Idlecloud Immortal King’s Judgement
Idlecloud Immortal King's Judgement . . .
The Cloud Prefecture's selection test held immense significance, aimed at handpicking the one thousand most exceptional participants and granting them the honor of attending the grand banquet hosted by the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in the Eastern Prefecture.
This challenging ordeal spanned a grueling eighty-one days, and at this juncture, exactly half of that arduous journey had already passed.
The elite demon-level talents from across the Cloud Prefecture had assembled, and after an intense two-week period of relentless combat, the cream of the crop had begun to emerge and gain recognition from their peers.
These formidable individuals were the remaining undefeated contenders, unanimously acknowledged as the preeminent rising stars of the Cloud Prefecture. They were afforded the chance to venture to the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, possibly even securing a coveted spot as a disciple. The prospect of clinching the top three positions and gaining entry into the personal tutelage of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor remained a distant dream, one they hesitated to entertain.
Their primary goal was to surpass all competitors within the Cloud Prefecture's selection test before they could even contemplate the next step. Beyond their home prefecture, the young demon-level talents from the other twelve regions posed formidable competition, with the number of supreme experts among them remaining a mystery.
Moreover, as waves of Cloud Prefecture's prodigies arrived in successive waves, the pace of combat only quickened. All eighty-one battle platforms were constantly engaged, leaving participants with scarcely a moment to catch their breath. Some gifted individuals chose to utilize the battle platforms as a crucible for self-improvement, persisting in battles even after multiple defeats. This continued until their fellow participants, growing increasingly irate at the hogging of space, decided that enough was enough. In a heartbeat, they shifted from sparring to full-blown combat, targeting those who had been monopolizing the 1-meter battle halos. It had become a futile endeavor to let these individuals continue their relentless battle, given the diminishing returns.
By this stage of the competition, numerous experts had achieved the remarkable feat of attaining a 10,000-meter battle halo. Some remained on the Cloudheaven Arena, seemingly impervious to fatigue, while others reveled in the thrill of battle, selectively choosing to target those with substantial battle qi reserves before pausing to recharge for their next hunt. This relentless cycle showed no signs of abating, and the pace of the formidable contenders in plundering battle qi only accelerated further.
As the days rolled on in the Cloud Prefecture's grueling selection test, the tension grew thicker, and the stakes higher. Many participants with battle halos spanning from 100 meters to 1,000 meters found themselves on edge. They couldn't be sure if their current halo sizes would secure them a coveted place among the top 1,000. Consequently, they were compelled to join the fierce battles, despite their reservations. What added to their apprehension were the participants who chose to rest on the sidelines, casting an imposing shadow over the combatants. The specter of more powerful contenders swooping in and plundering their hard-earned battle qi loomed constantly, a grim reminder of the harsh reality they faced.
In this ever-intensifying atmosphere, Qin Wentian and his two fellow sect members continued to shine as some of the most brilliant prodigies in the arena. Their flawless record remained untarnished, serving as a stark warning to those who considered challenging them lightly. The consequences of defeat were now clear to all—complete forfeiture of their battle qi. This knowledge had instilled an unusual degree of caution in the combatants.
Another challenge had emerged with the rise of more and more demon-level characters who achieved the coveted 10,000-meter battle halos. Their growing strength made them formidable opponents. As the powerful continued to amass power, it became increasingly daunting for newcomers to attempt defeating them.
Seated regally upon his throne, the Idlecloud Immortal King observed the proceedings with evident satisfaction. He cared little for the petty squabbles among various powers, as such trifles held no significance at his exalted level. To individuals of his stature, such disputes were inconsequential. Those who could ascend to the Immortal King Realm within 10,000 years were already deemed supreme demon-level figures. The contenders below him had a long and arduous journey ahead.
In his youth, the Idlecloud Immortal King had also been filled with arrogance, traversing the world with his brilliance.
"Up to this point, the truly exceptional geniuses have emerged," one person remarked to the Idlecloud Immortal King. The question lurking in the air was clear: among these rising stars, who possessed the potential to venture to the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and compete against the formidable talents from the twelve prefectures? The inquirer sought the Idlecloud Immortal King's perspective, eager to gain insight into the legendary immortal king's opinions and preferences.
Amidst the Cloud Prefecture's selection test, an air of anticipation hung thick. The Idlecloud Immortal King, a figure of unparalleled prestige, was being quizzed about his thoughts on the emerging talents. The questioner, Zhou Zhan, a representative of the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor, was keen to learn which geniuses might capture the Idlecloud Immortal King's attention. With a twinkle in his eye, he introduced a contender from his own ranks, Zhou Yu, an eighth-level Celestial Phenomenon cultivator known for his indomitable spirit and exceptional demeanor. Despite any prior irritations he might have felt towards Qin Wentian and his companions, Zhou Zhan still carried himself with the regal demeanor of an immortal king. Unable to defeat the trio on the battle platform, he opted to temporarily set aside his grievances.
The Idlecloud Immortal King, renowned for his impartiality, considered Zhou Yu's case with discerning eyes. Acknowledging the young warrior's descent from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor and his mastery of various immortal arts, as well as his remarkable comprehension and battle-oriented astral soul, the Idlecloud Immortal King commended Zhou Yu's remarkable talent. This praise brought a satisfied smile to Zhou Zhan's face. The Idlecloud Immortal King, at his exalted status, had no need to flatter or curry favor; he spoke his mind honestly. If a participant displayed strength, he acknowledged it; if they showed weakness, he did not withhold criticism.
