Eve before the Grand Battle

Eve before the Grand Battle . . .

The City of Ancient Emperors teemed with individuals whose veins bore the legacy of immortal kings and emperors, or at the very least, they were disciples of such august beings. Their lofty arrogance soared to the heavens, and they collectively disdained the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's actions. Sending a formidable personal disciple to eliminate Qin Wentian would have been an acceptable course of action, but deploying an entire army for such a task drew widespread ridicule.

Qin Wentian's audacious challenge to Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie, the top-ranked contenders in the Immortal Ascension Ranking, further stoked the flames of excitement and admiration among the city's elite. His boldness and unwavering spirit epitomized what a true genius from the City of Ancient Emperors should be. The comparison between Qin Wentian's character and the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's behavior only deepened the resentment toward the latter.

As a result, another surge of commotion swept through the city, with countless individuals eager to join the Qin Sect. In just a matter of days, the Qin Sect's ranks swelled with new recruits. People flocked to witness history in the making—to see Qin Wentian face off against Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie.

The once quiet and unassuming Qin Sect had transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. The influx of talent from diverse backgrounds infused the sect with life. Qin Wentian also revised his previous recruitment policy; now, they welcomed anyone who wished to join. Knowing that they wouldn't remain in the City of Ancient Emperors for long, Qin Wentian realized the importance of gathering like-minded individuals and pursuing shared goals during this brief period. In the future, if they met outside these walls, they could share a hearty drink and reminisce. And even if fate pitted them against each other, there would be no regrets.

Curiosity brimmed among the new recruits. They couldn't help but turn to Nanfeng Yunxi, questioning whether Qin Wentian had indeed achieved the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon. They recalled that when he had first entered the city and joined the Xiao Sect, he was merely a seventh-level ascendant. The leap of two levels in such a short time was nothing short of miraculous. They wondered if Qin Wentian and his companions had stumbled upon extraordinary opportunities.

Nanfeng Yunxi, the embodiment of the Qin Sect's inner circle, fielded the inquiry. The newly inducted geniuses fixed their intrigued gazes upon her, eagerly awaiting her response.

Nanfeng Yunxi, with a knowing nod, admitted to the existence of miraculous encounters that had transformed Qin Wentian's fortunes.

The crowd couldn't contain their curiosity. "Miraculous encounters? What happened?"

"In the heart of the Underworld Mountains within the City of Ancient Emperors, there lies a city in the sky, shrouded in enigmatic secrets. It's none other than the Antiquity City," Nanfeng Yunxi began, not withholding any details. She believed that the existence of the Antiquity City would eventually become common knowledge, so there was no need to keep it a secret and arouse suspicion.

"Is this for real?" Several experts' eyes gleamed with intensity as they focused on Nanfeng Yunxi.

"Why would I lie to you? You can all verify it yourselves. Unfortunately, due to the high cultivation level requirements, we were eventually asked to leave the city. Otherwise, we would have undoubtedly established our immortal foundations within its bounds," Nanfeng Yunxi explained. "Furthermore, the path to the city has been sealed."

A wave of disappointment swept through the listeners. If the pathway was sealed, did that mean they had no chance at all?

"No need to doubt Nanfeng's words. Everything she said is true," Qin Wentian interjected, approaching Nanfeng Yunxi and sitting beside her.

"Brother Qin!" Politeness filled the air, and some even addressed him as "Sect Leader Qin," acknowledging his leadership of the Qin Sect.

Qin Wentian reciprocated their courtesy with a grateful smile. "Your willingness to join my sect is deeply appreciated."

One outspoken voice cut through the politeness, expressing the collective sentiment. "A power like the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, which relies solely on numbers to bully others, needs a reminder that this is the City of Ancient Emperors."

The fervor in the room ignited, a shared determination to confront the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and protect the honor of the City of Ancient Emperors.

A lively discussion had taken over the Qin Sect's headquarters. The shocking news that the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had dispatched an army to deal with Qin Wentian had stirred a mixture of disbelief and indignation among those gathered.

One of them spoke up, his voice filled with determination. "The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor sending an army here to deal with Brother Qin was unjustified and should never have happened."

Another chimed in, addressing Qin Wentian directly. "Brother Qin, while we are more than willing and eager to confront those clowns from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, your challenge to Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie is a matter that ultimately rests on your shoulders. However, if the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace decide to meddle and join the battle, we will stand with you against them. If they refrain, we won't interfere, as we, too, wish to witness a battle among the three peak figures in the City of Ancient Emperors."

Qin Wentian nodded appreciatively. "Of course, that's only natural. The reason I established the Qin Sect was never to resort to bullying through sheer force. I simply wish to avoid a situation like before, where we were surrounded by major powers from all sides. That was nothing but humiliation. So, now that I've challenged Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie, I'll face them alone. I don't require assistance from others."

The crowd cheered in agreement, impressed by Qin Wentian's boldness. "Brother Qin, you're truly fearless. Challenging the top two in the Immortal Ascension Rankings right after arriving in the City of Ancient Emperors – we're all deeply impressed."

"Your miraculous encounter in the Antiquity City has clearly elevated your strength to new heights."

Qin Wentian, with a sly smile, dropped another bombshell. "There's something else you might not be aware of. Back then, Mo Xie was hot on our heels, so he also entered the Antiquity City. He had his own share of the miraculous encounter."

Shock rippled through the crowd. "Mo Xie entered the Antiquity City with you guys?"

Nanfeng Yunxi nodded solemnly, confirming the revelation.

