Chapter 175: Quzhou Chen Qiu, greets everyone. (Part 2)

Chapter 175: Quzhou Chen Qiu, greets everyone. (Part 2)

The third stage.

It was a massive Green Stone Square, with 100 platforms arranged in a row on one side, all numbered from one to one hundred.

When all the Chessboard Secret Realm winners appeared on this Green Stone Square, everyone's faces darkened with displeasure as they looked around at each other.

It was obvious that everyone wanted to know who the person was who had wasted their three days!

The "World Turmoil" version was about to arrive, and every day was extremely important. Increasing one's strength could mean better survival during the upcoming chaotic times and seizing more opportunities.

But no one could have imagined that the second stage would waste three whole days.

".

Chen Qiu, who had also reached the third stage, quickly scanned his surroundings and took in the sight of the third Secret Realm. He didn't mind wasting three days, as even with a tenfold cultivation speed, it wouldn't be of much use without the Primordial Soul Dao Cultivation Pill.

It could be said that the effect was almost negligible.

However, spending three days straight in the Secret Realm was a bit boring, and he couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed at the person who had wasted his time. He had also fed his Nascent Soul three Malevolent Woods during these three days.

Before entering the small world, he had placed all the useful items in his Heavenly Dao Ring to prevent any issues with retrieving items due to the inability to establish a connection with the small world while in the Secret Realm.

None of these three times had yielded anything good.

Each time, he received a box of Golden Core Celestial Cultivation Pills, ten in each box, and not a single Primordial Soul Dao Cultivation Pill.

The probability was rather low.

Since obtaining this entry, he had used it about six or seven times, and only once did he obtain a Primordial Soul Dao Cultivation Pill and a Dao Enlightenment Stone. These two were considered quite good, while the rest were just average.

The quality of the Malevolent Wood was still a bit low, and the items exchanged weren't that great either.

He also had only a few Eight Directions Fruits left, and he was reluctant to feed them to his Nascent Soul.

Next time, he would have to find something that was not only useless to him but also of exceptionally high quality to feed his Nascent Soul.

Within three breaths.

Chen Qiu had almost finished observing the situation before him. There were around 130 Nascent Soul cultivators, mostly at the Peak Nascent Soul stage.

The second stage was a selection of one out of a hundred, so with 130 Nascent Soul cultivators, a total of 13,000 Nascent Souls had entered the second stage. The third stage was a selection of one out of ten, meaning that a total of 130,000 Nascent Souls had entered this Nascent Soul Power Ranking Realm.

".

Chen Qiu shook his head.

The number of Nascent Soul cultivators was more than he had imagined. If you didn't count the Sea Clan and the Demon Clan, the Xuantian Continent had nineteen major states, divided into the Upper Nine Provinces, the Middle State, and the Lower Nine Provinces.

These nineteen states were the largest land areas and the main gathering places for humans.

With 130,000 Nascent Soul cultivators, if they were evenly distributed across the Nine States, it would mean that each state had nearly 7,000 Nascent Soul cultivators.

But this seemed rather unlikely.

Chen Qiu was familiar with the number of Nascent Soul cultivators in Quzhou. There were around 400 major sects in Quzhou, and these 400 sects were relatively large. Each sect had between six and seven Nascent Souls, while the smaller ones had two or three.

Even if you calculated it based on seven Nascent Souls per sect, that would be 2,800 Nascent Souls, plus some wandering cultivators, which would still only amount to 4,000 Nascent Souls, far from the 7,000 figure.

However, considering that Quzhou was one of the weaker states in the Lower Nine Provinces and far inferior to the Middle State, and taking into account the number of Nascent Soul cultivators in the Middle State and other races, this number seemed reasonable. It was just unclear whether the Middle State cultivators or the other races' cultivators had raised the average.

He glanced around.

There were hardly any demon cultivators in sight. During the second stage, he had seen one demon cultivator, but that cultivator had withdrawn the moment the shackles were released. It seemed that demon cultivators were more afraid of getting injured than fighting for rankings, as it was said that their injuries were difficult to recover from.

They didn't want to get injured with the chaotic times approaching.

However—

Chen Qiu's eyes suddenly narrowed slightly as he looked up at a five-clawed black dragon coiled in the dark clouds above the platform, its claws bared and its image fierce. It soared through the clouds with its head held high, looking quite excited.

