"Hmph!" A voice, thick with scorn, echoed through the air. It emanated from a demon of the Dao Palace realm. "The only reason he stood a chance was his reliance on the foundation of the Purple Heaven Holy Land. Only with that could he collaborate with the Supreme Elder of the Purple Heaven Holy Land to bring down Long Tianlu."
His voice dripped with disdain as he continued, "With the Purple Heaven Holy Land now distant, and in the absence of Ji Mingxiu and others, there's no way that foundation is with him. How much chaos can Jiang Chen truly stir?"
"Indeed," another demon rumbled in concurrence.
"Jiang Chen is destined to fall before us."
"Geniuses... Ah, nothing pleases me more than crushing the the human race's prodigies."
The eyes of the demon race's elite powerhouses flashed malevolently, their expressions twisting into wicked grins.
...
At that moment, on the competition platform, the host's voice rang out, "The first phase of the competition has concluded!"
"Here are the scores achieved by our competing prodigies: Jiang Chen with 999 points... Wu Xiaoman with 637 points..."
He paused briefly, letting the scores resonate with the audience, then continued, "Next, we will move on to the second phase of the combat prowess competition: a battle contest where each participant's True Combat Power is suppressed to the same realm."
"Each competing cultivator will face off against the remaining thirteen opponents. Winners will be awarded 300 points, while losers will earn points based on their performance!"
"We will now begin the drawing to determine pairings."
After his announcement, a device for the draw was presented on the platform.
"Suppressed to the same realm?" a spectating cultivator mused aloud.
"That rule seems genuinely fair!" another chimed in, nodding in agreement.
"It’s a significant advantage for competing prodigies of a lesser realm!"
"If it's within the same realm, then it truly comes down to one's innate combat talent!"
"This competition is certainly well-organized!"
Conversations buzzed among the spectators, many nodding in agreement with the change, their faces reflecting their shared sentiment.
By suppressing the realm, advantages held by individuals like Jiang Chen would be significantly reduced.
Next, the thirteen competing cultivators stepped forward for the drawing of lots.
Though this was a drawing process, its primary purpose was to determine an order.
Because every cultivator would spar against each of the other cultivators in succession.
Before long, the drawing concluded.
"Jiang, Holy Son Jiang Chen!" Wu Xiaoman, a prodigy of the Dao Comprehension realm, whispered with a pallid complexion.
She let out a heavy sigh, "Of all people, the first I drew was Holy Son Jiang Chen!"
Even with the knowledge that Jiang Chen would suppress his realm for the duel, she believed her odds of victory were thin.
Buzz buzz buzz.
At this juncture, the formation split into seven sections, each designed to serve as an individual battleground for the competition.
"Begin the battle!" At the host's command, the second phase of the combat prowess competition started.
"Please advise!" From a kilometer away, Wu Xiaoman addressed Jiang Chen, her face solemn.
Aware that her chances of victory were thin, she remained undeterred.
"Please!" Having adjusted to match Wu Xiaoman's realm level, Jiang Chen replied without any hint of condescension.
"Attack!" Wu Xiaoman's Yuan Power swelled, morphing her into a whirlwind as she charged towards Jiang Chen in an instant.
'Myriad Changes Everlasting Sword!' With his fingers mimicking a sword, Jiang Chen extended them lightly, unleashing a formidable sword Qi tempest.
"Ah!" Wu Xiaoman was sent flying backward with a shriek, though she was unscathed.
Quickly gathering herself, she dove at Jiang Chen anew.
"I'll allow you to score some points at least," Jiang Chen remarked with a subtle grin, engaging Wu Xiaoman for a short time using only his Myriad Changes Everlasting Sword.
Seizing the opportune moment, he thrust forward with sudden force, propelling Wu Xiaoman into the air.
Buzz buzz.
The formation's defense mechanism sprung to life, erecting a protective barrier around Wu Xiaoman, ensuring she sustained no harm.
"Jiang Chen vs. Wu Xiaoman, Jiang Chen wins!" The host's voice boomed. As the audience absorbed the result, Jiang Chen, maintaining his composure, turned and exited the platform. "Jiang Chen earns three hundred points, Wu Xiaoman one hundred!" the host declared.
The subsequent battles unfolded.
Facing the remaining twelve cultivators consecutively, Jiang Chen always allowed his opponents some points rather than achieving an absolute victory.
