Chapter 332: Spectating
In the realm of cultivation, time knows no bounds. In the blink of an eye, the day of the anticipated duel arrived.
Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan selected a prime spot overlooking a precipice beyond Fengyang City.
It was the chosen battleground for Emperor Feng Yang and Goddess Feng Ruoxue, a considerable distance from the city to avoid collateral damage.
"Has Xiaoqi not returned yet?" Mu Yuyan inquired.
"No need to fret, my dear. Xiaoqi isn't far, likely lazing in the sun on a nearby boulder," Gu Lan replied with a wistful smile.
The previous day, Gu Xiaoqi awoke from her cultivation within the Divine Sky Ring. Upon hearing about Fengyang City, she couldn't resist the urge to venture out and play.
Gu Lan, preoccupied with studying the nine heavens Earth Essence, allowed Xiaoqi to roam freely. With Xiaoqi's abilities, few in the Immortal Realm could restrain her.
Gu Lan sensed no imminent danger concerning Xiaoqi, thus no cause for concern.
"They're here," Gu Lan observed, squinting slightly towards the precipice, detecting Feng Ruoxue's presence.
In a corner nearby, an Immortal King overheard Gu Lan's remark, his envy thinly veiled as he watched her.
"So handsome, with such a beautiful companion. Yet he still feels the need to posture as a formidable expert. Heaven Emperor and the goddess haven't even arrived yet. What's the use of putting on airs?" He thought scornfully.
Before he could vocalize his disdain, a gust of wind swept through the sky, and a figure appeared on the precipice. Moments later, the space across rippled, revealing another graceful figure.
"It's Emperor Feng Yang and the goddess of the Wind Clan!"
"The grand battle is about to commence!"
Outside Fengyang City, all cultivators' gaze converged upon the precipice, eagerly anticipating the clash.
Most were filled with anticipation, save for the Immortal King, whose face flushed crimson, coughing nervously as he struggled to maintain composure.
Fortunately, his premature judgment spared him the embarrassment of being caught off guard by the arrival of the two heaven emperors.
After a moment of relief, he cast a skeptical glance at Gu Lan.
This delicate-looking fellow, lacking in imposing aura... Could it be he stumbled upon good fortune through sheer luck?
Perhaps. Merely speculating with the beauty beside him, a gamble either way.
...
"Ah, Goddess Xueruo, we've known each other for years. Shall we dispense with formalities and engage in a friendly spar?" Emperor Feng Yang chuckled, his resonant voice echoing across the wilderness.
Feng Ruoxue extended a delicate hand from beneath her pristine veil, showing no change in expression. "Please."
"You're still as economical with words as ever!" Emperor Feng Yang shook his head ruefully. He had grown accustomed to her manner.
Among the goddesses of the Immortal Realm, Feng Ruoxue undeniably stood out in both beauty and prowess.
However, since the events of millennia past, she had become as cold as ice, earning her the reputation of an icy beauty among the younger generation of Immortal Realm.
"The Realm of Wind, unfold!" Emperor Feng Yang wasted no more words and made the first move. A terrifying domain of wind unfolded, swiftly enveloping Feng Ruoxue.
Simultaneously, a spear appeared in Emperor Feng Yang's hand, swirling with fierce winds, resembling a tornado as it thrust toward Feng Ruoxue.
Throughout the exchange, Feng Ruoxue remained motionless, standing resolutely as the tempest swept around her until the spear approached. Then, a sword materialized in her hand.
The two figures clashed amidst the raging winds and sword qi, captivating the onlookers who could barely keep track of their movements.
"Rumor has it that upon reaching the realm of Heaven Emperor, one can wield the power of domains."
"Emperor Feng Yang's Realm of Wind is formidable. If I were in there, I doubt I could last even ten breaths."
"Though both are heaven emperors, the disparity between each tier is like a chasm."
"The realm of Heaven Emperor is beyond our reach; we can only dream!"
Outside Fengyang City, the twelve immortal kings overseeing the battle were equally enthralled, keenly aware of the terror and power of the battle between heaven emperors.
"The realm of wind..." Gu Lan murmured, watching Emperor Feng Yang's domain with a sense of understanding. With a gesture, he conjured a small domain of his own in front of him.
"Ah, quite effective when paired with the wind attribute," he marveled inwardly, a newfound appreciation for combat techniques emerging.
Observing Gu Lan effortlessly manifest a domain, Mu Yuyan's eyes brimmed with envy and admiration.
Mastery of domains wasn't easily attained; even heaven emperors required millennia of arduous training to grasp such power. Her husband's innate talent was truly astounding.
"Wind Stirring the nine heavens!" Emperor Feng Yang raised his spear, gathering a storm that enveloped him, transforming into a colossal storm giant in the blink of an eye. The giant moved swiftly, causing rocks to scatter on the cliff.
Facing such an onslaught, Feng Ruoxue could only retreat with her sword in hand.
"Wind rises, snow surges!" Finally, she unleashed a secret technique.
Sword qi stirred a tempest, which carried ice and snow, forming a ferocious dragon that collided with the storm giant.
A thunderous roar echoed as the terrifying shockwave dispersed.
Nearby cultivators, though startled, managed to retreat unscathed, thanks to their high cultivation levels and distance from the epicenter.
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As they regained their footing, they noticed Emperor Feng Yang and the goddess of the Wind Clan had ceased their battle.
"If I'm not mistaken, that cliff has been shaved down considerably by the residual shockwaves! The battles of heaven emperors are truly terrifying!"
"Why didn't Emperor Feng Yang use Twin Moons? Nevertheless, he's still quite impressive despite his age!"
The spectators marveled at Emperor Feng Yang's prowess and charisma, drawing even more admiration, particularly from the female cultivators who were previously fond of him.
Meanwhile, the veiled goddess of the Wind Clan also garnered attention, with numerous talented female cultivators and infatuated male cultivators alike admiring her beauty from afar.
In the mountains outside the city, Gu Lan watched calmly.
The battle of heaven emperors didn't offer him any insights into his own cultivation, but he did glean some knowledge on domain utilization and unique combat techniques exclusive to the realm of heaven emperors.
However, he realized that simply observing battles wouldn't suffice for his breakthrough; he needed to study diligently...
Perhaps it was easier to consult the system directly than to wander around watching battles.
Relieved, Gu Lan glanced at his companion. "My dear, after watching this battle, what insights have you gained?"
"Many insights indeed. The disparity between me and the realm of Heaven Emperor is still considerable... However, I feel this battle wasn't a draw. Feng Ruoxue seemed to have a slight edge; she held back throughout the fight," Mu Yuyan whispered, her gaze fixed on Feng Ruoxue on the cliff.
Gu Lan's eyes brightened at her words, nodding in agreement.
It seemed that after inheriting the Snow Clan's legacy and tirelessly practicing alongside him, Mu Yuyan's perception had far surpassed her actual strength.
She could discern the nuances of battles between heaven emperors with remarkable accuracy.
Suddenly, a disdainful snort interrupted their conversation, emanating from the unknown Immortal King who had previously sneered at Gu Lan before Emperor Feng Yang and Feng Ruoxue appeared.
Though small-minded, he too yearned for strength and was an ardent fan of Emperor Feng Yang. Hearing their discussion, he couldn't help but feel displeased!