Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 135

Chapter 135: Emperor Amethyst Constellation.

Qin Wentian approached the platform, inclining his head and gazing at Qiu Mo in the spectator’s stand. A hint of sarcasm could be seen on his face.
When he arrived, he’d coincidentally heard Yu Xuan’s words. Although he wasn’t acquainted with Yu Xuan, he wouldn’t have specially felt goodwill because of the words she’d said. However, Qiu Mo’s reply made him extremely dissatisfied.
Yu Xuan said that he’d stepped onto the 6th level of the Astral River Hall. Regardless of whether or not this was true or false, didn’t this matter have nothing to do with Qiu Mo? What right did Qiu Mo have to berate others? Not only that, but Qiu Mo’s rebuttal was extremely strong, obviously showing that he had a bone to pick with Qin Wentian.
Upon noticing Qin Wentian, Qiu Mo frowned, and coldly continued, “Don’t tell me you’ve really stepped onto the 6th level? Even if you had, I’m still your senior. You’d better show some respect when talking to me.”
“Respect is earned, not given. Look at the way you treat your junior sister. Are you even worthy of other’s respect?” Qin Wentian countered.
“Hehe, you’re only in the top nine, why are you acting like you’ve already obtained the championship? How disgraceful.” Qiu Mo shot back, his words filled with intense sarcasm, causing the spectators to display weird expressions on their faces. Weren’t both of them students of the Emperor Star Academy? Why were they so against each other?
Qin Wentian shifted his gaze away, and didn’t bother to continue looking at Qiu Mo. He jumped into the air, and stepped onto the platform.
Despite Qin Wentian’s disregard of Qiu Mo, Fan Le felt extremely dissatisfied. He shouted from below the platform, “In the Jun Lin banquet last year, someone at the peak of Arterial Circulation only managed to obtain the 5th position. I wonder which corner he was hiding in to only have a cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation. To think that he had the face to be so sarcastic with others, if people didn’t know, they’d have thought that he was the champion of the Jun Lin banquet last year.”
Fan Le’s words caused Qiu Mo’s countenance to freeze, and for his gaze towards Fan Le to be filled with a glint of cold light.
“With so many elders of the Emperor Star Academy gathered here, someone actually still dares to spout so much arrogant claptrap. For those who don’t know the situation, they might’ve thought that this person holds an extremely high position to the elders of the academy.” Fan Le continued, causing the expression on Qiu Mo’s face to turn exceedingly ugly to behold. Sensing the multitude of gazes on him, Qiu Mo sat down, trembling in anger. He wanted nothing more than to split Fan Le apart with his palms at this very moment.
Qin Wentian stood atop the platform, countless gazes riveted on his body. As for the Yu Xuan’s words earlier, the spectators had already shoved them to the back of their mind. After all, they didn’t really believe Yu Xuan’s words, they’d prefer to watch the fascinating final battle of the Jun Lin Banquet.
“I, shouldn’t be considered too late, right?” Qin Wentian smiled, inclining his head, as rays of sunshine shone upon his face. He was late because of a nightmare he’d had last night: he dreamt that he’d almost been devoured by his own bloodline limit, but luckily, he’d persevered, and after waking up, he spent a period of time recovering, before directly rushing here.
How could he not be present, and miss the final round of the Jun Lin Banquet?
“Uncle Black, I know you’ll pay attention to the Jun Lin banquet today, and observe me.” Qin Wentian gazed at the sky as he murmured in his heart. That damn old fogey should also be observing him too, he guessed.
Not only that, but there were still the expectations of the teachers of the Emperor Star Academy. Mo Qingcheng, Mu Rou, Luo Huan, Fatty, and those at the Divine Weapon Pavilion. How could he let them down?
“Senior, I apologise. But luckily, I arrived here in the nick of time, and hope Senior will pardon me for my lateness.” Qin Wentian spoke to the aged figure standing beside the Azure Dragon Jadeite Seat.
“You’ve already missed the group battle, not only that, but the rankings are already out. Tell me, what do you think I should do?” The aged figure gazed at Qin Wentian, seeming filled with unhappiness. After all, Qin Wentian had came late despite his efforts earlier, when he’d intentionally stalled the battle, and allowed the others to proceed first.
“But the final ranking shouldn’t have started right?” Qin Wentian stared at the three towering platforms, and saw Luo Huan and Gu Xing standing alone on the 3rd platform.
“The rankings of each group have already been determined. Next is the contest for the overall ranking.” The aged figure spoke.
“Since that’s the case, could Senior treat me as conceding for two of the earlier rounds at the group battles?” Qin Wentian inquired. Since he was late, this was an appropriate punishment.
The aged figure contemplated, and nodded his head. “Since you missed two battles at the group stage, it’s only natural to be considered your loss. Since that’s the case, I shall announce that you will join those at the 3rd towering platform, and compete for the 7th to 9th ranking.”
“Thank you Senior.” Qin Wentian bowed, and his body flickered, appearing atop the 3rd platform.
There were already two silhouettes there. They were none other than Luo Huan and Gu Xing.
“Brat, you actually dared to be late for such an important event.” Luo Huan glared at Qin Wentian.
“Well, I made it in time, eventually.” Qin Wentian laughed.

“Are you confident?” Luo Huan asked.
“I guess so.” Qin Wentian lightly nodded. He hadn’t slept well last night, and time was too tight. What a pity that the Jun Lin banquet couldn’t be pushed back slightly later.
“Okay. The first battle, Luo Huan versus Qin Wentian.” The aged figure remarked. Luo Huan smiled as she glanced at Qin Wentian, before speaking to the aged figure. “Senior, I concede this battle.”
Luo Huan conceded, helping Qin Wentian accomplish his aim, and allowing him to pursue the rank that belonged to him.

As long as Qin Wentian was able to obtain the 7th rank, he’d gain a chance to contend for an even high position.
“Noted. The second battle, Gu Xing versus Qin Wentian.” The aged figure continued.
“I give up.” Gu Xing spoke, causing the spectators to be dumbfounded.
There was no need to be so dramatic, was there?
Two of them actually gave up directly, just for the sake of Qin Wentian?
“How about the both of you? Do you two want to battle?” The aged figure gazed at Luo Huan and Gu Xing.
“There’s no need for that. I give up as well.” Gu Xing calmly replied, after which, he closed his eyes and sat down on the ground, ignoring all other events that transpired.

Such a scene happening caused many to feel regret. The rankings of those on the 3rd platform were actually concluded without any battles? They could only hope that the other battles would be more fascinating.
“Qin Wentian obtains the 7th rank; Luo Huan, 8th; Gu Xing, 9th.” The aged figure announced, his gaze shifting over to the 2nd towering platform.
On this platform, the contestants were 2nd Sword, Chu Chen, and Hou Tie.
“The first battle, 2nd Sword versus Hou Tie.”
As the voice of the aged figure faded away, the tension in the air was palpable, and the gaze of the spectators were filled with anticipation.
2nd Sword was extremely powerful, but he was unlucky to met Luo Qianqiu, and was thus defeated. However, he used his absolute sword attacks, and easily suppressed Luo Huan. These type of sword strikes were hegemonic and tyrannical, giving a feel that was similar to the Orchon’s terrifyingly sharp spear.
According to the payout rates computed by Drunken Wonder, both 2nd Sword and Hou Tie had obtained a high level of recognition, and had a chance of entering the top three. Now that the two of them were clashing, the crowd’s gaze was filled with anticipation. Who exactly would emerge victorious?
Both of their Astral Souls were released at the same moment. 2nd Sword wielded a violent and ferocious sharp sword, while Hou Tie transformed into a terrifying ancient demon. Both of them took off and slammed into each other in the next instant.
The terrifying impact caused by their collision caused the hearts of the spectators to palpitate wildly. The entire platform seemed to be covered with a layer of violent demonic Qi and sword light, and powerful attacks could be heard from within.
Roar.
After several moments, Hou Tie suddenly continually roared out nine times, shaking both heaven and earth. That violent demonic fist of his beast form extinguished the sword light, as he punched a fist into the defensive sword Qi barrier of 2nd Sword, causing 2nd Sword to be lifted up into the air by the force of his attacks.
Hou Tie hadn’t finished his attacks. He jumped up into the sky, and as he caught up to 2nd Sword, he punched 2nd Sword twice, smashing 2nd Sword into the ground.

Hou Tie won against 2nd Sword, causing many people to exclaim in wonder.
Too terrifying. It seemed like the power level of each individual was directly related to the payout rates computed by Heaven’s Wonder. However, it was also not completely accurate.
Hou Tie’s rating, by Heaven’s Wonder, was slightly lower when compared to 2nd Sword. But yet, he was the victor.
“Take a break for now. For the battle on the first platform, Orchon will verse Sikong Mingyue,” The aged figure calmly spoke. The sequence of the battles had actually been jumbled up. This way, the contestant who’d just fought could rest, and the proceedings of Jun Lin banquet wouldn’t be delayed.
There was no suspense in the battle of Orchon fighting against Sikong Mingyue. Although Orchon was powerful, Sikong Mingyue after all, was still Sikong Mingyue. And just as the payout rates indicated, he easily secured one of the top two positions of the Jun Lin banquet. Although, based on logic and the rules of the Banquet alone, there might still be a chance for him to fall from the top two rankings. However, this probability was close to nil—so low that no one even bothered to think about it.
And as for Qin Wentian, he was sitting down cross-leggedly at this moment, and was quietly practicing his cultivation. It was as though everything happening in the external world had no connection to him.
He hadn’t completely mastered the 2nd Stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art – Falling Star. How could he afford to waste time?
After this, he’d face the most intense battles he’d ever faced in his life, and thus, had to condition his state to the peak.
“2nd Sword versus Chu Chen.” The aged figure’s voice drifted over again, and the gaze of the crowd became fixated on the 2nd towering platform.
2nd Sword had already lost a match. This time around, no matter what, he wouldn’t allow himself to be defeated. If not, Snowcloud’s face would really be reduced to almost nothing.
Chu Chen had directly conceded earlier, when faced Sikong Mingyue, saving up his strength. Nobody knew how strong he was exactly.
However now, the instant that he clashed with 2nd Sword, Chu Chen released his Astral Souls for the first time ever in the competition.
“His Astral Soul, what exactly is that? It’s unexpectedly in the shape of a scepter?” Someone in the crowd exclaimed in amazement as he stared at one of the Astral Souls of Chu Chen.
“Amethyst Astral Soul. This is actually an Astral Soul condensed from the Emperor Amethyst Constellation, that symbolises the will of Emperors. To think that Chu Chen actually had the ability to form an innate link with that constellation. Isn’t this the same Astral Soul as Chu Tianjiao’s first Astral Soul?” Someone remarked from within the spectators.
In the nine Astral Rivers above the Heavens, there were many fascinating and mysterious constellations. The Emperor Amethyst Constellation was exactly one of those.

Chapter 136: The top three rankers

The Nine Astral Rivers were filled with incredible secrets, there would be some abnormal constellations that had a possibility to appear in any of the Heavenly Layers.
However, there were also some constellations that not everyone would be able to form an innate link with. These types of constellations typically chose their own masters, sending out a powerful attraction to the Stellar Martial Cultivator as the cultivators wandered in the Heavenly Layer. This would direct their consciousness over, allowing them to form innate links and then condense an Astral Soul from that particular constellation.
Chu Tianjiao and Chu Chen, were both people from the Royal Clan, but to think that they both actually had the destiny of an emperor, as evident from the fact that they condensed an Astral Soul from the Amethyst Emperor Star. This caused many in the crowd to be astonished.
Citizens of Chu would naturally understand the power of the Amethyst Emperor Astral Soul. This particular Astral Soul was in the shape of a scepter, and was able to boost the user’s power in any forms of attacks. Not only that, the Amethyst Emperor Astral Soul was also able to augment the strength of other Astral Souls of the user.
Since Chu Chen had an Amethyst Astral Soul, this meant that in the battles earlier, he had always been hiding his strength and had never gone all out.
But now, he finally unleashed his full power.
As for the 2nd Astral Soul of Chu Chen, it took the form of a palm imprint. One could imagine that the constellation he condensed this Astral Soul from was most definitely a gigantic palm-type constellation.
“Please.” Chu Chen smiled as the gaze of 2nd Sword grew heavy, as he released rays of sword light.
Chu Chen took a step forwards as both of his palms wavered. His Astral Soul flowed over and covered his palms, as inexhaustible might blasted out, attacking 2nd Sword in a frenzy.