Its eyes were bright and spirited, with a hint of human-like excitement. The dragon's head retracted, its back slightly arched, and its tail slightly raised, aiming at the crowd below as if ready to pounce at any moment.

The dragon's head and tail had never appeared simultaneously.

Its body continuously coiled in the dark clouds.

It was impossible to discern its exact length, but it seemed to be at least twenty or more, and this black dragon could clearly change its size at will. Its body size fluctuated between large and small.

There was no sign of spirit energy fluctuations on its body, but the pressure it exuded was not weak at all. It was a five-clawed black dragon at the Peak Nascent Soul stage.

"Heh."

Chen Qiu suddenly let out a light laugh as he withdrew his gaze from the black dragon. This should be the five-clawed black dragon that the scholar had encountered in the sea, and its strength should be quite impressive. Having passed through two stages, its scales still shone brightly, showing no signs of damage.

He needed to activate a powerful Lightning Summoning Technique to manipulate the might of heaven and earth.

However, this black dragon merely coiled in the air, and the might of heaven and earth followed its movements. The rolling dark clouds created a rather bleak atmosphere.

At this moment, many cultivators also noticed the black dragon. Although it didn't make any actual moves, the greed and killing intent in these cultivators' eyes were almost palpable!

The Dragon Clan!

The Dragon Clan hadn't appeared in many years! The Dragon Clan was truly a treasure trove, with its scales used to refine top-grade defensive spirit treasures, its claws for crafting indestructible offensive spirit treasures, its sinews for creating binding and special spirit treasures, and its blood and internal organs for refining pills.

The dragon meat, when cooked, enhances one's physical strength, and the dragon throat can be refined into high-quality spiritual treasures. Even the dragon saliva incense is a luxurious aloeswood.

As for the remaining dragon beards, dragon roots, dragon eggs, and more, they are all precious items.

From head to tail, it is a treasure trove.

Moreover, they are all priceless treasures.

Additionally, the Dragon Clan has a penchant for collecting, and they store six to seven-tenths of their accumulated treasures in storage rings, which they then hide in their dragon mouths. As a result, there is a saying in the cultivation world.

"Killing a dragon is equivalent to slaughtering a top-tier power."

While there is some exaggeration in this statement, a single dragon cannot rival the foundation of a top-tier power, but it is enough to prove the immense wealth of the Dragon Clan.

Many Nascent Soul cultivators had their eyes glistening with anticipation as they looked up at the black dragon above. Even if they could only bring back a few dragon scales from the platform later, it would still be worth the effort.

Fighting was not allowed outside the platform.

The black dragon, which had been excited in the black clouds, suddenly sensed the numerous malevolent gazes directed at it, causing it to retreat back into the clouds in a state of panic. It remained hidden for a long time, only revealing its tail that swayed outside the dark clouds.

Meanwhile, the third restriction was lifted, and all the Nascent Soul cultivators exchanged glances, but none of them made any further moves.

Chen Qiu stood calmly on the ground, gazing at the panel that appeared above his Dantian.

"Third Stage: Ultimate Victory Arena."

"Within the arena, there are one hundred platforms, each with its own number. These numbers correspond to rankings on the Nascent Soul Power Ranking Realm. Three hours later, whoever remains on a numbered platform for the longest time will be ranked accordingly on the Nascent Soul Power Ranking."

"Fighting is prohibited outside the platforms. Only one challenger is allowed per challenge, and leaving the secret realm from the platform is not permitted."

"If a challenger fails to defeat the defender within a cup of tea's time, they will automatically forfeit and be ejected from the platform."

"Ranked cultivators will receive special rewards and have a special role during the World Turmoil version."

This was the information about the final stage, the Nascent Soul Power Ranking Realm.

The Challenge System.

The final ranking is strongly linked to strength, but it does not necessarily depend entirely on strength, making it easy for dark horses to emerge.

The rules are simple.

Whoever steps onto a platform first will gain an early lead in defending that platform, but it also means facing challenges sooner. For example, if you are the first to stand on Platform One and remain there longer than others, you will be ranked first on the Nascent Soul Power Ranking after three hours.

However, if you are severely injured, even if you originally had the strength to compete for the top three, you might not even make it into the top one hundred.

