The Victor is King

The Victor is King

The sun ascended to its zenith, casting its blazing heat upon the royal palace, causing the ancient structure to gleam with a golden luster.

An awe-inspiring aura filled the air. The Human Emperor, still resting on his bed, opened his eyes, revealing a brilliant gleam within. He threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. "Prepare the banquet."

As the echo of his voice subsided, the silhouettes outside the royal palace entered without hindrance. No one dared to block their passage any longer.

These visitors were all formidable experts in their own right, emanating a heavy aura that almost felt suffocating.

Simultaneously, outside the Human Emperor Hall, on the grand staircase, a flurry of activity took place. The ancient pathway, paved with white draconic stones, witnessed the setup of tables, chairs, and the placement of precious fruits, sumptuous dishes, and fine wine. In the blink of an eye, hundreds of seats were arranged on both sides of the pathway, resembling a corridor where people flocked, stood, and turned their gaze toward the staircase leading to the Human Emperor Hall.

"Forgive us for the intrusion, Your Majesty," the voices of these individuals were loud and jarring. Though they claimed to seek forgiveness, their tone lacked respect.

"No need to worry. Please, take your seats," the voice of the Human Emperor resonated, and the guests from various powers occupied the seats prepared along both sides of the pathway. The royal clan's guards were on edge, feeling the intense tension in the atmosphere. They sensed the overwhelming power exuded by the visitors.

At the forefront, a middle-aged man donned golden imperial robes, casually seated but emitting a palpable aura of battle-readiness that seemed to reach the heavens. He was akin to a deity of war, and no one dared to meet his gaze directly. This man was none other than the Grand Martial King, the most powerful figure among the aristocracy in the War Country.

Beside him sat a young man with exquisite features. His eyes surveyed the surroundings, clear and fearless despite the oppressive atmosphere. This was the Crown Prince of the War Country.

As the young prince's gaze landed on a maiden standing opposite him, his demeanor momentarily softened, and a spark of admiration glinted in his clear eyes. This maiden was as if she was enveloped in a corona of pure light, causing onlookers to instinctively avert their eyes, not wanting to desecrate her presence. She was Princess Tianluan of the Spirit Luan Country. Beside her stood another striking maiden, an acclaimed female general from the Spirit Luan Country named Qing Xuan.

Below, the seats of the leaders from the Li Clan and Barbarian Clan were positioned. Members of the barbarian clan displayed robust and muscular physiques, exuding vigor and vitality. On the other hand, the Li Clan members emanated a restrained aura, conveying a sense of calm and gravity. The exception was Li Hanyou, whose beautiful eyes radiated sharpness when she observed her dazzling peers from the same generation, particularly when her gaze locked onto Princess Tianluan. Despite the latter's greater renown, a fierce determination emanated from Li Hanyou.

A procession of voices reverberated as another group of powerhouses arrived at the royal palace, led by the Qi King. Their alliance was apparent, and even before the Human Emperor's words, they boldly entered the palace, a clear display of their disrespect. Their purpose for being here was well understood by all.

"Please, take your seats," the archaic voice from the Human Emperor Hall resonated. Previously, only the Qi King had been openly involved, while the other conspirators had remained in the shadows. Now, it seemed they believed there was no need to conceal their intentions any longer.

As the various kings settled into their seats, the attention of many in the crowd was drawn to a young man standing beside the Qi King. He was none other than Ye Kongfan, the prodigy of the Violet Thunder Sect.

Gradually, a procession of figures emerged from the Human Emperor Hall. Leading the group were the princes, followed by Ye Lingshuang and the Human Emperor's concubines.

Following them, the maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley and Mo Qingcheng made their appearance. To everyone's surprise, there was a young man standing beside Mo Qingcheng. He exuded an aura of tranquility and serenity, like still waters, yet his eyes sparkled with the radiance of a thousand starry skies, deep and seemingly boundless. This young man was none other than Qin Wentian.

Upon seeing Mo Qingcheng, the crowd's eyes lit up, and even the Crown Prince of the War Country and Princess Tianluan couldn't help but tremble involuntarily. They couldn't help but think, "What an extraordinary woman, her beauty is truly otherworldly. She is indeed the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley. It's no wonder Ye Kongfan's love turned to hatred, leading him to spread rumors to tarnish her reputation."

