Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 1033

Chapter 1033: Deepflame’s Death

 

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor’s countenance turned extremely ugly when he saw this. The Deepflame Immortal King was a war general under his command and as such, was someone extremely powerful. However, Bai Wuya had actually suppressed him so badly that he was now in danger of dying.

“Leave this place,” said the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. Even he didn’t have as many people of the same caliber as Deepflame Immortal King among his forces. It would be a waste for Deepflame to lose his life here.

“I understand, Your Majesty,” replied the Deepflame Immortal King, but his expression remained extremely unsightly. To flee after being defeated. To him, it was an intense humiliation.

Bai Wuya frowned slightly. He manifested an immortal path and dashed towards the Deepflame Immortal King.

—rumble!— A fearsome abyss appeared, and the Deepflame Immortal King instantly entered it, intending to use it as a dimensional passageway to vanish completely.

Bai Wuya circulated his immortal might to the max and enveloped the entire abyss. It sliced the abyss into two, causing the Deepflame Immortal King to roar in agony. His eyes were filled with the flames of a towering rage, and he took out a spatial-type treasure to leave the area.

…chi… The eyes behind Bai Wuya held an unparalleled might. It imprisoned the spatial fluctuations in the area, forcibly tampering with the law of space. The space around the area began to convulse. The Deepflame Immortal King struggled, but he still failed to slip away. It was impossible for him to escape.

“Bai Wuya.” The Deepflame Immortal King was filled with boundless light. Bai Wuya’s immortal might locked him down completely. With a finger attack, a piercing sound rang out as it damaged the Deepflame Immortal King’s body and rune bones. Blood flowed from the wounds on his body, dripping down to the particle world below.

“BAI WUYA, YOU DARE TO KILL HIM?!” In the air, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor’s eyes flashed with killing intent. Bai Wuya was actually aiming for the life of the Deepflame Immortal King.

Countless people in the particle world stared at this shocking immortal battle as great waves amazement rumbled through their hearts. They felt their blood heating up and coursing through them. This Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor was unfeeling and cruel, treating everyone from a particle world like they were weeds or insects. They all wanted this person to die, praying that his forces would be defeated. Now that they saw the splendor of the white-robed Immortal King, they were naturally all very excited.

“You are just a projection formed from immortal sense, yet you also want to threaten Bai Wuya?” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord stared at Eastern Sage’s projection as he coldly spoke. “In addition, so what if your true self was here? In a battle between our forces, neither of us are supposed to act. Even if your real self is here, you could only watch as Deepflame dies.”

The hidden rule of the immortal realms: for this war between the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, immortal emperors were not allowed to act unless in truly critical moments. Otherwise, if the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor tried to kill the immortal-foundation experts and immortal kings of the Thousand Transformation Immortal Sect, then the Thousand Transformation Emperor Lord could do the same as well. If this carried on, the fact remained that both their sects would be annihilated, leaving only the two of them. It would be completely meaningless.

The Deepflame Immortal King was still struggling. He had taken out an immortal weapon, but at his and Bai Wuya’s cultivation level, it was a useless gesture unless the treasure was something extremely heaven-defying. His actions could only end in a futile struggle.

The Scarce Moon Immortal King had been closely following the battle of Bai Wuya and Deepflame, ready to help out at a moment’s notice. Bai Wuya and Deepflame were moving too fast, and he could only follow behind to the best of his capabilities. However he soon discovered that the situation was already irreversible, and hence he hesitated. If he continued to rush up and help the Deepflame Immortal King, what would happen after Bai Wuya slayed Deepflame? Would he be Bai Wuya’s next target?

Normally, these immortal kings always seemed so high up and invincible. But that was only to the people below them. But during times of true danger, everyone would act cautiously and look out for themselves. After cultivating for so long and achieving their current status, they had everything they wanted – authority, fame, women. How could such characters bear to seek death?

Bai Wuya’s strength soon made the Scarce Moon Immortal King feel fear in his heart. Bai Wuya had dominated Deepflame completely, and Deepflame didn’t even have the capability to flee. Bai Wuya was just too terrifying.

“ARGH!” A scream of misery shook the heavens and earth, resounding loudly throughout the space of this particle world. Even the other immortal kings still in combat felt their hearts tremble when they heard that scream—that sound of agony had come from the Deepflame Immortal King. Observing with their immortal senses, they discovered that the Deepflame Immortal King was bleeding from numerous wounds. The rune bones within his body were thoroughly cracked, and his life was slowly dripping away.

Finally, Bai Wuya descended to stand in front of Deepflame. He blasted out with his palm, smashing into Deepflame’s heart, ripping another scream from the Deepflame Immortal King. His body exploded, and his blood rained down from the sky. His rune bones had shattered into countless pieces as they fell to the ground below. The Deepflame Immortal King tried to send his consciousness into a stream of his immortal sense, yet Bai Wuya enveloped and directly wiped it out. Unless the Deepflame Immortal King had streams of immortal sense existing elsewhere, it would mean his certain death, and he had completely vanished from this world.

Also, even if he had other streams of immortal sense elsewhere, they would eventually dissipate upon activation.

In the particle world, droplets of the Deepflame Immortal King’s blood splashed onto the earth. The people of this particle world felt a terrifying might permeating the region and they couldn’t help but evade the area. The droplets transformed into a blood lake that contained an immense power several times stronger than other so-called geniuses with bloodline abilities. And when the chipped rune bones fell to the ground, the people below instantly went into a frenzy as they fought each other for a piece. Everyone knew that the bones of immortals were treasures that were coveted by all.

Every inch of the Deepflame Immortal King’s body was a supreme treasure to the people from particle worlds.

“He truly killed him.” Many immortal kings on the battlefield felt their hearts trembling.

The Deepflame Immortal King, a war general under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, had died here today.

The death of an immortal king was considered a normal occurrence, and they wouldn’t be shocked by it. But now, the one who died was the Deepflame Immortal King.

Bai Wuya had brought upon his demise in such a domineering manner. In this place, was there even another immortal king who could stand against Bai Wuya?

A supreme expert would have the ability to control the situation in immortal battles.

Bai Wuya then turned and took a step forward, moving towards the direction of the Scarce Moon Immortal King. At this moment, the eyes of the Scarce Moon Immortal King twitched. Under the stunned gaze of the crowd below, the Scarce Moon Immortal King chose not to do battle, and fled instead.

“BASTARD!” The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor’s expression turned ashen. An immortal king who had made his name countless years ago was actually turning to flee instead of facing Bai Wuya.

However, from the Scarce Moon Immortal King’s perspective, it was a decision borne from common sense. He knew his strength was inferior to Deepflame’s, and Bai Wuya had effortlessly vanquished Deepflame to the point where he lacked the ability to escape.

Bai Wuya chose not to chase after the Scarce Moon Immortal King and instantly joined the other battles instead. Initially, the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect had faced a perilous situation, but with the Saberlord of Death’s reinforcements, that pressure had lightened considerably. After all, the Saberlord had come from the Heavenly Talisman Realm. Although he wasn’t as outstanding as Bai Wuya, it was a simple matter for him to fight against ordinary immortal kings. The saber in his hands resembled the saber of a death god, an extremely dangerous weapon to go up against.

But even so, many experts from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect suffered injuries and two immortal kings had already fallen. Qin Wentian and Lin Xian`er felt their hearts trembling as they observed the battle. This immortal carnage was just too fearsome if even immortal kings had succumbed to death.

For example, someone as powerful as the Deepflame Immortal King, who’d served under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, had also died in this battle.

Bai Wuya joined a random battle, and swept out his immortal might out to instantly envelope an immortal king. That immortal king felt a heavy pressure locking onto him as a mystical energy invaded his body.

Bai Wuya transformed into a phantom, moving so fast that several after-images appeared. Soon, another immortal king died, and the scene badly shocked the hearts of the spectators.

The countenance of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor grew uglier and uglier to behold. On the surface, his Eastern Sage Immortal Sect’s combat prowess was at an advantage, but in truth, Bai Wuya alone had turned the tide of the war. No one here could win against Bai Wuya.

“Retreat!” The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor was a man of extreme decisiveness. Once he saw that they had no way to destroy those from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, he instantly gave the command to retreat. All the immortal kings gathered in the air and swiftly soared up into the sky.

Bai Wuya didn’t pursue them. He was alone, and no matter his strength, it would be impossible for him to fight against all of the enemy’s immortal kings.

Very soon, the immortal kings of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect retreated to a higher vantage point. Their faces were ice-cold as they stared down at those below. After which, they each transformed into beams of light and they shot out towards the horizon. The projection of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor still remained, looking frostily at Bai Wuya.

Bai Wuya alone had turned the tide for this entire battle.

“Eastern Sage, it looks like your preparations are still far from enough.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord laughed mockingly.

“Hmph.” The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor snorted coldly. He glared at Bai Wuya. “Consider me careless with regards to this battle. Next time, it will definitely be impossible for your Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect to be lucky enough to retreat unscathed.”

“Luck?” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord laughed coldly. The image of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor gradually grew fainter, before it disappeared completely.

The pressure boring down on everyone in this world had finally dissipated. The immortal war was over, and the people of this particle world could stand up straight and heave a sigh of relief. Everything had ended. They felt as though they’d just escaped from certain calamity. Traces of destruction could be seen everywhere, and many people tried to flee from mortal danger, but to no avail. The aftershocks of an immortal battle could completely eradicate vast amounts of land in a particle world.

Not many immortal kings had died in this battle, but the same could not be said for many of the particle world’s inhabitants.

Luckily, the cruel Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had been driven back. They would forever carve the name of this tyrant in their memories. One day, if they could achieve the same cultivation realm as him, they would definitely take revenge.

Similarly, the people of this world would also remember the name of the white-robed Immortal King, Bai Wuya. Their memory of him would be of a different nature—no one would forget his imposingness and magnificence in that battle.

That battle could be considered a baptism for the people of this world, allowing them to see their own circumstances more clearly, and thus instill in them a stronger thirst for power.

“The Star River Association and the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect joined forces and ambushed us. We shall exterminate every branch of the Star River Association in this particle world before we leave!” the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord commanded coldly. The immortal kings immediately led their forces to various parts of this world and returned after some time had passed. The Star River Association had completely vanished from this particle world.

“Wentian, follow me back to the immortal realms. I think it’s best for you to temporarily withhold contact with this particle world. Regardless of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect or the Star River Association, this particle world is merely like an ant to them. They won’t mind it too much. Their actions today were a result of wanting to target you and the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. As long as you sever the connection between you and this particle world, they will gradually overlook this place,” stated the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord.

“Mhm, alright.” Qin Wentian nodded.

“Return.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord gave the command, and everyone retreated. Bai Wuya walked to Qin Wentian’s side, bringing Qin Wentian together with him. At the moment before they departed, Qin Wentian eyes were filled with reluctance as he stared at this world. After which, he turned to look at the starry space with a resolute expression etched on his face.

From now on, he would sever his connection with this place and focus on the immortal realms!

Chapter 1034: Emperor Lord’s Suggestion

 

“Let’s leave!”

The countless people in the particle world inclined their heads and stared at the sky. The experts from the immortal realms were all leaving, vanishing from this particle world; yet they had given all of them an unforgettable memory.

Naturally the particle world this time around also encountered a calamity they had no way to endure. But for these people who survived, they would all become stronger stellar martial cultivators. They personally witnessed an immortal battle, which left behind a seed of desire to get stronger in their hearts.

Immortal Realms, Immortal.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, the White-Robed Immortal King, the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord, and…Qin Wentian.

The names of these people were carved into their memories.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor was a lofty, supreme existence. However, despite knowing the consequences, he chose to give the command for a war to start in a particle world, narrowly destroying it. This was what immortal emperors were like, treating the lives of people below them as ants.

Luckily, this battle didn’t last for a long time. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was defeated and forced to flee.

“Qin Wentian, let’s hope that one day, you would be able to kill the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and avenge this debt of blood.” Countless people in this particle world all had this thought. Regardless of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, or the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord, or even just the White-Robed Immortal King, the distance of these people to them, were just too far. Only Qin Wentian, a legend of this world, had a chance to reach their heights. Now, even in the immortal realms, he had an immortal-emperor ranked power protecting him.

This was something none of them would even imagine in the past.

The sky of this world was the same as in the past. Qin Wentian’s name would enter the annals of history of this particle world, known by everyone living here. They wondered if they would hear this name once again if in the future, if they managed to step into the immortal realms themselves.

…

The Cloud Prefecture, the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Qin Wentian and the others arrived.

In the grand hall of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord was there. His immortal sense from earlier had already dissipated. Standing up, he stared at Bai Wuya, Qin Wentian and the others as they walked in. He then spoke, “Bai Wuya, thank you for your efforts.”

“Emperor Lord is too courteous.” Bai Wuya’s expression was calm, he returned to his usual self exuding a sense of carefreeness. No matter how one looked at him, he didn’t seem to be capable of being the one who killed the Deepflame Immortal King earlier back in the particle world.

“If we didn’t have your help, my Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect would have surely suffered a heavy loss.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord replied.

