Overwhelming Strike

Overwhelming Strike . . .

In the mystical realm of the City of Ancient Emperors, the geniuses who dared to set foot here carried with them a protective veil of immortal essence, invoking the images of immortal emperors. However, these manifestations were subject to stringent rules—they couldn't linger for too long, nor could they breach the city's sacred code.

As the protective shroud of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's immortal sense materialized, his regal presence washed over the surroundings. His ethereal form hovered in the air, and with profound respect, Que Tianyi called out, "Master!"

"Master," echoed Gusu Tianqi, offering his own obeisance.

Respect filled the faces of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect members, and the battle ground to a halt as all eyes turned to the apparition of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's gaze fell upon Nanfeng Yunxi, his power emanating. However, Nanfeng Yunxi met his gaze with the same cold arrogance, casting disdainful glances at Que Tianyi. "Senior Eastern Sage, do these personal disciples of yours truly represent your esteemed sect? This one here is both weak and arrogant. He even goes so far as to summon your immortal sense after defeat. Senior, wouldn't you agree that he has tarnished the honor of your sect?"

"You..." Que Tianyi pointed an accusatory finger at Nanfeng Yunxi.

"My disciples have just arrived in the City of Ancient Emperors. If they have offended you in any way, couldn't we resolve this matter without resorting to such ruthlessness?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor replied in a composed manner.

"Senior, why not inquire about your disciple's actions? Your sect's disciples insulted and humiliated members of my Qin Sect upon their arrival in the city. Worse, he dared to summon the leader of our Qin Sect, ultimately injuring our members. Yet in true combat, he cannot even withstand a single blow. Senior, your reputation is at stake because of such disciples." Nanfeng Yunxi's voice maintained its measured tone as she locked eyes with the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor.

"Are you a descendant of Matriarch Southern Phoenix?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor suddenly inquired. The moment he appeared, he had spotted the phantom of an ancient phoenix trailing behind Nanfeng Yunxi, accurately deducing her lineage. Now, her words only confirmed his suspicion—she was indeed from the Southern Phoenix Clan.

"That's correct," Nanfeng Yunxi affirmed.

"Que Tianyi, apologize," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's resounding voice echoed, sending Que Tianyi reeling. Even before this, he had heard about the Southern Phoenix Clan. But who would have thought that the striking woman before him was not only from that clan but also a descendant of Matriarch Southern Phoenix herself?

Now, his master, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, had ordered him to apologize.

"Show some restraint. I will instruct my disciple to apologize. Can we bring this matter to a close?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor extended an olive branch to Nanfeng Yunxi.

"If a mere apology were sufficient, we wouldn't have come to blows in the first place." Nanfeng Yunxi swiftly dismissed the proposal. "Since we are in the City of Ancient Emperors, let the young settle their disputes amongst themselves. Senior, I advise against interfering, as it could tarnish your prestige."

A stiff expression crossed the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's face. Nanfeng Yunxi seemed determined not to yield?

"What do you propose, then?" the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor inquired.

"This disciple of yours has not only insulted and humiliated the members of my Qin Sect but also caused injuries. We are evenly matched in cultivation, and this is not a case of the strong bullying the weak. I request a one-on-one duel with him. Surely, your majesty wouldn't object to such a fair contest?" Nanfeng Yunxi spoke with an air of unyielding confidence. Que Tianyi's complexion paled as her words sank in. He had already faced Nanfeng Yunxi in battle and knew he was no match for her. This duel wasn't about victory; it was about life and death.

As they discussed, an imposing presence descended, casting an authoritative aura across the scene. An indistinct face materialized in the air, its gaze penetrating. "This is the City of Ancient Emperors. Violation of its rules will not be tolerated. Leave now."

"I won't personally intervene here and disrupt the city's order," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor conceded. "Just grant me a few more moments for a few inquiries."

