"Everyone, you must go all out!"
After several minutes of discussion, Tianyi Domain finally decided that their five elders would be the participants in the first challenge.
Firstly, the strength of the five elders was slightly superior to that of Li Xuan and the other four pavilion masters, as Li Xuan and the others had only recently entered the Divine Transformation Realm and the Time Realm, their immersion being somewhat shallow.
Secondly, it would allow them to conceal the true strength of Li Xuan and the others.
It was well known that Li Xuan and the others held the status of pavilion masters. It was perfectly normal for their subordinates to compete in their stead.
Thirdly, if they could win the best-of-five system, Li Xuan's side would be able to secure a top-six ranking.
According to the competition format, although it was a best-of-five system, it was effectively a best-of-ten system. As long as they achieved five victories, the accumulated points should ensure a not-too-low ranking.
"Pavilion Masters, please rest assured, we will do our utmost, even at the cost of our lives, to preserve Tianyi Domain's ranking!" Elder Geng Tian and the others declared with firm expressions, cupping their fists.
In the next instant, the golden barrier at the edge of the area slowly vanished. Elder Geng Tian and the four others immediately stepped forward. The same was happening in all other areas.
"It seems everyone has made their decisions. The challenging teams will now select their opponents," Miao Yunxiao said, glancing around before gesturing with his hand.
As Miao Yunxiao finished speaking, one person emerged from the participating members of the seven teams. After a brief selection process, the five matches commenced.
While selecting teams, Li Xuan learned about the origins of the seven teams through their self-introductions.
Youling World, Youyu Temple received a bye.
Qilian Plane, Wenxin Sect challenged Wushen Domain.
Tianling Plane, Tianji Sect challenged Fucang Domain.
Chaluo Plane, Jiugong Gate challenged Zixiao Domain.
Heisha Plane, Qiantian Sect challenged Wangu Domain.
Erlun World, Shuangyang Sect challenged Shengxu Domain.
Milky Way Plane, Diling Sect challenged Tianyi Domain.
"Selections concluded, challenges begin!"
Once the seven teams had made their choices, Miao Yunxiao waved his hand, and the participating members of the twelve teams disappeared from the front of their respective areas.
Li Xuan and the others took their seats, their gazes fixed on the arena that suddenly appeared in mid-air. Elder Geng Tian and the four others stood in formation, each facing an opponent.
Judging by their auras, their strength was all within the Time Realm, but their depth of cultivation, having gone through so many Heavenly Yang cycles, remained unknown.
"Pavilion Master Li Xuan, Elder Geng Tian is the elder with the deepest foundation among the five that I know of. With the augmentation of two Heavenly Yang cycles, his Star Spiritual Bead count could reach twenty-seven million. Elder Geng Tian's battle should be without issue."
"Elder Jin Tian of my Jin Pavilion has been in the Time Realm for nearly twenty years, so his foundation should be considerable. Although he only has one Heavenly Yang cycle, these twenty years of arduous cultivation have accumulated a Star Spiritual Bead count of twenty-five million. These two battles should be secured."
Zhou Qingzi spoke, glancing at the battlefield.
"Pavilion Master Zhou's words are indeed true, but I also have confidence in Elder Tu Tian of my Tu Pavilion. Although Elder Tu Tian has only been in the Time Realm for ten years, my Tu Pavilion excels in defense, and Elder Tu Tian is adept in both offense and defense, so the match should not be a significant problem," Ma Tianyu replied.
"I have only recently become the Pavilion Master of the Shui Pavilion and am not very familiar with Elder Shui Tian's strength. However, since Lord Shuizun allowed Elder Shui Tian to accompany us, it is evident that he has some confidence," Zhu Bing stated.
"I truly hope we achieve a perfect sweep of five wins, as that would greatly alleviate our pressure moving forward," Wang Jianye said with a wry smile.
"Everything will depend on the strength of this Diling Sect," Zhu Bing nodded in agreement.
Boom!
As Zhu Bing finished speaking, a roaring sound echoed. Li Xuan and the others looked up, and the battles had finally begun.
Bang bang bang!
The sounds of fierce clashes reverberated like deafening explosions. Despite the rule of not resorting to lethal force, everyone fought as if their lives were on the line.
It was evident that everyone was giving their all to earn victory points. There was no hint of probing in their attacks.
Although there were twelve teams, totaling sixty individuals, engaged in combat, they did not interfere with one another. With a Free Realm expert like Miao Yunxiao presiding, segmenting the space between combatants was naturally effortless.
The battles were extremely intense, and with both sides showing no restraint, the fights concluded in less than a minute, with sixty Time Realm powerhouses finishing their matches.
With little disparity in strength, the outcomes were determined by the depth of their foundations and individual comprehension.
At the Time Realm level, no one was weak. Even the victors appeared pale and their auras unstable.
"I hadn't expected your battles to be so fierce, but the rankings for this initial challenge have already emerged," Miao Yunxiao said as the battles concluded. He then stood up and waved his hand, summoning five-colored spiritual light that surged through heaven and earth.
In an instant, all combatants were fully restored to their previous state. Following this, a scroll materialized from within the heavens and earth.
"Such formidable power!" Li Xuan's pupils contracted sharply as he witnessed Miao Yunxiao effortlessly restore everyone. To be able to bring Time Realm existences back to their combat readiness instantaneously was no small feat.
Li Xuan's respect for the power behind the Six Domains Island increased significantly. He then turned his attention to the scroll, which displayed the results of the external forces challenging the Cloud World.
First place, Wushen Domain, five wins, five losses. Accumulated points: five.
Second place, Youyu Temple, received a bye. Accumulated points: five.
Third place, Wangu Domain, four wins, one loss. Accumulated points: four.
Fourth place, Shengxu Domain, three wins, two losses. Accumulated points: three.
Fifth place, Zixiao Domain, three wins, two losses. Accumulated points: three.
Sixth place, Fucang Domain, three wins, two losses. Accumulated points: three.
Seventh place, Diling Sect, three wins, two losses. Accumulated points: three.
Eighth place, Tianyi Domain, two wins, three losses. Accumulated points: two.
Ninth place, Tianji Sect, two wins, three losses. Accumulated points: two.
Tenth place, Jiugong Gate, two wins, three losses. Accumulated points: two.
Eleventh place, Shuangyang Sect, two wins, three losses. Accumulated points: two.
Twelfth place, Qiantian Sect, one win, four losses. Accumulated points: one.
Thirteenth place, Wenxin Sect, zero wins, five losses. Accumulated points: zero.
...
As the rankings appeared, Li Xuan and the others' expressions grew grim. Although this was only the temporary ranking from the first challenge, it was not good news for Li Xuan and his companions.
Furthermore, Li Xuan and the others had not anticipated that they would only secure two victories in this challenge. To maintain their ranking, the upcoming second round of challenges would undoubtedly be the most crucial.
The seemingly single-point difference in rankings now represented a significant chasm.
"Pavilion Master Li Xuan, we did our best." Elder Geng Tian and the four others returned, now aware of the results. The three elders who had been defeated looked especially remorseful.
Li Xuan sighed softly, "No one expected Diling Sect to be so powerful, and none of the other teams were weak either. Since things have turned out this way, do not dwell on it. From now on, leave it to us."