“Bai Wuya, continue to put in effort in your cultivation, if you become an immortal emperor, you would surely have the chance to become a peak-level one in the future, surpassing both me and Eastern Sage.”

The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord was considered Bai Wuya’s senior, yet he was so polite when he spoke to Bai Wuya. From this, one could see he respected Bai Wuya and admired Bai Wuya’s extreme potential.

Qin Wentian quietly listened at the side. The relationship between these two was a little unique. Bai Wuya wasn’t under the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord. Bai Wuya was a member of the Heavenly a Talisman Realm, and their relationship was something like himself and the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord. It was impossible for the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord to secure the six prefectures using their own strength, they had to depend on the aid from the Heavenly Talisman Realm.

Between the Heavenly Talisman Realm and the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord, there might be some cooperation in which he wasn’t privy to the full details.

“The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was forced to retreat and most probably, they won’t launch an attack on the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect so quickly. Emperor Lord I, Bai Wuya, shall take my leave first.” Bai Wuya directly spoke. The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord didn’t try to make him stay on as well. He simply nodded, “Okay.”

Bai Wuya clasped his hands to the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord before glancing at Qin Wentian as he walked out from the grand hall.

“Everyone, from now on, it’s best to be cautious when you guys are handling things out there. Also, tighten the security on the six prefectures and get our information network to pay more attention to things in the other seven prefectures. We need to be prepared for war anytime.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord spoke seriously to the immortals gathered here. “In any case, thank you all for the efforts in this recent battle. A month from now, I will speak about the Dao for three days. If anyone of you have problems in your cultivation, feel free to ask me about them.”

“Many thanks to the Emperor Lord. Your subordinates shall take their leave.” The immortal kings bowed as they also retreated from the grand hall.

“Wentian, stay behind a little.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord spoke. In the grand hall, only the two of them remained.

“The person you wanted me to investigate. I surrounded the entire particle world with my immortal sense but I could find no trace of that person. If she is still alive, she must have already left this world.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord stared at Qin Wentian as he spoke.

Qin Wentian furrowed his brows. Seems like either Bai Qing had died or left the particle world.

“However…” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord continued, “I discover a location that was a little strange. It should have been the Devil Statue Cliff you were speaking of.”

“What’s so strange about that location?” Qin Wentian’s expression stiffened, feeling a little nervous in his heart.

“In the Devil Statue Cliff, I discovered a very high-level ancient sacrificial altar. Such altars are rare even in the immortal realms.” The Thousand Transformation Emperor Lord spoke, causing Qin Wentian’s eyes to gleam with sharpness as he asked, “What use does the altar have?”

“The traces have been removed, it isn’t really clear but according to my guess, it might be a spatial-transference array for an extremely powerful faction. There are many ancient factions of power like this in the immortal realms with exceedingly deep foundations. One example is the Southern Phoenix Clan in the south, the Darknorth Clan in the North, the Myriad Devil Island in the immortal realms, etc. These powers have many strange capabilities that no one could deduce or understand by logic, yet no one could deny them of their existences. If the friend you wanted to find was in the Devil Statue Cliff, she might have had some rare miraculous encounters.”

The words of the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord caused Qin Wentian’s heart to pound. That little lass Bai Qing, truly had a miraculous encounter?

Qin Wentian drew in a deep breath as he recalled that simple and innocent black-robed young girl. In his heart, Bai Qing would always be a little sister to him. He could only pray and hope that she’s alright.

“Next, it’s about time for us to discuss your matters. You should have already seen how determined Eastern Sage wants to kill you. His hatred for you has already seeped deep into his bones. Do you have any thoughts on how to handle this?” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord asked.

Qin Wentian’s eyes flashed with coldness. He naturally knew that the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor hated him. Now, most probably the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect has already placed his name on the prioritized kill list. But he was the same as well, if he was powerful enough, he would have long taken the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor’s life. But sadly with his current strength, an immortal emperor was just too far for him. If the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had their eyes on him, it would be extremely tough for him to remain unnoticed in the future if he went around the thirteen prefectures.

“Senior, I’m at a loss of what to do. Do you have any suggestions?” Qin Wentian asked.

“You’ve already been to the City of Ancient Emperors and should know how vast the heavens are and how many geniuses there are. Also, I heard that you have a deep connection with the daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor. If you wish to pursue his daughter, I’m afraid the difficulty wouldn’t be low at all.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord smiled. “I suggest that you head out to temper yourself first, exploring the vast immortal realms. You have to constantly increase your strength and as for the war between the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect and the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, you should temporarily refrain from joining it.”

Qin Wentian silently contemplated for a moment before he nodded his head lightly. “I will seriously consider Emperor Lord’s words.”

“Mhm, good. You can leave then. If you have any matters you wish to handle, feel free to look for me at any time.” The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord spoke. Qin Wentian nodded as he too, left the grand hall.

After that, Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered as he went to the location where the members of the Battle Sword Sect were at. The environment here was extremely good, and when the Battle Sword Sect noticed Qin Wentian flying through the air, numerous silhouettes all stepped forward and came before him.

“Qin Wentian.”

“Wentian!” Everyone called out. Their eyes all had a strange light flickering within when they stared at Qin Wentian. Right now, they finally understood the weight of Qin Wentian’s status in the immortal realms. This place was the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, a power headed by an immortal emperor. It was rumored that Qin Wentian became the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord’s personal disciple and the Emperor Lord favored him heavily.

One could say that the Qin Wentian today, already has a certain status in the immortal realms.

“How are things in the particle world? Is father still doing well?” Ye Lingshuang walked up and asked.

“Mhm, I’ve fetched foster father and the rest here. Wait a moment.” Qin Wentian spoke. He then soared into the air and took out the Nine Immortality Bells. With a connection of his will, the ancient city appeared as several figures walked out from within. When everyone had exited, Qin Wentian kept the Driftsnow City again once more.

“Father!” Ye Lingshuang called out when she saw Ye Qingyun’s silhouette.

“Lingshuang!” Ye Qingyun smiled when he saw everyone from the Battle Sword Sect. Qin Wentian had brought everyone to the same place.

“Foster father, I initially wanted everyone to temporary remain in the particle world. But the things that happened earlier were completely out of my expectations. Both the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and the Star River Association are both extremely dangerous and hence, I made the decision to bring everyone to the immortal realms first. Foster father, I will command some people to escort you back to the particle world and bring the rest of your family over.”

For the immortal battle in the particle world earlier, he had no idea if the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor left some troops behind. This was the reason why he decisively pulled out of the particle world. Because if he did so, no one else would bother with the innocent people living there any longer.

“Wentian, where is this place?” The Medicine Sovereign and Fairy Qingmei both asked.

“This is the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Everyone can just stay here in the future. With Senior Emperor Lord present, there’s no need to worry about your safety.” Qin Wentian spoke. Actually, he was just too worried. Although the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor hated him, these people from his particle world, were nothing but small characters to the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. He wouldn’t be bothered about them at all.

“Everyone must have been frightened. Let me hold a welcoming reception for everyone.” Qin Wentian laughed. He walked to Mo Qingcheng’s side, and when everyone saw them both, all of them started smiling. “You and Qingcheng finally got together. We should really take the time to celebrate this.”

Next, Qin Wentian organized a large immortal banquet in the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. All his kin and close friends from his particle world were all here, and everyone was extremely happy. Everything was concluded, and although they were in an unfamiliar place, this was the immortal realms! They could have a new beginning.

Fatty Fan Le was drunk. His eyes narrowed to slits when he saw those beauties among the servants.

Ouyang Kuangsheng stared at the guards, feeling extremely shocked in his heart. All of these guards were immortals.

Fairy Qingmei initially didn’t wish to leave the particle world. But when she saw the delicacies and beautiful wine at the banquet – all the food items and drinks were of the immortal rank – she suddenly felt that maybe it was about time for her to live her own life again.

Qin Chuan was very happy. He was also drunk. Upon knowing Qin Wentian’s accomplishments in the immortal realms, he felt nothing but pride for this foster son of his.

Yun Mengyi, Lin Xian`er and Bailu Yi, all of them were staring at Mo Qingcheng who sat beside Qin Wentian, with all sorts of indescribable feelings in their hearts.

This place, was the immortal realms.

Qin Wentian smiled at everyone, drinking and chatting together with them. This day, he was also drunk with happiness!

Chapter 1035: Invitation from Afar

 

After several months, everyone had settled down in the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. The territory an immortal emperor-ranked force had, was extremely vast, able to station millions of troops.

Qin Wentian’s kin and close friends were all staying at his courtyard but during these months, there were also people who went out to roam the prefecture. Everyone was awed by the strength of the immortal sect, as they sighed in admiration at Qin Wentian’s capabilities. This made them also want to seek out their own good fortune, wanting to get stronger. Hence, they wanted to broaden their horizons by exploring the immortal realms.

Qin Wentian didn’t obstruct them. This place was the immortal realms. If they kept depending on the protection of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, although they would be safe, their lives would be one of boredom.

The immortal realms are boundless. Even for Qin Wentian, he had only explored a corner of it. The entire thirteen prefectures were nothing but a random region.

Today, at the cultivation platform Qin Wentian was at, an ancient cauldron could be seen there along with Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

“Is it really that dangerous?” Mo Qingcheng stared at Qin Wentian as she asked.

“Mhm, the Sacred Luminance is within the cauldron. The Sacred Luminance is a treasure that can baptize stellar martial cultivators with holy radiance from the ancient times, enable one to shed one’s mortal body and change a set of bones. In addition, without a powerful physique, there’s basically no way to withstand the force of the Sacred Luminance. I have a friend who has extraordinary talent and a powerful physique but when he was baptized, if it wasn’t for his own powerful will, he wouldn’t be able to persist on till the end. Qingcheng, the you now still wouldn’t be able to withstand this. Hence, I want you to cultivate your physique first.”

Qin Wentian spoke to Mo Qingcheng.

“Okay, I will listen to you.” Mo Qingcheng nodded her head lightly.

Qin Wentian’s hands cupped Mo Qingcheng’s face while Little Rascal on the ground inclined his head, appearing to be extremely proud of something. This fellow and Purgatory had also once been baptized by the Sacred Luminance.

“Let’s go out.” Qin Wentian spoke in a low voice. With a wave of his hand, he kept the cauldron. Both this cauldron and the Sacred Luminance were supreme treasures. In the future after he gets stronger, he can use the Sacred Luminance to trade for things or seek favors from peak-level characters. However, that time was not now. He was too weak currently, and if the fact that he had Sacred Luminance was exposed, the circumstances would surely be dire.

Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng returned to his courtyard. Luo Huan and Qin Yao were there waiting for him and upon noting his return, Luo Huan giggled, “What a pair of intimate lovers. Even your sister and senior sister are abandoned by you.”

“Sister Luo Huan, don’t tease him any more.” Qin Yao smiled. “Wentian, the teachers you found for us are truly not bad. Our improvements are extremely great and the sect is willing to use the cultivation resources for us. I feel like there’s a qualitative improvement in my potential, even father and uncle improved with god-like speed.”

“Sis, those teachers are immortal king experts. I had to thicken my skin and invite them to give guidance to everyone. As for the cultivation resources, think nothing of them. Sisters, both your cultivation levels are still low and it’s easy to solidify your foundations.” Qin Wentian smiled. The talents of Qin Yao and the others could only be considered ordinary in the immortal realms. It was easy to improve their potential by using cultivation resources in the immortal realms. And because they were weak, it was very easy for them to improve. But even so, it was impossible for them to soar too fast in their cultivation in a single leap. They still had to walk down the path step-by-step.

“I know you are awesome.” Qin Yao smiled. “These few days, you must have been helping Qingcheng. Or are you two preparing to have a baby soon?”

“Sister, don’t tease me. I don’t show favoritism. Qingcheng’s current cultivation level is higher than you guys, so the way for her to cultivate is naturally also different in comparison. No matter what help I gave Qingcheng, I would give them to you guys sooner or later.” Qin Wentian shrugged.

“Okay, I know you won’t mistreat us.” Qin Yao smiled. She and Luo Huan were naturally only just joking around with him.

“Have you all gotten used to living here?” Qin Wentian asked.

“Not bad. The environment here is very good. It’s only that I feel like going out to roam a little occasionally.” Qin Yao spoke.

“Mhm, right now the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect is preparing to fortify the entire Cloud Prefecture making it so that no one can invade. Wait until their preparations are done before you head out.” Qin Wentian smiled. Just this capital city of the Cloud Prefecture was already as large as their particle world. Given the cultivation bases of Qin Yao and Luo Huan, they wouldn’t even be able to walk out of the Cloud Prefecture so there was nothing much for them to worry about.

Qin Wentian also knew that there were many peak-tier powers in the immortal realms that stayed in the capital city. The information network had a tight web on things and once any external powers entered their territory, the major powers would know. The capital city was filled with countless powers and their businesses. But sadly, with the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect’s current foundation, they were still far from enough to control the tangled up and complicated network of powers in the Cloud Prefecture. They needed time before they can achieve absolute control.

