Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 375

Chapter 375: The BlackRobed Figure is a Female?

Countless gazes landed on the thirty-six contenders gathered on the arena platform. Some among these contenders were standing proudly, gazing down at the crowd while some others were sitting cross-legged, immersed in their own cultivation. Their Vermilion Birds hovered behind them, exuding an extremely baleful aura.

These thirty-six contenders would all become critical characters of Grand Xia in the future. They would be rankers on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, unless they were pushed down by someone else in the future.

Old Man Tianji still had a composed expression on his face as he glanced at the crowd. “Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Zhan Chen, Emperor Azure, Qin Zheng, Yun Mengyi, Mu Fang, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng. The Vermilion Birds of these ten have already taken form, from illusory to reality. They possess the most amount of ancient luck, and hence, shall temporarily be ranked as the top ten.”

“As for the other twenty-six contenders, for the time-being you will also be ranked according to the amount of ancient luck you have. Wang Jue, eleventh, Hua Shaoqing, twelfth and so forth.”

As the sound of Old Man Tianji’s voice faded, the contenders gazed at the amount of ancient luck they had on the foreheads of their Vermilion Birds as they were being ranked accordingly. If they were unhappy with the ranking, they could only change it by fighting against someone stronger.

“The ranking battle this time around shall follow the same rules as that of the past. The last ranked person shall begin the challenge, and if he is victorious, he shall replace the ranking of the one he defeated. They will be given another opportunity to continue the challenge; if one is defeated again, their rankings shall be fixed. And one last thing, you are all able to skip ranks when issuing challenges.” Old Man Tianji continued, “At this moment, your rankings have all already been temporarily decided. Xiao Du, step up, you will be the first to start the challenge.”

Xiao Du originated from the Xiao Faction of the Nine Mystical Palace. This time around, the Nine Mystical Palace had placed all their hopes on him. Although there were only a total of thirty-six positions, he had managed to meet their expectations by successfully gaining last place on the rankings.
His silhouette flickered as he stepped up to stand in the centre of the platform, gazing sharply at the other contenders below.
For the other thirty-five contenders, there were several that had already exchanged blows with him. All of them were extremely powerful, to the extent that he didn’t have any absolute confidence in picking someone to challenge.

Ultimately, Xiao Du’s sights landed on Qin Wentian. This person was the prey that the Nine Mystical Palace wanted to capture, yet who would have thought that Qin Wentian would act outside of their expectations? Ignoring the safety of the Emperor Star Academy, refusing to give himself up, and even participating in the ranking battle instead? And he was even more surprised to find out Qin Wentian was the one who slayed Luo Qianqiu back then.

Xiao Du was already considered famous in the Nine Mystical Palace and wasn’t someone Luo Qianqiu could be compared to. In the past, the Qin Wentian that he hadn’t even bothered to look at had actually ranked within the top ten. He’d wondered at his results; how much of it was due to Qin Wentian’s own capabilities and how much of it was due to his luck?
Earlier in the formation world, other than those who clashed directly with Qin Wentian, the other contenders didn’t know how much his strength had developed. Of course, Xiao Du hadn’t witnessed Qin Wentian’s tyrannical outburst. As a Heaven’s Chosen from the Nine Mystical Palace, he naturally had his own pride. His gaze turned sharp, as the notion of him besting Qin Wentian appeared in his mind. He wanted to try it, and if he really succeeded, wouldn’t his ranking shoot up to within the top ten with just a single battle?

Once he defeated Qin Wentian, even if he was defeated by the other contenders, his eventual ranking wouldn’t be too low as well. This was an opportunity, the aura exuding from Qin Wentian was only at the eighth level of Yuanfu. Even if Qin Wentian had comprehended a second level Mandate, Xiao Du should still be able to fight against him to some extent.

“Qin Wentian, get the fuck up here.”

Xiao Du’s gaze was fixated on Qin Wentian, akin to a sharp sword wanting to lacerate him. Qin Wentian raised his head as his fiend-like eyes studied Xiao Du. The moment their eyes met, Xiao Du felt his heart clenching from fear. He immediately steadied himself—he was also an extraordinary character, how could he let his heart be shaken just from a single glance?

“Shit.” Those from the Nine Mystical Palace cursed. Evidently, they didn’t expect Xiao Du would issue out a challenge to Qin Wentian. They were spectators that had witnessed the events unfolding in the formation world earlier, they naturally understood Qin Wentian’s true level of power. Xiao Du was far from being able to compare to him.