“What a swift attack speed.” The pupils of the crowd narrowed, they saw countless palm shadows striking out within an instant.
Although 2nd Sword was powerful, the palm shadows were too much for the eyes to take in. He slashed out in a fluster, trying to defend hopelessly.

The swift sword was akin to the wind, yet 2nd Sword was unable to block the barrage of palm strikes. And eventually, Chu Chen overpowered 2nd Sword. He would be fighting with Hou Tie to determine the 4th ranking of the Jun Lin Banquet.
“Next, Orchon versus Luo Qianqiu.” The aged figure stated, and the gazes of the spectators shifted onto the 1st towering platform.
This was a battle with no suspense; although Orchon was powerful, he was nothing before Luo Qianqiu. As expected of the genius with the highest probability of obtaining the championship, Luo Qianqiu easily suppressed Orchon.
The spectators could only sigh in wonder. Luo Qianqiu was too powerful, only Sikong Mingyue would be able to give him a run for his money.
And following the conclusion of the battle between Luo Qianqiu and Orchon, it was as though the spectators were able to predict that the most intense battle would be coming soon. After the battle of Hou Tie and Chu Chen, it would be Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue’s turn to fight for the number one ranking.
“Chu Chen versus Hou Tie.”
As the sound of the aged figure’s voice faded, the final deciding battle just started on the 2nd towering platform.
Chu Chen gazed at Hou Tie, his countenance calm, as he slowly spoke. “You are not my match, there’s no need to risk your life over this. After defeating you, I will go challenge those on the 1st platform for one of the top three rankings.”
The hearts of the spectators couldn’t help but slightly tremble as they heard the words of Chu Chen. Chu Chen conceded in his previous match against Sikong Mingyue, so the spectators didn’t really have a good opinion of him. However, no one thought that Chu Chen had intentionally avoided Sikong Mingyue so that he could obtained the 4th ranking on the 2nd towering platform and challenge the top three in almost perfect condition.
In actual fact, the confidence of Chu Chen came from his level of strength. Although Hou Tie was extremely tyrannical, Chu Chen still defeated him, and from this, obtained the 4th rank along with the qualifications to challenge those at the 1st platform for the top three rankings.
After this battle, Chu Chen was ranked 4th, Hou Tie 5th, while 2nd Sword was 6th.
And at this moment, the gazes of the spectators shifted to the 1st platform.

Was the final battle that would determine everything going to begin now?
“The battle between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue will be pushed back, while Chu Chen will fight Orchon. If Chu Chen loses, the top three rankings will be fixed, but if Chu Chen wins, there will be another battle again to determine who will be the top three rankers.” The aged figure broke the wishes of the spectators with a single sentence. But this was also good, at least they could see who was the stronger one between Chu Chen and Orchon.
“The final battle to proclaim the top three rankers?” In the direction of the Emperor Star Academy, Old Man Gu laughed, “You seemed to have forgotten a person.”
The spectators had a dumbfounded expression on their faces, as they shifted their gaze onto the lone silhouette that was currently cultivating on top of the 3rd towering platform.
Very obviously, Old Gu was referring to Qin Wentian. But what did he meant by that? Did that mean that Qin Wentian had the capabilities to contend for the top three positions?
The two great barriers that were 2nd Sword and Hou Tie, could Qin Wentian even pass them?
“After the battle between Orchon and Chu Chen has concluded, I will give him a chance, to see if he has the power to climb up there.” The aged figure calmly replied.
At the start, 2nd Sword received the most recognition but was eventually the 6th ranked. From this, one could see how strong the contestants in the final top nine were.
Qin Wentian wanted to climb up the ranks step by step to obtain the championship? This was mission impossible.
If only he could break through to the 8th level of Arterial Circulation, based on Qin Wentian’s strength and martial prowess, he might still have a chance to contend for the top three positions. However, a breakthrough doesn’t come simply by saying that. Cultivation could be likened to taking a step forward with each footprint. One would naturally be required to accumulate Astral Energy in addition to assiduously cultivating before one could break through. Although Yuan Meteor Stones and other precious spiritual medicine was able to increase the rate of cultivation, it was still impossible for one to break through by merely saying that.
“Prince Chu, for the position of the top three rankers, you won’t be able to steal it from me.” Orchon’s voice was filled with a strong sense of self-confidence. Although he had very good relations with Chu Chen, this was a battle of glory, and thus he would still go all out.
“Orchon, although you are powerful, the positions of the top three rankers definitely belong to me. Not only that, I will avenge your losses from earlier, and will help you challenge both Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue. Since you’ve already been defeated by them, shouldn’t you relinquish your position and allow me to take over?”
Chu Chen’s voice was filled with immense confidence, both of them believed that they would definitely win.
Orchon, had already obtained one of the top three positions, and if he was ousted, how would he still have face?
“Orchon, you have to win!” There were many in the crowd that had bet on Orchon. At this moment, they were all silently praying, hoping that Orchon would be the victor. If not, their Yuan Meteor Stones would all fly away.
“Since that’s the case, let’s fight” Orchon wielded his long spear, as his intent to battle soared to the skies. He had already lost to Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue. This battle was fought for the sake of glory.
As a fierce wind billowed by, the spear’s shadows were akin to a dream as a silver light flashed. And when he clashed against Chu Chen, the platform was covered with a meteor of spear rain, resplendent and dazzling.
However, Chu Chen’s response was to send out a single fist, extinguishing the rain of spears. He looked at Orchon as he calmly stated, “To indicate my respect to you, I will show you my true strength. Now, show me your ultimate attack.”
As the sound of his voice faded, within Chu Chen’s body, the sounds of his blood surging could be heard, as his body seemed to get taller and stronger.
The royal clan of Chu possessed the Emperor Bloodline. This was also why they were the rulers of Chu for over 3,000 years.
The Amethyst Astral Soul, along with the Emperor Bloodline, in addition to the hard work of the countless generations of the Royal Clan created the 3,000 year history of Chu.
In this cultivation-oriented world, governance was always built upon a solid foundation of might and power.
Orchon froze, as he lamented. “I didn’t think that Prince Chen had already awakened his bloodline limit. Since this is the case, I won’t be polite any longer.”
Feeling the power of Chu Chen’s bloodline limit, Orchon understood that the probability of him being the victor was becoming increasingly smaller.
“Could it be that Orchon will really be defeated? This black horse Chu Chen is going to slaughter his path into the top three positions?” Many people felt extremely vexed by this. Were they tricked by Heaven’s Wonder? Or to put it better, Heaven’s Wonder didn’t know of the strength Chu Chen was hiding.
Orchon pierced out with his long spear, his attacks akin to the bloom of a lotus. Millions of filaments of spear light exploded simultaneously, covering the entire skiy. Ultimately, an Astral Spear containing the entirety of Orchon’s might was formed, flying forwards with his full power.
The bloodline limit of Chu Chen stacked together with the augmentation effect of his Amethyst Astral Soul as he blasted out a palm. Under the double layer of augmentation, only Orchon understood the terrifyingness of his palm strikes as Chu Chen easily halted his strongest attack.
At this point, Orchon understood that he has already lost.
Inclining his head and looking at Chu Chen, Orchon sighed. “I still thought that this time round I would be able to enter the top three. To think that I ended up 4th in the end. But based on strength, it’s only natural for Prince Chen to be one of the top three rankers.”
After finishing what he wanted to say, Orchon bowed slightly to Chu Chen, indicating his respect.
“You are already very powerful to have obtained 4th. It’s only because the contestants this year are all too powerful. We can still compete on who will break through to Yuanfu first. After breaking into Yuanfu, let’s spar again.” Chu Chen laughed.
“Right.” Orchon nodded as he gave a carefree laugh, no longer bothered about the fact that he lost.
Being able to obtain 4th while participating in such an intense Jun Lin Banquet could already be considered pretty good.
At this moment, the top three rankers were all unveiled – Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue and Chu Chen. But as to who was what ranking, they would still need to participate in one final round of battle.
The 4th to 6th ranking could also be temporarily confirmed – Orchon, Hou Tie and 2nd Sword. Now, the only variable was Qin Wentian.

However, although Qin Wentian’s strength was extraordinary, not many people thought highly of him. After all, if he wanted to advance forwards, the first barrier he would have to overcome was 2nd Sword.
At this moment, what the spectators anticipated the most was the final deciding battle of the top three rankers.
The gaze of the aged figure shifted onto the sitting down cross-legged Qin Wentian, as he inquired. “Do you still intend to battle?”
Qin Wentian opened his eyes as he paused his cultivation. “Naturally.”
“Fine, your first battle will be against 2nd Sword.” The aged figure spoke, as the gaze of 2nd Sword shifted onto Qin Wentian. An extremely sharp aura could be felt emanating from him. He was one of those who was thought to be very likely to rank among the top three, but now, he was actually ranked the 6th.
And today, Qin Wentian actually still dared to challenge him. What humiliation.
The tyrannical air was inundated with boundless sword intent. 2nd Sword inclined his head, as both of his eyes shot out two rays of sword light, piercing in the direction of Qin Wentian.
“Since you wish to court death, I will aid you with that. I will avenge 3rd Night.”
The voice of 2nd Sword was as sharp as real swords.
His whole person radiated a terrifying sword presence.
Within his sword, there was arrogance, unwillingness, and killing intent.

He wanted Qin Wentian to bleed, using his blood to wash away the humiliation of the Jun Lin Banquet. Snowcloud was actually defeated so miserably, only Sikong Mingyue obtained one of the top three positions, while other than that, he, 2nd Sword, was the only one ranked within the top nine positions.

Chapter 137: Fighting Orchon.

The killing intent released by 2nd Sword even caused the spectators to feel traces of coldness.
Qin Wentian had executed 3rd Night, and the fact that 2nd Sword’s continual defeats placed him in the 6th rank, in addition to Qin Wentian’s challenge, one could well imagine what 2nd Sword was feeling right now.

He had to kill Qin Wentian to appease the raging flames of anger in his heart, to wash clean the humiliation of the two consecutive defeats he suffered earlier.
“Qin Wentian is in danger.” Many of the spectators were thinking in their hearts. 2nd Sword wanted to claim Qin Wentian’s life with his sword.
And finally, 2nd Sword’s Sword Qi erupted forth as a terrifying sword light descended from the skies, slashing towards Qin Wentian.
With the ancient halberd in his hands, Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered and disappeared from sight as the sword light slashed past his side, lacerating the platform. However, Qin Wentian didn’t seem the slightest bit affected by this display of 2nd Sword’s strength. He calmly stood at the side with the ancient halberd in his hands and remained as serene as before.
Bursting into motion, 2nd Sword dashed towards Qin Wentian as his sword fingers flicked out. An inexhaustible amount of sword rays slashed forth, akin to rivers of swords.
Qin Wentian executed his movement technique to its utmost limits, causing a faint shadow of a pair of Garuda Wings to appear on his back. Images of shadows flashing could be seen in the air, as the rays of sword light eradicated everything.

“KILL.” 2nd Sword howled in anger. A sword shadow pierced in the direction of Qin Wentian’s true body.
A terrifying storm engulfed the entire platform, as the surroundings were lacerated.
Buzz. Qin Wentian finally started his attack. Unleashed, the Azure Dragon Stance manifested the illusory image of an azure dragon. The dragon’s roar slammed against 2nd Sword’s sword rays, but was extinguished shortly after by their sharpness.
At the same time, however, Qin Wentian sent out a palm strike with his left hand as the pressure of a mountain pressed down. The speed of his attacks left everyone speechless.

The sword rays appeared again as 2nd Sword slashed out horizontally.
Chi! Qin Wentian spat out a ray of sword light, as his body flickered, jumping up into the air. This caused the pupils of the crowd to narrow in shock. This fellow, wasn’t he afraid of death?
2nd Sword wanted to kill him, and Qin Wentian was still not at Yuanfu, unable to fly in the air. No matter what, he had to land sooner or later. Wasn’t this giving 2nd Sword an excellent opportunities to prepare his attacks?
However, they soon realised how wrong they were. In the air, Qin Wentian was akin to a real Garuda. He could actually soar in the skies! The hegemonic stances of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger were frenziedly unleashed, erupting forwards with numerous attacks in an instant. Simultaneously, he also spat out countless razor sharp rays of sword light and sent out countless Revolving Sea Imprints with his left palm.
Not only that, both his feet actually executed the Falling Mountain Palms while he was soaring in the air. This went beyond logic, and the incomparable violence of his innate techniques covered the entire ground, akin to an angry god unleashing his wrath, pressuring 2nd Sword so much that even his sword strikes became chaotic. The spectators had never witnessed a variety of attacks of this magnitude unleashed by a single person. This way of fighting left all of them dumbfounded.
“The rate of expenditure of his Astral Energy should be very immense, right?” The spectators were speechless.

