Volume One: The Cloudy Immortal Palace Chapter Forty-One: The Top Ten

Chapter Forty-One: The Top Ten

In the plaza, the number of dueling disciples gradually dwindled. Though each participant possessed considerable strength, the five-on-five format demanded unity and teamwork. If a single member lost, the entire group would be eliminated, making this selection method undeniably brutal.

Among five, there were always the strong and the weak. An opponent need only focus all efforts on the weakest link to swiftly eliminate a team. To avoid defeat, each group had to blend their strengths, safeguarding every member while overcoming their adversaries.

Fortunately, those remaining had begun to master the art of defense. The gap towards the final twenty narrowed, and none wished to be eliminated at this crucial juncture. It meant they had to give everything they had.

A thunderous sound echoed—like a mountain collapsing—when a fist imprint, roaring with power, slammed toward a contestant. His gaze turned icy, and he countered with a lightning-fast palm, meeting the incoming blow head-on. The entire plaza rang and trembled as fist and palm collided mid-air, a dazzling burst like a sun exploding, blinding all who looked.

The fist shone gold, with golden qilin roaring across its surface, brimming with terrifying destructive force. The palm too radiated gold, scattering light outward, a small sun whirling at its center.

Golden Qilin Arm versus Great Radiant Sun Palm!

This was their first true clash. Nangong Ying had only emerged from seclusion days prior, yet everywhere he went, he heard the name "Zhou Hao." Having learned the story, he now hated the name's owner to his very bones.

Who could have guessed? A newcomer, barely initiated into the Immortal Hall, had achieved such power in just thirty years: even Fei Ling, with three or four centuries of cultivation, was defeated by him. The haughty princess Yu Nan, who once looked down on all, now pursued this disciple who had slain her brother’s enemy. The peerless beauty Su Qing showed him repeated favor, and he had even undertaken missions alongside the two Celestial Maidens of Ice and Fire.

To Nangong Ying, each event felt like an insult to his dignity! Why? Why should Zhou Hao, a mere rookie, possess such luck? Why, in so short a time, does he boast the profound immortal power that others spend centuries seeking? Why do the goddesses of Ice and Fire treat him so well?

Old grudges and new hatred twisted within Nangong Ying’s heart, prompting him at last to act. He saw no reason for Zhou Hao to advance to the top ten. Even defeating Fei Ling meant nothing; Nangong Ying could do so himself, and without suffering grave injury.

The audience was astounded, for these two possessed exceptional cultivation. The dazzling energy from their collision left many unable to open their eyes. Even from a single exchange, the rippling shockwaves knocked some disciples flat.

As the light faded, both figures stood unwavering, eyes locked like wolves, everything else receding into the background. This moment belonged to the two—wolves poised for a life-and-death struggle.

Zhou Hao’s heart was calm as still water; his eyes held not a trace of fear. From the exchange, he gleaned much: Nangong Ying’s talent was indeed remarkable, doubling his combat power in just thirty years. If Su Qing faced him, the outcome would be uncertain. Zhou Hao’s own cultivation was far inferior, and surviving Nangong Ying’s Golden Qilin Arm depended entirely on the extraordinary nature of the Great Radiant Sun Palm. Though he had studied it only a few years—barely a tenth of its full scroll—its power rivaled the moment he slew the Sun Shark with the immortal silkworm gloves.

That battle had cost him dearly, nearly crippling his immortal body: his heart ruptured, his meridians shattered, even his soul wounded. All that for a Sun Shark, half a step into the Golden Immortal realm. Since then, more than a decade had passed; his cultivation and strength had soared, and with the Great Radiant Sun Palm, he could now challenge even a quasi-Golden Immortal.

Nangong Ying’s eyes flashed cold, golden flames leaping from his arms. He hadn’t expected Zhou Hao to be so formidable. His punch, while not at full strength, was enough to overwhelm most peers—yet Zhou Hao had withstood it. It seemed neither had revealed their true power, which irked him.

After his seclusion, Nangong Xun had warned him: Zhou Hao would become a great threat and must be eliminated, but caution was paramount. His immortal martial arts were mysterious and possessed unpredictable might.

"So this is the Great Radiant Sun Palm Father spoke of? It truly is powerful. Zhou Hao has only cultivated it a few years and already achieved this. No wonder even the Hall Master covets it. I must defeat him—then the Great Radiant Sun Palm will belong to the Nangong family!" With this thought, Nangong Ying cast Zhou Hao another cold glance, then abruptly turned and walked away.

The crowd was dumbfounded—what was happening? Moments ago, tension hung thick, and now… the fight was over?

Zhou Hao shrugged, helpless. He did not believe Nangong Ying would truly let him go; this was merely a probe, and the next encounter would not be so simple.