“Senior brother!” At this moment, a clear voice drifted over. Qin Wentian had a look of joy on his face when he heard that voice.

“Mengchen, come over.” Qin Wentian called out. Very swiftly, a handsome young man appeared before Qin Wentian.

“You’ve finished your seclusion. Not bad.” Qin Wentian smiled when he regarded Jun Mengchen. His junior brother’s aura has changed, and became even more extraordinary.

“Senior brother, you finished your seclusion much earlier than mine.” Jun Mengchen laughed. Qin Wentian wasn’t surprised that Jun Mengchen also succeeded. Jun Mengchen’s talent was already extremely outstanding. Back then, he had also undergone the baptism of the Sacred Luminance and both their cultivation bases were at the peak of Celestial Phenomenon.

“There’s not much difference in the timing when it comes to establishing our immortal foundations.” Qin Wentian smiled.

“I heard that senior brother returned home to your particle world. Are all these ladies my sister-in-laws?” Jun Mengchen laughed loudly. The three women around Qin Wentian were all beauties. This was especially so for Mo Qingcheng. Her aura was transcendent just like a celestial, and looked truly compatible with his senior brother Qin Wentian. Her looks actually didn’t lose out to Princess Qing`er. This senior brother of his was truly awesome indeed.

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Qin Wentian glared at Jun Mengchen as he continued, “This is your sister-in-law Mo Qingcheng. This is my senior sister Luo Huan, and my elder sister Qin Yao. Everyone, this is my junior apprentice brother Jun Mengchen.”

“Mengchen greets sister-in-law, elder sister Luo Huan, elder sister Qin Yao.” Jun Mengchen politely nodded. Although he was also an immortal now, he behaved like a big child.

“Little brother, that’s really obedient of you.” Luo Huan walked to Jun Mengchen’s side and ruffled the hair on his head, causing Jun Mengchen to have a face full of black lines.

“Sister Luo Huan, this…” Jun Mengchen felt like he was on the verge of breaking down. Was Luo Huan treating him like a little boy?

“What’s wrong? I treat Wentian the same way too. Since you are his junior apprentice brother, there’s no difference.” Luo Huan giggled. Jun Mengchen glanced pleadingly at Qin Wentian, but Qin Wentian had a wide smile on his face and was pretending that he didn’t see anything.

“Senior brother, when I came, the Emperor Lord ask me to bring word to you. He needs us to gather at his location.” Jun Mengchen hurriedly spoke.

“The Emperor Lord?” Qin Wentian’s eyes flashed.

“Mhm.” Jun Mengchen nodded.

“Okay, let’s go.” Qin Wentian spoke. Luo Huan didn’t make things difficult for Jun Mengchen and allowed the two of them to leave.

Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen came to the emperor palace where the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord resided. However, the Emperor Lord wasn’t there at this moment, and the person waiting for them there instead was an immortal king named the Taishan Immortal King.

The Taishan Immortal King had a deep connection with the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord, and was always by his side, following him for numerous years.

“Senior.” Qin Wentian called out.

“Wentian, there’s a guest that sent an invitation card for you.” The Taishan Immortal King spoke. After that, he waved his hand as an invitation card appeared in the air and floated over to Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian took it. Upon glancing through it, he smiled. “Nanfeng Yunxi has also succeeded in establishing her immortal foundation and became an immortal.”

“Nanfeng Yunxi was ranked #3 on the Immortal Ascension Rankings long ago. It’s very normal for her to succeed.” Jun Mengchen spoke. “Is this invitation sent over by Nanfeng Yunxi?”

“Mhm. To celebrate her success, the Southern Phoenix Clan wants to organize an immortal banquet. However, given how far away the Southern Phoenix Clan is, why would they sent people to rush here to deliver this invitation to me?” Qin Wentian felt puzzled as he turned to the Taishan Immortal King.

“Wouldn’t you know if you went?” The Taishan Immortal King smiled.

“Yeah, who knows, maybe Nanfeng Yunxi fell in love with you and wants to use this chance to know you better.” Jun Mengchen teased. Qin Wentian rolled his eyes at him. He felt that there must certainly be some other reason for Nanfeng Yunxi to invite him over. It wouldn’t be so simple just to invite him for the banquet.

“Senior, do you feel that I should go?” Qin Wentian asked.

“Nanfeng Yunxi is a descendant of the Southern Phoenix Matriarch and is one of the future successors of the Southern Phoenix Clan. She should have plenty of competitors vying with her. However, the Southern Phoenix Clan is located in the Southern Phoenix City. It’s truly a vast city controlled completely by their clan. The rules there are set by the Southern Phoenix Clan and it’s one of the safest places in the immortal realms. Immortal kings would all be monitored once they entered that place. You can take this chance to experience more things and broaden your horizons.” The Taishan Immortal King smiled.

“Okay, I will head there together with Mengchen to witness the splendor of the Southern Phoenix City then.” Qin Wentian nodded. He wanted an opportunity to head out to temper himself. Since the Taishan Immortal King felt it was a good idea for him to go, this opportunity must truly be good.

“Mhm, you guys go ahead and prepare. Our Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect has already prepared a teleportation array that can connect directly to the Southern Phoenix City.” The Taishan Immortal King spoke. After that, Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen headed back. Qin Wentian went to settle some things and bid farewell to Mo Qingcheng and his friends before they headed out on an expedition to the Southern Phoenix City.

Chapter 1036: Southern Phoenix City

 

The Southern Phoenix Clan was located at the Southern Region of the immortal realms. This clan was an ancient power that had lasted for countless eras.

The Southern Phoenix Clan possessed the high-grade bloodline of the undying divine beast—the phoenix. Only females were appointed as the successors of the Southern Phoenix Clan and throughout the eras, their titles had always been the same: the Southern Phoenix Matriarch.

The foundations of the Southern Phoenix Clan far surpassed the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord. Their land was considered an ancient holy ground of the immortal realms. In the southern region, the Southern Phoenix Clan had immense influence. Although they didn’t rule over the entire southern region completely, their authority was extremely vast. Their every move could cause the people living in the southern region to tremble.

Southern Phoenix City naturally was the immortal city where the Southern Phoenix Clan resided. This city was the base of operations for the Southern Phoenix Clan and they governed it fully. Their clan businesses were situated throughout the city, and their army was responsible for the city’s discipline and law enforcement.

Hence, this immortal city could be considered one of the safest main cities in the entire immortal realms.

In the place where teleportation arrays of the Southern Phoenix City were situated, many guards could be seen patrolling the area. The teleportation arrays here would frequently light up as people arrived. There were two types of people who could enter the city using the arrays; the first would be someone with an extraordinary identity and could use a private teleportation array of great power; the second type would be extremely wealthy stellar martial cultivators. Using a teleportation array required a great deal of expense. These wealthy cultivators would have to decide and pay the required rates to use arrays of great powers.

At this moment, a certain teleportation array flared with light as spatial fluctuations rocked the area. Several guards turned their attention over. The intensity of spatial fluctuations determined the length of the journey. From the light’s resplendence, these newcomers must have come from a place extremely far away.

A moment later, the silhouettes of two young men appeared. They glanced at their surroundings before they walked forward.

“Where did the two of you come from?” A guard questioned them. Qin Wentian waved his hand as an invitation card floated before the guard. The guard’s eyes gleamed when he saw the invitation. After which he bowed low and said, “Young Lord Qin, please feel free to enter the city.”

“I heard that there are some rules in the Southern Phoenix City. Could you tell me more about them?” Qin Wentian asked.

“There are indeed some rules. In the Southern Phoenix City, one cannot commit an act slaughter here, bully the weak because you are strong, or engage in robbery and theft. The Southern Phoenix Army won’t interfere in small-scale conflicts but if someone is heavily injured, or there is damage to city property, you will be liable to answer for your actions,” the guard explained. “That’s the majority of the rules. Also, there’s an arena where parties can settle any large-scale disputes if they wanted to. In any case, since you are a friend of the holy maiden, you can seek her out for help if you run into trouble.”

“Okay. Many thanks.” Qin Wentian smiled and nodded. After that, he and Jun Mengchen stepped into the Southern Phoenix City together. This city was ancient and majestic, with several constructed buildings clustered within, yet did not give the impression that the city was cramped. In this place, the experts were as common as clouds. Immortal foundation experts could be seen everywhere.

“They are friends of the holy maiden. But which holy maiden? And what status does that guy have?” the other guards curiously asked when Qin Wentian left.

“Holy Maiden Yunxi. She has established her immortal foundation and invited them to the celebratory banquet. It seems that their relationship is quite close as well. As for his name, I’ve never heard of it before. His name is Qin Wentian, but there doesn’t seem to be any immortal emperors in the immortal realms with the surname of Qin,” that guard continued in a low voice.

“To think that his friend would actually be Holy Maiden Yunxi, this fellow truly has luck with the ladies. Not only is Holy Maiden Yunxi extremely talented, she’s also a supreme beauty.” The guards around him laughed.

“You guys, shut up!” commanded someone beside them.

“Yes, captain.” Everyone had a faint smile on their faces as they went back to their duties.

Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen walked about the city, and when they saw the countless number of majestic buildings before them, they understood why the rules here were so strict.

“Southern Phoenix City is truly a prosperous place. Immortal-ranked treasures can be seen everywhere and are readily available for transaction. How many treasures does this place have exactly? With such wealth, one would no longer need to worry about cultivation resources.” Jun Mengchen sighed in admiration.

“It’s all relative. For powerful stellar martial cultivators, it’s easier for them to obtain rare and valuable treasures. For weaker cultivators, they can only depend on others or risk their lives in adventures. Seeing the prosperity of Southern Phoenix City, it naturally derives benefits from its imposed rules. For cultivators who enter this city, they have no need to worry about their safety.” Qin Wentian understood the law of the jungle in the immortal realms. If you are weak, you wouldn’t even dare to take out a rare treasure to do business with. This is the reason why the Southern Phoenix Clan wanted a place like this to exist; a place governed by its fair laws. Having a lawful location would only serve to make businesses in the city prosper.

“Mhm, as expected of an ancient grand clan. For those cultivators with families, they would naturally prefer to stay inside such a city where the safety of their family members are guaranteed. Only then could they continue roaming the immortal realms with peace in their hearts,” Jun Mengchen added.

“You are right. But there are countless people living in the immortal realms. Who wouldn’t want to stay in such a city? Most probably, only descendants from the Southern Phoenix Clan would be able to own land here. Also, the guards said that it is prohibited to cause damage to properties. Most probably, the value of such a prosperous city constructed by the Southern Phoenix Clan far exceeds our imaginations.” Qin Wentian laughed.

“Mhm, what’s that?” Jun Mengchen pointed ahead. Over there, a faint shadow of a phoenix could be seen shimmering in the air.

“Let’s take a look.” Both of their silhouettes flickered, as they moved towards that location. Not long after, they saw two combatants fighting in a phoenix-shaped battle platform.

“The Phoenix Arena.” Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen spoke at the same time, instantly understanding that this must be the phoenix arena the guard had referred to earlier. Only when both parties willingly stepped up onto the arena, could a life-and-death battle be held. There would always be cultivators with immense grudges and hatred for each other. The city needed a place like this arena for them to vent their emotions.

“Let’s go.” After watching for a moment, victory was decided. One of the combatants had been killed. Once two parties headed up onto the Phoenix Arena, this was an indication of the depth of their mutual grudge. Why would anyone show mercy?

Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen made discreet enquiries and used immortal-ranked treasures to speed towards the Southern Phoenix Clan. However, it still took them a long while before they reached the outer perimeter of the Southern Phoenix Clan’s location. At that location, there was an impossibly gigantic life-like statue of an ancient phoenix. The statue was posed to ride the wind as it soared through the sky. This was the symbol of the Southern Phoenix Clan, and even though it was just a statue, it radiated a clear aura of tyranny and power.

“Senior, should we head in now to look for Nanfeng Yunxi?” Jun Mengchen asked.

“No hurry. It’s fine that we found the place. Anyway, the immortal banquet starts two days from now, so we can meet her directly when we attend the banquet. If we enter now, Nanfeng Yunxi might feel pressured to accompany us to tour this city.” Qin Wentian laughed as he shook his head. Jun Mengchen started for a moment, before he recovered and continued, “Nanfeng Yunxi is such a beauty, but only you, Senior, are able to remain unmoved in the face of her peerless looks. But then again, both my sister-in-laws are supreme beauties who can topple empires of this generation. They don’t lose out to Nanfeng Yunxi in the slightest.”

“Why? Are you interested in Nanfeng Yunxi?” Qin Wentian laughed.

“Hahaha! Even if I’m interested, Nanfeng Yunxi has no interest in me. The invitation card only had your name on it,” said Jun Mengchen. He then continued, “Oh yeah, Senior Brother. You left Little Rascal back in the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect to accompany Sister-in-Law. What about Purgatory? Why haven’t I seen her?”

“Purgatory is living in my bloodstream. Since you wish to see her, I shall ask her to come out.” Qin Wentian smiled. His blood surged as a crimson glow flashed through the air. An instant later, Purgatory’s silhouette appeared, taking on the form of a beautiful young lady.

