Ancient Godly Monarch - CHapter 294

Chapter 294: To Whom The Deer Falls

The mission hall was part of the Shadow Pavilion and consisted of a total of nine levels. The higher levels would only be accessible for those with a certain level of authority.

This was a safety measure, because aside from the core killers of the Shadow Pavilion, they also retained several contract-for-hire killers. Anyone could become a killer for the Shadow Pavilion—all they needed to do was sign a contract.

This was also the greatest reason why the Shadow Pavilion was so powerful. Because most people desired wealth, they signed up to become killers. This was an extremely lucrative business despite the high level of danger. However, there was a flaw regarding the system—having a large number of killers meant that there would be a higher chance that confidential information pertaining to the mission could leak out. This was something unavoidable. Yet, the Shadow Pavilion didn’t seem to care. Since they were already in the killing business, they naturally wouldn’t be afraid of people taking revenge.

There was also an iron clad rule. They would never accept missions pertaining to the transcendent powers. Other than that, they would accept all other missions.

For the fifth level of the mission hall, only Five-Star ranked killers would be able to enter as the missions given here were all at the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign level. Those that had a rank of Five-Star, were all extremely terrifying people with fearsome combat prowess.

And today, an extremely conspicuous mission appeared on the fifth level of the mission hall.

“Qin Wentian, a fourth-ranked Grandmaster from Chu at the age of nineteen. Cultivation level estimated at the third or fourth-level of Yuanfu, and he has a second-level female Heavenly Dipper Sovereign by his side acting as his protector. He has two fourth-ranked Puppets whose combat prowess were estimated to be at the initial realm of Heavenly Dipper.” Next to the note, there was a picture of Qin Wentian, as well as the reward amount offered.

“Woah, this guy is the youngest fourth-ranked Grandmaster in the Moon Continent. This is the first time I’ve seen a Yuanfu Cultivator that’s worth so much.” A masked man lightly laughed. Those that entered here wouldn’t interact with others without obscuring their features. The reason for this was simple, if they fumbled up in killing their targets, especially those with major backgrounds, their identity wouldn’t be exposed and there would be no need to fear retaliation.

“I wonder what grudge the mission-giver has with this guy? He’s actually willing to pay such a high price to kill off such a talented Divine Inscriptionist.” Although several of the killers were bewildered, they didn’t really care about it. They were here to make money, and so they couldn’t care less about the story behind each contract.

“I’ll accept this mission.” A figure walked up to the mission board and tore down the contract. An avaricious light gleamed in his eyes as he stared at Qin Wentian’s photo.

“Heaven’s Destruction, can the four of you handle it?” Someone called out the moment that figure tore down the contract.

The killer ‘Heaven’s Destruction’, consisted of four people. It was rumoured that two among them were husband and wife while the other two were their disciples. Their killing methods were extremely vicious and they had plenty of experience as well.

“How difficult would it be to kill a cultivator merely at the fourth-level of Yuanfu? This wealth is definitely mine.” Heaven’s Destruction laughed disdainfully. His team members stood not far away, and two among them were laughing heartily in agreement. “Master, after this mission is completed, you can buy that set of defensive-type Divine Armor for Madam soon after.”

“Yes, the reward paid out would definitely be sufficient for that. What’s more, there’ll be several Yuan Meteor Stones in excess. I’ll get two fourth-ranked Divine Weapons for you guys then, how about it?” The figure grinned, it was as though he could already see the Divine Weapons in front of his eyes.

A mere Yuanfu Cultivator was no biggie, as long as he and his wife blocked the female Heavenly Dipper Sovereign and the two Puppets, his other two disciples could easily kill off Qin Wentian.

This mission might be tough for the other killers to complete, but with the cooperation of these four, it was extremely simple for them. This was just like free money dropping from the skies.

This time around, they would definitely make a killing. He’d have to thank his god of fortune. He wondered briefly who the customer was, why would he be so generous to pay out such a large amount merely for the death of a Divine Inscriptionist, albeit one with exceedingly high potential.

…………………..

Qin Wentian naturally wouldn’t know that his name had already been written onto the mission board in the fifth-level of the Shadow Pavilion, or that somebody else had already accepted the mission.

After returning to the White Deer Institute, Qin Wentian quietly waited for news from the Thousand-Jue Alliance, while cultivating a powerful innate technique recorded within the ancient scroll of the Ascendant.

As his consciousness sank into that ancient scroll, a mind-blowing scene appeared in front of his eyes.

A lonely silhouette stood arrogantly in the air. In front of him, an ancient mountain could be seen a few hundred feet away. That silhouette pierced forwards with a single finger, appearing as though it were made from gold, and as that finger descended, the entire space around him shimmered and turned golden in color, coated by the will of the Mandate of Gold.

Between the Heaven and Earth, the only thing in existence was that golden finger. As he pointed to that ancient mountain, the boundless gold-colored light gathered at the tip of his finger and was concentrated into a golden beam. As his finger’s light penetrated past, landing onto that ancient mountain, crumbling sounds echoed as it instantly transformed into countless golden fragments that scattered about, all floating in the air.

“Heaven Breaking Finger. One must cultivate the Gold-Element Cultivation Art for an invulnerable body before cultivating this innate technique to unleash its full potential. At its highest level of mastery, one can even break the dome of Heavens apart with the stab of a single finger.”

A voice sounded out in his mind, causing Qin Wentian to start. This voice reminded the user once again to cultivate the Gold-Element Cultivation Art that he had abandoned.

The more the Ascendant reminded him, the more suspicious Qin Wentian was.

“I don’t believe I need to cultivate the Gold-Element Cultivation Art to master this Heaven Breaking Finger..” A sharp light flashed in Qin Wentian’s eyes. This innate technique was a Heaven-Ranked technique; the stronger one’s cultivation was, the deeper their comprehension and thus, the more power they would be able to unleash.

The Gold-Element Ascendant broke apart a gigantic ancient mountain with a stab of his finger. That scene was etched firmly in his mind, and his heart trembled in awe as he sensed the concept of the words ‘Heaven Breaking’ behind that finger attack.

This technique was definitely the most powerful innate technique he had ever seen from the start of his cultivation till now.

And for this Heaven Breaking Finger technique, it wasn’t necessary to have Astral Energy with a gold-element attribute to power it. Other sources of energy could work as a replacement as well. In that case, he could use his demonic Astral Energy as a replacement to see if he would be successful.

Astral Energy with the demonic attribute was exceedingly violent in nature and the might it exuded would definitely be just as terrifying.

Smiling in anticipation, Qin Wentian closed his eyes and started cultivating this tyrannical Heaven Breaking Finger technique.

And after cultivating it for a while, Qin Wentian discovered that every activation of this finger technique would exhaust an extremely astronomical amount of Astral Energy. The rate of energy consumption was too terrifying. If Qin Wentian used Divine Yuan Energy in replacement of Astral Energy to unleash this attack, he didn’t even dare imagine the amount of Divine Energy that would be expended.

This made Qin Wentian lament as cultivation indeed required resources before one could succeed. For example, if he didn’t have sufficient Yuan Meteor Stones to replenish the Astral Energy in his Yuanfu, there was no way for him to even start cultivating this technique. If he didn’t have the Yuan Meteor Stones, he could only choose to slowly absorb the Astral Energy from the Heavenly Layers to replenish the expended energy. This method was way too slow and inefficient.

Without cultivation resources, the path of cultivation was too difficult to advance. Hence, there were many of common birth willing to risk their lives in a bid to earn a large amount of resources.

After a few moments more of lamentation, Qin Wentian then slipped into a dreamscape of his own creation. Inside his dreamscape, he could give full play to the power of his imagination.

A day passed…

During the next morning, the people from the Thousand-Jue Alliance arrived and delivered the list of items which he had asked for. Qin Wentian reimbursed them and continued with his cultivation.

Looking at the items on the ground, a smile appeared on his face. He could finally proceed with cultivating the second stage of the Fiend Art Transformation.

The difficulty in cultivating the second stage of the Fiend Art Transformation was still much easier compared to the Heaven Breaking Finger.

In the next few days, great billows of demonic qi permeated the mountain slope at the back of the White Deer Institute, drawing the attention of many, as they wondered what in the world was going on. Why would there be such an intense source of demonic qi coming from the back mountains?

Could it be that Qin Wentian had an immensely powerful demonic-type Astral Soul and was currently cultivating some demonic innate technique?

Although many were puzzled, nobody went to disturb Qin Wentian. Occasionally, there would even be manifestations of demonic beasts soaring skywards before gradually fading into nothingness.

Three days later, torrents of demonic qi enveloped Qin Wentian, his whole person was akin to a fearsome demonic beast. The amount of demonic qi was so abundant that even qi exuded by high-grade demonic beasts paled in comparison to the amount Qin Wentian was emitting now.

“Argh…”

A low roar akin to the howling of a beast escaped from his throat as the copious amounts of demonic qi swirled about, gathered together as they transformed into a vortex before gushing into Qin Wentian’s body, the fog of black qi completely obscuring his body. Very swiftly, the fog dissipated as the silhouette of Qin Wentian became gradually visible again. Yet he was now totally different from moments before. His life force throbbed with the exuberant vitality belonging to demonkind.

The Fiend Transformation Art combined the two different advantages of humans and demons, into a single body. Using humanity as the base, this Art causes the essence of the human body to demonize, eventually gaining the vitality of demons and a physique as powerful as them. It basically incorporates all the unique advantages of demonkind into a human body.

At this moment, if anyone went within Qin Wentian’s vicinity, they would be able to clearly sense how powerful he had currently become. Each and every one of his movements was brimming with energy, and the toughness of his body had far surpassed cultivators at the same realm as him.