2nd Sword completely gave up on attacking and was focused purely on defense. The sword light enveloped 2nd Sword in a forcefield so guarded to the point where even rain and wind wasn’t able to penetrate it. Even after Qin Wentian landed, his forcefield of Sword Qi was still on, incomparably shiny and resplendent.
However, the spectators had an extremely bizarre expression on their faces. Qin Wentian’s attack speed was too quick to the point where it looked as though 2nd Sword was the only contestant to be dancing with his sword wildly on the stage, appearing somewhat clownish.
Naturally, 2nd Sword also realised this. The sword rays gradually faded as he released his defense, but at that very instant, Qin Wentian made his move.
It was as if 2nd Sword had forgotten that Qin Wentian was famed for his speed.
2nd Sword also seemed to have forgotten how 3rd Night had been killed.

The Mountain Splitter Stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art smashed out. 2nd Sword’s reaction turned sluggish, like he was in a dream. Breaking apart his now-flimsy defense, the halberd sent 2nd Swords weapon flying through the air as the halberd continued smashing forwards, piercing into his brain.
The crowd saw 2nd Sword opening his mouth, about to admit defeat. However, there were no more opportunities left. Before he could open his mouth to concede, his life had already reached its ending point.
“It’s this stance again.” The gazes of the spectators froze, as well as their countenance.
This attack had been too quick and ferocious. 3rd Night died under this halberd strike, and today, 2nd Sword followed 3rd Night into hell the same way.
“2nd Sword was too careless. The instant he retracted his defensive Sword Qi forcefield, Qin Wentian moved with the speed of lightning and struck with the force of thunder, extinguishing his life.”
“2nd Sword was powerful indeed. What a pity; yet another fallen genius on the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet.”

Many people were sighing in their hearts. However, opportunities only came once. If 2nd Sword knew the ending, he would definitely not have acted the way he did, completely revealing his killing intent against Qin Wentian.
Following the defeat of 2nd Sword, Sikong Mingyue was the last contestant from Snowcloud remaining.
His hatred for Qin Wentian should be so deep that it seeped into his bone.
“Since you wish to court death, i shall aid you with that.” Qin Wentian pulled out his ancient halberd that was lodged in 2nd Sword’s head.
With immense unwillingness and hopelessness, 2nd Sword stopped thinking forever as his body fell unceremoniously from the platform.
Hailing from Snowcloud, 2nd Sword had been one of the contestants with the highest probability to contend for the position of the top three ranks, but today, he died in a place far from his hometown.

The gazes of many people in the crowd shifted onto Sikong Mingyue. An intense killing intent could be felt emanating from his body. His sharp eyes were observing Qin Wentian’s every movement, and his desire to kill was unconcealed in the slightest.

“You had better not step onto the first towering platform.” Sikong Mingyue breathed heavily. The reason why Qin Wentian killed two elites of Snowcloud was because he had exhibited his intent to kill Luo Huan.
How could he, Sikong Mingyue, leave this unavenged?
At this moment, a strong desire arose in him. He half hoped that Qin Wentian would be able to slaughter his path all the way up to be one of the top three rankers. When that happened, he would fully be able to unleash his fury.
“Wait for me.” Qin Wentian calmly stared back at Sikong Mingyue.
The first towering platform where the top three rankers gathered, he would definitely be on it.
Since he had missed his chance to duel with Sikong Mingyue earlier, this time around, he would definitely slaughter his way up the ranks and walk onto the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet, where the strongest reside.
“Was that previous halberd strike Qin Wentian’s trump card? It’s indeed extremely powerful. Following this, he would face off against Hou Tie. Despite Hou Tie’s defense, it’s highly probable that his defense will still be broken by Qin Wentian.” The spectators were all silently speculating while the aged figure inquired, “Do you need to rest?”

“Maybe after the next battle.” Qin Wentian serenely replied.
“Fine. The next battle, Qin Wentian versus Hou Tie.” The aged figure spoke as Hou Tie walked forwards to stand in front of Qin Wentian. He had already obtained the 5th ranking in the Jun Lin Banquet, but to think that even now, he would still meet a challenger such as Qin Wentian.
Orchon also gazed at Qin Wentian. As long as he defeated Hou Tie, Qin Wentian would then possess the qualifications to stand in front of him.
He obviously never predicted that Qin Wentian, who was missing earlier, would actually still had a chance to face off against him.
“You are not my opponent, and I don’t wish to waste my strength. Would you please step aside?”
Qin Wentian gazed at Hou Tie. His serene voice had no hints of arrogance in it, yet it gave people a sense of dominance.

He actually wanted Hou Tie to step aside for him.
“Are you not too confident of your own strength? Although you killed 2nd Sword, it’s not so easy if you want to win against me.” Hou Tie coldly remarked. Was Qin Wentian trying to humiliate him?

“You mean you can withstand the force of my halberd strike from before?” Qin Wentian asked.
“Although that halberd attack was powerful, it doesn’t mean that I have no way to defend against it.” Hou Tie contemplated for a moment before he seriously replied. He had clearly seen the attack Qin Wentian unleashed on 2nd Sword.
“Perhaps, but you have not truly experienced it yourself.” As the sound of Qin Wentian’s voice faded away, the aura around him also changed. The ancient halberd smashed forwards with an unbelievable speed. At this very moment, Hou Tie’s gaze was frozen in place; it was as though he felt that this strike was unblockable.
Qin Wentian didn’t followed through with his attack. Instead, he was merely showing the futility of Hou Tie’s continued insistence.
“I don’t wish for there to be another meaningless sacrifice. Even if you defend against this strike of mine, what happens if I execute it continuously?” Qin Wentian further inquired.
Hou Tie went silent, and an instant later, he spoke. “The expenditure of Astral Energy should be exceedingly great regarding that strike of yours. How will you continue to battle?”
“You mean you intend to use your life to gamble with me? To test the depths of my stored Astral Energy?” Qin Wentian countered, leaving Hou Tie speechless.
The two contestants stood on the stage, and a few breaths of time later, Hou Tie spoke once again. “I grew up in the Dark Forest and hunted countless demonic beasts. I condensed two beast-type Astral Souls and am unmatched among my peers. However, your attacks actually reached such a level despite your cultivation base at the 7th level. Can I just ask this, what halberd stance is that? What’s the grade of that innate technique? And where did it originated from?”
“The Great Dream Halberd Art’s opening stance, Mountain Splitter. As for what grade this innate technique belongs to, even I have no idea, because this was my own creation.” Qin Wentian replied, causing many to drew in their breaths.
The level of power contained within that strike of his actually originated from an innate technique he created?

If what he said was true, Qin Wentian was indeed a cultivation genius.
Hou Tie froze upon hearing Qin Wentian’s words. After this, he bowed in thanks to Qin Wentian. “What you can do is something that I can never do. Seems like for all the good of my self-proclaimed genius, I’m nothing but a frog in a well staring at the boundless skies. Although this is the furthest I can go based on my abilities, this decision to participate in the Jun Lin Banquet was well worth it.”
After which, he walked to the sides, lamenting the fact that he wasn’t not as good as others, and conceded directly. His actions also caused many in the crowd to be in shock as their heart shuddered.
This Hou Tie seemed like a barbarian, but in reality this was not the case. For a person such as him, how could he not have his own beliefs and dreams?
After Hou Tie’s admission of defeat, Qin Wentian entered into the top five with merely a single battle. Next, he would face off against Orchon!
As long as he defeated Orchon, he would then obtain the qualifications to contend for the top three positions!

This caused many in the crowd to sigh in wonder. The ranking battles of the Jun Lin Banquet that transpired today had been an unpredictable roller coaster ride!

Chapter 138: Unable to block my path.

At this moment, there were only 4 other contestants ranked in front of Qin Wentian – Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, Chu Chen and Orchon.
These four people were undoubtedly the strongest four as perceived by the spectators. However, a variable now appeared – Qin Wentian.
“Based on Qin Wentian’s strength, he should still be able to deal with Orchon. However if he wanted to contend for one of the top three rankings, it’s almost impossible. After all, everyone witnessed the level of power Chu Chen exploded forth with earlier,” the spectators speculated. At this moment, the aged figure beside Chu Tianjiao announced that Qin Wentian would face off against Orchon.
There was a reason behind the grudge between Orchon and Qin Wentian. That day, when Qin Wentian just entered the Royal Capital and participated in the Martial Academies’ Selection Examination, Orchon b sat on the world like a ruler, disdaining everything. Qin Wentian was merely an ant-like existence that didn’t even have the qualifications to be regarded in his eyes.
However, in the short span of a year’s time, Qin Wentian appeared on the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet directly in front of him.
Such a scenario couldn’t help but to cause people to sigh, most of all Orchon himself.
Orchon didn’t say anything. He directly stabbed his spear towards Qin Wentian. The two of them had no need to exchange words since it was obvious that they wanted each other’s lives.
The long spear broke apart the void, akin to the blooming of a lotus. That resplendent spear light appeared on the stage once again, as dazzling as before.
Orchon exploded forth with all his strength in his first attack.
“This…” Many were speechless. To their surprise, Qin Wentian thought the same as Orchon, executing Mountain Splitter right off the bat. This halberd strike of his was comparable to a peerless expert. As it collided with the spear light, a terrifying gale was born.
Orchon’s spear shook again, as spear light once again exploded out. The blooming lotuses were born and extinguished, over and over. The spear light seemed to be eternal.
Qin Wentian’s Mountain Splitter similarly blasted out once again, and both of their attacks clashed in a terrifying frenzy. Qin Wentian’s Mountain Splitter attack was powered by the Mountain-type Divine Yuan Energy, which went to show how powerful Orchon’s attack had to be in order to match it.
The two of them refused to even retreat half a step. For the third time, their attacks collided with each other once again.
This time around, Qin Wentian slightly spun the ancient halberd in his hands. The moon blades attached at the sides of the tip of the halberd actually directly locked down Orchon’s spear. After which, Qin Wentian flung the ancient halberd away from him, choosing to deprive both of them of their weapons as he executed the Garuda Movement Technique, dashing straight at Orchon.
“KILL.” Qin Wentian roared, as he spat out a ray of sword light. Orchon’s countenance froze, and he hurriedly sent out both his palms in a response, disintegrating that ray of sword light.
Rumble! The terrifying mountain-type Divine Energy surged as Qin Wentian retaliated with his Falling Mountain Palms. Orchon stiffened; his close combat proficiency was unable to be compared to Qin Wentian, but since he had been deprived of his weapon, he had no choice but to meet Qin Wentian palm for palm.
Boom! Orchon only felt his arms shuddering from the impact. Qin Wentian continuously spat out rays of sword light, while Orchon retreated unceasingly, wanting to increase the distance between them. But, how could Qin Wentian give him the chance? Qin Wentian stabbed forth with his finger. A mysterious energy was seemingly contained within that finger attack of his, and it actually caused Orchon to enter a trance-like state.
That finger attack was like the combination strike of both an exceedingly sharp sword and an ancient halberd, wanting to break apart everything.
“Orchon, retreat.” A throaty voice called out. Orchon froze before he explosively retreated. But despite of this, Qin Wentian’s finger attack still landed on his palms, penetrating through, causing fresh blood to leak unceasingly out of the wound.
Boom! Qin Wentian’s left palm smashed forward as a hopeless expression appeared on Orchon’s face. His palm strike landed on Orchon’s body, causing his internal organs to vibrate immensely from the impact that catapulted him through the air.
Qin Wentian had no intentions to spare him. With his body rising in the air, he soared in Orchon’s direction.
“I CONCEDE.” Orchon howled in anger. Qin Wentian was too late; he didn’t managed to finish Orchon before the admission of defeat. He landed gracefully on the platform while Orchon smashed into the ground.
For this round, Qin Wentian was the victor.
Orchon picked himself up as he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his countenance extremely ugly to behold. He actually lost to Qin Wentian.