After all, there is a concept of attrition battles on the platform.

There is no rest time; once one challenger is defeated, the next one immediately takes their place. This strategy can wear down even the strongest cultivators. While everyone's attention is focused on the platforms with lower numbers, the higher-numbered platforms can also be a good choice.

Some cultivators who originally had no hope of ranking in the top one hundred might be able to seize an opportunity and break into the top ranks.

In the blink of an eye, a hundred breaths passed, and the over one hundred Nascent Soul cultivators dispersed in different directions. Most of the platforms were already occupied by defenders, as there were only 130 people and eliminating thirty was not a difficult task.

However, one platform stood out.

Platform number one remained unoccupied.

"Amitabha."

A young monk in a kasaya joined his palms and recited a Buddhist chant before closing his eyes and standing below Platform One, neither sad nor happy.

"Greetings, fellow cultivators. I am Monk Kong Ming, and I welcome you all."

"Please, come and challenge me."

As soon as he finished speaking, a Nascent Soul cultivator standing not far away calmly said, "Why don't you challenge the platform first?"

The monk did not respond but kept his eyes closed.

Chen Qiu, standing in his original position, looked up at the black dragon peeking out from the dark clouds and smiled lightly. Then, leaning on the Heavenly Clue Umbrella, he slowly walked up to Platform One. As he stood on the platform with his eyes half-closed, he spent Virtue Points to examine the entries of the cultivators below.

Among them was the young monk, whose name, Kong Ming, he remembered. Kong Ming had been summoned by the Heavenly Edict as a Tenth Stage Inner Core cultivator, and if there was anyone in this group who posed a threat to Chen Qiu, it was likely this monk.

As for the others, they were not a concern.

Attrition battle? If it weren't for his Fifth Level Yuan Ying cultivation, slightly weaker than the peak, he would have said, "Why don't you all come at once?"

In a one-on-one situation, he was not intimidated by anyone.

Although the attrition battle would leave him with little time to replenish his spirit energy, he had other means.

The young monk, who had been standing below the platform with his eyes closed, opened them slightly upon seeing Chen Qiu ascend the platform without hesitation. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he joined his palms together, bowing his head and reciting "Amitabha" once more. He did not rush to challenge but patiently waited.

A temporary lead meant nothing.

Only standing till the end would bring victory.

Chen Qiu then casually glanced at a Nascent Soul cultivator beside him, and this cultivator subtly nodded, indicating his understanding.

Chen Qiu stood on the platform, leaning on the Heavenly Clue Umbrella with his eyes half-closed, seemingly lost in thought. In reality, he had already examined the entries of several cultivators around him, for knowing oneself and the enemy is the key to victory.

He could easily afford the cost of ten thousand Virtue Points for each examination.

The young monk had a whopping seventeen entries, far surpassing the average Nascent Soul cultivator.

Moreover, these entries were particularly effective against those with deep sins.

Chen Qiu, likely the most sinful person on the Xuantian Continent, would face at least a twentyfold increase in the young monk's strength.

It was a tricky situation.

The problem was that he had the Heavenly Dao Villain's "Heaven Bestows the Name" title, which made it a bit difficult to handle.

"Heaven Bestows the Name": Heavenly Dao Villain.

"Name Effect": Ignores all conversion methods of Buddhist and Taoist sects.

Unfortunately, he did possess this title.

This effectively rendered the Void View Monastery's methods of restraint against him useless.

Just then—

A Peak Yuan Ying cultivator suddenly jumped onto the platform. His face was earnest as he stared at Chen Qiu, saying, "Quzhou Chen Qiu, I've heard much about you. With your strength, you single-handedly crossed two major realms and annihilated the entire Evil Province. Your fame has spread throughout the Xuantian Continent."

"I'm also one of your admirers."

"Today's battle is not about life or death. I only wish to exchange moves with you so that I can boast about it later."

After speaking these flattering words, the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator didn't wait for Chen Qiu's response. His spirit energy surged, and a wisp of divine sense attacked with extreme cunning, sneaking into Chen Qiu's divine sense ocean. A hint of darkness and ferocity flashed in the cultivator's eyes.

Without pausing after the initial attack, he quickly retreated, and countless green droplets floated in the air, transforming into needle-like spikes that shot towards Chen Qiu in an instant!

