At the summit of Five Absolutes Mountain, where the sea of clouds churned and rolled, five figures stood rooted on the blue-black rocks like ancient pines.
Gale-force winds swept past with shredded clouds, stirring their grizzled beards but unable to disperse the vast, surging force that filled heaven and earth.
Today was the once-in-a-century Martial Emperor ranking battle. Five "old monsters," each at least three hundred years old, would settle who stood above whom here.
"Ling Lao Gui, last year you stole my Thousand-Year Snow Lotus to steep in medicinal wine. Today, we're settling that score!"
Fire Departure Martial Sovereign, clad in a crimson robe, spoke first. His knuckles cracked, and a three-inch flame had already risen from his palm.
The Azure-Clad Elder opposite him stroked his beard and laughed, "Wang Lao San, have you no shame? That snow lotus grew within the bounds of my Azure Abyss Peak. Since when did it become yours?
"Besides, while I was in seclusion last year, you stole three jars of my Drunken Immortal Brew!"
Before his words had even faded, a streak of golden light suddenly slashed in from the side.
Blazing Sun Martial Sovereign, wielding a Golden Whip, laughed loudly. "Stop bickering! Ranking battles are all about striking first! The two of you add up to nearly eight hundred years old, yet you squabble like children!"
The Golden Whip swept through the air, actually cleaving a golden rift through it. The shattered stones were instantly vaporized.
"Huang Lao Si, what are you in such a hurry for?" Frozen River Martial Sovereign, with white hair and beard, crushed a boulder beneath his foot as icy mist spread from below him.
"I haven't even warmed up yet!"
With a wave of his hand, ice crystals filled the sky and condensed into arrows, shooting