If he were to compete against someone purely based on bodily strength, without the use of Astral Energy or innate techniques, he would easily be able to tear apart his opponent’s body. His physique had already evolved to the level of demons.

“Stage two of the Fiend Transformation Art, completed.” Qin Wentian smiled, his speed in cultivating this Art was so quick that it was almost unbelievable, most likely something to do with his bloodline.

After mastering the second stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, Qin Wentian continued to doggedly practice the Heaven Breaking Finger, all the while waiting for the Thousand-Jue Alliance to deliver the information report regarding the whereabouts of Hua Xiaoyun.

In the blink of an eye, seven days had already passed. The Leng Clan had also given their answer—they gave in, and chose to execute the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign Leng Mao as well as the rest of the names on the list. They decided that this group’s existence wasn’t worth it for them to offend Qin Wentian. Moreover, Qin Wentian had already become a guest elder of the Thousand-Jue Alliance. The Leng Clan had no wish to offend Qin Wentian further and hence, immediately acted on good faith and resolved the matter.

As for Hua Xiaoyun, his patience had already worn thin. He visited the Shadow Pavilion again and received news that his mission had already been accepted and the killers were planning an ambush for Qin Wentian in the Eastern Region. After which, Hua Xiaoyun too decided to pay a visit to the Eastern Region, he wanted to see with his own eyes the manner of Qin Wentian’s death.

Hua Xiaoyun didn’t know that the moment he stepped into the Eastern Region, his movements had already been noted.

Qin Wentian finally received news of Hua Xiaoyun, who for some reason, had actually come to the Eastern Region of the Moon Continent.

An exceedingly ice-cold light flickered in Qin Wentian’s eyes. Speak of the devil, and he will appear—this Hua Xiaoyun had come just in time.

Yet, if he wanted to kill him, how could he hide this matter from the informant network of the Hua Clan?

Qin Wentian understood that as a transcendent power, the scope of the Hua Clan’s network would definitely be extremely terrifying. If he directly slayed Hua Xiaoyun, he would certainly be discovered. Killing a young master of Hua Clan’s direct line of descent? It would be extremely difficult for him to stay in the Moon Continent afterward.

But no matter what, Hua Xiaoyun had to die.

If there were no other solutions and if he really had no choice but to leave the Moon Continent, he would still kill Hua Xiaoyun.

Qin Wentian exited the White Deer Institute silently, he didn’t even inform Bailu Yi of his plans. He had no wish to involve anyone else on his quest to kill Hua Xiaoyun. This, was a matter he must undertake himself, this debt of retribution had to be settled by his own hands!

Chapter 295: Which Senior is it?

Qin Wentian left by himself to look for Hua Xiaoyun. He had been informed by the Thousand-Jue Alliance that Hua Xiaoyun had only the protection of one Heavenly Dipper Sovereign. In that case, his two fourth-ranked Puppets should be sufficient to hinder that Sovereign.

As for Hua Xiaoyun himself, the Qin Wentian back then was already powerful enough to slay him, it would be no different now.

Of course, Qin Wentian still didn’t know that the reason for Hua Xiaoyun’s appearance in the Eastern Region of the Moon Continent, was actually because the killers he hired had already set up an ambush over here for Qin Wentian.

Similarly, Hua Xiaoyun didn’t know that the moment he stepped into the Eastern Region, his movements had been noticed and immediately fed back to Qin Wentian.

The two of them wanted the other’s death, yet neither were aware of the perilous situation they both were in.

There was someone who noticed the moment Qin Wentian left the White Deer Institute. On the pathway of the streets, a horse carriage slowly advanced. The carriage driver had an extremely ordinary face and was slowly directing the horses to pull the carriage forward.

Qin Wentian would definitely not notice the existence of an ordinary horse carriage. In the luxurious Moon Continent, the pathways were littered by hundreds or even thousands of horse carriages daily. They were an everyday occurrence and of course, also an extremely good cover. The driver maintained the horses’ speed, advancing at a normal pace. They definitely wouldn’t want to attract the attention of Qin Wentian who was still far away.

But at that same moment, another figure was keeping pace beside the carriage, walking at the same speed. This figure had an ancient sword strapped behind his back and his features were obscured by a silver-mask, revealing only a pair of eyes that were glinting in cold light.

It was as if the driver couldn’t see this figure, and he continued leading the horses forward at the same pace as the silver-masked figure following quietly beside it.

“This is my mission.” The driver suddenly let out a hiss, as a look of sharpness was directed to the silver-masked figure. The soundwaves of his voice, didn’t reverberate in the air, it was channeled into a thin line, drifting right into the ears of that silver-masked figure.

“I know.” That figure nodded his head.

“Then get lost and stop hindering me,” the driver coldly stated. As someone in the same line of business, he already knew the identity of the silver-masked figure.

Silver Snake was the same as him, an external killer for the Shadow Pavilion. The authority he held was also the same—their ranks were both at Five-Star.

Silver Snake’s cultivation base was at the peak of Yuanfu, and by rights, he didn’t have the qualifications to obtain such a ranking. The only reason why he was now a Five-Star assassin was because back then he had managed to assassinate an extremely important character alone, which led to him being promoted.

“I won’t take a share out of your reward,” Silver Snake indifferently exclaimed, his voice was void of emotion.

‘But you have to act according to my command, don’t make your move hastily.”

“He will eventually grow suspicious if we follow him for much longer. It’s about time for us to act,” the driver argued.

“No, wait a while more. His objective is clear, he wants to find the person that’s helping you.” Silver Snake grinned.

“My helper?” The driver didn’t understand, all his helpers were already hidden inside the carriage.

“Don’t worry, my sources told me that the person who set this mission, essentially your hirer, has already arrived in the Eastern Region. Qin Wentian is definitely looking for him, and the best opportunity for us to act would undoubtedly be the time when the two of them are fighting against each other. In any case, so what if the hirer dies? He has nothing to do with you.”

Silver Snake’s words contained a deathly chill within. Although the Shadow Pavilion would release the mission to all prospective killers, the information of the hirer would absolutely be kept a secret.

But Silver Snake apparently knew who the hirer was?

Not only that, Silver Snake even wanted to make use of the hirer for the sake of them having a better chance to accomplish the mission. In that case, did Silver Snake have a grudge with the target, Qin Wentian, as well?

Who was this Silver Snake exactly?

Despite all his questions, he wasn’t worried that Silver Snake would lie to him. Silver Snake was only at the ninth-level of Yuanfu—it would be as easy as overturning his palms to kill him for his deceit.

…………
Within a tavern inside the Moon Continent, Hua Xiaoyun was currently enjoying his wine, an expression of extreme satisfaction on his face.

The grudge he held for his broken arm would soon be avenged—the killers of the Shadow Pavilion would definitely not disappoint.

Lifting his wine cup, Hua Xiaoyun started laughing maniacally, yet his eyes gleamed with a cold light. It was about time.

However, his attention was caught by an extremely enchanting woman clad in a fiery-red skirt, projecting a demeanour of unmatched elegance. That woman noticed Hua Xiaoyun glancing at her and inclined her head, returning his gaze.

The instant their eyes locked, Hua Xiaoyun’s felt a jolt to his heart like a bolt of electricity, while he silently exclaimed to himself, ‘What a beauty!”

Her skin was as fair as snow, so soft-looking that it seemed it would break the moment a gentle breeze of wind blew against it. Just a single glance was enough to reveal her devilish figure.

“I wonder which clan she belongs to?” Hua Xiaoyun mused. In the Moon Continent, a beauty of that standard would definitely not be a nobody. Just from her demeanor alone, Hua Xiaoyun could tell that her origins were definitely from a major power.

As expected of a silk pants young master, his judgement regarding beautiful women was extremely good.

A look of unhappiness involuntarily flashed in the young woman’s eyes when she saw how Hua Xiaoyun kept staring at her. That slight fluttering of her beautiful lashes was sufficient to set Hua Xiaoyun’s heart aflutter.

“Hi, my name is Hua Xiaoyun, and I wonder if I may have the honor to ask for such a beautiful lady’s name?”

Hua Xiaoyun moved to clasp his hands together, only to be reminded that he only had one remaining now. The hatred in his heart boiled up once again, but he swiftly suppressed the emotion and went to smile at the beautiful lady instead.

The young woman unhappily glanced at him before coldly replying, “The second young master of the Hua Clan is left with only a single arm, yet he still hasn’t learned from his mistake?”

Hua Xiaoyun immediately stiffened, as his countenance became extremely unsightly.

“Here I am, asking politely, yet the miss’s words are so offensive,” Hua Xiaoyun coldly replied, “I wonder what your background is for you to be so arrogant.”

“Shu Ruanyu,” the young woman indifferently replied, causing Hua Xiaoyun’s countenance to falter. He recovered quickly as he smiled, “Oh, so it is Miss Shu. I’ve heard that Miss Shu will soon be engaged with Brother Yang. Congratulations.”

Shu Ruanyu was from the Shu Clan, a major power in the Eastern Region of the Moon Continent. Her name was extremely famous here and regardless of beauty or talent, she was outstanding in both fields.

Some time before, the Star-Seizing Manor wanted to find a companion for Yang Fan. Yang Fan took an instant liking to Shu Ruanyu and after a period of dating, he even personally went to the Shu Clan to propose marriage. Being in-laws with a transcendent power would open up countless doors of benefits, hence the Shu Clan naturally agreed.

As a Heaven’s Chosen from the Star-Seizing Manor, Yang Fan already had a status that was pretty much incomparable.

But of course, Shu Ruanyu was extraordinary and excelled in many aspects as well. Stepping into the eighth-level of Yuanfu at twenty-one years of age, was a feat that undoubtedly indicated her level of talent.

