Chapter 365: The Battle Begins, The Western Heaven Battle Emperor's Hidden Agenda
"Hahaha, fine! Let this emperor test your strength!"
Outside Luoshui City, West Gate.
As the Western Heaven Battle Emperor's words rang out, the atmosphere became electrified, thick with tension.
Two Heavenly Supremes about to fight such a spectacle hadn't been seen on the Western Heaven Continent in millennia. Many spectators felt a mix of exhilaration and fear.
Heavenly Supremes stood at the pinnacle of power in the Great Thousand World. Even Ninth Grade Supremes and Earth Supremes, who dominated continents, were mere mortals in comparison. On weaker continents, even Seventh or Eighth Grade Supremes could rule as the strongest.
But a Heavenly Supreme? Anywhere they went, they commanded awe and respect. Even the ancient clans and superpowers of the Great Thousand World treated them with caution.
The Western Heaven Battle Emperor's fighting spirit burned brightly. On the other hand, Xiao Tiance felt a sense of excitement. He was aware of his current strength far beyond what it had once been but lacked a point of comparison.
This fight would be his true measure.
"Hahaha, Emperor of War, how about we take this battle to the void?" Xiao Tiance laughed as he proposed.
Fighting in Luoshui City, the Luo Clan's stronghold, would risk destroying the city with the mere aftershocks of their battle.
The Western Heaven Battle Emperor nodded slightly, agreeing. He didn't care where they fought; after all, as the Emperor of a Hundred Battles, his reputation had been forged through countless victories. If he couldn't defeat someone who had just ascended to the early Ling Grade Heavenly Supreme, how could he continue to stand tall on the Western Heaven Continent?
With a glance at Elder Lingdong, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor gestured for Xiao Tiance to lead the way.
Xiao Tiance smirked, glanced briefly at Elder Lingdong, then stepped into the void, followed closely by the Battle Emperor.
Ling Zhanzi Confronts Elder Lingdong
As soon as the two Heavenly Supremes disappeared into the void, Ling Zhanzi glared at Elder Lingdong and spoke in a low voice, "Elder Dong, why did you go against the plan?"
Earlier in the ancient secret realm, Ling Zhanzi had specifically told Elder Lingdong not to disturb the Western Heaven Battle Emperor. He had intended to handle the matter with Xiao Tiance himself.
Elder Lingdong had agreed, which was why Ling Zhanzi contacted Ling Feizi to bring Tianlu for the exchange.
But now, not only had the Battle Emperor appeared, but Elder Lingdong had also followed him. The only explanation was that Elder Lingdong had broken his word and disturbed the Battle Emperor's seclusion.
"Hmph," Elder Lingdong scoffed. "Saint Son, this concerns the dignity of the Western Heaven Battle Palace. We can't let Xiao Tiance ascend to Heavenly Supreme and simply walk away after humiliating us.
"Our palace has ruled the Western Heaven Continent for millennia and has never suffered such a loss. If we don't take action, how will our subordinates respect us?
"So, if you have any complaints, save them until after the Battle Emperor defeats Xiao Tiance. Then you can take it up with him directly."
Ling Zhanzi's eyes flashed with a trace of killing intent. He had long harbored dissatisfaction with Elder Lingdong, but the elder's actions this time were a blatant affront to his authority as the heir of the palace.
Still, this wasn't the time to act. Ling Zhanzi snorted coldly and turned his gaze to the void, silently vowing to settle the matter later.
Worries on Xiao Tiance's Side
Meanwhile, Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er watched anxiously. Xiao Tiance had previously stated he wasn't afraid of the Western Heaven Battle Emperor and even looked forward to fighting him.
But the Battle Emperor was a Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme, a realm above Xiao Tiance's Ling Grade. None of them fully understood the gap between the two levels, which only added to their concerns.
"Don't worry. If Uncle Tiance wasn't confident, he would've taken us and left long ago," Xiao Xuan said, attempting to reassure Gu Xun'er.
"Yes… Uncle Tiance will be fine," Gu Xun'er replied, nodding with determination.
In the Void
In the void, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme aura radiating without restraint. His battle intent was palpable, like a ferocious tiger ready to pounce.
Opposite him, Xiao Tiance smiled, his calm demeanor masking the preparations Ling'er was making with a hidden spirit formation. His eyes studied the Battle Emperor.
The man was indeed impressive, exuding an air of grandeur befitting his reputation.
"It's been thousands of years since I last fought anyone," the Western Heaven Battle Emperor said. "Ever since ascending to Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme, not even the Outer Realm demons have dared to appear before me.
"I thought my days would remain dull, but you, Xiao Tiance, dared to provoke my Western Heaven Battle Palace. I must admit, you have courage.
"I've heard you hail from a lower plane. Back there, you were likely a ruler, weren't you? But alas, you've only just ascended to Heavenly Supreme, and now you'll die at my hands.
"Still, I admire talent. Kneel now, pledge your allegiance to me, and I will overlook everything that has happened."
The Battle Emperor's tone was calm but brimming with arrogance, as though Xiao Tiance's defeat was a foregone conclusion.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance laughed. If he had ever entertained the thought of submitting to someone, he wouldn't have rejected the olive branch offered by the Tai Ling Ancient Clan. He wouldn't have disrespected the Black Dragon and Black Phoenix of the Hei Tian Ancient Clan either.
Those clans far outclassed the Western Heaven Battle Palace.
The idea of the Battle Emperor attempting to recruit him was utterly laughable.
Seeing Xiao Tiance's mocking smile, the Battle Emperor's face darkened. "So, you reject my generosity?"
