Heavy Injuries on Both Sides

Heavy Injuries on Both Sides . . .

The arena stood eerily silent as the news of Xiao Lengyue's departure rippled through the onlookers. The name Xiao Lengyue, ranked sixth in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, had become synonymous with her relentless pursuit of Qing'er. Her quest was no secret, widely known throughout the City of Ancient Emperors.

Xiao Lengyue's determination to surpass Qing'er and prove herself as a higher-ranked contender had driven her to this point. However, her dreams were shattered in a battle that ended in a crushing defeat. A single strike from Qing'er's formidable void fist had triggered the Xiao Emperor's intervention, narrowly saving Xiao Lengyue from certain death.

Recognizing the precarious situation, the Xiao Emperor promptly removed his daughter from the scene, most likely relocating her to a safer place within the City of Ancient Emperors. The city's rules dictated that he couldn't linger for too long, nor could he excessively interfere in its internal affairs.

All eyes remained fixed on the ethereal and unblemished figure suspended in the air, their hearts filled with a mix of awe and trepidation. She was none other than Princess Qing'er, the daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor and a disciple of the enigmatic Matriarch Ji. Her intent to kill Xiao Lengyue was palpable, seemingly a direct response to Xiao Lengyue's sneak attack on Qin Wentian.

Speculation ran rampant among the spectators, fueling curiosity about the bond between Qin Wentian and Princess Qing'er. What connection did Qin Wentian possess that would incite such a ruthless reaction from her?

"Sis Qingxuan," Jun Mengchen whispered to Mo Qingxuan, "the more I see, the more I believe that Princess Qing'er and Senior Brother Qin are incredibly compatible. No wonder Senior Brother was searching for her so relentlessly. They must share a deep relationship, don't you think?"

Jun Mengchen's heart swelled with satisfaction as he recalled the unwarranted attack on his senior brother by Xiao Lengyue. Before, he had wondered who would be worthy of Qin Wentian's remarkable qualities, fearing that he would never find a suitable match. Yet, witnessing Qing'er's strength and resolve, Jun Mengchen now harbored only good wishes for their burgeoning connection.

Nevertheless, the confrontation between Qin Wentian and Xuan Yang continued unabated. Qin Wentian's demonic sword resonated incessantly, while Xuan Yang brandished a long spear emitting a dazzling, heaven-shattering light. The crowd below watched in trepidation, fully aware of the destructive potential of their wielded immortal weapons.

Both combatants remained deeply focused, conscious of their limited mastery over these formidable artifacts. The immense power they unleashed held the potential for devastating consequences, demanding their utmost concentration to prevent any inadvertent catastrophe.

Amid this tense standoff, the situation had clearly shifted. Xiao Lengyue's defeat and subsequent withdrawal underlined her solitary quest to challenge Qing'er. Moreover, members of the Xiao Sect refrained from intervening, not wishing to incur the wrath of the formidable Qing'er.

The aftermath of this battle spelled the end of the Xiao Sect's unity, with its disciples likely to disperse. Additionally, Qin Wentian's resolute actions against Xuan Xing had cemented the enmity between them, transforming their conflict into a blood feud. With the inclusion of Princess Qing'er, the experts from the Twin Stars Alliance hesitated to confront Qin Wentian, preferring to avoid a futile death in the name of a temporary alliance. After all, Xuan Yang, ranked fourth, found himself increasingly disadvantaged in this evolving power struggle.

A hush descended upon the crowd, whispers and speculations forming a clandestine symphony among the spectators. With Xiao Lengyue's swift exit from the battleground, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the fate of Xuan Xing's vengeance. The abrupt shift in the situation was palpable; Qin Wentian's Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay, coupled with the formidable presence of Princess Qing'er, had redefined the battlefield dynamics.

"Today, Xuan Yang won't find retribution for Xuan Xing," many privately mused. It was clear that the balance had tipped, rendering Qin Wentian virtually untouchable.

With a sense of resignation, Xuan Yang finally spoke, his voice laden with cold determination. The pressure emanating from Qin Wentian had reached an almost unbearable intensity, exacerbated by the formidable ally at his side. These factors left Xuan Yang with little choice but to abandon his pursuit of Qin Wentian's life.

"Is that so?" Qin Wentian retorted, a chilling laughter escaping his lips.

Xuan Yang, maintaining his icy composure, remarked, "This technique demands a heavy toll, one you pay with your own injuries. Refraining from striking me won't absolve you from the price you must pay."