Qian Mengyu and those from the Greencloud Pavilion were also here today. Upon seeing the scene, she couldn’t help but shake her head. This Xiao Du was overestimating his own strength.

The distance between both of them was too great. They weren’t characters on the same level.

Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered as he landed on the arena platform. Sweeping his gaze across Xiao Du, his ice-cold, fiend-like eyes flared as they emitted a will, causing Xiao Du’s movement to freeze momentarily, and then howl miserably in pain and agony.

“DIE!” Xiao Du roared in agony as his Astral Souls erupted. He flew towards Qin Wentian, slamming out a Thunder Palm Imprint directly at his chest. Yet there seemed to be a terrifying force akin to a barrier before Qin Wentian’s chest, his palm strike had no way to breach that barrier.

“This defense…” Xiao Du’s countenance stiffened, he felt as though he had just slammed his palm into an ancient primordial beast that had an insanely high resistance to attacks. Even normal demonic beasts like the Golden Demonic Garuda, Grand Strength Bull Demon, Golden Primal Ape, all already had incredible defenses, let alone Qin Wentian who had already mastered the third level of Fiend Transformation Art in addition to his ancient primordial bloodline.

Inclining his head, Xiao Du only saw cold eyes staring at him, as a chill blossomed in his heart.

“PENG!” A force of inexorable might slammed into his body, Xiao Du only felt the bones in his chest shattering as he was flung through the air, out of the arena platform, and then ruthlessly slammed into the ground. With a groan of misery, he spat out fresh blood. Qin Wentian had already returned to his original spot.

Such a scene made Xiao Du ashamed and resentful, what a humiliating battle.
“Xiao Du’s ranking is fixated at #36 on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.” Old Man Tianji waved his hands as a shimmering score board appeared in the air. On the top segment of the scoreboard were the words ‘Heavenly Fate’, with Xiao Du’s name written below, as well as the number 36 on the left side of it.
Xiao Du was still ranked last.

。

“Qin Wentian excels in strength and defense. Without a second level Mandate, no one should even think of fighting against him.” The crowd silently mused, they knew that even though Qin Wentian only had a cultivation base at the eighth level, his combat prowess had long already reached the pinnacle of Yuanfu.
The fights continued as the contenders strived to advance their rankings. The silhouettes that stood upon the arena platform grew increasingly stronger and at the end, even Xuan Yan from the Mystic Maiden Palace was defeated and given the rank of #20. Before this, she was ranked #17. This indicated that the opponents faced were so powerful that her ranking had even fallen down by three positions.
After which, Peng Zhan was ranked #19. He chose to challenge the currently ranked #17 Ouyang Kuangsheng.
The ending of the challenge was of no surprise. He had an advantage in terms of his quality of Astral Souls, in addition to his second level Mandate of Flames, as well as the power of his bloodline. Ouyang Kuangsheng defeated Peng Zhan, maintaining his ranking, while Peng Zhan’s ranking was fixed permanently at #19.
After that, the ranked #18, Yao Jun, stepped onto the platform as an unsightly expression appeared on his face.
Originally, Yao Jun had such high hopes for the Heavenly Fate Rankings this year and wanted to dash into the top ten. Who would have thought that the contenders of this batch would be so powerful—each and everyone that was ranked before him made him feel fear in his heart.
In the top 10: Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, Emperor Azure, Qin Zheng, Yun Mengyi, Mu Feng, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.
These ten were all too powerful, especially Qin Wentian. Yao Jun had personally witnessed Qin Wentian’s prowess up close. If he really had to choose, the weakest among the ten would undoubtedly be Mo Qingcheng.
Next, the cultivators ranked #11 to #17 were: Wang Jue, Hua Shaoqing, Yan Cheng, Li Yu, the black-robed figure, Leng Hong and Ouyang Kuangsheng.
In the previous Heavenly Fate Rankings, those who were ranked in the top ten, aside from Hua Shaoqing, were Wang Jue, Yan Cheng, Li Yu. Even though their ranks were now being pushed backwards, it didn’t signify that they were weak.
As for the black-robed figure and Leng Hong, both of them were dark horses. Yao Jun had also witnessed them in combat before; they were both extremely powerful. As for the remaining Ouyang Kuangsheng who had just defeated Peng Zhan, Yao Jun knew for sure that he wasn’t a match for Ouyang Kuangsheng.
Drawing a deep breath, Yao Jun’s gaze finally landed onto the black-robed figure. The black-robed figure was the most mysterious of the remaining contenders, right now, he could only gamble and pray for the best.
“You will be my stepping stone.” A terrifying demonic qi gushed out from Yao Jun as he stared at the black-robed figure. His palms metamorphosed into that of a demon’s, the technique he used somehow resembling Qin Wentian’s Fiend Transformation Art, albeit several times weaker.