Shu Ruanyu couldn’t be bothered with Hua Xiaoyun any longer. Hua Xiaoyun’s countenance looked exceptionally awkward, he felt so terrible in his heart.

Now that his status within his Clan had declined so much, he even felt inferior in front of Yang Fan’s fiancée. This feeling was embarrassing to the extreme.

Especially after he saw how Shu Ruanyu looked down on him, then he wanted nothing more than to press her down and force her into submission. Regretfully, he wouldn’t have such a chance, he could only indulge in this wild fantasy in his heart.

Just then, a silhouette was seen slowly walking on the pathway outside the tavern. He was cloaked in an overly large robe, his weird appearance instantly drawing the attention of many in the crowd.

Because this large figure didn’t seem to have any hint of vitality burning within him, his face was as though it were made from gold, and the sharp slits in place of his eyes, didn’t appear to be that of a human’s.

Was this large figure a Puppet?

“Look over there.” In the distance, there was another figure cloaked in overly large robes making his way over as well. It invoked the same feeling the crowd sensed from the large figure with the golden face. How strange, it was as though there was someone intentionally letting their Puppets out for a walk.

At the same time this was occurring, a silhouette in a conical bamboo hat stood in the wine shack directly opposite to Hua Xiaoyun’s tavern. He lowered his head, keeping to the shadows, while the centre of his brows seemed to glow, as though a third eye was there.

This person, was none other than Qin Wentian, who had come here immediately after he obtained the report on Hua Xiaoyun’s whereabouts. Currently, this third eye was shining with a resplendent light. Abruptly, the sensitivity of his perception skyrocketed, each and every movement of the people around him couldn’t escape his notice.

Some distance away, on the pathway, he saw a carriage driver as well as a silver-masked man who had an ancient sword strapped on his back. There was something strange about them…

“Hmm?” Qin Wentian faintly sensed that something was wrong. That silver-masked man actually had a cultivation base at the ninth-level of Yuanfu and that…that carriage driver? Qin Wentian couldn’t perceive his strength.

Someone with a cultivation base hidden from his senses definitely indicated that that person was a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign or beyond. But why was a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign masquerading as an ordinary carriage driver?

Not only that, there weren’t any goods inside the carriage, there were only three people whose eyes were gleaming with a sharp light.

Something was wrong!

Qin Wentian’s sense of danger instantly tingled—he could tell that despite the slow pace of the horses, the carriage seemed to be moving in his direction.

“Bzz!” Suddenly, a silhouette materialized in front of Qin Wentian. This was none other than Qing`er. The moment she appeared, the gazes of the crowd in the wine shack instantly riveted onto her, as an expression of worship appeared on their faces.

It was as though she too could somehow sense someone tracking Qin Wentian’s movements.

She was a maiden of few words, hence she didn’t say anything more. She appeared instantly because after knowing that danger was incoming, she shouldn’t be too far away from Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian’s perception soon discovered Hua Xiaoyun and his Heavenly Dipper Sovereign protector. Not only that, Hua Xiaoyun seemed to be making conversation with an extremely beautiful lady now, but that lady couldn’t be bothered with him.

“Huh?” The Heavenly Dipper Sovereign protector who was standing at the back of Hua Xiaoyun frowned, his heart was suddenly seized with a strange feeling. It was as though he sensed somebody spying on him, yet he had no way to locate which direction the spying was from.

Was there a hidden expert observing him from the shadows?

Yet, Hua Xiaoyun couldn’t sense this. He was currently staring at Shu Ruanyu with his eyes narrowed, a wretched light flickering in his eyes, as though he were thinking of something disgusting.

“BOOM!” Abruptly, it felt as though a bolt of lightning had gone off inside his mind, causing his brain to rumble. Groaning in pain, Hua Xiaoyun staggered backwards while clutching his head, his countenance had already paled with fright.

“Young Master!” the protector roared, he could sense that something was wrong. The explosions in Hua Xiaoyun’s head carried on, each explosion felt like the crazed howling of a terrifying beast that was intent on crushing his mind.

“BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!” His mind continued to be under assault, Hua Xiaoyun’s body was instantly drenched in sweat as he trembled involuntarily with terror, trying his best to defend against the attack that seemed bent on dissipating his consciousness.

“Junior was brash, I APOLOGISE FOR ANY OF MY MISDEEDS THAT HAVE OFFENDED SENIOR!” Hua Xiaoyun howled, he could already sense the stench of death creeping up onto him. A technique with the ability to penetrate through space, attacking the minds of others through one’s will? At this level of power, the attacker was most definitely a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign!

Chapter 296: Power of Space

The people in the tavern were all shocked by the sound of Hua Xiaoyun’s crazed howling.

The eyes of the protector flashed with a glint of sharpness, his instincts were right. There had been someone spying on him earlier and now, that person even directed a will-attack at Hua Xiaoyun.

However, he couldn’t sense anyone abnormal enough in the tavern to warrant suspicion. That must mean that the attacker wasn’t actually in the tavern and was using a technique that could amplify his will, penetrating space in order to attack. Such an attack method caused even him to feel fear.

The beautiful eyes of Shu Ruanyu also flashed with a hint of shock. Who was this expert? Capable of unleashing such a devastating attack even from a distance.

“ARGHH…” Hua Xiaoyun let out a low-sounding miserable shriek as an expression of extreme distress and agony appeared on his face. The strength of this lightning-like will-attack grew increasingly powerful. A silhouette of an ancient primordial beast took form in his mind; it was emanating the will of a Mandate, wanting to shatter his consciousness.

Hua Xiaoyun’s current cultivation base was slightly higher compared to back then when he was in Chu. However, because he was recovering from a grievous injury and with a mind wholly bent on revenge, his improvement was limited. Although he was now at the fifth-level of Yuanfu, his foundations weren’t that stable.

And as for his Mandate, it was still in the Initial Boundary stage. It was precisely because the will of his Mandate was weak that he found it extremely hard to defend against these kinds of insidious mind-attacks, powered by the will of the other party. The pain of his headaches, was even worse than death, he felt as though his mind was about to explode into pieces.

“Let’s leave.” His protector grabbed Hua Xiaoyun and flew upwards. “Boom!” Since the protector had flown at a terrifying speed, a hole was blasted open on the roof. He had to bring Hua Xiaoyun away, if not, when Hua Xiaoyun’s consciousness shattered, he would become nothing but a brain-dead vegetable. It was no different to being dead.

Shu Ruanyu glanced at the hole on the roof as she too, leapt upwards to soar in the skies. Who was this expert exactly?

The moment the protector escaped from the hold, an ice-cold blade’s edge cleaved down from the Heavens. The sharpness of that blade light created a chill in the hearts of those who witnessed it.

After which, only a gigantic figure cloaked in large robes could be seen slamming downwards. The eyes of this figure were completely filled with a bone-chilling intent, it didn’t seem like the eyes of a human.

“WHO?!”

The protector roared as he slammed up above with his palms several times. A massive wind kicked up as the blade descended, the currents of the powerful wind force altered the angle of the blade, causing it to miss its target.

“Bzzz!” The large figure wasn’t fazed, he immediately swept forth with his legs, both also flickering with that terrible ice-cold light. The protector of Hua Xiaoyun stiffened when he saw that the large figure’s legs were covered with razor sharp edges. With a roar of anger, he immediately unleashed his Astral Nova, which instantly transformed into a huge sabre, colliding directly with the large figure.

A thunderous sound echoed as Hua Xiaoyun’s protector quickly retreated. From the start of the fight till now, he had kept a tight hold on Hua Xiaoyun, yet for some reason, the expression of agony etched onto Hua Xiaoyun’s face seemed to be even more intense. It was as though that will-attack would continue on relentlessly, only stopping after it achieved its objective.

This caused his protector to turn ashen. This meant that there was still someone hiding in the shadows, but if this enemy was so powerful, why didn’t he directly attack?

At this moment, Qin Wentian couldn’t help but feel slightly depressed. His head was still lowered, the glowing of his third eye continued non-stop as it locked down on Hua Xiaoyun. However, his perception told him that the carriage driver and the silver-masked man were now stealthily proceeding in his direction.

It seemed that these two were really here for him.

With two of his Puppets, in addition to his will-attack, he was confident that he could definitely kill Hua Xiaoyun. Not only that, if he was fast enough, he could immediately retreat after he succeeded, killing his target without a trace. Yet he had never expected that he would also be a target for others.

“DIE!” Qin Wentian’s third eye madly shot out his will of Mandate, bombarding Hua Xiaoyun’s consciousness. Hua Xiaoyun screamed repeatedly, yet his howls were getting lower and lower in volume. It appeared that he would soon no longer be able to withstand the pressure. Even if Qin Wentian didn’t directly attack him, he would die to this killing energy that was bypassing space.

They were getting nearer—that carriage driver got off, and walked slowly forwards with a hunched back, in perfect disguise. If it weren’t for Qin Wentian’s terrifying perception, he wouldn’t even have known how he’d died.

A crisp, gushing sound rang out, while Qin Wentian’s heart clenched. “Damn!” He knew there was no more time. He could have killed Hua Xiaoyun for sure if he had ten more breaths worth of time.

But sadly, at the climax of his will-attack, the driver chose precisely this moment to act.

Not only that, the will of the driver’s Mandate interfered with his, cutting off his connection with Hua Xiaoyun. It enveloped and bore down onto Qin Wentian, and he felt as though his entire movements were restricted, as if trapped in a web.

