Warring Against the #1 Ranker of the Immortal Ascension Rankings

Warring Against the #1 Ranker of the Immortal Ascension Rankings . . .

In the colossal expanse of the City of Ancient Emperors, the air itself was thick with tension, as if it pulsed with the very life force of the fierce battle below. It was a gruesome spectacle, a battlefield where the crimson flow of blood resembled a winding river. No one could count the number of lives lost in this brutal clash. The Qin Sect had not only confronted the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect but had also triumphed resoundingly. Despite the injuries sustained by some of their members due to the battle formation's onslaught, none had met their demise. This was a calculated move by the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, who had aimed to heavily injure rather than kill, to avoid accumulating death grudges that could haunt them.

From the beginning to the bitter end, the experts of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had been thoroughly outplayed. With their battle formations shattered, the Qin Sect seized the opportunity for a merciless massacre. While a handful of survivors managed to carve out a path to escape, this ordeal served as a harsh, blood-soaked lesson that undoubtedly weighed heavily on the conscience of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's higher-ups. One couldn't help but ponder the emotions now coursing through the heart of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor himself, given that he was the one who had instigated this entire vendetta.

Chances were that the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor was livid, nursing an intense desire to see Qin Wentian and his allies pay for their audacity in blood.

"Qin Wentian's strength has undergone a remarkable transformation, not to mention Nanfeng Yunxi, Princess Qing'er, Jun Mengchen, Zi Qingxuan, and even his formidable demonic beasts," murmured the onlookers, their hearts unable to find reprieve from the astonishment they felt witnessing this spectacle.

As the dust began to settle on this fierce encounter, it became clear that the Immortal Ascension Rankings would soon witness a seismic shift, with many names slated for a demotion from the top ten. This battle had left an indelible mark on the rankings.

Qin Wentian surveyed the battlefield, his imposing stature bathed in a radiant aura. He extended his hands in a gesture of gratitude to the valiant members of the Qin Sect. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to all my fellow brothers and sisters who fought alongside me today. Without your unwavering support, we might have found ourselves at a severe disadvantage, with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect hot on our heels."

"Our esteemed Sect Leader, there is no need for such formalities. Within the Qin Sect, we are all brothers and sisters, united by a common purpose," one of the Qin Sect members replied with a warm smile. "We simply cannot condone the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's actions. Now, he will have no choice but to grasp the realities of the City of Ancient Emperors. How audacious it is for him to send an entire army seeking revenge merely because one of his disciples fell. It seems he has yet to comprehend the true nature of shame."

"Indeed, Brother Qin's combat prowess has already sent shockwaves through the very heavens and earth. We are all truly in awe of you," one Qin Sect member chimed in enthusiastically. "But let us not forget, our actions against the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect were not just about approval or disapproval. For the battles to come, Brother Qin must rely on his own indomitable strength."

"Brother Qin, I daresay your current power level is more than a match for both Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie. Allow me to assemble a cheering squad for you," another Qin Sect member chimed in. "We're all eagerly awaiting your ascension to the pinnacle of the Immortal Ascension Rankings!"

"Haha, absolutely! We're all brimming with anticipation for this epic showdown!"

The members of the Qin Sect exchanged smiles, their enthusiasm palpable. Witnessing this monumental clash of titans in the City of Ancient Emperors was an electrifying event. It was precisely for such moments that they had joined the Qin Sect, a group of fervent, hot-blooded individuals who relished the spectacle of two apex experts battling it out.

Never before had there been a contender capable of challenging the positions held by the top-ranked Zi Daoyang and the second-ranked Mo Xie. Even Nanfeng Yunxi, who had perennially occupied the third position, hadn't managed to dethrone them. Now, they all eagerly anticipated the battle that would determine whether the newly transformed Qin Wentian could unseat Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie from their divine perches.

"Don't worry, so long as members from the Violet Sect and the Evil Palace don't interfere, the experts of the Qin Sect will simply observe," Qin Wentian declared resolutely, his words brimming with heroic fervor. "I, Qin Wentian, have now attained the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon. How could I possibly join forces with others against Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie? Were I to do so, I would be unworthy of leading the Qin Sect."

"Bravo!" The Qin Sect's members erupted in cheers, their anticipation for the forthcoming battle surging.

