Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 325

Chapter 325: Murderous Urges

Ignoring the darkened countenance of Yue Bingying, Qin Wentian walked over to the place where Fan Le and the others were.

In this case, since Fan Le’s party had the added combat power of Qin Wentian, it was undoubtedly many times stronger. With the combat prowess Qin Wentian just exhibited, he should be able to fight evenly with Li Shiyu who had a cultivation base at the eighth level of Yuanfu.

Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, Fan Le; four men against Li Shiyu’s party.

Their overall strength didn’t lose out in the slightest.

The Mystic Maiden Palace didn’t have absolute odds of victory.

The spectators at the side all had expressions of interest on their faces. Qin Wentian was only at the fifth level of Yuanfu when he stepped into the Unmatched Realm, and now that he had already broken through to the sixth level, his combat prowess was so strong to the extent that it was unbelievable. His rate of improvement was shockingly too fast.

Ouyang Ting involuntarily trembled in her heart when she saw how much Qin Wentian’s strength had grown. If based on her own strength, then it meant she would be unable to avenge her hatred forever. Unless of course she borrowed the strength of her Ouyang Clan, but if she chose to do so, Ouyang Kuangsheng would definitely stop her.

“Li Shiyu, open your eyes wide and see—this is my brother, Qin Wentian. And the ones standing before you; myself, Qin Wentian, Chu Mang and Fan Le, which of us can’t be compared to the members from your Mystic Maiden Palace?” Ouyang Kuangsheng laughed as he continued, “Xuan Xin and Fan Le are both mutually in love, and their union will not disgrace your sect. Although Fatty Fan Le isn’t as handsome as I am, his talent is truly the cream of the crop. If Xuan Xin’s husband were to be chosen by your sect, the male candidate might not even be able to match up to Fan Le.”

“Hey, are you helping me or debasing me?” Fan Le grinned. Ouyang Kuangsheng’s mouth was too nonsensical. He, Fan Le, was suave and elegant, what did Ouyang Kuangsheng mean by saying he wasn’t as good looking as him?

“Hmph.” Li Shiyi coldly snorted. No matter how she viewed Fan Le, she couldn’t find him pleasing to the eye. Maybe if Xuan Xin had chosen Ouyang Kuangsheng or Qin Wentian, she would be able to accept it. But really? Fan Le?

“Is there no one else from the Sword Extinction Sect or Azure Emperor Palace?”

Li Shiyu helplessly glanced around her for help. Earlier, Qin Wentian forcefully dominated Lin Haotian and the two others from the Sword Extinction Sect and even dared to bash up Yue Bingying. She didn’t believe that the two sects would simply swallow this down.

Obviously, Li Shiyu didn’t have the confidence to fight against Qin Wentian with just her members alone. She wanted an alliance with the Sword Extinction Sect and Azure Emperor Palace before she made her move.

“No need.”

From afar, a cold and detached voice drifted over. As the crowds turned their gaze over, the expressions on their faces all froze. They saw an extraordinary-looking figure flying over— he, who was always gentle and normally quiet, was actually exuding such killing intent that those who felt it involuntarily shuddered.

He appeared so fast? In that case, Qin Wentian was surely dead.

Situ Po instantly approached Yue Bingying. Stretching his hands outwards, he wiped away the traces of blood on the corner of her lips as he asked in a gentle voice, “How are your injuries?”

“I’m still okay, cough cough….” Yue Bingying’s face lost all hints of color. She turned to Situ Po and sobbed, “He said I’m a prostitute, selling myself to you just to use your name.”

“Nonsense. I’ll make sure nobody dares to say such nonsense ever again.” Situ Po gently caressed Yue Bingying’s hair as a tender smile flashed in his eyes.

“Mhm” Yue Bingying lightly nodded. Following which, Situ Po’s gaze turned upon Lin Haotian and the two other swordsmen. The three from the Sword Extinction Sect all lowered their heads, they didn’t dare to look Situ Po in the eyes. They had lost to Qin Wentian miserably, and thus lost all prestige of the Sword Extinction Sect.

“Be careful, Situ Po is truly terrifying, He has two Mandates at the Perfection Boundary and a third one at the Transformation Boundary. His combat prowess can definitely be ranked among those at the pinnacle of Yuanfu. If his opponent doesn’t have any Mandates at the Perfection Boundary, even someone at the peak of Yuanfu would similarly be suppressed.”

Ouyang Kuangsheng warned in a low voice, his words causing Qin Wentian’s gaze to turn heavy.

Qin Wentian was decisive when it came to doing things. So what if Situ Po came? He had a Mandate at the Perfection Boundary at the sixth level of Yuanfu. Even when faced against someone of the eighth level who also had a Mandate at the Perfection Boundary, he could still fight evenly against that person, and might even win.

However, Situ Po was a character similar to him, also obtaining access to all thirty-six Dao-Cultivation Halls. He had two Mandates at the Perfection Boundary and a third one at the peak of the Transformation Boundary. The combat prowess of such a character would definitely be beyond terrifying, and couldn’t be treated like an ordinary cultivator at the eighth level of Yuanfu. Even treating Situ Po as someone with a cultivation base at the ninth level wouldn’t do justice to his combat prowess.

Situ Po soared up to the skies, shifting his gaze onto Qin Wentian and the others before adding in a calm voice, “All of you can come at me together.”

The expressions of the crowd faltered. This was arrogance, true arrogance. But there was no doubt it, Situ Po did have the capabilities to act this way.

Maybe, he wanted all of them to come at him together because Situ Po didn’t want to be known as someone that bullied weaklings. After all, his cultivation base was two levels higher compared to Qin Wentian.

“How arrogant.” Fan Le stared at the silhouette standing in the air. He naturally had already heard of Situ Po’s name. Before Qin Wentian had appeared, he was the demon-level talent that had caused tsunami-sized commotions in the Unmatched Realm. In half a year’s time, Situ Po would join the challenge for the top ranked positions of the Heavenly Fate Ranking. His strength had already reached such a level now, so how much stronger could he potentially become in six months?

“Let me test out his strength.”

Chu Mang spoke, and as the sound of his voice faded, an Astral Bow materialised in his hands.

“Swish!” Resplendent arrows fired forth, the speed so fast that it was impossible to even track the trajectory with the naked eye.

Peng…

The arrows landed directly on Situ Po’s chest, and the eyes of the crowd widened at their power. However, their faces were soon covered with incredulous disbelief, once they realised Situ Po continued to stand there unmoving. He hadn’t even been forced back by the force of the continuous arrows attack. A rotating blob of light could be seen in front of Situ Po’s chest—it appeared to be like an armor of stonelight, yet, after defending against the attack, it instantly vanished.

Even arrows used with insta-shot would be unable to break apart his defense. Such power was akin to when Qin Wentian used his bare hands to catch hold of the sharp swords of those from the Sword Extinction Sect.

“The Mandate he comprehended is a little strange. It’s the Mandate of Stone, which is somewhat similar to the Mandate of Great Earth. The first level of insights of the Mandate of Stone, is Harden. He can instantly manifest the armor of stonelight and completely disregard attacks by opponents at the eighth level of Yuanfu,” Ouyang Kuangsheng stated. He had never seen Situ Po fight before, but he’d gathered information from stories that circulated in the Unmatched Realm.

However, it seemed that Situ Po was even stronger than what the rumors said.

Qin Wentian’s countenance turned heavy. He was at the sixth level of Yuanfu with his Mandate of Force at the Perfection Boundary. Situ Po was at the eighth level and had the Mandate of Swords for attack and Mandate of Stone for defense. No wonder he’d been so highly evaluated in the Unmatched Realm.

Chu Mang swung forth with his battle axe, only to see Qin Wentian waving his hands, signaling for him to stop. The Mystic Maiden Palace were like tigers eyeing their prey and Situ Po’s strength was evidently stronger compared to theirs. Even if he were to battle, he shouldn’t drag Chu Mang and the others into it.

“Let me take over.” Qin Wentian rose up in the air as his bloodline activated. Gushing sounds rang out unceasingly, as the demonic qi he exuded grew stronger and stronger.

His body was transforming as well—the crowd stared in dumbfounded amazement when they saw an armor of demonic scales taking form around Qin Wentian. His physique shifted to become sturdier and larger, and the demonic qi he exuded permeated the entire area. His aura continued climbing skywards, causing many to be speechless.

Even a cultivator at the seventh level of Yuanfu would not have the powerful aura that Qin Wentian was exuding now.

“BOOM!”

Situ Po stepped out, directly walking towards Qin Wentian. His own aura skyrocketed, as he emanated an incomparably tyrannical pressure.

With a single punch, spatial fissures appeared around the air as the strength of his attack rushed towards Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian waved his hands and blasted out with a dragon imprint. A fearsome explosive sound thundered, yet Situ Po continued to advance, completely disregarding the powerful swords of chaotic energy birthed from the collision of their attacks.

Qin Wentian’s Divine Energy within his Yuanfu seethed and surged. The countless shadows of Garudas blotted out the skies as they rushed towards Situ Po.

Situ Po clapped his hands together with frightening speed, and the resounding impact destroyed the entirety of the Garuda shadows. With a flick of his finger, a greyish halo of light appeared above Qin Wentian. Against his will, Qin Wentian felt his entire body stiffening, becoming incredibly sturdy and more stone-like.

“BREAK!” Qin Wentian’s countenance drastically changed. His sword-type Divine Energy frenziedly gushed forth as his demonic qi and will of Mandate of Force amalgamated together, forcefully breaking the petrification light halo apart.

However, Situ Po had already arrived right in front of him. Although he didn’t feel that Qin Wentian was qualified to be termed as his opponent, he knew he had to completely dominate Qin Wentian in this battle.

“Bzz!’

Situ Po waved his hands, manifesting sword intent that sliced apart the continuous linkage of arrows that were shot out. At the same time, Sito Po’s left hand chopped downwards, as a beam of light slashed towards Qin Wentian.

“Careful!”

Fan Le and the rest shouted. Qin Wentian’s countenance paled as the overpowering Divine Yuan Energy with him exploded forth. As the sword slash landed, a slicing sound could be heard. Qin Wentian’s chest had been lacerated as fresh blood splurted out, instantly dying his robes red.

“He’s aiming to kill.”

Ouyang Kuangsheng’s countenance instantly changed. He soared upwards, but in that moment, the experts from the Mystic Maiden Palace all combined forces, channeling their strength to Li Shiyu, who had trapped Ouyang Kuangsheng with a layer of mystical palm arts. The others then turned their attentions on to Fan Le and Chu Mang.

In the air, Qin Wentian retreated with explosive speed while his eyes were unrelentingly locked onto Situ Po.

“This place is the Unmatched Realm.” Qin Wentian’s voice was ice-cold.

“So what? It’s about time to kill you.”

Situ Po’s voice was unperturbed. He stepped out once again as his killing intent gushed forth, enveloping Qin Wentian within.

Qin Wentian sullied the prestige of their Sword Extinction Sect and humiliated Yue Bingying. He had to die for these crimes.

Although Qin Wentian’s talent was monstrous, in Situ Po’s eyes, Qin Wentian was just a stronger insect. He had never once cared about him, or put Qin Wentian in his eyes. But today, Qin Wentian had actually dared to violate the two things he valued most, his sect and his woman.

Since that was the case, Qin Wentian deserved death.

The will of his Mandate of Swords at the Perfection Boundary erupted out. Situ Po made a grabbing motion in the air and Qin Wentian instantly felt his body stiffen. It appeared that Situ Po was cloaking him in a defensive armor but at the same time, his movements was also restricted.

Simultaneously, Lin Haotian and the members of the Sword Extinction Sect soared up in the air to cut off Qin Wentian’s path of retreat. They would absolutely follow Situ Po’s command.

If Situ Po wished to kill Qin Wentian, he had to do so at the fastest speed and leave the Unmatched Realm before any of the eccentrics appeared.