As he inclined his head, his third eye had already snapped shut. His gaze flickered with an extremely cold light when he noticed the hunched-back driver suddenly straighten and vanish from sight. An intense burst of killing intent gushed forth, while the will of the driver’s Mandate bound him from where he stood.

Qinger’s silhouette flickered as she instantly appeared in front of Qin Wentian. At this moment Qinger’s body seemed to be radiating a bizarre type of energy, and a breath of time later, the invisible restriction binding Qin Wentian, shattered away.

Waving her palms, a lotus materialized, spinning towards the driver at a terrifying speed. At the same time, she grabbed Qin Wentian and soared into the air.

“Mandate of Space? She’d actually comprehended the Mandate of Space at such a young age.”

An expression of shock reflected in the eyes of the driver.

The Mandate of Space was an extremely oppressive Mandate. Perhaps the first and second boundaries weren’t that powerful, but as one’s comprehension deepens, the power of the Mandate of Space would undoubtedly be the strongest. He had once witnessed for himself how terrifying the Mandate of Space was when he saw an expert using it against his opponents.

That beautiful maiden had actually comprehended such a Mandate, using space as an edge to sever away the will of his Mandate.

However, he wasn’t slow to react, and in the blink of an eye, he too soared skywards, following after Qing`er. At the exact same moment, three other silhouettes burst out of the carriage and flew upwards, closely following after him.

Their movements instantly attracted the attention of those in the tavern. Only then did the relentless attack on Hua Xiaoyun stop. Hua Xiaoyun heaved a sigh of relief, his face was entirely devoid of blood while his body was drenched in the cold sweat of his fearful perspiration.

He too, sensed the eruption of combat nearby, and as he shifted his glance over, his gaze immediately stiffened.

“QIN WENTIAN!” Hua Xiaoyun’s heart pounded madly. He naturally saw Qinger as well—that will-type attack made on him earlier must have been launched by Qinger.

His face contorted with hatred, Hua Xiaoyun hadn’t expected Qin Wentian would actually be hunting him as well.

“Kill him, KILL HIM FOR ME IMMEDIATELY!”

Hua Xiaoyun’s crazed voice thundered in the air. Evidently, he understood that the people fighting against Qin Wentian, were none other than the killers he had hired from the Shadow Pavilion.

“You bunch of trash, YOU BUNCH OF TRASH!!” Hua Xiaoyun raged. The killers he hired had allowed the target to use himself, the hirer, as bait. How despicable.

Qin Wentian’s eyes flickered with a coldness as he saw a long vine coiling around his body. Qing`er’s palms glowed with a faint golden light as she slashed downwards, breaking the vine apart yet the vine instantly multiplied, as it madly shot forwards once more.

Qing`er frowned, her opponent’s attack was extremely troublesome to deal with. It wouldn’t be a problem for her, but Qin Wentian wouldn’t find it as easy as her to get rid of them.

“Hiss…” Suddenly, a bunch of demonic snakes materialized from behind and swept towards Qin Wentian’s back. This attack was unleashed by the female Heavenly Dipper Sovereign, who was none other than the wife of that driver.

The raging wind whistled as a golden-armored Puppet appeared from nowhere. Initially, Qin Wentian planned to use this Puppet to lay an ambush for Hua Xiaoyun, but now, he had no choice but to summon it back.

The sea of snakes were smashed into nothingness as that Madam and the golden-armored Puppet collided with each other. However, in the instant before they clashed, the Madam sent out her palm as a gigantic python materialized in thin air.

Heaven’s Destruction consisted of two Yuanfu cultivators and two Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns. According to their plans, two of them, the master and the madam, would be sufficient to stall Qing`er and the two fourth-ranked Puppets while their two disciples would then easily slaughter Qin Wentian. This was basically money falling from the Heavens.

Yet Qinger’s strength exceeded their expectations. She, who had comprehended the Mandate of Space, could control its form in such a way that the will of other Mandates were unable to penetrate through her protective layer of space, powerless from reaching her and Qin Wentian. To kill Qin Wentian, they would only need to suppress Qinger for a single moment.

“Get over here.” That python wrenched open its huge maw. In the next instant, Qin Wentian only felt a powerful suction force sucking him in that direction.

Although there were some accidents, the protector of Hua Xiaoyun had already blocked a fourth-ranked Puppet for them. It wasn’t that difficult for them to kill Qin Wentian despite their original misjudgement of Qing`er.

Qing`er’s beautiful eyes changed the moment she saw what was happening. After which, a golden lotus bloomed underneath her feet and spun rapidly, becoming increasingly larger, while a mysterious surge of energy emanated from it.

“I can deal with them…” Qinger lightly stated, as the golden lotus enveloped the entire space. Qinger grabbed Qin Wentian’s arms and flew towards the opposite direction.

“Let the golden-armored Puppet aid you,” Qin Wentian added in a low voice. Qing`er glanced back at him after a moment of thought and replied, “Nothing will happen to me.”

Her voice was still cold and aloof, both melodious and crisp, and as the sound of it faded, she pushed Qin Wentian out of the expanding lotus.

After he was pushed out, the petals of the golden lotus came together and closed; it was an extremely beautiful sight.

The golden lotus was half-translucent and one could clearly see everything that happened inside it. The gigantic lotus trapped the two Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns within.

“Mandate of Space, Qing`er is so powerful.”

Qin Wentian murmured, but he had to stop his musings because the other two people hidden inside the carriage from earlier had arrived. An overwhelming killing intent bore down on him, akin to the aura of death.

A brilliant light flashed, a terrifying lance appeared in Qin Wentian’s hands as a blood-colored stone monument floated up in the air above him.

These two attackers weren’t weak; one was at the eighth-level of Yunfu while the other was at the sixth. Qin Wentian could sense an extremely strong threat of danger from the both of them.

“Qin Wentian, you’re dead for sure.” A wretched expression appeared on Hua Xiaoyun’s face. It would be impossible for Qin Wentian to escape even if he were given wings.

Hua Xiaoyun’s protector was still locked down in combat with the bladed Puppet, but with his level of power, he could have broken away from this battle and easily killed Qin Wentian. However, he didn’t dare to. If he broke apart from the combat, this fourth-ranked bladed Puppet would definitely target Hua Xiaoyun. To him, Hua Xiaoyun’s life was the most important thing he had to protect.

“So, he is Qin Wentian?” Shu Ruanyu asked Hua Xiaoyun in an icy voice. The flery red-colored skirt fluttered in the wind as her eyes narrowed, wearing an expression close to hatred when she stared at Qin Wentian.

Zhu Sha, was the husband of her aunt, and according to Yang Fan, Zhu Sha’s death in the secret realm was caused by the youngest, fourth-ranked Grandmaster in the Moon Continent.
“Yeah, he’s Qin Wentian. Does Lady Shu hve a grievance with him?” Hua Xiaoyun laughed, only to see Shu Ruanyu icily fix her stare at him as she remarked, “As a young master of the Hua Clan, you are utterly useless. It’s quite a shameful thing, when compared to your older brother. You didn’t have the capabilities to kill him yourself, so you engaged a band of killers?”

“You…” Hua Xiaoyun’s smile froze upon his face, his expression slowly shifting into one of malevolence.

Chapter 297: Miserable Battle

Currently, the two Yuanfu cultivators of Heaven’s Destruction had already surrounded Qin Wentian.

“Fourth-ranked Divine Weapon.” The eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator stared at the lance in Qin Wentian’s hands—this fellow was too much of a gold mine. Their team had been in the killing business for many years and the majority of their wealth was obtained from their targets. To them, a fourth-ranked Divine Weapon was an extremely extravagant item, and as for fourth-ranked Puppets? There was no need to even talk about it.

If they could accomplish this mission, all these priceless treasures would belong to them.
“Gravity.” The eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator unleashed the will of his Mandate. The Mandate he had comprehended was the first level of the Mandate of Great Earth, Gravity. At the Transformation Boundary, the force of gravity was strengthened by a factor of eight within a particular area.

In an instant, Qin Wentian felt his steps sinking into the ground, his body felt heavier, resulting in his movements becoming awkward.

A terrifying demonic qi surged, as the power in his bloodline howled. He wanted to use his tyrannical physique to make up for the loss of his movement’s speed.

“Boom!” The cultivator at the eighth-level of Yuanfu made his move. A long spear appeared in his hands and unleashed a torrent of stabs so quick that they seemed like a volley of explosive arrows being fired. Using his Mandate of Gravity, he then coated his attacks, giving his spear stabs additional force. If this attack were to land on an opponent, there were only two results possible—either being grievously injured, or death.

The long lance in Qin Wentian’s hands also exploded forwards. Although he wasn’t used to the force of gravity restraining his movements, his arms were still steady. As a radiant black-colored light erupted, the manifestation of a black dragon lunged out, directly clashing against the torrents of stabs unleashed by the spear. BOOOM! A deafening sound thundered, Qin Wentian felt his internal organs vibrating violently from the impact. The will of the Mandate of Gravity travelled through from the vibrations and directly attacked his internal organs, the pain causing him to groan involuntarily.

This guy’s power wasn’t restricted to the combat prowess of what an ordinary cultivator at the eighth-level of Yuanfu would possess. If it weren’t for his tyrannical physique, he would have definitely been seriously injured by his opponent’s strike.

“The fourth-rank Inscription embedded inside this lance is truly troublesome,” Qin Wentian cursed silently, his Astral Energy frenziedly surging into the long lance, forming a connection with the Inscription within. He hadn’t created the fourth-ranked Inscription in this weapon, hence he needed a tremendous amount of Astral Energy before he could even activate a portion of it.

But during actual combat, how could his opponent give him time? Right after his first blow, that eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator immediately followed up with a second spear attack, even more ferocious than the one before.

