Group Battle of Heroes

Group Battle of Heroes

The spectators' faces bore expressions of unwavering composure. The outcome of this battle had been foreseen by all, after all.

Though Wang Yunfei held himself in high regard and boasted fame within the Sacred Royal City, his ambition to make a name for himself by challenging on the Sacred Battle Platform was nothing short of audacious. How could he, a figure of his stature, hope to measure up to Qin Wentian, the top-ranked warrior of the Immortal Martial Realm? The exceptional talent of these absolute prodigies from the Royal Sacred Region was evident in their very titles. While Wang Yunfei was undoubtedly formidable, his renown paled in comparison to that of an era-defining genius. They existed on entirely different planes.

Given Qin Wentian's demonstrated ability to confront Di Shi, it was only natural for him to triumph over Wang Yunfei. Anything less would have left everyone deeply disillusioned by the supposed top-ranking warrior of the Immortal Martial Realm.

This battle had certainly left Rong Yan, Shen Jing, Moon, and their fellow students from the Divine Weapon Academy astonished. However, for the majority of the prominent figures present, it was but an intriguing prelude to the main event they eagerly awaited.

Qin Wentian had ascended to the pinnacle of recognition by claiming the title of top-ranked warrior of the Immortal Martial Realm. Leveraging this unparalleled prestige, he boldly challenged Di Shi, one of the eight era-defining geniuses. A victory here would elevate his name above even those illustrious eight, rendering him a solitary peak of his era. In the annals of this age, no name could stand beside his. He would become the era's symbol, a herald of the future.

Thus, the significance of this impending battle was nothing short of extraordinary.

Furthermore, this confrontation wasn't merely between Qin Wentian and Di Shi. Following the conclusion of the Immortal Martial Realm, Di Shi had issued a challenge to all of the Royal Sacred Region's Heaven Chosen, summoning them to the Sacred Battle Platform to determine who among them was genuinely peerless.

Defeating Wang Yunfei held no real significance for Qin Wentian. He was well aware that the true challenge lay ahead. This was the battle he had been waiting for, the battle that rightfully belonged to him.

Upon the Sacred Battle Platform, Qin Wentian's long hair danced like sharp blades, while an ominously demonic aura radiated from him.

Speculation ran rampant through the crowd. Could this individual herald the dawn of a new legend?

The Sacred Battle Platform, the Royal Sacred Region's most renowned arena—would this be the stage that launched Qin Wentian's name to unprecedented heights and solidified his status?

BOOM! A thunderous roar, akin to an earthquake, reverberated. Di Shi rose to his feet, his gaze piercing the fabric of space itself as it landed upon the striking figure atop the Sacred Battle Platform. His very presence exuded a malevolent aura, reminiscent of a savage primordial raptor poised to strike, to massacre all, to engulf everything.

His sharp eyes scanned the assembly as he declared in a cold, resounding voice, "Following the Immortal Martial Realm, I extended an invitation to the heroes of this era to gather here. Those below the Celestial Phenomenon realm may engage in combat to ascertain the true unrivaled warrior within the Heavenly Dipper realm."

Di Shi's voice thundered, a tyrannical qi saturating the atmosphere. He exuded unshakeable confidence as he stood there. Today, he was poised to triumph, to slay Qin Wentian, the top-ranked warrior of the Immortal Martial Realm, and cleanse the stain of his failure to secure a place in the top ten during the Immortal Martial Realm.

"The eight era-defining geniuses are all evenly ranked. However, I have yet to engage in a true battle with any of them. Now that such an opportunity has arisen, I wish to see for myself who among us truly reigns supreme within the Heavenly Dipper realm," a thunderous voice declared as a robust figure stepped forth. It was none other than Li Tian, one of the eight era-defining geniuses.

Amidst the untamed expanse of wilderness, a tapestry of clans and tribes thrived. The term "barbarian clan" scarcely did justice to the multifaceted diversity of this vast frontier. Among its rugged landscape was born a legend, Li Tian, a warrior hailing from the Heaven Punisher Clan. In the eyes of others, he was Li Tian of the so-called barbarian clan. His mastery of the Mandate of Gold was unrivaled, forging a solitary path to the pinnacle. Running through his veins coursed the untamed essence of the wilderness, capable of metamorphosing into a formidable barbaric war god at will. With innate divine strength bolstered by his profound comprehension of the Mandate of Gold, his every strike wielded a terror that defied imagination.

