Chapter 565: Chapter 563: An Unexpected Set of Rules
Atop the mountain peak, beneath the void, sudden silence descended, still as an ancient well, wave-less and unmoving!
Even the wind was suspended, frozen in place!
The Five Celestial Humans, the supreme quintet of the Spirit Realm!
Five Elements Celestial Realm, Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven, Star Nebula Infinite Sea, the Jun Family, Daqian!
Below, countless mighty figures gazed up in awe and reverence.
Even among the seven supreme powers, Zuo Shenzong and Shi Feng could scarce conceal respect mingled with dread.
Beneath the Immortal Path, all are but ants!
And beneath Celestial Human, so it remains!
Xu Yang gazed at the five figures above. Though no ripple of aura could be sensed, his spirit trembled uncontrollably.
His Minghuo seemed subject to formless suppression, flickering and unsteady!
They appeared to have utterly surpassed the limits of conceivable life itself.
Unfathomable, inexpressible!
"Everyone should have arrived by now."
An elder in simple robes suddenly smiled and spoke.
He gave an impression of mildness and benevolence.
By Xu Yang’s ear came a whispered transmission from Shi Feng: "That is the Five Elements Celestial Realm’s mighty Celestial Human, Yun Zheng. He has lived the longest, and is widely regarded as the strongest among the Five Celestial Humans."
"Beside him, in order: Saint Monarch Nantian of Star Nebula Infinite Sea; Profound Jade Saint Monarch of Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven; Jun Wuji of the Jun Family, the Wuji Saint Monarch!"
Among them, the Celestial Human of Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven was most striking—she was the lone woman amongst the five.
She appeared no more than thirty—her figure voluptuous, her beauty unmatched!
Like a celestial maiden descended to the mortal realm, inspiring not the least profane thought.
Saint Monarch Nantian was likewise an elder yet more robust and imposing than Yun Zheng.
Jun Wuji, the Wuji Saint Monarch of the Jun Family, was a silver-haired middle-aged man, visage as if sculpted with blade, towering and burly.
A boundless, invisible might radiated from him!
"Saint Monarch Yun Zheng, the seven top factions, Daqian, and the nine first-class forces have all assembled!"
A cultivator from the Five Elements Celestial Realm spoke reverently.
Yun Zheng nodded slightly, turning to the other four. "Since this is so, shall we begin?"
"Let us begin."
"We’ll trouble you with everything, Yunzheng."
The other mighty ones each responded in turn.
Even here, Yun Zheng’s exalted standing was manifest.
Yun Zheng, smiling, nodded from aloft and declared, "Information about the Ruins of Fallen Immortals has already been passed to you all. I need not repeat it."
"Today, we gather for two matters: First, to allocate the quotas for entering the Ruins of Fallen Immortals; second, to allow the heroes of each faction a chance to spar."
"There are three thousand quotas in all!"
"As for the rules, they are simple."
...
Gazing upon Yun Zheng as he explained the rules, Xu Yang felt this was not a sovereign of the Spirit Realm, but a kindly elder from the neighborhood.
No trace of majesty!
A return to simplicity and truth!
"Five Elements Celestial Realm!"
In the depths of his heart, Xu Yang recalled Shi Feng’s initial suspicions; secretly alert, he mused: This Yun Zheng, though seemingly amiable, harbors intentions unknown—who could perceive his aims?
As Yun Zheng’s words ended, an uproar surged among the crowd.
Xu Yang’s gaze flickered with astonishment, for the rules were...
Truly unexpected!
Judging by the stunned faces all around, clearly, these rules had upended everyone’s expectations.
All the contenders—each would have only a single quarter hour!
Before it began, each would draw lots—ten numbers apiece—and, in that single quarter hour, challenge in order.
Win a match, and receive a Spirit Talisman. One talisman equaled thirty places—one hundred talismans in all!
If defeated, it would count for nothing!
"With these rules, if your strength suffices, you need not worry. Beyond that—it’s just down to luck."