The silhouette of the black-robed figure flickered and landed on the platform. A devilish qi enveloped him—it was no longer a secret to the spectators that this figure cultivated the Devil Arts.
Currently, the cultivation of this figure was already at the ninth level of Yuanfu, and was many times stronger compared to the time where Qin Wentian first saw him.
Qin Wentian also paid close attention to this match, he had always been extremely curious regarding the identity of this black-robed figure.
Yao Jun then underwent demonic transformation, his demonic form causing fear to bloom in the hearts of those who saw him. Yet, the black-robed figure exuded an imposing might that didn’t lose out to him in the slightest.
Loud roaring sounds echoed as Yao Jun released his Astral Souls. All three were actually beast-type Astral Souls that were able to augment his attack. With incredible speed, he instantly rushed towards the black-robed figure.
The black-robed figure didn’t avoid it, choosing to rush out as well. Yao Jun’s eyes involuntarily flashed with a cold smile when he saw the black-robed figure’s decision.
“DIE!” A fearsome demonic light glinted in Yao Jun’s eyes as his attack speed explosively increased at this moment, slamming directly into the chest of the black-robed figure. However, the expression on his face reflected shock before faltering the next moment.
This person that cultivated the fearsome Devil Arts, was actually a woman?
Incomparably boundless demonic energy gushed into her body from his strike, yet the eyes of the black-robed figure remained as cold as ever, indifferent to the violent energies gushing inside her. She instantly responded with a black-colored devilish palm imprint of her own, that seemingly also contained a fearsome demonic qi mixed within. She slammed it right into Yao Jun’s head, exploding it like a watermelon, instantly killing Yao Jun.
An icy light flashed in her eyes as she walked down the arena, not speaking a single world.
“Did she just convert Yao Jun’s demonic energy gushing into her body and then incorporate that into her own attacks?” To the spectators, it was as though a rock had dropped inside their hearts. Yao Jun’s attack could already be considered at an extremely terrifying level, yet she had totally disregarded his attack.
Who was this person exactly?

And why had he slain Yao Jun under a fit of rage?
Those from the Skydemon Sect all had ashen expressions on their faces. Ranked #13 in the previous Heavenly Fate Rankings, Yao Jun, a chosen from their sect who had always aimed for the top ten positions, had already fallen.
The ranking battle this time around was too intense!
TL Note:

Only Yao Jun knew the black-robed figure was a female hence the usage of ‘she’. The spectators didn’t know yet, hence I used ‘he’ in their point of view.

Chapter 376: Wang Jue’s Conviction

The spectators watched on with shock as Yao Jun was slain. A terrifying existence ranked #13 on the last Heavenly Fate Rankings, easily killed by the mysterious black-robed figure.

Even now, nobody knew who the black-robed figure really was. They didn’t even know if he was a male or female, but seeing that this person chose to cultivate such an overbearing tyrannical art, the spectators guessed that the figure was most likely a male.

Now that Yao Jun was dead, the others behind him all moved forwards by one ranking. As for those in front of him, there were still seventeen contenders and currently Ouyang Kuangsheng was temporarily ranked #17.

“Ouyang Zheng, who was among the top ten in the previous ranking, was too slow in his improvement, and his current ranking has already been fixed at #12. And now, Ouyang Kuangsheng has actually improved his ranking from being a nobody to #17, what a huge transformation. If one didn’t improve, then they’re only destined to be overtaken by others. Right now in his clan, Ouyang Kuangsheng has truly become the leader of his generation, officially surpassing Ouyang Zheng.”

After this, Ouyang Kuangsheng challenged the dark horse Leng Hong, and after an intense battle, soundly defeated him. Right after, Ouyang Kuangsheng chose Li Yu from the Thousand Jue Alliance, and ended up being defeated by him. Ouyang Kuangsheng’s ranking was thus fixed at #16.

