Chapter 73

Ye Wuque secretly thought to himself.

He could feel that Ye Xingchen, the forty-ninth sequence of the Ye Clan, was indeed much stronger than Ye Tianquan.

"It won't be long; after one fight we'll know!"

At this moment, all forces gathered, the atmosphere was hot and undercurrents surged.

Suddenly, the immortal music became grand and solemn, rosy light in myriad rays, auspicious colors in thousands of strips; an emperor's aura covering the eight wastes and pressing the universe spread from the depths of the hall like a tide, instantly silencing all clamor as everyone rose involuntarily, their expressions solemn.

The Emperor of the Immortal Dynasty of Zhen Tian, Duan Qiongcang, stepped onto the supreme throne amidst endless divine light and swirling dragon aura.

He was tall and sturdy, as if supporting the entire starry universe; his visage blurred within the thick imperial dragon aura, only a pair of eyes deep as the ancient star sea, gentle yet containing indisputable supreme majesty, slowly sweeping over the beings below.

"Congratulations to the Emperor on his 100,000-year birthday! May immortal blessings last forever, and the Tiandao endure eternally!"

The congratulatory voices rose like mountains and seas, shaking the universe.

The birthday feast officially began; countless delicacies and divine nectar fruits were presented by graceful maidens, all rare treasures seldom seen outside, containing abundant essence; eating them made one's pores relax and cultivation subtly advance.

Moreover, an unparalleled immortal maiden danced lightly, her wondrous movements subtly in tune with the Heavenly Dao, captivating all.

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere grew even more heated.

The performance martial arts segment then commenced.

One side, a starry arena temporarily opened by a great power in the center of the hall appeared, its light curtain flowing, extremely stable.

At first, some Heavenly Pride from ordinary Immortal Factions took the stage to exchange blows, their divine abilities and treasures shining brightly, eliciting rounds of applause, and it was quite lively.

But when a young prince wearing a dark-gold Dragon Pattern robe, with a steady demeanor and ordinary face, slowly stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted slightly.

"He is the nineteenth prince of the Immortal Dynasty of Zhen Tian, Duan Xingming."

Someone whispered, "It's said his talent is not bad, but he usually keeps a low profile."

Duan Xingming clasped his hands, his voice calm:

"I am Duan Xingming; I humbly ask for your guidance, fellow cultivators."

Soon, a Holy Son from a major sect leapt onto the stage, his aura fierce, yet within fewer than ten moves he was sent flying by Duan Xingming's seemingly plain Palm Seal, swiftly and cleanly.

Next, three or four more renowned Heavenly Pride took the stage, including the Yin-Yang Sect's Holy Son Yang Shuò, who employed the marvelous Yin-Yang technique, the Taiji diagram turning, offense and defense united, yet still beyond a hundred moves, Duan Xingming found a sliver of weakness, a finger broke the Yin-Yang balance, and he stumbled in defeat.

From start to finish, Duan Xingming's breath remained steady, his moves simple to the Tiandao, yet they contained terrifying power and exquisite application of the laws.

"Is there any fellow cultivator willing to offer instruction?"

He still spoke calmly.

Then, the Heavenly Pride of the Immortal Clan Jun family, Jun Moshén, snorted coldly, his Dark Shadow flashing like a heavenly blade drawn, landing on the stage, his aura sharp:

"Jun clan, Jun Moshén; I request your guidance, fellow cultivators!"

The entire venue immediately became quite noisy, many people paying attention.

"He is the third-sequence Jun Moshén of the Jun clan!"

"I've heard of him; he is one of the outstanding representatives of the younger generation of the Jun Imperial Clan! His strength is overwhelmingly strong, and his methods are extremely ruthless!"

"Although the Jun clan is not as great as those few Undying Aristocratic Families, it can still be considered the top tier beneath the Undying Aristocratic Families!"

"Its foundation and strength are also considered unfathomable!"

"As an outstanding representative of such a clan, Jun Moshén should not perform poorly, right?"

"Who knows? I think, although Duan Xingming is young, it's truly uncertain who will win or lose in this match!"

Many people discussed heatedly.

Ye Wuque was also paying attention.