The Unmatched Realm, unmatched in the Azure Continent. The eccentrics wouldn’t be bothered about chasing the law breaker once the law breaker exited the Unmatched Realm.

The hearts of the crowd violently pounded. Apparently, Sito Po truly wanted to kill Qin Wentian. Indeed, his arrogance was worthy of one that stood at the top—he only obeyed laws of his own making!

Chapter 326: Death Battle

How strong was Situ Po’s killing intent? Since Qin Wentian’s cultivation base was at the sixth level, he met with a suppression effect when faced against Situ Po’s at the eighth level.
Even when it came to Mandates, Situ Po’s Mandates of Swords and Stone were all at the Perfection Boundary, similarly enjoying a suppression over Qin Wentian. One also had to take into account the fact that Situ Po was the absolute chosen in the Sword Extinction Sect. How could any of the innate techniques he cultivated be weak? Furthermore, all three of his Astral Souls were also condensed from the 5th Heavenly Layer, so the quality of their Astral Energy was on par with that of Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian’s advantages were his three Yuanfu, his Divine Yuan Energy stored in one of his Yuanfu, his Fiend Transformation Art, that allowed him to have a demon physique, as well as the power of his double bloodline limits. However, what made Qin Wentian depressed was that even though his second bloodline was of a higher grade compared to the first, he couldn’t utilize its full potential yet.

That mysterious bloodline was like an ancient treasure box, he could only excavate its strength step by step.
As for Divine Inscriptions, those third-level Divine Inscriptions which he could instantly inscribe were of no threat to Situ Po. Unless, he used his Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul as a base and inscribed Divine Inscriptions within his Yuanfu before going all out with one shot.

“Bzzz!”
Resplendent Astral Light bathed the area, Qin Wentian didn’t bother to hide his third Astral Soul’s radiance. That golden corona clearly indicated that his third Astral Soul was condensed from the 5th Heavenly Layer—an ancient demon with a terrible baleful aura. Underneath the augmentation of his Astral Soul, the demonic qi exuding from Qin Wentian was even stronger than before.

“Astral Soul from the 5th Layer. Oh yeah, we’ve never seen Qin Wentian unleashing his Astral Souls in combat before. This is the first time, and to think that it originated from the 5th Heavenly Layer.”
“Not just that, this is the Demon Sovereign Astral Soul, its ranked first in the Warbeast Index!”
Those below all felt as though a thunderbolt went off in their hearts. Qin Wentian and Situ Po, both of them were monstrous geniuses that obtained the approval of all thirty-six halls. Since Situ Po wanted to kill Qin Wentian, Qin Wentian chose not to hide his strength any longer, going all out and revealing his Demon Sovereign Astral Soul.

He had actually condensed an Astral Soul that corresponded with the Demon Sovereign Constellation, also ranked first on the Warbeast Index. If so, his fourth Astral Soul would undoubtedly hail from the 6th Heavenly Layer. By then, just the quality of his Astral Energy alone would be overwhelming.

“His body…”

At this moment, the eyes of the crowd perceived an incredible scene. The demonic qi Qin Wentian exuded overflowed to the Heavens. It enveloped Qin Wentian’s body and in moments, underwent a transformation… completely taking on the form of a demon.

This… the hearts of the spectators pounded madly. Was Qin Wentian really not a beastman? That demonic body, Wings of a Garuda, Scales of a Xuanwu, Arms of a Kirin, Claws of a Golden Dragon. The only part of his body that still retained a semblance to humanity was his head. The sight of the current Qin Wentian caused the spectators to feel terror on a primal level in their hearts.

The second stage of Fiend Transformation Art, Demon Emergence—using demon-attributed Astral Energy as support to condense a demonic body.

“That’s definitely not the body of a half-beast, how could there be such a terrifying combination? Garuda wings for speed, Xuanwu scales for defense, Kirin arms and Dragon claws for attack. This is something that imitates the body of a Demon Sovereign and is an extremely abnormal combination. I’m pretty sure this is a cultivation art, so it’s no wonder Qin Wentian could exude demonic qi of such amounts despite being a human. He must have definitely cultivated a demon-attributed cultivation art.”

Someone exclaimed, the revelation resounding in their hearts. If they all cultivated the same exact art, it would undoubtedly raise their strength by another level. After all, they had already seen how powerful Qin Wentian’s physique was when he caught hold of the sharp swords with his bare hands.
Glints of light flickered in the eyes of many in the crowd.

Even Situ Po paused for a moment as he contemplated Qin Wentian’s transformation.

Qin Wentian’s bloodline thrummed in his body as a crimson glow enveloped his demonic frame, intensifying the aura of fear he projected. It seemed as though he was truly a demon king that hailed from the primordial era, disdainfully glancing at all around him. In that moment, he was the lord of all demons.
“Even if you are truly a lord among demons, you still have to die.” Situ Po’s voice broke the silence. Directing his palms at Qin Wentian, he made a squeezing motion, intending to petrify Qin Wentian. However, Qin Wentian continued standing there with a countenance as frosty as winter’s chill. His Mandate of Demon erupted to its limits and he slashed forwards with his golden draconic claws, filled with boundless might.

There was no fear in Situ Po, he continued leisurely advancing forward. Extending out a finger, his sword intent birthed a wave of boundless sword might that condensed into a whirlpool of swords. The cacophony of the keening was so sharp that even hearing it caused people to feel as though their bodies were about to be lacerated.

No matter how strong Qin Wentian’s physique was, it would still break under his might.

Qin Wentian wanted a direct clash with him? So be it, regardless of what tricks Qin Wentian had up his sleeves, death was the only result that awaited him.

As the two of them collided, Situ Po’s finger shot towards Qin Wentian’s head. Qin Wentian shifted his body to the side, swiping out with his left claws as Divine Energy gushed out. But who was Situ Po? He reacted instantly, and changed his target—he locked down onto Qin Wentian’s heart region.

At the same time, a resplendent light enveloped him as an armor of starstone formed.

Qin Wentian also unleashed the Heaven Breaking Finger technique with his hands in the draconic claws form, breaking apart the dome of heavens with a single stab. The powerful innate technique, powered by the sharpness of sword-type Divine Yuan Energy, landed on Situ Po’s protective armor, penetrating right through it.

Peng…

Both their attacks landed at the same instant. Qin Wentian’s demonic frame shuddered and looked as though it were about to fall apart, his internal organs all shook tremendously as he coughed out several mouthfuls of blood. That single finger attack of Situ Po contained an explosive might that was too terrifying, it was almost sufficient to lacerate him completely, taking his life right there and then.

“Cough…” More blood leaked out from his lips. A single attack by Situ Po had grievously injured Qin Wentian.

But what made the crowd thunderstruck was that Situ Po had also been injured. The starstone armor was pierced through, with blood flowing out from the wound. There was also a destructive energy that flowed into his body and targeted his internal organs, landing him in a state similar to Qin Wentian. What an intense collision.
And, Qin Wentian had actually survived? Not only that, he had even injured Situ Po.

Situ Po’s starstone armor was condensed from his Mandate of Stone at the Perfection Boundary, it could even soak up blows from experts at the ninth level of Yuanfu before shattering, yet Qin Wentian who was at the sixth level was able to break it. This indicated that Qin Wentian’s combat prowess was already comparable to experts at the ninth level of Yuanfu.

“BOOM!”

Situ Po took another heavy step forward, ignoring his injuries. He was actually injured—to him, this was undoubtedly a humiliation. Only Qin Wentian’s death would be able to cleanse the debt of shame he felt.
Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered, he retreated with the speed of lightning while Lin Haotian and the rest followed. They didn’t dare get near to Qin Wentian and could only resort to long-range attacks.
As Qin Wentian turned his gaze onto them, his third eye gleamed. In the next instant, all three of them were trembling. Qin Wentian’s palms wavered, instantly killing the two other cultivators at the sixth level of Yuanfu while rushing towards Lin Haotian.
Lin Haotian turned and dashed away, but how could he keep up with Qin Wentian’s speed? As the Mandate of Demons bestowed upon him the ability to demonise the essence of his body, both his strength and explosiveness of speed were greatly enhanced. In addition to the speed boost granted by the Garuda’s Wings, he instantly caught up to Lin Haotian as his golden draconic claws wrapped around his head. With a violent pull, Lin Haotian’s head was separated from his body and flung far away through the skies.
Lin Haotian, a chosen from the Sword Extinction Sect was insta-killed by Qin Wentian. The crowd watched in horror, even Yue Bingying was shivering from head to toe. How decisive, how ruthless, Qin Wentian didn’t show a shred of mercy, and instantly acted with no fear of the consequences.

“RUMBLE!”

Situ Po’s baleful aura rose to its maximum, his sword intent so overbearing that it seemed as though it could pierce through Qin Wentian.

He wanted nothing more than to kill him, yet who would have thought that three of his fellow disciples would die in the hands of Qin Wentian instead.
Situ Po’s body was akin to a sword itself. He transformed into a stream of light and chased after Qin Wentian, a cold light flashed as he slashed apart the Heavens with a single stance. In defense, Qin Wentian turned and blasted forth with the dragon imprint. Wrathful roars rumbled as a demonic dragon flew forth to meet Situ Po’s attack.

“DIE!”

Sito Po appeared before Qin Wentian and slammed downwards with his palms. It was as though a mountain descended from the Heavens, smashing towards Qin Wentian.

A terrifying coldness flashed in Qin Wentian’s eyes as he slammed out with both his arms. The Divine Energy within his Yuanfu rumbled as he directly shattered the mountain apart before rushing towards Situ Po.
The stone fragments of the shattered mountain were like swords controlled by Situ Po that relentlessly collided with Qin Wentian. Even with his defenses, Qin Wentian’s demonic body couldn’t endure such an impact forever.
Situ Po, upon seeing Qin Wentian rushing over to him, coalesced his sword intent into nine heavenly swords, their collective might could split apart heavens and shatter the earth. Qin Wentian’s Divine Yuan energy frenziedly gushed out as several third-ranked Divine Inscriptions amalgamated together to form an ancient shield, trying to disperse the power of the nine swords. At the same time the remaining Divine Yuan energy within his body exploded outwards as he slammed out a palm strike towards Situ Po.
The armor of stonelight flashed in defense, as Situ Po retaliated with a palm strike as well. A thunderous sound echoed and Qin Wentian was catapulted through the air. His demonic form was disintegrating, as he spat out several mouthfuls of blood. In spite of this, the light in his eyes was as cold as ever.
“How can you survive if I want you to die?” Situ Po’s killing intent was ignited, seeing how resilient Qin Wentian was. He continued advancing forward, even with traces of bloody wounds on his body.

Nobody would have expected that their battle would be this intense. They thought for sure Situ Po would definitely be able to insta-kill Qin Wentian, but it was obvious they had underestimated that mad man.

“Enough!”
A voice filled with overwhelming rage boomed out. However, Situ Po continued advancing, unwilling to retreat. A terribly cold wind kicked up and as a deafening blast thundered, Situ Po was directly flung back. He knew that although he had only fought Qin Wentian for a short amount of time, the eccentrics of the Unmatched Realm had already arrived.

“You all want to battle so much?” A cold snort rang out, heard in the minds of both Qin Wentian and Situ Po.

“I have to slay him, regardless of inside or outside of the Unmatched Realm,” Situ Po emotionlessly replied.

Qin Wentian didn’t say anything, yet the sharp glint of light in his eyes already indicated his thoughts. Today, he formed an enmity with Situ Po. Neither one could live while the other survived.

“Fine, since you guys want to battle, this old man here will give you all an opportunity.” The cold voice rang out again. “Three days later, at the Heavenly Steele Platform, I will lend the Heavenly Steele for use. The two of you shall barge through the Heavenly Steele Steps and the loser will leave the Unmatched Realm, never to return. Other than that, all cultivators in the Unmatched Realm can try to barge through as well. I shall pave the way for your path to the Ancient Capital of Grand Xia.”

