Chapter 490: Accepting the Challenge – The Maha Sky Spear
"My grudge against this old man will never be forgotten. Since you insist on standing up for him, why not face me in a duel in the void?"
The Maha Ancestor's challenge echoed through the ruined halls of the Grand Thousand Palace division on Saint Abyss Continent.
The crowd was momentarily stunned no one had expected the Maha Ancestor to be so insistent.
The Weight of Xiao Tiance's Reputation
The tension in the air was palpable. Everyone present was well aware of Xiao Tiance's recent exploits. He had single handedly faced over a hundred top tier Outer Demonic Race powerhouses, including numerous late stage Demon Emperors, and returned unscathed.
More importantly, Xiao Tiance stood here now, not only uninjured but exuding a confidence that hinted at immense strength.
Just moments earlier, Xiao Tiance had effortlessly deflected a seven tenths strength attack from the Maha Ancestor an attack that would have severely injured or killed any Saint class Sky Supreme below the mid stage.
This level of power left no doubt: Xiao Tiance was not someone to be underestimated.
"Elder, must we settle this with a battle today? Will nothing else suffice?" Xiao Tiance asked, frowning slightly.
He wasn't afraid far from it. But he knew that a fight could risk straining relations between White Jade Capital and the Maha Ancient Clan, potentially causing long term discord.
Before the Maha Ancestor could respond, Qin Tian stepped forward.
"Elder Maha, both you and Tiance are vital to the Grand Thousand World's defense against the Outer Demonic Race. Moreover, you're a senior figure who once rivaled the Immortal Emperor himself. What message would it send to our enemies if such infighting became public knowledge?"
"Exactly," added Lu Tong, bowing respectfully. "Elder Maha, surely this can be resolved without resorting to a duel."
"Old Maha, are you still holding on to grudges from so long ago? It's unbecoming," teased the Archaic Ancestor, chuckling lightly.
The Maha Ancestor Insists
Despite the pleas and jokes from the others, the Maha Ancestor's determination did not waver. He stared intently at Xiao Tiance.
"I know," the Maha Ancestor began, **"that your Supreme Body is the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body one of the Ten Primal Supreme Bodies. Judging by your strength, it's clear that you've cultivated it to near perfection.
"Truthfully, even without this old grudge with Ji Ping'an, I've long wanted to test your strength. Today simply happens to be the right opportunity.
"If you defeat me, I'll write off my feud with this old man. But if you lose, his life is mine. What say you?"**
Xiao Tiance Accepts
Xiao Tiance sighed inwardly this battle was unavoidable. Turning to Ji Ping'an, he gave a slight bow and smiled.
"Senior Ji, would you entrust your life to me?"
Ji Ping'an laughed heartily. "This old life of mine already belongs to you, Tiance. Why wouldn't I trust you?"
Ji Ping'an had no doubt in Xiao Tiance's ability. Though he himself was a late stage Demon Emperor and had the means to defend himself, Xiao Tiance's achievements spoke volumes.
Moreover, Ji Ping'an knew that the conflict had arisen because Xiao Tiance had stepped forward to protect him. For that alone, he had no hesitation in placing his faith in the young powerhouse.
"Very well," Xiao Tiance declared, turning back to the Maha Ancestor. "If Elder Maha is so inclined, then let us fight. We shall settle this in the void."
A Battle in the Void
As Xiao Tiance finished speaking, his body became wreathed in crackling lightning. Thunder roared in the sky as if heralding the descent of a thunder god.
Without hesitation, Xiao Tiance struck the air with his palm, tearing open the void. His figure blurred as he stepped into the rift.
The Maha Ancestor's expression grew serious. With one final glance at Ji Ping'an, he followed Xiao Tiance into the void.
Watching from Afar
From below, the onlookers gazed up at the two figures poised for battle in the void.
The Archaic Ancestor smirked. "Maha's calculations are showing. He couldn't wait to test Tiance's strength himself."
"And aren't you just as curious, Archaic?" teased the Tai Ling Ancestor. "You've wanted to know Tiance's true capabilities as much as Maha does."
Even Hei Tian of the Hei Tian Ancient Clan chimed in. "Can you blame us? The fact that Tiance returned unharmed after being surrounded by the Outer Demonic Race's elite is nothing short of miraculous. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see how strong he truly is."
Competing Agendas
Qin Tian's brow furrowed slightly as he listened to their banter. Though the Grand Thousand World's top powers would always unite against the Outer Demonic Race, they were still rival factions with their own interests.
Xiao Tiance's meteoric rise and White Jade Capital's rapid growth had undoubtedly caused concern among the ancient clans. Testing his strength was as much about assessing the balance of power as it was about curiosity.
A Clash of Legends
In the void, Xiao Tiance and the Maha Ancestor stood face to face. The atmosphere between them crackled with tension.
"Elder Maha," Xiao Tiance said, his voice calm but firm, "if you truly wish to fight, I won't hold back. But know this today, I fight not just for myself, but for the dignity of White Jade Capital and the trust of those who follow me."
The Maha Ancestor smirked coldly. "Very well, Tiance. Show me if the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body is truly worthy of its name!"
With that, the Maha Ancestor raised his hand, summoning a spear wreathed in black flames the Maha Sky Spear, a weapon forged from the bones of an ancient void beast. Its appearance alone made the surrounding void tremble.
