Chapter 982: Ten Escort Platforms
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Sunlight shined down from the sky, but when it shined on the top of the tower, the whole ancient stone tower seemed to be burning with layers of light halos moving on its surface. An extremely ancient and terrible fluctuation, as if from a primordial ferocious beast, slowly awoke from the stone tower.
When all the Sovereigns present felt that wave, their eyes could not help but narrow. There was a terrible shock in the depths of their eyes, as such fluctuations were indeed astonishing.
However, the shock only lasted a few moments before dissipating, and then their emotions were filled with anticipation and ecstasy, for such a peculiar change meant that the Primordial Body-refining Tower was about to activate.
Rumble!
Under the many burning gazes, a deep sound rumbled in the Primordial Body-refining Tower, and then the ground surrounding the stone tower suddenly cracked as ten ancient stone platforms slowly rose from below the ground.
The stone platform was covered with obscure runes. They had a faint luster, and it seemed possible to see some of the subtle light rays extending out towards the Primordial Body-refining Tower.
When these ten stone platforms appeared, many powerful men in the area burst into shock. Nine Nether knitted her eyebrows and frowned, saying, “This time, only ten Escort Platforms have appeared around the Primordial Body-refining Tower…”
Mu Chen looked at the emerging platforms and asked in bewilderment, “Escort Platforms? What does that mean?”
“The Escort Platforms represent the number of people who can enter the Primordial Body-refining Tower, and only one person is allowed onto each platform. That is to say, there are only ten people who can enter the tower this time.”
Nine Nether continued helplessly, “It was said that last time 20 Escort Platforms had appeared, but we did not expect that there would be only half that many this time…”
Mu Chen’s gaze turned solemn as he understood the meaning behind Nine Nether’s words. With the reduction of the Escort Platforms, the number of people who would gain access to the tower would also be less. At present, many strong people were eyeing the platforms covetously. If one wanted to win an Escort Platform, they would inevitably pay a great price.
Mu Chen’s gaze began to sweep around, and a sudden tension was felt. There was a cold twinkle in the eyes of all the powerful characters of the various Divine Beasts Clans as they stared at each other with a murderous glint.
The ten Escort Platforms stood quietly around the Primordial Body-refining Tower. As they emerged, the various Divine Beast Clans who were eager to try quieted down, but in that silence, there was a chilling aura.
Mu Chen knitted his eyebrows tightly and frowned. Although he never thought entering the Primordial Body-refining Tower would be easy, looking at the current circumstances, he realized they would have to engage in brutal bloodshed before they could stand firmly on those ten Escort Platforms.
Nine Nether’s beautiful eyes glanced towards Mu Chen, Ink Blade, and Ink Ring as she whispered, “Since there are only ten Escort Platforms right now, I’m afraid our plans will have to change.
“Out of the ten platforms, it’s impossible for us to occupy four. Let’s not mention success, because even if we succeed, I’m afraid it won’t be a blessing.”
Mu Chen, Ink Blade, and Ink Ring all nodded. If each of them occupied a seat, then the other supreme talents of the Divine Beasts Clans would inevitably be jealous and might even form an alliance to attack them. At that time, not only would they fail to get even one seat, they might be utterly defeated. Thus, they had to make a choice now.
“I suggest that we focus on two Escort Platforms. If we can get two people into the tower, that’s the best-case scenario.”
“Two…” Mu Chen pondered slightly. In that case, only two of them could enter the Primordial Body-refining Tower to obtain the opportunity, and the other two would have to wait outside.
However, that seemed unfair to the other two. After all, no one wanted to give up such a great opportunity.
“I suggest Ink Blade and Mu Chen fight for the platforms, while Ink Ring and I can assist at the sidelines… Do you have any other opinions?” Nine Nether looked at the three and smiled.
Upon hearing Nine Nether’s words, Mu Chen was stunned, and then his heart was filled with gratitude. According to normal circumstances, it should be her and Ink Blade fighting for the platforms. After all, both of them had really stepped into Seventh Grade Sovereign. On the surface, they would have a better chance of obtaining the platform, but Nine Nether gave her place to Mu Chen, apparently intending to give the Primordial Body-refining Tower opportunity to him, too.
She was aware of how important the Primordial Body-refining Tower opportunity was to Mu Chen.
Ink Blade and Ink Ring were also surprised. The former then glanced at Mu Chen and remarked nonchalantly, “All the elders have said that it is up to you to decide on this trip. Now that you have decided, then Ink Ring and I will not contest your decision.”
Although Mu Chen seemed only to have the power of a Sixth Grade Sovereign, after these days of contact, Ink Blade also vaguely knew that Mu Chen seemed to hide a lot of strength, so there was not too much opposition to Nine Nether’s proposal. Moreover, it was Nine Nether who decided to pass up this opportunity and give it to Mu Chen, so he also said nothing.
Ink Ring grinned and said, “Hehe, Brother Mu Chen, you have to do your best.”
“Thank you.” Mu Chen clasped his fist at the siblings gratefully. As for Nine Nether, it was clear that the relationship between them no longer required such a scene, but in his heart he had made up his mind. He would definitely help Nine Nether obtain the divine blood of the Primordial Undying Bird in the Land of the Divine Beasts and refine her bloodline to make it perfect.