“Purgatory is actually a female, and she’s so beautiful too. Senior Brother, I submit to you.” Jun Mengchen laughed. Even he was a little jealous of his senior brother. Why were there so many beauties around Qin Wentian?

At this moment, the sound of something swishing through the air rang out as four figures soared over. The one in the lead was extremely young. When his gaze landed on Purgatory, his eyes gleamed with a brilliant light.

“Fairy, is your true forma vermillion bird?” the young man asked. Purgatory frowned, radiating a cold intent.

“Is there something the matter?” asked Qin Wentian.

“What is your relationship with her?” The young man turned his attention onto Qin Wentian as he inquired.

“She’s my companion,” Qin Wentian replied.

“A demonic beast companion? You must have subdued her, right?” That young man laughed. In the immortal realms, the luck of some individuals wasn’t bad. There were cases of people subduing the offspring of powerful demonic beasts. And this happened quite often.

“He is my master, but what has this got to do with you?” Purgatory stared at the young man.

“As expected of a Purgatory Vermillion Bird. What an explosive and fiery temper while also having such beauty.” That young man laughed. “Anyway, sir your luck is good. I want to propose a trade for your demonic beast. As for the price, just name whatever you want.”

“No, thanks. You can leave us alone now.” Qin Wentian furrowed his brows, his tone filled with disapproval. How could he trade Purgatory away as if she were some commodity?

“This demonic beast is of great use to me. Brother, just feel free to state your price,” the young man continued, his gaze had become heated. Such a beautiful vermillion bird was truly a rare sight. If he could tame her, how awesome would that be?

“Don’t you understand human speech?” Jun Mengchen asked impolitely. He loathed this young man. However, as the sound of his voice faded, an expert behind the young man stepped out as an overwhelming pressure instantly enveloped Qin Wentian and the rest.

“The rules of the Southern Phoenix City. Are you guys prepared to oppose them?” Qin Wentian coldly laughed.

“The rules are dead while humans are alive. Let me give you a word of advice. You’d best wise up. My young master is a guest of the Southern Phoenix Clan and even if we don’t act against you guys now, it won’t be too difficult for us to do something to you in the future.” Another person beside the young man wore an icy expression as he threatened.

Chapter 1037: Attending the Banquet

 

The young man waved his hand, stopping his subordinate and berating him, “You, shut up. Since the Southern Phoenix Clan has these rules, naturally, they won’t allow people to break them so easily. This city is in total control of the Southern Phoenix Clan.”

“Yes.” That subordinate bowed, lowering his head, not daring to say anything more. The young man then smiled and glanced back to Qin Wentian. “I’m Rong Xiao of the Rong Clan. I truly admire this vermillion bird from the bottom of my heart. Since she said that you are her master, naturally, you can trade her away. Brother, why not give me some face? It won’t be to your disadvantage and we can even be friends.”

Although this young man’s tone was polite, Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen both felt disgusted at hearing his words. Reporting his own clan name, did he want to flaunt his status?

“Oh, so it’s Rong Xiao from the Rong Clan.” Qin Wentian acted like he suddenly had a revelation. The young man smiled as he inclined his head slightly with pride.

“Apologies, I’ve never heard of you before,” Qin Wentian continued, his words causing the smile on Rong Xiao’s face to turn unnatural and stiff. Was Qin Wentian making a fool out of him?

“Also, my senior brother is also a guest invited by the Southern Phoenix Clan. Don’t think that you’re so great. Stop overestimating yourself and get lost.” Jun Mengchen’s temper was as explosive as before. He truly wasn’t fond of this young man. Qin Wentian silently agreed with his words, smiling coldly at the people before his eyes. He couldn’t even be bothered to reply to Rong Xiao. Treating Purgatory like a commodity? Even if this was nothing but a discussion, it was still a humiliation to Purgatory herself.

The young man frowned. He glanced at Qin Wentian. He must truly have a good temper—despite being cursed at and told to get lost, he still kept his temper.

“So it turns out that Brother Qin is also here because of an invitation. Rong Xiao was too presumptuous. In that case, I will see you again at the banquet,” Rong Xiao said indifferently before leading his subordinates away.

“How arrogant,” Jun Mengchen stated unhappily.

Qin Wentian stared at Purgatory, only to see that Purgatory’s countenance had turned cold. He walked over and patted Purgatory on her shoulder. “Purgatory, just call me Big Brother Qin from now on. I don’t want you to refer to me as your master. If you refuse to obey me, I won’t allow you to follow me in the future.”

Purgatory stared at Qin Wentian with a wronged expression in her eyes. Her charming eyes were extremely mesmerizing, causing Qin Wentian to regret the fact that his tone was too strict. However, this little lass refused to listen, so he had no choice but to talk to her in such an unyielding manner.

“Yes, master,” Purgatory pitifully replied.

“Still referring to me as your master?” Qin Wentian pulled a face. Purgatory’s mouth twitched as she called out hesitantly, “Big Brother Qin.”

“Nice.” Qin Wentian’s expression turned gentle as he ruffled Purgatory’s hair. This made Purgatory stare at him in a daze as she laughed giddily. She naturally understood that Qin Wentian was doing this to treat her as one of his true friends.

“Let’s go. Let’s make good use of our time and tour the streets of this city.” Qin Wentian turned. The three of them navigated/explored the streets together, and just like that, three more extraordinary young individuals walked the ancient streets of the Southern Phoenix City. The two young men were extremely handsome, and the young woman had a demonic charm. They attracted plenty of attention wherever they went.

“Senior Brother, this immortal city is truly extremely prosperous. Earlier, I even spotted a few immortal-king-ranked innate techniques for sale,” said Jun Mengchen as they mingled with the crowd.

“You must know that those who could open a shop of such scale in Southern Phoenix City must surely have an illustrious status/reputation. I’m sure the major power behind that shop just now must have immortal kings within their ranks. For us at the immortal foundation realm, we already need so many resources to advance to the next level. If immortal kings wished to become stronger, naturally, they couldn’t be lacking in money and valuable treasures. Hence, it isn’t strange that they would put up their innate techniques for sale.”

“That’s true. Anyway, Senior Brother, look over there. There are so many customers, and that shop seems to be selling immortal-ranked weapons.” Jun Mengchen pointed ahead. They then proceeded into the shop and perused its wares. Purgatory noticed a treasure, and her beautiful eyes shone with a bright light as she mumbled, “How pretty.”

Qin Wentian turned his attention over, and he also found himself stunned. The treasure Purgatory was looking at was an immortal-ranked robe that could expand and contract at will, melding together with one’s flesh. Despite the material’s soft and silky texture, it boasted of immense defensive power. The robe’s design also fulfilled a female’s criteria of looking beautiful, without being encumbered by heavy, ugly-looking pieces of armor. Naturally, this treasure caught the attention of several immortals.

“How luxurious.” Jun Mengchen sighed in admiration, awed by the majestic delights this immortal city had to offer.

“Do you like it?” Qin Wentian turned to Purgatory as he smiled.

Purgatory stared at Qin Wentian in an embarrassed manner before nodding her head timidly. However, Qin Wentian was extremely happy. Purgatory was becoming more human with every day. This was a good thing. This meant that she had truly evolved from the spirit body she’d been born with.

“Let’s buy it then.” Qin Wentian smiled. Without waiting for her response, he instantly took the robe to the counter and paid for it.

Not long after, the three of them exited the shop. Purgatory was clad in the new robe, which was fiery red in color. The threads of the robes seemed to be made from the feathers of a phoenix. They were fine and exquisite, fully accentuating Purgatory’s figure, emanating grace and elegance as well as a sense of nobility.

“Big Brother Qin, this robe is so expensive. It roughly costs the same price of ten immortal-ranked treasures.” Although Purgatory liked it a lot, she still felt pain in her heart at the cost.

“It’s a simple matter if I want to have immortal-ranked weapons. I can just use the Driftsnow City to forge some in the future. Purgatory, it’s rare to find something you like. I haven’t gifted you any presents yet after you broke through to immortality. Consider this my gift.” Qin Wentian laughed.

“You bought two other similar robes as well.. One of them must be for Princess Qing`er, while the other one is for Sister-in-Law Qingcheng right?” Jun Mengchen who was beside Qin Wentian started laughing. His senior brother was truly awesome. No wonder there were so many beauties beside him.

“Haha, you can be considered intelligent.” Qin Wentian smiled. “Okay, we have been touring the streets for quite some time. Tomorrow is the day of the banquet, so let’s return back to our inn to rest first.”

“Ai, every inch of this city seems to be paved with gold. The rates for the inn are outrageous as well. It’s basically impossible for ordinary people to afford the rates, so they can only choose to sleep outdoors on the streets.”

“The rules of the immortal realms are as such. Only experts are qualified to have preferential treatment and cultivation resources. If you settled down in here, the Southern Phoenix Clan would be responsible for the city’s protection.”

“That’s true.” Jun Mengchen nodded. After returning to the inn, they sat there and enjoyed their drinks, staring at the crowd below. These few days, more and more people could be seen around this area in the city. Evidently, there were many people who loved the liveliness and wanted to find out more news about the immortal banquet. Naturally, there were also those who’d been invited.

At this moment, at the Lutian Inn, a group of people appeared. Upon seeing these people, the eyes of many in the inn gleamed with sharpness.

“They are from the Shen Clan. Shen Yi of the Shen Clan is a heaven’s chosen. I heard that he was invited by the Southern Phoenix Clan. Could he be that young man in the lead?” The gazes of the crowd turned to a young man in white. This young man had a feathered fan in his hand, with a handsome appearance that exuded elegance. The moment he entered the inn, his subordinates immediately found a table and started ordering their dishes. Shen Yi began to look around, admiring the scenery. His eyes paused when his gaze landed on Purgatory, then gleamed with light as he smiled at her before he shifted his eyes away.

“Beauties will naturally attract attention. This beauty here has a refined and noble aura. She must be from an extraordinary background. The young man beside her also exudes an extraordinary air.” The crowd noticed Shen Yi’s gaze as they commented in low voices.

“But no matter how extraordinary that young man is, how can he compare to Shen Yi? He’s the young master of the Shen Clan, and he’s monstrously talented. In the past, I heard that he once obtained the position of the #3 ranker of the Immortal Ascension Rankings in the City of Ancient Emperors.”

“Yeah. Most probably, Shen Yi could easily pursue that young woman if he wished to do so.” Many people started discussing the two. Qin Wentian didn’t mind. He smiled when he saw Purgatory’s irritation as he added, “Beautiful women become the focal point no matter where they go. Purgatory, you should be happy instead. This proves that you have great charm and charisma.”

“Not interested,” Purgatory said coldly. The people who came to Southern Phoenix City could be extremely audacious with their words because of the rules of the city and its enforced safety.

“Brother Shen, why are you drinking wine alone?” At this moment, a voice drifted over as several figures descended from the air. The person who spoke was clad in robes of brilliant gold, looking incomparably eye-catching.

“People from the Gold Race.” Everyone stared at the experts who’d just appeared. They were all clothed in gold robes and armor, shining with a golden light that was extremely resplendent and stunning to look at. No matter where they went, their existence would be the most dazzling. These symbolized the people from the Gold Race.

“The Gold Race established their own immortal empire and it’s extremely powerful. Apparently, some prince from their empire was invited here to the immortal banquet of the Southern Phoenix Clan. There are so many geniuses here, it’s going to be extremely lively.”

“Seems like many immortal emperor-ranked powers in the southern region also had their disciples invited. This time around, I wonder which of the holy maidens will end up victorious in the end.”

Everyone was deep in a heated discussion. Jun Mengchen glanced at Qin Wentian as he said quietly, “Is it truly like the rumors says?”

“Maybe, we will know for sure tomorrow. Let’s return,” Qin Wentian stated. Purgatory instantly stood up and followed after him. Jun Mengchen initially wanted to stay for awhile. But when he saw Qin Wentian had no interest, he also turned and left together with him.

The next morning, the three of them departed the inn and headed straight for the Southern Phoenix Clan. Along the way, they encountered many fearsome groups of experts. Just like the rumors, people from a majority of the major powers in the southern region had all gathered here.

Chapter 1038: Holy Successor

 

Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian inclined their heads and stared up at the sky. Jun Mengchen then laughed, “This feels similar to our time in the City of Ancient Emperors. The people here should all be from major powers.”

“I guess so as well.” Qin Wentian nodded slightly. In the air, there was a carriage driven by eight powerful white tiger immortal beasts that exuded an overwhelming deadly aura. A person rode on the back of a Pixiu (fortune beast) cub, and there were also experts who sat on pure golden battle chariots that soared through the sky with thunderous might, heading into the depths of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

“Such grandeur and imposingness,” Jun Mengchen stated in a low voice. “If we knew earlier, we could have acted more commanding. Senior Brother, we seem to be lacking in grandeur compared to the other groups of people.”

Qin Wentian smiled; he didn’t seem to mind. The immortal realms were boundless. Even the southern region alone was inconceivably vast with many immortal emperors. Among the major powers here, the Southern Phoenix Clan was one of the strongest. Since these major powers had sent over their people, they naturally wanted to do so in style.

