"Li Xuan Pavilion Master, everyone, please be seated." After walking for several minutes, a vast square suddenly appeared before Li Xuan and the others.
The center of the square was empty, but a circle around it was divided into thirteen areas. Each area had two rows of seats made of white crystal. The seats in the east were slightly higher, clearly designated for the Six Domains Island's contingent.
"Li Xuan Pavilion Master, what is this about?" After Li Xuan and his group were seated, Zhu Bing looked at the Six Domains teams in other areas and asked in a low voice.
Li Xuan surveyed the surrounding teams and then let out a long sigh. "I believe everyone heard the Supreme mention something about preserving our Tianyi Domain's ranking when you left Tianyi Pavilion. It seems this is about the ranking."
"However, we can only know the details once the person in charge appears. Also, according to Brother Meng, there are seven other teams participating, and it's strange that they haven't shown up yet."
"It seems our opponents will be these seven teams," Zhu Bing said with a grave expression.
Wang Jianye shook his head. "Don't be careless. Although our Tianyi Domain is ranked sixth, losing to the other three domains won't be a major issue. But the Wangu Domain and Shengxu Domain are another matter. If they decide to kick us while we're down, our situation will become even more dangerous."
"We can only give it our all," everyone said with solemn expressions.
Time passed slowly. After Li Xuan's team and the other five domain teams waited for five minutes, lines of people suddenly appeared.
Following their formation, they were indeed the other seven teams.
As soon as the seven teams appeared, they immediately attracted everyone's attention. Li Xuan glanced at them, and his pupils slightly contracted.
Although the leaders of each team appeared to be at the early stage of the Years Realm, Li Xuan felt as if he was facing a formidable enemy with each one. They were no less formidable than the leaders of the Six Domains.
"What powerful auras, where did these fellows come from?" Zhou Qingzi also sensed the strength of these seven teams, and his already solemn expression became even more severe.
"Although the Cloud World is incredibly powerful, the forces from different planes are not as simple as we know. It seems these seven teams are confident enough to challenge us," Li Xuan sighed faintly, then withdrew his gaze, no longer paying them any mind. Compared to his previous worry, Li Xuan felt somewhat more relaxed. While the leaders of these seven teams were strong, Li Xuan was no pushover. If they wanted to determine who was superior, it would have to be settled through combat.
"Welcome, Island Master!"
As the seven teams appeared, several figures emerged in the sky to the east. The one leading them was imposing, with only his white-haired temples drawing attention. The reception envoys standing before the different areas immediately knelt on one knee and bowed, shouting.
Li Xuan and the others also stood up, bowed, and felt a sense of awe. The appearance of this Island Master caused the heavens and earth to surge with energy. A terrifying aura swept across the surroundings like a howling gale, indicating he was a powerhouse at the Free Realm.
The newcomer sat on the easternmost seat, then looked at everyone with a smile and gestured. "It is a great honor for our Six Domains Island to have all the talents from various factions grace our shores. I am Miao Yunxiao, and I welcome all of you."
Li Xuan heard this and saw that the main figure had finally appeared.
"I believe everyone is eager to know about the ranking matters. I will be direct. Since the inception of the Six Domains Auction Assembly, this ranking system has emerged. Firstly, it is for factions to engage in friendly competition. Secondly, it is to showcase the foundations of each faction."
"And it is our great honor that Six Domains Island has the privilege of presiding over this event."
"As for how the ranking is determined, it varies each time. In the past, there have been magical duels, martial contests, and formation breaking, among other things. Of course, these are always conducted with restraint."
"Perhaps some of you are wondering about the purpose of these rankings. I believe your respective higher-ups did not tell you when you departed, only instructing you to strive your best for a good ranking. This is actually a rule of our Six Domains Island, it cannot be spoken, cannot be revealed."
"Now that you are all here, it is time for me to tell you."
"As we all know, the Cloud World is the central hub for us spiritual masters. Both in terms of cultivation resources and environment, it is second to none. And we spiritual masters revere the strong. The best resources naturally should go to the strongest beings."
"Therefore, after thousands of years of refinement, this ranking battle has gradually evolved into a battle for resources. Everyone present is aware that the Cloud World is currently divided into six domains. If the teams from these six domains can maintain their top six rankings, then they naturally will not need to relinquish any resources."
"However, if their ranking falls below sixth place, according to the covenant established by the various factions, they must divide corresponding resources according to their ranking."
"Of course, if you can maintain your ranking, or even improve your domain's ranking, you will receive the rewards prepared by Six Domains Island. Rest assured, the rewards from Six Domains Island are quite substantial. It is not impossible that they might even help you achieve a breakthrough in enlightenment."
"The forces and teams from the six domains of the Cloud World will accept challenges from forces and teams from other planes. Note that the forces and teams from the six domains can only passively accept challenges. The challenging teams will have two opportunities to challenge."
"As for the qualification for challenges, Six Domains Island has conducted a comprehensive screening. The forces and teams that have reached this place all meet the criteria."
"In summary, this is the relevant information for the ranking battle. This year, I feel that magical duels and soul battles are too one-sided. Therefore, this ranking battle will be more direct. Each team can field five people when they compete. Based on wins, points will be accumulated. Ultimately, the ranking order will be determined by points."
"Do any of you have any objections?"
"No!" As Miao Yunxiao's voice fell, everyone in the square immediately rose and responded.
Li Xuan couldn't help but feel a bit speechless. A Free Realm existence, would anyone dare to raise an objection even if they had one? Moreover, the battle format for this ranking competition was quite flexible, and there was still a possibility of victory.
In fact, Li Xuan felt a slight sense of relief after hearing Miao Yunxiao's words. After all, this way, the Six Domains had implicitly become a unified front. As long as they could win the challenges, not only would their ranking be preserved, but there was also a chance of improving it.
"Since there are no objections, you may each take a quarter of an hour to deliberate," Miao Yunxiao said, nodding with satisfaction. He then waved his hand, and a golden barrier suddenly appeared at the edges of the territories of the various factions.
Looking at the barrier that seemed as tangible as a physical object, Li Xuan took a deep breath and withdrew his gaze.
"Everyone, we probably need to have a good discussion."