Because he didn’t advance, the defeated Leng Hong felt extremely miserable—Leng Hong didn’t even have a chance to challenge others and his ranking was fixed in the #17 position. The two dark horses had already come as far as they could go.

Next, it was the black-robed figure’s turn. Immediately, the gazes of the crowd all landed on him, would he be able to advance successfully?

The black-robed figure stepped upon the arena platform once more as his gaze shifted onto a certain someone, his choice causing the expressions of the crowd to stiffen.

“You.” The black-robed figure’s voice was extremely husky, his finger was actually pointing to Mo Qingcheng.
The black-robed figure wanted to challenge the Heavenly Fate Rankings’ number one beauty, Mo Qingcheng.

When others came face to face with Mo Qingcheng, they wouldn’t go all out simply because she was too enchanting. No one wanted to be the person that would be targeted by Grand Xia’s countless outraged admirers, all because they destroyed Mo Qingcheng. This was the first time someone directly issued a challenge to Mo Qingcheng, and not only that, it was a person who cultivated the path of the devil.

Qin Wentian’s gaze faltered as an expression of bewilderment appeared on his face. He didn’t expect that the black-robed figure would challenge Mo Qingcheng.

Why would he do so? To be honest, Qin Wentian felt nothing but goodwill and gratitude to the black-robed figure who had helped him immensely all this while. So, why would he target Mo Qingcheng?

Mo Qingcheng’s silhouette flickered, before she then appeared on the Vermilion Bird arena platform. Her appearance was like a celestial maiden descending onto the mortal world, causing everyone who was spectating to be dumbstruck by her beauty. With her body radiating a saint-like aura, she was extremely dazzling, and simply gazing upon her beauty was a pleasure to behold.

Without a word, the devil-might emanating from the black-robed figure skyrocketed in intensity. On the dome of heavens above, the devil-might could be seen gathering in a concentrated mass as it revolved about violently. This sight caused Qin Wentian to frown slightly, he was worried for Mo Qingcheng.

At this moment, Mo Qingcheng was performing gestures of incantations as her saintly glow intensified, bathing her in its radiance. Her appearance was now like an immortal fairy in the world of mortals.

It didn’t seem possible for such a female to exist among them.
“How beautiful, and look at that holy corona of light. Her Astral Soul is extremely rare, the Immortal Fairy.”

This was the first time Mo Qingcheng unleashed her strength, giving the spectators a huge rush of impact. There were no words that could do justice to her beauty, she was so beautiful to the extent of causing people to feel a sense of blasphemy just by looking at her.

Before her, there was a nine-colored flame, as she released yet another Astral Soul. What made the spectators gasp in shock was that the nine-colored flame Astral Soul seemed to superimpose with the Immortal Fairy Astral Soul, and as they fused into one they caused the Immortal Fairy to glow with resplendent nine-colored flames. Such a scene caused Qin Wentian to softly sigh in his heart, it had been a few years since he’d met Qingcheng. Despite her current power, she would forever be that naive, beautiful lady who watched the snow with him.
Of course, Qin Wentian seemed to have forgotten that Mo Qingcheng was currently a chosen from the Pill Emperor Hall. In front of others, she was as unreachable as the moon in the skies, as pure as a celestial maiden. How could her level of strength be weak?
She too had obtained a legacy, becoming one of the chosen ten contenders.

A devil and a fairy, such a contrast was exceedingly intense.
The black-robed figure made his move, and as he flew out, a devilish palm imprint formed amidst the sounds of rolling thunder, slamming towards Mo Qingcheng.

Mo Qingcheng’s palm wavered as the nine-colored flame turned into nine beautiful flowers flying before her, unleashing a terrible heat to meet the attack.

That terrifying devil art was actually being pushed back bit by bit, as though even the devil feared the nine-colored flames. Mo Qingcheng’s movement techniques were extremely intricate, she floated up in the air in a beautiful arc and rushed towards the black-robed figure.
The black-robed figure held his hands up and clasped them together, causing the entire space around them to tremble from the reverberations, before pushing his palms out. The gigantic devil palm imprint contained an aura of destruction within, capable of annihilating everything.

“Break,” Mo Qingcheng coldly spoke, her nine-colored flames penetrated past the devil palm and continued gushing forth to the black-robed figure. Such a scene caused the figure’s eyes to widen. With a rapid spin, the figure covered himself entirely with his robes, absorbing the brunt of the nine-colored flame attack.

