Chapter 1106 Like a Rising Sun
Many of them engaged in conversation as they waited.
"The news has been confirmed. It’s an otherworldly talent from Heaven Axis Holy Land named Chu Zhongtian!"
"He will personally visit this place soon to subdue Demon God Lin!"
Someone disclosed information from a reliable source which created quite a commotion.
"Is it the heaven-defying monster who appeared thrice in the past thousand years and clinched first place in the Four Regions Great Star Ranking Competition each time?"
"Yes, that’s him!"
"He was already regarded as a supreme heaven pride a thousand years ago and would shake the world whenever he appeared like a dragon rushing out from the abyss!"
Endless chatting dominated the area. Everyone was evidently well aware of Chu Zhongtian’s origins.
Someone sighed and lamented, "He painstakingly hibernated for a thousand years in wait for the great age that would bestow him an opportunity to become a King expert. Chu Zhongtian is truly patient!"
Suddenly, someone sneered and said, "In the current era, a supreme heaven pride’s individual battle power isn’t solely decided by time. Chu Zhongtian is remarkable and can be considered a veteran absolute apex giant. However, everyone knows that during his third appearance, he was defeated by Yun Qingbai!"
The crowd was taken aback and they suddenly recalled that such an incident had indeed occurred.
Chu Zhongtian’s third appearance was also the time when Yun Qingbai was at the height of his popularity. Despite only being a young teenager, he was already regarded as the number one person below the King stage in the Ancient Wasteland Domain.
For some unknown reason, Chu Zhongtian invited Yun Qingbai to a duel, which he agreed to without any hesitation.
The result exceeded everyone’s expectations. Chu Zhongtian, who was favored by everyone, was ultimately unable to match Yun Qingbai and was strongly suppressed.
At that time, Yun Qingbai made a famous remark–
"If time is all one needs to accumulate battle power, wouldn't a pig that can live for millions of years be invincible?"
His words clearly displayed his disdain.
Of course, Chu Zhongtian was no pig. He didn’t ascend to the next cultivation stage because he was waiting for the great age’s arrival, not because he wanted an advantage in terms of cultivation time.
Regardless, he ultimately lost. Afterward, he once again went into seclusion and disappeared from the eyes of the world.
"The great age Chu Zhongtian waited for has finally arrived. However, I never expected that Demon God Lin would be the first person he seeks to subdue."
"Although he was defeated by Yun Qingbai, it didn't hurt his reputation. After all, a three-time champion of the Four World Star Ranking Contest can never be an ordinary individual."
"This is dangerous for Demon God Lin. He's only ranked first on Little Giants List and is still less than thirty years old. His foundation and reputation are far below Chu Zhongtian’s level."
"That might not be the case. It's the same argument as before, in the Cyclic Derivation stage, individual battle prowess cannot be measured by cultivation time. In my opinion, Demon God Lin is not necessarily inferior to Chu Zhongtian."
The discussions continued with various parties displaying differing views.
However, it was clear that the majority was leaning towards Chu Zhongtian while only a small handful favored Lin Xun.
Although Lin Xun had caused quite a number of commotions, reputation-wise, he was nowhere near Chu Zhongtian’s level.
One was merely first place on the Little Giants List, while the other was a three-time champion of the Four World Star Ranking Contest. The gap in reputation was clear as day.
Although reputation didn’t necessarily represent a cultivator's full combat power, it was also true that reputation couldn’t be completely faked. Moreover, the world had already witnessed Chu Zhongtian’s might!
In the distance, Lin Xun was unperturbed as he listened to everything.
Whether it was the ancient-era eccentric geniuses or the current-era absolute apex giants, all of them were ultimately at the Cyclic Derivation stage.
Since cultivation was the foundation of combat power, Lin Xun wasn’t afraid of anyone regardless of whether they were from the past or present!
The level of combat power depended on each individual’s attainments on the supreme path which was something that Lin Xun was absolutely confident in as well.
It was the type of confidence that didn’t require the affirmation or validation of others and could only be gradually honed over time.
What made Lin Xun frown, however, was that even after the mysterious woman had intimidated and warned the six ancient orthodoxies, which included Heaven Axis Holy Land, they clearly had not completely given up!
Since they couldn’t bully him with people of higher cultivation, they sent out someone like Chu Zhongtian to suppress Lin Xun and regain their dignity!
Lin Xun could already foresee that characters similar to Chu Zhongtian would continue to pop up in the future.
While the crowd continued to engage in casual conversation, Lin Xun also learned that huge changes had occurred in the Ancient Wasteland Domain with unrivaled super-talents and monsters emerging one after another.
It was no exaggeration to say that the entire world had been shaken by these events.
Meanwhile, the great sects and clans had begun their preparations for the imminent great age, resulting in great turbulence and unprecedented changes.
In fact, there were even hidden heaven-defying monsters emerging from originally unremarkable factions and shocking everyone.
Chaotic times always produced heroes, and the great age was the time when countless stars were destined to shine!
Rumble!
A muffled rumble suddenly sounded from the faraway sky and drew the attention of everyone present.
Everyone watched as a purple-gold carriage pulled by several auspicious beasts trampled through the clouds and thundered towards them.
It arrived in the blink of an eye.