This voice rumbled the entire Unmatched Realm, causing the hearts of all to pound in terror.

The eccentrics wanted to lend out the Heavenly Steele. What concept was this? And the purpose for them lending the Steele was to pave the way for them?!

However, deep in their hearts, they all knew that barging through the Heavenly Steele Steps was extremely dangerous, just the slightest misstep and their lives would be in danger. This matter would definitely shake the entire Azure Continent!

Chapter 327: Heavenly Stele Platform

The Heavenly Stele Platform was situated in the core region of the Azure Continent, but in spite of this, there was usually no one around. The only person there was an old figure that seemed to be perpetually sweeping the Heavenly Stele Steps.

It was a marvelous place, yet nobody had ever dared to claim ownership of it, nor had anyone dared to destroy it. There was a rumor that the overlord of the place was a character of heaven-shaking and earth-shattering prowess, hence nobody dared to risk incurring his wrath.

The Heavenly Stele treasure, which the platform was named after, was of immense help to cultivators since it could tell their fate and talent level. Every time the stars descended, the Heavenly Stele Platform would draw countless cultivators over because of the legend associated with it. Barging up the flight of steps to the Heavenly Stele would enable one to change their innate degree of talent.

Furthermore, there wasn’t a fixed time nor known law when it came to the moment the stars would descend, it purely depended on the emotions and attitude of the overlord.

Yet now, an eccentric elder from the Unmatched Realm said that he would borrow the Heavenly Stele from the overlord in three days’ time, allowing them to barge through, and thus pave the pathway of their future for them.

Naturally, the eccentrics knew that a huge portion of the cultivators belonging to the younger generations in the Unmatched Realm would head to the Ginkou Continent at the end of the year.

It seemed as though the eccentrics of the Unmatched Realm had connections with the owner of the Heavenly Stele Platform, and could even borrow it from him, all for the sake of the younger generations’ cultivation in the Unmatched Realm. And now, it was also for the dispute between Situ Po and Qin Wentian.

The loser would lose all qualifications and be barred from the Unmatched Realm henceforth. This was a battle neither could afford to lose.

If Situ Po lost, where would he put his face? His prestige would be totally tarnished. He had a cultivation base that was higher than Qin Wentian by two levels, yet he still failed to kill Qin Wentian today. On the contrary, Qin Wentian had even slayed Lin Haotian and two others in retaliation, this matter was already sufficient for him to feel ashamed.

If Qin Wentian lost, it meant death. Situ Po would never spare him.

“Senior, he killed people inside the Unmatched Realm.” Yue Bingying pointed to Qin Wentian. Apparently, she wanted to use the laws to get the elders to pressure Qin Wentian.

“Do you think I’m blind?” That powerful voice boomed out, filled with traces of coldness. Yue Bingying paled, so what if she was from the Azure Emperor Palace, her background was of no use here in the Unmatched Realm, none of the eccentrics needed to give her face.

How many among the cultivators in the Unmatched Realm belonged to transcendent powers? And how many of them begged the eccentrics to accept them as disciples? What the hell was the worth of one Yue Bingying?

Evidently, the eccentrics were already clear regarding the battle between the two of them. Situ Po was the one who wanted to slay Qin Wentian first, Lin Haotian and the other two wanted to help, but ended up dead. How to determine who was in the wrong and right then?

If they wanted to pronounce a guilty party, both of them would be in the wrong.

“This matter shall end here today. If you two want to fight, then fight on top of the Heavenly Stele Platform instead. I want to see if you guys have the face to lose when the entire Azure Continent is spectating your battle.” The eccentric concluded his speech as the pressure in the air abated.

Situ Po’s countenance was still ice-cold, and when his eyes swept towards Qin Wentian, the intensity of his killing intent hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

“Three days later at the Heavenly Stele Platform, I will wait for you,” Sito Po emotionlessly stated, before turning and vanishing from the spot. He appeared next to Yue Bingying, carrying her up before walking away, leaving the Unmatched Realm. Three days later shall be Qin Wentian’s death date.

Qin Wentian retracted his demonic aura as well as his Astral Souls, and the sudden loss of his demonic form revealed the grievous wounds he suffered in the battle. Situ Po was undoubtedly the strongest opponent within Yuanfu Realm that he had ever fought against.

Comparing talent, he was stronger than Situ Po, but in terms of combat prowess, Situ Po was stronger than him. After all there was a disparity in their level of cultivations, as well as Mandate’s Boundaries. The slight difference of a single level or boundary was a gap that separated the cultivators. If it weren’t for Qin Wentian having so many trump cards, he would have long died in the hands of Situ Po.

As he landed on the ground, Qin Wentian turned his gaze onto Li Shiyu and those from the Mystic Maiden Palace once more. Li Shiyu coldly snorted and cast a glance at Fan Le before speaking to Xuan Xin, “Xuan Xin, three days later, Situ Po will definitely be the victor and at that time, only death awaits Qin Wentian. When the time comes, because Lin Haotian was killed by Qin Wentian, Situ Po will definitely not spare Fan Le and the others.”

“Sister Shiyu, Qin Wentian is only at the sixth level of Yuanfu yet he could fight against Situ Po to such an extent. The one with the stronger talent can be determined with a single glance. The Heavenly Stele Steps don’t take note of one’s combat prowess but rather, one’s talent, one’s determination, one’s conviction. How can you say that he is doomed to be the one defeated?” Xuan Xin somewhat indignantly replied.
Li Shiyu coldly snorted, “Situ Po was merely careless today, and because of the short amount of time they fought, he didn’t manage to kill Qin Wentian. If not, do you think that he would still be alive? Xuan Xin, stop dreaming. Even if Qin Wentian’s talent is monstrous, Fan Le isn’t him, how can that fatty match up to you?”

Fan Le felt extremely depressed when he heard these words, and he opened his mouth and stated, “Beautiful lady, why don’t we compete against each other? The eccentric said the Heavenly Stele Platform would be open to members of the Unmatched Realm. How about engaging me in a match over there?”

“With just you alone?” Li Shiyu disdainfully replied. “If you lose, I want you to voluntarily leave Xuan Xin.”

How could she miss out on such a good opportunity.

“Wait, isn’t that a little unfair? I can’t make decisions on behalf of Xuan Xin without taking consideration of her heart,” Fan Le’s eyes flashed as he weakly added, “How about this… If I win, you become my concubine.”

“You, you… Grrr.” Xuan Xin glared at Fan Le, instantly appearing like a ferocious tigress.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding babe.” Fan Le smiled, “How can such a woman match up to such a talented, handsome man like me?”

“Just wait and see.” Li Shiyu coldly retorted before turning and departing with those from the Mystic Maiden Palace. She had to inform her sect on the matter regarding the opening of the Heavenly Stele Platform as well as the business of Xuan Xin.

An expression of worry flashed past the eyes of Xuan Xin when she saw Li Shiyu and her fellow sect members leaving. Fan Le held her hand as he stated in a gentle voice, “Don’t worry. In three day’s time, this esteemed genius will definitely shock all the members of your sect with my performance. I will make them accept me as your companion.”

Seeing how Fan Le still didn’t forget to boast, even in this situation , Xuan Xin involuntarily smiled. Although this fatty was a little shameless, she was truly happy when she was together with him. In the Mystic Maiden Palace, she had never before come across this feeling, happiness with a tinge of sweetness.

“Boss are you feeling alright?” Fan Le and the others glanced at Qin Wentian.

“I’m fine, I only need a day of rest to recover from all this.” Qin Wentian smiled. The blood within his body circulated at extreme speeds, rejuvenating him and healing his injuries. From the smile on his face, it was impossible to link him with that ferocious man in demonic form that had fought against Situ Po earlier.

“You monster. If I was the one fighting against Situ Po, I would definitely have been insta-killed.”

Ouyang Kuangsheng couldn’t help but be impressed, someone at the sixth level of Yuanfu could fight against Situ Po to such an extent. Qin Wentian had even condensed a beast-type Astral Soul that was ranked first in the Warbeast Index as well as cultivated a demonic art that grant him a demon-level physique. This fellow was too monstrous.

“You’d better be more careful, though. That demonic art of yours is so powerful that even transcendent powers from the Demon Continent might covet it. You have to understand that the demonic form you manifested earlier was something they’ve wanted to achieve in their wildest dreams, yet were unable to do so,” Ouyang Kuangsheng advised. Qin Wentian lightly nodded his head, he was already reminded of this by the Azure Emperor’s words when he first obtained the Fiend Transformation Art, yet he had no choice but to go all out today when he fought against Situ Po. As for the future, he could only be more cautious and quickly seek to improve his strength.

After the contest for the top positions on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, if he could step into the peak of Yuanfu by then, it would be best if he could find a quiet place to enter into seclusion to prepare for breaking through to Heavenly Dipper.

Although they were all peak geniuses of their generations, they were still only at the Yuanfu Realm. Many in Grand Xia couldn’t even be bothered to turn their gaze towards them. It was only by becoming a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign would one be granted a modicum of speaking power, climbing on the flight of stairs which led to being truly powerful.

“What is the Heavenly Stele, exactly?” Qin Wentian inquired.

“The Heavenly Stele originates from ancient times, it can manifest illusions, and allow one’s innate talent to be changed. Regardless, although the Stellar Heavenly Stele may take the lives of those who attempt its test, there’s also the possibility of boosting one’s strength exponentially. Truly, it’s a rare treasure that’s rarely open to the public. Now that the eccentrics are borrowing it, it’s definitely an opportunity for us. We would then have a chance to raise our strength to a sufficient level to contend against the others in the Ancient Kingdom during the end of this year.”
Ouyang Kuangsheng’s voice contained a hint of anticipation. The fight today between Qin Wentian and Situ Po might not be a bad thing, at the very least, it ended up giving everyone a chance to conquer the Heavenly Stele Steps.
In the course of the next three days, the cultivators in the Unmatched Realm all started exiting it, informing this news to their respective sects and clans while simultaneously making their way to the Heavenly Stele Platform.

This news, circulated around the Azure Continent at an absurd speed.

And the transcendent powers of the Azure Continent were all made aware of a single name—Qin Wentian.

Within the Unmatched Realm, in a battle between two geniuses, a nineteen year old young man with a cultivation base at the sixth level of Yuanfu, fought almost evenly against the chosen of the Sword Extinction Sect, Situ Po. This news caused many members from the younger generation in the Sword Extinction Sect to feel humiliated. However, the elders of the sect didn’t really pay attention to this. Although each absolute talent was tough to cultivate, Lin Haotian actually died in the hands of a fellow with a cultivation base even lower than him. This only meant that he was trash, so it was highly unlikely that the elders of the sect would take revenge for his death.
They would leave the act of killing Qin Wentian to Situ Po.

In the meantime, the gazes of countless people all turned to the Heavenly Stele Platform.

For safety reasons, Ouyang Kuangsheng secretly gathered some elders of his clan to act as protection in the shadows for their entourage when they travelled from the Unmatched Realm to the Heavenly Stele Platform. Who knew if there’d be people planning a sneak attack to ambush Qin Wentian? They had to be more cautious.

Today at the Heavenly Stele Platform, experts were as common as clouds. There were many from the younger generations of the major powers that cultivated in the Unmatched Realm. For these people, they all had a chance to barge up the Heavenly Stele Steps today.

On the flight of steps below the Heavenly Stele, there was an old man clad in blue with a broom in his hands, quietly sweeping the surface of each step. He seemed unaware of the concept of fatigue, as though he’d repeated those sweeping motions for an eternity.

“BOOM!” From afar, the sound of a chiming bell echoed from the Heavenly Stele Platform. The skies instantly changed color as columns of starlight shone upon the Stele. Instantly, a marvelous sensation permeated the atmosphere.

