Tripartite Confrontation . . .
In the heart of the City of Ancient Emperors, the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect found themselves in a dispirited state. Their once-cherished treasures had been ruthlessly stripped away, their bodies bore the marks of various injuries, and their pride lay shattered. It was a profound humiliation that they could scarcely bear.
However, their subdued demeanor was not a result of anger but rather survival. In an unexpected twist, Qin Wentian had shown them mercy, acknowledging the arduous journey it took to reach their current level of cultivation. Instead of dealing a fatal blow, he had opted to spare their lives. It was a compassionate act that spoke volumes of his character.
It was not that they doubted Qin Wentian's capacity for violence; after all, he had just dispatched Que Tianyi in front of an immortal emperor, a feat none could have foreseen. The fact that they still drew breath was a testament to his magnanimity. With his strength, he could have easily ended their lives. They were now humbled and grateful for the clemency they had received.
As they wandered through the City of Ancient Emperors, their spirits defeated and their pride in tatters, an unexpected interruption occurred. In the empty space before them, a mysterious figure cloaked in black materialized. A palpable aura of power enveloped him, and his presence felt foreboding and menacing. It was clear that he was not to be taken lightly; he was a formidable and dangerous individual.
The disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had learned a valuable lesson: never underestimate anyone in the City of Ancient Emperors. They watched in wary silence as the enigmatic figure descended from above. His body emitted a dark golden radiance, and the pressure he exuded was suffocating. This stranger was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Gusu Tianqi, a prominent figure among the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's disciples, eyed the newcomer with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What business do you have with us?" he inquired, his voice tinged with skepticism.
A cold smile played on the stranger's lips as he responded, "Coincidentally, I've been contemplating the formation of a new power. You all can join me from this moment forward."
Arrogance dripped from his words, leaving the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect taken aback. Who was this newcomer to demand their allegiance with a single sentence?
Their defiance was swift. "We may have been defeated, but that doesn't mean we are weak. Why should we follow you?" one of them retorted, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Why?" The stranger's laughter was chilling. "Don't you feel like insignificant ants in the City of Ancient Emperors? I, Mo Xie, can preserve your dignity here. I am the only one who can grant you such prestige."
The enigmatic figure was revealed to be Mo Xie, and his proclamation was met with astonishment and disbelief. Could one person possess such authority to compel the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect to follow him?
"Even though we were defeated, our strength is not to be underestimated," another disciple retorted coldly. Their suppressed anger threatened to erupt.
Mo Xie's demeanor remained unshaken. "Indeed, you possess strength, but in front of me, Qin Wentian is merely a fugitive. How can you hope to match my power?" he declared boldly.
As he spoke, Mo Xie unleashed his aura, closing the gap between himself and Gusu Tianqi in an instant. The sheer pressure he exuded rendered Gusu Tianqi breathless. Despite Gusu Tianqi's desperate resistance, Mo Xie's power was overwhelming, shattering Gusu Tianqi's defenses with ease.
The clash between their constellations ignited a fiery battle. Suns blazed, and Mo Xie's dark golden eyes radiated a terrifying intensity. However, Gusu Tianqi's defiance was met with a relentless onslaught. Mo Xie effortlessly crushed the sun furnace and engulfed it in flames.
Mo Xie stood before Gusu Tianqi, only inches apart, his voice dripping with arrogance. "In my presence, Qin Wentian can only flee. How can you hope to challenge me? You have a choice—follow me or meet your demise."
The disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect felt an oppressive force bearing down on them as if Mo Xie could obliterate them with a mere thought.
Gusu Tianqi gazed into Mo Xie's dark golden eyes, realizing the depths of his power. He comprehended why geniuses from across the immortal realms flocked to the City of Ancient Emperors. Here, they encountered peers of unparalleled caliber, broadening their horizons beyond their previous limitations.
Mo Xie extended his invitation, recruiting the recently defeated disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Word of Mo Xie's newly founded power quickly spread throughout the City of Ancient Emperors, attracting others eager to join.
Mo Xie, ranked second in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, now led his own sect—the Evil Palace. His formidable presence in the city marked a significant shift in power dynamics.
The rise of the Evil Palace felt like an inexorable force, sweeping across the City of Ancient Emperors with relentless determination. In a matter of mere days, it had managed to attract hundreds of brilliant and ruthless geniuses into its fold. Among them were even individuals who had earned their place in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, a testament to their exceptional prowess.
The meteoric ascent of the Evil Palace cast a shadow over the Twin Stars Alliance, a power that had been dealt a crippling blow by Qin Wentian's formidable Qin Sect. It was almost poetic justice that their defeat had inadvertently paved the way for the rise of the Qin Sect's influence. The city now found itself in a delicate balance of power, with three major factions vying for dominance—a thrilling three-way standoff.
These three formidable powers were none other than Zi Daoyang's Violet Sect, Mo Xie's newly established Evil Palace, and the resolute Qin Sect led by Qin Wentian. Together, these three entities harbored the top five ranks of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, a historic convergence of exceptional talent within the City of Ancient Emperors.
The emergence of Mo Xie's Evil Palace had cast an intangible weight upon the Qin Sect. Rumors had circulated, suggesting that Mo Xie's primary motive was to exact vengeance on the Qin Sect. Qin Wentian, along with Nanfeng Yunxi and Princess Qing'er, had bested Mo Xie during their pursuit of an ancient emperor's inheritance. Their victory had been followed by an aggressive pursuit that had forced Mo Xie to retreat, nursing his wounds and nursing his grudge. It was widely believed that the establishment of the Evil Palace was a prelude to his vendetta.