Raising his head, he watched as Qin Wentian moved to the boundary of the platform, gazing downwards at him. This scenario caused Orchon to turn pale white, as he only felt boundless humiliation washing all over him.
Qin Wentian, this ant-like existence, was actually looking at him with such disdain in his eyes.
“A year ago, you sat atop your war horse and pointed your long spear directly at me, someone undertaking the Emperor Star Academy’s selection examination. At that time, the disparity between you and me was akin to a gulf the size of an entire Astral River.” Qin Wentian calmly continued, “And now after a year has passed, I, a cultivator at the Body Refinement Realm, actually defeated the current you. Orchon, tell me, do you feel shame when people call you a genius?”
It was as though Orchon’s countenance was painted red by blood. With a ‘wa’ sound, he spat out another mouthful of fresh blood.
Obviously, Qin Wentian was intentionally provoking and humiliating Orchon.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t have the face to talk about cultivation anymore. Qin Wentian turned and departed.
In the Chu Emperor District, the swamps of spectators all felt their hearts trembling from personally witnessing variables after variables.
Initially, they thought that Chu Chen was already the biggest variable, slaughtering his way up into the ranks of the top three. But who would have thought that Qin Wentian would appear? After defeating Orchon, he gained the rights to contend for the top three positions.
From being absent to starting at the last place, all the way until now, where he was contending for the top three.
Even so, Qin Wentian’s path should have already reached its end, right?
Currently, the three contestants in front of Qin Wentian, were akin to three insurmountable mountains.

Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue and Chu Chen.
The three of them, similar to Qin Wentian, had already proven their strength.
“I can give you two hours for you to rest.” The aged figure spoke to Qin Wentian.
“Senior, who will I battle against next?” Qin Wentian inquired.
“Chu Chen defeated Orchon before you, advancing to the top three. If you want to enter the top three, you will fight against him first.” The aged figure replied.
The spectators all nodded their heads in agreement. This arrangement made sense. Although Luo Qianqiu and the other two had not undergone their final ranking battle, Chu Chen did indeed advance by defeating Orchon. It was only logical to find out who would the victor be between Qin Wentian and Chu Chen before proceeding on with the final ranking battles.
“Then there’s no need to rest.” Qin Wentian serenely replied, causing the gazes directed towards him to be filled with fascination.
How arrogant, he actually said that he didn’t need to take a break?
His next battle would be against the double augmentation effect of the Amethyst Astral Soul together with the Emperor Bloodline limit.
“Since this is the case, Chu Chen, you will fight against Qin Wentian.”
As Chu Chen came face to face with Qin Wentian, the hearts of many spectators were palpitating wildly.
If Qin Wentian won this battle, it would mean that he would be ranked among the top three.
One had to remember that previously, the payout rate for Qin Wentian for entering the top three was 1:100, which was changed to 1:80 earlier. Although only a small amount of people would bet on him, there would still be some who wanted to test their luck. Fan Le was a very good example. If Qin Wentian really won the match against Chu Chen, the amount of riches that group of minority would win was easily imaginable.
“BOSS, DO YOUR BEST!!” Fatty shouted with gusto as his face was filled with the redness of excitement. Many in the crowd shot him weird looks.
Fan Le calmed down. Only now did he realised that his actions had been too high-profile.
However, Fatty was extremely agitated. If Qin Wentian really won, he would have over thousands and thousands of 2nd-layer Yuan Meteor Stones. He was already dreaming of the beautiful future.
“Come on, let’s start.” There were still a few others who bet on Qin Wentian just to test their luck, but they didn’t really expect that Qin Wentian would actually reach this point. At this moment, they were all filled with boundless anticipation.
Their blood had already started to boil. It seems that they were even more agitated than Qin Wentian himself.
Mo Qingcheng had a nervous expression on her face. Qin Wentian was going to start contending for the positions of the top three rankers.
“It’s not so easy.” The Mo Clansmen sighed. Someone with a cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation actually reached this point.
But it was still too difficult if he wanted to surpass Chu Chen.
In the direction of the Divine Weapon Pavilion, a beautiful glow could been seen flickering in the eyes of An Liu Yan. She spoke to Yang Chen, “This little fellow is full of unexpected surprises.”
“Indeed, his talent in cultivation doesn’t seem to be any weaker when compared to his talent in inscriptions. He’s really a genius that’s even hard to come by in a hundred years.” Yang Chen nodded in agreement.
And over at the area of the Emperor Star Academy, Mustang, Ren Qianxing, and old man Gu was also extremely agitated.
In the direction of Star River Association, Zuo Yin had a heavy expression on his countenance, as he exclaimed unhappily. “Murin ah.. Murin, you are really a ‘genius’.”
Murin’s countenance was extremely ugly to behold. He had never expected that Qin Wentian would undergo such a transformation. This was undoubtedly smacking his face.
The representatives from the Ye Clan and the Ou Clan were also showing expressions of dissatisfaction on their faces. The ant-like existence that they had never placed in high regards before has already become so outstanding.
Chu Chen stood opposite to Qin Wentian, as he calmly stated, “It’s indeed difficult for you to be able to reach such a step today. You should quit now and bask yourself in the glories of your current achievement.”

Obviously, Chu Chen didn’t think that Qin Wentian could be his opponent.
“You are the same as Orchon, unable to block my path.” Qin Wentian serenely stated as he stared at Chu Chen. His determination, would never be wavered.
Not only that, the current him no longer possessed solely determination.
“Is that so? I hope your strength is comparable to the force of your words.” Chu Chen unleashed both his Astral Souls as a terrifying presence gushed forth. His Bloodline Limit, was also seething relentlessly.
Since he had already obtained one of the top three rankings, how could he still lose it?
He still wanted to measure himself against Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue.
As the terrifying presence manifested a storm of pressure, Qin Wentian seemed as though he wasn’t affected by it. He clutched the ancient halberd in his hands and stared calmly at Chu Chen.
“Make your move.” Chu Chen stated.
Qin Wentian nodded. He then transformed into a blur of shadows, executing the first stance of the Great Dream Halbard Art, Mountain Splitter. Breaking the void apart in an instant, he appeared in front of Chu Chen.
Chu Chen roared in anger, as tens of millions of palm shadows were born. The millions of palm shadows integrated into one terrifying gigantic palm, smashing towards the ancient halberd.

Boom, boom, boom! A tremendous tremor was created as Qin Wentian was forced backwards by the impact. Despite this, he once again walked forwards, unleashing yet another attack with his halberd.
This strike of his didn’t seemed as ferocious as before, but in the instant that he attacked, it was as though star light appeared. Not only that, visible runic lines interweaved in the air, forming a revolving pathway that transformed into a spiralling black hole, capable of devouring everything.
“Scram!” Chu Chen roared. The terrifying, gigantic palm covered the Heavens and Earth, smashing towards Qin Wentian.
Meanwhile, the second stance of Qin Wentian’s Great Dream Halberd Art, Fallen Star, exploded forth.
Boom! A thunderous sound blasted into the eardrums of the spectators as the gigantic palm and the halberd strike collided. After which, a crack could be seen on the surface of the palm before it completely disintegrated into nothingness.
“Ho..how is this possible?” An expression of immense shock was apparent on Chu Chen’s face. Then, he saw Qin Wentian’s ancient halberd smashing his way again. The first stance, Mountain Splitter, moved with a speed as fast as lightning, eradicating everything in it’s path and directly landing right before Chu Chen’s throat.
“I’ve said it before: you are unable to block my path.” Qin Wentian retracted the ancient halberd as he blasted Chu Chen down the platform using a palm strike powered by the Mountain-type Divine Energy, sparing his life.
The serene arrogance of Qin Wentian’s words resounded in the air.
Chu Chen had also been unable to block his path.
After this battle, Qin Wentian finally stepped into top three rankings!

Chapter 139: GoldenCorona Astral Souls

Top three!
Qin Wentian crushed Orchon and Chu Chen and had advanced to one of the top three positions.
At this moment, countless gazes were riveted on him. The youth whom people called a genius wanted to let everyone remember him.
Nobody had forgotten his previous announcement. He was Qin Wentian of Sky Harmony City, son of Qin Chuan.

“How handsome.” Fatty looked up at the Heavens as he closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath, exhibiting an expression of intense enjoyment. From now onwards, his wealth would enable him to show off. Even if it was courting girls, it would also be much easier. The feeling of being rich was just too marvellous!
“MY BET F*CKING PAID OFF.” Another voice hysterically screamed from within the crowd. Qin Wentian being one of the top three rankers, such an improbable thing actually became reality.
“I struck it rich this time around.” The young man beside Immortal Drunken Wine had a radiant smile on his face. Previously, he had bet 100 stones on Qin Wentian obtaining one of the top three position. Now that it became a reality, and according to the previous payout rates, he would earn a total of 10,000 Yuan Meteor Stones.
“I can hear Heaven’s Wonder crying.” Immortal Drunken Wine laughed.
“Why would they be crying? Look at the number of people gambling, and take note that only an extremely few number of people bet on Qin Wentian. I think that Heaven’s Wonder made a killing instead.” The young man smiled as he continued, “Compared to them, my earnings could only be considered peanuts.”
“Starting from today, Qin Wentian, you’ve created a miracle in the Chu Country. In all of the Jun Lin Banquet ever hosted, there had never been someone who obtained one of the top three rankings with merely a cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation. You are the first.” in the direction of Mo Clan, Mo Qingcheng’s father, Mo Tianlin smiled as he spoke, causing many to be startled.
There was no mistake. Today, Qin Wentian had created an unprecedented miracle for the first time in the history of Chu.

Qin Wentian gazed over in the direction and spotted Mo Qingcheng, who was beside her father, making ghost faces at him. Instantly, he had an inkling of who Mo Tianling was, and he replied, “Thanks for your praise, Senior.”

“Work hard. Since you can have this level of attainment today, you will surely become a legend of Chu in the future.” Mo Tianlin smiled at Qin Wentian, causing many in the crowd to start fantasizing. A legend of Chu, was Mo Tianlin referring to a character like his father? A person who was said to be the strongest under the Heavenly Dipper Realm?
Mo Tianlin’s attitude also created great waves in the hearts of many other clans. He was openly showing good will towards Qin Wentian.
“Indeed, this feat of his is almost impossible to achieve.” An Liuyan of the Divine Weapon Pavilion laughed, causing the spectators to shift their gaze over in their direction. The Divine Weapon Pavilion had never once attended the Jun Lin Banquet, but to think they actually came this time around. Most likely, they were here to show their support for the young genius Grandmaster, Qin Wentian.
“Haha, a legendary youth not even 17 years of age actually created such a miracle. How dazzling would his future be? Perhaps we should carve his sculpture and placed it in front of the Emperor Star Monuments?” In the direction of Emperor Star Academy, old Gu laughed out loud, giving Qin Wentian an extremely high evaluation. It also seemed that he was intentionally trying to dissolve Luo Qianqiu’s influence.
“A sculpture in front of the Emperor Star Monuments?” Many people gasped in awe. Did Qin Wentian really had such a potential? In any case, from the time they were young, all legends also grew and matured step by step. Would they have the chance to witness the birth of a legend?
However, there were some who were happy about it, and others who were unhappy.
Especially those from the Ye Clan and the Ou Clan, all of whom had a heavy expression on their faces as though they were regretting the fact that they didn’t place enough importance on Qin Wentian and failed to kill him before his talent blossomed.
Ye Zhan’s countenance went ash-green. Back then, Qin Wentian could not even be compared to him, but now they were already two people belonging to different worlds.
Especially the fact that he would always disdain Qin Wentian in front of Liu Yan. It seems that his words were all coming back to smack him right in the face.
“It’s the end of the road for him. He can’t possibly advance any further.” Ye Zhan whispered in a low voice. But even so, he knew that for Qin Wentian to be able to reach this stage was already something many others could not do.
Liu Yan, who was beside him, gazed at Qin Wentian on the platform before bowing her head in silence.
There was also one in the crowd who had the same complicated feelings as Liu Yan. This person was none other than Autumn Snow. Looking at the proud silhouette standing on the platform, how could one ever imagined that this person was once the trash of Sky Harmony City? Autumn Snow could still vividly remember the sun-like smile Qin Wentian used to show her. Although he couldn’t cultivate, he had always been cheerful, using running as a method to temper his body, persevering onwards with unflagging efforts.
Although only the short span of a year had passed, to Autumn Snow, her current mental state was completely different compared to that a year ago.
It was as though each day had been agonisingly slow for her this year.
Since Qin Wentian was now one of the top three, this meant that he already had the qualifications to challenge Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue.
Sikong Mingyue had a wide smile on his face as he looked at Qin Wentian. He was extremely happy. He was initially worried that Qin Wentian wouldn’t be able to stand before him. Since Qin Wentian managed to do it, however, he would have no other excuse to avoid the battle with him. How could he not be happy?
2nd Sword and 3rd Night wouldn’t die in vain. The shame of Snowcloud…he would wash the slate clean with his own hands!
“I will give you four hours to rest.” The aged figure spoke, causing the hearts of the spectators to be filled with an unbearable itch. However, they also understood the logic behind it. After all, Qin Wentian had fought continuously, the Astral Energy within his body should have already been depleted. Naturally, he would need some time to recuperate before entering the battle in optimal condition.
“Go, let’s go to Drunken Wonder to look at the new payout rates.” The crowd soon left one after another, rushing to Drunken Wonder.
After arriving at Drunken Wonder, they immediately rushed to find out what the new payout rates were for the individuals contending for the number one position.
Luo Qianqiu’s adjusted payout rate was 3:4. Sikong Mingyue’s was 1:3, while Qin Wentian’s was 1:10. Although it was much lower compared to the past, it was also clearly obvious that Heaven’s Wonder still favoured Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue.

