Wild Sweep . . .
The fifth-level Celestial Phenomenon geniuses, one by one, willingly acknowledged Qin Wentian's prowess, giving him their respect and gratitude. They owed their survival in the earlier test to him. Even if they couldn't progress further, becoming core disciples was a significant accomplishment, and they owed it to Qin Wentian.
Before the competition began, it was clear that the Deepflame Immortal King had a vendetta against Qin Wentian. In response, these fifth-level ascendants chose to support Qin Wentian. His remarkable combat skills further solidified their resolve. Even if the Deepflame Immortal King held a grudge, he couldn't simply disqualify Qin Wentian without justification.
Only a few fifth-level ascendants remained undecided. Qin Wentian, already on the battle platform and with most of the fifth-level participants conceding, didn't want to disappoint the expectations of the others. He aimed to defeat all remaining fifth-level ascendants. If he could achieve this, the Deepflame Immortal King would have no reason to obstruct his progress.
Qin Wentian singled out Lu Longcloud, pointing in his direction and issuing the challenge. Lu Longcloud's expression froze as he gazed at the colossal 300-meter giant that Qin Wentian had become. The battle halo around him and the ominous blood-red glow in his eyes made Qin Wentian appear invincible.
Lu Longcloud had previously underestimated Qin Wentian, dismissing him as merely ranked #27 in Cloud Prefecture. His confidence had crumbled after witnessing Qin Wentian's combat skills. Despite being ranked #2 in Jing Prefecture, he now felt a profound sense of vulnerability.
However, with Qin Wentian challenging him, Lu Longcloud had no choice. He stood up, his figure flickering as he ascended to the battle platform. Even at a great height, he had to tilt his head to see the massive giant that Qin Wentian had become, a towering fortress of steel.
Lu Longcloud rose until he reached Qin Wentian's chest, but the sight of Qin Wentian's blood-red eyes staring at him sent shivers down his spine, and his aura weakened significantly.
In a tone dripping with disdain, Qin Wentian told him, "Get lost." His words left Lu Longcloud ashen-faced. Qin Wentian's power was undeniable, but was his rudeness necessary?
"BOOM!" Lu Longcloud unleashed his baleful aura, displaying the might of the second-ranked participant in the Jing Prefecture. Destructive currents surged, but at that moment, a third eye appeared on Qin Wentian's forehead. A single glance from it left Lu Longcloud in a daze as the surroundings transformed into a dreamlike realm, weighed down by immense pressure.
In the starry skies, Qin Wentian raised his palms, and ancient bells materialized, merging into a colossal golden bell. It radiated an overwhelming destructive force capable of shattering heaven and earth.
Lu Longcloud paled as he sensed the devastating might in the air. Facing Qin Wentian, who now seemed like a divine being, he felt utterly powerless. Despite being the second-ranked participant in the Jing Prefecture, he had no chance against Qin Wentian's overwhelming might.
"BOOM!" The resounding toll of the bell echoed across the platform. Qin Wentian, with Herculean strength, lifted the colossal bell and hurled it toward Lu Longcloud. In an instant, an overwhelming calamitous light burst forth, enshrouding Lu Longcloud entirely. It was as if millions of lightning bolts were striking from the heavens, obliterating everything in their path.
Lu Longcloud's furious howl reverberated as he desperately tried to fend off the cataclysmic light. However, as the massive bell descended upon him, his widened eyes reflected pure terror. The consequences of being struck by this gargantuan bell were beyond his imagination. Struggling with his decision, he finally roared, "I CONCEDE!" His voice resounded with every ounce of strength he possessed.
In a strange twist, their battle had just commenced, yet Lu Longcloud dared not continue. Fear for his own life compelled him to forfeit.
As the ancient bell halted and the calamitous light dissipated, the clear skies returned. Lu Longcloud gazed upward, bathed in sunlight that seemed to stretch time itself. Those brief moments of combat with Qin Wentian felt like an eternity, a calamity he had narrowly survived.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Longcloud glanced once more at Qin Wentian's colossal form before turning away, leaving the platform. It was as though he, the second-ranked participant in the Jing Prefecture, existed solely to highlight Qin Wentian's brilliance.
"This second-ranked contender from the Jing Prefecture is truly disappointing," some immortal king experts muttered. While acknowledging Qin Wentian's strength, they couldn't help but feel let down that Lu Longcloud hadn't even attempted to fight.
"Mhm," others agreed, sharing the sentiment of disappointment in Lu Longcloud's performance. His countenance darkened, and his body trembled involuntarily. Could it be that as the second-ranked participant in the Jing Prefecture, he couldn't even secure a spot in the top twenty? It felt like he had made an unfavorable impression on all the immortal kings.
"The Cloud Prefecture's #27, Qin Wentian, possesses impressive strength and potential," a supreme immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect commented. He turned to Dongsheng Ting, inquiring, "Your Highness, what are your thoughts on this young man?"
