Immortal of the Ages

Chapter 633: I'll See it Through to The End!

The Immortals muttered under their breaths.

It was clear why the Nine Thunders Sovereign appeared at that moment.

First, he paid his respects to Empress Zhao, then he descended in front of Yun Xiao, as if greeting an old friend. He inquired with genuine concern, “How are your injuries? Do you need more time to recover? If necessary, I can ask the Thunder Department to delay the remaining two battles for you.”

Yun Xiao shook his head, “No need. I want to fight the remaining battles now!”

From his words, it was evident how desperate he was to defeat An Yao and prove himself!

Thinking about it, it made sense.

His own father despised him and his mother, focusing solely on his own ascent, leaving them to fend for themselves.

Not only that, but his father had also taken a disciple, naming him An Yao... Wasn’t this a pure mockery of his own family?

“Now, Lu Yao is thoroughly one of us in the Thunder Department!”

“Lu Fan has practically pushed his own son into the arms of the Nine Thunders Sovereign!”

“The drama is getting interesting.”

Suddenly, the surroundings were abuzz with excitement.

Everyone anticipated the final showdown among the semi finalists!

The immortals resumed their honored seats.

Yun Xiao and the Nine Thunders Sovereign stood side by side at the front of the arena.

“Where is Thunder Emissary Cao?” Yun Xiao asked, his voice tinged with coldness.

“Her message should be arriving soon,” the Nine Thunders Sovereign replied.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yun Xiao received a flying talisman from Cao Shuo.

「Lu Yao, I am well and watching your splendid performance at the Hall of Soaring Thunder. I await your victorious return to the Thunder Department as its Arbiter, covered in glory.」

Yun Xiao pocketed the talisman.

“Do you have a preference for sisterly types?” the Nine Thunders Sovereign suddenly asked.

Yun Xiao glanced at him and replied, “I don’t have many friends in the Thunder Department. If more people truly care for me, I will genuinely dedicate myself to the Thunder Department.”

“Understood," The Nine Thunders Sovereign nodded.

“Do you dare to protect me? Are you not afraid of Lu Bufan?” Yun Xiao asked.

With a smile, the Nine Thunders Sovereign replied, “Am I mistaken? This is the Great Dao Celestial Realm, the Heavenly Palace of the Celestial Court, not the brigand camp of Sovereign Lu.”

“Very well.” With that, Yun Xiao felt reassured. After the unexpected slap, he quickly regained his composure. Relying on his innate charisma, he attracted investors and withstood the pressure from Lu Fan.

“From this moment, alive or dead, I belong to the Thunder Department,” Yun Xiao declared.

“Speak less of that, or it might lose its charm.” The Nine Thunders Sovereign chuckled.

Beside them, Nine Kites watched her father and the striking young man in white, caught in a deep internal struggle.

Soon, the time for the semifinals would arrive.

Four battles to determine the champion of the Celestial Court!

“Semifinalists, assemble!” the Longevity Immortal announced.

Yun Xiao glanced at the old Immortal who oversaw the stewing of hopeful ascenders, then at the fierce-looking Nine Thunders Sovereign beside him. He never imagined that he would be allied with them against Lu Fan.

He had intended to stand with Lu Fan...

“One can't always get what one wants in life; everyone has their own interests and ideas. No need for naivety. Since everything depends on oneself, then I might as well fight through alone!”

Quickly, the focus shifted.

Unexpectedly for Yun Xiao, An Yao and Wuqing arrived together.

They made no effort to hide their relationship.

The fox demon, once a sly trickster, returned to her pure and serene demeanor.

An Yao, grinning and nodding as if unaffected by the earlier incident, didn’t spare Yun Xiao another glance.

Just a short while ago, they had been as close as brothers.

In this strange atmosphere, Empress Zhao once again drew the match-ups.

The Longevity Immoral took the jade slip and announced, “Lu Yao, Wuqing, you’re up.”

Wuqing stepped forward and knelt before Empress Zhao, bowing her head. "Your Majesty, I know I am no match for Lu Yao and will not disgrace myself by fighting a futile battle."

Empress Zhao nodded with a smile, appreciating her prudence. "To retreat knowing the odds requires courage. Granted."

This concession allowed Wu Guang, a lucky contender who had stumbled into the semifinals, to also kneel and speak. "Your Majesty, I stand no chance against An Yao and would only embarrass myself further. Moreover, I was recently defeated by Wuqing. So, I will not waste everyone’s time in the contest for third place."

He cleanly conceded both of his potential battles.

Normally, even if one avoided confronting An Yao, they might still challenge for third place!

His choice indicated that the situation between Yun Xiao and An Yao was too charged and sensitive. In such a climate, it was best not to embarrass oneself unnecessarily.

"Does this settle the third-place spot, then? Leaving only the fight for the champion," Empress Zhao asked with a soft chuckle.

"In that case, let's proceed to the main event, shall we?" the Dragon Tiger Sovereign suggested.

"Indeed!" came the cheerful agreement from the gathered Immortals.

Except for the Thunder Department, no one really took sides; they only sought to observe. Only the Thunder Department, concerned with dignity and honor, eagerly anticipated the match.

Yun Xiao's exceptional talent, having survived Lu Fan's deadly attack, was too enticing... But only the Thunder Department dared support him, indicating the formidable power of Lu Fan!

All eyes then turned to Yun Xiao and An Yao.

An Yao spat out a straw from his mouth, cracked his knuckles, and made a jump shot gesture as if tossing a ball. After stretching languidly, he ascended the fighting platform.

"Truly cool..." Nine Kites murmured to herself.

Hearing this, Yun Xiao was somewhat speechless. That gesture, resembling a fool’s antics, was deemed cool?

"Whom do you support?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Of course, you—the hope of the Thunder Department!" Nine Kites quickly replied.

Yun Xiao looked at her with a resigned expression.

He knew there was only one way to overcome her demonic affliction.

His eyes sought An Yao, who stood upon the fighting platform. Even now, An Yao cocked his head, hands tucked into imaginary pockets, shoulders shrugged, his expression playfully scrutinizing Yun Xiao.

In his gaze was the mockery of one born to destiny, as if he knew himself to be the protagonist of the script.

“That look…” Yun Xiao’s heart jolted! He saw it! That look was strikingly similar to Lu Fan's.

“So, it’s come to this!” The fire in Yun Xiao’s eyes blazed higher.

“What?” Blue Star asked.

“There never was an An Yao; this man is Lu Fan’s body double! They are one and the same!” Yun Xiao declared.

“Oh?” Blue Star gave a deep look, slightly astonished. “Indeed, they are cut from the same soul, no wonder.”

“That makes this fight a tough one,” Red Moon added.

This foe, failing in his stealthy attempt at murder, now sought to execute Yun Xiao openly.

Having failed with his main guise, he had resorted to his alternate!

Given Lu Fan’s nature, if he aimed to kill someone, he’d never allow them any chance to grow; he seized any opportunity to strike!

This was truly the most formidable opponent!

Realizing this, Yun Xiao took a deep breath, rage flaring in his eyes.

“Lu Fan, this game of yours, I’ll see it through to the end!”