"Even if I withhold my attack, it doesn't mean I'll squander this opportunity," Qin Wentian's voice rang out like a thunderclap. A malevolent gale surged forth as he unleashed a cataclysmic torrent of power. In an instant, he appeared before Xuan Yang, channeling the full might of the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay into his demon sword. The blade resounded with a piercing hum as it cleaved through the air, generating countless strands of deadly sword qi, each pulsing with lethal intent.

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the audience as they watched in disbelief. Xuan Yang had intended to halt the confrontation, temporarily relinquishing his quest for vengeance on behalf of Xuan Xing. However, Qin Wentian showed no inclination to back down, launching an all-out assault to claim his adversary's life.

An uproar of incredulity swept through the crowd. Xuan Yang's spear thrust toward the heavens, conjuring a tempest of ancient mirrors. His counterattack birthed a maelstrom of destruction, hurtling towards Qin Wentian like a cataclysmic tempest.

"BOOM!" The two ferocious attacks clashed, their devastating collision enveloping both combatants in a blinding explosion. Onlookers witnessed a burst of radiant light that swallowed the combatants whole. The aftermath unleashed shockwaves potent enough to pose a mortal threat to any unsuspecting bystander.

Amid the chaos, an ear-piercing screech reverberated. Dust clouds billowed, shrouding the battleground. As the haze gradually dispersed, the spectators were met with a staggering sight: a colossal crater had marred the terrain, its depths unfathomable. At its heart lay two prone figures—Qin Wentian and Xuan Yang.

Curiously, Qin Wentian had reverted to his original form, sprawled helplessly on the ground, his energy reserves depleted, and his aura feeble. Gone was the overpowering presence that once seemed capable of subduing the world.

Xuan Yang's condition mirrored that of his opponent. He lay battered and bloodied, his body bearing the brunt of numerous sword wounds. Both combatants were grievously injured, their attacks having pushed the limits of what each could endure. Qin Wentian's Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay had exacted a profound toll, leaving him incapacitated.

The battle's outcome teetered on the edge of a draw, as neither party could muster the strength to continue. Remarkably, Qin Wentian's unscathed body tilted the scales slightly in his favor. Nevertheless, the sheer force behind Xuan Yang's strike had pushed Qin Wentian beyond his limits, resulting in his collapse.

A hushed murmur swept through the crowd as they beheld the spectacle before them. This showdown, marked by ranks #4, #5, and #6 in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, had captivated their attention. The ramifications were far-reaching, with the sixth-ranked Xiao Lengyue emerging injured after her defeat, spirited away by her father, the Xiao Emperor.

Such an intense battle was a rarity in the City of Ancient Emperors, and the spectators bore witness to its significance.

The tremors of this grand spectacle still reverberated through the City of Ancient Emperors, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Xuan Yang, ranked fourth among the immortals, and Qin Wentian, the valiant fighter who defied all odds, had waged an intense battle that culminated in a resounding draw. Meanwhile, the chilling truth lingered that Xuan Xing, Xuan Yang's brother and twenty-seventh in the rankings, had met his untimely demise at the hands of Qin Wentian.

The city had not witnessed such a tempestuous storm in years. At its epicenter stood the enigmatic figure known as the God's Hand, Qin Wentian. Observing the spectacle from afar, members of the Xiao Sect, once filled with ambition, were now overcome by a tumult of emotions. Even Greedwolf, their leader, found himself wrestling with a complex maelstrom of feelings.

They couldn't deny the audacious courage of Qin Wentian. Were it not for the interference of Xuan Yang and Xuan Xing, the Xiao Sect would have paid a grievous toll to lay claim to the coveted God's Hand. Now, they faced a stark reality. Their steadfast leader, Xiao Lengyue, had been defeated, her authority diminished.

In this pivotal moment, Qing'er, the illustrious daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, materialized beside Qin Wentian. Her actions spoke louder than words as she helped him to his feet, her gaze as frigid as the northern winds, directed at the prone figure of Xuan Yang. The duo became enveloped in a potent spatial energy, vanishing from view in the blink of an eye.

In the realm of comprehension, none knew Qin Wentian as profoundly as Qing'er did. Her understanding transcended mere awareness; it bordered on a realm of unparalleled intimacy. Their shared history, forged in the crucible of their upbringing in Chu, had seen them grow together, step by step. She had silently observed his journey, a vigilant protector lurking in the shadows. Barring their separation in the immortal realms, it was no exaggeration to claim that Qing'er knew Qin Wentian better than he knew himself.