The group that emerged from the Human Emperor Hall split into two rows at the entrance. Then, a figure stepped forward slowly. This figure appeared remarkably composed, with no hint of aura leaking from him. Yet, as soon as he appeared, all eyes were fixed on him.

It was none other than the Human Emperor of Ye, Ye Qingyun.

The Qi King and his allies narrowed their eyes, their expressions turning dangerously cold, with glints of malice in their gaze. Ye Qingyun had actually appeared? Not only that, he looked healthy and vibrant, displaying no signs of being severely poisoned. They couldn't help but suspect that this was an act. They knew all too well that the poison they had administered was incurable, unless the Medicine Sovereign himself personally intervened. The healing abilities of the Holy Maiden were still far from sufficient.

Most likely, the Human Emperor had made preparations for a final battle, mustering all his strength for one last burst of brilliance before his demise. He must have used secret arts to rejuvenate himself, returning to a state where he was fit for combat. However, to the conspirators, this was like the flickering radiance of a dying sun, and they remained unconcerned. What truly surprised them was the tenacity of the Human Emperor. Despite the onslaught of such a deadly poison, he had managed to hold on for so long and even reverse his vitality using a secret art. By all rights, he should have perished long ago.

Guards swiftly appeared and brought the Imperial Dragon Throne, placing it at the top of the stairs. The Human Emperor took his seat, gazing calmly at everyone before speaking in a soft yet commanding voice, "Have you all come to pay your respects today? Is there something you wish to discuss?"

As the echo of his words faded, an awkward silence filled the air. The Human Emperor's eyes held a faint, cold smile as he turned his gaze toward the Qi King and his allies and chuckled, "My junior royal brothers entered the royal palace without awaiting my approval. Are you all displeased with your elder royal brother?"

The countenance of the Qi King twitched as he stared at the smiling face of the Human Emperor. He couldn't decipher the Human Emperor's true intentions.

"Ye Qingyun, your tyrannical nature hasn't changed a bit. In the past, you slaughtered your way to the throne, committing countless sins. Now, it seems you're reverting to your old ways by ordering the attack on the Qi King Manor and senselessly shedding blood. Your tyranny knows no bounds. I believe it's time for you, as our elder royal brother, to step down," declared the Han King in a cold tone. His words carried a blatant disrespect and disregard for the Human Emperor's authority and prestige, signaling their preparedness for the impending showdown.

The Human Emperor's gaze shifted calmly to the Han King. The faint smile in his eyes seemed to make the Han King break out in a cold sweat, an unsettling omen of things to come.

"If you want me to relinquish my throne, it's a simple matter. Just sever my head from my shoulders, and the title of Human Emperor will be yours for the taking. However, until that happens, I remain the Human Emperor of Ye. I've been informed that the Qi King's useless son deliberately spread malicious rumors to tarnish the Holy Maiden's reputation while plotting with the Eastern Mountain Marquis to harm my foster son. Such audacious actions have truly broadened my horizons."

The piercing gaze of the Human Emperor shifted to the Qi King and his son as he continued in a frigid tone, "As a man, it's acceptable to be ruthless or even venomous. One's temperament can be as malevolent as they please. But as a member of royalty, as a prodigy of the Violet Sword Sect, you didn't even have the courage to accept the challenge issued by my foster son on the royal battle arena? You've brought disgrace upon our royal clan, and even I, as the Emperor, feel ashamed to have a nephew like you."

Ye Kongfan's body quivered violently as he locked eyes with the unwavering gaze of the Human Emperor. The public humiliation was excruciating, and though rage burned within him, he dared not utter a word when confronted directly by the Human Emperor.

"Royal brother, isn't demeaning a young man beneath your dignity?" the Qi King retorted. Qin Wentian, who stood nearby, silently assessed the Qi King. Despite his unremarkable appearance and the restrained aura he exuded, there was an unmistakable air of danger about him.

"If he weren't a member of our royal clan, I wouldn't deign to acknowledge him. Ye Kongfan, if you still bear the royal blood of our clan and retain even a trace of pride, I wonder if you're man enough to take responsibility for your despicable actions," the Human Emperor said, his disappointment outweighing any trace of anger. His gaze remained fixed on Ye Kongfan, prompting Ye Kongfan to grit his teeth and coldly confess, "Those deeds were indeed carried out by me, Ye Kongfan. So what?"

