Ancient Fiend Dragon Emperor

Chapter 823: Chapter 822: First in the Three Challenges!

”Your Phoenix Sect possesses such cultivation base-debilitating secret techniques, truly defying the heavens. Even against the One Slash Palace, you’re bound to win.”

As his words fell, Pi Huan cast Su Han a deep glance, then led the members of the Demon Domain off the stage.

Just as he was leaving, Pi Huan paused briefly and spoke again: ”Moments ago, the Demon Ancestor sent word, saying that if Sect Master Su has the time, he is welcome to visit the Demon Domain for a brief rest. Our Demon Domain will certainly treat Sect Master Su as an honored guest and host him with the most grandiose of ceremonies.”

”If I have time, I will go. Please convey my thanks to the Demon Ancestor,” Su Han replied.

Seeing the Demon Domain retreating from the stage, countless spectators outside were left somewhat stunned, unsure of the reason behind it.

Pi Huan and Su Han’s conversation was blocked by the light barrier, leaving the audience unable to hear it.

Just as they were wondering, the voice of the Eastern Ancestor announced: ”The battle between the Phoenix Sect and the Demon Domain is over. The Demon Domain concedes; the Phoenix Sect wins!”

”What?!”

”Are you freaking kidding me?”

”Even the Demon Domain concedes? Is this a joke?”

”Damn it, could it be that all these Super Sects are paving the way for the Phoenix Sect? The Demon Domain ranks as the second Super Sect, and given their hostile nature toward humanity, especially after losing half of their major well springs to the Phoenix Sect during the first round—how could they back down so easily?”

”They didn’t even truly fight! All they did was dispel two mere clouds of black mist. Damn it, I really want to know, what the heck were those black mists?”

”I refuse to believe that the Demon Domain would lose to the Phoenix Sect! This must be the handiwork of the Three Great Commercial Houses, scheming to elevate the Phoenix Sect to first place just to scam our Spirit Stones!”

”Hmph, mere commercial houses could hardly influence these Super Sects. You’re overthinking.”

...

News of the Demon Domain conceding left everyone dumbfounded.

The expected cheers never emerged; instead, curses filled the air, convinced that the Demon Domain purposefully threw the match.

Actually, it’s not surprising why they’d assume so—the Demon Domain simply wouldn’t concede under normal circumstances. Most had thought they would fight Phoenix Sect to the death.

The result was something they couldn’t accept.

Especially when... the Phoenix Sect was now one step closer to first place!

If the Phoenix Sect defeats the One Slash Palace next, they would claim first in the stage battle, achieving the unprecedented feat of clinching first across all three rounds, becoming the ultimate victor in the Sect Tournament!

Given the relationship between the One Slash Palace and the Phoenix Sect, it’s highly likely that One Slash Palace might offer them first place as a gesture of goodwill. Once the Phoenix Sect truly claims first, those who betted against them would lose their Spirit Stones entirely.

This was something the crowd couldn’t come to terms with. After all, who would’ve imagined the Phoenix Sect, initially a First-Class Sect, could come this far?

Among the millions here, some bet on the Phoenix Sect taking second place, others on third place—but those were minorities. Most had wagered on Phoenix Sect finishing outside the top ten.

From this alone, one could see how little faith they had in Phoenix Sect.

”Demon Domain, are you all a bunch of idiots?!”

”Screw you! Backing out without even fighting—weren’t you always hostile to humanity? How did you suddenly turn cowardly like this?”

”Fess up—did you conspire with the Three Great Commercial Houses to scam us out of our Spirit Stones?”

Many vented their anger on the Demon Domain, and Pi Huan’s already grim face grew even darker as he heard their remarks.

”Indeed, humanity remains as greedy as ever, fixated on results while ignoring the process. Trying to explain to you lot is akin to playing music to a cow—an utter waste of time.”

Pi Huan sneered sarcastically, sweeping his gaze across the crowd, shaking his head coldly.

Compared to these people, he increasingly felt that Su Han was truly different.

...

The match between Phoenix Sect and Demon Domain ended quickly, but the battle between One Slash Palace and the Sect of the Battle God dragged on.

It was clear that while the Sect of the Battle God had deployed the Power of the Battle God, they were consistently suppressed by One Slash Palace. They were persevering with difficulty but destined to lose—it was merely a matter of time.

Though admittedly, with the Power of the Battle God reinforcing them, the Sect of the Battle God lived up to their name.

Su Han could see clearly: the disciples of Sect of the Battle God displayed immense ferocity when attacking. If not for the Divine Guardian of the Dragon Suppression using their cursed weakening secret techniques, it would’ve been hard to say who’d prevail if Phoenix Sect were to fight the Sect of the Battle God.

”One Slash Palace is indeed formidable,” Su Han murmured while watching the stage. ”Their prowess isn’t enhanced by external forces; they rely solely on their cultivation base and mastery of Dragon Techniques. Yet, even so, they can steadily suppress the Power of the Battle God-supported Sect of the Battle God. Such strength clearly affirms their status as number one.”

”Heh heh, their strength doesn’t concern us. If they face us, they’ll definitely be weakened, period!” Liuyun chuckled mischievously.

”Liuyun, you’re getting cocky,” Hong Chen said sternly.

”Oh? Am I?” Liuyun rolled his eyes.

Hong Chen snorted coldly and declared, ”You are cocky. You shouldn’t say such things about One Slash Palace. Instead, you should say... One Slash Palace will definitely concede, hahaha!”

”Well said!” Liuyun nodded in agreement with exaggerated delight.

Shangguan Mingxin, standing nearby, kept rolling her eyes and wished she could pummel the two lunatics.

Su Han shook his head in exasperation. Still, what the two said wasn’t wrong. With the cursed weakening secret techniques of the Divine Guardian of the Dragon Suppression, no power on the Dragon Martial Continent could stand against them.

Around ten minutes later, the Sect of the Battle God finally couldn’t hold on any longer, and Wu Hui conceded.

The outcome was announced—One Slash Palace victorious. The crowd let out sighs of disbelief, though it was expected.

Up until now, Phoenix Sect had won two matches, as had One Slash Palace, while Demon Domain and the Sect of the Battle God had both lost two matches.

The title of first place would undoubtedly be decided between Phoenix Sect and One Slash Palace. Whichever sect claimed first, the other would automatically secure second place. Third place would hinge on the final match between Demon Domain and the Sect of the Battle God.

”And now, the final two matches between the four sects will begin!”

The Eastern Ancestor’s voice reverberated across the skies: ”After the matches conclude, the Dragon Martial Intent shall independently determine the ultimate champion in this tournament and issue passes for entry. One month later, the Holy Domain of the Demon Immortal shall open, and with these passes, one may enter and gain fortune!”

With these words, exhilaration surged through the spectators.

The members of Demon Domain and Sect of the Battle God had already rushed onto the stage.

Over at One Slash Palace and Phoenix Sect, Nangong Yu spotted Su Han heading toward the stage and smiled charmingly: ”Su Han, you sly dog! No need to head up there—my One Slash Palace will let you take the prize. The first place in this tournament is yours!”