Versus Sikong Mingyue

Versus Sikong Mingyue...

Qin Wentian's eyes were fixed on the electrifying clash between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue. The Astral Souls they summoned invoked memories of their formidable combat skills. Luo Qianqiu's thunderous palms dominated the arena, an indomitable force channeling the power of his Astral Soul into every strike.

Sikong Mingyue was no slouch either. His ancient slaughter word imprint possessed a terrifying edge, fueled by the properties of his Sword-type Astral Soul. His attacks were so ruthless that they left spectators in awe, unable to fathom how to counter them.

Engaging in an intense duel, Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue showcased their mastery over their powers. It was clear they had trained extensively in wielding their Astral Souls.

"Sikong Mingyue is one of Snowcloud's Duo Prides, and Luo Qianqiu hails from the Nine Mystical Palace. Their skills are evident," someone in the crowd commented.

As the battle raged on, Luo Qianqiu sent an illusory Lightning Revenant charging towards Sikong Mingyue. The Revenant's arms crackled with thunderous energy, threatening to force Sikong Mingyue into close combat. Yet, Sikong Mingyue's word imprints held him at bay, maintaining a perilous distance between them. These imprints possessed a sharpness that bordered on the destructive.

The onlookers marveled at the ferocity of their attacks. "No wonder they're the top contenders for the championship. Their power is unmatched," someone in the crowd remarked. "Heaven's Wonder didn't set those odds blindly."

With each passing moment, Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue escalated their onslaught. The platform transformed into a maelstrom of thunder and lightning, shrouded in an aura of impending doom. Spectators near the combatants wisely retreated, fearing the deadly shockwaves.

"How awe-inspiring!" gasped many, recognizing that this battle was truly for the top two positions. The contestants on the sidelines seemed leagues behind in comparison.

"Luo Qianqiu's innate technique appears slightly more potent," speculated one observer. "If this continues, victory will undoubtedly be his."

Amidst the electrifying showdown, cheers and gasps filled the air, and the tension reached a fever pitch as the fate of the championship hung in the balance.

An earth-shattering explosion rocked the arena, rending the very fabric of the void as it forced the two contestants to disengage. They emerged from the maelstrom of destruction, their clothes in tatters, but the reckless grins on their faces told a different story.

"That was exhilarating! Falling to your hands, I've got no complaints. You're every bit the Jun Lin Banquet champion," Sikong Mingyue chuckled, his voice devoid of any bitterness.

Sikong Mingyue knew that with his exceptional talent, he'd eventually find his way to the Nine Mystical Palace. Making a friend like Luo Qianqiu before heading there seemed like a good idea. He was well aware of Luo Qianqiu's standing within the Nine Mystical Palace.

Luo Qianqiu, equally impressed by Sikong Mingyue's prowess, reciprocated with a laugh. "You're no slouch either, but I'll have to trouble you to accept the position of the second ranker."

Sikong Mingyue's laughter rang out. Their rankings seemed as solid as a mountain, immovable.

Spectators couldn't help but sigh. Heaven's Wonder had calculated their odds well. With the lowest payout rate, Luo Qianqiu had the highest chance of becoming the champion, while Sikong Mingyue was slated for second place. The only wild card was Qin Wentian, who had somehow fought his way into the top three.

However, after witnessing the sheer might of Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue, no one believed Qin Wentian had what it took to surpass them. It seemed like an impossible feat.

Meanwhile, on the third towering platform, Qin Wentian wore a peculiar expression as he overheard Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue's banter.

"Luo Qianqiu as the champion and Sikong Mingyue in second place?" he mumbled to himself, a quizzical grin forming. "Well then, where does that leave me?"

He hadn't even entered the fray yet, and it already felt like the rankings were etched in stone, as if the Jun Lin Banquet had already concluded.

"Are you guys treating me like thin air?" Qin Wentian's voice broke the silence, drawing the gaze of several spectators. Only now did they realize that Qin Wentian seemed eager to contend for the championship. The conversation between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue had inadvertently ignored Qin Wentian, treating him like transparent air.

Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue, engrossed in their chat, suddenly frowned. It was as if Qin Wentian had cast a dark shadow over their pleasant mood.

Luo Qianqiu fixed a piercing gaze on Qin Wentian. In the past, despite Qin Wentian managing to deflect three of his strikes, Luo Qianqiu had never held him in high regard. Presently, nothing had changed.

"After all those encounters in the academy, I spared you upon someone's request. And during that snowstorm, you got lucky, using your little tricks to fend off three of my attacks. Not to mention that time in the Dark Forest, where you miraculously escaped death three times. And today, you have the audacity to stand before me? Do you think I can't finish you off?" Luo Qianqiu's voice dripped with condescension.