Within the serene confines of the Qin Sect, a group of influential figures had assembled behind the shimmering veil of a waterfall. They included Qin Wentian, Qing'er, Nanfeng Yunxi, Jun Mengchen, Zi Qingxuan, Hua Taixu, Xu Ruxue, Li Yu, and several others. Li Yu, taking the lead, addressed the gathering.
"Today, I received reports that the Evil Palace has already garnered the allegiance of 120 formidable experts. Mo Xie, after his disappearance following our clash for the ancient emperor's inheritance, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. There's a high probability that he's targeting the Qin Sect."
The atmosphere in the gathering grew tense as the weight of the situation pressed upon them. Despite their exceptional strength, the Qin Sect had not yet reached an unassailable level of power in the City of Ancient Emperors.
Que Tianyi's ill-fated venture with the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect into the city had been marked by their arrogance and hubris. They had viewed themselves as invincible but had swiftly met their match in the formidable Qin Sect. In contrast, Mo Xie represented an entirely different threat, one that they dared not underestimate. His vindictive nature left no room for forgiveness, and the injuries he had sustained in their previous encounter had left a lasting mark on his pride.
Qin Wentian nodded in response to Li Yu's information. He then turned to Nanfeng Yunxi, seeking her counsel.
"Nanfeng, what are your thoughts on this matter?" he inquired, valuing her perspective.
"To begin with, the Qin Sect should continue recruiting disciples," Nanfeng Yunxi suggested. "The influence of the Evil Palace is undeniably formidable. I've heard that numerous prominent individuals, including those ranked in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, have willingly pledged their loyalty to Mo Xie's cause."
"The geniuses of the City of Ancient Emperors are not content to be mere spectators. They seek to be active participants in the unfolding storm. In light of this, we should prioritize the recruitment of exceptional talent. Given the inevitable confrontation ahead, we must face it head-on."
Qin Wentian nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to Xu Ruxue, Li Yu, and Hua Taixu. "Ruxue, Li Yu, Taixu, I entrust this responsibility to you. Additionally, please convey my instructions to our Qin Sect members. During this period, it would be wise for them to maintain a low profile while venturing outside. They should refrain from revealing their identities to outsiders prematurely."
Li Yu sensed the gravity of Qin Wentian's caution. "Are you suggesting...?" he began but was interrupted by Qin Wentian's reassuring words.
"While nothing has occurred yet, it's prudent to be vigilant and prepared. An early warning may prove invaluable," Qin Wentian explained, emphasizing the importance of foresight.
As the meeting continued, a voice echoed from afar, heralding important news. Qin Wentian immediately inquired about the matter.
"Sect leader," the messenger began, "one of our brothers stationed at the Underworld Mountains has relayed information. Zi Daoyang, ranked at the pinnacle of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, completed his comprehension two days ago and has now left the Underworld Mountains. His power is likely to have undergone a significant boost after inheriting a portion of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's legacy."
The news sent ripples of tension through the gathering. Zi Daoyang, holding the top rank in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, had emerged from the Underworld Mountains with newfound strength. His potential now posed a formidable threat to their stability, rivalling even Mo Xie's influence.
"Understood," Qin Wentian acknowledged, a steely resolve in his eyes. The unfolding events in the City of Ancient Emperors demanded their utmost vigilance and readiness for the challenges that lay ahead.
As the days passed and the echoes of Zi Daoyang's departure from the Underworld Mountains reverberated throughout the City of Ancient Emperors, a palpable tension hung in the air. Li Yu, in his customary position, took a moment to address the assembly.
"Now that Zi Daoyang has emerged from seclusion, the tranquility of this city will undoubtedly be shattered. The formation of this triangular balance of power is as inevitable as the rising sun," Li Yu remarked, his gaze shifting to Qin Wentian for affirmation.
Qin Wentian, his demeanor composed, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, there is no denying it. Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie, both bearers of a fragment of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's legacy, are fated adversaries. And now, with my loyal companion, Little Rascal, having unlocked another portion of that inheritance, the convergence of these three formidable forces is an inescapable destiny."
Li Yu, his face alight with mirth, chuckled heartily. "How intriguing it is to witness this unfolding drama. Who could have foreseen that the top five Immortal Ascension Rankings contenders would find themselves in a triumvirate struggle? I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the spectacle of these titans battling for supremacy, towering above all other geniuses in the City of Ancient Emperors."
His laughter resonated, underscoring his genuine enthusiasm for the events unfolding before them.
News of these developments quickly spread throughout the City of Ancient Emperors like wildfire. Zi Daoyang, seizing the opportunity presented by the shifting power dynamics, embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive for his reinvigorated Violet Sect. His actions ignited a frenzy among the city's brightest talents, eager to align themselves with his burgeoning might.
But the theatrics didn't end there. In a surprising twist, the Twin Stars Alliance, previously an indomitable force, crumbled. Xiao Lengyue, realizing the impossibility of challenging Qin Wentian and the formidable Qin Sect while tethered to Xuan Yang, made a calculated move. She chose to sever her ties with Xuan Yang and united the remnants of the Xiao Sect under the banner of the Violet Sect. In the blink of an eye, the Violet Sect's power swelled yet again, sending shockwaves throughout the city.
The denizens of the City of Ancient Emperors, always avid spectators of the unfolding drama, were now embroiled in passionate debates. The Qin Sect, the Violet Sect, and the Evil Palace—the triumvirate of monstrous powers. Speculation ran rife as the city's inhabitants fervently discussed which faction stood as the mightiest and which would ultimately emerge as the underdog in this enthralling saga of power and ambition. The stage was set, and the curtain had risen on a drama that would captivate the hearts and minds of all who bore witness.