to cultivate?"
The lady's response was a knowing smile, leaving the query unanswered. Qin Wentian, too, wore a contemplative expression. It dawned on him that the experts within the City of Ancient Emperors were unparalleled in their realms of expertise. Their cultivation arts and innate techniques reached supreme levels, and the treasures they wielded held astronomical value. Should these individuals choose to part with their assets within the Ancient Emperor Tower, the vaults of this establishment would undoubtedly house a staggering wealth of artifacts and secrets. Perhaps, just perhaps, the Ancient Emperor Tower's origins were intertwined with a supremely powerful force within the immortal realms.
A subsequent inquiry from Qin Wentian sought to unveil the status of the God Extermination Palace. "What tier of power does the God Extermination Palace belong to?"
With the grace of a hostess, the lady shared insights into the sect's history. "The God Extermination Palace was established by a genius from the City of Ancient Emperors. Its current sect master is a descendant of an immortal emperor, a talent recognized on the Immortal Ascension Rankings. However, it's worth noting that his ranking places him toward the lower echelons of the list. Thus, the God Extermination Palace can be considered one of the less influential sects within this city."
Jun Mengchen's interest was piqued by the mention of the "Immortal Ascension Rankings," a concept previously foreign to him. "Could you tell us more about this Immortal Ascension Rankings?"
With a patient demeanor, the lady embarked on an illuminating explanation. "The majority of those who converge upon this city are here to hone their skills. In this crucible of genius, one of the primary goals for immortal kings and emperors in sending their proteges is to secure a place on the Immortal Ascension Rankings. This very aspiration is what entices countless talents to prolong their stay here. The Immortal Ascension Rankings serves as a comprehensive ranking system, gauging the strengths of the city's most exceptional individuals. There are precisely 360 coveted spots on this list, and the sect leader of the God Extermination Palace proudly holds one of these prestigious positions."
With an air of graciousness, the lady continued to provide invaluable insights, revealing another trio of jade slips. "Here, I offer you the current roster of the Immortal Ascension Rankings. Consider it a gift from our Ancient Emperor Tower."
The generosity of the lady knew no bounds, as she shared the illustrious names and rankings within the Immortal Ascension Rankings, all without requesting any form of remuneration.
The slip's words held a name that resonated deeply with Qin Wentian, and he couldn't help but murmur, "Ranked #5 of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Qing'er. She's the daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor of the Evergreen Immortal Empire. At the ninth-level of Celestial Phenomenon, she possesses an innate immortal king physique."
Within the jade slip, a concise yet telling introduction provided key details about Qing'er. Her ranking at #5 placed her among the elite of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, a testament to her extraordinary prowess.
The mere utterance of her name prompted a surge of emotions within Qin Wentian. "Qing'er..."
Curiosity piqued, the lady inquired with a knowing smile, "Sir, have you encountered Princess Qing'er before? Hail from the Evergreen Immortal Empire, perhaps?"
Qin Wentian clarified, "I hail from the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures. While I have heard of Princess Qing'er, my origins do not trace back to the Evergreen Immortal Empire. Is she widely renowned within the City of Ancient Emperors?"
The lady's response painted a vivid picture of the city's unique dynamics. "In the City of Ancient Emperors, every inhabitant is an absolute genius. Those who secure a spot within the top 100 of the Immortal Ascension Rankings are considered the pinnacle among all Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants in the immortal realms. The top five ranks, in particular, bear an immense weightage, though it's important to note that these standings remain dynamic, subject to constant shifts. The current rankings you peruse are but a snapshot in time. Regardless, achieving a place among the top 100 is a formidable achievement in its own right. Princess Qing'er, having resided here for seven years, has consistently ascended in rank, maintaining her extraordinary potential and unwavering strength. Many here believe that she may even have a chance to break into the coveted top three!"
As the lady shared these insights, Qin Wentian was plunged into deep contemplation, his thoughts meandering through a labyrinth of possibilities and questions.