“BE CAREFUL!” Qin Wentian abruptly felt a strong sense of unease. Even though the black-robes were burning, the actual figure himself was nowhere to be seen. “Bzzz.” He appeared right behind Mo Qingcheng, his body enveloped in a fearsome devil armor. The almighty, black-colored Grand Devil Palm Imprint formed from the devil-might, concentrating on the dome of Heavens as it slammed down with ruthless speed, targeting Mo Qingcheng.

Mo Qingcheng’s silhouette flickered in response as she turned transparent, causing the spectators to feel as though they were looking at a mirage.

“Grand Destruction!”

An ice-cold, hoarse-sounding voice drifted out, as the black-robed figure also vanished.

“BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!” The Vermilion Bird arena platform shook violently as the two of them met in a frontal collision. After which, the spectators saw the black-robed figure was enveloped by a thick layer of demonic qi. Mo Qingcheng was the one injured! She gasped for breath as the saintly light covering her began to heal her injuries. It took her a few moments before her breathing steadied and she recovered.
The black-robed figure gazed at the heavens. Momentarily, a huge bellowing sound akin to an ancient devil echoed from underneath the earth as the figure’s devil-might skyrocketed immensely.

Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, the devil-might upheaving the heavens, causing the color of the skies to change.

“How tyrannical, to cultivate this kind of devil art, how heavy will the backlash be?” The hearts of the spectators pounded as they watched on. For devil path cultivators, the stronger the cultivated devil-art, the more danger they themselves would be in. And even if they succeeded in gaining mastery, devilish characteristics would still be birthed.

Mo Qingcheng wore a heavy expression on her face. Shifting her fingers in the sign of the lotus, the halo covering her body grew brighter as several mirages appeared, making it impossible for the spectators to know which one was the real Mo Qingcheng.
“BOOM…!” The black-robed figure strode forth as devilish lightning bolts descended, striking the platform. Every step the figure took, the devil-might exuding from him grew stronger in intensity.

Qin Wentian’s heart shook violently as an extremely cold light flashed in his eyes. No matter who the black-robed figure might be, no one was allowed to hurt Mo Qingcheng.
The attention of the spectators were all intensely fixated on the platform. This was one of the most savage battles they’d witnessed so far.

The towering devil-might covered the entire skies, as Mo Qingcheng’s mirage figures also increased in number.

“BOOOOOOM!” Finally, the black-robed figure unleashed a terrifying attack, condensing the entirety of devil-might in the skies. The devil-might transformed into droplets that rained down with the sharpness of divine spears, covering the entire platform in an area-of-effect attack. Mo Qingcheng gave a cold shout as the nine-colored flames she had been suppressing burst out to grand effect, its radiance covering the entire platform with dazzling colors.

“Peng…”
The two of them slammed into each other once more, only to see Mo Qingcheng being flung through the air, while the black-robed figure remained standing on the stage.
Coughing out a mouthful of blood, Mo Qingcheng’s countenance was as white as a sheet. She ingested a medicinal pill, as her body was enveloped by a sheen of Astral Light, quickly mending her injuries. The black-robed figure stood there unmoving, as blood similarly flowed from his wounds. He was still covered entirely in his black robes.

“You’ve won,” Mo Qingcheng stated in a low voice as she glanced at the black-robed figure. The black-robed figure merely nodded before turning and stepping down the platform.

This battle caused a heavy silence to permeate the atmosphere, carving a deep impression in the minds of the spectators. Regardless of the black-robed figure or Mo Qingcheng, both of them were extremely powerful.

The black-robed figure didn’t continue issuing challenges. After replacing Mo Qingcheng and stepping into the top ten, Mo Qingcheng’s ranking was pushed back by one position, becoming ranked #11.
There were a total of fifteen contenders remaining who hadn’t issued their challenges. From #11 to #15, the contenders respectively were: Mo Qingcheng, Wang Jie, Hua Shaoqing, Yan Cheng and Li Yu.

Li Yu from the Thousand-Jue Alliance had no choice, he could only challenge Yan Cheng who was ranked ahead of him. It eventually ended in his defeat and hence his rank was fixed at number #15.
Yan Cheng challenged Hua Shaoqing and lost, he was ranked #14.

Hua Shaoqing challenged Wang Jue and lost, he was ranked #13.

For the rankers that had fallen further behind, it seemed as though the level of difficulty escalated exponentially. Almost no one could defeat those ranked ahead of them.