Hss!
Several people gasped upon realizing that the purple-gold carriage was being driven by two King experts!
Who was so important that they would dare to allow King experts to drive them?
The crowd looked up and saw a thin youth dressed in black garments walking down from the carriage.
Everyone suddenly felt a piercing pain in their eyes.
It was because the black-clothed youth’s presence was too intense. He was enveloped by divine golden radiance, and his eyes seemed to contain mighty suns that could seize anyone’s soul.
Chu Zhongtian!
He was a man who shone brilliantly like the rising sun!
Only those who had personally seen him would understand how terrifying his aura was. It felt as if a blazing sun had appeared before them.
The area fell silent, and all traces of discussion evaporated as the crowd instinctively parted to make way.
At the same time, an indescribable sensation of anticipation and excitement surged in everyone’s hearts. Chu Zhongtian seemed even stronger than before and gave off an unmatchable pressure akin to an overlord of an entire realm!
Now that he had personally come to suppress Demon God Lin, would the latter dare to answer the challenge?
The crowd was nearly bursting with anticipation.
Chu Zhongtian appeared oblivious to the changes occurring in the vicinity. He walked to the shore of Star Chess Sea and peered into the distance in a content manner as if he were having a leisurely stroll to admire the scenery.
In the distance, the two King experts silently stood in front of the purple-gold carriage, seemingly uninterested in what was going on.
On the lone island near the coast, Lin Xun also took notice of Chu Zhongtian. However, he only observed the latter a little before withdrawing his gaze without any change in expression.
Chu Zhongtian suddenly said, "Lin Xun, do you dare to show yourself and fight?"
His voice wasn’t loud, but it rumbled across the area and spread into the depths of Star Chess Sea.
Lin Xun couldn't help but chuckle. What a straightforward person.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t waiting here for Chu Zhongtian’s challenge.
With the fast approaching great age, Lin Xun couldn't be bothered to make any moves at this juncture. It wasn’t out of fear, but because it was simply pointless.
He rose to his feet with the intention of returning to the depths of Star Chess Sea to continue his cultivation.
At this moment, however, Chu Zhongtian suddenly said, ''I know that you’re here. I came here today to fight you for two reasons. First, to avenge the Heaven Axis Holy Land disciples who died at your hands. Second, to wash away the sect’s shame."
His indifferent voice echoed across the area, filled with endless murderous intent.
How forceful!
Everyone’s hearts shuddered. Chu Zhongtian made no effort to hide his intention and was both straightforward and direct. His simple stance, however, gave off a sensation of domineering disdain.
"You should leave. I don’t plan on making any moves before the great age arrives."
The crowd was initially stunned but soon became ecstatic. It appeared that Demon God Lin was indeed hiding in Star Chess Sea.
With their earlier suspicions finally confirmed, they felt they hadn't made the trip in vain.
"Since I’ve come, it's impossible for me to leave. It matters not if you’re afraid, you will not be able to escape this battle!"
Chu Zhongtian's voice thundered with unquestionable authority as if an emperor was issuing an imperial order.
Lin Xun's eyes narrowed. Expressionless, he said, "If I wanted to kill you, it would be as easy as flipping my hand. I advise you to turn back now before it’s too late."
Chu Zhongtian laughed fearlessly, ''I've heard that you once borrowed Star Chess Sea's restriction power to slaughter numerous King experts. However, I'm certain that you won’t dare to employ such means this time."
"Oh?"
Lin Xun raised an eyebrow. The other party was acting way too conceited and arrogant. What was his source of confidence?
Chu Zhongtian waved his hand and one of the King stage old monsters pulled out a person from the purple-gold carriage.
It was a young man who had been clearly been restrained and was unable to move. His expression was filled with anger and alarm when he appeared, but he couldn't utter a single word.
The crowd began to stir in confusion.
Gu Yunting!
Lin Xun’s heart sank at the sight of the restrained young man as iciness surged in his black eyes.
Long ago, he and Gu Yunting had buried the hatchet in the Ancient Blue Province which was Heaven Axis Holy Land’s territory.
Moreover, he had reminded Gu Yunting to leave Heaven Axis Holy Land as soon as possible so that he wouldn't be implicated by Lin Xun.
However, Lin Xun never imagined that Chu Zhongtian would kidnap Gu Yunting!
No wonder he was so confident. It turns out that he had a hostage!
"Isn’t it excessive for someone of your status to do something so despicable?" Lin Xun's voice became ice-cold.
"Didn't you also imprison Xue Qianhen, Zhang Zheng, Yu Baobao, and Pei Min in the same manner back then?"
Chu Zhongtian was unfazed as he continued, "I'm only giving you a taste of your own medicine. I don’t think that’s excessive."
By this juncture, the crowd had finally realized that Chu Zhongtian had come prepared. He would leave Demon God Lin no choice but to answer his challenge!
"Let him go and I'll fight you." Lin Xun didn't waste any time.
As he spoke, he emerged from Star Chess Sea and locked onto Chu Zhongtian.
"Excellent!"
Chu Zhongtian smiled faintly and agreed without hesitation. He beckoned for Gu Yunting to be released straight away, seemingly unworried that Lin Xun would go back on his word.