Final Confrontation

Final Confrontation

The atmosphere atop the Heavenly Stele Steps reverberated with a palpable intensity, seizing the spectators in a vice grip of astonishment. Eight contenders occupied the eighteenth step, while a sole figure clung resolutely to the seventeenth. Never before had the past decade yielded such a remarkable tableau.

"Whispers claim that the middle stretch of the twenty-seventh steps—the second set of nine—serves as a crucible for testing the resilience of one's Mandate willpower. To ascend requires an indomitable heart, a relentless will. These nine individuals possess an ethereal tenacity and unparalleled determination," the murmurs of the crowd echoed in contemplative tones. However, despite this, the nine figures remained motionless, abstaining from taking that one step further.

The final segment of the twenty-seventh step loomed ahead, another formidable barrier standing between them and the nineteenth step—a realm of difficulty unfathomable to the imagination.

Otherwise, the mere record of eighteen steps over the past decade, with the Heavenly Stele Steps open thrice to the public, would hardly suffice to warrant such acclaim.

Time flowed on, yet the nine remained statuesque, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time. In the blink of an eye, half a month slipped by, the nine souls persisting in their respective stances, each honing their Mandate willpower. On the eighteenth step, the Ancient Will's assault did not relent upon gaining a foothold—it demanded constant vigilance, a ceaseless battle. Progressing to the nineteenth step was an idle fantasy if the eighteenth remained unconquered.

On the eighteenth step, their adversaries were none other than themselves. The crucible of their Mandate wills ceaselessly forged their inner strength. As long as they persisted, their resolve would flourish endlessly.

"Situ Po, with all three Mandates attaining Perfection Boundary status, has defied all odds. Despite hovering at the eighth level of Yuanfu, he maximized the insights of his initial level Mandates prior to entering the ninth level. Upon breaking through, a spot among the Heavenly Fate Rankings' thirty-six Heaven's Chosen is guaranteed," the audience speculated in hushed tones.

It was a goal Situ Po had tirelessly pursued. Given the fortuitous opening of the Heavenly Stele Steps, he couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

This trial, etched into the Heavenly Stele Platform, epitomized an unparalleled chance for demonic-level prodigies. For those situated on a more modest plane, such as Ouyang Ting, it transformed into an inescapable ordeal—a veritable nightmare.

"Observe, Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng are preparing to stake their claim," a hushed undertone swept through the crowd as both figures embarked upon the final stretch—the nine steps that marked the ultimate trial.

Both of them graced the Heavenly Fate Ranking as Heaven's Chosen, nestled at the tenth and twelfth slots, the margin between them a mere hair's breadth. From the outset, their rivalry crackled with palpable intensity.

What lay in wait upon this final stretch?

Could they transcend their boundaries and shatter records of old?

An audience held its breath.

"Huh..."

As if in a synchronized explosion, fresh blood painted the air, a simultaneous expulsion. Ouyang Feng and Zang Lengfeng were expelled from the Heavenly Stele Steps, yet intervention came swift—members of the Ouyang Clan and Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect swooped in, ensuring their safety before impact. A communal lament echoed—a testament that breaking records came with no trifling ease.

Nonetheless, matching such a record already substantiated their prodigious talents. After all, those who had conquered the eighteenth step in the past decade had risen to become icons, commanding the very currents of Grand Xia.

A slight crease marred the brows of Xuan Yan and Yue Bufan as they bore witness. Their certainties wavered, their aspirations on the nineteenth step uncertain.

"The Ancient Will of my Mandate of Dreams shall bow to none."

Then, with a casual nonchalance, a voice drifted—a proclamation from Qin Wentian. At long last, he stirred, venturing onto the eighteenth step, unleashing the torrents of his Mandate willpower.

The Ancients' Wills, Force, Dreams, Demons, mounted an assault of relentless fury, battering Qin Wentian's own Mandate will in a cruel exchange. Yet, no matter how mighty the Ancient Wills surged, Qin Wentian's fortitude stood unyielding, his resolve unwavering, his Mandate will indomitable.

His steps pressed down like boulders, a stance of unwavering might, poised on the eighteenth step of the Heavenly Stele. Thus, he claimed the ninth spot, equating the past record.

Today bore witness to nine souls standing in stride with history. However, amongst them, Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng—both paragons of might—succumbed in their bid to breach the nineteenth step. Now, a mere seven souls persisted upon the eighteenth step.

Xuan Yan, resolute beyond measure, marched onto the nineteenth step. But a spine-chilling wail erupted—a scream that reeked of bloodcurdling agony—as she plummeted from the platform like a severed kite string, her state agonizingly wretched.

Xuan Yan faltered, leaving only six contenders.

In due course, Yue Bufan joined the ranks of the eliminated, dwindling the number to five.

The expulsion of the four potent Heaven's Chosen, seated within the Heavenly Fate Rankings' top thirty-six, as they faltered on the nineteenth step, bestowed upon the watching throng a taste as bitter as poison.

Situ Po, Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, and Fan Le—did a glimmer of hope yet persist for these five?

"Just one step, and I shall break free from the madding crowd. Defeat isn't a notion I can fathom," Situ Po murmured, eyes locked upon the Heavenly Stele.

Could Situ Po endure the thought of a defeat by Qin Wentian?

Though he could depart the Unmatched Realm, he'd never be driven out—the dignity of his pride precluded such a fate.

The Azure Continent's four chosen ones had all stumbled. For Situ Po, his sect, his very self—failure wasn't an option.

A fervor kindled anew, unprecedented desire surging within him. Raising his foot, Situ Po seemed to traverse the spectrum of life and death in but a breath. A deluge of unbridled strength surged forth, his indomitable will shielding him against annihilation. For he was Situ Po, and losing wasn't in his lexicon.