"The Jun Imperial Clan of Boundless Heaven, is it related to that Jun family of Hengyu Earth? Brother Duan."

Ye Wuque asked.

Duan Xiuluo said lightly: "There is some relation, but not much. That branch of the Jun family in the Vast Heaven was actually expelled by the Jun Imperial Clan! They cannot be considered true Jun people!"

"But the specifics still depend on the attitude of the Jun Imperial Clan's people! After all, the Jun Imperial Clan is divided into many factions; some closer relatives might possibly be."

Ye Wuque slowly nodded.

Speaking of which, the decline and even downfall of that Jun family branch in the lower realm are inseparable from him.

He never expected to encounter a Jun family member again in this Upper Three Heavens' Boundless Heaven.

It seems this family is far stronger and older than he imagined!

At this moment, the martial bout on the stage has already begun.

Jun Moshén made the first move, his finger like a blade, unleashing a slash whose brilliant sword light tore the Void, containing the fierce will to sever all things; this is the Jun clan's renowned "Star-Splitting Sword Technique"!

Duan Xingming's expression unchanged, he moved his hands, condensing imperial dragon aura into an ancient shield.

Boom!

Blade and shield clashed, erupting in blinding light; energy ripples struck the light curtain, causing it to flicker violently.

The two instantly became entangled in battle!

Jun Moshén's sword technique was overbearing and fierce, swift as lightning; each strike could cleave stars.

Meanwhile, Duan Xingming stood firm as Mount Tai, his body surging with imperial dragon aura; with fist, palm, finger, or shield he neutralized every attack, defending flawlessly, occasionally countering like a snake emerging from its hole, forcing Jun Moshén to retreat on defense.

In the blink of an eye, after hundreds of exchanges, Jun Moshén, unable to break through, grew somewhat irritable; he let out a long roar, his qi and blood thundered, and behind him appeared a vision of a vast starry expanse, one great star especially brilliant!

"Take my... Star-Falling Slash!"

He turned his body into a blade, man and sword as one, becoming a shocking sword light like a bolt of silk, like a meteor falling to the world, slashing toward Duan Xingming!

Duan Xingming's eyes finally flashed with solemnity; he drew a deep breath, his imperial dragon aura instantly condensed, then he thrust out a fierce punch!

This punch, without any flourish, seemed to gather the immense national fortune and power of the Immortal Dynasty; before its fist, the Void silently sank and shattered!

"World-Suppressing Imperial Fist!"

Someone exclaimed in shock!

Boom——!!!

At the point where blade and fist collided, a terrifying light and deafening roar erupted, like a stellar explosion!

The light curtain over the entire arena flashed wildly, nearly shattering!

The light faded, and Jun Mosheng stomped back several steps, his face flushing, his blade‑hand trembling slightly, the tiger's mouth split and bleeding.

Duan Xingming also stepped back three paces, his sleeve ripped, a shallow bloodstain appearing on his arm, yet his breath remained steady.

The outcome is decided!

Duan Xingming clasped his hands and said, "Daoist Jun, I accept your concession; I was merely fortunate."

Jun Mosheng's face darkened; he snorted coldly and jumped off the arena without a word.

"Hahaha! Good! This child Xingming has at last not brought shame upon Me!"

Upon the imperial throne, Emperor Duan Qiongcang laughed heartily, his voice shaking the Great Hall, obviously extremely pleased.

The various forces below also exclaimed in admiration, voices of praise rising one after another.

"The Heaven‑Suppressing Immortal Dynasty's foundation is indeed terrifying! An obscure prince, so young, could easily defeat the Jun family's third tier!"

"The World‑Suppressing Emperor Fist is overbearing and unmatched; it already bears a hint of the Emperor's youthful vigor!"

"The younger generation of the Immortal Dynasty hides dragons and crouches tigers!"

After this battle, the majesty and foundation of the Heaven‑Suppressing Immortal Dynasty were once again deeply etched into everyone's hearts.

The atmosphere of the birthday banquet was also pushed to a true climax.

Duan Xingming calmly stepped down from the arena, as if he had merely done a trivial matter, yet his low‑key yet mighty image had already taken root in people's hearts.