Unparalleled in Battle . . .
Yu Feng's desire to leap across levels and challenge Qin Wentian was met with an equally defiant response. Qin Wentian, undaunted, mirrored Yu Feng's audacity by expressing his eagerness to confront Skymist Hai head-on. The air crackled with tension as the two combatants stood their ground, their boldness etched across their faces. Beneath Qin Wentian's calm demeanor simmered a fiery determination, a yearning for confrontation that couldn't be hidden.
Skymist Hai observed Qin Wentian closely, a faint smile playing upon his lips. His brother, Skymist Jiang, cast a sidelong glance at him, their unspoken communication evident. Skymist Jiang stepped in, declaring, "My younger brother is a prince of the Skymist Immortal Empire, and not just anyone possesses the qualifications to challenge him."
A member of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect's entourage quickly came to Qin Wentian's defense. He retorted to Skymist Jiang's condescending tone, asserting, "Young Lord Qin of our Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect isn't someone who can be challenged so lightly. Besides, this so-called 'silk-pants' young master, Skymist Hai, is hardly worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Young Lord Qin."
Skymist Jiang's eyes gleamed with a sharp edge as he locked onto the immortal king from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. However, a representative from the Solarsky Mountain interjected, "Since Yu Feng's cultivation level may not be worthy of you, a second-level immortal-foundation expert should surely meet your criteria for a challenge, wouldn't you agree?"
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Skymist Jiang summoned a second-level immortal-foundation expert to replace Yu Feng. This new challenger pointed at Qin Wentian and coldly ordered, "You, step onto the platform."
Qin Wentian, however, was far from impressed. He regarded the challenger with a hint of disdain. "You don't meet the criteria either. Send one of your princes instead, and perhaps I'll consider it."
His arrogance riled the challenger, who snorted and taunted, "Are you all talk and no action? Or do you lack the courage to face me?" His provocation was calculated, designed to goad Qin Wentian into accepting the challenge.
In response, a third-level immortal-foundation expert from the Battle Saint Tribe strode forward. His youthful countenance masked a cold determination as he fixed his gaze on Skymist Hai. "You," he demanded, "step forward and face me."
A disdainful sneer crossed the lips of the earlier challenger. "Who do you think you are? You're hardly worthy to challenge the Prince," he scoffed.
Undeterred, the young man from the Battle Saint Tribe parried with the same taunt. "Is he all talk and no action? Or does he lack the courage to accept my challenge?"
In a dramatic turn, a second-level immortal-foundation expert from the Skymist Immortal Empire volunteered himself for the battle, his aura surging as he triggered a celestial phenomenon. A colossal, stone-clad figure materialized in the sky, raining down meteoric boulders upon the young man from the Battle Saint Tribe. Yet, despite the ferocity of the assault, the stones shattered against the young man's formidable defenses.
With a resounding roar, the young man summoned a divine battle ape that delivered a devastating punch, causing the stone figure to crumble. The rival expert was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into the protective screens of light. His immortal foundation lay shattered, rendering him a cripple.
Chaos erupted among the Skymist Immortal Empire's contingent as their auras flared in outrage. One of their own had been crippled by the ruthless young man from the Battle Saint Tribe.
Evergreen Longhao, observing the tumultuous scene, sought an explanation. "What is happening over there?" he inquired.
"That young man is simply ruthless," one of the Skymist Immortal Empire's experts replied coldly, casting a stern gaze at the incapacitated individual.
Evergreen Longhao's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his demeanor unwavering. He reminded them of Skymist Hai's earlier declaration, one that absolved both sides of responsibility for any injuries or fatalities during their sparring. Qin Wentian seized this opportunity to taunt his opponents with a mocking laugh. "What's the matter? Afraid to lose, are you?"
The Skymist Immortal Empire's experts gingerly carried their injured comrade away, their icy demeanor intact. However, a surprising voice emerged from the young man of the Battle Saint Tribe, who had delivered the decisive blow. "Overestimation comes at a cost," he declared before descending from the platform and rejoining Qin Wentian's side.
Qin Wentian raised his wine cup, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the assembly. "Feel free to challenge me, but don't waste my time with unworthy opponents. I have no interest in entertaining nobodies. Moreover, if your sect's experts accept the challenge and later choose to flee like cowards or arrogantly decline when one of my Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect's members challenges them, be prepared to face consequences."
