C2689 CHAPTER2689
C2689 CHAPTER2689
However, this year's Immortal Gathering has introduced a new twist: any independent cultivator who makes it into the top ten without aligning with a power is eligible to join the prestigious Nameless Immortal Palace.
Moreover, the victor of the Nameless Immortal Gathering will be honored as a distinguished guest of the Nameless Immortal Palace, receiving the same benefits as one of its elders. This includes an annual bounty of ten thousand immortal stones and three drops of the coveted Thoughtless Immortal Dew.
When Liu Wucheng detailed the second round's rules and the grand prizes of the gathering, the crowd in the square erupted with excitement. The Nameless Immortal Palace in Cangyun State, while just one of the many branches, boasts a strength that rivals any of the Great Luo forces in the state.
In the grand scheme, the Nameless Immortal Palace stands as a formidable power in the Northern Frost Immortal Region. It may not match the might of the Immortal King's Northern Chill Immortal Palace, but it's certainly not far behind.
To become an honored guest of the Nameless Immortal Palace is to wield immense influence throughout the Northern Chill Immortal Realm. But perhaps the most enviable perk is the elder-level treatment, with the annual reward of ten thousand immortal stones and three drops of Thoughtless Immortal Dew—a fortune surpassing that of many Golden Immortal experts!
With the stage set, the second round of the Immortality Bout commenced. Peter Parker was the first to step into the arena, facing a formidable half-step Heaven Immortal. Yet, upon realizing his adversary was none other than Peter Parker, the half-step Heaven Immortal conceded defeat without hesitation. Despite his impressive cultivation level, his combat prowess paled in comparison to that of Shen Qiu.
Even a prodigy like Shen Qiu, who inherited the wisdom of the Great Luo, stood no chance against Peter Parker. He was outmatched and knew better than to waste his energy in a futile battle with Parker. Instead, he wisely chose to conserve his strength for more winnable fights that could improve his standing.
The subsequent battles were marked by a heightened sense of caution. When faced with the likes of Nie Hexuan and Yu Sichen, most competitors would promptly concede defeat, choosing to save their energy for later challenges. This strategic approach led to only half of the first round's nine consecutive battles being fully contested.
In the second round, Peter Parker's adversary was the sole contender among the nine young prodigies on the elevated stage who had reached the esteemed rank of First Grade Heavenly Immortal. This young talent was Gao Xiong, the last distinguished disciple of the Great Luo's Kui Gang Immortal Sect.
However, Gao Xiong's innate abilities within the Kui Gang Immortal Sect were not particularly remarkable. His attainment of the first-grade Heavenly Immortal status was largely due to his advanced age, which had surpassed 800 years—considerably older than the other young geniuses, most of whom were under 500 years old. As a result, Gao Xiong's status as a first-grade Celestial Immortal was primarily the product of time rather than exceptional talent.
Facing Peter Parker, Gao Xiong clenched his fists in a respectful gesture. "Gao Xiong of the Kui Gang Immortal Sect seeks your guidance."
"Oh?" Surprise flickered in Peter Parker's eyes upon hearing this. "You may have the cultivation of a first-grade Heavenly Immortal, but you're still no match for me. Are you certain you want to challenge me?"
Apart from Parker, only Nie Hexuan and Yu Sichen had the prowess to dominate the ten young geniuses on the platform. If Gao Xiong were to preserve his strength, securing the fourth position would be well within his reach.
"My natural talent may be modest," Gao Xiong admitted, "but my current level is the result of countless life-and-death battles."
Locking eyes with Peter Parker, Gao Xiong's resolve was palpable. "I'm aware of your strength, yet that won't deter Gao Xiong from stepping into the fray with you."
"It seems this guy is a battle maniac too," Peter Parker observed, shaking his head. He stood casually, hands clasped behind his back, and regarded Gao Xiong with a cool gaze. "If you're itching for a fight, then by all means, go ahead."
"Sorry!" Gao Xiong apologized, stepping forward as he spoke.
Bang!
With a thunderous noise, Gao Xiong's body swelled to twice its size. His form shimmered like molten gold, each muscle brimming with explosive strength. His eyes shone as bright as lanterns.
He was a practitioner of the Kui Gang Immortal School's Great Luo Power, renowned throughout Cang Yun State for its formidable strength. The school's immortal arts focused on cultivating an incredibly potent immortal body, achieving the power to shatter all laws with sheer force.
"Sky Kui Fist Technique, First Form!" Gao Xiong bellowed. In an instant, he vanished, tracing a golden arc across the sky. Moving at a fearsome velocity surpassing the speed of light, he launched a punch at Peter Parker.
In the face of Gao Xiong's earth-shattering attack, Peter Parker simply lifted his hand and countered.
Crack!
The golden Heaven Opening Divine Seal expanded to fill the void, resembling an invincible divine mountain sweeping through space.
Against Peter Parker's Heaven Opening Seal, Gao Xiong's attack crumbled without resistance.
Gao Xiong's body shook violently, as if hammered by a giant sledge. Blood spurted from his lips, and he was sent hurtling backward in a pitiful state.
Onlookers saw that Gao Xiong's towering golden form had been crushed inward, several chest bones visibly broken.
Had it not been for his mastery in strength and his exceptionally fortified physique—far surpassing that of an ordinary First Grade Heavenly Immortal—Peter Parker's strike might have impaled him!
"Your Excellency's strength is truly beyond my imagination. I admit defeat," Gao Xiong conceded, struggling to contain his internal injuries. A wry smile crossed his face as he acknowledged Peter Parker.
Despite being a First Grade Heavenly Immortal like Peter Parker, Gao Xiong was acutely aware of the gap between them. Yet, his dedication to cultivating strength had rendered his physique formidable, his defenses nothing short of remarkable.
He had assumed he could spar with Peter Parker for a while, but to his surprise, he couldn't even withstand a single blow from his adversary. The man before him was a more formidable force than the legendary prodigy their Kui Gang Immortal Sect hadn't seen in ten thousand years.
"Brother Nie, Peter Parker is simply too strong. If things keep going this way, I fear he'll take the title at this unnamed Immortal Gathering," Yu Sichen remarked, observing Gao Xiong's swift defeat, and sent a telepathic message to Nie Hexuan.
Nie Hexuan glanced at Yu Sichen and replied coolly, "The victor of the unnamed Immortal Gathering should rightfully be the most skilled. Are you suggesting we resort to deceit in the presence of the Golden Immortal masters of the Nameless Immortal Palace?"
"It wouldn't be deceit. If we team up, whoever faces Peter Parker first will exhaust as much of his strength as possible. That should make it easy for the next person to take him down," Yu Sichen explained with a sly grin. "This year's champion of the Nameless Immortal Gathering will be esteemed as a guest of the palace and receive the privileges of an elder, including three drops of the coveted Thoughtless Immortal Dew annually. Surely, Brother Nie, you're enticed by the prospect?"