World's Strongest Martial Warrior

A towering platform had been erected in the center of the square to accommodate the Nameless Immortal Meeting. It was encircled by a formidable formation barrier, so robust that not even an average First Grade Golden Immortal could easily shatter it.    

Floating around the platform were numerous stone seats, each occupied by prominent figures from Cangyun State. The less distinguished attendees were relegated to standing in the air, observing the events from a distance.    

"Wow, it's quite the spectacle. This Nameless Immortal Gathering might just be the most magnificent in the palace's history," someone remarked.    

"Indeed. In the past, the gathering excluded the prodigious disciples from the major powers, drawing mostly independent cultivators. But now, it seems any true immortal prodigy under a thousand years old is eligible to participate."    

"Wan Xinghan from Cangyun Immortal Abode, Yu Sichen of the Jade Toad Immortal Sect, along with numerous Heavenly Immortal talents from the Golden Immortal factions. This meeting is truly a convergence of the gifted."    

"The Immortal Courts, hosted by the Nameless Immortal Palace, aim to recruit independent cultivators. It's curious why the elite from various major powers are joining in this time."    

"Who can say?"    

Peter Parker mingled discreetly within the crowd, eavesdropping on the conversations while scanning the area.    

Among the dignitaries seated around the platform, he recognized several familiar faces. In the principal seat to the east sat the Great Elder of the Nameless Immortal Palace, Liu Wucheng, alongside a grey-robed elder whose presence was deep and commanding. His power seemed to eclipse that of other Golden Immortals, such as Luo Qianqiu from the Luo Shui Merchant Alliance, suggesting he was at least a third-tier Golden Immortal.    

Behind these two were other high-ranking officials from the Nameless Immortal Palace, including Yu Bao.    

Apart from Liu Wucheng and his company, Peter's gaze fell on Wan Xinghan from the Cangyun Immortal Palace. His cultivation had clearly advanced significantly, having ascended to the Ninth Grade True Immortal Realm.    

Beside Wan Xinghan, two figures kept close pace. One was Lu Ding, a practitioner from the Ninth Stage Heavenly Immortal Realm, and the other, a silver-haired man whose presence was unfamiliar yet imposing. His aura surpassed even that of Lu Ding, suggesting he might be a formidable half-step Golden Immortal Realm expert, or possibly even at the First Grade Golden Immortal Realm.    

"Wan Xinghan has certainly enlisted the aid of another Cangyun Immortal Estate heavyweight," Peter Parker mused, his eyes narrowing with caution. Although the Nameless Immortal Palace's rules forbade open conflict, Wan Xinghan's recruitment of Cangyun experts hinted at covert schemes against him. Peter knew he'd have to stay vigilant.    

His attention drifted from Wan Xinghan to a striking youth in white, standing not too far away. The youth's age mirrored Wan Xinghan's, yet his cultivation level was superior, having already ascended to the half-step Heaven Immortal realm. Peter surmised that this individual was likely Yu Sichen from the Jade Toad Immortal Sect, a faction that ranked among the three great Zenith Heavens of the Azure Cloud State and whose influence rivaled that of the Cangyun Immortal Estate. Yu Sichen's reputation as a prodigy was clearly well-earned.    

Amidst Peter's observations, Liu Wucheng, seated at the place of honor, rose to his feet. In that instant, the bustling square fell into a hushed anticipation, all eyes converging on him.    

"The time has come," Liu Wucheng declared, his voice serene yet laden with an otherworldly gravitas that filled the plaza. "I hereby declare the commencement of this year's Immortal Courts."    

As his words echoed above, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, signaling the start of the momentous event.    

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Liu Wucheng gestured, and ten wooden chairs crafted from mysterious materials neatly arranged themselves on the elevated stage at the plaza's heart.    

"As is tradition, the Immortals Assembly comprises two stages, with the initial round being the contest for the top ten positions."    

"Before you stand ten seats on this lofty platform, each representing a coveted spot among the top ten. Secure a seat and maintain your position until the conclusion, and you'll earn your rank within the top ten of the Immortal Ascension Assembly."    

"Young individuals, not yet a millennium in age, eagerly join the Starless Immortal Conference, vying to ascend the platform and claim their rightful places."    

With his announcement complete, Liu Wucheng promptly returned to his own seat.    

Yet, his proclamation left many prospective participants of the Nameless Immortal Gathering exchanging uneasy glances. No one was quick to claim a seat on the imposing platform.    

The first round of the Rootless Immortal Gathering was notorious for its lack of rules. To take a seat on stage was to invite the challenge of every contender.    

Consequently, those bold enough to claim a spot would face a barrage of confrontations, potentially leading to a relentless series of battles.    

Despite Liu Wucheng resuming his place, the stage remained untouched, as no one dared to step forward hastily.    

The standstill, however, was short-lived. Yu Sichen of the Jade Toad Immortal Sect stepped up confidently, securing his place on one of the high platform's chairs.    

Yu Sichen, a premier prodigy of his sect, had not only attained the half-step Heavenly Immortal Realm but boasted combat prowess on par with a fourth-rank Heavenly Immortal. With his full arsenal, he could even rival a fifth-grade Heaven Immortal.    

His exceptional abilities meant he could count on one hand the peers within Cangyun State who matched his caliber. Claiming a seat at the Nameless Immortal Gathering was well within his grasp.    

With Yu Sichen setting the precedent, Wan Xinghan and the rest of the challengers were spurred into action.    

The ten seats on the elevated platform were quickly filled. Aside from Yu Sichen and Wan Xinghan, the other eight occupants were formidable contenders. The least powerful among them had attained the ninth-grade True Immortal Realm. Three were on the cusp of the Heaven Immortal realm, and one had reached the first-grade Heaven Immortal realm.    

The young man with the surname Luo, whom he had encountered at the inn the previous day, had also secured a seat. Yet, his abilities were considered to be the most modest among the ten prodigies present.    

These ten prodigies had claimed their spots on the platform. Anyone else aspiring to take a seat had to issue a challenge to one of the seated individuals. A challenger could only replace a seated person by defeating them in combat.    

This rule clearly placed the initial challenger at a significant disadvantage.    

Consequently, after the seats were taken, a hush fell over the arena as no one seemed eager to be the first to step up and issue a challenge.