And now, it was Wang Jue’s turned. He was ranked #12, but all those in front of him were all extremely fearful characters.

Mo Qingcheng’s battle with the black-robed figure had left a lasting impression in the hearts of the spectators. Wang Jue knew that if he challenged either of them, the only thing that he could be sure of was his defeat.
Wang Jue stood on the arena platform as his sharp gaze roamed about, staring at the eleven contenders ranked ahead of him. He, Wang Jue, definitely had to be in the top ten, definitely!

If he wished to accomplish his objective, he had to challenge one of those from the top ten. Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Cheng, Emperor Azure, Qin Zheng, Yun Mengyi, Mu Feng, Qin Wentian or the black-robed figure.

Wang Jue was initially ranked #6 in the past rankings and if he couldn’t even retain a spot in the top ten this time around, where then could he place his face?

Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, Emperor Azure, he left these five out in his considerations. Qin Zheng gave off an extremely unfathomable feeling, and Yun Mengyi was as mysterious as him. Mu Feng was originally ranked #7 on the past three years ranking, and with his expertise in poison, Wang Jue wasn’t willing to tangle himself with such a character.

Qin Wentian had overwhelming strength and a strong defense, in addition to tyrannical innate techniques.

But if he were left with no other options, then his choice had to be Qin Wentian.

Wang Jue’s gaze contained a sharpness akin to divine weapons, landing onto Qin Wentian.
Qin Wentian sensed his gaze as he lifted his head, matching it.

“Come on up,” Wang Jue calmly stated, and Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered as he too landed on the platform.

No matter how he calculated it, Qin Wentian was the only contender that he felt he had a higher probability of defeating.

Hence, Wang Jue chose to challenge him.

“You shall be the stepping stone for my entry into the top ten. You have no hope to win against me.” Wang Jue’s Astral Souls erupted into being, covering his entire body with a bright light. An armor-type Divine Weapon covered his entire body yet, this wasn’t a true divine armor made from materials, merely something resembling it.

Even his palms, were as sharp as divine weapons.

Wang Jue, of the Wang Clan from the War Continent, exuded an aura that made it seem as though he himself was a Divine Weapon. In this case, both his attack and defense would also be insanely terrifying.

“The reason why I chose you was because, in terms of attack or defense, you are far from being a match from me. I will show you the meaning of the words ‘total suppression’. Don’t blink.” Wang Jue stepped out as the sharpness radiating from him intensified. His eyes were flickering with unconcealed battle intent.

He couldn’t be defeated, he couldn’t afford to be. He had to achieve victory for this battle, this was his conviction!

The spectators’ countenance flickered when they stared at Wang Jue. Maybe his choice was correct—although Qin Wentian’s strength was overwhelming and had incredible defenses, Wang Jue wouldn’t lose out to him when he himself could be considered a peerless divine weapon, with divine armor enveloping him to boost his defenses.

Wang Jue wanted to trample upon Qin Wentian overwhelmingly, using him as his stepping stone to enter the top ten!

Chapter 377: Strong Against Strong

Wang Jue was a Heaven’s Chosen from the Wang Clan of the War Continent, previously ranked #6 in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Yet this year, he couldn’t even enter the top ten. This was a matter of disgrace and humiliation to him.

The gazes of the spectators focused on Wang Jue, who radiated an aura of unexcelled sharpness. He advanced slowly towards Qin Wentian and with every step he took, the sharpness of Heaven and Earth seemed to intensify within his aura. The armor enveloping him glowed with the sheen of Astral Light, and behind him the Vermilion Bird let out a shriek of fury, issuing a challenge of its own.

This battle could only end in victory, and not defeat.

After defeating Qin Wentian, he still had to obtain one more victory before he could be considered as stepping into the top ten. Now, there were twelve contenders remaining, and two had to be eliminated.
Just from gazing at Wang Jue, the crowd could feel his conviction to win. His Astral Souls were all designed to boost his attack, and although every step he took seemed slow and heavy, the sharpness within it was exceedingly overwhelming. Once he began his attack, even the skies would be torn asunder.

Would Qin Wentian be able to stand up to Wang Jue’s attacks?

The current Wang Jue seemed to have completely transformed into a peerless supreme Divine Weapon.