"Do you think you're invincible just because you vanquished the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's lackeys?" Xiao Lengyue interjected, her tone dripping with condescension. "Don't forget, those experts were nothing more than lowly foot soldiers. While Qin Wentian's might might have been sufficient to lord over them, a single blow from my dear Daoyang gege, the Immortal Ascension Rankings' top-ranked genius, would suffice to humble him. It's best not to get too ahead of yourselves; you might end up becoming the laughingstock of the City of Ancient Emperors."

The expressions of the Qin Sect members stiffened. Xiao Lengyue's words, although filled with arrogance, also bore a grain of truth. Indeed, Qin Wentian's display had been awe-inspiring, a god of war reducing his opponents to mere pawns. His ruthlessness and unyielding might seemed unmatched, but that was only because his adversaries were weaklings. It was this perceived dominance that had buoyed their spirits. However, if his opponent had been Zi Daoyang, the dynamics would have undoubtedly been vastly different.

Zi Daoyang, the reigning first-ranked genius of the City of Ancient Emperors, had always stood as an unmatched colossus. Notably, he possessed not only a portion of the fabled Brahma Heavenly Emperor's inheritance but also devoured an additional fragment from the former tenth-ranked Zhan Peng. This fortuitous twist had catapulted him to even greater heights. As for Mo Xie, he was no less formidable from the outset, with innate strength that defied comprehension. Like Qin Wentian, he had undergone a transformative experience within the Antiquity City, further enhancing his power.

However, in the end, their true mettle would be tested on the battlefield.

"You're quite the spectacle, aren't you?" Jun Mengchen retorted with a derisive smirk, arms crossed defiantly. He showed no regard for Xiao Lengyue's stunning appearance, instead choosing to humiliate her with his words. Jun Mengchen had harbored a deep disdain for Xiao Lengyue for some time now. The way she continued to address Zi Daoyang with feigned affection and sweetness was nothing short of revolting in his eyes.

"You..." Xiao Lengyue sputtered, pointing an accusatory finger at Jun Mengchen.

"And what about me?" Jun Mengchen scoffed, his tone dripping with provocation. "Planning to challenge me to a one-on-one deathmatch? Your daddy's immortal sense has already been spent, hasn't it? Without his protection, are you planning to use your charm to secure another savior?"

Jun Mengchen's words were like a razor's edge, cutting deeply into Xiao Lengyue's pride.

"FINE!" Xiao Lengyue's voice trembled as she coldly challenged him. She couldn't bear being publicly humiliated, especially by Jun Mengchen, a once seventh-level ascendant who had once been under her sect's banner.

As Xiao Lengyue stepped forward, Zi Daoyang reached out to restrain her, his violet eyes radiating an icy aura. He addressed Jun Mengchen with a chilling tone. "Bullying women, aren't you ashamed of yourself? If you're so eager for a fight, I'll be your opponent. Crushing you will be as effortless as flicking away a speck of dust."

"My junior brother and I were both seventh-level ascendants when we entered the City of Ancient Emperors," Qin Wentian interjected, his voice firm and resolute. "At that time, you already occupied the top spot in the Immortal Ascension Rankings. Yet, despite the passage of time, you still derive satisfaction from challenging someone like my junior brother? How utterly shameless."

Qin Wentian advanced, squarely facing Zi Daoyang. With a pointed finger, he issued a challenge. "Come, Zi Daoyang. Face me."

"Let's settle this."

Qin Wentian's thunderous voice reverberated through the heavens, casting a challenge that echoed far and wide. The members of the Qin Sect instinctively retreated, making way for the impending duel. Even Jun Mengchen and their companions stepped back, their eyes fixed firmly on Zi Daoyang, brimming with anticipation and unwavering confidence.

Meanwhile, the Violet Sect's experts withdrew voluntarily. They needed no prompting from Zi Daoyang; the unspoken agreement was clear. This battle was Zi Daoyang's responsibility. In a city teeming with geniuses like the City of Ancient Emperors, strength reigned supreme. If Zi Daoyang refused to accept this challenge, it would undoubtedly undermine his standing. The Violet Sect's experts shared the same thirst for battle, and without a compelling reason, they had no reason to follow a leader who shied away from a duel.

While the Qin Sect boasted an impressive array of experts, they refrained from initiating a full-scale conflict between the sects. Qin Wentian had made his intentions clear—he sought a one-on-one showdown with Zi Daoyang. From the moment Qin Wentian had stepped forward, this confrontation had been inevitable.