“Great Earth Tremor.” The spear danced about like a dragon, weaving in spirals as it slammed into the ground. The whole earth trembled in response, as the momentum of the attack caused quakes to rock the entire ground. The eighth-level cultivator had already unleashed his earth-type Astral Soul, imbuing himself with ‘heaviness’ and further augmenting the power of his strikes.

Qin Wentian sliced the skin on his finger, channelling his blood into the Yellow Springs Monument as the monument blasted towards his opponent, interrupting the earth-type innate technique. The sixth-level Yuanfu cultivator didn’t hesitate, instantly sending out his palm and manifesting a ghostly-shadow claw resembling that of an apparition. It flew towards Qin Wentian, intending to lock its fingers onto his throat.

The Great Earth Tremor collided with the stone monument, Qin Wentian shifted his gaze towards his other opponent as their eyes locked for an instant. BOOOOM! In the next instant, the power of their wills collided in the air. Qin Wentian’s heart involuntarily pounded—this guy was capable of unleashing his Mandate’s will through his eyes as well.

The ghostly claw neared, black light shining from all five fingers as it targeted Qin Wentian’s throat.

But in the next moment, an extremely demonic aura gushed forth from Qin Wentian as his primordial bloodline sang in his veins. The quantity of demonic qi released was so colossal that it covered the entire space.

“Sleep-Immersion.” Qin Wentian unleashed the will of his Mandate, causing a heavy bout of drowsiness to instantly assail his opponent.

That ghostly claw missed his throat, and ended up clutching onto his arm instead. Yet, the sixth-level Yuanfu cultivator discovered to his dismay that Qin Wentian’s arm was actually protected by a layer of scaly armor. The armor seemed to be created from demonic qi, and looked especially sturdy.

“Swoosh.” The ghostly claw slashed down and the might it contained actually cracked the demonic armor, causing fresh blood to leak out. Instantly, Qin Wentian countered with his shadow lance, directly stabbing forward at his opponent. The cultivator paled at the sudden attack, and hastily retreated. In the blink of an eye, Qin Wentian executed his Garuda Movement Technique to its utmost limits, as two large Garuda wings took form on his back. His body then shot straight forwards like a fired arrow.

“Puchi.” As the sounds of something being pierced rang out, the shadow lance had already penetrated through the throat of Qin Wentian’s opponent and then withdrawn.

“That level of defence…” Shu Ruanyu who watched from afar, was stunned. Qin Wentian’s entire arm had the complete characteristics of a true demon, its defence was almost beyond belief. And because his stone monument seemed to have a will of its own, blocking the path of the eighth-level Yuanfu Cultivator, it gave Qin Wentian enough time, as well as the opportunity, to finish off this sixth-level Yuanfu opponent.

“JUNIOR BROTHER!” An echo of endless rage reverberated through the air. Abruptly, Qin Wentian felt so much pressure, it was as though his internal organs were caving in. His countenance turned white as he spat out a mouthful of blood, which he hurriedly channelled into the stone monument. Instantly, its crimson glow emanated with more intensity, as it vibrated at an increasing rate, creating several mini-explosions to rock the air. His opponent began to feel pain on an unbearable level.

He was constricted by gravity, while the frenzied blood circulation of his opponent caused his heart to pound madly.

The aura emitted by his shadow lance grew increasingly fearsome. Earlier, when he had stabbed the lance through the throat of the sixth-level Yuanfu opponent, he hadn’t activated the Inscription embedded within it. Only a tremendous amount of Astral Energy being channelled into the fourth-ranked weapon would allow one to unleash its full power. To a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign, they could infuse the weapon with the required energy in the blink of an eye, but Qin Wentian’s cultivation base was still too low, he could only try channelling his energy into that weapon as quickly as possible.

“You are going to die.” His opponent’s earth-type Astral Soul shone brighter and brighter as an Earthen Armor began forming around his body. The eyes of this eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator flared with unspoken hatred as he dashed forwards. Qin Wentian pierced forth with his finger, commanding the stone monument to fly forward while retreating rapidly.

At present, his opponent couldn’t care less. He allowed the vibrating shockwaves caused by the Yellow Stone Monument to freely blast his body. That Earthen Armor effortlessly blunted the majority of the vibrational impact, to the point where there was almost no effect.

“Puchi!” The long spear moved with the speed of lightning, stabbing forth while imbued with the power of gravity. Qin Wentian’s speed was greatly reduced under the effect of gravity increasing by a factor of 8, it was impossible for him to escape.

A terrifying cold light gushed out from his eyes as his Garuda Wings enfolded him. The amount of demonic qi emanating from him at this moment, was so towering that it even reached the skies.

RUMBLE…

Terrifying shockwaves blasted through the haze of demonic qi, that long spear directly penetrating the Garuda Wings. An extremely wretched appearance could be seen on the cultivator’s face as he pushed the spear forward with all his strength. Qin Wentian must die.

“BREAK FOR ME!” the cultivator yelled. The demonic qi dissipated—the Garuda wings were broken apart. When Qin Wentian’s silhouette appeared once again, the long spear had already slammed right into the left side of his chest, just a short distance away from rupturing his heart. However, in that exact same moment when the Garuda Wings broke apart, the shadow lance was already flung out of Qin Wentian’s hands. Its terrifying black light devoured the skies and earth, as the lance’s Inscription activated its tyrannical power.

The hatred etched on the opponent’s face was replaced by untold shock. He instantly reacted by flying backwards, only to feel an explosion down his spine as his vertebrae came close to shattering. The Yellow Spring Monuments slammed into his back with explosive speed, forcing him directly onto the path of the shadow lance’s attack. A sharp, crisp piercing sound resounded—the shadow lance had pierced directly between the brows of the eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator. The ominous energy emitted by the shadow lance rumbled inside the cultivator’s head and an instant later, he exploded into countless fragments.

Qin Wentian wrenched out the long spear embedded in his chest, the fresh blood leaking from his wound stained his robes red. His body trembled slightly, but the light in his eyes remained as cold as ever.

“Has he gone mad?” Shu Ruanyu couldn’t help but feel a chill in her heart when she saw how Qin Wentian fought his battles. A fourth-level Yuanfu Cultivator had actually succeeded in killing two cultivators at the sixth and eighth-level? Although he accomplished that with the aid of his fourth-ranked Divine Weapon and that mysterious stone monument, it was sufficient to show how ruthless Qin Wentian could be, gambling everything for a moment’s advantage. Qin Wentian was extremely terrifying! If that spear had pierced him just a few inches more to the centre, he would already be dead by now.

Of course, her judgement could also tell that even without the fourth-ranked lance and that stone monument, Qin Wentian’s combat prowess was fearsome in its own right, far exceeding the level of his cultivation base. She even speculated on whether he could kill opponents at the sixth-level of Yuanfu without depending on the aid from his two earlier weapons. In any case, Qin Wentian should have exhausted all the Astral Energy in his body, leaving him incapable of activating the fourth-ranked Divine Weapon. It was only to be expected, since after all, he was still only at the fourth-level of Yuanfu.

“Go kill him for me.” Over at a distance, Hua Xiaoyun commanded his protector. His protector was standing in front of him, while a group of Puppets surrounded them, albeit at a distance away. One Puppet was fourth-ranked, while the others were third-ranked.

“Young Master, your safety is more important.” The protector tried to dissuade him.

“You useless shit, what do I need you around for then? You can’t even finish off these Puppets?” Hua Xiaoyun unhappily exclaimed.

“Young Master, I can easily deal with the third-ranked Puppets, but they’re only watching you from far away. As for that fourth-ranked Puppet, it’s tremendously difficult to forge and hence its value is several times higher compared to fourth-ranked Divine Weapons. The attacking-type Divine Inscription embedded in it has power equivalent to that of a Heavenly Sovereign’s innate technique. Its only weakness is that it’s not as nimble as humans. If I didn’t have to protect young master, I naturally could defe…”

The protector didn’t continue his sentence, yet Hua Xiaoyun’s expression darkened considerably. Was his protector trying to say that he was useless?

“No worries, let me settle the third-ranked Puppets for you.” A voice drifted over, and they turned to see a person, whose features were cloaked in a silver-mask, dashing towards the third-ranked Puppets. As his sword left his scabbard, a cold light flashed. A Puppet raised its arms in defence but all was useless before the sharpness of his attacks.

Swift, extremely swift. His sword sliced through their metal bodies as easily as if they were made of paper. The third-ranked Puppet was instantly split apart into two.

“What a terrifying sword.” The protector of Hua Xiaoyun marvelled, he wondered where had this peak-level Yuanfu expert come from.

Yet, Qin Wentian’s gaze stiffened. These third-ranked Puppets just weren’t powerful enough compared to the golden guardians in the secret realm, be it in terms of defence or offense.

And wasn’t this silver-masked figure acquainted with the carriage driver? To think that his combat prowess would be so high.

“You will die for certain.” Shu Ruanyu moved towards Qin Wentian. “It’s obvious that the silver-masked guy is here for you and that he wanted those four assassins to kill you. But in the end, you were stronger than expected. He will surely come to kill you the moment the other Puppets are defeated, and without your last trump cards where does that leave you?” Shu Ruanyu smiled coldly.

“Do I even know you?” Qin Wentian stared at the beauty in front of him, it didn’t seem that he had met her before.

“You don’t need to. It’s good enough if I know you. Since you’re going to die here anyway, then you might as well DIE BY MY HANDS!” Shu Ruanyu’s Astral Souls rumbled as a silhouette covered in flames materialized.

During combat, the majority of Stellar Martial Cultivators at the Yuanfu level would automatically release their third Astral Souls, with the third one being the strongest. Shu Ruanyu’s third Astral Soul hailed from the 4th Heavenly Layer, and the flames surrounding it gave rise to a terrifying temperature.