"Good. That's what a true man would do," the Human Emperor replied softly before shifting his gaze to Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian took a deliberate step forward, locking his eyes with Ye Kongfan's. The tension between them hung heavily in the air, their battle intent palpable.

"BOOM!" Qin Wentian leaped into the air, and Ye Kongfan followed suit, mirroring his movements. The release of Ye Kongfan's aura was explosive, indicating his peak cultivation at the seventh level of Heavenly Dipper. His aura created a turbulent storm that raged through the space around them. In a furious roar, Ye Kongfan declared, "Qin Wentian, since you seek death, I shall grant your wish."

As his words echoed, Ye Kongfan's bloodline surged with power, and bolts of lightning visibly crackled around him, striking down as mighty lightning bolts. Behind him, a colossal lightning entity materialized, resembling a deity of thunder and lightning.

At that moment, Ye Kongfan's aura was overwhelmingly fearsome, as if he could command the lightning and thunder of the world to annihilate everything in its path.

"You, who once shrank from my challenge, now dare to speak to me so arrogantly?" Qin Wentian's eyes turned as deep as the darkest night. With a mere thought, his aura transformed, from still as a tranquil lake to sharp as a razor-sharp blade. His bloodline surged with power, and his body radiated the brilliance of astral energy aligned with the forces of darkness, transforming him into a figure reminiscent of an ancient primordial demon god who ruled over the masses.

"Fifth level of Heavenly Dipper... It appears he's made a breakthrough. Moreover, considering his bloodline power, his aura can nearly be classified as sixth level of Heavenly Dipper. That bloodline of his is extraordinary; it seems capable of transcending cultivation boundaries. And that overwhelming demonic qi he emits... What kind of bloodline could that be? But Ye Kongfan doesn't fall behind in bloodline strength. With his calamity lightning bloodline, I wonder how much it augments his lightning-based techniques."

The spectators' attention remained fixed on the two figures suspended in mid-air. Their hearts quaked as they felt the immense power radiating from Qin Wentian and Ye Kongfan. They knew that today's battle would undoubtedly end in one of their deaths. The only uncertainty was which one of them would fall.

Qin Wentian activated the Fiend Transformation Art, causing a suit of demon-scale armor to envelop his body. It exuded a terrifying aura that sent shivers down the onlookers' spines. A luminous demonic eye appeared on his forehead.

"Is this your trump card?" Ye Kongfan's confidence remained unshaken even after witnessing Qin Wentian's transformation. His eyes blazed with ferocious intent as he advanced. "If that's all you have, your death is assured."

Lightning illuminated the sky as purplish calamity thunder cloaked Ye Kongfan's fist. His movements were swift as the wind, and he landed in front of Qin Wentian, delivering a punch imbued with devastating power. The divine lightning behind him pulsed violently, infusing his fist with unparalleled force, as if it could rend the very heavens.

This punch resembled a black hole of destruction, an abyssal maw capable of swallowing everything.

"The Violet Thunder Sect's Lightning God Destruction... I wonder how much more terrifying this technique becomes in Ye Kongfan's hands," murmured an observer.

Qin Wentian raised his palms in response, unleashing a torrent of divine energy from all four of his Yuanfu. His first Yuanfu, in particular, resonated intensely, with each particle of divine energy bearing a palpable sense of annihilation.

"BOOM!"

Their attacks clashed in mid-air, generating shockwaves of destruction that swept through the entire space. The force of the impact shredded their clothing to tatters, leaving them in a pitiable state. Qin Wentian felt a surge of calamity lightning coursing through his body, threatening to ravage him, while Ye Kongfan's arm felt on the verge of breaking. Both were in excruciating pain.

"QIN WENTIAN, DIE!" Ye Kongfan roared. Bolts of calamity lightning descended from the heavens, converging into razor-sharp blades aimed at Qin Wentian. Despite his agony, Ye Kongfan showed no hesitation; he yearned to eliminate Qin Wentian instantly. If he could use overwhelming strength to crush his opponent, who would dare to accuse Ye Kongfan of cowardice? Victory would make him the undisputed king!