Immortal emperors also had differences in strength. Matriarch Southern Phoenix was one of the immortal emperors with an immeasurably deep foundation. Naturally, given the length of Southern Phoenix Clan’s existence, they had more than one immortal emperor.

And not just the Southern Phoenix Clan. The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord once said that several immortal emperors served under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. And without a doubt, the Evergreen Immortal Empire clearly had the White and the Evergreen Immortal Emperors at the helm.

During his time in the City of Ancient Emperors, Qin Wentian had been acquainted with numerous heirs and descendants of immortal emperors. This included the Xuan Emperor, the father of Xuan Yang and Xuan Xing; the Xiao Emperor, father of Xiao Lengyue; and many others. These immortal emperors didn’t have as deep a foundations as Matriarch Southern Phoenix . Many of them established their own power, and there were some who chose to freely roam the immortal realms.

Right now, Qin Wentian could see many heaven’s chosen among the immortal-emperor-ranked powers here. Several of them were even direct descendants of immortal emperors themselves.

The two people they met that day in the inn were in attendance as well. The first was Shen Yi of the Shen Clan. It was rumored that the Shen Clan had an immortal emperor, and their clan was located within Southern Phoenix Immortal City. The Shen Clan always had a good relationship with the Southern Phoenix Clan. And as for the person clad in golden robes, he was also a prince from an immortal empire.

“This time everyone invited seems to be at the immortal foundation level.” Qin Wentian glanced at the cultivation realms of the experts gathered here. Ignoring the guards accompanying them, the characters of the younger generations were all at immortal foundation. The weakest characters were similar to him—at the first-level of immortal foundation. As for the strongest ones, they were at the fourth-level. The fourth-level could already be considered as middle-tier. Those fourth-level immortals had a more mature look to them; their ages were most likely the oldest among the other invited guests here.

In the air, the various experts studied each other, their eyes gleaming sharply as they exuded a faint aura of hostility.

“Big Brother, should I transform into my original form and accompany you inside instead?” Purgatory asked in a low voice from the side. Staring at the powerful experts in the surroundings, she faintly sensed that their group lacked imposingness in comparison. She wanted Qin Wentian to ride on her true form—that of a vermillion bird—when he entered to gain some face.

“It’s fine.” Qin Wentian smiled as he shook his head. This little lass was always concerned for him. She didn’t mind the loss of face to herself at all.

Right now, they were already at the entrance of the Southern Phoenix Clan. All the experts present promptly declared their clan names and identities before the guards allowed them in. When Qin Wentian tried to enter, he was stopped by a guard. With a wave of Qin Wentian’s hand, the invitation card appeared and the guard immediately ushered Qin Wentian and his companions inside.

Within the Southern Phoenix Clan, there were numerous pretty maids in the surroundings. These maids all possessed an extraordinary demeanor. When they saw the guests streaming in, they instantly made themselves useful by going over to lead them inside, their manner extremely attentive. When Qin Wentian and his companions arrived, there was a maid who instantly walked over with a smile on her face. “Sirs and miss, please follow me. I will lead you to the gathering place.”

“Many thanks.” Qin Wentian smiled as he inclined his head. He continued on the ancient pathway and entered into the depths of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

“Sir, might I know your surname?” The maid smiled at Qin Wentian.

“Qin.”

“Sir Qin’s demeanor is so graceful and extraordinary. I wonder which of the holy maidens invited you over?” That maid smiled, chatting casually with Qin Wentian. Her voice was very melodious and extremely pleasant to the ears.

“Nanfeng Yunxi,” Qin Wentian replied.

The maid was evidently stunned. Her beautiful eyes contemplated Qin Wentian before she laughed. “Sir Qin is truly an extraordinary individual.”

“Why? Is it strange that Nanfeng Yunxi invited me?” Qin Wentian asked, he was somewhat astonished by her reaction.

“Holy Maiden Yunxi is someone heavily favored in our Southern Phoenix Clan. And the main reason they organized this banquet was to celebrate the establishment of her immortal foundation. She can be considered the main character of this immortal banquet, and hence, everyone has wished to know who she would invite. Who would have thought that this slave would have such good luck in meeting with young master Qin so early?” the maid said in a light voice with a smile on her face.

“In that case, wouldn’t that mean the others will pay close attention to us? That’s not a good thing.” Qin Wentian shrugged.

“Sir Qin is so humorous. There are many people who wished for the chance to receive Holy Maiden Yunxi’s invitation, but they didn’t get such an opportunity.” The maid rolled her eyes at Qin Wentian’s words. Because of her beauty and her status as a maid, her actions weren’t as offensive. One would only feel that the maid was extremely cute. Qin Wentian couldn’t help but silently praise the maids of the Southern Phoenix Clan. Even their maids had such charm.

“Are there many holy maidens in the Southern Phoenix Clan?” Qin Wentian asked curiously.

“There aren’t that many. Every one hundred years, the Southern Phoenix Clan selects thirty-six of the most outstanding individuals to become the holy maidens. Within a hundred years, if a holy maiden fails to ascend to immortality, her qualifications as a holy maiden would then be stripped away.” The maid hid nothing from Qin Wentian and spoke honestly. She continued, “And when the hundred-year-period comes to an end, the holy maidens need to undergo a test to determine who will become a core member. The selected core member will be protected by the other holy maidens and gain the title of Holy Successor, while the other holy maidens will be known as the Dao-Protector Holy Maidens. The Holy Successor will be the future successor of Matriarch Southern Phoenix.”

“Understood.” Qin Wentian nodded. This custom had been in place for countless eras and naturally had its own rules. There were too many excellent descendants, and only the most outstanding one could become the Holy Successor. In addition, the Holy Successor would have to compete against the other holy maidens, since there was only a single position for the Southern Phoenix Matriarch after all.

In the Southern Phoenix Clan, when one becomes the Holy Successor, her status would instantly be elevated to a level higher than everyone else. She would even have the authority to mobilize immortal king experts. For such glory, it was natural that the competition would be intense.

“Many are in support of Holy Maiden Yunxi.” The maid smiled at Qin Wentian, casting a glance at him that was deep with meaning. It felt as though she wanted to see how extraordinary Qin Wentian really was, since even Nanfeng Yunxi had personally invited him. Clearly, Nanfeng Yunxi held this young man in extremely high regard.

Qin Wentian smiled, but didn’t reply. After some time, they arrived at a spacious location. Many maids had led the guests to this place and were currently arranging the immortal banquet. Several heaven’s chosen stood to the side while they chatted with each other. Those invited were all extraordinary individuals. A majority of them were outstanding elites from great powers in the southern region of the immortal realms.

Qin Wentian saw quite a number of familiar silhouettes. Rong Xiao, the young man who wanted to trade for Purgatory, Shen Yi, and the young man from the Gold Race; all were in attendance.

Shen Yi also saw Qin Wentian and his companions. His eyes landed on Purgatory, and he walked over, smiling at them. “So, the three of you are here for the immortal banquet. My name is Shen Yi from the Shen Clan. How should I address you all?”

“Qin Wentian. This is my junior brother, Jun Mengchen, and my younger sister, Purgatory,” said Qin Wentian.

“Oh, isn’t she your servant? Why is she your younger sister now?” The sounds of laughter drifted over. Rong Xiao walked over upon noticing Qin Wentian and his companions.

“When we met earlier, I thought this vermillion bird referred to you as her master? Is Brother Shen acquainted with them?” Rong Xiao asked.

“We’ve met.” Shen Yi nodded lightly.

“So, this is the case. Does Brother Shen know that this young woman is a demonic beast? Her original form is that of a purgatory vermillion bird,” said Rong Xiao as he glanced at Purgatory. After that, he turned his gaze back to Qin Wentian. “My offer still stands. If you are willing to trade, you can state any price you want.”

“Is that so? I’m afraid you might not be able to afford it,” Qin Wentian said coldly.

“Hehe, she’s just a mere demonic beast. Even if she was a saint beast, how could I not be able to afford your price?” Rong Jiao arrogantly replied.

“Okay, then. You shall be the price of the trade. From now on, you will become my servant and obey my every command,” Qin Wentian stated calmly. A moment later, Rong Xiao’s smile froze in place. His gaze gradually turned sharp as he locked eyes with Qin Wentian.

“You want to use a servant demonic beast to trade for me? Are you insulting me?” Rong Xiao icily spat.

“You are the one courting humiliation for yourself. In fact, in my eyes, even if there were ten of you, you’d still be unworthy compared to Purgatory’s value. Who the hell do you think you are?” Qin Wentian domineeringly spoke. Both their words were filled with sharpness, instantly attracting the attention of many. The heaven’s chosen all had expressions of interest as they watched the scene.

“This young man seems unfamiliar, I don’t recall anyone that matches his profile.” The crowd mused when they stared at Qin Wentian. Nobody knew who invited him.

“Your words are too rude, and you show no respect at all. Were you really invited here by a holy maiden?” Rong Xiao coldly questioned.

“When people respect me, I will respect them. As to who invited me here? That’s none of your business,” Qin Wentian retorted.

Rong Xiao smiled. “Okay then, I shall wait and see.”

After speaking, he walked to the side. At this moment, from different locations in the Southern Phoenix Clan, several silhouettes could be seen walking over. Each and every one of these figures were extremely beautiful as they floated in the air and exuding a presence akin to celestial maidens!

Chapter 1039: Infamous

 

Qin Wentian stared at the figures who had just appeared. For a moment, the entire atmosphere was akin to a garden full of blooming flowers. They came from different directions, each from different factions of the Southern Phoenix Clan. Given how ancient the Southern Phoenix Clan was, they naturally had many descendants. And these thirty six maidens were the most outstanding of all for their generation.

The beauties before him were all holy maidens. They were competing for the position of the holy successor.

“What a bevy of beauties.” The banquet guests all sighed in admiration. The beauties before them were truly dazzling to the eyes, an outright visual feast.

“Nanfeng Qingruo, what a refined demeanor she has. Truly a supreme beauty.” The crowd stared at one of the holy maidens clad in azure robes. She had a sweet-looking appearance that caused one to instantly be fond of her the moment they looked at her. As a second-level immortal foundation expert, Nanfeng Qingruo was one of the most popular holy maidens among the thirty-six.

“Nanfeng Shengge, her beauty is unreal. It’s as though she doesn’t belong to the mortal world.” The crowd then turned their attention onto another one of the holy maidens. Nanfeng Shengge was also at the second-level. She was extremely powerful and one of the more popular ones within the group.

“Nanfeng Aoxue, a cold beauty that’s extremely domineering. She’s at the third-level of immortal foundation.” The crowd turned to another of the holy maidens. This time, they were looking at Nanfeng Aoxue, another one of the more popular few among the thirty-six.

“Nanfeng Yunxi.” At this moment, everyone’s eyes turned to a beautiful young woman clad in phoenix-feathered clothing. Her beauty was unparalleled. Even among this bevy of gorgeous women, she still managed to stand out.

“Senior Brother, the Southern Phoenix Clan is truly an ancient and great clan. They have a populated community, the beauties here are as common as the clouds. If they wanted to hold a recruitment event for son-in-laws, how many talented individuals would compete for that chance? The inheritance of such a great clan would surely not be too shabby,” Jun Mengchen mumbled in a low voice. Qin Wentian smiled as he nodded. When people with high talent coupled together, how could their children end up weak? This ensured the Southern Phoenix Clan would maintain their strength throughout the years.

“Well, if you are going to be a son-in-law of the Southern Phoenix Clan, you will have to marry into their clan. Do you want to consider it?” Qin Wentian joked as he smiled at Jun Mengchen.

“Actually, I have no such concern. Everything depends on strength, and even if I marry into their clan, then when my strength surpasses them in the future, I’ll still be as free as ever with nothing to restrict me.” Jun Mengchen didn’t seem to mind it at all as he replied.

“Marrying into their clan means joining it. In this city, the majority of the businesses here are all controlled by the Southern Phoenix Clan. Many of the sects and clans are their subordinates, founded by their own members.” Qin Wentian smiled. “In any case, you won’t be able to join them even if you wanted to.”

Jun Mengchen laughed, but he agreed. As a disciple of the Heavenly Talisman Realm, there was no way he could marry into and join the Southern Phoenix Clan.

“Senior Brother, the Southern Phoenix Clan hasn’t explicitly announced it, but from what I’ve heard of the rumors, I think they might really be selecting son-in-laws this time around,” Jun Mengchen transmitted his voice to Qin Wentian. “Think about it—those invited are all heaven’s chosen from major powers or descendants from immortal emperors. These holy maidens might want to form a good relationship with them, and if they truly connect, there might be talk of marriage. Being able to marry into the Southern Phoenix Clan is a dream and a temptation that almost no one in the entire southern region of the immortal realms would ignore.”

Qin Wentian glanced at Jun Mengchen before glancing at their surroundings. These holy maidens were women too, so they would have to marry eventually. Naturally, their partners would have to be the cream of the crop. They wouldn’t choose a mediocre character.