"BOOM!" Another step, a foundation secure on the nineteenth level. Situ Po stood resolute, his stance invoking a seismic tremor that reverberated through the entire stairwell. The visage of his determination stirred every soul in attendance, rousing spirits and enkindling courage.

This was Situ Po of the Sword Extinction Sect, poised upon the nineteenth step, a conqueror of past records. In that fleeting instance, he outshone all, the zenith of brilliance.

In this moment, the Heavenly Stele Platform was his domain alone.

"He's triumphed," Yue Bingying exhaled, a smile painting her features. This was Situ Po, the man she admired. Though she bore injuries, she remained undeterred, celebrating Situ Po's unparalleled accomplishment. Her gaze traversed to those representatives from the Azure Emperor Palace and Sword Extinction Sect—those who'd surely revel in Situ Po's triumph.

Her eyes then lingered on the silhouette of Qin Wentian. An impending demise seemed to beckon.

"It seems another contender has graced our stage," Ouyang Zheng murmured, casting a sidelong glance at Situ Po, his voice a low undertone. Xuan Yan nodded in silent accord, fully aware of Situ Po's unparalleled feat.

"Should I emerge victorious, ladies, I decree your interferences in our matters to cease," Fan Le boomed, his declaration echoing like thunder. Xuan Yan's gaze narrowed, her eyes locked on Fan Le's advancing form as he ascended the nineteenth step.

"Xuan Yan, victory will be mine!" Fan Le's triumphant bellow resounded as he surged forth. The impact echoed like thunder, resonating through the stairwell. Fear of injury or demise was absent from Fan Le's mind; only defeat evoked dread. In that instant, his rotund form towered, a colossus amid the crowd.

No one had anticipated that even Fan Le, the chubby jester, could seize success.

"FAN LE!" Xuan Xin's voice pierced the air, tears welling as she cried out. The impact wracked Fan Le, blood staining his lips in gory hues. Yet, resolute and standing tall, triumph etched on his features.

"Xuan Yan, have I secured victory?"

Fan Le's words floated on the wind, and as Xuan Yan's gaze settled upon him, seeing the trembling body adorned in crimson, her lips parted, but words escaped her grasp.

"Swish..." The oppressive force morphed into a blade, relentless in its onslaught. Droplets of blood adorned the air, descending like a crimson rain.

"Senior Sister," Xuan Xin implored, her gaze locked on Xuan Yan, tears flowing ceaselessly. Xuan Yan nodded imperceptibly, her attention returning to Fan Le. "I concede."

"Bang!" The echoes of her utterance still lingered when the force overcame Fan Le, casting him downward at breakneck speed. In the same instant, Xuan Xin surged upwards, every ounce of strength channeled to catch him. They collided, a heap of limbs on the ground. As she peered down, she met Fan Le's grin. "Xuan Xin, your choice in this prodigy was impeccable."

"Mhm, I knew. My judgement was spot-on." Twin streams of tears fell upon Fan Le's visage. Even in his waning consciousness, Fan Le grinned, enveloping the princess in an embrace before surrendering to unconsciousness.

Fan Le, too, etched his name in the annals of record breakers, withstanding the pressure albeit fleetingly, securing his footing upon the nineteenth step of the Heavenly Stele.

Chu Mang steeled himself, a roar of rage ripping from his throat as he surged forth. He had embarked upon the journey to the nineteenth step, but midway through, he was expelled, cast down by forces beyond his control. Defeat, though, carried no shame. He had given his all.

Ouyang Kuangsheng, too, embarked on the nineteenth step. But his tenure there was fleeting; in an instant, he relinquished his foothold, cursing vehemently, "Screw it, I'm done playing."

Due to his preparedness, the rebound's impact was less devastating. Still, grumbling couldn't be helped, "Are these Heavenly Stele Steps some kind of cosmic playground? Damn it."

Too intense, he sensed death looming. His certainty was unwavering; had he not relented, his demise would've been certain.

Now, only two figures graced the Heavenly Stele Steps: Situ Po on the nineteenth tier and Qin Wentian on the eighteenth.

Originally designated for their use, the platform's current emptiness seemed either fortuitous coincidence or an act of fate. In the end, only they remained.

But could Qin Wentian overcome Situ Po? A world of difference separated them, a mere step's span appeared insurmountable.

Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, Xuan Yan, Yue Bufan—none had succeeded. Solely Situ Po scaled such heights. Fan Le's feat was modest at best—a half-hearted step on the nineteenth. For love he had fought, to spare Xuan Xin humiliation. His declaration resonated through the Mystic Maiden Palace, echoing across the Azure Continent: Fan Le wasn't lesser than any genius.

With a stable footing, Situ Po pivoted to fix Qin Wentian in his gaze. Despite the scorn in his eyes, his voice was composed, "A step apart, yet a chasm between us. I'll illuminate the magnitude of that divide."

His words lingered as he ascended the twentieth step.

"Hush..." Collective breaths were held; hearts quivered. Situ Po pressed onward.

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian's eyes remained shut, his battle with the eighteenth step persisted.

Was the competition still relevant?

Days drifted by—Qin Wentian unmoving; ten days—the same; a month—still no shift.

Situ Po, on the other hand, pressed on, mounting the twenty-first step. A chasm of three steps lay between him and Qin Wentian—a seemingly impassable abyss.

Observers noted that Qin Wentian's aura grew more potent, his Mandate evolving into the Perfection Boundary, withstanding the Ancient Will's assault. His zenith achieved, the time to stride forward had arrived.