All he needed was to deplete some of Chen Qiu's spirit energy, then he could complete his task by jumping off the platform. If he could injure Chen Qiu, that would be even better, but he was well aware that he couldn't defeat Chen Qiu.

He didn't need to defeat Chen Qiu.

His only task was to pave the way for those behind him. Everyone had their own responsibilities, and his was to pave the road.

The overwhelming green needle spikes instantly enveloped Chen Qiu, each one carrying deadly poison!

However, this was just the beginning! As he retreated to the edge of the platform and prepared to unleash his killing move, he suddenly noticed that Chen Qiu had appeared beside him, holding the Heavenly Clue Umbrella, while the platform was now covered in a galestorm.

Before he could react—

Chen Qiu threw a thunderball into his mouth.

"Boom!!"

Countless Thunder Dragons exploded on the platform, deafening roars echoing across the entire square. Each Thunder Dragon carried an incredibly terrifying aura, rampaging within the platform.

However, they didn't cause any damage to the platform, and even the manifested barrier only rippled slightly. After the battle's vibrations subsided, the platform's barrier disappeared again.

The Peak Yuan Ying cultivator survived the attack but was severely injured and lay on the ground, gasping for breath. With great difficulty, he managed to get up, supporting himself with his hands on the ground, and retreated towards the edge of the platform, pleading with Chen Qiu.

"Your Excellency, Your Excellency!"

"Spare my life. We agreed that this battle wasn't about life or death."

"I pose no threat to you anymore. There's no need to kill me. Please, spare me."

"Hmm."

Chen Qiu nodded nonchalantly, then walked to the edge of the platform, grabbed the barely conscious Peak Yuan Ying cultivator, and brought him back to the center. He then took out a small bench from his Heavenly Dao Ring.

Placing the bench next to the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator, he sat down on it.

He pinned the cultivator's chest with his foot to prevent any movement.

Then, with a thought, a Twelfth Stage Nascent Soul appeared in his hand. He looked down at the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator lying on the ground, pleading and terrified, and suddenly chuckled.

"I topped the Xuantian Continent's Heavenly Dao Sin List with 2.9 billion sin points. Why do you think I'd be easy to talk to?"

"Is it because I look kind?"

"Does looking kind mean I should be bullied?"

The next moment—

"Bang!"

The Twelfth Stage Nascent Soul was raised high by Chen Qiu and smashed down on the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator's head! With just this one strike!

The already barely conscious Peak Yuan Ying cultivator's head became a bloody mess, and the last breath he had was almost completely smashed out of him. Unconscious, his throat emitted faint, weak sounds.

"Bang."

Chen Qiu raised the Twelfth Stage Nascent Soul in his hand again and aimed it at the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator, smashing it down!

Once, twice!

Nine times, ten times!

After smashing a total of twelve times, the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator was completely lifeless, his head gone like Xingtian's, brain matter mixing with blood and shattered skull, splattering onto the ground.

Initially, after each smash, the Peak Yuan Ying cultivator's body would twitch once.

After the third time, there was no more movement.

At this moment, almost all the cultivators were shocked by what they witnessed, their throats unconsciously rolling as they looked towards Platform One.

After the twelfth smash,

Chen Qiu finally took a deep breath. Holding the Twelfth Stage Nascent Soul, now covered in bloodstains, he slowly stood up in the center of the platform and scanned the crowd with a gentle smile.

"Please excuse my behavior, everyone."

"Quzhou Chen Qiu greets all of you."

At this moment, the Twelfth Stage Nascent Soul in his hand was covered in thick blood, which dripped from its fair legs, drop by drop, onto the ground. This sound, usually barely audible, now resonated in the hearts of every Nascent Soul cultivator.

The cultivators surrounding Platform One instinctively took a step back, their breathing momentarily halting.

It had been many years.

This was the first time they had witnessed such a combat style. It had been a long time since they entered the Nascent Soul stage, and they had not seen such a bloody and crude fighting style. Usually, their battles involved various methods, skills, spells, and spirit treasures.

How could... How could...

How could someone wield their own Nascent Soul, smashing their enemy to death?

And it wasn't enough to just kill them; they had to smash their heads to a pulp, with blood splattering everywhere.

PS: Corrections will be made after posting. Please vote for this chapter.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end