“So, I deduce that Nanfeng Yunxi might really be interested in you, Senior Brother,” Jun Mengchen continued transmitting his voice, while laughing gaily. Qin Wentian glared at him. “Maybe she invited me over to help her with something. Nanfeng Yunxi was acquainted with us in the City of Ancient Emperors, and the other holy maidens’ strength isn’t any weaker than hers. All of them must have been to the City of Ancient Emperors before, and gotten to know all these descendants of major powers. And so, they invited them for help as well this time around. In any case, the Southern Phoenix Clan is a transcendent power in the immortal realms. The status of a holy maiden is extraordinary, so it won’t be so easy to marry them.”

Right now, in another location/area…

“Fairy Aoxue, it’s been a long time since we last met.” Rong Xiao walked towards Nanfeng Aoxue, a smile painted on his face.

“Rong Xiao, it has been a long time indeed. You are still as imposing as before.” Nanfeng Aoxue nodded her head lightly at Rong Xiao. After that, she turned her gaze away to smile at the others. Rong Xiao discovered that he wasn’t the only one that Nanfeng Aoxue invited; she had invited a few other friends as well, both males and females. One among them was extremely outstanding and radiated a golden light. Nanfeng Aoxue had a smile on her face as she continued chatting with him.

“Zong Zhan.” The name of this man was Zong Zhan. He stood there, exuding an aura of sharpness with a tinge of something demonic within.

“He is a demonic beast,” Purgatory said in a low voice. She could sense a strong demonic energy flowing from that man.

Zong Zhan’s gaze turned over. His eyes were golden and extremely sharp, akin to a sharp sword that could penetrate through everything. His gaze landed directly on Purgatory, and it actually caused her to feel a piercing pain.

“Vermillion bird.” Zong Zhan’s eyes shone with a wild light.

“Golden condor,” Purgatory said coldly. Zong Zhan’s true self was a condor.

“It’s Golden Heaven-Warring Condor,” Zong Zhan said proudly, smiling at Purgatory. However, there was a hint of ill intent in his smile, which caused Purgatory to be on the alert.

Qin Wentian smiled secretly to himself when he saw Purgatory’s manner. Although Purgatory might look mature in her human form, her state of heart was still like a young girl’s. If Little Rascal were here, he might also have acted in the same way as Zong Zhan if he saw a pretty girl.

The friends that Nanfeng Qingruo and Nanfeng Shengge had invited were all extraordinary individuals. Evidently, the heaven’s chosen in attendance were all the cream of the crop. Qin Wentian could faintly hear people talking about the City of Ancient Emperors. These heaven’s chosen must have also been ranked within the top positions on the Immortal Ascension Rankings before.

The gazes of many people landed on Nanfeng Yunxi. This young holy maiden had only a few select friends. Nobody knew who she’d invited.

At this moment, everyone could see Nanfeng Yunxi turning her gaze in a certain direction. A faint smile could be seen flickering in her eyes and the moment she smiled, her beauty seemed to bloom like a peach blossom in summer, causing quite a few among the crowd to be dazed by her beauty. After that, Nanfeng Yunxi started walking over, then stopped to stand in front of a young man. “It seems like I didn’t place my trust in the wrong person. You’re really here.”

Everyone’s eyes gleamed as they instantly focused on Qin Wentian. This young man was surely not a character living in the Southern Phoenix Immortal City, otherwise someone would have recognized him already.

“A supreme beauty of the Southern Phoenix Clan sent an invitation to me from thousands of miles away. How can I fail to show up?” Qin Wentian smiled.

“I truly spent a great deal of effort to look for you. Luckily, the invitation reached your hands in the end.” Nanfeng Yunxi had mobilized much of the power she was authorized to use, and finally found out that that Qin Wentian was in the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. After learning of that, she immediately sent out the invitation.

“Am I the only one you invited?” Qin Wentian noticed that he alone chatted with Nanfeng Yunxi No one else came forward.

“Mhm.” Nanfeng Yunxi nodded lightly.

“Aren’t you worried that I might choose not to come despite receiving the invitation?” Qin Wentian replied, dumbfounded.

“In that case, I can only blame my bad luck. But no matter what, I was once a member of the Qin Sect. I’m sure the sect leader wouldn’t fail to give me this bit of face.”

“Oi, must you guys keep bantering flirtatiously? I’ve been tossed to the side” Jun Mengchen said glumly. Nanfeng Yunxi glanced at him as she smiled, “I didn’t expect you to be here too. It looks like my luck isn’t bad. By the way, is this beautiful lady, Purgatory?”

“Mhm.” Qin Wentian nodded.

“To actually have three members of the Qin Sect coming by.” Nanfeng Yunxi laughed. At this moment, a pretty woman with picturesque looks walked over. It was none other than Nanfeng Shengge. She smiled at Qin Wentian. “You must be the Qin Sect leader from the City of Ancient Emperors who fought side by side with Yunxi, right? You used your overwhelming strength and defeated the son of the Violet Emperor, Zi Daoyang, seizing away the top-ranked position in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, thereby placing all the city’s heaven’s chosen beneath your feet. No wonder Yunxi invited you over.”

“Holy maiden praises me too much,” Qin Wentian smiled as he replied. Next to Nanfeng Shengge was a young man that radiated a strange light. He seemed to emanate an extremely vast aura—he was most definitely an extraordinary character. He glanced at Qin Wentian. “I’ve also heard of your name before. Zi Daoyang died by Mo Xie’s hand, but you’re the reason he suffered heavy injuries. All this triggered the immortal sense of the Violet Emperor in advance, freeing a path for Mo Xie to slaughter Zi Daoyang. I’ve also heard that Xuan Xing, the younger son of the Xuan Emperor, also died by your hands. This is the same for Que Tianyi, the personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. You are truly one of the legends of this generation in the City of Ancient Emperors. Only Mo Xie is qualified to stand against you.”

When the sound of his voice faded, the expressions of everyone in the surroundings changed. Before this, they were filled with disdain and suspicion, but now, they were only filled with shock and trepidation. Heavily injuring Zi Daoyang, which led to his death, killing a son of the Xuan Emperor and a personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. This fellow didn’t seem to be as peaceful as he looked and was most definitely a madman. He’d already offended three immortal emperors. Was he tired of living?

Chapter 1040: Three Clans of the Southern Region

 

The gaze which Rong Xiao used to look at Qin Wentian changed. He didn’t expect Qin Wentian to be so famous, and to be strong enough to obtain the position of the top ranker in the City of Ancient Emperors.

As for Mo Xie and the son of the Violet Emperor, Zi Daoyang, they had never come into contact with these people before and hence, weren’t very sure of their strength. But since they were descendants of immortal emperors, they wouldn’t be weak. It was unclear their exact difference in strength when compared to the heaven’s chosen from the major powers here in the Southern Region.

“He isn’t someone from Southern Phoenix City, right?” Several people in the crowd started to ask around.

“Qin Wentian came from the Thirteen Prefectures of Eastern Sage, and is a member of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect headed by the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord,” announced Nanfeng Yunxi, informing everyone of Qin Wentian’s identity. That way, when they spoke to him or about him, their words would be more respectful. Many of these people were either from major powers of the Southern Region or were the descendants of immortal emperors. They were all extremely proud individuals.

“So this is the case—he is a heaven’s chosen from the Eastern Region. It’s not a bad thing for us to meet him here. Perhaps, if there’s an opportunity, we could exchange blows and learn from each other.” Someone’s eyes flickered with battle intent.

“He may be the #1 ranker of the City of Ancient Emperors, but he’s part of the same generation as holy maiden Yunxi, and he’s just established his immortal foundation. His cultivation level is still not enough.” A young man clad in special armor-like clothing said quietly, his tone containing an unexcelled loftiness. He exuded an aura that everyone sensed was extraordinary and powerful, and his deep eyes gave the impression that he was someone without comparison.

This man stood beside a supreme beauty, one of the most popular among the thirty-six holy maidens, Nanfeng Qingruo. He was a heaven’s chosen that she invited. This young man’s status appeared illustrious even when in the company of so many geniuses. He was from an ancient great clan of the immortal realms, a descendant of the Jiang Clan, and a peak-level genius among the younger generations.

The Jiang Clan was the same as the Southern Phoenix Clan; both were ancient great clans from the days of old,. They had been established in the immortal realms for countless eras, with immeasurably deep foundations. It had not been easy for Nanfeng Qingruo to invite a descendant from the Jiang Clan here to help her.

Even more rare was that this young man from the Jiang Clan was none other than Jiang Ziyu. He was extremely famous among the younger generations of the Jiang Clan. Many years ago, he was also the top ranker of the Immortal Ascension Rankings. His cultivation was now at the second level of immortal foundation, and he was endowed with overwhelming combat prowess.

In the Southern Region of the immortal realms, three ancient clans held the status of hegemony. There might be other immortal-emperor-ranked powers here, but none of their foundations could compete with these three.

The three ancient great clans were the Southern Phoenix Clan of Southern Phoenix City, Jiang Clan from the Ancient Sky Metropolis, and Ying Clan from Royal Emperor City.

Among the three powers, the Southern Phoenix Clan disliked conflict, hence Southern Phoenix City was extremely safe. The Jiang Clan was mysterious and kept the lowest profile, and they had the fewest numbers among the three great powers. The Ying Clan of the Royal Emperor City had the greatest ambition. They established the Ying Immortal Empire and their territory was boundless, spanning across much of the land of the Southern Region. In the immortal empire, those with the surname Ying were kings. They ruled openly and with great influence, not needing other major powers to submit to them unlike the Southern Phoenix Clan and the Jiang Clan.

Qin Wentian glanced at Jiang Ziyu. He could feel a surging and exceedingly vast might emanating from this person. After which, he heard Nanfeng Yunxi transmitting her voice to him, “Of the three ancient great clans of the Southern Region, he is Jiang Ziyu from the Jiang Clan. Many years ago, he was also the top ranker in the City of Ancient Emperors.”

Qin Wentian glanced at Nanfeng Yunxi. Seems like Nanfeng Yunxi attached a great amount of importance to this person, otherwise she wouldn’t have intentionally transmitted her voice.

“The immortal banquet is ready. Everyone, please help yourself.” At this moment, a voice drifted over. When everyone’s eyes turned over, a grand feast had already been prepared. They nodded their heads and found their seats, enjoying the available food and wine. Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, Purgatory, and Nanfeng Yunxi all sat together. The other holy maidens also sat next to the friends they invited.

The banquet was truly sumptuous, and even the food exuded an immortal-like quality. Jun Mengchen stared with curiosity at a sparkling fruit before swallowing it whole. An instant later, a fearsome heat arose and circulated around his body—the fruit’s immortal energy seeped deeply into his bones and cleansed his body.

“Good stuff.” Jun Mengcheng laughed. “Senior Brother, it seems like our food fortune here is truly great. This immortal banquet of the Southern Phoenix Clan isn’t simple at all.”

“Yunxi, do you want to sit at the host’s seat? You’re the main guest of honor for today’s immortal banquet,” asked a beautiful middle-aged lady from the Southern Phoenix Clan, glancing at Nanfeng Yunxi.

“It’s fine. It makes no difference if I sit here.” Nanfeng Yunxi shook her head.

“Okay then, you should have a good chat with your friends,” the beautiful middle-aged lady said calmly. There were several elders from the Southern Phoenix Clan beside her.

“All of you are guests of the same generation. As for those of us from the elder generation, we won’t be saying much. Just enjoy the banquet to the fullest and interact with each other. There’s no need to stand on ceremony. The juniors of our Southern Phoenix Clan might still need your help in the future.” The beautiful middle-aged lady smiled, lifting her wine cup in a toast to everyone. “I shall drink up first. Everyone, remember this: just enjoy yourself today.”

“Senior is too polite.” Everyone lifted their wine cups in response, drained them, and then started chatting. It was exceptionally lively.

“You should have already guessed that I didn’t invite you just to celebrate my breakthrough into the immortal foundation, right?” Nanfeng Yunxi said to Qin Wentian who was beside her. Qin Wentian nodded his head.

“Then, do you know the actual reason I invited you here?” Nanfeng Yunxi continued.

“I can guess a little, but I don’t know the full details,” Qin Wentian replied.

“I invited you here because I need your help,” Nanfeng Yunxi said directly. “There are many holy maidens, but every hundred years, only one Holy Successor is born. The holy maidens need to undergo many trials, and enter the inheritance ancestral lands of my Southern Phoenix Clan. Only the ancestral lands can determine the next Holy Successor.”

“Inheritance Ancestral Lands?” Qin Wentian’s eyes flickered. Nanfeng Yunxi was actually telling him of such a secret.

“Right. The holy maidens need the escort and protection of any helpers they choose while in the ancestral lands. Only nine among thirty-six holy maidens will be qualified to take part in further trials. I invited you over because I wished for you to help me. I want to secure the identity of the Holy Successor.” Nanfeng Yunxi didn’t beat around the bush and directly spoke her intentions.

After speaking, her beautiful eyes focused on Qin Wentian.

“Okay, I will do my best to help you.” Qin Wentian nodded—there was no need for him to beat around the bush either.

“Thank you. However, our opponents are not simple. All of them are very powerful.” Nanfeng Yunxi smiled. Since she invited Qin Wentian over, she naturally understood Qin Wentian’s character. If he came here, he would definitely help her. This was a fellow who valued friendship.