His message was clear: if the Skymist Immortal Empire sought trouble with him, they must be willing to pay a steep price. He refused to tolerate a repeat of Skymist Hai's earlier refusal to battle the Battle Saint Tribe member based on flimsy excuses.
A taunting voice from an expert of the Solarsky Mountain chimed in. "The Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect has no shortage of immortal foundation characters among its expedition party. Finding someone to challenge us should be a breeze."
Qin Wentian's confident smile didn't waver as he responded to the provocation. "Indeed, we're open to challenges at any time." His conviction radiated in his words. With the elite members of the Battle Saint Tribe, bolstered by the sacred luminance's blessing, he had unwavering faith in their abilities, even in the presence of these exceptional geniuses from other sects.
"In that case, I'd be delighted to seek guidance from you," the Solarsky Mountain expert declared coldly. His subtext was clear: Qin Wentian's subordinate had crippled one of their own earlier, and now it was their turn to retaliate.
Stepping forth, a seventh-level immortal foundation disciple from the Solarsky Mountain faced off against a similarly ranked member from the Battle Saint Tribe. The air bristled with tension as both displayed their extraordinary auras, poised for battle.
Qin Wentian, keen to establish the ground rules, inquired, "How do you propose we conduct this battle? Do you have any stipulations?"
The expert from the Solarsky Mountain seemed brimming with confidence as he stepped onto the platform. The previous battle had left a score to settle, and they were determined to avenge their comrade's crippling injuries. He reminded them of the Skymist Hai's earlier proclamation, underlining the inevitable toll of injuries and casualties during their sparring matches.
Evergreen Longhao echoed his sentiment with a simple "As you wish." He was more than ready to see his sect's representative demonstrate their strength.
The Solarsky Mountain disciple's immortal foundation burst forth with a dazzling and destructive display. The very sky seemed to change colors as a fearsome diagram took shape, a fusion of fire and lightning, weaving together to form a malevolent, monstrous greater demon. It was evident that this manifestation drew upon a combination of a beast-type, flame-type, and lightning-type astral soul, creating a truly formidable entity.
In response, the Battle Saint Tribe's chosen representative summoned a divine ape, their tribe's totemic symbol and a source of immense pride. This divine ape, shimmering in brilliant gold, exuded an air of power capable of shattering the heavens.
The Solarsky Mountain expert advanced, and both warriors stood suspended in the air. Destructive flames and lightning surged towards the Battle Saint Tribe member, but the colossal divine ape behind him bolstered his defenses. He appeared as a formidable battle king, clad in gleaming armor, a symbol of unyielding strength.
To the shock of onlookers, the Battle Saint Tribe member effortlessly withstood the destructive onslaught. Whispers of awe rippled through the crowd. It was clear that the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect possessed extraordinary talents within its ranks.
With a resounding palm strike, the Battle Saint Tribe's divine ape unleashed a colossal imprint that enveloped the skies, obliterating everything in its path. The Solarsky Mountain expert retaliated with his own ferocious attacks, and the greater demon manifested a barrier of destructive light. The resulting clash sent shockwaves reverberating through the arena, even shaking the sturdy battle platform.
The earth-shaking explosion marked the end of the battle. The greater demon disintegrated into nothingness, and the destructive diagram unraveled. The Solarsky Mountain disciple, his immortal foundation shattered, cried out in agony, joining the ranks of the crippled.
As the divine ape faded, the spectators marveled at the Battle Saint Tribe member's overwhelming combat prowess. His strength reached the pinnacle, akin to an innate warrior. It was a testament to the elite members within the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect.
The Battle Saint Tribe member, addressing the Solarsky Mountain, expressed his regret. "I didn't anticipate such fragility on your side, unable to withstand even a single blow."
However, a voice from the Paragon Sword Sect interrupted the aftermath. A young man with a sword on his back stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the platform. He expressed his desire to spar with the Battle Saint Tribe member. The Battle Saint Tribe member exchanged a glance with Qin Wentian, receiving a nod of approval.
"Of course," he replied, setting conditions to prevent mortal injuries or malicious intent. The Paragon Sword Sect disciple readily agreed, conveying an underlying concern about the Battle Saint Tribe member's formidable prowess. As they prepared to face off, the unspoken consensus was clear: nobody wanted to suffer the same fate as the Solarsky Mountain expert.