Not to be outdone, Xiao Tiance raised his palm, lightning condensing into a massive Thunder Tribulation Sword.
The battle of the ages was about to begin.
Even the Nine Heavens Corpse Demon Emperor, a top tier Demon Emperor, might struggle against Xiao Tiance.
But having witnessed Xiao Tiance's prowess in battling three formidable adversaries Saint Demon Emperor, Dark Demon Emperor, and Nine Heavens Corpse Demon Emperor Ji Ping'an felt confident that Xiao Tiance could overcome the Maha Ancestor.
The Pressure of Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body
In the void, the Maha Ancestor stared at Xiao Tiance, whose body crackled with thunderous energy. The sound of lightning reverberated around him, and his oppressive aura made it feel as if a thunder god had descended.
"Tiance," the Maha Ancestor began, "your growth is astonishing. In just a few decades, you've risen to the pinnacle of the Grand Thousand World's power. It's truly remarkable."
His eyes shone with a mixture of appreciation and seriousness. Deep down, the Maha Ancestor felt that the pressure Xiao Tiance exerted was no less than that of the Immortal Emperor himself. Still, as a seasoned warrior, he refused to diminish his own standing by admitting it openly.
"Haha, thank you for the compliment, Elder Maha," Xiao Tiance replied with a faint smile, his demeanor relaxed. **"I didn't expect my strength to grow so rapidly either.
"But let's skip the pleasantries. You wanted to witness the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body, didn't you? Allow me to grant your wish."**
As he spoke, the lightning surrounding Xiao Tiance exploded outward, filling the void with arcs of thunderous energy. The space became a vast sea of lightning, its sheer intensity enough to tear apart the void itself.
Within moments, the lightning coalesced, gathering around Xiao Tiance. His entire body became engulfed in a radiant aura of thunder.
Awe and Preparation
The Maha Ancestor could feel the wild energy of the lightning painfully prickling against his skin.
"Hiss !" He involuntarily drew a sharp breath.
Though he had seen the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body before, it was clear that Xiao Tiance had cultivated this Supreme Body to a level beyond that recorded in history.
"What a terrifying aura," the Maha Ancestor thought to himself. **"It's not even fully formed, and yet the pressure is suffocating.
"No wonder it's called the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body. For over thirty thousand years, the technique remained lost after the Heavenly Dao Sect's destruction. Who would've thought this young man would not only recover it but master it to such an extent?"**
The Maha Ancestor's gaze remained fixed on Xiao Tiance as the lightning giant materialized. At a towering height of 8,900 meters, the Tribulation Body exuded unparalleled might.
Not daring to underestimate his opponent, the Maha Ancestor quickly activated his own Supreme Body the Maha Boundless Body, ranked eighth among the 99 Supreme Bodies.
Clash of Titans
The Maha Boundless Body materialized as a colossal figure over 12,000 meters tall, its form a striking contrast of black and white. The oppressive power emanating from it was enough to make even the void tremble, creating ripples of energy that seemed almost tangible.
Despite his Supreme Body's larger stature, the Maha Ancestor's expression grew serious.
He watched as Xiao Tiance, perched on the forehead of his Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body, lightly waved his left hand. Instantly, the silver lightning giant transformed into a shimmering gold and purple colossus.
Two enormous thunder blades, each spanning thousands of meters, formed in the giant's hands. With their golden purple glow, the blades radiated an aura so destructive that even the void shattered wherever their energy touched.
"Elder Maha," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile. **"Since you wish to experience my Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body, I'll use only this form to spar with you.
"Unfortunately, I've only cultivated it to the peak of the eighth layer, not yet reaching the ninth. Otherwise, I could give you a proper demonstration."**
The Maha Ancestor's Fury
The Maha Ancestor's expression darkened at Xiao Tiance's words. To him, this sounded like blatant provocation.
**"Hmph! Tiance, I acknowledge your strength, but to say you'll only use the Heavenly Dao Tribulation Body against me?
"Do you take me, an old man, so lightly? Or do you think your survival in the Outer Demonic Race's domain gives you the right to disregard me entirely?"**
His voice, filled with anger, reverberated through the void.
Xiao Tiance shrugged, seemingly unbothered. "Elder Maha, I meant no disrespect. If you truly believe I'm underestimating you, then all you need to do is defeat me in this form. If that happens, I'll gladly use other methods to fight you."
The Maha Ancestor's face twisted with rage. "Very well! You dare look down on me? Let's see if your arrogance can stand against my power!"
Summoning the Maha Sky Spear
The Maha Ancestor's spiritual energy surged, his power rising to its peak. His hands formed a series of intricate seals, and the surrounding energy coalesced into a long spear.
The Maha Sky Spear, inscribed with countless ancient runes, materialized in his hands. Its sharp tip exuded an aura so lethal it seemed capable of tearing apart not only the void but everything in its path.
"Maha Sky Spear!"
The weapon's appearance caused the entire void to tremble, and even the spectators below could feel its overwhelming might.
Xiao Tiance stood unshaken atop his Tribulation Body.
"Impressive," he remarked, his tone calm yet brimming with confidence. "Then let's begin, Elder Maha."
With a flash of golden purple light, the two giants one wielding thunderous dual blades and the other armed with the deadly Maha Sky Spear charged at each other.
The battle of titans was about to erupt.
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