"Very well. Conflicts in this realm are for the young to resolve. Do not interfere," the authoritative voice decreed. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor addressed Nanfeng Yunxi, "Since a descendant of Matriarch Southern Phoenix has joined our sect, I'm certain our sect's presence in the City of Ancient Emperors must be formidable. Given your magnanimous nature, why harbor grudges against newcomers to the city? Moreover, my disciples wield immortal-ranked weapons. Engaging in all-out combat here would surely result in injuries and loss of life. Shouldn't we seek a more peaceful resolution?"

"You seem to overestimate the abilities of your disciples," a distant voice interjected. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's gaze sharpened as he glanced in its direction. Soon, several figures approached, and his eyes narrowed with a cold glint of recognition.

Amid the tension-laden atmosphere of the City of Ancient Emperors, a trio of newcomers emerged—Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Qing'er.

Qin Wentian needed no introduction. His very presence sent ripples through the gathered crowd, bearing the weight of past conflicts and untamed prestige. There was a time when Jun Mengchen had rejected his mentorship, causing a dent in his reputation. And, to everyone's astonishment, the daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, Qing'er, was now aligned with him.

Que Tianyi and Gusu Tianqi, standing on the opposite side, couldn't help but fixate their gazes on the newcomers, their eyes gleaming with sharp intent.

"Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, your moral standing seems to be in question. Your disciples are cut from the same cloth as you—nothing more than bullies who prey on the weaker. And yet, when faced with defeat, they hastily summon you. How utterly preposterous," Qin Wentian and his companions boldly proclaimed, taking their positions in the air.

Que Tianyi scoffed, "Who do you think you are? Do you even have the right to speak here?" He was already vexed by the unfolding situation, and now, this audacious Qin Wentian dared to appear, adding insult to injury. Utterly intolerable.

Qin Wentian maintained a mocking smile as he locked eyes with Que Tianyi. He descended from the air and strode forward, his voice dripping with scorn, "You, a defeated weakling, dared to summon your master at the first sign of trouble. Yet, you still have the gall to speak so arrogantly? Remember when we both participated in the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's disciple recruitment event in the Royal Sacred Region? Do you recall how you secured your position? You're nothing but a laughingstock."

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor directed his formidable presence towards Qin Wentian, emanating a chilling aura. Unfazed by the pressure, Qin Wentian sneered, "What's this? Is the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor contemplating taking personal action in the City of Ancient Emperors?"

"Do you possess the right to utter such words here?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor shot a cold glare at Qin Wentian. "Begone."

"Begone?" Qin Wentian's laughter rang out, his gaze unwavering. "This isn't your Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures. Over there, you might resort to all manner of despicable methods without repercussions. But wake up, old dog Eastern Sage. This is the City of Ancient Emperors."

A thunderous BOOM echoed through the air as a relentless surge of pressure bore down upon Qin Wentian.

"DISRESPECT!" The majestic voice thundered, shrouding the image of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. A blurry countenance in the air declared, "Do you wish for me to expel you forcibly?"

All eyes fixated on Qin Wentian, who dared to openly insult the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor by addressing him as "old dog Eastern Sage." His audacity knew no bounds, and he had shown blatant disrespect to an immortal emperor. It was an act of unparalleled boldness.

Que Tianyi's voice grew frigid. "You're courting death."

"Silence!" Qin Wentian's chilling gaze locked onto Que Tianyi. He continued, "Scoundrels like you aren't even worth my time. However, since you dared to humiliate members of my Qin Sect, Que Tianyi, your fate is sealed in the City of Ancient Emperors. No one can protect you here."

"The Qin Sect? You're affiliated with them as well?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor scrutinized Qin Wentian. He then turned to Nanfeng Yunxi and questioned, "This man's character is severely lacking, openly cursing and humiliating those of the older generation. As a descendant of Matriarch Southern Phoenix, why would you admit such a person into your sect?"

"Miss Qing'er, your father is a close friend of mine. It would be wise to distance yourself from this Qin Wentian," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor advised Qing'er.

