The Immortal World trembled. Ling Tian stood atop the Immortal Throne, golden aura blazing like a sun, his body honed to near perfection after the grueling intensive cultivation cycle. Every technique Soul Severing Fist, Golden Crescent Palm, Imperial Devouring King Palm was integrated with Throne Resonance. Yet even he knew: Celestial Base would demand one final test.
System: "Final pre-ascension battle detected. Threat level: Maximum. 5 Sovereign Kings + 12 Peak Kings inbound. Survival probability: 30%. Recommended: Full clone deployment, Throne Resonance amplification, environment manipulation, tactical ingenuity."
Ling Tian's golden eyes glinted. "Perfect. I've been waiting for this moment."
The Siege Begins
The first wave descended from the sky 12 Peak Immortal Kings, each radiating world-shaking auras. They surrounded the capital, ready to crush any obstacle.
Simultaneously, five Sovereign Kings emerged, their presence bending the clouds, dark lightning arcing across the heavens.
The ground quaked as Ling Tian extended his hands. Golden energy exploded outward, creating a protective dome around the throne, deflecting the initial onslaught. His clones formed perfect patterns, intercepting attacks while creating openings for counterstrikes.
System: "Tactical note: Sequential elimination recommended. Focus first on Peak Kings to reduce incoming energy strain, then confront Sovereign Kings individually."
Battle of Endurance
Hours turned into days or perhaps it was only moments in the distorted battlefield time.
Ling Tian unleashed Soul Severing Fist repeatedly, striking multiple Peak Kings simultaneously, each blow shattering mountains.
Golden Crescent Palm cut through lightning storms, sending arcs of golden energy against the advancing Sovereigns.
Imperial Devouring King Palm collided with dark energy blasts, sending shockwaves across the Immortal World.
Despite his mastery, the enemies were relentless. Each Peak King was cunning, each Sovereign King unpredictable. Ling Tian felt his veins burning, his muscles screaming, yet his mind remained calm and calculating.
Ling Tian (thinking): "I can't afford mistakes. Every strike, every breath, every move must count. This is the crucible that will forge me for the Celestial Base."
Breaking the Chain – Strategy Over Strength
One Sovereign King, dripping black lightning, lunged at him directly. Another flanked from the left, while the Peak Kings pressed in from all sides.
Ling Tian activated full Throne Resonance, merging his consciousness with every clone, every thread of energy in the battlefield bending to his will.
Golden energy surged in waves, pushing the attacking Sovereigns back, while simultaneously striking the Peak Kings with precision. The clones executed perfect feints and counterattacks, isolating enemies one by one.
System: "Critical opening detected. Execute Imperial Techniques combo on left-flank Sovereign King. Predicted success: 85%."
The first Sovereign King fell, blasted into a crater of molten stone. The Peak Kings scattered, the tide of battle slowly turning.
The Pinnacle – Confronting the Sovereigns
Finally, only four Sovereign Kings remained, their combined power enough to obliterate mountains with a single strike.
Ling Tian's aura flared brighter than ever. He summoned all remaining energy: Throne Resonance at maximum, Imperial Techniques fully integrated, golden clones poised for sacrifice if necessary.
Ling Tian: "This is the last step. Either I ascend… or fall in the attempt."
He moved like lightning, Soul Severing Fist and Golden Crescent Palm flowing together in a continuous chain, striking all four Sovereigns simultaneously.
The collision of power was cataclysmic. Mountains shattered, rivers boiled, and the sky itself trembled.
With a final Imperial Devouring King Palm, Ling Tian crushed the last Sovereign King, golden energy engulfing all the battlefield.
System Update: Final Pre-Ascension Battle Complete. Territory Consolidated. Imperial Techniques: Fully Integrated. Throne Resonance: 95% Efficiency. Potential Celestial Base Breakthrough: 70%.
Aftermath – The World Trembles
The battlefield was silent. Only Ling Tian remained standing, golden aura radiating across the horizon. Every cultivator in the Immortal World, from the lowest disciple to surviving Sovereigns, knelt in awe.
Ling Tian's chest heaved. He had survived the impossible, fought multiple Sovereign Kings simultaneously, and emerged unbroken, stronger than ever.
Ling Tian (thinking): "The Immortal World has tested me to my limits. The Celestial World will be far greater, but I am ready. Soon… I will ascend."
The Immortal Throne pulsed beneath him, as if acknowledging its true master. Ling Tian closed his eyes, feeling the golden energy of the Immortal World converge with his soul, preparing him for the ultimate transformation.
System: "Celestial Base Breakthrough Recommended. Initiating preparatory energy stabilization. Potential breakthrough success: 85%."
Ling Tian smiled faintly. The gates of the Celestial World were opening. His reign as an Immortal King was over. A new era as a Celestial Ruler was about to begin.