The Immortal World had been claimed, but the victory was only the first step. Ling Tian sat upon the Immortal Throne, golden light flowing from him like molten sunlight. The minor sects had bent to his will, but the true power of this world the Peak and Sovereign Immortal Kings still awaited.
System: "Immortal World consolidation 50% complete. Remaining threats: 7 Peak Kings, 2 Sovereign Kings. Recommended action: Multi-stage combat and technique refinement. Survival probability: 82%."
Ling Tian's golden eyes gleamed. "So be it. If they want to challenge me, they will learn the price of ambition."
The First Wave – Coordinated Attack
Within days, the warnings came. Three Peak Immortal Kings from distant territories descended on Ling Tian's palace, seeking the throne. Their aura was suffocating, shaking mountains and rivers in mere seconds.
"I will take this throne by force!" the first Peak King bellowed.
Ling Tian rose calmly. "Then let us test your strength."
System: "Battle Start: Multiple targets. Recommended: Divide and conquer using clones, terrain, and system-calculated strike sequences."
Golden energy erupted from the throne as Ling Tian split his aura into five golden clones, each moving like lightning. The Peak Kings attacked simultaneously. The battle was brutal:
The first Peak King's strikes shattered mountains.
The second manipulated rivers of spiritual energy to form deadly barriers.
The third attempted a flanking maneuver to sever Ling Tian's connection to the throne.
Ling Tian reacted to each threat with precision, system calculations guiding his every movement. Still, the attacks pushed him to his limits. Each strike forced him to expend more energy, sweat streaming down his body as his golden aura flared brighter and brighter.
System: "Warning: Energy depletion detected. Recommended: Utilize Imperial Devouring King Palm and Soul Severing Fist combo."
With a single roar, Ling Tian unleashed a combined technique, blasting two Peak Kings back and forcing the third to retreat.
Ling Tian (thinking): "They're strong, but they are predictable. I need more power… more refinement… before Celestial Base."
Technique Mastery Under Pressure
Ling Tian returned to the throne, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes and began refining his techniques, pushing his body and mind past natural limits.
Soul Severing Fist: Mastery increased to 70%
Golden Crescent Palm: Mastery increased to 55%
Imperial Devouring King Palm: Mastery increased to 50%
The system instructed:
System: "Recommended action: Combine all three techniques with Throne Resonance to prepare for Sovereign-level combat and breakthrough. Potential unlock: +10% cultivation base."
Golden energy surged through Ling Tian's body as he performed continuous meditation while testing his abilities on summoned illusions and minor sect challengers. Every strike, every maneuver, was precise and calculated each attack refining his control over his power.
The Sovereign Test Shadowed Peaks
A week later, the real test arrived. Two Sovereign Immortal Kings, rumored to rival even the late Immortal Emperor, appeared at the Shadowed Peaks, intent on claiming Ling Tian's throne.
The air grew heavy, shimmering with oppressive energy. Even Ling Tian's golden aura flickered under the sheer weight of their presence.
System: "Threat level: Maximum. Recommended: Extreme defensive strategy, energy circulation, and precise Imperial Technique deployment. Survival probability: 68%."
The Sovereign Kings unleashed waves of energy that shattered entire valleys, their combined power threatening to overwhelm Ling Tian. For the first time, he felt the brink of defeat.
Yet the system whispered, guiding him:
System: "Critical window detected: Enemy energy cycle unstable. Recommend simultaneous clone and counterstrike with full Throne Resonance integration."
Ling Tian gritted his teeth and activated all his techniques in perfect sequence. His clones distracted, his fists struck, and the throne amplified every move. Slowly, steadily, he forced the Sovereign Kings to retreat, leaving him standing but not without cost.
His body burned, veins glowing silver-gold, sweat and blood mixing as he gasped for breath.
Ling Tian (thinking): "This… this is only the beginning. Celestial Base… I must rise higher to survive it."
Foreshadowing Celestial Ascension
After the battle, Ling Tian sat once more upon the Immortal Throne. His energy had grown stronger, his techniques sharper, and his mind clearer. Yet, the system reminded him of the ultimate goal:
System: "Immortal King mastery: 90%. Territory consolidation: 95%. Preparation for Celestial Base breakthrough recommended. Recommended: Acquire 2 additional Imperial techniques, refine current abilities, withstand final challenges."
Ling Tian's golden eyes gazed toward the horizon. Beyond the Immortal World lay the Celestial World, a plane of unimaginable power.
"I will conquer it… but not yet," he whispered. "First, I must endure, master every technique, and prove I am worthy of ascending. Celestial Base, I will see you soon but on my terms."
The Immortal Throne pulsed, golden energy flooding the world. Ling Tian had survived the hardest trials of the Immortal World, but the road to the Celestial Base was still long, and the challenges of the Myriad Worlds even greater.