"Hahaha! A true man stands between heaven and earth, never bowing to another.
"You may be strong, a Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme, but if you think I'd submit to you, you're gravely mistaken.
"Enough talk. Let's fight."
Xiao Tiance's words carried unwavering resolve, his disdain for submission clear.
The Western Heaven Battle Emperor's eyes narrowed. "Very well. Let's see if you can back up your arrogance."
Xiao Tiance burst into hearty laughter, his voice carrying across the void. Before his words even finished, the space around the Western Heaven Battle Emperor shimmered with the glowing runes of a spirit array.
"Oh? You're a Grandmaster Spirit Array Master as well? No wonder you have the courage to refuse me.
"Haha, but a mere Grandmaster level spirit array is far from enough to challenge this emperor!" The Western Heaven Battle Emperor's gaze held a trace of surprise as he examined the spirit array that had ensnared him.
Spirit Array Masters were deeply respected throughout the Great Thousand World. Even a regular Spirit Array Master could command deference from major powers. A Grandmaster level Spirit Array Master was a treasure wherever they went.
This realization made the Western Heaven Battle Emperor even more excited. His resolve to subdue Xiao Tiance solidified. If he could recruit Xiao Tiance, the Western Heaven Battle Palace would gain not only another Heavenly Supreme powerhouse but also a Grandmaster level Spirit Array Master a prospect too tempting to resist.
The Nine Dragons Ascend Formation Activated
"Whether it's enough, you'll see soon enough. Nine Dragons Ascend Formation activate!" Xiao Tiance's voice carried a cold edge as he took control of the array from Ling'er.
The formation, already a powerful Grandmaster level array, had been used in the past, though not at its full strength. At the time, Xiao Tiance had only been a Spirit Array Master, unable to unleash its true potential.
Now, nine massive golden dragons roared within the formation, their deafening cries reverberating through the void. Even Xiao Xuan and the others, observing from Luoshui City, could hear the thunderous dragon roars.
Weaker Supremes who had gathered out of curiosity began to tremble uncontrollably under the pressure. Some even lost control of themselves in fear.
In the Void
Within the Nine Dragons Ascend Formation, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor stood unfazed as the nine golden dragons coiled above him, their overwhelming presence filling the space.
The first dragon lunged with a roar, its razor sharp claws tearing through the air toward the Battle Emperor.
Whoosh!
At the last moment, the Battle Emperor sidestepped gracefully, narrowly avoiding the dragon's attack.
The second and third dragons followed suit, their attacks swift and ferocious. But the Battle Emperor, true to his title as the Hundred Battles Emperor, dodged with ease, his movements fluid and precise. His aura remained calm, his expression unbothered.
Despite the ferocity of the attacks, the Battle Emperor's extraordinary agility and surging spiritual energy allowed him to evade each strike effortlessly.
Xiao Tiance's Strategy
From outside the formation, Xiao Tiance observed the Battle Emperor's playful dodges, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"So, he wants to toy with my formation before destroying it in one fell swoop. All to prove his dominance and force my submission.
"Hmph, a predictable strategy, Emperor of a Hundred Battles. Too bad it's destined to fail."
This formation was merely the weakest of Xiao Tiance's Grandmaster level arrays. If the Battle Emperor wanted to amuse himself, Xiao Tiance was more than happy to play along.
Through a spiritual transmission to Ling'er, Xiao Tiance instructed, "Keep preparing additional formations. When this one breaks, activate the next. If the Western Heaven Battle Emperor wants to train with us, let's make full use of the opportunity."
Ling'er's cheerful voice replied in his mind, "Got it, Little Sir. I've already set up seven or eight Grandmaster level arrays. If he wants to play, let's play! It's a perfect chance to test my own skills."
For Ling'er, the Battle Emperor was an ideal test subject. As a Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme, he wouldn't be easily overwhelmed by a single Grandmaster level array, unlike a typical Ling Grade Heavenly Supreme. At the same time, her formations weren't weak enough to become meaningless.
The Battle Emperor's Taunt
Within the formation, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor swatted a golden dragon with a single palm strike, shattering it into pieces. He then dodged the combined assault of the remaining eight dragons with ease, his movements like a breeze weaving through a storm.
Amid the chaos, he glanced at Xiao Tiance with a smirk. "Xiao Tiance, I'll give you one last chance.
"Kneel now, swear allegiance to me, and I'll grant you a position second only to me within the Western Heaven Battle Palace. Even the four Saint Sons of my palace will be at your command.
"As for Elder Lingdong, whom you dislike, I'll place him under your authority. Do with him as you please.
"How about it? A position of one man below and ten thousand above. Doesn't that sound appealing?"
The Battle Emperor's tone was filled with pride, certain that his offer would tempt anyone.
Xiao Tiance's Response
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled softly, unperturbed. He knew the Battle Emperor's offer was genuine. Such an arrangement would strengthen the Western Heaven Battle Palace tremendously, adding Xiao Tiance's prowess and several Earth Supreme experts under his command.
But Xiao Tiance had no intention of becoming anyone's subordinate. If he had sought to serve others, he would never have ventured into the Great Thousand World.
Back on the Dou Qi Continent, he had stood as the unrivaled true god, his power enough to suppress all others, even those who had achieved the status of Dou Di.
"Battle Emperor," Xiao Tiance began with a faint smile, "if you want to subdue me, you'll need more than words.
"I have no interest in serving anyone.
"Also, isn't it a little premature to make such an offer? This Nine Dragons Ascend Formation was casually arranged. When you've truly beaten me, perhaps then your words will carry weight."
(End of Chapter)
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