“Understood. Are you not afraid that my cultivation level will be too low since I’ve also just established my immortal foundation? From what I see, the highest here are all fourth-level immortals. Are there no restrictions to the cultivation level of those invited to help out?” Qin Wentian asked curiously.

“One’s cultivation level cannot count for everything. You will understand.” Nanfeng Yunxi smiled. “For the first trial, I believe we’ll be able to succeed and enter the ancestral land. To you, this can also be considered a tempering exercise. But after we enter the ancestral land, we’ll only face stiffer competition.”

“Mhm.” Qin Wentian nodded. “I still have a question. Why did you choose outsiders for help instead of asking the people in your clan?”

“It’s quite simple. After entering the ancestral land, there’s a period of time where the holy maidens will be in a completely helpless state once they obtain the inheritance. It’s too dangerous to enter together with other people from the Southern Phoenix Clan. Forget protecting the holy maidens, they wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation of obtaining the inheritance for themselves,” Nanfeng Yunxi slowly explained. She then smiled when she saw Qin Wentian deep in contemplation. “However, you don’t need to think too much. Only those with the southern phoenix bloodline can obtain the inheritance.”

“It might be tempting to obtain the ancestral inheritance, but would those people even dare to ignore the customs of the Southern Phoenix Clan?” Qin Wentian’s eyes flickered.

“It’s been a proven point since many years ago. Betrayal has occurred many times before in the past, and eventually, the upper echelons decided not to use our own people to protect the holy maidens when entering the ancestral lands. The ancestral land has an overwhelming attraction to the descendants of our clan. The temptation isn’t something that can be easily ignored,” Nanfeng Yunxi replied. The two of them chatted openly. It was the same with the others as well. Since the holy maidens had invited people to help them, they naturally had to explain the situation clearly. And it wasn’t really considered a great secret.

Many people were here because they’d also wanted to take a look at the ancestral land of the Southern Phoenix Clan to broaden their horizons.

“Every heaven’s chosen should now understand what is going on. The choosing of the next successor is a great event. We will need to trouble everyone then,” the middle-aged woman announced. They opened the ancestral land once every hundred years to select a Holy Successor. To the Southern Phoenix Clan, this was a great occasion.

“I’m very honored to be able to protect the Holy Successor of this generation!” A voice filled with raw arrogance rang out through the air. It was spoken by none other than the golden condor, Zong Zhan. He was extremely self-confident, and with Nanfeng Aoxue’s strength, he believed that both of them would be able to sweep through the trials with ease.

“Arrogant,” Jiang Ziyu said coldly. After which, he turned to Nanfeng Qingruo beside him and he said in a low voice, “Qingruo. The position of Holy Successor will be yours for sure.”

“Shengge, I won’t disappoint you.” The protectors of Nanfeng Shengge also stated, assured in their strength.

“All the heaven’s chosen exude such grandeur and have magnificent aspirations. I wish all of you good luck.” The middle-aged woman laughed. She liked to see the holy maidens engaged in competition. Only with competition would one grow stronger and stronger, becoming true experts. Those outstanding individuals were all born in this manner!

Chapter 1041: Assisted Battle

 

Everyone was enjoying the banquet and engaged in idle chatter. Nanfeng Yunxi introduced several people to Qin Wentian. They were immortal emperors of the Southern Region who came to this banquet, as well as many geniuses with extraordinary statuses. Qin Wentian noted down their names. Immortal emperors were characters who stood at the peak of the immortal realms, and they were at the absolute pinnacle of authority.

This was especially so for those more powerful immortal emperors. Just like the three ancient great clans of the Southern Region, they controlled territories of boundless space. It could be said that they were the true hegemons of the entire Southern Region of the immortal realms, and possessed fearsome influence and authority. Their every action could cause the entire Southern Region to tremble.

After the banquet, the beautiful middle-aged woman invited everyone to head to their clan’s Phoenix Arena. After that, the holy maidens and heaven’s chosen proceeded forward.

In the depths of the Southern Phoenix Clan, there was an extremely vast area. A grand and majestic battle platform could be seen right at its center.. Layers of light streamed around it, incomparably dazzling. There was also a powerful formation inscribed there that contained a marvelous might.

At this moment, all the heaven’s chosen had already arrived. Each of the holy maidens were accompanied by the people they sought for help. Next to Nanfeng Yunxi were Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Purgatory.

Many figures silently appeared in the surroundings of this Phoenix Arena—these were all characters from the Southern Phoenix Clan’s elder generations. They attached a very high importance to this showdown. The Southern Phoenix Clan was presided and governed by the Southern Phoenix Matriarch, and divided into several factions. The holy maidens might have the Southern Phoenix Matriarch’s blood in their veins, but they were all from different factions. And out of the thirty-six maidens, only one could become the Holy Successor. This would be an indication of that particular faction’s potential.

In future, when the Holy Successor ascended to the position of the Southern Phoenix Martriach, her faction would be the one that ruled the entire Southern Phoenix Clan. Hence, the selection of the Holy Successor every one hundred years was an event that received high importance from their clan.

“Let’s go up to the Phoenix Arena,” Nanfeng Yunxi said to the three of them. After which, they mounted one of the arena’s thirty-six minor platforms. This battle platform had the faint shadow of a phoenix shimmering in and out of existence. The other camps of people had also mounted the platforms along with their respective holy maidens. Similarly, the other thirty-five platforms had the faint shadow of a phoenix, albeit in a different form. Despite their distinct appearances, their majesticness was roughly the same.

“Next, we are going to select nine holy maidens to enter the ancestral lands. The maidens are selected based on the top nine camps with the highest battle achievements. The holy maiden can fight if they wish to, or they can send the helpers they have chosen. But one must remember this, holy maidens are able to borrow power from the formation to boost their own combat prowess into reaching the peak of the third level of immortal foundation. Hence, if the holy maiden chooses to fight, then her opponent must at least be someone of the same cultivation level. As for the helpers, they are unable to borrow power from the formation.” At this moment, the middle-aged woman stated the rules as she walked into the Phoenix Arena.

Qin Wentian glanced at Nanfeng Yunxi, only to see her smiling at him.

“You are truly decisive. Holy maidens are able to borrow power from the formations, but I cannot. And yet, you still choose to invite me over? Look at the other holy maidens, the majority have invited helpers at the second or third level of immortal foundation. There’s even one at the fourth-level. Are you not afraid that I’ll negatively affect your battle achievement record?” Qin Wentian asked Nanfeng Yunxi.

“Fourth-level immortal foundation experts can enter the ancestral land, but they are not allowed to partake in this combat trial. As for those at the third level, I can use the power from the formation to deal with them. For those at the first and second level, I believe that with your combat prowess, they should be of no problem to you.” Nanfeng Yunxi smiled. Qin Wentian nodded his head. The holy maidens could borrow the power from the formation for their combat, unleashing a combat prowess equivalent to the third level of immortal foundation. This meant that the main point of the combat trial still depended on the holy maidens themselves.

They invited their friends to act as helpers to assist them in the other battles. Naturally, the stronger their helpers, the more useful they would prove to be. This would be the case even after entering the ancestral lands. For now, Qin Wentian still had no concrete idea on what he had to do, but most likely, he was supposed to protect Nanfeng Yunxi from any danger.

“How many combat rounds are there?” Qin Wentian asked.

“Thirty six. Each camp of holy maidens must fight thirty-five rounds of combat and they cannot fight an opponent twice. The nine maidens with the highest battle achievements will gain the qualifications to enter the ancestral lands,” Nanfeng Yunxi replied.

“Everyone should be clear of the rules by now. Nanfeng Aoxue, let the first battle fall to your camp. After that, the battles shall continue according to the sequence,” announced the middle-aged woman. After that, she floated up into the air and left the central arena for everyone to begin.

Nanfeng Aoxue stepped out, instantly appearing on the center stage. Her aura was overwhelming as power from the third level gushed forth from her. Qin Wentian sighed in admiration, “She reached the third level of immortal foundation within a hundred years after her birth?”

“No.” Nanfeng Yunxi shook her head. “The Southern Phoenix Clan selects thirty-six holy maidens every hundred years. At the time of selection, those conferred with the title of holy maiden are ones with extremely high potential. These can include women that have reached adulthood prior to the selection period. When the time of selection comes by, their ages are naturally more than a hundred. During the 100-year selection period, some of the maidens can even be selected before they reach a hundred years in age and have yet to establish their immortal foundations. But once the date of the inheritance trials arrives, they’ll have no choice but to delay their participation until the next trial a hundred years later. Nanfeng Aoxue is part of the former, while I belong to the latter half. They bestowed my title in the middle of this 100-year period. Luckily for me, I ascended to immortality shortly before this round of inheritance trials began. Otherwise, I’d be like Nanfeng Aoxue and can only participate in the inheritance trial a hundred years later.”

“In that case, doesn’t she hold a greater advantage than the others?” Qin Wentian smiled. “But, being able to reach the third level of immortal foundation within a hundred odd years should also be considered an extremely outstanding feat, right?”

“Our Southern Phoenix Clan is an ancient clan with extremely deep foundations. You cannot use common logic to appraise us. The extraordinary individuals among our members will naturally cultivate faster than the geniuses outside of our clan. If I manage to become the Holy Successor, you’ll have to work hard or I’ll swiftly overtake you,” Nanfeng Yunxi joked.

“Let’s wait and see.” Qin Wentian didn’t mind and laughed along.

Nanfeng Aoxue chose the camp of another holy maiden. The holy maiden of that camp stepped out. She used her ancient phoenix bloodline to activate the arena’s formation and borrowed its power, allowing her to have the aura of a peak, third-level immortal foundation expert. Both their immortal foundations gushed forth with might as two terrifying ancient phoenix shadows could be seen in the air. Their immortal foundations seemed to be in the form of a phoenix, both shimmering in and out of existence.

“Did you also establish a phoenix immortal foundation?” Qin Wentian asked curiously.

“Naturally. If we have enough ability, the holy maidens of the Southern Phoenix Clan will always be able to establish a phoenix-form immortal foundation. But even though our immortal foundations might have similar phoenix forms, their grades and tiers will still be different. The might we can unleash will naturally differ as well,” Nanfeng Yunxi explained. The immortal foundations established by stellar martial cultivators were formed by the fusion of energy from their astral souls and constellations.

“Evidently, it can also be a disadvantage to use the power of the formation to augment one’s own power to the peak of the third level. A true third-level immortal foundation is much stronger in comparison,” Qin Wentian mused silently as he observed the combat. Nanfeng Aoxue was like a true phoenix. Her every move was backed by the power of the phoenix shadow she’d earlier manifested, containing enough might to startle the heavens. The Phoenix Arena was covered by a screen of light, and hence, the shockwaves produced by the combatants wouldn’t be able to affect their surroundings.

“Speed, strength, fire, immortal-ranked innate techniques. In all aspects, Nanfeng Aoxue possesses the clear advantage. There’s no suspense.” Qin Wentian knew that victory and defeat would be determined almost immediately. And just as he expected, a few moments later Nanfeng Aoxue defeated her opponent and obtained victory.

After her combat ended, she said, “My friend will still continue the battle.”

“Okay.” In the air, the beautiful middle-aged lady nodded. After that, Zong Zhan stepped out.

Zong Zhan was a Golden Heaven-Warring Condor—he had a pure bloodline and supreme combat prowess. It was said that his type of demonic beast possessed a defense comparable to the divine avian species, the golden-winged rocs.

Zong Zhan walked up the Phoenix Arena. His body was instantly cloaked in golden battle armor. His eyes gleamed as they took in his surroundings—he actually wanted to fight against a few of the most outstanding heaven’s chosen in attendance. But upon thinking of Nanfeng Aoxue, he temporarily suppressed his desire to do battle. After entering the ancestral lands, there would be no lack of chances for him to fight. What he had to do now was to first guarantee victory by winning thirty-five combat rounds to qualify entering the ancestral lands.

“I think I will pick you guys again.” Zong Zhan’s eyes turned to the camp of the holy maiden whom Nanfeng Aoxue had just defeated. This instantly caused that holy maiden to frown. She had invited two helpers, and they were both experts on the same level as her—the second level of immortal foundation. However, they were still not strong enough to fight against Zong Zhan.

“I’ll fight him.” A heaven’s chosen next to that holy maiden stepped out. This helper was a heaven’s chosen from a major power in the Southern Phoenix City. Arrogance rolled off him in waves, and he exuded a sense of might, but in that moment, Zong Zhan’s entire body cloaked itself in a golden light. The immortal might from his immortal foundation was also gushing out with extreme power.

—BOOM!— He stepped out, shooting across space like a bolt of golden lightning, instantly arriving before his opponent. Numerous fearsome-looking golden condors appeared. They were formed from law energy and resembled a powerful battle formation that suppressed the entire space.

His opponent’s countenance drastically changed. His immortal might gushed forth, painting the sky a silvery white to bury the attacks from the golden condors.

