Zi Daoyang Fleeing in Defeat . . .
A chorus of astonishment and admiration resounded through the gathered spectators. Their hearts quaked at the sheer might unfolding before them. Qin Wentian, even when pitted against the vaunted Zi Daoyang, the uncontested top-ranked ascendant of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, appeared nothing short of tyrannical.
Zi Daoyang had once boasted that not even Qin Wentian, should he ascend to the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, could pose a threat. Yet, here stood Qin Wentian, defiant and domineering, announcing his arrival into the coveted realm of the ninth level and asserting that Zi Daoyang was no longer beyond his reach. The audacity of it all left a resounding echo of power in the air.
The Violet Sect's experts watched with stern countenances, anxiety gnawing at them. Could this day mark the end of the era of the #1 ranked ascendant?
The audience, collectively holding their breath, bore witness to an epic clash that would reshape the hierarchy of the City of Ancient Emperors. The question hung heavy in the air: would the throne of the #1 ranker now have a new occupant?
"His power is truly unfathomable... Qin Wentian has truly mastered Emperor Yi's secret art, the 'God's Hand,' to a degree that defies belief. That long spear appears to be formed from killing-type divine inscriptions. Each strike, though deceptively simple, carries the might of a formidable runic formation. These attacks have the power to rend the very heavens asunder. Even Zi Daoyang's esteemed inheritance of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor seems to wither when confronted with the overwhelming might of the God's Hand."
A collective shudder coursed through the spectators. Zi Daoyang's reflective arts were slowly but surely crumbling under the relentless assault. The spectral tolling of the ancient bells persisted, unceasing in their barrage, while the rampaging demonic beasts wreaked havoc without restraint. Zi Daoyang's Thousand Autumns Emperor Art, a once-impenetrable defense, proved helpless in the face of such an unyielding onslaught. Each time the reflective runes coalesced, they were immediately shattered anew by Qin Wentian's unrelenting barrage.
"FLEE!" Zi Daoyang's rage reverberated through the battlefield. His form became a canvas for the manifestation of a violet divinity, as though an ethereal violet immortal had descended to do battle. His mighty palms surged forth, a cataclysmic force meant to obliterate all in its path. But for each attempt, Qin Wentian's aura swelled, his body expanded, and his spear grew in proportion. His resolute thrusts rent through the violet immortal, each collision marked by a thunderous explosion. Regardless of the might Zi Daoyang mustered, it was ineffectual against the unyielding assault of Qin Wentian.
"Is this the full extent of your strength, Zi Daoyang?" Qin Wentian's entire being radiated an iridescent divine glow, an unmatched war god capable of delivering utter devastation.
The Immortal Ascension Rankings' #1 ranked ascendant found himself, to his ignominy, humiliated with the simple question, 'Is this the full extent of your strength?'
In a blinding crescendo of brilliance, Qin Wentian unleashed his immortal battle art, shrouding the battlefield in an aura of indomitable might. The tremors of his power resounded through the air, his status as a new force to be reckoned with undeniable.
Qin Wentian's body surged with an overwhelming tide of power, akin to the essence of immortality itself. His very being, from skin to bone, pulsed with boundless strength coursing through every fiber of his being. This incredible force converged into the heavens-shaking spear, thrusting relentlessly toward Zi Daoyang's defense.
Puchi... The long spear effortlessly pierced through the defensive screen of light, finding its mark in Zi Daoyang's form. An enraged roar escaped Zi Daoyang's lips as he conjured a violet shield, but it crumbled instantly beneath the unstoppable assault of Qin Wentian's spear. There was no strength within Zi Daoyang to halt the spear's advance.
Whispers of astonishment and disbelief rippled through the watching crowd.
"Could Zi Daoyang truly be on the brink of defeat?"
"The sheer power of Qin Wentian has reached an unprecedented level of tyranny."
A collective shudder swept over the spectators as the full force of the spear coursed through Zi Daoyang. The protective violet aura shattered into shards, and fresh blood erupted from Zi Daoyang's mouth. He was sent hurtling through the air at such a velocity that it sent shockwaves of terror rippling through the hearts of onlookers.
—BOOM BOOM BOOM!— In a desperate bid to save their fallen comrade, members of the Violet Sect joined forces, forming a human safety net to catch the battered Zi Daoyang. His complexion turned pallid, and blood continued to ooze from his lips. His outer garments lay in tatters, revealing an undamaged, fine violet undershirt. Astonishingly, it had withstood the onslaught without a single tear.
Suddenly, the violet shirt emanated a resplendent runic light, its power palpable enough to make spectators quiver with awe.
"An immortal-ranked weapon! That's an immensely potent defensive immortal-ranked artifact. While it couldn't entirely nullify the spear's impact, it substantially mitigated the damage. Nonetheless, Zi Daoyang's injuries are still grave, almost fatal."
"The Violet Emperor's immortal consciousness has manifested."
At that very moment, a supreme figure emerged, exuding an intimidating aura. Yet, the moment he materialized, the divine laws of the City of Ancient Emperors descended, encasing him in an iridescent cocoon.
"Blasphemy!" The Violet Emperor's voice thundered as he raised his palms, attempting to resist the city's law energy. But before he could retaliate, the cascade of divine laws intensified, consuming his immortal consciousness entirely, drowning his anguished cries in the relentless surge.
"How fearsome! The immortal consciousness of a peak immortal emperor extinguished in an instant!" A gasp of disbelief echoed through the crowd. The Violet Emperor's immortal consciousness had been snuffed out the moment it emerged, vanquished by the relentless might of the City of Ancient Emperors' laws.