Starlight enveloped all three sides of the Stele, covering the steps entirely as they shone with a resplendent brilliance.

“Bzzz!” A raging wind kicked up as numerous silhouettes all landed on the ground below the Heavenly Stele Steps. The cultivators from the Unmatched Realm were all beginning to gather.

At this moment, a silhouette floated through the air; this man was none other than Situ Po. His gaze turned and fixated towards a certain direction where Ouyang Kuangsheng, Qin Wentian, Fan Le and the others were gathered at.

“In the last decade, the twenty-seven steps of the Heavenly Stele Platforms have been ‘activated’ a total of three times. During this time, the highest record has been the 18th step. Today, I shall break that record,” Situ Po languidly spoke, his sharp eyes riveted onto Qin Wentian. “ Today shall also mark the anniversary of your death.”

Chapter 328: Not a genius, no gazing upon the Heavenly Stele

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze onto Situ Po, before turning it onto the Heavenly Stele Steps. A mysterious energy enveloped all twenty-seven steps, each emanating an extremely formidable might.

At this moment, not only those from the Unmatched Realm came, there were also several silhouettes with extraordinary demeanors, who exuded auras that didn’t lose out in the slightest to Situ Po.

Situ Po would definitely be a Heaven’s Chosen from the Sword Extinction Sect, however he was still lacking in one aspect; he had not yet fought against the other top rankers of the Heavenly Fate Ranking. And for those top rankers in the Azure Continent, many of them had recently been in closed-door seclusion preparing to break into Heavenly Dipper or for the journey to the Ancient Kingdom at the end of the year. They rarely showed their faces in the Unmatched Realm these days.

Yet, how could they miss the opportunity today?
For the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, other than Ouyang Kuangsheng’s faction, there were two other great camps of power. One of the other camps were led by a young man robed in purple, and not far away from him, were Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting.

This young man was a Heaven’s Chosen from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. Ouyang Zheng, ranked tenth in the latest update of the Heavenly Fate Ranking.

However, there were rumors saying that Hua Taixu and a few others had already broken through to Heavenly Dipper. This meant that there was definitely going to be another change in rankings after the year end trip to the Ancient Kingdom. Most of the time the changes in the rankings were minor. But once every three years, the Venerate Heavens Sect would do a complete overhaul and re-do the Heavenly Fate Ranking entirely. Therefore, most people would only look at the names on the Heavenly Fate Ranking once every three years.

And since this was the case, if one were to disregard the appearance of even stronger characters than himself, Ouyang Zheng would have a high probability to be ranked within the top eight.

Currently, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, had two of their chosen in the Yuanfu Realm—Ouyang Zheng and Duan Qingshan. Apart from those two, Ouyang Kuangsheng also had a special status that was considered of a higher grade than them.

“Zang Lengfeng from the Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect has also arrived.” The gazes of the crowd turned to a young man with a cold-looking face. This was a Heaven’s Chosen from the Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect, ranked twelfth on the Heavenly Fate Ranking.

In the direction of the Mystic Maiden Palace, Li Shiyu was standing beside a beautiful young lady. That lady glanced over towards Qin Wentian and surveyed the people around him as she stated, “Xuan Xin, come over here.”

Xuan Yan, ranked seventeenth on the Heavenly Fate Ranking, a Heaven’s Chosen from the Mystic Maiden Palace.
“Ouh.” Xuan Xin cast a glance at Fan Le before moving towards Xuan Yan.

“You will accompany all of us to conquer the Heavenly Stele Steps,” Xuan Yan stated, she made no mention of Fan Le.

“Bingying, is he the person you were referring to”

In the direction of the Azure Emperor Palace, a silhouette stood beside Yue Bingying. He was pointing to Qin Wentian as he questioned her.

“Yes.” Yue Bingying nodded, her eyes flickering with a cold light.
“If Situ Po is victorious, he will slay this fellow. But if Situ Po somehow doesn’t manage to do it, there’s still me,” that person quietly spoke. He was the Heaven’s Chosen from the Azure Emperor Palace, Yue Bufan.
Yue Bufan didn’t bother to mask his voice, the surrounding crowd’s gaze all followed his fingers that were pointed right at Qin Wentian.

“This person is the rumored one that flipped the entire Unmatched Realm upside down? I heard that he’s the same as Situ Po, gaining access to all thirty-six halls. He even insta-killed Lin Haotian, as well as two others from the Sword Extinction Sect. It appears that Situ Po’s Extinction Swordplay wasn’t sufficient to claim his life.”
“Not only that, I’ve heard that his third Astral Soul was condensed from the Demon Sovereign Constellation, an Astral Warbeast ranked first in the Warbeast Index. His Astral Soul is more outstanding than those condensed by the other Azure Continent geniuses.”

“Yeah, and that fatty by his side goes by the name of Fan Le. He excels in archery and is the disciple of the Unmatched Realm’s Arrow Emperor. The Arrow Emperor is a formidable existence whose fame has resounded throughout Grand Xia, he can kill opponents from a thousand miles away with no one noticing his presence.”

“True, but look at his appearance, I don’t understand why the little princess of the Mystic Maiden Palace would fall in love with him. How interesting, maybe it’s because of his flowery words? After all, with Xuan Xin’s talent, there’ll be countless geniuses pursuing her in just a few year’s time. Why would she fall for that damnable fatty?”
The buzz of conversation echoed through the crowd. Almost everyone knew of the reason for the eccentrics lending the Heavenly Stele, which was all because of the dispute between Situ Po and Qin Wentian. It was also partly because of the mutual love between Qin Wentian’s good friend Fan Le and the little princess of the Mystic Maiden Palace.

Moreover, the famous Ouyang Kuangsheng chose to side with them.

The crowd was wondering how this group of people would perform regarding the test of the Heavenly Stele Steps.

On the steps, the old man standing there slowly spoke, “Those who desire to take this test, do so at your own risk.”

His words caused the hearts of many to shudder, as the countless rumors of the Heavenly Stele Steps resurfaced in their minds. Although this was a miraculous place that would enable one’s strength to rise, there had also been many geniuses who found themselves unable to advance their cultivation further after their experience with the Heavenly Stele.
Hence, there had been a saying in the Azure Emperor Palace. If you were not a demon-level talent, you better not enter the Heavenly Stele Step.

Not entering was definitely better than entering. Why risk their current amount of talent in some mystical hope of changing their level of innate talent? They were all geniuses, they could still advance without using the Heavenly Stele Steps, there was no need to take the risk.

But of course, there would also be proud geniuses that wanted to ascertain their own level of talent. Currently, those that wanted to try the test were all gathered at the bottom of the steps.
Situ Po, Qin Wentian, Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, Xuan Yan, Yue Bufan, Duan Qingshan, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le, Xuan Xin and the rest; they naturally drew the attention of the crowd. Aside from this distinguished group, there were a few other rankers on the Heavenly Fate Ranking that caught the eye of many.

In the past ten years, the highest record was the 18th step. Would that record finally be broken today?
Situ Po no longer paid attention to Qin Wentian, he decisively moved forwards, being the first to step upon the Heavenly Stele Steps.

Without treading on that first step, one wouldn’t know what Situ Po was currently experiencing.

“Fan Le.” A voice drifted over, Fan Le turned to see Xuan Yan, as well as Liu Xi, someone who was bashed by Qin Wentian in the Unmatched Realm before. There was also Wang Xiao’s girlfriend, Qiao Xuan, Li Shiyu and lastly, Xuan Xin. These people, were all geniuses that were qualified to enter the Unmatched Realm.

The Mystic Maiden Palace’s maidens all stood together, completing a picturesque scene that delighted the eye and warmed the heart.

“If you can’t climb higher than me today, leave Xuan Xin of your own volition,” Xuan Yan emotionlessly spoke, as she stepped forwards, similarly advancing onto the first step of the Heavenly Stele Steps.
Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng exchanged glances filled with competitiveness as they both stepped upon the first step at the same time.

Yue Bufan and Yue Bingying moved together, after they shot a glance at Qin Wentian.

Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting stood together, with Duan Qingshan encouraging Ouyang Ting, “Ting`er, since you are qualified to enter the Unmatched Realm, you should be able to conquer these Heavenly Stele Steps as well.”

“Mhm.” Ouyang Ting nodded her head heavily. As a spoiled young lady from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, even she couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming pressure when surrounded by so many geniuses in the Azure Continent.

“Ouyang Ting, I advise you not to even go up with your temperament. I’m afraid you won’t be able to withstand the psychological impact.” Ouyang Kuangsheng shifted his gaze over, his words causing the beautiful eyes of Ouyang Ting to gleam with a cold light.
“I’m warning you for your own good. But since you can’t even listen to a well-intentioned warning, just assume I said nothing.” Ouyang Kuangsheng casually shrugged. After which he turned to Qin Wentian and the others and added in a low voice, “You guys, it’s best to be more cautious when taking the test.”

Qin Wentian and the rest nodded lightly, as their aura gushed forth from them. Lifting their heads, they saw that Situ Po had already advanced to the third step, securing his position there.

Finally, Qin Wentian and his friends advanced, stepping heavily on that first step, formally beginning their test.

“Bzzzzz!”

The mysterious glow covering the steps enveloped their bodies, and they were immersed in the overpowering sensation that there was no one else around them, as if they were taking the Heavenly Stele test alone.
Above the platform, the mighty force the three-sided Heavenly Stele projected seemed to be like an eye, examining Qin Wentian.
“Can your body of flesh and blood withstand this level of power?” A voice cut right into Qin Wentian’s mind, endlessly reverberating throughout. In the next instant, a heavy pressure enveloped his body, causing his body to tighten involuntarily. He had the feeling that if he were to relax even slightly, he would be blasted off the Heavenly Stele Steps.
Can your body of flesh and blood withstand this level of power?!
“Naturally.” Qin Wentian opened his eyes, as a demonic light glinted. The demonic qi he exuded permeated the air as the blood in his body surged. He took another step forward, advancing on the second step.
“RUMBLE~” A terrifying force slammed right into him, like formless lightning. This strike caused the blood and qi within his body to surge chaotically, as Qin Wentian involuntarily let out a low groan.
Qin Wentian stepped even more firmly, locking his feet down onto the surface of the steps. The look in his eyes was filled with an incomparable resoluteness, this was merely the second step, how could he waver in his determination?

Facing forward, gazing at the Heavenly Stele far ahead, he steadily forced another step upwards. A deafening sound echoed as a massive wind kicked up. Qin Wentian’s feet landed on the third step.
“BOOOOM!”

An immense pressure gushed against him, the force of it causing his footsteps to slide backwards involuntarily. His countenance turned white, no wonder Ouyang Kuangsheng was taking this so seriously, the Heavenly Stele Steps were truly daunting.
“ARGHHH…”

Nearby, from the side, a blood-curdling screech echoed out.

“Ting`er!” Duan Qingshang called out in alarm. Turning his gaze backwards, he saw Ouyang Ting being forced down the steps by the pressure. She was slammed onto the ground and lay there in a crumpled position. Her countenance was pale and traces of bloodstains could be seen on her mouth. Her body was shiveringly unceasingly.

The second step, she had only reached the second step and was blasted down the next instant. How could this be?? Was this the limit of her talent?

Turning her gaze onto the spectators around, Ouyang Ting could feel hints of derision and mockery in the eyes of the crowd. She was a proud daughter of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, yet she couldn’t even surpass the second step. Truly too weak.

“No…” Ouyang Ting let out a miserable shriek filled with agony. Several people glanced at her as they sighed in their hearts. This was the cruelty of the Heavenly Stele Steps. Her attainment was only two steps; from here on after, an inner demon would be born in her heart, casting shadows of doubt on her own abilities, suppressing her future advancement.