Naturally, these weren’t the only payout rates computed for the upcoming battle.
Just like the other battles, the three of them would have a total of three rounds of battle. Luo Qianqiu versus Sikong Mingyue, Luo Qianqiu versus Qin Wentian, Qin Wentian versus Sikong Mingyue. But if Luo Qianqiu defeating Sikong Mingyue and Sikong Mingyue defeating Qin Wentian, there would no longer a need for the third battle.It seemed obvious that Qin Wentian would lose as well if he were to fight with Luo Qianqiu.
Since the payout rate for Qin Wentian was this high, there were even people considering whether should they test their luck and bet on Qin Wentian.

And thus, there were many who started betting in a particular way. Three stones on Luo Qianqiu, one stone on Qin Wentian. If Luo Qianqiu won, they wouldn’t lose anything. But if Qin Wentian won, they would have struck it rich. But for this case, there was another scenario. They would lose big time if the winner was Sikong Mingyue instead.
And there would also be people thinking that this method of betting was total crap because Qin Wentian would definitely never become the champion. If Luo Qianqiu won, they would earn nothing, and if Sikong Mingyue won, they would lose everything. This method of betting was too stupid, why not just bet all on Luo Qianqiu instead?
Fan Le, that fatty, didn’t continued betting. After all, he had already made so much; there was no need for him to take another risk.
The four hours of time would soon pass. On the arena, Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, and Qin Wentian was seated in three different platforms respectively.
Qin Wentian clutched Yuan Meteor Stones in his hands as he quietly cultivated. In this span of four hours, he got increasingly familiar with the 2nd Stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art, Fallen Star, to the point where the might contained within was similar to that level of strength in his dream.
And at this very moment, Sikong Mingyue, who was sitting down cross-leggedly, abruptly opened his eyes as a terrifying killing intent manifested into a ray of light, shooting frenziedly towards Qin Wentian. That pressure seemed as though it wanted to devour Qin Wentian alive.
Qin Wentian opened his eyes and stared at Sikong Mingyue before casting a glance towards Luo Qianqiu.
Regardless of whether it was Luo Qianqiu or Sikong Mingyue, both of them wanted him to die. No matter whom he fought against, the battles would surely be exceptionally intense.

“The first battle, Luo Qianqiu versus Sikong Mingyue,” At this moment, a voice rang out. The entire crowd of audience went silent as their gazes were riveted onto the two named silhouettes on the platform.
The aged figure actually didn’t select Qin Wentian for the first ranking battle, but Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue instead.
“The ranking between the first and second position?”
“This battle should be the pinnacle climax of all battles held in the Jun Lin Banquet, right?”
Many speculated in their hearts. Meanwhile, Sikong Mingyue walked up the first platform, standing right in front of Luo Qianqiu.
Both of them bowed slightly to each other, indicating their respect for each other’s strength. However, at the same instant, both of their Astral Souls manifested in a shower of dazzling light.
The moment when their Astral Souls were released, countless gasps could be heard from the spectators.
The two of them released both of their Astral Souls. And around their Astral Souls, a corona of golden light could actually be seen, exceedingly dazzling. This indicated that their Astral Souls hailed from the 3rd Heavenly Layer at the very least.
“Although Luo Qianqiu enrolled in the Emperor Star Academy for a year, he has never released his Astral Souls before. It wasn’t because he wanted to keep a low-profile, but rather that he has never met a worthy opponent who would force him to do so. Now, however, he finally met someone he deemed worthy enough.”
The hearts of the crowd were shuddering, Luo Qianqiu’s Astral Souls were the Lightning Revenant Astral Soul as well as an Arm-type Astral Soul
Both of Sikong Mingyue’s Astral Souls also originated from the 3rd Heavenly Layer – he actually had a Seven Slaughters Astral Soul and a Sword-type Astral Soul. Sikong Mingyue actually had a Sword-type Astral Soul!
Such high-grade Astral Souls! Taking into account the combinations, their Astral Souls would undoubtedly grant them terrifying attack power. It was no wonder that none of the other cultivators could stand against them. After all, for those with the same level of cultivation, victory depended on the strength of their Astral Souls. The purer the Astral Energy was, the strongest their attacks would be.
TN Note:

七杀星魂 (Seven Slaughters Astral Soul), 七杀 Seven Kills/ Seven Slaughters or Qi Sha

More reference can be found here. If you are too lazy to click the link, here’s a short summary:

The Qi Sha symbolizes an independent individual, rebellious, straight-forward and brave. He is a warrior that leads his followers to fight and overcome the greatest obstacles. His pure guts and tenacity spurs him to overcome all hurdles and stumbling blocks. He cannot work with others due to his aggressive and dominant character. He would challenge his superiors or bosses if he thinks their ideas are flawed

Chapter 140: Versus Sikong Mingyue

Qin Wentian paid close attention to the battle between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue. As he gazed at their Astral Souls, he recalled the combat prowess of both of his opponents-to-be. Luo Qianqiu was able to execute palms of thunder, incomparably dominating. It was obvious that he was able to infuse the power of his Astral Soul within his attacks.
Sikong Mingyue was the same as well; that ancient slaughter word imprint of his had a terrifying sharpness to it because he infused it with the properties of his Sword-type Astral Soul, which caused his attacks to be so tyrannical, leaving others unable to defend.
Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue were both extremely familiar with the various ways to execute their powers.
After all, Sikong Mingyue was one of the Duo Prides of Snowcloud and would naturally have an experienced expert guiding him. And as for Luo Qianqiu, his origins were from the Nine Mystical Palace. There was no need to explain further as well.
At this moment, Luo Qianqiu was already clashing with Sikong Mingyue.
An illusory Lightning Revenant stood behind Luo Qianqiu. He walked forwards slowly as the arms of the Lightning Revenant frenziedly blasted forwards with thunderous pressure, intending to force Sikong Mingyue into close-combat. However, the power of Sikong Mingyue’s ancient slaughter word imprints was also incredible. He successfully lengthened the distance between them. Not only were the word imprints filled with a terrifyingly sharp aura, there was also a sense of destruction contained within.
With such power, one could well imagine the consequences of being struck by it. Death was guaranteed.
“What ferocious attacks! No wonder they were the two strongest with the highest chance of obtaining the championship. The might of their attacks wasn’t something that the others would be able to defend against. Seems like the payout rates set by Heaven’s Wonder were not computed blindly,” the spectators thought.
The attacks executed by Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue only got increasingly ferocious as the fight continued on. And at the end, various types of godly innate techniques all erupted forth as the platform transformed into a region filled with thunder and lightning amidst a storm of killing intent, giving people the sense that the apocalypse was here. The spectators closest to them all retreated several steps away. It was as though you would be killed by aftershocks simply by being near them.

“How overwhelming!” many people exclaimed; this was indeed a battle for the first and second position. They are all too powerful to the point where they were levels apart from the other contestants.
“Luo Qianqiu’s innate technique seemed slightly more powerful. If this drags on, he will surely be the one to obtain victory.” Many people were conjecturing.
As the sound of an explosion rang out, the terrifying aura of destruction tore the void apart, forcing the two contestants to separate. Even their clothings were torn and tattered as they emerged from the typhoon of destruction.
However, reckless smiles could be seen on both of their faces.
“Satisfying! To be defeated in your hands, I have nothing to say. You are indeed worthy of being the Jun Lin Banquet’s champion.” Sikong Mingyue laughed, with no hint of reluctance clouding his voice.
After all, with his aptitude, he would go to the Nine Mystical Palace sooner or later. He wouldn’t mind making a friend before going there. He naturally also knew of Luo Qianqiu’s status within the Nine Mystical Palace.
“You are also very powerful, but I would have to trouble you to accept the position of the 2nd ranker.” Luo Qianqiu laughed. He was also exceptionally impressed by Sikong Mingyue’s strength. Were it not for his mission to step onto the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion, he would not have participated in the Jun Lin Banquet. If that was the case, there shouldn’t be any cultivators from the Arterial Circulation realm able to stand against Sikong Mingyue.
“With you here, the position of the 2nd ranker doesn’t matter as well.” Sikong Mingyue laughed. It was as though their rankings had already been set in stone.
The spectators sighed. The payout rates computed by Heaven’s Wonder weren’t wrong at all. With the lowest payout rate, Luo Qianqiu had the greatest probability of becoming the champion, while Sikong Mingyue ranked second. The only variable was Qin Wentian slaughtering his way up to the top three positions.
After witnessing the strength of Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue, no one believed that Qin Wentian had the power to surpass them. This was something utterly impossible.

Qin Wentian, who was seated on the third towering platform, had a weird expression on his face as he heard the conversation between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue.
Luo Qianqiu was the champion while Sikong Mingyue was second?