Although Qin Wentian’s demonic form was terrifying, Wang Jue’s entire being was the epitome of sharpness and even the Mandates he comprehended were something related to divine weapons, ensuring that his attacks contained incomparable sharpness and power. In the Yuanfu Realm, be it your defenses are that of a human or a demon, all shall break apart before him.
But naturally when fighting against Wang Jue, Qin Wentian wouldn’t be so arrogant as to defend against him with mere physical defenses.

A powerful beam of light shot out from Wang Jue as his entire body lunged forwards, like a stab from a divine spear, containing an invincible force in his momentum.
At that instant, Qin Wentian also stepped out. Just a single step seemed to concentrate the entire force of this world within him. He was one with the Heavens, one with the Earth, in a state of total harmonization.

Qin Wentian could feel Wang Jue’s eyes boring into him as another stream of light slashed his way.
“You won’t be able to block me,” Wang Jue calmly spoke. Yet even before the sound of his voice faded, Qin Wentian’s palm had already shot out.

Force. Since Wang Jue’s attacks and defenses surpassed him, he would compete in pure strength then.

A burst of blinding white light inundated the area, piercing into the spectators’ eyes. After their vision recovered, they discovered that Qin Wentian remained as steady and unmoving as a mountain, but Wang Jie was already driven back to the boundaries of the arena platform. Traces of blood could be seen leaking from Wang Jue’s mouth, as his countenance turned a ghastly shade of pale.
“How can your pitiful attacks suppress me?”

Qin Wentian slowly stepped out as he advanced towards Wang Jue. Every step he took gave people a sense of total harmonization and when Wang Jue noticed his approach, his face grew even paler. Earlier when they clashed, his conviction had instantly shattered. Qin Wentian’s strength was unbelievable, how can he be this powerful?
Wang Jue was at a loss of what to do. He’d used his most powerful attack, yet was counter-suppressed instead, and now he could think of no other methods that could overpower Qin Wentian.

With every step, the demonic qi exuding from Qin Wentian intensified. That demonically handsome face gave off a charisma that left people powerless before him.
With a howl of rage, eighteen spears appeared behind Wang Jue, manifested from Astral Light. The effort of summoning the spears made him cough out blood, as he struggled to remain in control. Upon being coated by the will of Wang Jue’s Mandate, the spears vibrated intensely as they let out loud wails.

“Bzzz!” Golden light flickered as a pair of gigantic, golden-colored garuda wings instantly appeared behind Qin Wentian. Poof, Qin Wentian vanished from sight.
Wang Jue’s countenance drastically fell. With a signal, all eighteen spears pierced out, but right at that exact moment, golden light beams slashed out from Qin Wentian’s wings, creating an extremely fearsome noise.
Wang Jue had no time to react when he realized Qin Wentian had already appeared before him. Blasting out with a dragon imprint, the draconic roars reverberated the heavens as the terrifying sound waves contained a powerful aura of destruction. As the imprint slammed into Wang Jue, he was instantly flung backwards and forced ruthlessly onto the ground, where he fell unconscious.

Qin Wentian calmly stood upon the arena, his demonic qi permeating the entire space. The spectators could only stare at him with dumbfoundedness as they realized this young man was becoming increasingly unfathomable. Even the most casual of glances was sufficient to strike terror in the hearts of others.
Currently, with Qin Wentian’s second level insight in the Mandate of Demons, as well as being in the third stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, he could instantly demonify any body parts he desired with but a thought. A thought to form a pair of demonic garuda wings, a thought to form terrifying kirin claws, a thought to undergo total demonic transformation. Also, this particular transformation was unlike the gathering of demonic qi from the demonic divinities in the eight directions—this demonic transformation was reversible. Therefore, he gained the ability to demonify instantly, Qin Wentian’s attack naturally became even more terrifying. The eighty-one demonic arts he learned in the Unmatched Realm could be unleashed to greater effect, flowing as naturally as time itself.

“Wang Jue’s ranking will be fixed at #12,” Old Man Tianji calmly announced.

The once #6 of yesteryear had fallen to #12 today. Not even able to get within the top ten.

Since Wang Jue was defeated, Mo Qingcheng who was pushed back a spot to #11 because of her defeat to the black-robed figure, had to challenge one of the top ten now.

Yet, how difficult was it to succeed?
Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, Emperor Azure, Yun Mengyi, Mu Feng, Qin Wentian, and the black-robed figure.

Initially, everyone had thought that Qin Wentian would be the easiest to handle among the ten of them. Yet Wang Jue had just proved the hypothesis wrong. In fact, there were no weaklings among the top ten, each and everyone of them were true geniuses of the younger generations.