She was acutely aware of Qin Wentian's vulnerability at this moment. The immense sacrifice he had made, transforming into a majestic roc and employing the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay to vanquish the demonic energies, bore testament to his desperation. The Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay, a technique of such devastating power, had been employed only twice before in his life. The first instance was within the Pill Emperor Hall, when he rescued Mo Qingcheng. The second took place in Grand Xia, against the ascendants of the Great Solar Chen Clan.

Today marked the third time he had resorted to this ultimate technique. Qing'er's anger flared as she witnessed the events that had transpired—her arrival marred by the sight of Xiao Lengyue's treacherous sneak attack on Qin Wentian. It had ignited a fiery storm of vengeance within her heart.

Now, her sole focus was Qin Wentian's injuries. She paid no heed to anyone else, sweeping him away to a place of safety. In her eyes, he was the singular beacon of significance.

Amidst the lingering echoes of battle, Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan stood, their intentions discreetly conveyed. Understanding the gravity of the situation, they knew that lingering in this place was unwise. Thus, they discreetly departed, their movements unnoticed by both the Xiao Sect and the Twin Stars Alliance. All attention remained firmly fixed on the intense showdown that had recently unfolded.

Observing their departure, one onlooker couldn't help but muse aloud, "It appears that Princess Qing'er and Qin Wentian share a bond that surpasses mere friendship."

This statement ignited a chorus of gossip among the young geniuses in the crowd, fueled by envy and curiosity. The possibility of a romantic connection between the two prominent figures couldn't be dismissed. It was a testament to the joy one might experience when united with an individual of such extraordinary background and talent.

However, the path to their union might not be without obstacles. Whispers circulated regarding the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's fondness for his daughter and his intention to groom her as his successor. Yet Qin Wentian's formidable talent and indomitable spirit, exemplified by his recent triumph, hinted at a match that transcended such constraints.

In the end, it remained a tantalizing question mark. Would the status of Qin Wentian's clan harmonize with that of Princess Qing'er, and would the Evergreen Immortal Emperor permit their union to flourish? As the dust settled on this monumental battle, the fate of these star-crossed lovers remained cloaked in uncertainty.

The hushed murmurs of the crowd, thick with speculation and intrigue, lingered in the air like a storm refusing to dissipate. Qin Wentian's audacious act of ending Xuan Xing's life had sent shockwaves through the gathering, and Xuan Yang, immobilized and battered, lay before them. The question hung in the air, unspoken but palpable: what would be the fate of the #4 ranked Immortal Ascension warrior, his world unraveling with every passing moment?

Amid the whisperings, a voice of reason emerged, a beacon of pragmatism cutting through the web of conjecture. "Let's not dive headlong into speculation," the voice urged. "Qin Wentian's killing of Xuan Xing has undoubtedly set the stage for a reckoning with the Xuan Emperor's fury. The consequences of such an act are not to be taken lightly. Qin Wentian's days may be numbered."

All eyes swiveled toward Xuan Yang, the fallen Immortal Ascension #4. He lay there, a pitiful tableau of vulnerability, bearing witness to his younger brother's death and nursing grievous wounds of his own. In a cruel twist of fate, his defiance had rendered him powerless and at the mercy of his own misfortune.

As the onlookers contemplated the repercussions of this unprecedented spectacle, a solemn realization descended upon them. The City of Ancient Emperors, a nexus of extraordinary talent and relentless ambition, was no stranger to dramatic clashes. Yet, even in the annals of its storied history, the magnitude of this battle stood unparalleled. It left an indelible mark, a vivid memory to cherish and recount for generations to come.

Within the recesses of their thoughts, a common sentiment prevailed—an anticipation of what the future might hold. The spectators could hardly contain their curiosity, pondering the audacity of those who might dare to challenge the fates and vie for the coveted God's Hand. It had been showcased with blinding brilliance that Qin Wentian, with his tenacity and unwavering spirit, was not an adversary to be trifled with. His name now carried a formidable weight, an enduring legacy in the making.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows upon the city, the hearts of those present swelled with gratitude. They had ventured to the City of Ancient Emperors, drawn by the allure of the unknown, and had been rewarded with a spectacle beyond their wildest dreams. The resplendent battle, an awe-inspiring tapestry of power and determination, was a testament to the limitless potential that resided within each of them.

In the end, they departed with hearts ablaze, their souls resonating with the echoes of this fateful encounter. The City of Ancient Emperors had once again lived up to its reputation as a crucible for greatness, and its legacy endured through the memory of those who had borne witness to this remarkable day.