Then what about him?
He had not even fought yet! And yet, the two of them already seemingly thought that the rankings were already set in stone, as though the Jun Lin Banquet had already concluded.
“Are you guys treating me like the thin air?”
Qin Wentian’s faint voice sounded out, causing the eyes of several spectators shifted onto him. Only now did they realise that it seemed as though Qin Wentian also wanted to contend for the championship.
However, the conversation between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue did indeed show that they completely ignored the existence of Qin Wentian, treating him as transparent air.
Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue, who were currently conversing, suddenly frowned. It was as though their good mood had been spoiled by Qin Wentian.
Luo Qianqiu stared at Qin Wentian. In the past, despite the fact that Qin Wentian could block three of his strikes, he had never regarded Qin Wentian very highly. And as for now, he naturally still would not put Qin Wentian in his eyes.
After all, he was Luo Qianqiu.
“Back then in the academy, were it not for someone beseeching me to show you mercy, I would have already killed you. And back then during that snowstorm, you had good luck, using your puny tricks to block three of my attacks. In addition to that time in the Dark Forest, you have already escaped death three times. To think that today, you actually still dared to stand in front of me? Do you perhaps think that I’m unable to kill you?”
Luo Qianqiu stared at Qin Wentian. So what if Qin Wentian was talented? So what if he had the position of the third ranker? To him, there was no difference between someone ranked third and someone ranked tenth!
“This is where you are wrong.” Qin Wentian calmly replied.
Luo Qianqiu froze slightly as he laughed, “What an ignorant fellow. Is there even right and wrong in this world?”
“Naturally there is. I think you shouldn’t have forgotten that on that day in the Dark Forest, when you sought to kill me with your followers. At that time, I utilized the power of a Divine Weapon and slaughtered your followers while you stood by the side, not daring to get near. Do you still remember?” Qin Wentian serenely continued.
“You actually felt proud of the fact that you used the might of a Divine Weapon?” Luo Qianqiu disdainfully countered.
“That day back in the academy, how much higher was your cultivation base compared to mine? How easily were you able to kill me? Were you not also proud of that fact as well?” Qin Wentian coldly laughed as he continued, “Think about it carefully. Since I had the Divine Weapon with me during the Dark Forest, what makes you think that I didn’t have that back when I was in the academy? If back then you really made a move intending to kill me, who do you think would have been the one to die that day?”
Qin Wentian’s words caused Luo Qianqiu’s countenance to stiffen. A glint of extreme cold light radiated from his eyes.
“No questions about it, you would have died like a dog. So tell me, what rights do you have to still act so haughty in front of me?” Qin Wentian sarcastically remarked, causing Luo Qianqiu to snort coldly. The incident that day had been witnessed by many others in the academy, and not only that, there were also rumors spreading. Qin Wentian wanted to shame him in front of the numerous spectators by bringing this incident out in the public.
If Lin Hua didn’t beseeched him to show mercy to Qin Wentian that day, he would have been the one to die instead.
“And as for that day of the snowstorm, we had a prior agreement. I only had to block three of your attacks. I did so, but you actually struck out a fourth time. You were unable to use your strength to prove your pride, and yet you actually want to use this event to mock me? Perhaps you felt proud of your own shameless actions.” Qin Wentian spoke again, but Luo Qianqiu didn’t continue speaking. His countenance was as cold as ice.
“What a sharp-tongued brat. However, what purpose does it serve? Ultimately, power still speaks the loudest,” Luo Qianqiu sarcastically shot back.
Qin Wentian slowly stood up, closing his eyes as he drew in a deep breath. After which, his eyes snapped open. His gaze sharpened many times, akin to the sharpness of an unsheathed, incredibly sharp sword.
He had already made his preparations to fight the last two battles.
“You are absolutely right. Ultimately, power speaks the loudest.” Qin Wentian agreed. In front of true power, all words and strategies were useless.
“Come, let’s fight.”
Qin Wentian’s gentle voice sounded out. The volume of his voice wasn’t loud, but it was as though it had a strange power to it. Contained within it was a hint of an aura that could ascend the Heavens, as well as an unshakable heart.
At this moment, Qin Wentian stood there, directly facing two strongest elites in the Jun Lin Banquet. If he wanted to advance, he had to defeat them.
“Sikong Mingyue versus Qin Wentian.”
At this moment, the voice of the aged figure drifted over. A storm was beginning to brew in the middle of the air.
The fascinating battle between Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue just ended. Would Qin Wentian be able to present a battle of a similar level?
For this battle, he would fight against Sikong Mingyue. If he lost, he would no longer have the qualifications to challenge Luo Qianqiu.
“Since you want to die so much, i will aid you by letting everyone know that your existence has no value in this world,” Sikong Mingyue spat out.
Qin Wentian didn’t say anything. He merely raised his ancient halberd and pointed it straight at Sikong Mingyue. His intent was obvious even without words.
Sikong Mingyue stepped on the third platform as he slowly made his way towards Qin Wentian.
With each step he took, the bloodlust he emitted intensified.
“Indeed, the ignorant are fearless.”
Sikong Mingyue had already released both of his Astral Souls. They shone with a golden radiance as he bathed in the Astral Light. A terrible energy of destruction that originated from the Seven Slaughters Astral Soul gushed out in waves.
Qin Wentian also released both of his Astral Souls. But wait.. why did his Astral Souls seem even more resplendent compared to Sikong Mingyue’s? He was the only one in the entire Jun Lin Banquet who had an advantage in the grade and quality of Astral Souls compared to them but what a pity! Considering his current cultivation base, he was destined to be unable to surpass them.
“Die!” Sikong Mingyue’s palm wavered as he sent out the ancient slaughter word imprints, the pressure they generated smashing towards Qin Wentian.
The ancient halberd lacerated the void, slamming into the word imprint as the word imprint shattered into pieces. But just the power contained within a single word imprint was sufficient enough to cause his arms to tremble. One could see how powerful the might contained within it truly was.
Sikong Mingyue ruthlessly leaped up the air, his killing intent billowing. Numerous ancient slaughter word imprints manifested, as they all zoomed towards Qin Wentian. The tremendous pressure they exuded was so intense that it seemed as though they wanted to devour Qin Wentian, slaughtering him from where he stood.
“How merciless! Obviously he wanted to kill Qin Wentian in order to avenge 2nd Sword and 3rd Night.”
Many people were silently speculating in their hearts. Would Qin Wentian, a genius who has just risen, fall during this Jun Lin Banquet?

Chapter 141: Pointing the Halberd at Luo Qianqiu.

Qin Wentian weaved the ancient halberd in his hands in a perfect dance, powered by the Mountain-type Divine Energy as a faint shadow of a Xuan Wu Black Tortoise manifested, its defense as sturdy as a mountain. Despite the sharpness of the ancient slaughter word imprints, they could not penetrate Qin Wentian’s defense.
“Hmph.” Sikong Mingyue coldly snorted as he strode forwards, arriving in front of Qin Wentian. Extending his palms, an innumerable amount of the ancient slaughter word imprints formed as they amalgamated into the form of a monstrously sharp sword that seemed to solely exist for the sake of killing. As it stabbed forwards, cracks appeared on the illusory Xuan Wu Turtle as Qin Wentian retreated several steps.
A light wind fluttered Sikong Mingyue’s long hair. How awe-inspiring he looked! He and Qin Wentian were existences belonging to two different worlds. Today, Qin Wentian would die under his hands; he would absolutely not show mercy.
“Treating you like the thin air? What about it? Since you want to court death, I shall help you.”
Sikong Mingyue slowly continued walking forwards as the area around him burst with a storm of killing intent. His whole being was akin to a god of slaughter. No matter who was it that blocked his path, he would kill with no questions asked.
Qin Wentian closed his eyes as he drew in a deep breath. His actions left the crowd dumbfounded. Closing his eyes at this very moment? Has he already resigned himself to his death?
The crowd didn’t understand. Countless gazes from various spectators were riveted onto Qin Wentian. There were some who were worried, and others who couldn’t wait for Qin Wentian to die.
However, at this very moment, a terrifying aura emanated forth from Qin Wentian’s body. The blood within his body started to seeth.
His long hair fluttered about in the wind, as the colour of it seemingly darkened into a hue of black that’s blacker than black. At this moment, it was as though the crowd was under an illusion. It seemed to them that Qin Wentian, was actually undergoing a transformation in this very instant.
And as for Sikong Mingyue, who stood in front of Qin Wentian, this feeling was extremely obvious. The storm of killing intent seemed to slow as he frowned and furrowed his brows. Was this a Bloodline Limit?

The power of bloodline Qin Wentian possessed was currently being awakened.
Qin Wentian’s frame seemed to grow sturdier and larger in an instant. The aura of an ancient desolate beast emanated from him, as though he was the ruler of Heavens and Earth.
Buzz! Abruptly, Qin Wentian’s eyes snapped open. In that instant, the aura of a Godly Monarch gushed forth, demanding absolute obedience from all things under the Heavens, causing Sikong Mingyue to involuntarily tremble.
And amidst the crackling and rattling sounds, the body of Qin Wentian expanded in height and girth. He stood there like a Monarch, an Ancient God, looking down on this pitiful world from the Heavens above.
Qin Wentian’s body was filled with an inexhaustible strength. His grip was like steel as he held the ancient halberd, pointing it at Sikong Mingyue.
“What a terrifying Bloodline Limit. It’s like the body of the host underwent a reconstruction. Such a Bloodline Limit would definitely be ranked extremely highly.” Some of the more powerful spectators in the crowd could still feel their hearts shuddering from what they’d witnessed. Although Bloodline Limits were extremely rare, they still knew what a Bloodline Limit was and the grades in which the Bloodline Limits could be categorized into.
Qin Wentian’s Bloodline Limit not only augment his strength; it also generated an aura of absolute obedience. This was something that only high-ranked Bloodline Limits would have.
“The advantage you both shared is merely that of a higher cultivation base. I truly don’t understand why do both of you still have that expression of disgusting arrogance stuck on your faces. It’s as though only the two of you exist under the Heavens.” Qin Wentian calmly continued, “Sometimes, a higher cultivation base doesn’t represent anything. When I, at only the 7th level of Arterial Circulation, defeat you both, I want to see how ugly you will look after I crush your arrogance.”
As he spoke, Qin Wentian took a step forwards, it was as though he was truly the ruler of the world!
On the platform, a gentle wind gusted. Countless gazes were fixed onto Qin Wentian. At this moment, almost everyone was paying attention to him.
“WIth so many eyes on me, how can I still disappoint them?”
Drawing in a deep breath, Qin Wentian’s battle intent surged to its utmost limit.
Once, he was just a nobody, stepping into the Royal Capital in the face of so many risks and dangers.
Back then, so long as the Ye Clan slightly regarded him more importantly, he might have already become a dead man. But even with the low level of regard they had for him, he had almost died in the hands of Orfon and Ye Zhan.
At that time, he was all alone, with no friends, with nobody paying any attention to him. But now, although he made many enemies, he also knew that there were several people who only wanted the best for him.
Mo Clan, Divine Weapon Pavilion, Emperor Star Academy, Mo Qingcheng, Mu Rou, that fatty Fan Le… So many people’s hopes were all on his shoulders, so how could he let them down?
From the moment he stepped on the stage of the Jun Lin Banquet, he wanted to contend for the number one position. And now, his confidence in his abilities was many times that of before. The champion of this Jun Lin Banquet would definitely be him.
Inside him, his blood was boiling as his Divine Energy surged, smoothly flowing through the Stellar Meridians as it exploded out from his palms. His aura was still continuously rising, seemingly with no intentions to stop.
Sikong Mingyue finally moved. He initially wanted to see how strong Qin Wentian would be since he dared to challenge him. However, his self-confidence was slowly wavering.
Qin Wentian’s aura soared frenziedly upwards, but he rushed to suppress it. If not, it may inversely lead to his body’s vitals being damaged due to the pressure it generated.
Boom! Qin Wentian also moved as he transformed into a lightstream, blasting forth with Mountain Splitter. The ancient halberd emanated a sense of peerless terror as though it wanted to smash everything apart.
“KILL.” Sikong Mingyue howled in anger. The giant sword formed from the slaughter imprints slammed directly against the ancient halberd. A terrifying shockwave blasted out, causing Sikong Mingyue to retreat a step backwards. Even though it was only a step, to him, it was a humiliation.
Boom! Yet another halberd strike was unleashed. At this moment, Qin Wentian was like a peerless martial god, his strength towering the Heavens.
Sikong Mingyue grew exceedingly ugly, as the Astral Energy in his body began surging. Lifting his palms, the giant sword broke apart as the numerous ancient slaughter word imprints condensed themselves and formed a towering symbol “杀” that flew forwards to meet the halberd strike.
And as the thunderous sound of a collision rang out, the ancient halberd smashed the “杀” symbol into smithereens. Sikong Mingyue retreated three more steps, his countenance extremely unsightly
“COME!” Sikong Mingyue roared in madness. Despite his retreat, his aura had never weakened. His killing intent grew even stronger, as countless word imprints manifested, floating before his palm, each containing a terrifying Sword Qi within them.
“Die.” Sikong Mingyue blasted his palms forwards. The countless imprints transformed into a blood-colored light, flying towards Qin Wentian with a might that was powerful enough to shake the hearts of the most stalwart.
However,, Qin Wentian simultaneously sent out yet another strike. This time around, he executed Fallen Star.
The spectators seemed as though they were seeing countless constellations transforming into spirals as they frenziedly smashed downwards. Ultimately, a frightening rumbling sound could be heard as the aftershocks shook the entire platform, which easily broke apart, and devoured the slaughter word imprints. The rest of the constellation spirals flew towards Sikong Mingyue, who hurriedly defended. The impact caused him to vomit blood and madly retreat.
The dull sounds of impact rang out once again, as Sikong Mingyue was forced to retreat to the very boundary of the platform. A large amount of his blood pooled around him.
In the air, there was only silence.
How could Qin Wentian’s attacks be this powerful?
They had all personally witnessed the violence and tyranny of Sikong Mingyue’s attacks. But how much more powerful must Qin Wentian’s attack be in order to smash the slaughter word imprints, even causing Sikong Mingyue to be injured to such an extent?
“The contestants participating in the Jun Lin Banquet have really outdone themselves this year.” Many people remarked. This banquet had been too fascinating.
Initially, they thought Chu Chen was a dark horse, but to think that even before Chu Chen could enjoy the feeling of being part of the top three rankers, he was pulled down from it by Qin Wentian. Not only that, he wasn’t even in his strongest state when he defeated Chu Chen.
And currently, Qin Wentian even wanted to suppress Sikong Mingyue underneath him.
“Those overbearing words of yours, now that you think about it, don’t you feel ashamed? You, at the 9th level of Arterial Circulation, do you have any qualifications to be so arrogant?” Qin Wentian calmly spoke as the aura he exuded still remained as terrifying as ever. His serene voice was akin to a slap directly hitting Sikong Mingyue’s face.
“Since you want to die so much, I will aid you by letting everyone know that your existence has no value in this world,”
“Indeed, the ignorant are fearless.”
“Treating you like the thin air? So what of it? Since you want to court death, I shall help you.”
These statements had all been made by Sikong Mingyue not long ago, but what was the result?
Qin Wentian held the ancient halberd in his grasp as he continued forwards. The countenance of Sikong Mingyue was so unsightly to the point where his face started to contort. Qin Wentian didn’t struck out directly but rather walked towards him step by step. Was Qin Wentian trying to make him concede in front of all the spectators?
As the distance between them got increasingly closer, Qin Wentian’s killing intent also gradually became stronger. There was no doubt, Qin Wentian would definitely dare to kill Sikong Mingyue.
Before this, he had already slaughtered 2nd Sword and 3rd Night.
As he felt Qin Wentian’s ever-strengthening presence, an expression of extreme agony could be seen reflected on Sikong Mingyue’s countenance. “I concede.”
A simple sentence, yet it seemed to sap Sikong Mingyue of his entire strength. These three words were undoubtedly announcing that he, Sikong Mingyue, was not a match for Qin Wentian.
Qin Wentian halted his steps as Sikong Mingyue lowered his head in shame. Sikong Mingyue then turned and jumped off the platform. He had actually lost to Qin Wentian!
The position of the 2nd ranker was stolen away by Qin Wentian.
“Fcking handsome!” Fan Le drew in a deep breath. An expression of mesmerization clouded his features. He was currently losing himself in thoughts of rolling in money. This fellow obtained the 2nd ranking in the Jun Lin Banquet! He was so fcking handsome that even Fan Le would fall in love with him!
There were many people in the crowd who was still stunned and had yet to recover. Qin Wentian actually stole the position of the 2nd ranker directly from Orchon’s hand?
Not only that, did Qin Wentian intend to stop here?
Only to see his gaze shifting to the first towering platform. He pointed his halberd straight at Luo Qianqiu.
Once, Luo Qianqiu had stood so high up, looking down at him, wanting him to handover the Blood Ember Fruits or suffer death.
Once, Luo Qianqiu pursued him to kill him in the Dark Forest, almost resulting in his death.
Once, in the middle of the snowstorm, Luo Qianqiu wanted him to accept three of his strikes, considering himself to be unequalled throughout the world.
And not long ago, Luo Qianqiu was still as insufferably arrogant, as if he was already the Jun Lin Banquet’s champion.
To him, Qin Wentian had never been worthy enough to be placed in his eyes.
And now, finally, he stood in front of Luo Qianqiu, facing him as an equal.
He wanted to show Luo Qianqiu. What right did Luo Qianqiu have to be so insufferably arrogant?!
“Your turn.” Without any grand, heroic words, Qin Wentian’s two words were spoken as though he was making an announcement.
Today in the Jun Lin Banquet, he, Qin Wentian, wanted to contend for the number one position!