"Zhou Hao, are you alright? Nangong Ying is usually reserved, but this time he acted so openly. He clearly has a problem with you!" Yu Nan hurried to his side, nervous.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine. We’re destined for a showdown, but…" Zhou Hao began seriously, then paused, glancing at Yu Nan.

"But? But what?" Yu Nan blinked her beautiful phoenix eyes, puzzled.

"But Nangong Ying is your senior brother, isn’t he? I suppose you’ll be rooting for your senior brother to win?" Zhou Hao shook his head, sighing lightly.

"Ha, are you jealous? Maybe I will support my senior brother," Yu Nan replied with mischievous wit.

"Alas, it’s true. I, the little junior brother, am unloved and must support myself. How pitiful…" Zhou Hao feigned disappointment.

"Mm, quite pitiful. I’ll take pity on you and support you, then!" Yu Nan laughed, her voice as crisp as silver bells, making Zhou Hao’s heart flutter.

“It’s true—girls are always cuter when they smile!” Zhou Hao murmured to himself.

“Hey, the other three are in trouble! Zhou Hao, let’s stop dawdling and help them. What are you muttering about?” Yu Nan tugged him toward the fray.

“Sorry, I was distracted. Come, let’s end this battle quickly!”

Like a tiger descending the mountain or a phoenix alighting to earth, Zhou Hao and Yu Nan displayed extraordinary skill, easily relieving their three teammates. Then, the five launched overwhelming attacks: Zhou Hao attacked while Yu Nan defended, then vice versa, ensuring their group was both protected and able to defeat the other teams.

Soon, the second round concluded. Four groups—twenty disciples—remained, honored to reach the final stage: Zhou Hao and Yu Nan’s team, Su Qing and Cao Shuang’s team, Nangong Ying and Cheng Yan’s team, and Fei Ling’s team.

“That was a spectacular battle. I saw every disciple striving to improve, which is excellent. Cultivators must train diligently; effort is always rewarded!” Immortal Lord Yunmiao stroked his beard, speaking slowly.

The elders beside him were both pleased and saddened. Joy for seeing their disciples on the field; sorrow for those eliminated.

“Now, we come to the final round. Of you twenty, only half will remain. The last round is simple—watch!” Yunmiao waved his sleeve, and a crystal monument appeared in the center of the plaza.

The crystal stele rose seven zhang high, sparkling like an artwork. Its front bore numerous names in golden script.

A stir rippled through the crowd—the stele was legendary. Many elders saw it only once in a lifetime, let alone Yunmiao’s disciples, who had merely heard it mentioned by their teachers.

“I imagine you all know what the appearance of this crystal stele signifies. It was gifted by the Immortal King to Yunmiao Immortal Hall, anchoring the hall’s fortune and dispelling all evil. The names engraved here are all meritorious elders of Yunmiao. Today, I bring it forth to select ten to attend the Grand Gathering of Talented Disciples from the Sixteen Immortal Halls! Normally, only elders may leave their name and receive immortal energy refinement, but today will be an exception,” Yunmiao addressed the twenty disciples.

Immortal energy refinement meant pressing one’s palm to the stele for assessment. The stele would purify the immortal energy within, boosting overall strength and minimizing bodily flaws during cultivation. Simply put, it prevented deviation or internal injury.

“After you press your palm, your abilities will be precisely recorded. The ranking will eliminate ten, leaving ten. That is the final assessment.”

Outside, the eliminated disciples gazed at the stele with burning eyes: a gift from the Immortal King, immortal energy refinement, elders leaving their names—all were their goals. Those who touched the monument would have extraordinary futures: some would see their strength soar, others might ascend to Golden Immortal and even be selected by immortal kings, who regularly recruited young Golden Immortals from the halls for service in the Immortal Palace.

“Crystal Stele Assessment—begin!”

At the command, twenty disciples lined up before the stele. Many could not hide their pride and joy; such fortune was rare, some never encountering it in their lives. Becoming a Golden Immortal was no easy feat; the closest was perhaps the prodigy Yu Yang a century ago.

The first disciple stepped forward, placing his left hand lightly on the stele—golden light flashed and vanished. Before he understood, the second disciple tapped his shoulder, signaling him to move aside.

Seeing the second disciple’s smug smile and the brilliant golden light he produced, the first immediately realized: a fleeting flash meant he was too weak!

That second disciple was none other than Cheng Yan, who had long sought to trouble Zhou Hao, only to be defeated in a single move. Now he glanced back at Zhou Hao in line, inwardly grumbling: “You arrogant brat, your days are numbered. Nangong Ying will deal with you!”

The third and fourth pressed their palms. Next came a graceful maiden. Everyone held their breath, watching as she approached the stele and pressed her delicate hand.

It was as if they were worshipping a deity. Every gaze was drawn to her, full of reverence and admiration—a true beauty that could overturn kingdoms.

Su Qing’s face was serene, her eyes calm yet earnest, exuding unique charm. She was like a pure lotus, flawless in her sculpted beauty.

