The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

The Life and Death Stage is reserved for resolving unresolvable conflicts and deadly grudges among disciples of the sect. However, when disciples simply need to spar or test their strength against each other, they naturally don't head to the Life and Death Stage. Instead, they go to the Sect's Competition Grounds.

On the western side of the Myriad Manifestations Sect lies a vast plain, where numerous arenas of various sizes are constructed. These arenas, used for competitions, are built from solid steel rock, making them incredibly sturdy. Moreover, each arena is equipped with formations that act as barriers, similar to those on the Life and Death Stage. These barriers prevent the soul power shockwaves from the battles on the platform from disturbing the disciples watching below. Additionally, the formations reinforce the arenas, ensuring they can withstand even the fiercest clashes.

"What? Liu Ming changed the venue to Arena Number Thirty-Six?" At the entrance of the Competition Grounds, Lei Qian frowned as he listened to one of his Thunder Division disciples report the change.

The arenas within the Competition Grounds vary in size, with some large enough to accommodate battles between tens of thousands of participants. These massive arenas are known as battleground stages. Arena Number Thirty-Six is one of these battleground stages.

Lei Qian's face darkened as he pieced together the situation. He turned and headed toward Lin Qian's location.

At that moment, Lin Qian was standing with Bai Ren, Ye Lin, Ye Long, and Ye Feng. Their schedules had aligned, allowing them to come and watch the match.

"Lin-shixiong, why is it that trouble always seems to find you?" Bai Ren asked with a smirk as he looked at Lin Qian.

When Lin Qian first joined the Myriad Manifestations Sect, many of the outer disciples had challenged him, questioning how he had earned the title of disciple to the War Emperor. Back then, Lin Qian had used his formidable strength to sweep through the entire outer sect, leaving no one able to stand against him. His overwhelming power had silenced all doubters.

While the outer sect had stopped causing him trouble, it seemed the inner sect disciples were now constantly seeking him out.

"Isn't that Lei Qian?" Ye Lin suddenly exclaimed as she spotted Lei Qian approaching.

Lin Qian and Lei Qian had temporarily parted ways earlier, so Ye Lin and the others were unaware of their current relationship.

"Boss, there's a problem," Lei Qian said as he approached Lin Qian, using a title that left Bai Ren, Ye Lin, and the others utterly stunned.

They clearly remembered how arrogant Lei Qian used to be. How had he suddenly become Lin Qian's underling?

Lei Qian's abrupt statement puzzled Lin Qian. "What, is Liu Ming not coming? If that's the case, then that saves me some trouble."

"It's not that. Liu Ming changed the venue to Arena Number Thirty-Six, one of the battleground stages," Lei Qian explained, shaking his head.

Lin Qian frowned, clearly annoyed. "What is this guy playing at? He decides to change the venue, and I have to accept it?"

"Yes, according to the rules for challenging the slots for the Ancient Relic, the challenger gets to choose the venue and method of the match before it begins. The one being challenged has to accept," Lei Qian explained, sounding resigned.

"What a ridiculous rule. Whoever came up with this must have had their brain kicked by a donkey," Lin Qian grumbled, clearly displeased.

Lei Qian, looking a bit awkward, responded, "It seems that the War Emperor had the Sect Master implement this rule."

"..." Lin Qian's face froze, and he let out a dry laugh. "Forget what I just said, alright?"

With that, Lei Qian led Lin Qian and the others over to where the rest of the Thunder Division disciples were gathered.

"This is the group I formed, the Thunder Division," Lei Qian said, spreading his arms to indicate the dozens of disciples standing around.

Lin Qian looked at the group, his expression curious. "Wait, didn't you have two or three hundred people cheering for you during the Life and Death Battle?"

Anticipating the question, Lei Qian smiled bitterly and explained, "After I lost the battle and declared you as my boss, many left."

"A bunch of fence-sitters. They thought Lei-shixiong was weak after losing to you, believing he never deserved to be ranked in the top ten," one disciple from the Thunder Division complained.

"Right. They assumed Lei-shixiong was only relying on his grandfather's name and that he was actually very weak," another disciple chimed in.

"That's nonsense. I think your current strength easily ranks you ninth," Lin Qian snorted. He then spoke to Lei Qian in a serious tone, "Don't let it get to you. It's not that you're weak; it's just that I'm too strong."

Seeing Lin Qian's earnest expression as he declared himself too strong, the group couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Lin Qian-ge, you really have no shame," Ye Lin teased, covering her mouth as she laughed.

Lin Qian spread his hands, shrugging as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Don't believe me? Ask Lei Qian—am I not too strong?"

"Too strong doesn't even begin to describe it..." Lei Qian muttered, thinking back to the twelve-layered soul power aura he had witnessed. "You're practically a monster!"

"Let's go see what Arena Number Thirty-Six looks like," Lin Qian said with a wave of his hand, leading the way forward. Lei Qian quickly followed, and the others hurried to keep up.

Walking beside Lin Qian, Lei Qian lowered his voice and asked, "Boss, do you have a way to hide your soul power layers?"

"Yeah, I can suppress them," Lin Qian nodded, looking at Lei Qian. "I can also suppress my strength, but if I go all out, I can't hide it."

Relieved, Lei Qian sighed. "With the Ancient Relic coming up, it's best if you don't reveal how terrifying your soul power layers are, Boss."

"Why's that?" Lin Qian asked.

"If Victory Sky Sect learns how terrifying your talent is, they'll do everything they can to kill you before you grow stronger," Lei Qian said through gritted teeth. "To protect their dominance, Victory Sky Sect will stop at nothing to destroy the geniuses of other sects if they get the chance."

Lin Qian nodded in agreement. The Domineering Blade Sect was becoming more and more like Victory Sky Sect's lapdog. If Lin Qian's fiancée's troubles in Bashan City weren't orchestrated by Victory Sky Sect, he wouldn't believe it.

He had heard plenty about Victory Sky Sect's dirty tactics in secret.

"I just hope the disciples of Victory Sky Sect at the Ancient Relic know what's good for them and don't provoke me," Lin Qian murmured, his voice cold. "Otherwise, their trip to the Ancient Relic will end in tears."

"Is that Arena Number Thirty-Six?" Ye Lin's exclamation from behind drew Lin Qian's attention.

Ahead of them, a massive arena, elevated a foot off the ground, blocked their path. The spacious stage was large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people. On top of the platform, a crowd was already waiting in dark silhouettes.

As Lin Qian and his group approached, the bald-headed young man leading the crowd tauntingly beckoned them forward with a finger.

"Which one of you is Lin Qian? Step forward!"