BOOM! Zi Daoyang advanced, his presence shrouded in a violet aura, and his constellation radiated with a fearsome energy. His eyes took on a striking violet hue, exuding an intensity that seemed to pierce one's very soul. He spoke with an air of supreme arrogance, "I've said it once before, even if you ascend to the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, you won't survive a single blow from me. If you desire death so ardently, I'll gladly grant it to you."

Qin Wentian, undaunted, took his own step forward, unleashing a surge of energy that swirled around him. His constellation blazed brightly in the sky, his eyes aflame like lightning. He retorted, his tone as cold as ice, "I genuinely can't fathom where your unwavering self-assurance comes from."

"It stems from being the top-ranked genius in the Immortal Ascension Rankings. It's the self-assurance of the most formidable figure in the City of Ancient Emperors," Zi Daoyang proclaimed, his arrogance soaring ever higher. He pointed a disdainful finger at Qin Wentian, adding, "Qin Wentian, you're destined to become the laughingstock, a living symbol of humiliation within the City of Ancient Emperors. You'll serve as a source of mockery for every genius here."

Jun Mengchen, renowned for his impulsiveness, couldn't help but voice his frustration. His aura flared, as if he intended to challenge Zi Daoyang himself. The man's relentless posturing had grown insufferable. While Zi Daoyang's status as the top-ranked genius was undeniable, his arrogance seemed to have no bounds.

"What insufferable arrogance," muttered the onlookers. Qin Wentian, a rising star, had recently ascended to prominence. The impending battle would determine whether he could dethrone Zi Daoyang, who had occupied the pinnacle of the City of Ancient Emperors for so long. Could Qin Wentian, as Zi Daoyang had boldly predicted, face humiliation, or would he emerge victorious?

Zi Daoyang, possessing two formidable secret arts—the Ultimate Violet Sacred Immortal Art and the Thousand Autumns Emperor Art—activated both, conjuring the faint, ethereal image of his constellation overhead. Never once had Zi Daoyang tasted defeat in the City of Ancient Emperors. He stood unrivaled, seemingly invincible.

Locked in a fierce exchange of glares, the battle intent between them surged, creating a frenzied clash in the heavens.

BOOM!

BOOM!

As the two adversaries took their first step, a palpable tension hung in the air, and the vast distance between them seemed to evaporate in an instant. Their intense gazes locked onto each other, an unspoken challenge that reverberated with a sense of impending battle. Zi Daoyang exuded an aura of supreme might, akin to that of an invincible sovereign king. In contrast, Qin Wentian's body surged with a resounding force, capable of shaking the very heavens—an aura so majestic it seemed to embody the essence of a conquering deity.

"Doom!" Zi Daoyang's fist rocketed forth, a gathering of violet light coalescing into the formidable Heavenly God Extermination Fist. Within its core, an unparalleled killing intent smoldered, poised to obliterate everything in its path.

Qin Wentian retaliated with a star-seizing palm imprint, an attack that laid waste to its surroundings, brimming with boundless potency. The palm imprint sparkled with luminous runic patterns, infused with an overwhelming destructive force. The two opposing forces clashed in a cataclysmic collision, shaking the very foundation of their battleground.

"How awe-inspiring! Qin Wentian launched that attack without relying on the God's Hand. Their strengths seem perfectly balanced!" The onlookers marveled at the incredible display. Qin Wentian's current prowess was leagues beyond his former self, having undergone a remarkable transformation, resembling a god of war in his prime.

Swish! Zi Daoyang's left hand surged forward, summoning his constellation's radiant brilliance. The interwoven beams of light converged into an enormous violet diagram. Qin Wentian, undaunted, hurled his palm toward the diagram, but before his attack could connect, it was halted. The colossal screen of light first nullified his power, absorbing its energy before rebounding the star-seizing palm strike back at Qin Wentian. What's more, the reflected assault carried the added force of Zi Daoyang's initial punch, effectively doubling its impact.

"The Thousand Autumns Emperor Art is formidable, indeed. It surpasses even the Xuan Emperor's Heavenly Mystical Mirror Art, capable of restraining and reflecting Qin Wentian's mighty palm strikes. It fully lives up to its reputation as one of the Violet Emperor's closely guarded secrets."

"In the past, when Nanfeng Yunxi, Princess Qing'er, and Qin Wentian united against Zi Daoyang, they could cope. But with Qin Wentian alone, this particular secret art serves as an effective countermeasure. Unless...he resorts to the God's Hand!" Whispers of speculation coursed through the crowd as they observed the unfolding battle with bated breath.