"Li Tian has ascended to the eighth level of Heavenly Dipper." The crowd collectively marveled at the awe-inspiring aura emanating from Li Tian. These eight prodigies stood poised on the precipice of a new era, representing the future itself.

Following Li Tian, Chi Lian took the stage, his form exuding an overwhelming aura of devilish might.

"Dongyue Hanjiang, the crown prince of the Eastern Mountain ancient country, now steps forward." The assembly inhaled sharply as they fixed their gaze upon the prince's imposing figure. This battle wasn't solely a showdown between Qin Wentian and Di Shi; it was also a pivotal clash among the eight era-defining geniuses, a contest to determine the ultimate pinnacle.

Sadly, Gu Liufeng and Hua Taixu were conspicuously absent today.

Fan Miaoyu, a formidable contender, stepped onto the stage. She had already reached the peak of the ninth level of cultivation, making her the prime candidate for the title of "Unrivalled in Heavenly Dipper" among the era-defining geniuses.

Ji Feixue, on the other hand, remained seated. He had yet to attain the eighth level, and his talent, while impressive, couldn't compensate for the disparity in cultivation. Faced with the challenge of so many monstrous opponents, his defeat seemed all but certain.

Staring at Qin Wentian's silhouette, Ji Feixue couldn't help but acknowledge that the rumors about Qin Wentian overtaking him as the Battle Sword Sect's number one disciple had, in fact, become reality.

"Is this all there is? Weren't you confident in your combat prowess? Haven't you all achieved the supreme-tier of Heavenly Dipper? Why hesitate now?" Di Shi's derisive snort reverberated through the air.

As his taunting words lingered, yet another figure emerged from the direction where the Violet Thunder Sect disciples were seated. Tall and exuding an unparalleled aura, this newcomer was not counted among the eight era-defining geniuses. Nevertheless, those familiar with him understood the true extent of his danger—a danger that eclipsed even the era-defining prodigies.

Liu Lan, from the Violet Thunder Sect, embodied this formidable threat. Contrary to Di Shi's taunts, Liu Lan had already attained the supreme-tier of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns.

The supreme-tier signified unparalleled combat prowess within the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Those who reached this echelon had no equals in terms of martial might. Only they could lay claim to being "Unrivalled in Heavenly Dipper." To break through to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, one had to first grasp the true intent of their Mandates and form a constellation unique to themselves. However, many warriors achieved transcendent martial might and true intent comprehension without crossing into Celestial Phenomenon. These extraordinary individuals were often referred to as the supreme-tier of Heavenly Dipper.

Liu Lan embodied this designation to perfection.

Di Shi harbored ambitions grander than merely dispatching Qin Wentian; he aspired to reign supreme in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, asserting his dominance over all others. While a handful, like Liu Lan, had attained the supreme-tier of Heavenly Dipper, none had secured the unanimous recognition of the Royal Sacred Region as the 'Unrivalled in Heavenly Dipper.' Such a title could belong to only one; sharing it was unthinkable. Di Shi arrived today with the audacious dream of being the solitary pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, an ambition as vast as the sky.

This lofty goal showcased the enormity of his appetite. Public recognition as 'Unrivalled in Heavenly Dipper' proved even more elusive than becoming one of the eight era-defining geniuses. The Royal Sacred Region boasted a multitude of demon-level talents who remained within the Heavenly Dipper Realm, striving to break through to Celestial Phenomenon. Some ventured far and wide, while others secluded themselves, seeking that elusive breakthrough. Many had grasped numerous true-intents of martial mandates. In this competitive landscape, who could truly claim the coveted title of 'Unrivalled in Heavenly Dipper?'

Another figure emerged, resplendent in golden armor, fixing an unwavering gaze on Li Tian while brimming with battle intent.

