Six days later, at the outer edge of the Turbid Abyss Sea, in the Panbo waters.
Heavy mist hung over the sea. More than a dozen figures hovered in the air, divided into three groups several miles apart, their auras locked in a silent standoff.
To the east, Cen Lingyi wore a frost-white dress. Two fellow disciples stood beside her, both at mid-Golden Core. Behind them were three cultivators carrying longswords on their backs. Their attire marked them as members of the Heavenly Origin Sword School.
To the west, True Person Yuchen's golden crown gleamed dazzlingly. Only one young Daoist with an arrogant expression accompanied him. Seven members of the Nine Truths Gate stood quietly behind them, while several Golden Core rogue cultivators waited uneasily off to one side.
"Since everyone is here, let us lay out the rules."
Xi Hong stepped forward, his clear voice carrying far. "Deep within the Panbo Water Mansion lies a water eye, the source of the Panbo sea region. Within it dwells a water flood dragon spirit awakened by the Flood Dragon Lord. It was originally fourth tier, but after this region was invaded by the Turbid Abyss, it fell to third tier.
"Today's contest is simple. Whichever faction kills that flood dragon spirit first will own the Water Mansion. You are responsible for your own lives, and no grievances may be pursued afterward."
His gaze swept over Cen Lingyi and Yuchen. "Do either of you object?"
Cen Lingyi shook her head indifferently.
Yuchen narrowed his eyes and glanced at Chu Mo, then scoffed. "Enough chatter. Begin."
As soon as the words fell, all three groups moved at once.
Each cultivator employed their own means. Some transformed into rainbow light and vanished into the depths, some cleaved the sea with their swords and drove