"Ten matches in a quarter hour—you must be quick. If you draw evenly matched opponents, headache indeed."
"Both good and bad, I suppose."
"What a twist! For top contenders like Xiao Ming and Xu Yang, won’t they just crush everyone?"
...
The crowd discussed noisily, unable to settle their emotions.
"Seems like good news for us." Shi Hu muttered beneath his breath.
Xu Yang nodded faintly.
With these rules, those strong in cultivation held unassailable advantage!
Yet, whatever the rules, the result would be the same.
The strong hold the absolute advantage by nature.
But now, time was the true key!
A quarter hour—if outmatched, one must yield at once!
"If there are no objections, then let us begin."
With a sleeve’s sweep, Yun Zheng set things in motion.
Whoosh!
A hundred Spirit Talismans appeared from thin air, radiant with spiritual light, clustering together and hanging in the air on one side of the mountain peak.
Each group of thirty—the three thousand places total.
Simultaneously, a cluster of shifting, colorful light drifted down.
Its surface surged with spiritual glow, revealing within only faint, hazy pearls.
"Those seeking to contend—step forth!"
The clamor dwindled as if by command.
One after another, figures strode quickly forward.
From the seventeen mighty sects, no fewer than thirty-two emerged.
Xu Yang swept his gaze around, spotting Xiao Ming, Chen Xuanji, Jun Baimu, Zuo Guangchen, and others.
Each of these great powers had sent but one representative.
Yet among the War King’s clan, both he and Shi Hu entered the field.
Other factions sent two each as well.
From Daqian’s side, in addition to Yie Vajra, there was yet a stranger whom Xu Yang had never previously met.
He couldn’t help but glance twice more.
At that moment, the colorful light cluster suddenly quivered.
Shua, shua, shua!!
Beams of spirit light shot forth like lightning, halting before each candidate, slowly revealing talismans emblazoned with numeric marks.
Xu Yang glanced at his—number three!
Xiao Ming was one, Chen Xuanji was two.
Fourth was a maiden.
"That must be Lan Yue of Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven?"
Xu Yang regarded her with subtle care.
Her bearing was unearthly, as if aloof from the mortal sphere.
Her cultivation—True Monarch Perfection!
She did not display any mark of past grievous injury.
"It seems she’s recovered. As for any lingering effect, who can say."
Dispelling all other thoughts, Xu Yang narrowed his mind to focus.
Next, it was time to draw lots.
"Ten matches, Xu Yang. You won’t escape me."
"I’m quite eager to see what progress you’ve made, these past days."
Xiao Ming strode out first, grinning at Xu Yang with a brazen, challenging look.
At once, all eyes turned to Xu Yang.
Within the Dongyang Profound Sect, the battle between Xu Yang and Xiao Ming was famous to all!
Their expressions were various and strange.
"This time, it’s a matter of quotas, and there’s but a quarter hour. If Xu Yang faces Xiao Ming, he’s no chance for prolonged struggle!"
"Best to surrender promptly!"
"Heh—let ’em clash and waste time. Others can seize more quotas that way."
"Xu Yang may be strong, but to face Xiao Ming—it’s courting death."
...
Xu Yang replied with an unchanging face, "You will not be disappointed."
"Heh."
Xiao Ming sneered, shaking his head minutely; then he stepped to the cluster of light and thrust his palm within.
Shua, shua, shua!!
Spheres of light rapidly materialized by his side.
The very first number startled all: two!
That’s Chen Xuanji!
"Damn!"
Shi Hu swore softly, face dark.
For the second number was an eight—that of Shi Hu himself!
When the ten numbered pearls had all appeared, a flicker of surprise flashed in Xu Yang’s eyes.
His own number was absent!
Truth be told, he wished to cross blades with Xiao Ming again.
But if they did not meet, so be it!
"A pity!"
Xiao Ming retrieved his ten pearls with a flourish and a laugh, turned back, and stared at Xu Yang, expression playful and ambiguous. "It’s your turn now."
Xu Yang gave no response, his face blank and impassive.