“Are you so confident that you can kill me?” An ice-cold intent shot forth from Qin Wentian’s eyes as the demonic qi he emanated grew increasingly stronger.

“Stop acting, the majority of the Astral Energy within your Yuanfu must have already been depleted. You can’t even activate the fourth-ranked Divine Weapon any more,” Shu Ruanyu faintly spoke, yet her words contained a thick sense of arrogance.

Since it had come to this, she would be the one to avenge her aunt’s husband, Zhu Sha!

Chapter 298: Madness

“And given your current injuries, even though your normal rate of recovery might be astounding, but now the speed of your wounds healing should still be affected.” Shu Ruanyu glanced again at the spot where the long spear had pierced past. If that spear throw had been a little more accurate, or if Qin Wentian’s was just a bit slower in killing his opponent, he would have already died.

Qin Wentian’s recovery was indeed extremely powerful, the blood within his body gurgled, as his wounds had already stopped bleeding.

Qin Wentian glanced at the fourth-ranked weapon in his hands, what Shu Ruanyu said was true, attempting to use this weapon in his current state would indeed be an immense burden on his body. With a slight intention of his will, Qin Wentian kept the shadow lance, his actions causing Shu Ruanyu to be somewhat stunned.

She glanced at him as an arrogant light glinted in her eyes. “I’ll let you die knowing the truth. The man you killed, Zhu Sha, he was my aunt’s husband.”
“ROAR!” The low-sounding growl of a beast resounded in the air. Shu Ruanyu frowned and turning her gaze over, seeing a gigantic demonic beast galloping towards her. Several silhouettes were riding on top of the demonic beast, and one of them was an acquaintance of hers. A Heavenly Fate Ranker, Bailu Jing.

“Huh?”

Not far away, the silver-masked figure was destroying those third-ranked Puppets, he had expected Qin Wentian would die undoubtedly yet he didn’t think that there would be complications once again. Seems like if he didn’t personally make a move, there was no way for the mission to succeed.
Bailu Jing wasn’t someone Shu Ruanyu would be able to defeat.
His sword intent pervaded the air and instantly, the silver-masked swordsman sped over as he unleashed his will from the Mandate of Sword. Qin Wentian felt a terrifying sword intent gushing into his body, as though he would be lacerated apart at any second.

Bailu Jing flew up in the air as his Hurricane and Seven Slaughters Astral Soul exploded into being. His movements blended into the wind as he rose into the clouds, his killing intent covering the whole skies. Unleashing his Great Sun Nine Beheadings technique, the sword intent was dispersed into nothingness, cancelled out by the power of his attack.

“Who are you?” Bailu Jing stared at the silver-masked swordsman, yet he didn’t receive a reply. The silver-masked swordsman slashed out once more with his sword, but he didn’t release his Astral Souls to augment his attack. It was as though he feared that he would be recognized.

“Shu Ruanyu, I’ll make you move faster.” That silver-masked figure exchanged blows with Bailu Jing, entangling him in a fight while he shouted to Shu Ruanyu.

Shu Ruanyu nodded as flames erupted out from her body. The surroundings became so scorched that Qin Wentian felt as though his body was about to burst into flames.

The first level insights of the Mandate of Flames, Ignition. Not only that, Shu Ruanyu’s had already mastered her first level insight up to the Transformation Boundary, and so her flame attacks were exceedingly ferocious.

“The figure of this woman is not bad at all, she seems pretty yummy,” Fan Le murmured, his words causing Shu Ruanyu’s expression to instantly turn to frost. A murderous urge shone in her eyes, yet Fan Le didn’t care at all. He even narrowed his eyes and purposely directed his gaze onto those voluptuous boobs of hers, roaming over it several times while licking his lips. His actions caused the flames surrounding her to crackle even more intensely.
“You’re courting death,” Shu Ruanyu’s tender voice thundered. She took a step forwards as her jade-like hands slammed out, manifesting a blazing palm imprint directly towards Qin Wentian, Fan Le and Chu Mang.
Qin Wentian released both his Heavenly Hammer and Great Dream Astral Soul. Although the radiance of his Astral Souls were dimmed by his cloaking technique, the shine around it was still extremely resplendent.

Unleashing the will of his Mandates, Qin Wentian’s blood surged as the demonic qi he exuded soared up to the skies. Strength against strength, he took a step forward and slammed forth a palm of his own. Runic outlines of a Great Roc coalesced and intertwined, instantly transforming into a corporeal Great Roc, directly colliding with the blazing palm.
Not only that, the Yellow Springs Monument also kicked into action. It flew towards Shu Ruanyu, while the waves of pressure it emitted caused her blood circulation and heartbeat to quicken.

“Big Bro Mang, Flame On!”

Fan Le’s Empyrean Flames bloodline boiled as golden flames flickered into existence all around his body. Channeling the energy of his blood into his hand, he pressed his palm down onto Chu Mang’s back, causing Chu Mang’s body to light up with the golden flames as well.
As his Astral Souls were unleashed, Chu Mang howled in madness, pulling on the strings of his bow and explosively firing three arrows simultaneously.

Shu Ruanyu furrowed her brows, the Astral Light emitted by her flame-type Astral Soul shone upon her as an armor of flame took form, cloaking her entire figure.

“BOOM!” A powerful force pierced right into the armor of flame and the jolt from the impact forced Shu Ruanyu backwards in retreat. Qin Wentian rose into the air, appearing to be channeling his energy.

Within his body, he was converting Divine Energy from third-ranked Divine Inscriptions. Currently, one of his Yuanfu had already dried up, and so he was channeling the majority of Astral Energy remaining inside his second Yuanfu, transforming it into a formidable tempest of combat-type Divine Inscriptions.

Although it was impossible for him to inscribe fourth-ranked Inscriptions during intense combat to deal with his enemies, if he could unleash a boundless amount of third-ranked combat Divine Inscription, fuse them together in an instant, then the resulting power of that strike was definitely something Shu Ruanyu couldn’t defend against. This reckless method of attacking was too crazed, like sacrificing eight hundred allied troops to kill a thousand enemy troops. It would be a pyrrhic victory, as the amount of expenditure with regards to Astral Energy was so astronomical that even the word terrifying wasn’t sufficient to describe it.

But now, he had to try. Having access to Divine Energy as well as three Yuanfu was his advantage.

“Chi, chi, chi…”
An endless volley of arrows landed on Shu Ruanyu’s body. At such a close-distance, there was no way she could accurately block all the arrows that were fired in insta-speed. Especially those annoying arrows that could change their direction, they were extremely troublesome to deal with. Fan Le didn’t attack directly. He used his powerful intention to control the direction of Chu Mang’s shot, always changing the trajectory of the fired arrows at the last moment, greatly confusing Shu Ruanyu.

In just a few breaths of time, Shu Ruanyu’s facehad turned red from all her exertions. She kept feeling a peculiar sensation coming from an area around her voluptuous chest.

Fan Le was actually controlling the arrows to repeatedly slam onto her breasts. Although she was shielded by the armor of flames, such an attack provoked her into a crazed state of fury.
Qin Wentian perspired madly in his heart when he saw the target of the arrows’ attack. This damn fatty was truly a genius, he wanted to drive this woman to her death just from anger.

But still, that flame armor of Shu Ruanyu’s was definitely the product of an innate technique. If not, how could Chu Mang’s combat prowess—being at the sixth-level of Yuanfu and in addition to his terrifying archery—fail to have pierced through armor made of Astral Energy?

The glow around the flame armor gradually grew brighter, the light from Shu Ruanyu’s Astral Soul cascaded unceasingly down upon it. Her aura now had a menacing quality to it, and as she stepped forwards, the will of her Mandate was reinforced, causing Qin Wentian to feel that his body was about to combust.

However, Qin Wentian continued to channel his Astral Energy. To buy himself time, he decisively slammed a palm towards the injured area of his chest, causing blood to splatter which he channelled into the stone monument. The crimson glow strengthened, and so did its pressure. The waves of tension soared upwards in intensity, boring down onto Shu Ruanyu.
“Ruanyu!” Just at that moment, a stream of light shot forth from behind her, the palms of this silhouette made a grasping motion, as the terrifying might from the Star-Seizing Palm Imprint grabbed towards Qin Wentian.

“Yang Fan.” Qin Wentian countenance sank, and he retreated with explosive speed. In spite of his this, that overwhelming palm imprint still managed to slam into his body, the impact making Qin Wentian cough up blood as he was flung through the air.

“COURTING DEATH!” Yang Fan roared, his eyes were like lightning, as he blasted forth with his Star-Seizing Palms towards Fan Le and Chu Mang. The shrill whistling of the countless arrows all disintegrated under the might of his palm strike. A deafening sound rumbled the void as Fan Le and Chu Mang, were similarly flung through the air.
Compared to the rankers on the Heavenly Fate Ranking, the disparity between them and Chu Mang and Fan Le was indeed too far apart.

“Return!” Qin Wentian’s aura circulated, and as the word of his command rang out, that fourth-ranked bladed Puppet dashed right towards Yang Fan with unbelievable speed. Yang Fan was apprehensive—, that Puppet’s arm slash was compacted with such power that it even tore apart space.

Currently, a brutal, murderous light shone in Qin Wentian’s eyes. He no longer gave a damn who his opponent was. Since things had already come to this, there was no need to show any more mercy.