Qing'er's visage remained icy, her gaze fixed upon the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor as she delivered a resolute reply, "You are the greatest hypocrite I've ever encountered."

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor stood there, his expression frozen in a complex mix of emotions, anger battling with a desire to maintain his composure. He couldn't allow himself to explode in fury, not in this precarious situation. He responded, though his voice carried an underlying tension, "You are like a niece to me, and perhaps there have been misunderstandings, but everything I do, I do for your own well-being."

Nanfeng Yunxi, unyielding and resolute, countered him firmly, her voice carrying a frosty edge, "Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, there's no need for you to meddle in the affairs of us juniors. This is the City of Ancient Emperors. Your disciples sought to flaunt their strength, yet they promptly summoned you when they faced defeat. With such lacking characters among your disciples, how can we, the younger generation, still hold you in respect?" A cold smile played at the corners of her lips. "Furthermore, Qin Wentian is not a member of the Qin Sect."

"He isn't?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor seemed puzzled by this revelation.

Xu Ruxue, standing nearby, spoke in a hushed tone, "He is the Sect Leader of the Qin Sect." The geniuses from the Qin Sect turned their attention to Qin Wentian and inquired, "Sect Leader, how shall we handle these audacious disciples from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect?"

"Sect Leader?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's gaze stiffened. Could it be that Qin Wentian was truly the Sect Leader of the formidable Qin Sect?

Que Tianyi's complexion turned ashen. He was well aware of the Qin Sect's formidable power, a force to be reckoned with in the City of Ancient Emperors, and a sect that even individuals as formidable as Nanfeng Yunxi chose to join. How could Qin Wentian possibly be the Sect Leader of the Qin Sect?

"Old dog Eastern Sage, did this catch you by surprise? Given the caliber of your disciples...how fortunate it was that my senior brother and I didn't choose to join the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect back then. Otherwise, we might have ended up as mediocre as these disciples you've nurtured," Jun Mengchen jeered, pointing at Que Tianyi. "Your personal disciple doesn't even have the qualifications to shine my senior brother's shoes, yet you dared to tell my senior brother to 'scram'?"

"Mediocre?" Que Tianyi's aura surged, and numerous pale, cold moons appeared in the air. He slowly advanced toward Qin Wentian, bellowing with rage, "Qin Wentian, let's see if you have the qualifications to boast here."

Qing'er, her demeanor icy, was about to step forward when Qin Wentian's voice resonated lowly, "Qing'er, allow me to handle this."

Qing'er halted in her tracks, and Qin Wentian stepped forward. A deafening rumble emanated from within him, and a formidable might radiated outward. His entire being was enveloped in a dazzling battle aura, an ethereal runic glow spanning the sky, suffused with an overwhelming ferocity.

God's Hand materialized, and as Que Tianyi continued his approach, a glint of cold determination shone in Qin Wentian's eyes.

"Die!" Que Tianyi roared, and the numerous moon-like projectiles hurtled toward Qin Wentian, their eerie glow casting an ominous pallor. Yet Qin Wentian calmly raised his hand, extending it outward.

The palm imprint generated by God's Hand was titanic, an imposing force that seemed to blot out the heavens themselves. It quelled all energies, exerting a stifling pressure that swept through the surroundings. Thunderous detonations echoed as the moonlight was smothered by the overwhelming force. The gargantuan palm imprint descended from the skies, reaching for Que Tianyi, who could only feel an all-encompassing oppression that left him gasping for breath. Helplessness gnawed at his soul as he stared at the impending doom.

"Boom!"

Qin Wentian's palm imprint struck with unforgiving might, gravely wounding Que Tianyi. His body was lifted into the air, his agonized cries echoing through the battleground.

Que Tianyi struggled, bellowing in agony, but Qin Wentian didn't spare him a second glance. Instead, he fixed a piercing gaze on the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, his voice ringing with a cutting tone, "Is this the caliber of your personal disciple?"