… chi… chi… Zong Zhan’s battle formation of sliced apart the silvery screen, directly boring down on his opponent. Terrifying rumbling sounds echoed out as the dazzling silver-white light was snuffed out, and his attacks blasted full-force into his opponent, causing him to cough out blood.

“How violent.” The spectators stared at Zong Zhan. Nanfeng Aoxue alone was already extremely strong, but it seemed that her helper was powerful as well. They instantly secured two victories.

“Rong Xiao, help me fight the third round,” Nanfeng Aoxue requested of Rong Xiao. Rong Xiao nodded. When Zong Zhan retreated from the arena, he walked up and turned his gaze onto the others. His cultivation base was at the second level of immortal foundation and he had extremely strong combat prowess.

He then glanced in Nanfeng Yunxi’s direction, his eyes landing on Qin Wentian as he said, “Brother Qin from the Eastern Region, I wonder how powerful you are? Can I request for us to spar? Naturally, if Brother Qin is terrified, I’m fine if holy maiden Yunxi steps out with you.”

If a holy maiden stepped up to battle, they could only fight opponents with an equivalent cultivation base as them. And Nanfeng Yunxi’s helpers all seemed to only be at the first level of immortal foundation. Many were puzzled by this. Could it be that Nanfeng Yunxi wanted to depend on her strength alone to enter the ancestral lands?

Although the holy maidens were the main point of these trials, it was still very important for them to depend on others during some critical moments!

Chapter 1042: Jiang Clan’s Might

 

There were many first-level immortals participating in today’s combat. However, a majority of the experts partaking in combat were all at the second or third level. Naturally, this was because the holy maidens wanted better battle achievements. If Nanfeng Yunxi fought all her battles by herself, she would only end up exhausted and this would be extremely dangerous.

“Initially, I thought that you, Yunxi, would be able to make it into the ancestral lands too. However, it seems that I was mistaken.” Nanfeng Aoxue turned her gaze to Nanfeng Yunxi. Nanfeng Yunxi’s talent was excellent, and she had established a high-grade immortal foundation. Despite only recently ascending to immortality, her strength made many elders in her clan nod in approval. A majority of them hoped she’d be able to make it into the ancestral lands and become the Holy Successor.

Instead, she invited Qin Wentian, a character whose cultivation base was only at the first level.

Since Qin Wentian was the top ranker of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, it probably meant that his talent was also excellent. However, he was someone who had only just established an immortal foundation, and he had no way to borrow power from the formation. He wasn’t suitable to contribute to an assisted battle at all.

The geniuses here were all extremely talented individuals from the Southern Region. Their combat prowess was extraordinary, so it wouldn’t be so simple for a first-level immortal to jump levels and fight on the same level as the others.

“Senior Brother, let me fight one round.” Jun Mengchen was extremely eager. After stepping into immortal foundation, he hadn’t had an opportunity to fight a good battle. Now, an opportunity had presented itself. Since he was standing on one of the platforms at the Phoenix Arena, this meant that he was a helper. Each holy maiden could have up to a maximum of three helpers, and anyone beside Nanfeng Yunxi could fight if they want to. If they won, it would count towards Nanfeng Yunxi’s record of battle achievements.

“Brother Qin, did you know that you’d definitely lose and that’s why you’re sending another person to replace you?” Rong Xiao continued to provoke Qin Wentian. After that, Rong Xiao glanced past Purgatory, and his eyes fixed on Nanfeng Yunxi as he smiled. “Holy Maiden Yunxi actually invited Brother Qin to help you for the trials? That seems like a somewhat unwise decision.”

“Mengchen, since this man wishes to fight against me so much. Let me grant his wish. Don’t worry, there will be other opportunities for you to fight later on,” Qin Wentian said to Jun Mengchen.

“Okay.” Jun Mengchen nodded. “Senior Brother, show him his place.”

“Mhm.” Qin Wentian stepped out and appeared on the arena. A bright light flashed as the screen of light activated once more, enveloping the entire arena. Rong Xiao’s immortal foundation erupted forth with might as his constellations manifested in the air. Law energy flowed around him as the immortal might from his immortal foundation gushed forth unceasingly. In just an instant, Rong Xiao’s immortal might shrouded Qin Wentian.

“What energy is this?” Qin Wentian stared at the law energy surrounding the area. They had manifested into numerous knights seated atop war horses, equipped with armor and white lances that shimmered with immortal might. Behind Rong Xiao, a gigantic phantom of a knight appeared. Rong Xiao had also mounted an astral war horse and he soared up into the sky.

“Die!” Rong Xiao shouted coldly. After which, the horses started to gallop, the force of their strides causing the space to tremble. A countless number of war horses rushed towards Qin Wentian with lightning speed, intending to bury him within. Their terrifying long lances and metal hooves were powerful enough to pierce through Qin Wentian and trample him to pieces.

These warhorses were no ordinary horses. Thunderclaps boomed whenever they stomped through the air with their metal hooves. They were incomparably majestic and extremely speedy, and possessed an overwhelming attacking strength.

Qin Wentian soared through the air. His immortal foundation thrummed as a startling pressure gushed forth from him. In that instant, Rong Xiao felt his own immortal foundation trembling, as though something was suppressing it an innate level. The pressure felt like the blows from a hammer blasting into his immortal foundation.

Qin Wentian threw out a punch. The instant the punch manifested, it shimmered with boundless runic light, transforming into a beam of light that could shatter everything apart. Thunderous sounds of explosions rang out, and the war horses were completely exterminated under the brilliant beam of his fist light.

“Not bad.” A voice rang out in Qin Wentian’s ear. Rong Xiao then sped forth, his silvery lance piercing straight at Qin Wentian’s throat with a speed too fast for the eye to follow.

Qin Wentian’s palm slammed out, but before it hit Rong Xiao, Rong Xiao’s silhouette was already flickering with a white light, and he reappeared in another location. He was still seated on his war horse—his speed was too incredible.

—RUMBLE!— Rong Xiao transformed into a white shadow. Thousands of war horses galloped towards Qin Wentian in that instant, wanting to overwhelm him in a stampede. Qin Wentian frowned. His immortal sense gushed out, and as the stampede of horses rushed at him, he slammed out with another palm strike while simultaneously dodging to the side. His senses were sharp enough to discern Rong Xiao’s location. A silvery lance narrowly missed him, and with another flash of white light, Rong Xiao appeared behind Qin Wentian.

“Your attack power isn’t bad. But your speed is too slow. A first-level immortal foundation cultivation can only amount to this much after all. There’s no way for you to mitigate the difference in cultivation. Even if you once had the position of top ranker on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, it’s useless,” Rong Xiao said with arrogance. He then continued, “I won’t be playing around with you anymore.”

—BOOM!— As the sound of his words faded, Qin Wentian took a step out, and a terrifying formless might bore down on his immortal foundation. Rong Xiao furrowed his brows, and in the next instant, he saw Qin Wentian radiating with immortal light as the might of Qin Wentian’s immortal foundation permeated the surroundings.

“Hmph.” Snorting coldly, Rong Xiao’s body vanished once more, appearing directly before Qin Wentian at an inconceivable speed. Qin Wentian didn’t bother looking at him. Relying on instinct, he immediately threw out a punch that shone with a scintillating inky-black light—the law energy from the law of destruction.

With a deafening blast, the spectators saw Rong Xiao’s silvery lance snap in two. Rong Xiao flung back through the air and slammed onto the floor of the arena, coughing out fresh blood.

“Your combat prowess is merely at this level even though you’re at the second level of immortal foundation? Aren’t you a little too useless?” Qin Wentian stepped forward. Rong Xiao’s countenance turned ashen. Qin Wentian’s words were too face-smacking. Who was playing around with who?

Earlier, he’d stated that he would no longer play around with Qin Wentian, yet he sent him flying with a single punch right after that. In that moment, he’d felt his immortal foundation suppressed and his immortal energy hadn’t flowed smoothly, as though the pressure had disrupted it. That space around him seemed to have solidified due to the suppressive pressure as well, and he couldn’t shift his body to evade even if he wanted to. He could only respond head-on with an attack, and hope that he could negate the power. However, he’d ended up the injured party instead. How could someone at the first level have such power?

“You lost. You can’t even withstand a single strike,” Qin Wentian said as he walked to the front of Rong Xiao.

—BOOM!— Rong Xiao’s immortal foundation manifested out in the open. Instantly, the skies changed as the phenomenon of a pegasus adorned with silvery wings appeared, blotting out the sun. An incomparable might bore down on Qin Wentian. Rong Xiao slowly floated up into the air as he unleashed his strength to its limits.

—bzz!— The wings of the pegasus flashed as a beam of white light shot towards Qin Wentian, instantly arriving before him, ignoring the vast distance between them. Such speed basically gave the opponent no chance to react.

—BOOM!— Qin Wentian’s immortal foundation released a heaven-startling might. His entire body was akin to a fiend-god, flowing with fearsome runic light. Rong Xiao’s terrifying lance smashed forward to pierce Qin Wentian’s body. But at this very moment, a gigantic shadow of a Xuanwu Turtle enveloped Qin Wentian completely. The long lance continued to pierce forward, but Qin Wentian’s defense was now insanely high—the lance rebounded from the toughness of his flesh.

Qin Wentian’s hand stretched out and grabbed Rong Xiao’s body. His right hand turned inky-black in color and erupted forwards in a punch, causing terrifying rumbling sounds to ring out. Rong Xiao’s immortal light dimmed, and his immortal foundation felt as though it were about to shatter.

—BOOM!— Another terrifying punch pummelled its way over. Rong Xiao screamed as he coughed out blood from the impact. Slumping to the ground, the phenomenon in the sky dispersed as his immortal light completely dissipated.

When Qin Wentian saw this scene, he retracted his aura as well. Lowering his head to stare at Rong Xiao lying on the ground, he said, “You’re at the second level of immortal foundation, yet you can’t even break my defense? Aren’t you simply courting death by choosing me?”

After that, Qin Wentian turned and walked down the arena.

Everyone’s eyes gleamed sharply when they glanced at Qin Wentian. This fellow had such overwhelming combat prowess. It looked like Nanfeng Yunxi understood his strength despite his status as a first-level immortal foundation expert. This was the reason why she’d chosen to invite him for help.

As for Rong Xiao, he’d suffered such a miserable defeat. Everyone could only look at him with eyes full of pity. He, a person who had come here to act as a helper, could be said to have lost his face completely. Earlier, after his first defeat, he shouldn’t have insisted on continuing the fight.

“I’ve accomplished my task,” Qin Wentian announced in a low voice, smiling as he returned to Nanfeng Yunxi’s side. Now, Nanfeng Aoxue’s camp had two victories and one defeat, while Nanfeng Yunxi’s camp had one victory.

Nanfeng Aoxue turned and glanced at Nanfeng Yunxi’s camp. Her expression was extremely cold. She initially wanted to enter the ancestral lands with zero defeats, but it was impossible now. And with Rong Xiao current state, he wouldn’t be able to continue assisting her in the other battles.

Rong Xiao climbed up with much difficulty. He stared coldly at Qin Wentian before lowering his head and walking down the platform. His face had been completely thrown away.

“You still dare to act so arrogantly with that mere level of skill?” Jun Mengchen mocked. And this fellow wanted Purgatory?

“Let’s continue.” The beautiful middle-aged woman standing in the air spoke. Next, it was Nanfeng Qingruo’s camp’s turn. Nanfeng Qingruo had two helpers. One of them was Jiang Ziyu from the Jiang Clan. The second helper was also an outstanding genius among the younger generations.

Nanfeng Qingruo chose a holy maiden and defeated her. After that, her two helpers also secured their victories with ease.

Qin Wentian observed Jiang Ziyu’s fight with interest. The Jiang Clan was the same as the Southern Phoenix Clan— they were one of the three ancient great clans of the Southern Region. Similar to him, Jiang Ziyu had once obtained the position of the top ranker in the City of Ancient Emperors. He naturally wouldn’t be an ordinary character.

When Jiang Ziyu attacked, the vastness of his strength was simply terrifying. He effortlessly defeated his opponent with such swiftness that no one could accurately gauge his strength. However, it was clear how powerful he was. Evidently, this Jiang Ziyu was extraordinary even among members of the Jiang Clan. He must be a supreme genius that the clan had nurtured heavily.

Qin Wentian’s senses were extremely sharp, but even he had no way to see through Jiang Ziyu. It was just as Nanfeng Yunxi said—the people of the Jiang Clan were all extremely mysterious.

“What skills or powers are the Jiang Clan proficient in?” Qin Wentian looked to Nanfeng Yunxi and asked. An ancient great clan of the immortal realms should have a special type of energy they were proficient in. For example, the Southern Phoenix Clan had the bloodline of the ancient phoenix, and had the ability to undergo nirvana.

“You can’t see through him, right? The Jiang Clan are extremely mysterious and their techniques diverse. But according to our Southern Phoenix Clan’s records, the people of the Jiang Clan cultivate buddhist techniques—they follow the path of the Buddha,” Nanfeng Yunxi transmitted her voice over. Qin Wentian glanced at Jiang Ziyu. He was handsome and extraordinary; he didn’t seem to be someone who cultivated the buddhist path.