Another rising star, Mu Yun, also drew the Idlecloud Immortal King's attention. The Idlecloud Immortal King predicted that Mu Yun would likely secure a spot within the top 10 rankings, marking him as an individual with great potential to enter the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Mu Yun, a seventh-level Celestial Phenomenon cultivator, was currently engaged in battle on one of the Cloudheaven Arena's platforms, drawing admiration from those who observed his performance.
Acknowledging the Myriad Sage Academy, the Idlecloud Immortal King singled out two promising disciples, Yi Changfeng and Qi Fan, likely members of the Sage Court. With Yi Changfeng at the sixth-level ascendant and Qi Fan at the fifth-level, they represented the academy admirably.
The Cloud Tower's Xia Hanjiang, a cultivator at the sixth-level of Celestial Phenomenon, also earned a nod of recognition.
The Suppression Immortal Sect's Hu Shanyue distinguished himself with his formidable combat prowess.
The Immorsize Residence boasted the talented Zhuge siblings, Zhuge Yi and Zhuge Yue. As the wealthiest power in the Cloud Prefecture, they had spared no expense in nurturing these exceptional individuals.
As the conversation continued, Gu Chen's name arose. Though he possessed commendable strength, the Idlecloud Immortal King deemed him slightly inferior to the aforementioned talents. However, he pointed out the three undefeated youngsters from the same sect as Qin Wentian, implying that their potential far surpassed Gu Chen's, and even likened Gu Chen's talent to that of the Saberlord of Death's disciple. A smile graced the Idlecloud Immortal King's lips as he singled out Qin Wentian and his fellow sect members, emphasizing their exceptional aptitude.
As the discussion continued, the Idlecloud Immortal King delved deeper into his evaluation of promising talents participating in the Cloud Prefecture's selection test. Among those he singled out, Gu Zhantian drew particular attention for his formidable strength and the air of tyranny that surrounded him. Speculations arose that Gu Zhantian might be the descendant of the infamous madman Gu, a legendary figure who had once wreaked havoc in the Cloud Prefecture, clashing with major powers and ultimately meeting his end surrounded by overwhelming forces. If this lineage held true, Gu Zhantian was a force to be reckoned with.
The conversation buzzed with intrigue as those from older generations acknowledged the resemblance between Gu Zhantian and the notorious madman Gu, fueling speculation about the young warrior's lineage and potential.
The Idlecloud Immortal King continued to name other remarkable talents. Xiao Hong and Su Yeqing, despite their mysterious origins, had unquestionable strength and exceptional talent, positioning them at the forefront of the competition.
Curiosity arose about the presence of characters at the first and ninth levels of Celestial Phenomenon. The Idlecloud Immortal King explained that ninth-level ascendants had a relatively easy time in the preliminary stages, as they did not need to face immortal-ranked puppets. This allowed many of them to pass due to their proficiency in battling opponents of the same level. Meanwhile, those at the first level of Celestial Phenomenon were numerous, but none had truly stood out in terms of exceptional talent. The Idlecloud Immortal King expressed hope that a remarkable individual would emerge before the selection concluded.
The conversation then turned to the Idlecloud Immortal King's personal rankings of the exceptional talents. He identified Gu Zhantian, Jun Mengchen, and Mu Yun as the most outstanding among the participants. Gu Zhantian's overwhelming strength, Jun Mengchen's extraordinary potential at a young age, and Mu Yun's status as his descendant all contributed to their high standing. Additionally, he praised Zhou Yu, the Zhuge siblings, Qi Fan, Zi Qingxuan, and Xiao Hong, recognizing them as extraordinary individuals with promising futures.
The Idlecloud Immortal King continued to share his insights into the exceptional talents participating in the Cloud Prefecture's selection test. He listed a few more names, including Yi Changfeng, Xia Hanjiang, Hu Yueshan, Su Yeqing, and Qin Wentian. He expressed that while he could provide a surface judgment based on their displayed strengths during battles, his assessment might not be absolute. Some individuals, like Qin Wentian, presented themselves as seemingly ordinary but hid a profound sharpness that made them difficult to gauge. As of now, no one had managed to defeat Qin Wentian, but he didn't exude the same overwhelming presence as his junior brother Jun Mengchen. The Idlecloud Immortal King admitted to having anticipation for Qin Wentian's final ranking and hoped that his judgment about him wouldn't prove wrong.
However, an expert from the Ninepeak Immortal Court couldn't resist making a spiteful comment, suggesting that Qin Wentian might have reached his limits. While the comment was filled with envy, there was no room for refutation, as their disciples indeed paled in comparison to the exceptional talents mentioned by the Idlecloud Immortal King.
As the days passed, the combat on the battle platforms remained relentless. Sixty-three days had already elapsed, leaving only eighteen days remaining in the selection test. Powers from across the Cloud Prefecture came to appreciate the accuracy of the Idlecloud Immortal King's judgment. The individuals he had named earlier had yet to suffer defeat, amassing battle halos of no less than 50,000 meters. The awe-inspiring growth of these talented individuals posed an enormous challenge to those who sought to defeat them, a task that now seemed exceedingly daunting unless they were pitted against each other.
Jun Mengchen, sporting a 100,000-meter battle halo, turned to Qin Wentian, encouraging him to strive harder. While he had no doubts about Qin Wentian's abilities, he believed that Qin Wentian was maintaining a low profile. With Qin Wentian currently holding a 60,000-meter battle halo, Jun Mengchen urged him to reach greater heights. Qin Wentian nodded in agreement and cast his gaze upon another demon-level character with a 60,000-meter battle halo—Xiao Hong. It was clear that Qin Wentian had set his sights on her as his next formidable opponent.