Nanfeng Yunxi continued, affirming the truth of their remarkable encounter. "We did indeed stumble upon great fortune within the Antiquity City. Sadly, our low cultivation levels forced us to leave prematurely. It's a real pity that the pathway to the city has been sealed. But for those who doubt us, feel free to venture into the depths of the Underworld Mountain and witness it for yourselves," she urged, her words carrying the sincerity of their experience. Not a single genius in the room doubted their account.

A voice in the crowd spoke up, echoing the sentiment of many. "Since Brother Qin and the Southern Phoenix Holy Maiden have vouched for it, we believe you wholeheartedly. We'll wait for the outcome of the battle between Brother Qin, Zi Daoyang, and Mo Xie before we embark on our journey to the Antiquity City."

"Very well," Qin Wentian agreed. "Let's first deal with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. If they choose to unleash their immortal weapons, the situation might spiral out of control. Be prepared for what's to come."

He continued, sharing their strategy. "Our Qin Sect members have already discreetly positioned themselves throughout the City of Ancient Emperors. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect will be clueless about which among us are Qin Sect members. We're closely monitoring their every move. Even if they decide to leave the city now, it'll be too late."

Meanwhile, the Qin Sect's activities were far from hidden from the vigilant eyes and ears of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was also covertly monitoring the Qin Sect's actions, leaving them in a precarious position, unable to retreat or advance without consequences.

Within the domain of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, its four leaders gathered their subordinates, seeking their counsel and opinions.

"What are your assessments of this situation?" inquired one of the leaders, a hint of urgency in their tone.

One disciple promptly spoke up, brimming with confidence. "We can form formidable battle formations, and with our combined strength, we needn't fear the Qin Sect. His Majesty's orders are clear – we must eliminate Qin Wentian at any cost."

However, not everyone shared this unwavering confidence. Another disciple chimed in with a hint of doubt, "The Qin Sect isn't as straightforward as we initially believed. Nanfeng Yunxi, Qin Wentian, and Princess Qing'er hold the third, fourth, and fifth positions in the Immortal Ascension Rankings. This is information we didn't have before, and Qin Wentian's recent encounter with further fortune in the Antiquity City has emboldened him to challenge the top two ranks. It appears he has become a much more formidable opponent. Plus, with the influx of numerous new talents joining the Qin Sect, we may find ourselves at a disadvantage."

A sense of unease lingered among the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect disciples. The prospect of the upcoming battle weighed heavily on their minds. "Our battle formations can only provide limited amplification," one voice reasoned. "In a confrontation with Qin Wentian, it would likely escalate to a battle involving immortal weapons, risking chaos. We are constrained by orders not to harm the other geniuses who've joined the Qin Sect, or we'd incur enmity from their powerful factions."

Some expressed frustration. "Are we to admit that our grand entrance has led us into a precarious position where our only option is a humiliating retreat? How can we face His Majesty with such failure?" they exclaimed.

Differences in perspective within the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect became apparent. While some voiced pessimism, others reacted with indignation toward those harboring doubts.

One of the leaders intervened, quelling the heated discussion with a raised hand. "Cease your arguments," they commanded, their voice firm. "Division amongst ourselves is not the solution. Prepare for battle. Fleeing in defeat is not an option; it would tarnish the reputation of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in the immortal realms."

A palpable heaviness hung in the air as the gathered experts exchanged uneasy glances. They stood in the City of Ancient Emperors, a sprawling realm that echoed with legends and stories from the immortal realms. Every move they made here would be closely watched, and any attempt to flee could shatter the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's reputation irreparably. Their sole purpose in this city was to eliminate Qin Wentian, and retreating in fear was not an option.

One of the leaders proposed a daring plan: "Send emissaries to the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace. Let's explore the possibility of forming an alliance against the Qin Sect." The suggestion ignited hope among the experts. If the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace joined forces with them, they could confront the Qin Sect without trepidation.

Swiftly, emissaries were dispatched to negotiate with the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace. These two formidable powers were not sitting idle either. Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie had learned of Qin Wentian's audacious challenge, and anticipation had gripped the entire City of Ancient Emperors. They eagerly awaited the momentous clash that was about to unfold.

The city bustled with activity under the golden rays of the sun. Geniuses sparred in mid-air, various factions vied for supremacy, and intrepid explorers delved into ancient ruins and forbidden territories. It was a place where immortality was sought and champions were forged.

Meanwhile, at the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's location, tension mounted. News had just arrived that the Qin Sect, under the leadership of Qin Wentian, was advancing toward them. Both sides had their eyes fixed on each other, neither attempting to conceal their intentions. The stage was set, and a formidable showdown loomed over the City of Ancient Emperors.

The stage was set, and the long-awaited battle was on the cusp of eruption.

News of the impending clash had reached their ears, and it wasn't comforting. Reports spoke of nearly five hundred talented individuals, all converging with a single goal in mind: to descend upon the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect like a storm of vengeance. Panic swept through the ranks of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's experts, and thoughts of fleeing the City of Ancient Emperors flickered in their minds.

It was an unexpected reversal of fortunes.

Yet, fleeing was not their chosen path. They clung to a sliver of hope—the promise made by Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie. These two titans vowed to rush to their aid the moment the Qin Sect made their move. For now, they pinned their faith on the alliance forged with the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's turmoil wasn't isolated; it rippled across the entire city. Geniuses from all corners flocked to witness the impending showdown. The news spread like wildfire, and anticipation hung in the air.

A monumental battle, of a scale beyond belief, was about to unfold before their eyes. The City of Ancient Emperors buzzed with excitement as spectators prepared to bear witness to history in the making.