This strategy not only preserved the dignity of his fellow cultivators but also lulled the demon race members into a sense of complacency.
In no time, all the duels wrapped up.
Jiang Chen triumphed in all thirteen contests, amassing a total of three thousand nine hundred points.
...
In the depths of the Northern Seas.
"This Jiang Chen is truly exceptional," noted a Dao Palace realm demon, nodding appreciatively. "Even when his realm is suppressed, he clinches consistent victories. The techniques he deploys are distinctly unique, and he's yet to reveal his full potential. His combat prowess is undoubtedly formidable."
"Hmph, regardless of his strength, he remains at the Late-stage Dao Palace realm," another demon scoffed.
"The more impressive his achievements, the more devastating it'll be for human cultivators to witness his downfall. I'm genuinely eager to see his end."
"Hahaha, we should prolong his torment. The greater the suffering, the more profound the blow to the humans!"
The demons echoed with malicious laughter, reveling in their gruesome imaginings.
...
By now, the Immortal Martial Grand Assembly had kicked off its second competition: the Innate Talent comparison.
"With my unique bloodline, I’m certain I'll clinch the top spot in this round!" An eager prodigy of the Dao Comprehension realm declared. He had been anticipating this moment for ages.
Many fellow competitors resonated with his enthusiasm.
Every chosen participant in this grand assembly, hailed as the premier prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent, stood out as the crème de la crème in their fields!
While some might lack in combat prowess, they were immensely confident about their aptitude and inborn gifts.
Sequentially, the thirteen contenders started showcasing their talents. Jiang Chen was slated last. Although each cultivator posted commendable scores, a pecking order emerged. Those who lagged behind wore their dejection openly, whereas the top scorers radiated assurance.
At last, Jiang Chen's moment arrived. Every gaze converged on him.
Without hesitation, he rested his hand on the distinctive artifact purposed to gauge aptitude and innate talent.
Boom!
Suddenly, a dazzling surge of light erupted, sending the artifact's readings off the charts!
"What?!" A cultivator blurted out, his voice saturated with incredulity.
"Could Jiang Chen's innate talent truly be this formidable?!"
"I was aware of his phenomenal talent, but this... How profound must his aptitude and innate talent be to yield such an outcome?!"
Everywhere one looked, cultivators wore expressions of sheer astonishment: eyes wide as saucers and mouths agape, seemingly on the verge of dropping their jaws.
Those prodigious participants were even more shell-shocked, their gazes vacant and lips quivering.
Such was the magnitude of their demoralization by Jiang Chen that their confidence appeared nearly shattered.
The host then advanced, signaling the commencement of the third competition: the Willpower assessment.
For this challenge, a specialized artifact would exert immense mental strain on the contenders.
Based on each participant's cultivation stature, varying degrees of pressure were administered.
The duration one managed to endure this intense stress determined their score.
Many contestants, though mentally bruised by Jiang Chen's prowess, remained undeterred.
Even if the top spot was out of reach, a commendable rank promised notable accolades.
The third competition was soon underway.
One after another, the cultivators yielded to the monumental pressure. Only Jiang Chen stood unswayed, as if untouched by any pressure.
Such a spectacle plunged the onlookers into sheer wonderment.
Having clinched first place and not wishing to prolong the process, Jiang Chen promptly ended his round.
The concluding competition was next: Wisdom!
This round revolved around 'Yin-Yang Go', a beloved strategy board game on the Immortal Martial Continent. Here, the competitor's sole asset was their intellect, driving them towards triumph on the gameboard.
Numerous cultivators rallied their confidence for this round, seeing that it bore no connection to aptitude, realm, or combat prowess.
Some even discreetly fueled their resolve, yearning to outdo Jiang Chen!
...
On the cusp of this final competition's beginning, deep within Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island's northern seas.
Jiu Xiaoyin spoke in a chilling tone, "Once the competition wraps up, the Dao protectors will rejoin the venue. We must set our trap and ensnare all those gifted talents before that."
Bo Lang's voice, cold and ruthless, interrupted, "Not merely the prodigies." Murderous intent flashed in his gaze, making his voice sound as if it arose from a glacial void. "The multitudes of human cultivators are like fish awaiting their fate. Ripe for the kill."
Assertively, he commanded, "All divisions, advance with utmost stealth!"
In unison, the demons and demonic cultivators responded, "Yes!" They stealthily made their way towards the Immortal Martial Grand Assembly venue.