"The crown prince of the Radiant Gold ancient country," whispered the crowd, their eyes locked on this enigmatic participant. He had not entered the Immortal Martial Realm, but a twist of fate had bestowed upon him the understanding of his Mandate's true intent. His combat prowess remained a mystery, shrouded in uncertainty.

From the assembly of the War Country, a middle-aged figure stepped forward, exuding an air of maturity that defied his years. He represented the War Country and counted among the disciples of the Heaven Cleaving Manor, one of the nine great sects. Rumors held that he too had ascended to the supreme-tier of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, his combat strength inscrutable. Like Liu Lan, these two formidable warriors had chosen not to partake in the Immortal Martial Realm several months prior. Their might was unquestionable, but the Immortal Martial Realm primarily assessed innate talent. Older Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, despite their battle prowess, often refrained from the competition, reluctant to jeopardize their progress. These seasoned experts had already grasped at least one form of true intent, their feet edging toward the Celestial Phenomenon Realm. Risking all in the Immortal Martial Realm held no appeal.

Only the eight era-defining geniuses possessed unwavering confidence in their innate talent. Their genius defied mortal limitations, ensuring they emerged unscathed from the cemeteries of prodigies.

"I can't help but anticipate this battle even more. Yet, why does Di Shi radiate such confidence?" Whispers rippled through the crowd, their intrigue mounting. Could Di Shi too have unraveled the true intent of his Mandate? If so, Qin Wentian faced a formidable adversary. Despite his exceptional potential, he remained a seventh-level cultivator. In clashes against those at the supreme-tier, his prowess seemed insufficient.

"Wentian, tread cautiously among these foes. They're all peak Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators who've grasped their Mandate's true intent," Lin Shuai communicated through mental transmission. "Engage Di Shi in a duel and decline the group battle. No one would fault you for it."

Qin Wentian's heart quivered under the oppressive atmosphere. Those who dared to step forward were monstrously formidable entities.

"Nine contenders, quite the spectacle," Di Shi declared, his scrutinizing gaze sweeping over the audacious few who had dared to step onto the stage. Among them were five of the renowned eight era-defining geniuses, including Qin Wentian, Liu Lan of the Violet Thunder Sect, the Radiant Gold crown prince, and the War Country's Heaven Chosen.

The mere presence of any of these nine formidable individuals had the power to send shivers down the collective spine of the onlooking crowd. Yet today, to their amazement, all nine were converging upon the Sacred Battle Platform simultaneously.

"Since we've all assembled, why not settle everything in one grand clash? I propose that we nine engage in a collective showdown. What say you?" Di Shi's eyes gleamed with an unyielding determination as he made his audacious proposition. The Sacred Battle Platform was capacious enough to accommodate multiple combatants.

"Is he out of his mind? What's come over Di Shi today?"

"Why this newfound confidence? Has he truly ascended to the supreme tier?" Whispers and murmurs erupted at the apparent audacity of Di Shi's proposal.

"Wentian, if all nine step onto the Sacred Battle Platform simultaneously, it means we'll engage in a round-robin format where each of us fights every other in turn. Be cautious—these contenders are all Heavenly Dipper Realm titans," Lin Shuai cautioned, concern etching his voice.

Qin Wentian's gaze sharpened, nine contestants clashing in a round-robin? None of these formidable adversaries inspired in him the confidence of assured victory. Each possessed a formidable reservoir of combat strength, their power immeasurable. Di Shi's audacious challenge sent ripples of shock through the spectators.

Would the other eight accept the challenge?

Would Qin Wentian?

"Qin Wentian," Di Shi's voice sliced through the mounting tension, his eyes locking onto Qin Wentian. Qin Wentian met his gaze squarely, waiting for Di Shi to continue. Di Shi's next words, however, were chilling in their intent. "In our duel, let's establish a rule: only one of us will leave this platform alive. If you don't die, I won't leave. Likewise, if I don't die, you won't either."

A collective gasp swept through the crowd as Di Shi set forth a rule akin to a battle of life and death. Only when one of them had been slain could the other concede if they found themselves unable to overcome the opponent.

"DO YOU ACCEPT?!" Di Shi thundered, his murderous aura rippling outward. His grand ambition was to vanquish the Immortal Martial Realm's top ranker, ascending to the zenith of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.