Her confidence had been utterly smashed.

Not a genius, no gazing upon the Heavenly Stele!

Chapter 329: Contending against Ancient Will

After Ouyang Ting was blasted down, other than Duan Qingshan, no one else displayed any show of concern regarding her failure.

Today when they made the choice to step on the Heavenly Stele Steps, they had already decided to contend against the ancient will of the Stele. If they were to fail too easily, what would their respective sects or clans feel?

This was an opportunity, but it was also a path of destruction. None of them could afford to lose.

All of them were incomparably cautious, taking this extremely seriously. Every time their feet landed upon a step, they would halt there momentarily, readjusting their spirit and mentality to its peak before advancing again.

Qin Wentian was currently on the 4th step. That gush of impact from earlier caused all his internal organs to shudder. Feeling great shock in his heart, he mused that this test of the Heavenly Stele Steps was truly difficult indeed.

“Can your body of flesh and blood withstand this level of power?”

That voice resounded through his mind, trying to shake his conviction. Qin Wentian’s eyes flickered brightly as he turned his gaze onto that resplendent light shining from the three-sided Heavenly Stele.

“This rebound pressure seems to be based on my own strength; the stronger I am, the greater the pressure pushing against me. If I increase my strength, the pushing forth would scale upwards in proportion to the increase,” Qin Wentian speculated. In front of the Heavenly Stele, there was no one that could hide their strength. Depending on the level of the step, every iota of power they had would be forced out by the Stele, to be used against them.

His body transformed as he took on his demonic form, Qin Wentian’s bloodline limit activated. He closed his eyes, disregarding the steps ahead as the candle flame in his heart blazed silently. His will didn’t waver in the slightest.

His body erupted with boundless strength. That was the power of his demonic physique, as well as the strength of his beliefs and conviction.

“BOOM!” Qin Wentian adamantly took another step forward, the gushing impact causing his blood and qi to circulate chaotically. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the damage received was something he paid little heed to; he’d been injured way worse before, it wasn’t sufficient to block his path to the top.

With another step, Qin Wentian stood on the 6th step. An overwhelming primordial, demonic pressure bore down on him when he tried to ascend to the 7th step. He coughed up a mouthful of blood but he still stood upright, unmoving in his determination, as though in defiance.

As he stepped on the 8th step, a massive wind kicked up out of nowhere, slamming against him. Qin Wentian’s feet trembled slightly, as though he had no way to consolidate his footing.

“Rumble, rumble…”

For two consecutive times, the fearsome power of the wind pushed Qin Wentian back involuntarily, little by little , causing his feet to eventually reach the boundary of the 8th step. His countenance was as white as paper, after he stabilized himself, he continuously spat out two mouthfuls of blood as his chest heaved, circulating the Astral Energy in his body around to disperse some of the pressure.

“Currently, Qin Wentian is the fifth person to stabilize and secure his footing on the 8th step. Indeed, he does live up to his reputation as one of the top geniuses from the Unmatched Realm.”

The crowd was monitoring Qin Wentian’s every movement. Qiao Xuan from the Mystic Maiden Palace had been blasted off at the 6th step, and Wang Xiao, who was preparing to step upon the 7th step, his countenance couldn’t help but look rattled when he saw what happened. Luckily, Qiao Xuan only suffered some external injuries after being blasted to the ground, but her life wasn’t in danger.

“The 8th step is like the first wall, I wonder how many people can step upon it.” Many in the crowd had sharp glints of light in their eyes. Currently, Situ Po, Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, and Qin Wentian all halted on the 8th step, making no further movements to advance further. Evidently, they could clearly sense the difference between the 8th and the 7th step.

If there was already a variable element when they stepped on the 8th step, what would they face on the 9th? They had to be prudent.

Those that arrived first on the 8th step, stopped and readjusted their mental states to the optimal level, as for those other cultivators that had caught up, there were several that were blasted down before they could even stablize their footing on the 8th step.

One of them was Liu Xi from the Mystic Maiden Palace, she instantly fainted after being ruthlessly blasted down the steps. All her suitors had no time to concern themselves with her, they were already occupied in worrying about their own advancement. Shortly after, the members of her sect rushed to the bottom of the steps to carry her away.

Wang Xiao howled in rage, his entire body exuded an aura that felt as sharp as a Divine Weapon, the resoluteness in his eyes never faded as he eventually managed to stabilize and secure his footing onto the 8th step. His success caused many among the crowd to exclaim in wonder—this Wang Xiao was quite a character.

Those that were able to reach the 8th step were all geniuses in their own rights. Such a performance was already considered impressive.

Fan Le was completely red-faced from his exertions, as the blood within his body burned. He was cloaked in golden flames and eventually, after some moments, let out a low growl of utter determination, and also secured his footing on the 8th step, standing next to Qin Wentian.

Similarly, Ouyang Kuangsheng had also steadied himself, he was like an immovable mountain, unbendable despite the pressure. Although he could be considered slightly slower, his every movement had a sense of careful deliberation and self-control; both were attributes that didn’t suit his name, Kuangsheng, which also meant ‘brazen’.

Chu Mang glanced at the steps above as a look of unmatched resolve filled his eyes. He too, advanced to the 8th step.

“The number nine could be considered the ultimate number, the first segment of nine among the three segments of twenty-seven, we’d better be careful,” Ouyang Kuangsheng warned in a low voice. Qin Wentian had already stepped out and the instant his feet landed on the 9th step, he felt as if he’d been abruptly plunged into the depths of a tsunami wave.

“BOOM!” Another gigantic wave crashed into him, he was a lone boat floating on the endless ocean.

“BOOOOM!” Another wave came crashing, the ‘boat’ shattered. Qin Wentian felt blood rising up his throat but he managed to suppress it, forcing it back down.

“BOOOMMMMMM!” The intensity of the third tsunami wave was many times more violent compared to the first two. The force made Qin Wentian bow over, threatening to blast him away. However, an instant later, his hunched body straightened. This was merely the 9th step, he couldn’t fall here.

How could he be defeated here?!

He extended his hands and wiped away the traces of blood off the corners of his lips. Within seconds, his entire sleeve turned a vibrant red after being soaked in his blood. His eyes, which were closed before, finally opened. He had stabilized himself on the 9th step.

“Three-layered attack, each stronger than the last. Be careful,” Qin Wentian warned Fan Le and the rest.

Fan Le glanced over in the direction of Xuan Xin only to see her staring back at him. The two locked gazes as they shared a smile.

Xuan Yan’s gaze flashed with a strange glow of light. This Fan Le had actually managed to step upon the 8th step. But no matter, the 9th step wouldn’t be so easy to overcome.

“I will definitely step higher than you.” Fan Le grinned as he glanced towards Xuan Yan. Momentarily, he shifted his gaze forward as he stepped out. The resplendent light emitting from the Heavenly Stele focused on Fan Le and an instant later, his conspicuous frame wobbled violently as though his body was about to be destroyed at any moment.

His frame was bent over, like a drawn bow, and he continuously coughed up blood. But eventually, he also stabilized himself. Glancing backwards at Xuan Yan, his bloodstained lips curled up in a radiant smile as he grinned at her.

“Xuan Xin, I won’t disappoint you,” Fan Le stated, with a seriousness rarely seen in him. Xuan Xin nodded her head and after that, she, along with Xuan Yan, started to step on the 9th step.

Ouyang Kuangsheng and Chu Mang advanced forwards as well, they weren’t willing to fall behind.

“This Heavenly Stele will not block my path!” Chu Mang roared as he took that next step. Regardless of the ferociousness of the tsunami waves, his body stood straight and tall, an unwavering glint of determination flickering in his eyes.

In that moment, he resembled a mountain. Back then, his eldest brother Chu Wuwei had been the mountain for him to depend on. In the future, he wanted to be the mountain that Chu Wuwei could depend on. He didn’t want Chu Wuwei to grow feeble from age and die, he had to find a method to allow Chu Wuwei to cultivate.

“Big Bro Chu Mang, awesome.” Qin Wentian had a brilliant smile on his face when he saw that Chu Mang had similarly succeeded.

He was ranked first out of the ten prodigies of Chu, and although this simple-minded, and somewhat clumsy guy didn’t like to talk much, his heart was many times more resolute compared to ordinary people.

“We will do this together, and conquer at least the 18th level.” Chu Mang beamed, “We must conquer this test of the Heavenly Stele Steps.”

“Mhm.” Qin Wentian merrily nodded, the hearts of those below couldn’t help but tremble when they witness this scene.

At the beginning of the test, many participants had grouped together at the foot of the steps. Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang and Fan Le had attempted the test in their group of four. Now, they were the only group who had passed the 8th step together, without a single one failing, and then stepping steadily on the 9th step. This group of people, of which the majority had been nameless cultivators prior to this, were exhibiting their radiance to everyone watching.
“ARGHH…” A miserable scream echoed in the still air. Yue Bingying from the Azure Emperor Palace was blasted down from the 9th steps, and the instant she slammed into the ground, the impact caused her to sink into the sweet oblivion of unconsciousness.

Situ Po’s countenance stiffened as he turned back and glanced at Yue Bingying, taking deep breaths to calm himself.

“The steps that you failed to complete, I will complete them on your behalf,” Situ Po stated with utter confidence. Turning his gaze ahead, his eyes were as determined as before. He took another step forwards, being the first to reach the 10th step.

After Situ Po stepped on the 10th step, unexpectedly his body didn’t waver in the slightest. It looked as simple as climbing an ordinary step, with no pressure whatsoever. This scenario made the crowd understand that after the 9th step, the 10th step contained within it another variation.

“Let me test it out.” Qin Wentian took the initiative and stepped up. Upon coming into contact with the 10th step, indeed there was no overwhelming pressure but rather, it seemed as though his entire person was immersed in a unique, mysterious state.

“Your pathetic will, can it stand up to the ancient will of the Heavenly Stele?”

Another voice boomed in his mind. As he stared at the Heavenly Stele, a shadow flashed as a silhouette resembling him appeared, blasting out a terrifying ancient will that threatened to wipe out his consciousness. The will smashed through his mental defenses, right into his mind.

“SCRAM!” Qin Wentian roared in anger as the will of his Mandates gushed out. The Mandate of Force manifested its will and clashed against that ancient will of the Heavenly Stele.

Although he appeared to be standing there calmly, he understood that the magnitude of this danger on the 10th step was countless times more formidable compared to the mounting pressure he’d faced before. The slightest slip up could cause one’s will to be eradicated—the path of cultivation forever severed.

His will of the Mandate of Dreams and the Mandate of Demons also gushed forth and momentarily, three silhouettes that resembled Qin Wentian manifested above the Heavenly Stele Platform, staring disdainfully down at him with cold eyes. The three doppelgangers transformed into three streams of ancient will and bore down on him.

“Using my own will to suppress me? How can I let you succeed?” Qin Wentian mumbled, his words causing the hearts of Fan Le and the rest below to tremble. They only saw Qin Wentian continue to walk forward, intending on placing his feet onto the 11th step.

This time, he didn’t pause to linger but advanced boldly forward onto the 11th step instead. His power of will clashed against that of the ancient will countless times.

“Boom, boom, boom!”

Every step he made appeared easy and casual, yet there was an unusual sensation that caused people to feel as though their hearts were leaping out of their body when they watched him.

“12th, 13th, 14th, 15th…” In the blink of an eye, Qin Wentian already stepped onto the 15th step. With just three more steps, he would reach the same number as the previous record holder, whose record hadn’t been broken in the past ten years.

However, it was clear to everyone watching that those last three steps would prove to be even more perilous than all the ones before. These last three steps wouldn’t just cause damage, they could sever one’s pathway to cultivation, leaving the defeated to a life worse than death!

Chapter 330: Nine Remaining

 

On the 15th step, Qin Wentian finally stopped. The crowd gazed at his back which emanated his determination, and their hearts shivered when they came upon a sudden realization.