Chapter 142: I want you to lose

His hair was as dark as black ink. Blood dyed the ancient halberd red.

Qin Wentian stood there, akin to an ancient war god. Last year’s youth no longer existed after the transformation. His battle intent rose without limits, exploding forwards with no reservations.

At this moment, the crowd could sense that Luo Qianqiu was no longer that confident in himself. After personally witnessing Qin Wentian crushing Sikong Mingyue, they could faintly sense that perhaps Qin Wentian did indeed have the power to defeat Luo Qianqiu and contend for the position of the first ranker.

In this instant, they had already forgotten about their bets. Their eyes were filled with intense anticipation for this Heavenly-defying young genius who had just risen, waiting for him to accomplish this final ‘twist’ of fate. If he was successful, this incident would be a legend that would persist for a thousand years.
Would Qin Wentian truly be able to defeat Luo Qianqiu?
Luo Qianqiu took a step forward in the face of Qin Wentian’s ancient halberd. His battle intent similarly soared to the skies.
“Take a break for four hours.”
Just before their two auras collided, the indifferent-sounding voice belonging to the aged figure standing beside Chu Tianjiao drifted out.
What the f***! This caused the countenances of the spectators to turned dumbfounded, as dissatisfaction and anger was apparent in the air. Since both Qin Wentian and Luo Qianqiu were ready to battle, why would they still need to take a break?
What the hell was going on?
However, no matter how dissatisfied they were, the decision still lied with the aged figure. They had no choice but to wait for those four hours to be up.
Qin Wentian furrowed his brows as he shifted his gaze to that aged figure. Why?
“The two of you should rest now so you can fight with all your might later.” The aged figure forcefully continued, leaving Luo Qianqiu and Qin Wentian no choice but to nod their heads. Since the judge had already spoken, there was no choice but to wait it out.
“I’m sure all of you spectators should be tired now. Why not take a rest first and enjoy the show later?” Chu Tianjiao laughed as he addressed the crowd.
Although the spectators were extremely unwilling, they could only smile forcefully as they continued chatting with each other.
Luo Qianqiu left the platform after being seemingly summoned by someone.
“Qin Wentian, do you mind coming over here for a chat?”
At this moment, the sound of a voice drifted out. The gazes of the crowd shifted over, focusing on a person standing next to Chu TIanjiao.
This person was precisely the middle-aged man of few words. The instant he spoke, his words caused the pupils of the crowd to narrow in bewilderment. He wanted Qin Wentian to go over for a chat?
The spectators who had authority and status all knew the origin of this man. As he invited Qin Wentian over, the hearts of many in the crowd, especially those from the Ye and Ou Clan, started palpitating wildly in panic.
Indeed, with Qin Wentian’s talent, he would definitely be noticed in the Jun Lin Banquet. After all, he was the one who defeated Sikong Mingyue.
Even if they had enmity with Qin Wentian, they could not fail to recognize his talent. If they were in the same shoes as the Nine Mystical Palace, they would also want to recruit Qin Wentian.
Qin Wentian kept his ancient halberd as his seething blood gradually grew calm. After his fetters were unsealed, in the face of boundless agony bore by his unshakable determination, he was now currently capable of controlling the power of his Bloodline Limit.
Jumping across the platforms, Qin Wentian appeared in front of the middle-aged man. The youths standing nearby all looked at him with a glint of sharpness in their eyes.
These youths should have also originated from the same place as Luo Qianqiu. Their strength was formidable, without a doubt.
“Let’s go to the back and drink a few cups.” The middle-aged man turned as he led Qin Wentian to the space behind Chu Tianjiao, where there were already banquet tables set up.

After they sat down, attendants poured out cups of wine for them. The middle-aged man raised his cup and smiled, “Amazing talent. Are you interested in joining our Nine Mystical Palace?”
Qin Wentian froze. Indeed, this person was from the Nine Mystical Palace.

The Nine Mystical Palace was the power behind Chu and was thus unoffendable. If he joined the Nine Mystical Palace, it would mean that Qin Wentian’s future path would be smooth and unobstructed
However, the conversation with Mustang earlier caused a barrier to appear in his heart.
It was as though the Nine Mystical Palace had a vested interest in the Heavenly Star Pavilion of the Emperor Star Academy. If he agreed to join the Nine Mystical Palace, the Nine Mystical Palace would make him stand in opposition to the Emperor Star Academy. This was something that he was unwilling to do.
“Senior, what about the competition of this year’s Jun Lin Banquet?” Qin Wentian inquired. He wanted to be certain that Luo Qianqiu’s mission was to enter the Heavenly Star Pavilion, related to the Nine Mystical Palace.
“I want you to lose.” The middle-aged man laughed as he raised his cup to Qin Wentian, his voice sounding exceptionally calm as though he was talking about something of no importance.
However, Qin Wentian’s pupils narrowed. Looking at how the other party was smiling, he felt a coldness invading his heart.
I want you to lose!
Five simple words, yet the meaning contained within them was very clear. Qin Wentian already had his answer.
Despite the recognition of his talent, the Nine Mystical Palace still wanted Qin Wentian to lose.
“Don’t worry, as long as you are willing to join the Nine Mystical Palace, what you would obtained in rewards would far surpass what being the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet could bestow on you. You should clearly know what power the Nine Mystical Palace holds. Not only that, I truly admire you for your talent.” The middle-aged man continued smiling, “However, because of some other factors, you, have to lose your next battle. Luo Qianqiu must obtain the first ranking. As for the little misunderstandings between the two of you, I will step in to mediate.”

Qin Wentian went silent, feeling the pressure.
Naturally, he didn’t want to concede. The moment he stepped on the stage of Jun Lin Banquet, he had already told himself that he would contend for the top ranking. Even if it was difficult, he would accept it with no regrets. But to think that now, the Nine Mystical Palace actually told him to that they wanted him to lose?
He didn’t want to lose, moreover losing intentionally. But the pressure of the Nine Mystical Palace was like a huge mountain pressing down on his back.
“There’s still some time, do consider it carefully. What we can give you is something the Emperor Star Academy would never be able to give. Based on your talent, the correct choice is to join my Nine Mystical Palace.” The middle-aged man continued smiling as he departed, leaving Qin Wentian sitting there alone.
Although the smile on the middle age man’s countenance never wavered, Qin Wentian understood that nobody knew what malicious thoughts existed underneath that smiling facade.

Finishing the wine in his cup, Qin Wentian also departed from the area.
“Have you thought about it?” The middle-aged man inquired with a smile as Qin Wentian walked past him.

“I will think about it.” Qin Wentian didn’t directly agree or decline before returning to the platform. At this moment, several individuals in the crowd was silently speculating. What did the representatives from the Nine Mystical Palace talk to him about when he was called out earlier?
They should have wanted to recruit Qin Wentian to the Nine Mystical Palace, right? Since that was the case, did Qin Wentian agree to it?
Qin Wentian ignored the stares of the crowd and closed his eyes. Retrieving two Yuan Meteor Stones, he wanted to adjust his body to its optimal condition and soon entered into a state of Anatta.
Nobody could tell what he was thinking about, and other than Qin Wentian, no one else knew exactly what just transpired.
Time slowly flowed by, and the crowd got increasingly impatient.
Based on the latest payout rate computed by Drunken Wonder, Luo Qianqiu and Qin Wentian’s odds for obtaining the championship was 1:2.

After the new payout rates were out, countless people began to bet on Qin Wentian. They felt that the current Qin Wentian had a higher possibility of becoming the champion. The hopes they had on Qin Wentian was even greater and stronger compared to their belief in Luo Qianqiu.

Luo Qianqiu was born with a golden spoon in his mouth. From the start, he had already been determined to be the strongest contestant. However, Qin Wentian was a dark horse. With a cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation, he slaughtered his way up here. Such a twist of fate caused many of the spectators’ hearts to palpitate with excitement. They wished that they would be like Qin Wentian, slaughtering the ranks one by one all the way until they reached the peak.
One could say that the bets laid on Qin Wentian was no longer purely because of the pursuit of profit, but because of their inner emotions, as well as a type of faith.
They hoped to see something different.
They also hoped that they would witness history being created. If Qin Wentian’s name shook the world a thousand years from now , this battle would become a fabled legend.

Four hours passed quickly, but they felt like an eternity to the spectators. It was as though several days had passed before the aged figure announced the start of the next battle.
At this moment, the entire space was silent as everyone quietly focused their attentions on the two silhouettes who were standing in opposition to each other. The last battle of the Jun Lin Banquet – Luo Qianqiu versus Qin Wentian. Would this battle be recorded in Chu’s annals of history?
Arcs of lightning could be seen flashing about Luo Qianqiu’s body, who appeared akin to a God of Lightning as he stood there motionless.
Qin Wentian had the ancient halberd in his hands, and his blood started to seeth again. Although his efforts to calm the power of his bloodline earlier left him somewhat exhausted, he still had enough energy for this one last battle.
As the Astral Energy in his body started to flow, at that very moment, Qin Wentian’s countenance turned exceptionally unsightly to behold!
“COME!” Luo Qianqiu roared. He swoop down on Qin Wentian, blasting out with his lightning palms. Qin Wentian went ashen as he struck out with his ancient halberd. The power was a far cry from back when he was fighting with Sikong Mingyue.