A burst of gold enveloped Su Qing; within the light, immortal runes and talismans appeared, swirling around her, as if imparting the mysteries of heaven and earth. The crowd was stunned—this was the difference between true talent and the ordinary, incomparable.

Many recalled something and stared at the golden light around Su Qing. Someone whispered, “Immortal energy refinement—so only geniuses like Su Qing qualify. I thought we all had a chance…”

Silence fell. Yunmiao had not specified, so many assumed everyone would gain refinement. Now they realized: only those with true strength received such benefit.

After a long while, Su Qing emerged, looking refreshed, her beauty even enhanced. Some disciples exclaimed softly, “Amazing—this stele even beautifies!”

One after another, disciples completed the ritual. At last, it was Zhou Hao’s turn. As he approached, the crowd fell quiet—his name had been a constant topic, and his standing among disciples and elders rivaled Su Qing and Yu Nan, the two Celestial Maidens.

Some even believed he would become the next Yu Yang, destined as a key figure for Yunmiao Immortal Hall. He had achieved incredible feats—a rookie turned phoenix, a living legend. Among elders, he was seen as a terrifying prodigy: his cultivation time negligible, yet he defeated veteran disciples, challenged the Snow Wolf Demon, and the Night Palace emissaries. Most impressive, he had mastered the Great Radiant Sun Palm, a legendary celestial martial art once belonging to a peerless lord.

A resonant hum—golden light surged, the entire stele vibrating. From within, scripture echoed, as if from the distant primordial ages, piercing through time. Zhou Hao was instantly engulfed in gold. Torrents of immortal runes cascaded around him, and he closed his eyes, contemplating the mysteries each rune conveyed.

“Golden lilies! Look, Zhou Hao’s feet—golden lilies are blooming!” a sharp-eyed disciple cried.

The runes that had encircled Zhou Hao flowed down to his feet, transforming into clusters of golden lotus blossoms, stunning all who saw.

“Lotus blooms beneath his steps! This is a phenomenon reserved for peerless immortals, all of whom are prodigies of unrivaled talent. Zhou Hao may truly become an Immortal King one day—he is destined for greatness!” Immortal Lord Yunmiao exclaimed, feeling gratified.

“Yunfang, you’ve truly taken an exceptional disciple!” Yunmiao smiled at the elder nearby.

“Indeed, congratulations Elder Yunfang!” The other elders were convinced; Zhou Hao’s performance demanded recognition as Yunmiao Hall’s premier genius.

Yunfang clasped his hands in thanks, smiling as he gazed at the youth everyone now watched. To train such a disciple was the pride of a lifetime.

“Good disciple, your master is proud of you!”

As the golden light faded, Zhou Hao’s figure appeared clearly once more. A gentle smile adorned his youthful face as he stepped aside for the next disciple. Yet, to his embarrassment, the disciple behind him stood dazed, staring at Zhou Hao—only after being nudged twice did he recover.

Once all twenty had pressed their palms, the stele suddenly changed, the names of elders vanishing, leaving only ten names and some data. The crowd glanced up, smiling and shaking their heads—those were the names of the eliminated.

“Now, let me announce the top ten!” A plump, Buddha-like man beside Yunmiao cleared his throat—Cao Shuang’s father, Cao Mengda.

“Tenth place: Lang Gu, Immortal Power six stars, Combat Power six stars, Potential seven stars!”

“Ninth: Xiao Shanshan, Immortal Power six stars, Combat Power six stars, Potential eight stars!”

“Eighth: Sun Tao, Immortal Power six stars, Combat Power seven stars, Potential seven stars!”

“Seventh: Cheng Yan, Immortal Power seven stars, Combat Power seven stars, Potential six stars!”

“Sixth: Cao Shuang, Immortal Power eight stars, Combat Power seven stars, Potential seven stars!”

“Fifth: Fei Ling, Immortal Power nine stars, Combat Power eight stars, Potential eight stars!”

“Fourth: Yu Nan, Immortal Power nine stars, Combat Power nine stars, Potential nine stars!”

“Third: Nangong Ying, Immortal Power ten stars, Combat Power nine stars, Potential nine stars!”

“Second: Su Qing, Immortal Power ten stars, Combat Power ten stars, Potential nine stars!”

“First—Zhou Hao, Immortal Power ten stars, Combat Power ten stars, Potential ten stars!”

At that, the plaza fell silent as death, then erupted in an uproar: perfect scores in all three categories—Immortal Power, Combat Power, and Potential. Zhou Hao was now, unequivocally, Yunmiao’s number one! Su Qing’s place had been surpassed!

“How can this be? All three of his abilities are maxed out—I… lost? Lost to a junior? I, Nangong Ying, am inferior to a junior?” Hearing Cao Mengda’s announcement, watching Zhou Hao’s name emerge in the top ten, Nangong Ying’s pupils seemed to blaze with fire.