Chapter 1076: A Challenge at the Highest Level
Chapter 1076: A Challenge at the Highest Level
Today's match still held plenty of suspense. Xu An'yu had conceded to Tang San twice already. Would he do it again in this third encounter?
Speculation was rampant. Most believed he wouldn't concede again. The reason was simple: Xu An'yu was now a prospective Emperor and a top contender for the position of Lord of Crystal City—the largest city on the Daemon Continent and the dragon clan's stronghold. For him, there was no better way to solidify his status than to win the championship of the Battle for the Throne. If he did, not only would his path to becoming an Emperor be absolutely guaranteed, but claiming the position of City Lord ahead of time would become entirely possible.
Many spectators believed that if the Crown Princes were to face the weakest of the current Emperors—the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor—in a one-on-one battle, both Mei Gongzi and Xu An'yu could hold their own. Only Jin Miaolin might be at a disadvantage. The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor had barely made it to Emperorhood and would have failed without the help of the Crystal Demon Emperor. Compared to him, both Xu An'yu and Mei Gongzi had a much deeper foundation and much better talent. It was clear that the very moment they ascended, their strength would exceed that of the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor.
Therefore, the final championship match would most likely be between Mei Gongzi and Xu An'yu. As for whether they would fight it out or come to a quiet agreement, that remained to be seen.
The audience, of course, hoped to see an intense, dramatic match. After all, the more unexpected the outcome, the more entertaining it was.
"Yesterday, the final top three of the Battle for the Throne were confirmed. As such, they have officially become Crown Princes. This is the first time in the history of the Ancestral Court that three such prospective Emperors have emerged at once. On behalf of all Emperors of the Ancestral Court, I extend congratulations to the three of you and look forward to the day of your ascension." The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor's voice rang out from Council Mountain, drawing thunderous cheers from the crowd.
At that moment, all of the Emperors stood beside the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor, signifying their collective recognition of the three new Crown Princes. Becoming a Crown Prince essentially meant being granted the opportunity to one day stand as their equal.
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor stood at the far end of the line, barely able to hide his excitement. Even now, he could hardly believe that his daughter was about to become an Emperor—at the very least, she would be the runner-up in the Battle for the Throne. This was something he would never have dared to imagine.
This sense of pride only caused his sense of guilt to deepen. Mei Gongzi's excellence had not come from his own nurturing; instead, it was the Peacock Great Demon King who had raised her. Even now, his daughter hadn't acknowledged him, and Su Qin still refused to see him.
Yet even with all of that said, he was still an incredibly proud father. His daughter was about to become an Emperor! Such a feat was extremely rare in the history of the Ancestral Court. A father and daughter both holding imperial rank—no one in the dragon race, the phoenix race, or the Behemoth clan had ever achieved that. But he would.
Well, the phoenix race would. Once she ascended, the phoenix race would boast three Emperors. What could be more glorious?
With that thought, the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor's excitement reached its peak.
He stole a glance at the Undying Demon Emperor, who stood at the center of the imperial ranks. While his expression seemed calm, there was a rare warmth in his gaze.
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor snickered. Clearly, his grand-uncle's mood was just as joyful as his.
Mei Gongzi wouldn't need to reveal her phoenix bloodline unless absolutely pressed. Until she officially ascended, remaining under the Peacock Demon banner would be perfectly acceptable, and even after that, she could keep being the Peacock Demon Emperor. But in times of need, she would undoubtedly join them, and the three phoenix Emperors—plus their ally, the White Tiger—would be the strongest force in the Empyrean Dominion, bar none. Even the nymph clans couldn't compare.
At that moment, Tang San, Mei Gongzi, and Xu An'yu rose and bowed toward Council Mountain, expressing their gratitude for the Ancestral Court's recognition.
The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor smiled and said, "Let us move on to the final rankings, then. You may choose to maintain the current standings, negotiate among yourselves to adjust the rankings, or continue the Battle for the Throne if you so desire. We will not interfere, so the choice is entirely up to you."
The arena fell silent.
Indeed, with the three Emperor Seats confirmed, was there any need to continue? Many in the audience wondered the same.
Mei Gongzi's gaze instantly turned to Tang San and Xu An'yu. Based on the current standings, she naturally preferred to keep things as they were; she was already ranked first.
But Xu An'yu looked toward Tang San and gave a small shake of his head. "Brother Jin, I'm sorry. I can't concede this time. I must fight for my clan's honor."
Tang San smiled and nodded. "I understand."
Mei Gongzi frowned slightly but said nothing. Xu An'yu's intent was clear. As the third-ranked contestant, he still wanted to fight—meaning he wasn't just targeting Jin Miaolin's second place. Once he won that fight, he would once more challenge her for the top spot.
Xu An'yu then turned toward Council Mountain and said loudly, "Your Majesties, I choose to continue and contest for a higher ranking. Please grant me this opportunity."
The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor nodded; clearly, this was within his expectation. "That is your right. Very well. Today we will hold the final match of the losers' bracket: Jin Miaolin, Crown Prince of the Blue Gold Tree clan, versus Xu An'yu, Crown Prince of the Radiant Dragon clan. The match will be judged by His Majesty the Sunborne Nymph Emperor and His Majesty the Undying Demon Emperor."
Without a doubt, this would be the most heavily officiated match of the entire tournament. Two pinnacle-level Emperors would personally oversee the battle, ensuring the safety of both competitors.
Now that they were Crown Princes, their status was vastly different from even a few days before. They could not be allowed to suffer serious harm; people like them were not easily replaced.
Tang San and Xu An'yu exchanged a glance and ascended into the air at the same time. They locked eyes mid-flight, both smiling. Xu An'yu's smile showed respect and admiration but also an ironclad will to prove himself, while Tang San's eyes held a deeper meaning.
They bowed toward the Undying Demon Emperor and the Sunborne Nymph Emperor, who floated high above.
The Sunborne Nymph Emperor said, "Prepare yourselves."
As he spoke, he gave Tang San a look of encouragement, as if urging him to give it his all.
Tang San grinned and nodded. He raised his right hand into the air, and the Holy Dragon Spear appeared. His left hand summoned the Black Tortoise Shield. And just like before, he assumed the classic spear-and-shield stance.
On the other side, Xu An'yu gripped his dragon spear as well, while the Light Sprite behind him unfurled her six wings.
Behind Tang San, the projection of the Ancestral Tree emerged, and a rich surge of life energy burst forth. Meanwhile, Xu An'yu's Light Sprite absorbed vast amounts of light energy from the surroundings and poured it into him.
The energy both exuded was harmonious and pure, soothing to all races but the ones attuned to darkness. The skies seemed to brighten under their combined presence.
The Sunborne Nymph Emperor glanced at both of them, then waved his hand. "Begin!"
With that command, the two referees rose higher into the air, each monitoring one side of the match.
At last, the true battle between Tang San and Xu An'yu began.
This would be their third encounter but first genuine confrontation in the entire tournament. Both competitors were fully focused and utterly intent on grasping victory.