With a thunderous sound, Qin Wentian’s body was flung through the air before slamming onto the ground with a dull thud, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.
“This…”
All the spectators were dumbfounded. Qin Wentian actually lost by this much in merely the first exchange? Were the disparity between the two contestants really that great?
Many expressions of dejection and disappointment were apparent on their faces. Did they judge wrongly?
“Why?” Qin Wentian’s eyes were filled with boundless rage as he stared straight at the middle-aged man standing near the Azure Dragon Jade Emperor Seat.
He had only drunk a small cup of wine in these four hours.
At this moment, the Astral Energy in his body was running amok in havoc.
“I want you to lose.” As Qin Wentian thought back to that middle-aged man’s resolute and decisive voice, his heart became submerged with fury and hatred. The Nine Mystical Palace wanted him to lose!

TN Note:

Anatta – Buddhist concept of ‘no-self’

Chapter 143: I AM NOT WILLING

Qin Wentian gazed in the direction of the middle-aged man, who showed no reactions. It was as though what just happened had nothing to do with him.
Luo Qianqiu, regardless of anything, had to become the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet. They could not afford to have any accidents.
At this moment, everyone was dumbfounded. How could Qin Wentian fall so easily? Was he destined be placed under Luo Qianqiu? The moment when Qin Wentian defeated Luo Qianqiu, the aura he exuded had caused many of the spectators to bet without hesitation on Qin Wentian becoming the victor.
If Qin Wentian were really to fall here, they would have no complains because their decision was made solely because of their anticipations.
But never in their dreams would they have imagined such an ending. Qin Wentian wasn’t even able to block a single strike from Luo Qianqiu? This caused the spectators to be somewhat unable to accept this.
Not only the spectators, the people from Emperor Star Academy, the Divine Weapon Pavilion, and the Mo Clan were all stunned. They had a lack of comprehension on their countenance.
Within those who came from the Emperor Star Academy, Ren Qianxing’s eyes flickered as he sighed in his heart. He could somewhat guessed what the Nine Mystical Palace offered to Qin Wentian. They would definitely not allow Luo Qianqiu to be defeated. Since that was the case, they would naturally tempt Qin Wentian into joining them, offering excellent conditions for him to concede the battle.
Based on the power contained within Qin Wentian’s halberd strike earlier, there was only a single possibility – he intentionally wanted to concede.
This caused Ren Qianxing to feel terrible in his heart. Luo Qianqiu’s father had been his disciple a long time ago. He had placed such tremendous importance on him, but he was nothing but a vicious tyrant, a wolf in sheep’s clothings.
Qin Wentian was the second person he had placed such high importance on. If Qin Wentian truly chose to walk the same path as Luo Qianqiu’s father, his heart would be broken into infinite pieces.
“Is that all of your strength?” Luo Qianqiu approached Qin Wentian, shrouded in a storm of lightning. At this moment, Luo Qianqiu appeared unparalleled in the world.

Qin Wentian forced his body to stand upright, looking straight at his opponent. His arterial pathways seemed to be somehow sealed, causing the Astral Energy in his body to be unable to circulate freely. In such a state, there was no way he could summon any strength, no way for him to battle.
What made him even more infuriated was that even though the Nine Mystical Palace did such a thing, he could not expose them.
It was very possible that he would inadvertently cause great waves of calamities to descend the moment he revealed what happened.
They were the Nine Mystical Palace, the true controller of Chu! Although he still had not discarded all appearances of cordiality with them, the moment he said that the Nine Mystical Palace drugged him, it would be equivalent to him jumping down a cliff voluntarily.
There was no one who could understand the feelings Qin Wentian was currently going through.
Sorrow, pain, struggle, despair.
Rumble! Luo Qianqiu blasted out with his attack. His lightning and thunder palms of his seemed as though they wanted to bury Qin Wentian right where he stood. Qin Wentian summoned all the Astral Energy he could to defend, and after yet another thunderous sound, his body flew through the air and smashed onto the ground. This time, he went numb as he unceasingly spat out mouthfuls of blood, his countenance uttery devoid of blood.
“Wh..what happened?” Fan Le’s initial relaxed expression had turn into one of anxiety. So what if he had won numerous Yuan Meteor Stones? Seeing Qin Wentian in such a state, he could not feel the slightest bit of joy from it at all.
He wasn’t afraid that Qin Wentian would lose, but he didn’t want to see this brother of his suffering from such a humiliation.
Luo Huan, Mu Rou, Mo Qingcheng, and Mustang were all stunned. They could not accept what was happening.
“As i expected, how useless.” Among those from the Emperor Star Academy, the sarcastic note in Qiu Mo’s voice was exceptionally ear-piercing. Old Gu swept over a look of icy coldness, which caused Qiu Mo to freeze and shut his mouth.
And yet he, felt extremely unwilling in his heart. The recognition and importance placed on Qin Wentian had already surpassed him, who was a Yuanfu Realm student. No matter what, he was still Qiu Mo, a Yuanfu expert who was ranked 4th among Chu’s 10 prodigies.
“Qin Wentian.”
At this moment, the sound of a voice drifted into his ears, a voice that only he could hear.
“Just concede, I won’t allow Luo Qianqiu to do anything to you. As long as you concede, not only Qianqiu will spare you, I will also compensate you.”
The countenance of the middle-aged man was still as serene as before, with no hints of any disturbance on his face.
“Trying to use this method to force me to concede? If I don’t concede, does that means that Luo Qianqiu will kill me where I stand?” Qin Wentian raged in his heart. He had reason to believe that if the Nine Mystical Palace lied and if Luo Qianqiu were to kill him, there was no one who would take any actions against Luo Qianqiu.
The Nine Mystical Palace was standing behind Luo Qianqiu alongside the support granted to him by the Royal Clan. Who would dare to touch Luo Qianqiu?
Qin Wentian glanced at the spectators’ stand. He could see Mustang’s expression, the struggle and pain on Ren Qianxing’s face, Mo Qingcheng’s worry, the sadness and anxiety on Luo Huan, Qin Yao and Fatty Fan Le. as well as many expressions of dejection reflected on the faces of the crowd.
For the first time, Qin Wentian sensed the concern that so many people felt for him.
And within these people, there were elders, relatives, acquaintances, and even strangers who merely wanted to support him.
A year ago, he had been alone when he came from the Sky Harmony City, facing danger from all sides.
But today, after seeing so many people showing concern for him, he felt warmth and happiness, a joyfulness that came from deep within his heart.
But because of this source of joy, he was unwilling to lose just like this. He wasn’t willing to let all down those individuals who were concerned about him
He didn’t want to see expressions of dejection on their faces. He wasn’t willing to be the puppet of the Nine Mystical Palace, dancing to their strings.
If they truly valued his talent, they could have talked nicely to him. However, with all the deeds the Nine Mystical Palace committed, their actions did not reflect respect but rather a form of humiliation.

He wasn’t willing to lose in such a way!
“The night is the darkest before dawn.”
Qin Wentian recalled the words Uncle Black once said to him. As he thought of Uncle Black’s wrinkled face, he couldn’t help but start crying in his heart.
Luo Qianqiu appeared in front of Qin Wentian once again, shrouded within an aura of violence. On him, a surge of terrifying pressure frenziedly emanated forth.
“There will be no more miracles. I want you to die.”
Luo Qianqiu’s voice was resolute and decisive. He wanted Qin Wentian to die. This time, he wouldn’t give Qin Wentian the slightest chance to survive.
As the terrifying lightning energies gathered within his palm, a storm of wind and thunder raged around Luo Qianqiu. His gaze was riveted onto Qin Wentian, who had his head bowed, similar to how a hunter stared at his prey.
“From this moment onwards, there will no longer be a Qin Wentian in Chu Country.” Luo Qianqiu calmly spoke.
“I can’t lose here.” Qin Wentian abruptly inclined his head, releasing his Great Dream Astral Soul. His eyes seemed to radiate terrifying dream waves as Luo Qianqiu’s motions froze in an instant.
Not only Luo Qianqiu, but Qin Wentian also froze. Despite the wind fluttering their hair, their bodies froze in place as though they had transformed into statues.
As the Great Dream Astral Soul displayed its brilliance, many people had bewildered expressions on their faces.
This Astral Soul could hypnotize people into entering sleep.
“They stopped moving?”
“Have they entered a dream?”
Many spectators were astonished. This final ranking battle had undergone a huge change yet again.
Luo Qianqiu did indeed entered Qin Wentian’s dreamscape. Atop a huge expanse of a land of desolation, only the two of them stood there,

At this moment, a dangerous aura was gushing forth from Qin Wentian’s body. In here, he was God. He coldly regarded Luo Qianqiu as the aura from his body grew terrifying to an inconceivable degree.
“An illusion?” Luo Qianqiu frowned and closed his eyes. His strength of will erupted outwards.
He wanted to break out. This was the dreamscape Qin Wentian created and not reality. Regardless of how strong Qin Wentian was in here, it was nothing but an illusion.
“So what about it?” Qin Wentian spoke as he strode forwards. His towering aura completely exploded as he smashed out with his ancient halberd. In that instant, the Qi from Heaven and Earth gathered in a frenzied spiral, transforming into a stream of light.
Although Luo Qianqiu knew this was an illusion, it felt too real, he could only retaliate in defense, hoping to counter. The stream of light pierced into his arms, drawing first blood.
Luo Qianqiu immediately retreated, his countenance extremely ugly to behold.
“Despicable, can you only defeat me in a reality created in your dreams?” Luo Qianqiu sneered.
“Despicable? Before the battle, your Nine Mystical Palace drugged me, causing blockage in my arterial pathways. It left me with no way to battle, which ended up me being sorely suppressed by you. Or do you really think that your strength was that powerful? How ridiculous.” Qin Wentian mocked him. He continued, “Not only that, is creating a dreamscape not part of my strength? How can I be compared to you people of the Nine Mystical Palace? To achieve your aims, you are prepared to use any strategies or methods no matter how underhanded they are.”
Luo Qianqiu furrowed his brows as he replied, “You are lying.”
“Hmph.” Qin Wentian couldn’t be bothered to explain. His terrifying aura exploded forth. This was his dreamscape; regardless of how strong Luo Qianqiu’s will was, there was no way he could get out so easily.
Soon after,Luo Qianqiu’s body was dyed red in blood within the dreamscape. Qin Wentian slowly walked towards him, glancing down at him from a height.
To the people outside, the spectators only saw that both of the contestants were standing there without moving. Correction, Luo Qianqiu seemed to be retreating step by step, but no one on the outside knew what he was experiencing.

“They seemed to be inside a dreamscape.” A sharp light flickered inside Ren Qianxing’s eyes. Qin Wentian did not concede, nor was he intentionally trying to lose!
He, Ren Qianxing, had not made the wrong judgement!
Since that was the case, could it be that the Nine Mystical Palace did something earlier?
Glancing sharply at the direction of the Nine Mystical Palace, he only saw that the middle-aged man had an expression of something akin to panic.
“NO!” The howl of anger shook the Heavens and Earth as a powerful aura exploded forth from the body of Luo Qianqiu. Regaining his senses, he stared at Qin Wentian, howling in rage, “Regardless how strong you are in your dreamscape, you will still die here today.”
An inexhaustible amount of lightning metamorphosed into dragons and snakes dancing about in the air. Luo Qianqiu’s killing intent surged frenziedly.
“Too late.” Qin Wentian’s blood was also seething. His long hair grew blacker than black, while his body was akin to a monarch, the ruler of all lands under the Heavens.
Sounds of waves crashing could be heard from within Qin Wentian’s body. His blood, as well as the Astral Energy in his arterial pathways, seemed to be howling in anger.
“BREAK FOR ME!” Qin Wentian roared, facing the skies as his long hair fluttered behind his back. The terrifying sounds within his body magnified in volume to the point where the spectators though they could hear sounds of a tsunami crashing. Qin Wentian was currently undergoing a transformation; the seven circular arterial pathways of his were currently squirming as they expanded before breaking into fragments and reforming into eight brand-new circular Stellar Meridians arterial pathways.
His breakthrough swept the remnants of the blockage in his previous arterial pathways away, allowing his Astral Energy to once more circulate without restrictions. Currently, the aura Qin Wentian was exuding was rising relentlessly.
That was an aura of someone at the 8th level of Arterial Circulation!
Qin Wentian…he was unwilling to allow others to control his fate.
Such underhanded schemes weren’t able to destroy his beliefs nor shake his unwavering heart!

His determination had never been this strong before.

Today, the number one position would be his!