The battlefield was silent. Mountains lay shattered, rivers flowed with golden light, and clouds swirled unnaturally in the wake of Ling Tian's throne battle. Yet amidst the devastation, a single figure stood tall, radiating a presence that dwarfed the mightiest of Immortal Kings.
Ling Tian descended from the throne, his golden aura settling like a warm sun over the world. Vorath had retreated, humiliated but alive a cautionary tale for anyone who dared challenge him.
System: "Immediate objective: Consolidate Immortal World territories. Recommended action: Assimilate weaker sects, acquire Imperial techniques, establish Throne dominance. Timeframe: 10 chapters estimated for full Immortal King mastery."
Ling Tian's eyes scanned the horizon. Countless sects dotted the Immortal World, each wielding the energy of Rising and Peak Kings. Some were loyal to the previous emperor, some independent, and a few hidden in the shadows, waiting for chaos to claim power.
"Let's begin," Ling Tian murmured. "One world… one kingdom… under my rule."
Subjugating Minor Sects
Ling Tian first approached a minor sect known as Silver Crescent Sect, known for its martial formations and swift Rising Kings. As he hovered above their gates, the disciples froze in awe and fear.
"Immortal King Ling Tian approaches," a disciple whispered. "Do we… resist?"
The system prompted:
System: "Threat level: Low. Recommended action: Demonstrate strength to secure submission without unnecessary casualties."
Ling Tian raised his hand. A wave of golden energy pulsed outward. The sect's strongest Rising King immediately knelt, his aura trembling.
"I submit," he gasped. "All sects under your command shall obey."
With a simple gesture, the Silver Crescent Sect became Ling Tian's first vassal, their techniques and spiritual energy integrated into his system.
System Update: Territory Consolidated: Silver Crescent Sect – Level 1
Technique Acquired: Golden Crescent Palm – 10% mastery
Experience +500
Ling Tian nodded, satisfied. "This is the start. A true king does not fight everyone, only ensures loyalty and dominance."
Acquisition of Emperor Techniques
Over the next several days, Ling Tian traveled across the Immortal World, absorbing minor sects, scouting hidden Peak Kings, and testing his Soul Severing Fist in small skirmishes.
The system guided him relentlessly:
System: "Technique acquisition available. Recommended: Ancient Imperial Fist, Celestial Dragon Strike, Soul Severing Fist enhancement. Priority: Imperial Devouring King Palm mastery."
Ling Tian focused in meditation, golden energy swirling around him like molten sunlight. One by one, he mastered techniques:
Soul Severing Fist – 50% mastery
Golden Crescent Palm – 30% mastery
Imperial Devouring King Palm – 20% mastery
Each new ability allowed him to assert dominance over previously untouchable sects, his aura now rivaling that of all Immortal Kings combined.
System: "Immortal King – Rising King stage approaching Peak King. Next objective: Challenge Rising Kings of key territories to consolidate power and prepare for Celestial Base breakthrough."
The Throne's Influence
The throne itself pulsed with energy whenever Ling Tian drew near. It was more than a seat of power; it was a resonator of authority, amplifying his aura and linking the world's cultivators to his will.
He seated himself upon it once more. As he meditated, the system displayed a map of the Immortal World, highlighting:
Consolidated sects (green)
Potential threats (red)
Hidden cultivators (yellow)
System Recommendation: "Full Immortal World consolidation complete → Prepare for Celestial Base breakthrough. Required: Master 3 additional Emperor techniques, gather 50,000 spiritual energy units, complete 3 territorial challenges."
Ling Tian's eyes gleamed. "Perfect. Time to elevate this world… and myself."
Foreshadowing Celestial Base
From the peak of a floating mountain, Ling Tian gazed at the horizon. Beyond the Immortal World lay the Celestial World, a realm of unimaginable power and towering cultivators. Golden rivers of energy flowed like divine veins through the skies.
"One step at a time," Ling Tian murmured. "First, the Immortal World… then Celestial, Heavenly Dao, Saint… all the way to True God."
The system chimed, mechanical and precise:
System: "Objective updated: Immortal World consolidation 80% complete. Prepare for Emperor-level skirmishes and final Throne mastery event before breakthrough. Reward: Celestial Base unlocked, +5% potential."
Ling Tian's golden aura flared, his system interface glowing like a second sun. He had claimed the Immortal King Throne, subjugated minor sects, and mastered several Emperor techniques but the journey had only just begun.
"The world is mine," he whispered. "And every realm beyond will kneel before me