There appeared to be some unresolved issues between Dongsheng Ting and Qin Wentian. The supreme immortal king wanted to gauge whether these issues could be resolved, considering that Qin Wentian had the potential to be nurtured by their sect. In the future, as a member of their sect, Qin Wentian's status would justify a more cordial relationship with Dongsheng Ting.
"While he may be somewhat arrogant, his combat prowess is evident," Dongsheng Ting responded with magnanimity. He gazed at the towering figure of Qin Wentian as he continued, "Let's observe his performance further." Dongsheng Ting didn't anticipate Qin Wentian's remarkable growth, considering he had not chosen his royal father as his mentor. Qin Wentian's rapid progress was on par with the personal disciples of immortal kings.
The supreme immortal king nodded in agreement, maintaining his focus on Qin Wentian.
"You, step up for battle," Qin Wentian pointed to another individual. It was none other than the third-ranked participant from the Yue Prefecture, also at the fifth-level of Celestial Phenomenon. This person was among the few who had not yet conceded to him.
"It appears he intends to challenge all remaining fifth-level ascendants. In that case, he can declare himself the supreme contender at this cultivation level, smoothly advancing to the next round," the crowd realized Qin Wentian's intentions. If he stood at the pinnacle of the fifth-level ascendants, even the Deepflame Immortal King's grudge wouldn't hinder his progression.
With the third-ranked participant from the Yue Prefecture stepping onto the platform, Qin Wentian repeated his strategy, unleashing the colossal ancient bell with devastating force. The outcome was as predictable as before. Faced with the overwhelming pressure, the third-ranked contender from the Yue Prefecture, while shivering with fear, stood his ground. He couldn't afford to repeat Lu Longcloud's disappointing performance, which had left a negative impression on the immortal kings. Thus, he braced himself for the incoming strike.
As expected, the impact knocked him back, his soul quivering and on the brink of collapse. The immense calamitous power of the ancient bell and the oppressive force left him coughing up blood. He was even too weakened to utter a concession. Qin Wentian eventually spared him, and when the third-ranked contender dismounted the platform, his body convulsed, and fear was evident in his eyes.
"The second and third-ranked participants from two prefectures couldn't withstand a single blow. Qin Wentian's strength is unparalleled."
"Senior brother is incredible!" Jun Mengchen beamed with pride. However, Zi Qingxuan wore a concerned expression. Both she and Qin Wentian were fifth-level ascendants, and though Qin Wentian wouldn't challenge her, his overwhelming display of power cast a long shadow. To maintain her own luster, she would have to unleash her strength brilliantly and seize the opportunity to pass this test.
"Who would have thought Qin Wentian would be so exceptional," Idlecloud Immortal King mused from the Cloud Prefecture's area. Qin Wentian's brilliance outshone even the time of the Cloud Prefecture's selection test. Back then, Gu Zhantian had been the shining star, but now, Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen were equally remarkable, filling the Idlecloud Immortal King with pride. These geniuses hailed from his Cloud Prefecture.
However, there were many in the Cloud Prefecture who held grudges against Qin Wentian, their expressions souring. His performance was too dazzling. If he secured a spot in the top three, his status would skyrocket, becoming a Sage Child of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.
"He is indeed outstanding, but for now, he's only remarkable within his current level. Gusu Tianqi surpasses him by a considerable margin, and the gap between them is significant. Then there's Feather King, Xia Jiufeng, and others, all of whom are exceptional demon-level figures. Our Cloud Prefecture also boasts Gu Zhantian's amazing talent. Qin Wentian has a long way to go before he can reach the top three," a nearby person commented quietly.
"You make a valid point. There's still one more demon-level contender among the fifth-level ascendants: Su Feng from the Thunder Prefecture. Let's see how the battle between him and Qin Wentian unfolds. If Qin Wentian defeats him, there's no doubt he will secure a spot in the top twenty, sparing him from further battles in this round."
Idlecloud Immortal King spoke with a warm smile as the tension in the arena mounted. Qin Wentian had effortlessly dispatched his fellow fifth-level ascendants, leaving only one formidable opponent standing before him – Su Feng, the top-ranked contender from the Thunder Prefecture.
In the vast expanse of the thirteen prefectures, every top-ranked contender was an elite, possessing extraordinary power and abilities. While the Thunder Prefecture might not have held the highest status among the thirteen, its top-ranked contender was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. The question of whether he was exceedingly formidable or somewhat less so was about to be answered, as he stood at the pinnacle of his prefecture.
With a confident yet determined look in his eyes, Qin Wentian locked his gaze onto Su Feng, issuing the challenge. This battle was destined to be a clash of titans, an encounter between two supreme demon-level characters. Su Feng, the twenty-seventh ranked contender, held the title of the strongest among the fifth-level ascendants. The significance of this battle was monumental.
The victor would secure a coveted spot within the top twenty among the 160 participants, achieving this remarkable feat in a single, high-stakes battle. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as the crowd eagerly awaited the outcome of this pivotal clash between two exceptional talents.