Was Qin Wentian’s talent sufficient to match up to the record holder of these past ten years? He only needed three more steps to accomplish that.

For Situ Po, his three Mandates were all exceedingly terrifying. How could he avoid this? He too, advanced forward, his conviction and belief in himself would never waver.

He, Situ Po, couldn’t afford to lose, and so he couldn’t lose.

In the blink of an eye, Situ Po mirrored what Qin Wentian had done, he successfully stepped onto the 15th step.

How could Ouyang Zheng, Zang Leng Feng and the other rankers on the Heavenly Fate Ranking lose out to a bunch of juniors? They successfully became rankers on the Heavenly Fate Ranking first and although the Heavenly Stele Steps test were open to all because of the dispute between Situ Po and Qin Wentian, what of it? Now that they’d already arrived here, how could they lose to two juniors?

They were people on the Heavenly Fate Ranking, gazing disdainfully down from their lofty positions. Similarly, they couldn’t afford to lose.

This battle, wasn’t merely a battle of talent, it was also a battle of their conviction.

All of them wanted to break that record, surpassing the 18th step. If they could truly do so, the experience gained would undoubtedly prove to be of great benefit in regards to their future path of cultivation.

Over there in the direction of the Mystic Maiden Palace, Li Shiyu had already been blasted down from the steps. The only two remaining were the two with princess statuses, Xuan Yan and Xuan Xin.

Duan Qingshan, was still persevering.

Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le and Chu Mang, were still on the steps as well.

There was also one person that caused people to be surprised. Wang Xiao had actually stepped onto the 13th step, his powerful will dueling with that ancient will of the three-sided Heavenly Stele.

“All these people are undoubtedly the most powerful within the junior generations. To think there’d still be so many cultivators still remaining, and they’re not even ranked upon the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

“However, both Situ Po and Qin Wentian halted on the 15th step. Apparently, the difficulty of the next step is beyond incredible.”

Qin Wentian’s eyes were currently shut. At this moment, the ancient will of the Heavenly Stele rumbled his sea of consciousness. Inside, an evil demonic being suddenly manifested, intent on tearing him apart. That apparition wasn’t an illusion. It was a real existence! At the same time, Qin Wentian felt the will of Dreamsleep creeping up onto him, causing him to feel a bout of drowsiness.

For the first time, Qin Wentian’s own Mandate was used against him. His will from the Mandate of Dreams was subjugated by that ancient will, which used it to wipe out his memories.

At this moment, Qin Wentian was alone in a separate dimension that was created by his Mandate’s will. He was currently sitting cross-legged while three silhouettes that resembled himself, created by the Heavenly Stele, floated above him. They were his thoughts of evil, malice and hatred.

And at this moment, his consciousness, was defending against three of himself.

“Ancient Will of Force, Ancient Will of Dreams, Ancient Will of Demons”

Inside that dimension, these three silhouettes were blocking his path, and seemed impossible to overcome.

“If you take another step upwards, your will of Mandate shall be exterminated, your consciousness shall be eradicated, your life shall be annihilated,” that Ancient Will of Demons spoke, exuding a terrifying demonic aura. He was threatening Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian could feel the truth of what was said. For every step he climbed upwards, the stronger the Ancient Will became. If he continued upwards, he didn’t know to what degree the strength of that Ancient Will would be magnified by.

Qin Wentian’s eyes were still closed, sitting there cross-legged, appearing at peace. He didn’t bother acknowledging the words of the will coming from each ‘perverted’ form of his three Mandates.

After several moments, his eyes abruptly snapped open. His determination manifested into a palpable aura that skyrocketed up to the clouds. With an explosive boom, a massive wind kicked up, yet Qin Wentian’s body remained motionless. In that dimension, the Ancient Will of Force grew stronger and when it reached its ultimate form, it transformed into a gigantic mountain and a piece of sky that began to press down on Qin Wentian.

“BOOM!” Qin Wentian’s sea of consciousness shook, he’d just received an attack from that Ancient Will of Dreams. Such an attack actually made Qin Wentian feel an overwhelming impulse to fall asleep.

The Ancient Wills attacked again. Qin Wentian withstood their attacks impassively, his eyes slowly opened as a earth-shattering roar echoed out of his throat. He stepped forward, with an aura as immovable as the gigantic mountains. The threats of the Ancient Will couldn’t triumph over his heart.

16th step, succeeded.

“He stabilised his footing.” The hearts of the crowd trembled, Qin Wentian had stepped onto the 16th step. The only ones before him were Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng and Situ Po.

“That’s as far as you amount to,” Situ Po faintly stated without emotion.

As the sound of his voice faded, Situ Po stepped on the 17th step.

The hearts of the crowd shuddered, Situ Po had already arrived on the 17th step. He only needed one more step before catching up with the previous record.

“I think Situ Po will definitely be ranked as one of the top rankers on the Heavenly Fate Rankings at the end of this year. With his strength, as long as he breaks through to the ninth level of Yuanfu, he will surely be among the top ten.”

Situ Po indeed lived up to his reputation as the most monstrous genius among the younger generations belonging to the Sword Extinction Sect, ranking supreme among their Yuanfu Realm cultivators overall.

After which, Ouyang Zheng similarly stepped onto the 17th step.

Zang Lengfeng wasn’t willing to appear weak. He unleashed his Mandates to their limits. As a Heaven’s Chosen, how could his innate talent not be comparable to the others?

Qin Wentian also moved towards the 17th step. But the instant his feet came into contact with the 17th step, his body froze, as though he were locked in that position. He remained in that stance, even his breath appeared to have stopped.

“What’s going on?” The countenances of the crowd froze. Why did Qin Wentian’s appearance seem ‘dead’? The others before him weren’t like this.

Two hours passed, another four hours passed by. Qin Wentian remained in that stance.

And after persisting for a day, Wang Xiao was finally blasted down the Heavenly Stele Steps. Duan Qingshan similarly failed when he tried to step on the 18th step. Both of them suffered serious injuries from the force of the rebound.

As for Qin Wentian, he still remained there motionless.

The people on the Heavenly Stele Steps were getting fewer and fewer. Each blazing sun representative of their generation had been blasted down again and again. Only those lights that shone the brightest of all, still remained.

And what’s more, all of them had managed to match the ten-year record.

In the past ten years, the Heavenly Stele Steps had been open to the public three times, and the 18th step was the record. However, more than one person had succeeded in stepping on the 18th step. But, for everyone who did, they were unable to advance any further.

Eighteen, was made from two-nines. The second variation came after the 18th step.

“I’m going down.” Xuan Xin had a bitter expression on her face. She could feel that she was already at her limits. If she continued onwards to the 18th step, she would either break through her limits or suffer grievous injuries.

She could also feel that the latter possibility was higher. To Xuan Xin, her determination and resolution had yet to be sufficiently tempered. After all, she was still just a young girl.

After speaking, Xuan Xin pushed forth with her palms as a powerful rebound pushed back at her.

She landed on the ground safely, unharmed after retreating several steps backwards. This was a voluntary exit, different from being blasted down.

“The little princess from the Mystic Maiden Palace is already extremely outstanding, she reached the 17th step!”

“Fan Le, Qin Wentian, Chu Mang and Ouyang Kuangsheng, they’re all stuck at the 17th step. It seems impossible for them to advance further.”

“Xuan Yan has already stepped onto the 18th step. Her Mandates should all be at the Perfection Boundary, she’s incomparably powerful.” The spectators gazed at Xuan Yan’s silhouette before turning their glances onto Fan Le. They were afraid that the result had already been determined; Qin Wentian’s good friend Fan Le, would lose to Xuan Yan, a Heaven’s Chosen from the Azure Continent ranked 17th on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

“BREAK!” A heaven-shaking howl of rage thundered out. The crowd abruptly started, only to see a herculean figure beside Fan Le opening his eyes. Within Chu Mang’s eyes, arrows fired forth penetrating that Heavenly Stele, while a gigantic axe cleaved apart the Heavens and Earth. He decisively stepped on that 18th step as the fearsome fluctuations of his Mandate burst out.

With his heart of steel, there was nothing he could not break.

Chu Mang’s objectives had always been simple. He only wanted power, powerful enough to be the shield Chu Wuwei needed. Powerful enough to protect Chu Wuwei from aging and death.

The might of that Ancient Will shuddered Chu Mang’s mind. His eyes were bloodshot as he stood there, roaring at the Heavens. With sufficient determination, what was a mere Heavenly Stele? It wasn’t enough to slay him!

“BZZZZ!”

An explosive will that originated from the Mandate of Arrows transformed into countless resplendent streams of light, blasting right at that Stele.

He used the now Perfection Boundary Mandate of Arrows to break the suppression of the Ancient Will restricting him.

The Ancient Will’s strength depended on the strength of each individual. They would either have to possess sufficient resolution and determination to surpass it, or they had to breakthrough from their previous limits and forcefully suppress it. If they failed, their endings would be extremely dire, if Chu Mang failed then, his mind would have been completely erased by that pressure.

“He stabilised his footing, Chu Mang is now on par with that previous record-holder!”

“I won’t lose.” At this moment, Fan Le grinned, the look in his eyes extremely clear. It was as though he could see the pure face of Xuan Xin when he glanced up at that Heavenly Stele.

Fan Le was usually a happy-go-lucky person who loved to crack jokes, but he knew that his looks were only ordinary. Yet, Xuan Xin had chosen him, so how could he still let her down? If he failed, castigation and the derisive mockery of the others would drag Xuan Xin down with him. He had always pretended to be free-spirited about it, laughing all the while with not a care in the world. In reality, he truly cared about this matter.

He was fine being the target of mockery, but he didn’t want Xuan Xin to suffer the same fate as him.

He wanted to prove to others that Xuan Xin had not made the wrong decision in choosing him.

He was extremely talented, his name was Fan Le.

Stepping out, a golden light enveloping his body as his blood boiled. A terrifying temperature scorched the air as he placed his foot onto that 18th step of the Heavenly Stele Step.

“BZZZ!” That golden light crackled as ember flames covered his entire body. His aura climbed upwards continuously, as the will of his three Mandates sublimated another level in the terrifying flames.

He was Fan Le, the Fatty Fan Le, the Genius Fan Le.

He bathed in that sea of golden flames, standing tall upon the 18th step of the Heavenly Stele Steps.

“HAHA, how satisfying!” Ouyang Kuangsheng howled. His long hair fluttered in the wind as he punched his fist up in the air. Fan Le and Chu Mang had already succeeded, how then could he be left behind? He rushed up as well.

If he failed, so what if his body was riddled with grievous injuries? If his path of cultivation was severed, was death even anything to fear? If he cowered, he would no longer be Ouyang Kuangsheng!

Ouyang Kuangsheng had also stepped on the 18th step, his results matching the all-time high record within the past ten years.

“Amazing!”

The crowd all sighed in their hearts. At this moment, there were only a few remaining on top of the Heavenly Stele Steps. Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, Xuan Yan, Yue Bufan. These four were all Heaven’s Chosen that ranked within the top thirty-six in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Not on the rankings themselves, Situ Po, Fan Le, Chu Mang, Ouyang Kuangsheng and Qin Wentian were the remaining five.

The nine of them all stepped atop on the 18th step. Only Qin Wentian was still at the 17th step, in a motionless state.

“Amazing, truly amazing. We don’t need to talk about the four Heaven’s Chosen, Situ Po or Qin Wentian. But Chu Mang, Fan Le and Ouyang Kuangsheng were all grouped with Qin Wentian and to think that they were this powerful. I’m sure after today, other than Ouyang Kuangsheng, there will be several transcendent powers waiting to recruit them.”

But, defeat and victory had yet to be determined.

The dispute between Situ Po and Qin Wentian; the competition between Xuan Yan and Fan Le; the contest between Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng. They all had no clear victors yet.

