"Now that the Netherworld Ranking has been released, it's time to find Ming He Tai and complete the challenge," Li Xuan murmured to himself before his figure shot off towards the depths of the Netherworld Space.
The moment Li Xuan made his move, Ming He Tai, who was seated on the peak, glared with a livid expression at the distant deep forest.
"Young Master, Ming Wen Zhai was actually no match for that brat and has now been replaced in his ranking. If that Li Xuan comes to challenge, won't we become a laughingstock? Why don't I go and utterly tear that brat to pieces!" a man beside Ming He Tai said, bowing slightly and cupping his fist.
Upon hearing this, Ming He Tai's aura turned even colder. "I know the strength of Ming Wen Zhai well enough. Moreover, Ming Wen Zhai's physical strength is the strongest in our clan, yet he lost to that brat."
"Even if you were to go, I'm afraid you'd only bring shame upon me. Since he wants to challenge me, I'll wait. A mere nobody from a small family, aspiring for prominence. Unfortunately, he's picked the wrong opponent!"
"The Young Master's teachings are wise! When the Young Master makes his move, that brat named Li Xuan will surely meet his end on the spot!" The man beside him bowed even lower.
Ming He Tai's expression finally softened slightly. He then looked at the scroll of the Netherworld Ranking above and said, "Let's go. The Netherworld Ranking has appeared, and it's time for the final competition to begin."
"The two of you also try your best. If you can enter the top one hundred, our Great Elder's family will gain two more spots. That Void Spirit Nether Pill is an indispensable item."
...
In the depths of the Netherworld Space, a vast area resembling the shell of an egg, it was now bustling with activity as countless figures appeared, transforming from its previous silence.
In the center of the expanse, a large arena had been erected at some unknown time. Around it, a hundred stone steps stood tall. On each step, a figure sat cross-legged. The combined auras of these hundred individuals actually sealed off the spiritual energy between heaven and earth.
The contestants who were arriving one after another gazed at these hundred figures with admiration before soaring towards the surrounding open spaces.
*Whoosh!*
With a sound of piercing the air, a figure in white suddenly appeared on the mountain range within the expanse. After a slight pause, the white-clothed man's gaze swept across the hundred stone steps and fell directly on the last person.
As if sensing he was being watched, Ming He Tai, seated on the hundredth stone step, looked upwards. A cold smile immediately appeared on his lips.
"He's truly courting death, to have actually come," Ming He Tai remarked after glancing at the white-clothed man above, then retracted his gaze. However, the coldness on his lips intensified.
The white-clothed man observing from above remained unfazed by Ming He Tai's expression. He then smiled slightly and murmured, "Even without Ming Luo's involvement, you, the hundredth-ranked contestant, would likely have become my target for a challenge. So, you can only blame your bad luck."
This white-clothed man was none other than Li Xuan, who had traveled from the central region to the challenge grounds. After his thoughts, Li Xuan sat down cross-legged on the spot to wait.
There were many contestants who chose to wait on the periphery of the expanse, just like Li Xuan, so his actions did not attract much attention.
However, the faint aura emanating from Li Xuan caused some contestants to cautiously move further away.
As another day passed, the tens of thousands of contestants on the Netherworld Ranking had been drastically reduced by more than half within a single day. Li Xuan was somewhat surprised to find this, realizing the intense competition within the Nine Nether Clan given the rapid decline in numbers.
Adding the approximately one thousand contestants present here, there were only about two thousand more contestants from other regions who had yet to appear.
*Buzz.*
As contestants continued to gather here, a buzzing sound suddenly echoed.
Li Xuan's gaze shifted at the sound, and he immediately looked towards the challenge arena below.
A dark, seven-colored light appeared in mid-air, and then a figure slowly materialized on the challenge stage. Upon seeing the arrival, all those who had been sitting on the hundred stone steps stood up one after another.
"Greetings, Envoy Ming Chang," everyone present called out in unison, a trace of respect in their expressions.
Ming Chang waved his hand after appearing and said, "Rise. The subsequent matches will proceed as usual. Any contestant wishing to challenge may begin."
As soon as Ming Chang finished speaking, he sat down on the central high chair on the challenge stage. A dark light then spread from within him towards the edge of the stage, instantly encircling the entire arena.
After completing this, Ming Chang's gaze slowly swept over the crowd below the challenge stage.
Li Xuan looked at the crowd, noticing a hint of shock in everyone's eyes. Ming Chang's aura had already reached the peak of the Harmonious Realm.
Furthermore, Ming Chang was one of the three strongest experts within the Nine Nether Clan. Having such a powerful figure presiding over the final challenge matches was enough to demonstrate the Nine Nether Clan's emphasis on the Netherworld Ranking competition.
What Li Xuan didn't know was that while the Nine Nether Clan placed importance on the Netherworld Ranking, it was primarily to motivate its clansmen to strive for excellence. Much like the opening ceremony, it was for the collective goal of the entire Nine Nether Clan.
However, Ming Jiu You, the clan leader of the Nine Nether Clan, was acutely aware of the internal strife among the five great families. If the matter were left to them to officiate, it would undoubtedly be unfair.
Dispatching Ming Chang to preside was intended to both deter the five great families and, naturally, to identify individuals from among the clan who were of pure background and could be utilized.
"It seems it's time to make a move," Li Xuan said as he noticed quite a few contestants already beginning their challenges, and his figure then darted directly towards the challenge arena below.
Ming He Tai, who had been intently watching Li Xuan, immediately opened his eyes. His gaze was now fixed on Li Xuan descending from above. He then slowly stood up, a series of cracking sounds emanating from his body.
"Young Master Tai, who is it this time, the unlucky fellow who's displeased you?" a man seated beside Ming He Tai asked with a laugh.
As soon as this person spoke, several others seated in the same row also turned their attention to Ming He Tai.
Although Ming He Tai's ranking was only hundredth, his background and lineage were far beyond what these individuals could compare to. In fact, many among the audience were disciples from the Great Elder's family.
Ming He Tai let out a cold snort, ignoring the question, and his figure moved, appearing on the stage.
As Ming He Tai took his place on the stage, Li Xuan, who had intended to approach the stone steps of the top hundred contestants to challenge Ming He Tai, immediately changed course and also landed on the challenge stage.
"I didn't expect you to be so eager, which saves me the trouble of sending you a message. Judging by your demeanor, you should be ready to accept my challenge, right?" Li Xuan smiled faintly, his gaze directly falling on Ming He Tai.
Ming He Tai sneered upon hearing this, not bothering to reply to Li Xuan.
However, Ming He Tai's gaze then shifted to Ming Chang, who was seated on the high chair, and he bowed slightly. "Envoy Ming Chang, please set up the Nether Prison Barrier. I wish to engage this person in a death match."
Everyone present immediately stood up in shock.
"A death match?!"