The atmosphere in the area remained tense as they reached a decision, but everyone knew that the standoff would not last…
Indeed, as everyone had expected, after a few minutes, a man named Han Shan of the Demonic Rhino Clan stepped out slowly, and his ferocious gaze began to sweep over them. A sharp voice rang out. “Since all of you do not want to be the first to begin, then I, Han Shan of the Demonic Rhino Clan, will do it!”
As soon as his voice fell, he shot out. He landed heavily on an Escort Platform and surveyed his surroundings with a ferocious glare as rage emanated from him like a fierce primordial rhinoceros brutally charging around.
He stood on the Escort Platform and said in a cold voice, “This Escort Platform belongs to me, Han Shan! Whoever disagrees, feel free to challenge me for it!”
Han Shan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, and an air of dominance emanated from him. Some gazes changed amid the crowd. All present were the best of the younger generation in their own clan, and they were also proud. Naturally, they weren’t easily frightened by this Han Shan.
Therefore, just when Han Shan’s words fell, there was a cold snort. “Well, I have heard of your overbearing reputation for a long time. Today, I of the Demonic Elephant Clan want to challenge you!”
Boom!
A figure like a giant tower fell from the sky and landed on the Escort Platform where Han Shan stood. All of a sudden, the earth trembled violently.
Many gazes looked towards them as they saw the giant figure was a dark body painted with strange patterns. Light bloomed between the patterns as if it were a force capable of shaking the sky.
The man held a massive black club, which seemed to be immensely heavy. It was merely touching the ground, but cracks appeared in the firm and incredibly hard ground.
It actually turned out to be the supreme talent from the Demonic Elephant Clan, Xu Kun. It was said that this man had also set foot into the rank of Seventh Grade Sovereign and was strong enough to uproot a mountain. If the two clans were to fight, the heavens and earth would break apart.
As soon as this person appeared, it caused a lot of startled gasps, as they could recognize that this was no mediocre character. No wonder he dared to come forward directly to confront Han Shan.
“Demonic Elephant Clan?”
Han Shan narrowed his eyes, his expression indifferent. Without any nonsense, he suddenly stomped his feet, and the earth cracked. Fierce rage swept through the sky, and his figure shot out like an ancient fierce rhinoceros dealing a brutal attack.
Xu Kun snorted coldly but was not afraid. The black club in his hands swung and landed heavily on Han Shan.
Boom!
A majestic and violent spiritual energy impact immediately erupted on the Escort Platform.
The fight between the two men had utterly ignited the standoff in the region. The strong men of all sides were no longer willing to wait, and one by one, powerful spiritual energy soared directly into the sky. In the next moment, many silhouettes charged out, heading straight for the Escort Platforms.
Upon seeing this, Nine Nether roared, “Do it!” and in the next moment, the four shot out and divided into two groups, each falling to the two Escort Platforms nearest to them.
As soon as Mu Chen appeared on the Escort Platform, he stood still. His eyes were even slightly closed, and he was like a stone statue standing in the middle of the platform.
On the other hand, Nine Nether stood in the air above the Escort Platform. The majestic power of her spiritual energy swept out of her body, and purple flames began to rise. The high temperature directly caused the surrounding air to begin to evaporate. This kind of domineering flame also made many strong characters who tried to seize this Escort Platform a little hesitant.
“That brat is a mere Sixth Grade Sovereign and actually dares to occupy an Escort Platform? He’s truly courting death!”
“This brat seems to be a human. How did he get into the Land of the Divine Beasts?”
“What is this member of the Nine Netherbird Clan doing? She actually intends to help this brat vie for an Escort Platform?”
“Hmph, he can only rely on a girl to protect him. What an imbecile!”
“…”
Many gazes converged there, followed by some cynical and mocking remarks, but Mu Chen’s eyes still remained motionless.
Not far away, several people of the Heavenly Roc Clan, as well as the woman named Liu Ching, looked at the scene in dismay. “With that kid’s mere Sixth Grade Sovereign ability, he cannot even guard an Escort Platform, not to mention entering the Primordial Refining-body Tower and obtaining what is in it. How foolish.
“Besides, does she really think that she can protect that kid by herself?”
Beside her, the man named Zong Teng looked at Nine Nether, who had an overwhelming aura. To Liu Ching’s surprise, he calmly said, “I will drive Nine Nether away. You can take care of that human boy. This Escort Platform belongs to us, the Heavenly Roc Clan.”
“A mere Sixth Grade Sovereign is no threat to us.” A man clad in red robes grinned, and his eyes shimmered with ferocious light. A powerful spiritual energy fluctuation burst out of his body. He was also a Seventh Grade Sovereign!
Zong Teng nodded and stepped out, directly appearing in the purple fire rising in front of Nine Nether.
The man named Zong Huo also landed on the platform where Mu Chen was. He looked at the latter with a sardonic gaze, as if playing a game of cat and mouse.
Mu Chen seemed to be aware of it. His slightly closed eyes opened a little, but his black eyes only glanced nonchalantly at Zong Huo as he approached. Mu Chen flicked his fingers in his sleeves, and an indiscernible light flashed out, integrating with the ground surrounding the Escort Platform.