And following this, all of them with the exception of Qin Wentian, would break the ten-year record with but a single step!

Who would be the one left standing in the end?

Would Qin Wentian, who was still on the 17th step, be able to surpass Situ Po?!

Chapter 331: Final Confrontation

The scenario at the Heavenly Stele Steps shook the spectators with its intensity. Eight people stood upon the 18th step while one stood upon the 17th. Such a spectacle had never been seen before during the past ten years.

“It’s rumoured that the middle segment of the 27th steps (the second segment of nine steps) were to test one’s will of their Mandates. If their wills weren’t persistent enough, without a sufficiently determined heart, they would never be able to step onto it. These nine people all possess an otherworldly determination and incomparable resolution.” The crowd mused. Yet, at this moment, all of the nine had already halted, no one was trying to advance to the next step.

The last segment of the 27th step was yet another barrier. The difficulty of advancing to the 19th step was beyond imagination.

Otherwise, in these past ten years where the Heavenly Stele Step had been opened three times to the public, a mere 18 steps wouldn’t have been the record.

Time flowed by, the nine of them maintained their motionless positions, and it was as though they had all forgotten time existed. In the blink of an eye, half a month passed, yet the nine people were still on their respective steps, tempering their wills of Mandates. For the 18th step, it didn’t mean that the Ancient Will’s attack would stop the moment you stabilized your footing. You had to persevere and engage the Ancient Will in constant battle until either you broke through or you were blasted down. There was no need to think about advancing to the 19th step if you couldn’t even conquer the 18th.

On the 18th step, their opponents were themselves. Their wills of Mandates were constantly being tempered, and as long as they weren’t defeated, their wills would grow unceasingly stronger.

“Situ Po, all three of his Mandates are already at the Perfection Boundary. He, who is still only at the eighth level of Yuanfu, actually maxed out all three of his first level insights before even stepping into the ninth level of Yuanfu. He’ll definitely be able to rank among the top thirty-six Heaven’s Chosen once he breaks through to the ninth level.” Many in the crowd speculated.

That was originally Situ Po’s goal. Now that such an excellent opportunity like the Heavenly Stele Steps had come along, how could he let himself miss out?

This test of the Heavenly Stele Platform was undoubtedly an absolute opportunity for demon-level geniuses. But for average-level geniuses like Ouyang Ting, this test was nothing but a nightmare.

“Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng are preparing to make their moves.” At this moment, the crowd noticed the movements of both men, they were in the midst of stepping on to the final segment, consisting of the last nine steps.

Both of them were Heaven’s Chosen on the Heavenly Fate Ranking, respectively ranked at the tenth and twelve position. The difference in their ranking wasn’t that far apart, hence right from the beginning, both had already felt a strong sense of competition against the other.

What would be waiting for them on this final segment?

Would they be able to surpass their own limits and break the past record?

Everyone was watching with bated breath.

“Chi…”

Fresh blood scattered about the air, seemingly at the same instant. Ouyang Feng and Zang Lengfeng were both blasted down from the Heavenly Stele Steps. However, before they could hit the ground, experts from both the Ouyang Clan and Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect intervened and saved them. The crowd couldn’t help but lament in their hearts, it wasn’t so easy to break that record.

However, simply by matching the record was already sufficient to prove their degree of talent. After all, those who managed to step on the 18th step within the past decade were all characters that could summon the rain and wind in Grand Xia.

Xuan Yan and Yue Bufan frowned slightly when they saw this scene. They didn’t have absolute confidence that they could pass the test on the 19th step as well.

“The Ancient Will of my Mandate of Dreams won’t be able to stop me.”

At this moment, a casual voice drifted out, Qin Wentian finally began to move. He advanced to the 18th step as the will of his Mandate gushed out.

The Ancient Will of Force, of Dreams, of Demons attacked him in a frenzy, and Qin Wentian’s own will of Mandate was battered over and over. Yet, regardless of how much stronger the Ancient Wills were, Qin Wentian wasn’t willing to lose, wasn’t willing to give up, and wasn’t willing for his will to be eradicated.

His steps were as heavy as mountains, standing erect upon the 18th step of the Heavenly Stele Steps. With this, he had become the ninth cultivator this time around that matched the past record.

Today, a total of nine cultivators had matched that previous record. However, the two strongest among them, Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng had failed when they tried advancing onto the 19th step. There were currently only seven cultivators remaining on the 18th step.

Xuan Yan finally steeled her heart, stepping with incomparable determination onto the 19th step. However, she instantly let out a terrifying blood-curdling scream. Like a kite with its strings cut, she fell from the platform in an extremely miserable state.

Xuan Yan failed. Only a total of six cultivators remained.

After which, Yue Bufan was also eliminated, leaving only five.

The four powerful Heaven’s Chosen that ranked within the top thirty-six of the Heavenly Fate Rankings had all been eliminated when they tried to advance to the 19th step. Such a scenario could very well be described as bringing an extremely bitter sensation to the spectating crowd.

Situ Po, Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang and Fan Le. Was there still any hope remaining for this five?

“Just a single step to alleviate myself from the common crowd. I, Situ Po, can’t lose. I can’t afford to lose.” Situ Po inclined his head and stared at the Heavenly Stele.

How can Situ Po allow himself to be defeated by Qin Wentian?

He could leave the Unmatched Realm, but he wouldn’t be ousted from it forcibly. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

The four Heaven’s Chosen of the Azure Continent had all failed. He Situ Po, for himself, for his sect, couldn’t lose.

He had never wanted something this much before, he lifted his foot. At this moment, Situ Po’s entire body was filled with the stink of cold perspiration. He seemed to experience a full cycle of life and death in that instant. Howling in madness, boundless strength gushed out as his will protected his body from being exterminated. He was Situ Po, he had to win.

“BOOM!” Another step steadily took root. Situ Po stood firmly on the 19th level. A fearsome wave rumbled the entire flight of steps, and that formidable back view of his moved the heart and spirit of everyone spectating.

That was Situ Po from the Sword Extinction Sect, he stood upon the 19th step, he succeeded where others had failed, he’d broken the ten-years-old record.

He became the most dazzling of all geniuses in that moment.

The Heavenly Stele Platform was open, only for him.

“He won.” Yue Bingying blossomed into a smile, this was her man, Situ Po. Even though she was injured, she didn’t care. Situ Po had become the most radiant sun today. She glanced at those from the Azure Emperor Palace and the Sword Extinction Sect, these people should all be feeling pride at the accomplishment of Situ Po.

She then glanced again at the silhouette of Qin Wentian. She could sense that his death was near.

“Seems like another future competitor has appeared.” Ouyang Zheng inclined his head, staring at Situ Po as he spoke in a low voice. Xuan Yan nodded in agreement. Situ Po had accomplished something none of them had managed to.

“If I win, you girls shall no longer interfere with our relationship.” At this moment, Fan Le’s voice thundered out, causing Xuan Yan’s eyes to narrow. After which she saw Fan Le taking a step towards the 19th step.

“Xuan Yan, I will definitely win!” Fan Le roared as he decisively stepped up. A thunderous sound boomed, rocking the entire flight of steps. Fan Le at that moment, didn’t fear injury nor death. He only feared defeat. At that instant, his chubby frame became so tall and lofty in the eyes of the crowd.

No one expected that Fan Le the fatty would also succeed.

“FAN LE!” Xuan Xin shouted, her eyes filled with burning tears. Fan Le’s frame shuddered violently from the impact as he coughed out several mouthfuls of blood. Yet, he still remained standing there in triumph.

“Xuan Yan, have I won?”

Fan Le’s voice drifted over, and as Xuan Yan turned her gaze onto Fan Le, seeing his trembling body that was covered in blood, her mouth opened wide but she was at a loss for what to say.

“Swish…” The pressure turned into a blade, slicing relentlessly at Fan Le, as more blood sprinkled above the air, falling down like rain.

“Senior Sister.” Xuan Xin imploring gazed at Xuan Yan, her tears flowed unceasingly. Xuan Yan nodded slightly, she turned her head back to Fan Le, “I’ve lost.”

“Bang!” As the sound of her voice faded, Fan Le could no longer resist that pressure, he was flung down with terrifying speed. Xuan Xin soared upwards, using her entire strength to catch hold of him. They tumbled down together, landing in a heap on the ground. She looked down and saw Fan Le still grinning at her, “Xuan Xin, you didn’t make the wrong choice in picking this genius.”

“Mhm, I didn’t. My judgement was right.” Two rows of clear tears dripped upon Fan Le’s face. Fan Le was still grinning, hugging the little princess, before he fell into unconsciousness.

Fan Le became the second person to break the record. Although he only withstood the pressure for just a few moments, he had without a doubt, stood upon the 19th step of the Heavenly Stele Step.

Chu Mang also prepared himself. With a roar of rage, he lifted his foot up and was halfway through advancing to the 19th step before he was blasted down. He had failed.

Although he was defeated, there was no shame in it. He had done his best.

Ouyang Kuangsheng advanced as well. He stayed on the 19th step for a single instant before voluntarily giving up as he cursed, “Fuck it, your daddy me has no mood to play any longer.”

Because he was prepared, the rebound didn’t injure him that seriously. But still, he couldn’t help but grumpily comment, “Are these Heavenly Stele Steps something humans can play? Damn it.”

Too fierce, he could feel that he had been close to death. He knew he would have died for sure.

Currently, only two remained on the Heavenly Stele Steps. Situ Po on the 19th level, Qin Wentian on the 18th.

This Heavenly Stele Platform had originally been opened for them. One wondered if the current situation was a coincidence or the workings of fate. In the end, only the two of them remained.

The question was, could Qin Wentian even defeat Situ Po?
The difference of a single step, seemed as wide as the entire world.

Ouyang Zheng, Zang Leng Feng, Xuan Yan, Yue Bufan, none of them had succeeded. Only Situ Po had accomplished this feat. Fan Le at most could only be considered stepping half-a-step on the 19th step. He fought for love, he fought because he didn’t want Xuan Xin to be humiliated. He told Xuan Yan, he told the entire Mystic Maiden Palace, he told the entire Azure Continent that he Fan Le, wasn’t worse off compared to all the other geniuses.
After Situ Po stabilized his footing, he turned his head and locked his gaze with Qin Wentian. There was disdain in his eyes, yet his voice remained calm, “The difference of a single step separates us now. However, the difference between us cannot be quantified with a single step. I will show you how great that distance is.”

As the sound of his voice faded, Situ Po continued upwards, stepping on the 20th step.

“Hu…” The crowd held their breaths as their hearts trembled. Situ Po still wanted to continue.

As for Qin Wentian, he had his eyes closed, as though he were still struggling with the fight against the 18th step.

Was this competition even still necessary?

Three days passed, Qin Wentian remained motionless, ten days passed, Qin Wentian remained motionless, an entire month passed, but Qin Wentian still remained motionless!

As for Situ Po, he had already stepped upon the 21st step, a three-step difference compared to Qin Wentian, three insurmountable steps!
But the spectators discovered that Qin Wentian’s demonic qi had grown increasingly intense. While Situ Po had advanced upwards, Qin Wentian’s Mandate had evolved into the Perfect Boundary, able to resist the attack of the Ancient Will. He had transcended into his strongest state, now was the time for him to advance ahead!

Chapter 332: Ascending to the Peak

Time flowed on as many in the crowd left.

Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng and the rest all went into closed-door seclusion. Similarly, many of those from the major powers all left as well.

Only Situ Po and Qin Wentian remained on the Heavenly Stele Steps. No matter how many steps Situ Po ended up climbing, the news would be spread regardless, so there was no need to wait there like an idiot. Only those close to Situ Po, such as people from the Sword Extinction Sect and the Azure Emperor Palace, still remained below.