"Hmph!" A voice, thick with scorn, echoed through the air. It emanated from a demon of the Dao Palace realm. "The only reason he stood a chance was his reliance on the foundation of the Purple Heaven Holy Land. Only with that could he collaborate with the Supreme Elder of the Purple Heaven Holy Land to bring down Long Tianlu."
His voice dripped with disdain as he continued, "With the Purple Heaven Holy Land now distant, and in the absence of Ji Mingxiu and others, there's no way that foundation is with him. How much chaos can Jiang Chen truly stir?"
"Indeed," another demon rumbled in concurrence.
"Jiang Chen is destined to fall before us."
"Geniuses... Ah, nothing pleases me more than crushing the the human race's prodigies."
The eyes of the demon race's elite powerhouses flashed malevolently, their expressions twisting into wicked grins.
...
At that moment, on the competition platform, the host's voice rang out, "The first phase of the competition has concluded!"
"Here are the scores achieved by our competing prodigies: Jiang Chen with 999 points... Wu Xiaoman with 637 points..."
He paused briefly, letting the scores resonate with the audience, then continued, "Next, we will move on to the second phase of the combat prowess competition: a battle contest where each participant's True Combat Power is suppressed to the same realm."
"Each competing cultivator will face off against the remaining thirteen opponents. Winners will be awarded 300 points, while losers will earn points based on their performance!"
"We will now begin the drawing to determine pairings."
After his announcement, a device for the draw was presented on the platform.
"Suppressed to the same realm?" a spectating cultivator mused aloud.
"That rule seems genuinely fair!" another chimed in, nodding in agreement.
"It’s a significant advantage for competing prodigies of a lesser realm!"
"If it's within the same realm, then it truly comes down to one's innate combat talent!"
"This competition is certainly well-organized!"
Conversations buzzed among the spectators, many nodding in agreement with the change, their faces reflecting their shared sentiment.
By suppressing the realm, advantages held by individuals like Jiang Chen would be significantly reduced.
Next, the thirteen competing cultivators stepped forward for the drawing of lots.
Though this was a drawing process, its primary purpose was to determine an order.
Because every cultivator would spar against each of the other cultivators in succession.
Before long, the drawing concluded.
"Jiang, Holy Son Jiang Chen!" Wu Xiaoman, a prodigy of the Dao Comprehension realm, whispered with a pallid complexion.
She let out a heavy sigh, "Of all people, the first I drew was Holy Son Jiang Chen!"
Even with the knowledge that Jiang Chen would suppress his realm for the duel, she believed her odds of victory were thin.
Buzz buzz buzz.
At this juncture, the formation split into seven sections, each designed to serve as an individual battleground for the competition.
"Begin the battle!" At the host's command, the second phase of the combat prowess competition started.
"Please advise!" From a kilometer away, Wu Xiaoman addressed Jiang Chen, her face solemn.
Aware that her chances of victory were thin, she remained undeterred.
"Please!" Having adjusted to match Wu Xiaoman's realm level, Jiang Chen replied without any hint of condescension.
"Attack!" Wu Xiaoman's Yuan Power swelled, morphing her into a whirlwind as she charged towards Jiang Chen in an instant.
'Myriad Changes Everlasting Sword!' With his fingers mimicking a sword, Jiang Chen extended them lightly, unleashing a formidable sword Qi tempest.
"Ah!" Wu Xiaoman was sent flying backward with a shriek, though she was unscathed.
Quickly gathering herself, she dove at Jiang Chen anew.
"I'll allow you to score some points at least," Jiang Chen remarked with a subtle grin, engaging Wu Xiaoman for a short time using only his Myriad Changes Everlasting Sword.
Seizing the opportune moment, he thrust forward with sudden force, propelling Wu Xiaoman into the air.
Buzz buzz.
The formation's defense mechanism sprung to life, erecting a protective barrier around Wu Xiaoman, ensuring she sustained no harm.
"Jiang Chen vs. Wu Xiaoman, Jiang Chen wins!" The host's voice boomed. As the audience absorbed the result, Jiang Chen, maintaining his composure, turned and exited the platform. "Jiang Chen earns three hundred points, Wu Xiaoman one hundred!" the host declared.
The subsequent battles unfolded.
Facing the remaining twelve cultivators consecutively, Jiang Chen always allowed his opponents some points rather than achieving an absolute victory.