"If that immortal-ranked violet shirt hadn't shielded him, that strike alone could have snatched away his life. It's evident, Zi Daoyang's defeat marks the end of this battle."
"Zi Daoyang, renowned as the #1 Immortal Ascension Rankings champion, has been vanquished by Qin Wentian."
In that electrifying moment, the surrounding spectators found their thoughts racing, hearts quivering with a maelstrom of emotions. This epic showdown had left an indelible mark, reshaping their understanding of power dynamics. From start to finish, Qin Wentian had seized the reins of the battle, dictating its every twist and turn. It became increasingly apparent that Zi Daoyang was outmatched.
Just as Qin Wentian had asserted, now that he stood at the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, even Zi Daoyang dared not challenge him.
Qin Wentian's actions had magnificently validated his words, and Zi Daoyang had learned the bitter truth - he couldn't afford to provoke this unstoppable force.
This battle stood as a testament to Qin Wentian's dominance. Once the hunted, he now emerged as the hunter, no longer pursued due to his lower cultivation level. Having caught up, he'd vanquished the #1 ranked Immortal Ascension expert. Who else could vie for supremacy in the aftermath of this battle?
The first rank now hung in the balance, poised to change hands.
"Qin Wentian," all eyes remained riveted on the majestic figure suspended in the heavens. The City of Ancient Emperor would forever echo with his name. Among the myriad experts who had journeyed to this realm for enlightenment, his ascent to the pinnacle of the Immortal Ascension Rankings was a testament to his extraordinary talent.
The experts from the Violet Sect bore complex expressions. For so long, they'd worn their pride like a badge of honor, boasting the incontestable supremacy of their leader, Zi Daoyang, within the City of Ancient Emperors. Here, Zi Daoyang stood as an invincible legend. But today, that legend crumbled, shattered by a newcomer to the city.
Xiao Lengyue's countenance mirrored her disbelief. Her body trembled as she gazed at the fallen Zi Daoyang. It seemed impossible, unfathomable. Qin Wentian, the one who defeated her "Daoyang gege," shattered the illusions of her past, rendering them naught but cruel jests.
Only the experts of the Qin Sect radiated pride, excitement gleaming in their eyes. They had played a part in this historic battle and took immense satisfaction in their contribution. In the end, Qin Wentian had not let them down, and they reveled in his triumphant display of strength.
"Ranked first in the Immortal Ascension Rankings?" Jun Mengchen couldn't resist a taunt. "Zi Daoyang, back when we weren't even at the ninth level, you held that top spot with such mediocre talent. And as for your companion here, calling you 'Daoyang gege' left and right, it's honestly grating. Did you truly believe you were invincible, that you could effortlessly trounce my senior brother? But look at the outcome now."
Speechless, Zi Daoyang and Xiao Lengyue had no retort to offer. Actions, after all, spoke louder than words. Had Zi Daoyang emerged victorious, Qin Wentian would have been met with scorn and humiliation. But with his victory, Zi Daoyang tumbled from his lofty pedestal. His brilliance dimmed, replaced by disdainful gazes.
Zi Daoyang coughed up more blood, swallowing a medicinal pill. His eyes bore a chilling intensity as he fixed his gaze on Qin Wentian.
"No need to give me that look," Qin Wentian remarked calmly, observing the frostiness in Zi Daoyang's eyes. "Remember your former arrogance? Your grand entrance before me? You once considered yourself peerless, unchallenged, standing atop the Immortal Ascension Rankings with boundless arrogance. Think about it. The arrogance you displayed then equals the humiliation you feel now, having been defeated."
"That arrogance was predicated on your unmatched strength in the City of Ancient Emperors. But now, I've stripped away that veneer of invincibility. Before me, Zi Daoyang, what are you?" Qin Wentian's voice resonated like thunder, piercing into Zi Daoyang's very soul.
Before him, what was Zi Daoyang?
His prior arrogance now seemed like a distant jest, a mere punchline, after his defeat by Qin Wentian. To wash away the stain of humiliation, he'd need to rise through his own power. Until that day came, he'd remain a laughingstock in the eyes of the city's geniuses. If he persisted in relying solely on his identity as the Violet Emperor's son to assert dominance, his actions would only appear more ludicrous.
Identity could grant privileges, but if one's personal strength faltered, relying on lineage became a disgrace. True geniuses would scorn such behavior.
—BOOM!— Qin Wentian advanced, the very space trembling under his step. Xiao Lengyue's face tightened. "What are you planning?"
"The battle isn't over," Qin Wentian declared, brandishing his long spear. It expanded to a colossal 100 meters, obliterating everything in its path as it thrust towards Zi Daoyang's head.
The experts from the Violet Sect retreated. Though they had followed Zi Daoyang, this was a battle he had to face alone. With defeat came the responsibility to resolve matters personally.
A runic talisman materialized within Zi Daoyang's grasp, radiating an incandescent glow. With a deft flick of his hand, the runic brilliance swathed him in its protective shroud. His voice sliced through the charged atmosphere, cold and resolute, "Qin Wentian, mark my words. I won't forget this humiliation today. Someday, I'll return the favor to you tenfold."
With his final vow hanging in the air, Zi Daoyang's form dissolved into a beam of vibrant violet light, ascending skyward until he vanished from view. As the son of the Violet Emperor, it was certain that Zi Daoyang possessed a trove of invaluable treasures. This was not lost on Qin Wentian, who observed the retreat with a sense of detachment. Eliminating someone of Zi Daoyang's status wasn't a straightforward endeavor.