Aside from them, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, Fan Le and those in their camp were also there. Two months had already passed and all their injuries had healed, yet Qin Wentian still didn’t move a single inch. This caused Fan Le and the rest to feel somewhat depressed. Cutting words about Qin Wentian’s actions were discussed all around—what’s the point of persisting there if he dared not advance? Was he going to waste his time until Situ Po cleared all 27 steps?

Right now, Situ Po was already on the 23rd step and he appeared to be closing his eyes in meditation while in a standing position.
Barely anyone believed that Qin Wentian could surpass Situ Po. The ending of their battle had already been decided. The difficulty of advancing a total of five steps from 18th to 23rd was so high that it was almost impossible.

“How long does Qin Wentian still intend to cultivate?” Xuan Xin whispered, she was also accompanying Fan Le. Those from the Mystic Maiden Palace were no longer as opposed to her being together with Fan Le after his outstanding performance. That still didn’t mean that the sect had accepted their love, but at least Fan Le made a huge step forward in terms of bridging the wall of animosity that used to exist between them.

“Could it be that he’s shameless enough to wait till the end of the year? By then Situ Po will surely go to the Ancient Kingdom, so even though Qin Wentian will have lost, he won’t have to die.” Nearby, Yue Bingying stated with contempt, not bothering to lower her volume. Situ Po was her pride, she wanted to be here to witness the ending, to see how badly Qin Wentian would be defeated.

“RUMBLE!” At this moment, an overwhelming aura gushed out from Situ Po as he straightened his back and opened his eyes, gazing at the Heavenly Stele ahead.

His cultivation base was at the ninth level of Yuanfu, and all three of his Mandates were already at the Perfection Boundary.

From today onwards, he possessed the qualifications to contend against the other top rankers in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. His power level now was already comparable to theirs.
“He broke through.” A gleam of fascination flashed through Yue Bingying’s eyes. From today onwards, Situ Po was no longer a mere chosen, he would be a Heaven’s Chosen presiding over all others.

Xuan Yan and Li Shiyu, who had also witnessed the sight, couldn’t help but lament in their hearts when they saw Situ Po breaking through. He was truly powerful.

“Speaking of which, I have to thank you. Without you, there wouldn’t be an opportunity for me to challenge the Heavenly Stele Step. The last of my Mandate wouldn’t have reached the Perfection Boundary so fast, nor would I have stepped into the ninth level of Yuanfu that quickly. I initially thought that I would only have this breakthrough when I journey to the Ginkou Continent. But thanks to you, I have even more time to prepare now.”

Situ Po serenely stated, his words causing many to sigh. Qin Wentian’s dispute with him caused the eccentrics of the Unmatched Realm to borrow the Heavenly Stele. Who would have thought that it would end up benefiting Situ Po instead?

“Situ Po does have Qin Wentian to thank indeed,” Li Shiyu calmly added. Xuan Yan nodded her head slightly, she knew that Situ Po at this moment had already exceeded her.

When he was at the eighth level of Yuanfu, his combat prowess was already extremely terrifying.

However, Situ Po spoke again, “Although I have you to thank for this, you will still die by my hands.”

After speaking, Situ Po took another step upwards, an incomparable stubbornness set within his heart. By securing his position on the 24th step, he had reached yet another fearsome height.
“The path upwards to the Heavenly Stele is too difficult, I wonder how many heroes have fallen before it.” Situ Po’s voice contained a hint of melancholy to it. After which, he sat down cross-legged on the 24th step, closing his eyes in meditation.

“24th step, the 24th step!” A radiant smile of pride suffused Yue Bingying’s face. “Other than Situ Po, who can accomplish this?”

As the sound of her voice faded, a figure clad in snowy-white leisurely walked over. She appeared otherworldly, untouched by mortal dust, exuding an oppressive coldness wherever she passed.

Moments later, she was at the bottom of the Heavenly Stele Steps.

One step, two step, all the way to the ninth, she didn’t stop for a single instant. On the ninth step, she finally coughed out a mouth of blood, but it didn’t stain her robes of purest white.

Yue Bingying’s expression faltered, while Li Shiyu and the rest froze.

A maiden clad in pure-white robes, akin to a snow lotus atop an icy mountain. She was Yun Mengyi.

Her simple and elegant form seemed untouched by mortal dust, yet she was actually attempting the test of the Heavenly Stele.

In the blink of an eye, she crossed another nine steps and stood shoulder to shoulder with Qin Wentian.

“What the? How is she so powerful?” Everyone was thunderstruck upon witnessing this. Yun Mengyi had also gained access to all thirty-six halls. The speed in which she traversed the 18th step clearly showed how resolute her heart was, how firm her conviction.
Not only that, she didn’t halt in her steps. She continued forwards, stepping onto the 19th, 20th… all the way to the 24th, standing side by side with Situ Po.

Situ Po’s eyes narrowed as his heart pounded. How could this be?

Earlier, he was still so proud of himself, saying how many heroes except for him had fallen before the Heavenly Stele Steps.

Yun Mengyi didn’t even glance at him, and instead continued to advance. Climbing up the 25th step, and then the 26th, where she finally paused and stood there, like an immortal lady from another world, an unparalleled existence in this world.

Situ Po had had to strain himself with so much effort to even reach the 24th step, yet Yun Mengyi only used less than half an hour of time to advance to the 26th. He was completely suppressed.

This scenario caused the expressions of all below to turn dumbfounded. Situ Po wasn’t willing to admit defeat, he had to continue forwards, gritting his teeth, advancing all the way to the peak. He stepped on to the 25th step, the pressure heating him within until it almost baked him alive. He was now only one step away from Yun Mengyi. But for the final step, he hesitated. He finally hesitated.

At this moment, Qin Wentian moved.

“Qin Wentian is starting to move, he’s finally advancing to the 19th step.”
The gazes of the crowd instantly riveted onto Qin Wentian, only to see the demonic qi exuding from him was now at an unbelievable level. It was as though he wasn’t a human at all.

He stepped upon the 19th step.

Nine rays of light from the three Heavenly Steles slammed onto him, there was no way to avoid them.

“Puchi…” A crisp sound rang out, Qin Wentian’s body contorted as the light cleaved downwards. He finally understood why so many geniuses had failed when they tried to advance to the 19th step.

A body made from flesh and blood, imbued with a mortal’s fear. How could it not be afraid when facing this heavenly wrath?

An intense pain circulated around him as Qin Wentian’s heart grew cold. There was a hole in his chest where fresh blood was leaking out.

He finally understood what Fan Le experienced, what he had to endure.

Was this reality? Or an illusion?

If it was real, why was he still alive? How could anyone withstand such pain and not die? If it was fake, where did the blood come from? Why was the pain this intense?

Whether an Illusion or Reality, a single thought from him would determine which was true.

Qin Wentian continued, taking another step forwards, advancing to the 20th step.

There was no doubt, Qin Wentian was the fourth person after Situ Po, Fan Le, and Yun Mengyi to reach the 19th step.

As his feet landed on the 20th step, a column of light penetrated through his heart. He had never experienced such pain before, but he’d already understood the truth between illusions and reality. The only thing that mattered was what he thought.

If he retreated now, he would die.

Qin Wentian laughed, and continued forward. He understood the crux of this test.

With insufficient conviction, he would die. If his will wavered even in the slightest, he would also die.

Every step was a battle between illusion and truth, bringing him closer and closer into contact with Death.

If it were earlier, if there was even the slightest wavering of his will, then the beam of light that penetrated his heart would instantly turn the illusion into reality. He would die for real. That was why even at the 19th step, so many people were injured. They didn’t believe that they could withstand that pressure.

“How can this be? He succeeded as well?”

Those below couldn’t believe their eyes. Qin Wentian didn’t pause, he instantly stepped on the 21st, 22nd, all the way to the 25th step. He was similar to Yun Mengyi, advancing so many steps with a single breath. At this moment, he stood side by side with Situ Po.

Who said that he’d already lost?
After being surpassed by Yun Mengyi, after being caught up by Qin Wentian, the smile on Situ Po’s face had long faded away. The confidence he’d had, the vigor he felt, were all replaced by a jarring feeling of disbelief. How could this be? Was their will stronger than his? Was their conviction stronger? Impossible.

“You’ve lost,” Qin Wentian calmly stated. Situ Po’s countenance changed as he coldly replied, “Even if you are on the same step as me, you don’t have the qualifications to say that yet.”

“The belief you had in yourself is already wavering,” Qin Wentian replied. He continued upwards, stepping onto the 26th step. At this moment, he stood side by side with Yun Mengyi, surpassing Situ Po.

“AWESOME!” Fan Le shouted. The expression on Situ Po’s face was too riveting.

“Look, Situ Po is the last now.” Fan Le laughed, directing his statement to Yue Bingying, harshly refuting her earlier words. So no one else other than Situ Po could reach the 24th step? What a load of baloney.
“Since you’ve succeeded, how can I fail now?” Situ Po spat out, after which, he too, took the next step upwards.

On the 26th step, there was only indescribable pain. His will was forcefully chopped away little by little, his conviction was peeled apart bit by bit. Yet, he continued to stand.

“ARGHHH!” A voice of agony echoed out, a blood vessel in Situ Po’s eyes burst. He was unwilling to give up, even as blood continued leaking freely from his eyes. Yet, he persevered, and finally stabilised his footing.

Drawing in a deep breath, Situ Po’s frame continued to tremble. He finally stepped on the 26th step. He had succeeded.
The three of them stood on equal footing, the 26th step.

“The final step!” Those below could feel their hearts trembling violently. They were witnessing history being made. Luckily, they had chosen to stay on.

The three of them needed only a single step to ascend to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Stele Steps. Just one step, yet who dared to take it?

Yun Mengyi took the lead. In an instant, countless streams of Ancient Will cascaded down, making contact with her body. Instantly, an appalling scene appeared—Yun Mengyi’s body was sliced apart bit by bit. The countless streams of Ancient Will wanted to destroy her body, reducing her into ashes.

“Puchi…” A crimson glow covered the skies as her blood dyed her pure-white robes a deep red. Yun Mengyi stumbled as she fell down the steps—so much blood covered her it was as though she had transformed into a being of blood.
Yun Mengyi could be said to be the most dazzling of all blazing suns that attempted the test, from the start of its history until now. She used the shortest amount of time to reach the 26th step, yet she was also the one that suffered the most grievous of injuries. The amount of blood was horrendous, the spectators had only one thought in their minds when they glanced at her. Was she already dead?
Situ Po’s heart was shaking. Yun Mengyi, someone so much stronger than him had ended up in such a state. His heart began to waver. On the 26th step, his mind had already been close to crumbling apart. What would happen if he took the 27th step?
No matter how strong one’s conviction was, in front of death, it would similarly waver.

“The seeds of fear have blossomed in your heart,” Qin Wentian calmly stated. Situ Po’s countenance stiffened as he glanced at the man beside him, adding, “This final step would be impossible for anyone to attempt.”

“What of it? At the very least, I want to see it with my own eyes.” Qin Wentian had never felt this composed before. He wanted to ranked among the top three in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. How many thistles and thorns would he have to tread on his path in future? He couldn’t afford to lose now.

How could he lose?
“DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?!” A thunderous sound reverberated within his mind. A silly-looking smile couldn’t help but appear on his face when he heard that. Who was he? He was Qin Wentian!

As he stood upon the last steps of the Heavenly Stele Steps, he experienced what Yun Mengyi experienced. The boundless Ancient Will split into countless streams that lacerated him, seemingly trying to peel him off layer by layer. With a smile on his face, he transcended the pain and stared right at the Heavenly Stele in front of him.
“Your will won’t destroy my body, Your will won’t destroy my intent, your will won’t waver my heart.” Qin Wentian stared at the Ancient Stele as he softly spoke, “I am Qin Wentian, my life, my fate, my destiny, is that of a demon!”