The Immortal Throne had become more than a seat of power it was a symbol, a beacon that drew the attention of every cultivator in the Immortal World. Ling Tian had survived attacks from Peak and Sovereign Immortal Kings, but word of his rise had spread like wildfire.
Now, seven Peak Immortal Kings and a hidden Sovereign King coordinated a massive assault on the capital. Their combined aura distorted the sky, black lightning and golden energy clashing as they approached.
System: "Threat level: Maximum. Multiple targets. Recommended: Prioritize survival, use clones and terrain manipulation. Energy expenditure will be extreme. Survival probability: 60%."
Ling Tian's golden eyes narrowed. "Perfect… a true test. Let's see how worthy the Immortal Throne is."
The First Clash – Coordinated Assault
The first wave struck with incredible speed. Seven Peak Kings charged simultaneously, each a living hurricane of energy. Mountains shattered under their combined strikes, rivers boiled, and the very air crackled with destructive force.
Ling Tian did not panic. He activated his Throne Resonance, allowing the throne to amplify his aura, stabilizing him against the onslaught. His five golden clones split across the battlefield, intercepting attacks, striking back with Soul Severing Fist and Golden Crescent Palm, buying time.
System: "Observation: Enemy attacks predictable in sequence. Recommendation: Exploit energy gaps between third and fourth attack cycles."
Using the system's guidance, Ling Tian performed a series of high-speed feints and counterstrikes, forcing several Peak Kings to stagger. Still, the battle drained his energy faster than any previous encounter.
Ling Tian (thinking): "I've grown stronger… but I need more. I can't ascend to Celestial Base like this."
Hidden Sovereign King Appears
Just as the Peak Kings faltered, a Sovereign King emerged from the shadows, his aura dark and ancient, eclipsing the sunlight. Every step he took crushed mountains beneath him.
"Ling Tian," the Sovereign King boomed, "the throne is not yours to claim. I will end your reign."
The battlefield became apocalyptic. Golden and black auras collided, sending shockwaves that ripped valleys apart. Ling Tian unleashed the Imperial Devouring King Palm, yet the Sovereign King's defense held firm.
System: "Warning: Life-threatening encounter detected. Recommended: Full energy circulation, clone distraction, and terrain advantage. Survival probability: 45%."
Ling Tian gritted his teeth, pushing his body to the limit. He absorbed ambient energy from the Immortal World, letting it flood through his veins, intertwining with his cultivation and throne resonance.
Turning the Tide
For hours, the battle raged. Ling Tian dodged, countered, and adapted, learning the Sovereign King's patterns with every strike. Fatigue gnawed at him, his veins burning, yet his resolve only hardened.
Finally, Ling Tian saw the opening. The Sovereign King overextended a strike, exposing his left flank.
System Alert: "Critical window detected. Execute finishing sequence: Soul Severing Fist + Imperial Devouring King Palm + Golden Crescent Palm combo."
With a roar, Ling Tian unleashed the full combination. Golden energy erupted, striking the Sovereign King squarely. The force sent the Sovereign King crashing into a distant valley, unable to continue the assault.
The remaining Peak Kings, witnessing their leader's defeat, fled in disarray, leaving Ling Tian standing amidst the devastation.
System Update: Territory Consolidation +10%. Imperial Techniques Mastery: Soul Severing Fist 75%, Golden Crescent Palm 60%, Imperial Devouring King Palm 65%. Recommended next step: Intensive cultivation and technique integration for Celestial Base breakthrough.
Aftermath and Reflection
Ling Tian stood atop the Immortal Throne, golden aura flaring across the horizon. He was victorious, but the battle had shown him the limits of his current cultivation. To ascend to the Celestial Base, he would need:
Mastery of all Imperial techniques
Integration of Throne Resonance into his core
Training under extreme conditions and near-death experiences
"The Celestial World isn't just a step up… it's a storm," Ling Tian thought. "I need to grow stronger, endure more… and rise above everything this world can throw at me."
The system chimed in, mechanical and precise:
System: "Recommended: Three-month intensive cultivation cycle, including technique refinement, endurance trials, and battlefield simulations. Celestial Base breakthrough potential: 50% after completion."
Ling Tian closed his eyes, letting golden energy flow through him. Every strike, every technique, every battle had hardened his body, sharpened his mind, and prepared him for the next realm.
"Celestial Base," he whispered, "your gates will open… and I will step through as master of the Myriad Worlds."