Luo Qianqiu's words hung in the air as Qin Wentian calmly responded, "You're mistaken."

Luo Qianqiu paused, then chuckled. "What a naive fellow. Right and wrong in this world? Please."

"Naturally, there's right and wrong," Qin Wentian replied calmly. "Have you forgotten that day in the Dark Forest when you tried to murder me with your lackeys? I wielded the power of a Divine Weapon and dispatched your followers while you watched from the sidelines, too afraid to approach. Does that ring a bell?"

Luo Qianqiu scoffed, "You take pride in using a Divine Weapon?"

"Back in the academy, how much higher was your cultivation compared to mine? How easily could you have killed me? Weren't you proud of that fact? Think about it carefully. If I had a Divine Weapon during our days at the academy, who do you think would've perished back then if you tried to take my life?" Qin Wentian's cold laughter filled the arena, leaving Luo Qianqiu speechless.

Qin Wentian's words hit Luo Qianqiu like an unexpected punch to the gut. An icy glint flashed in Luo Qianqiu's eyes, and his face turned a shade colder than a polar ice cap.

"Let's not kid ourselves. You'd have met your end like a whimpering dog. So, please enlighten me, what gives you the audacity to act so cocky before me?" Qin Wentian remarked sarcastically, a sly grin playing on his lips. He was keen to drag their past dispute into the limelight, ensuring the entire audience got a taste of Luo Qianqiu's humiliation.

The academy had been a stage for their feud, and the whispers and rumors had spread like wildfire. Qin Wentian intended to use this to his advantage, hoping to publicly disgrace Luo Qianqiu.

"If Lin Hua hadn't begged me to spare you that day, your story would have ended right there," Luo Qianqiu shot back with a frigid tone.

Qin Wentian wasn't finished. "And about that snowstorm incident, we had an agreement. I only had to block three of your strikes. I did just that, yet you still went for a fourth. Couldn't prove your point with strength, so you resorted to cheap shots. Is that what you're proud of?" He delivered each word with precision, pinning Luo Qianqiu under the weight of his own actions.

Luo Qianqiu's icy demeanor refused to crack. "You're quite the sharp-tongued brat. But what's the point? In the end, it's power that reigns supreme."

Qin Wentian rose from his seat, closed his eyes momentarily, and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, a newfound intensity radiated from them, like the keen edge of a razor-sharp sword unsheathed.

He had mentally prepared himself for the final two battles.

"You're absolutely right," Qin Wentian agreed, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "In the end, it's power that matters most."

"Come, let's settle this."

Qin Wentian's voice, though gentle, possessed an inexplicable force that seemed capable of reaching the heavens. His resolve was unwavering as he faced off against the two strongest contenders in the Jun Lin Banquet. If he wanted to advance, he had to defeat them.

"Sikong Mingyue versus Qin Wentian!" The voice of the aged figure resonated through the arena, creating a palpable tension in the air.

The captivating clash between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue had just concluded. Could Qin Wentian deliver a performance of equal caliber? This time, his opponent was Sikong Mingyue, and the stakes were high. Losing here meant forfeiting the chance to challenge Luo Qianqiu.

Sikong Mingyue couldn't resist a taunt. "If you're so eager to meet your end, I'll be happy to oblige and show the world your insignificance."

Qin Wentian responded with silence, raising his ancient halberd and pointing it squarely at Sikong Mingyue. His intent was crystal clear, speaking louder than words ever could.

Sikong Mingyue ascended to the third platform, each step heavy with an escalating bloodlust. "Truly, ignorance breeds audacity."

Both combatants unleashed their Astral Souls. However, something peculiar caught everyone's eye. Qin Wentian's Astral Souls gleamed with a brilliance that outshone Sikong Mingyue's. He was the sole participant in the entire Jun Lin Banquet who held an advantage in Astral Soul grade and quality. Yet, it seemed like a cruel twist of fate, as his current cultivation base seemingly condemned him to fall short of his peers.

Sikong Mingyue roared, "Die!" His palm unleashed ancient slaughter word imprints, their force hurtling toward Qin Wentian.

With a resounding clash, Qin Wentian's ancient halberd sliced through the air, shattering the word imprints into a thousand shards. However, the power contained in a single word imprint was enough to make his arms quiver, a testament to its incredible might.

Sikong Mingyue soared through the air with ruthless determination, a tempest of killing intent swirling around him. Countless ancient slaughter word imprints materialized, hurtling towards Qin Wentian. The overwhelming pressure they exerted felt like an imminent devouring force, as if they aimed to annihilate Qin Wentian on the spot.

"Unrelenting! Clearly, he's out for blood, seeking to avenge 2nd Sword and 3rd Night," murmured the spectators, their minds racing with speculation. Would Qin Wentian, a rising genius, meet his end at the Jun Lin Banquet?