This strategy not only preserved the dignity of his fellow cultivators but also lulled the demon race members into a sense of complacency.
In no time, all the duels wrapped up.
Jiang Chen triumphed in all thirteen contests, amassing a total of three thousand nine hundred points.
...
In the depths of the Northern Seas.
"This Jiang Chen is truly exceptional," noted a Dao Palace realm demon, nodding appreciatively. "Even when his realm is suppressed, he clinches consistent victories. The techniques he deploys are distinctly unique, and he's yet to reveal his full potential. His combat prowess is undoubtedly formidable."
"Hmph, regardless of his strength, he remains at the Late-stage Dao Palace realm," another demon scoffed.
"The more impressive his achievements, the more devastating it'll be for human cultivators to witness his downfall. I'm genuinely eager to see his end."
"Hahaha, we should prolong his torment. The greater the suffering, the more profound the blow to the humans!"
The demons echoed with malicious laughter, reveling in their gruesome imaginings.
...
By now, the Immortal Martial Grand Assembly had kicked off its second competition: the Innate Talent comparison.
"With my unique bloodline, I’m certain I'll clinch the top spot in this round!" An eager prodigy of the Dao Comprehension realm declared. He had been anticipating this moment for ages.
Many fellow competitors resonated with his enthusiasm.
Every chosen participant in this grand assembly, hailed as the premier prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent, stood out as the crème de la crème in their fields!
While some might lack in combat prowess, they were immensely confident about their aptitude and inborn gifts.
Sequentially, the thirteen contenders started showcasing their talents. Jiang Chen was slated last. Although each cultivator posted commendable scores, a pecking order emerged. Those who lagged behind wore their dejection openly, whereas the top scorers radiated assurance.
At last, Jiang Chen's moment arrived. Every gaze converged on him.
Without hesitation, he rested his hand on the distinctive artifact purposed to gauge aptitude and innate talent.
Boom!
Suddenly, a dazzling surge of light erupted, sending the artifact's readings off the charts!
"What?!" A cultivator blurted out, his voice saturated with incredulity.
"Could Jiang Chen's innate talent truly be this formidable?!"
"I was aware of his phenomenal talent, but this... How profound must his aptitude and innate talent be to yield such an outcome?!"
Everywhere one looked, cultivators wore expressions of sheer astonishment: eyes wide as saucers and mouths agape, seemingly on the verge of dropping their jaws.
Those prodigious participants were even more shell-shocked, their gazes vacant and lips quivering.
Such was the magnitude of their demoralization by Jiang Chen that their confidence appeared nearly shattered.
The host then advanced, signaling the commencement of the third competition: the Willpower assessment.
For this challenge, a specialized artifact would exert immense mental strain on the contenders.
Based on each participant's cultivation stature, varying degrees of pressure were administered.
The duration one managed to endure this intense stress determined their score.
Many contestants, though mentally bruised by Jiang Chen's prowess, remained undeterred.
Even if the top spot was out of reach, a commendable rank promised notable accolades.
The third competition was soon underway.
One after another, the cultivators yielded to the monumental pressure. Only Jiang Chen stood unswayed, as if untouched by any pressure.
Such a spectacle plunged the onlookers into sheer wonderment.
Having clinched first place and not wishing to prolong the process, Jiang Chen promptly ended his round.
The concluding competition was next: Wisdom!
This round revolved around 'Yin-Yang Go', a beloved strategy board game on the Immortal Martial Continent. Here, the competitor's sole asset was their intellect, driving them towards triumph on the gameboard.
Numerous cultivators rallied their confidence for this round, seeing that it bore no connection to aptitude, realm, or combat prowess.
Some even discreetly fueled their resolve, yearning to outdo Jiang Chen!
...
On the cusp of this final competition's beginning, deep within Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island's northern seas.
Jiu Xiaoyin spoke in a chilling tone, "Once the competition wraps up, the Dao protectors will rejoin the venue. We must set our trap and ensnare all those gifted talents before that."
Bo Lang's voice, cold and ruthless, interrupted, "Not merely the prodigies." Murderous intent flashed in his gaze, making his voice sound as if it arose from a glacial void. "The multitudes of human cultivators are like fish awaiting their fate. Ripe for the kill."
Assertively, he commanded, "All divisions, advance with utmost stealth!"
In unison, the demons and demonic cultivators responded, "Yes!" They stealthily made their way towards the Immortal Martial Grand Assembly venue.