“Bring me there, and you go kill him!” Hua Xiaoyun screeched the moment he saw the fourth-ranked Puppet retreating. That protector nodded his head and grabbed Hua Xiaoyun as they flew through the air. But before that sovereign could make his move, Qin Wentian already acted. An extremely cold light flickered in Qin Wentian eyes as his silhouette flickered, only a blurry image could be seen as he shuttled towards Shu Ruanyu.
When Shu Ruanyu saw Qin Wentian take the initiative to move towards her, an expression of extreme rage flashed through her eyes. The flames coating her palms intensified to the point it resembled molten lava, containing a blistering hot aura.

“Swish.” A violent wind kicked up as Qin Wentian erupted forth towards Shu Ruanyu.

“You’re seeking death.” Those molten, lava-like palms blasted out, aiming straight for Qin Wentian. The heat generated was so intense that it felt capable of burning even the Heavens.
Simultaneously, Qin Wentian slammed forth with both his palms as well. At that instant, his Yuanfu rumbled as the Astral Energy within was being frenziedly channeled through his arterial pathways. An overwhelming amount of Divine Inscriptions fused together and erupted outwards at the same time, manifesting into a gigantic sword of massacres as well as a terrifyingly gargantuan Roc, whose wings blotted out the sun.

The aura of destruction engulfed Shu Ruanyu, and she felt utter helplessness in the face of such a devastating attack. She unleashed a torrent of palm strikes, hoping to break apart the manifestations of the fused Inscriptions, but in the face of such impending danger, she had long forgotten about the Yellow Springs Monument. The monument explosively slammed into her, causing Shu Ruanyu to moan in agony as she involuntarily coughed out a mouthful of blood, her armor of flames finally shattering into fragments.
In the midst of that tempest of destruction, she could only see a single pair of demonic-looking eyes. And as their eyes met, she felt her mind being jolted by a powerful sense of electricity.

“SCRAM!” Although Shu Ruanyu anticipated that Qin Wentian would use this moment to initiate his attack, but what she hadn’t expected was how fierce his counterattack would be. If not, she would never have made the choice to enter close-combat against him.

“Chi…” A mouthful of boiling blood from Qin Wentian, splattered onto Shu Ruanyu’s face, causing her to instinctively close her eyes. In the next instant, a pair of palms filled with a terrifying energy directly slammed right into her chest, as waves of destruction were frenziedly channelled right into her body.
“BZZZ!” The violent flames combusted, Qin Wentian’s body was burning together as well.
“Do you wish to perish together?” A voice akin to the frost of winter penetrated through Shu Ruanyu’s mind, causing her heart to tremble. Qin Wentian didn’t take pity on her and relentlessly continued, grabbing her with one hand and slamming palm strikes into her with the other, each blow forcing more blood to flow out from her lips.

“RELEASE HER!”

A voice filled with incomparable rage thundered out. As the fourth-ranked bladed Puppet gave up on entangling Hua Xiaoyun’s protector and dashed towards Yang Fan back then, Qin Wentian had already caught hold of Shu Ruanyu. To those viewing from the side, it appeared as though Qin Wentian was hugging Shu Ruanyu in a tight embrace.
Witnessing such a scene, how could Yang Fan not be angered? Shu Ruanyu’s beautiful eyes widened in fright, as her countenance trembled.

She initially had an opportunity to break the hold, but the moment Qin Wentian’s words penetrated through her mind—“Do you wish to perish together?”—caused a slight moment of hesitation in her actions. Qin Wentian didn’t stand on ceremony and even took the opportunity to launch a few more attacks against her, suppressing her completely.

Similarly, Qin Wentian was also grievously injured. If he hadn’t made that desperate gamble on his life, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to suppress Shu Ruanyu at all. And now, the Astral Energy within the three Yuanfu in his body was all almost dried up. Only the Yuanfu corresponding with the Demon Sovereign still had Astral Energy left within it. But, considering this kind of intense battle, the amount of energy he had left wouldn’t be able to sustain him for much longer.
“You are Zhan Chen.” Bailu Jing’s voice suddenly cut through the void.

Qin Wentian’s eyes grew incomparably frigid as he gazed at the silver-masked swordsman, before shifting his gaze onto Yang Fan and Hua Xiaoyun who were near the surroundings.

It seemed like these Moon Continent people could no longer tolerate his existence. But, then again, what did he have to fear?!

As he thought of this, a harsh glint of ruthlessness flashed past his eyes!

Chapter 299: Only to kill you

Zhan Chen, a Heaven’s Chosen from the Pill Emperor Hall.

Yang Fan, a Heaven’s Chosen from the Star-Seizing Manor.

Hua Xiaoyun, even though he was nothing, his elder brother was Hua Taixu, the number one ranked on the Heavenly Fate Ranking.

These people all hated him. And from Zhan Chen’s perspective, death was the best keeper of secrets, and he wanted to silence Qin Wentian for all eternity.
Maybe in Yang Fan’s eyes, it didn’t matter if Qin Wentian existed or not, but since they happened to meet each other here, he might as well finish him off.

If that was the case, this meant that he could no longer stay in the Moon Continent. Since he could no longer stay here, why fear?
“Hehe.” Qin Wentian inclined his head, laughing mirthlessly, as he saw Hua Xiaoyun’s protector dashing his way, “If you don’t wish for her to die, you had better stand there obediently and not move a muscle.”

“What has she got to do with me?” Hua Xiaoyun’s protector coldly replied.

“You should say that to Yang Fan, not me.” Qin Wentian continued laughing coldly. Hua Xiaoyun’s protector froze, he no longer dared to act recklessly. Yang Fan would definitely not spare Qin Wentian if he truly killed this woman. Even a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign such as him wouldn’t be able to evade the arms of the Star-Seizing Manor and would be swept up in Yang Fan’s rage.

“Release her, and the grudge between us shall come to an end,” Yang Fan icily stated.

“Make your move if you wish to. You only wish to settle the grudge between us now?” Qin Wentian’s frigid stare swept over Yang Fan. Release Shu Ruanyu? He might not even live to walk out of the Moon Continent.
He was vastly more experienced compared to before, so how could he believe the lies of his enemies so easily?

“Little Rascal, come here.” Qin Wentian gazed at Little Rascal, and within moments, Little Rascal dashed over with Fan Le and Chu Mang on its back.

“Release me.” Shu Ruanyu felt incomparably embarrassed at this moment. Qin Wentian held her tightly with his arms locked around her, their bodies glued to each other.

“Miss Shu is such a great joker.” Qin Wentian’s palm wavered as he slammed yet another palm strike into Shu Ruanyu. The terrifying might of that strike gushed inside her body, Shu Ruanyu’s body was involuntarily wrecked with pain.

“Didn’t Miss Shu want to kill me earlier? Stop saying things to make me laugh.” Qin Wentian diabolically grinned. Yang Fan expression turned grim and forbidding, the towering rage he exuded was palpable in the air.

He was feeling extraordinary shame and humiliation; Shu Ruanyu was his fiancee, yet she was locked in Qin Wentian’s grasp and subjected to his every whims and desire.

“If you dare to touch her again, no matter how slightly, I guarantee you won’t live to see tomorrow,” Yang Fan threatened.

“Being able to die with a beauty in my arms? I have no further regrets,” Qin Wentian sarcastically replied, no fear in his eyes.

Qin Wentian’s searing gaze swept through the space and landed on the silver-masked swordsman, before shifting back to Yang Fan as he smiled, “However, Yang Fan, your feelings for this woman seem genuine. At the very least, you are unlike Zhan Chen. You are many times better compared to him.”

“BZZZ!:

At the sound of his voice faded, a sword beam immediately slashed his way. Bailu Jing jumped in front of him to deflect the sudden attack, as Qin Wentian coldly laughed, “Seems like you are really Zhan Chen.”

The eyes of the silver-masked swordsman stiffened, knowing in his heart that he just fell for the trap. Qin Wentian then continued, “Zhan Chen, in the secret realm you were afraid to cross that barrier, hence you fed a medicinal pellet to your companion that would ignite her potential and force her to do your bidding. Eventually, you would have forced her to trigger the traps which would have resulted in her death. Yet, this secret of yours was discovered by me, and because you were too anxious to silence me, you became careless.”
After Qin Wentian’s voice had dissipated in the air, the crowd all word dumbfounded expressions on their faces as extreme shock rocked their hearts.

Zhan Chen was the one that personally killed his own companion?
Since Zhan Chen wanted to kill him so much, there was no need to keep this matter a secret any longer. Let’s see how he would explain the incident to the Pill Emperor Palace upon his return later on.

“That pitiful woman, despite knowing you have the heart of the wolf, she willingly consumed that medicinal pill and died for you. Zhan Chen, do you even have any remaining shreds of conscience in that blackened heart of yours?” Qin Wentian coldly stated. The silver-masked swordsman halted his actions, not daring to launch another attack. If he continued forward, it would erase all doubts that his identity was Zhan Chen.

Also, that would mean that there was truth behind Qin Wentian’s words.

Zhan Chen would never admit the fact outright, so even if the hatred within him had reached its boiling point, he would still choose to tolerate it. After all no one had seen his true self before, and as the perfect gentleman, Zhan Chen naturally wouldn’t stoop to actions like this, killing people to silence them.

However, in his heart, he had just sentenced Qin Wentian to death.

“Brother Jing, if in the future Zhan Chen makes a move against you, it can only mean that this silver-masked guy in front of us, is the very man himself.” Qin Wentian coldly smiled. Since Zhan Chen chose not to admit his past deeds, Qin Wentian would add even more coal into the fire. In future, if Zhan Chen dared to act rashly against him, it would mean confessing that he had done all that Qin Wentian claimed. If that happened, even the Pill Emperor Hall wouldn’t help him.
This breath of vengeance, Zhan Chen would only temporarily hold it in. He would never admit it was him even if he had to die, and the very fact of him coming masked to kill Qin Wentian was already sufficient to condemn him should his true identity be found out.

At this moment, his hatred for Qin Wentian could reach to the skies.

“You are dead for sure,” Hua Xiaoyun sneered as the expression on his face became increasingly wretched. Qin Wentian must be a madman; holding Yang Fan’s fiancee hostage and then exposing Zhan Chen’s secret. Whether or not his claims were true, Zhan Chen would absolutely seek his death.
There was no need for Zhan Chen to admit to his identity as the masked figure, or even to react to Qin Wentian’s accusation. He only had to declare that Qin Wentian was maliciously slandering him, and then no one would bat an eye if he chose to slay Qin Wentian.
Without a doubt, Qin Wentian was dead.

Qin Wentian didn’t bother himself with Hua Xiaoyun; he was staring in the direction of Qinger’s battle. Moments later, cracks appeared on the surface of the half-translucent golden lotus, as Qinger appeared once more.

That golden-armored Puppet was already destroyed, and the reason for its destruction was because it worked together with Qing`er to slay that enemy female who was also at the Heavenly Dipper level.
Using a Puppet in exchange for the life of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign? Worth it.

Three out of four members of Heaven’s Destruction had already died, their assassination mission this time around had been a disaster.

And as for that remaining carriage driver, his eyes were filled with killing intent billowing stronger and stronger as he stared hatefully at Qing`er. Of all four in Heaven’s Destruction, his level of power was the highest.

“Go first,” Qinger’s melodious voice rang out. Qin Wentian knew that Qinger was talking to him.

“Nothing will happen to me.” Seeing Qin Wentian remaining motionless, Qing`er reiterated again, her voice brimming with a quiet confidence.

“I’m not worried about him,” Qin Wentian replied.

Qinger’s beautiful eyelashes fluttered. Qin Wentian couldn’t care less about the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign from the Heaven’s Destruction. He was more worried about the other powers from the Moon Continent, for example, the Star-Seizing Manor joining forces to kill Qinger.

“My master has given me a life-saving treasure…”

This time around, Qing`er’s voice directly channeled into Qin Wentian’s ears, as an expression of understanding flashed on his face.

Yeah, Qinger was Fairy Qingmei’s favorite disciple, how could she not have a few life-saving treasures on her? When Fairy Qingmei sent Qinger to protect him, she would have anticipated a few occasions where Qing`er might be in danger herself.

“Fine, I’ll kill one more before I leave,” Qin Wentian faintly replied, after which his gaze shifted into the direction of Hua Xiaoyun.

Because Hua Xiaoyun commanded his protector to bring him over to kill Qin Wentian earlier, his distance wasn’t that far away now from Qin Wentian’s current position. Currently, Qin Wentian’s fourth-ranked bladed Puppet was stationed in front of them, monitoring their actions.
Qin Wentian’s eyes were filled with a fearsome glacial light, and just a single glance caused Hua Xiaoyun’s soul to freeze. At this moment. Qin Wentian was helpless to defend himself, yet he was still thinking of killing him?
Fan Le and Chu Mang had completed their preparations, and arrows were already nocked in their bows, ready to be fired at a moment’s notice.

The countenance of Hua Xiaoyun’s protector sunk, grabbing Hua Xiaoyun as he begun to rapidly retreat. At the same time, the fourth-ranked bladed Puppet also rushed out.
Qing`er seemingly understood Qin Wentian’s intentions. With a wave of her hands, the will of her Mandate of Space flooded out, creating an invisible spatial wall in front of the space where Hua Xiaoyun and his protector were rushing towards to, causing the protector to slam into it. An instant’s delay, but the time it bought was already sufficient for the bladed Puppet to catch up.

Little Rascal’s silhouette flickered as it dashed towards Hua Xiaoyun with Qin Wentian and the rest on its back.
The purpose of Qin Wentian’s visit to the Moon Continent was to slay Hua Xiaoyun. Now that Hua Xiaoyun was so near to him, how could he not seize this opportunity?

“You’re crazy!” Hua Xiaoyun howled as he saw Qin Wentian getting nearer and nearer. Hua Xiaoyun’s protector fended off the attacks of the bladed Puppet, and just as he was about to send forth a palm strike, he froze in mid-motion when he saw Shu Ruanyu being used as Qin Wentian’s shield. If he attacked, the first one to die would be Shu Ruanyu.
“SCRAM!” With a roar of wrath, the protector slammed both his palms containing an overwhelming might onto the head of the bladed Puppet. In the next instant, something inside the Puppet cracked, and it began to tremble, as though it were imploding within.

At the same time, Qin Wentian’s third eye appeared, radiating a golden light right into the eyes of Hua Xiaoyun.

Hua Xiaoyun’s mind rumbled as he started in fear. The one that attacked him before wasn’t Qing`er, but was Qin Wentian instead?
“BOOOOM!” His mind felt as though it were about to explode. Desperately clutching his head with his arm, Hua Xiaoyun howled in crazed agony. At the same time, a volley of arrows rained down upon them, and the protector’s countenance drastically changed. With a huge roar, he released one of his palms from the Puppet and slammed it skywards, the might contained within exploded outwards, destroying the entire volley of arrows fired at them. It wasn’t so easy for him to finally have a chance to destroy that damnable Puppet, but in order to save Hua Xiaoyun’s life, he had no choice but to halt his destruction of the Puppet.

“ARGHH!”

That protector suddenly lets out a bloodcurdling scream. Qin Wentian’s mind imprint had not completely faded away yet. At the same instant of that protector’s attempt at defense, he had commanded the Puppet to pierce its arms forward, impaling the protector and skewering their bodies.

“RUMBLEEEEEE~” The fourth-ranked Puppet self-destructed, the immolation engulfing the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign together in a sea of fire.
The creator of this fourth-ranked Puppet was too vicious; he actually hid a mechanism for self-destruction that would activate just before the Puppet was destroyed.

“HUA XIAOYUN!”

A roar thundered out, so loud that it could tremble the Heavens. Hua Xiaoyun forced himself to open his eyes through a haze of pain only to see Qin Wentian’s finger piercing forwards. Right at that instant, boundless amounts of demonic qi spiralled about, gushing outwards, causing the entire space to darken. As that finger descended, the whole region was engulfed in an instant of darkness. The demonic qi was breaking apart the heavens!
“I journeyed to the Moon Continent for one purpose and one purpose only. I came here to kill you.”

Hua Xiaoyun’s mind was in a state of blankness, only the icy voice of Qin Wentian kept reverberating within.

Did he come all the way to the Moon Continent just to kill him?

“Chi!”

The Heaven Breaking Finger directly penetrated through Hua Xiaoyun’s head, instantly reaping his life.
Although he wasn’t that proficient in the Heaven Breaking Finger yet, his level of prowess was more than sufficient to slay Hua Xiaoyun with an attack that could penetrate through space.

Only Hua Xiaoyun’s death would be sufficient atonement for what he did to Qingcheng. Qin Wentian spared nothing and sacrificed everything in Chu just to chase Hua Xiaoyun all the way to the Moon Continent, if for nothing else but to slay him.

The instant the Heaven Breaking Finger landed, Little Rascal had already turned and blasted off at top speed.

“Ugh…” Hua Xiaoyun’s protector finally walked out of that sea of immolation. His body was horribly burned and embedded with countless bladed fragments.

That fourth-ranked bladed Puppet was no more, but he paid his life to kill it. And Hua Xiaoyun, the one he was supposed to protect, had already died. He had to escape now; the protector didn’t even have the slightest inclination to kill Qin Wentian any more. He could only think about how to preserve his life. Since Hua Xiaoyun, a person of the direct lineage of Hua Clan had died under his protection, Hua Xiaoyun’s parents and elder brother would surely take out their fury on him. He had to escape now!

The battle today could be said to have been extremely devastating—all of Qin Wentian’s Puppets were destroyed, and he was also grievously injured in the process.

Yang Fan stepped out, chasing after Qin Wentian who wanted to escape, as he icily stated, “Release my companion.”

“If you dare to pursue, try me and see if I don’t dare to kill her. Let me go now and I, Qin Wentian, guarantee I won’t harm a single hair on her head.” Qin Wentian’s voice drifted over.

“How can I trust you?”

“As his friend, I can vouch for the veracity of his character. He will definitely release Shu Ruanyu. You can take my life if he really kills her,” Bailu Jing added. Qin Wentian was extremely moved—to allow Qin Wentian to leave with no impediments, Bailu Jing stepped out and made a promise with his life on the line.
How could Zhan Chen, a chosen who was ranked #11, be unable to defeat Bailu Jing? It was because Qin Wentian seized the initiative and called him out, resulting in Zhan Chen not daring to release his Astral Souls nor use his strongest innate techniques. Without using his full strength, he found it impossible to overpower Bailu Jing and hence had been locked in combat with him up till now, neither side gaining the advantage over the other.
“Fine, Qin Wentian, you better remember this. If anything happens to Shu Ruanyu, Bailu Jing and Bailu Yi will definitely die.” The coldness of Yang Chen’s voice was bone-chillingly cold.

“I, Qin Wentian, am a man of my words. Be that as it may, Yang Fan and Zhan Chen, I will definitely remember all that has happened today.” The silhouette of Little Rascal soared through the skies and vanished in the horizon. Yang Fan halted his steps, staring into the distance.
All things considered, Qin Wentian was fortunate to barely survive. The appearance of Bailu Jing and Bailu Yu was a good indicator of the White Deer Institute’s acceptance of him, but if he hadn’t decided to take a gamble and hold Shu Ruanyu hostage, then Yang Fan alone would be enough to hold him back!