They were all too terrifying.
“Seeing how you are one of the contenders that managed to locate a legacy, and you have also reached a certain level of prowess, I shall do you a favor and place you on the same level as the top ten,” Old Man Tianji abruptly spoke, his words causing shock to flash past the faces of the spectators.

Even though she was now ranked #11, all of these eleven people couldn’t be underestimated. Although she might have lost to the black-robed figure, it didn’t mean that she would lose for sure to the others. Old Man Tianji’s decision made sense.

Or maybe, Old Man Tianji did so because she had a sufficient amount of ancient luck.
Although this was unfair to those ranked behind Mo Qingcheng, since Old Man Tianji made the decision himself, no one else dared to protest.

And hence, now there were a total of eleven that would be contending for the ultimate rankings.

“Next, I will decide the order of each battle. Five against five. Since, Chen Wang was ranked #2 in the previous rankings, he shall temporarily be excluded from this round of battles. The five victors would then, together with Chen Wang, compete for the top six rankings. For those who lost the first round of battle, they still retain a chance to challenge the top six. If they win, they will take over the position and if they lost, they can only contend for rankings from #6 to #11.”
Old Man Tianji gazed at the contenders as he stated. His decision to allow Chen Wang to fight after the ten had fought could be accepted.

After all Chen Wang was the contender with the highest amount of recognition. After Hua Taixu, he was number one.

“Shi Potian vs Qin Zheng; Si Qiong vs Mu Feng; Zhan Chen vs Yun Mengyi; Emperor Azure vs the black-robed figure; Qin Wentian vs Mo Qingcheng.”
Old Man Tianji’s arrangement created waves of excitement in the hearts of the spectators. No matter which battle it was, the contenders in very round would make it extremely fascinating to spectate.

Because they were highly regarded, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, Emperor Azure weren’t matched up against each other. The only arrangement that made the spectators puzzled was Qin Wentian’s battle against Mo Qingcheng.
Maybe it was just something Old Man Tianji had only casually arranged, with no deeper meaning behind it.

“The first battle, Shi Potian against Qin Zheng.”
It was just the first fight, and already it was one between the heavyweights. Qin Zheng had once fought against Chen Wang in the formation world and came out unscatched. He was extremely strong, with comprehensions concerning the Mandate of Space.

Now that he was being matched up with Shi Potian, this show would definitely be an amazing one to spectate.
Those from the Shi Clan had a primordial beast bloodline. Shi Potian’s physique alone already gave an impressive imposing aura that made people unconsciously feel inferior to him.

Chen Wang, Shi Potian and Si Qiong were the three contenders with the highest amounts of recognition for the ranking battle this time around.

Qin Zheng stood upon the platform, exuding a light and casual air. It seemed as though no matter the situation, he would never feel hurried, forever relaxed and at ease.
“Boom!” Shi Potian initiated the attack, as he called upon the power of his primordial beast bloodline. Instantly, a golden dragon armor containing infallible might enveloped his body, as a golden spear appeared in his hands.

“Peng…”

Shi Potian pierced out with his spears as dragon roars tore spatial cracks in the region. Just the sound waves alone held the power to damage people.

“This must be the ultimate art the Shi Clan possessed—Golden Dragon Battle Art. This battle art contains boundless power, granting the learner overwhelming attacks and enabling a golden dragon armor to be formed, increasing one’s defenses. For the Shi Clan, who possess a primordial beast bloodline, this art is exceedingly suitable for them. Shi Potian’s proficiency can be seen from that single strike—causing draconic roars to have the ability to create spatial cracks merely from a single stab.
Seeing that spear attack, every spectator instantly knew that this was one of the ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia, akin to the Great Solar Universe Art of the Great Solar Chen Clan.
Qin Zheng might be in danger.

The two of them frenziedly clashed against each other on the platform. Qin Zheng’s Spatial Laceration was also fearsome, and could even slice apart the golden dragon armor, injuring Shi Potian. Also, Qin Zheng’s speed was incomparably quick because of his comprehensions in the Mandate of Space. If it weren’t for Shi Potian being so powerful, he would have long been defeated.
And despite fighting against Shi Potian, Qin Zheng wasn’t being suppressed at all. They shook the entire platform with the intensity of their battle.

“Fascinating! Such a battle is truly too marvellos to spectate. I’m sure the following battles will all be of this standard—this is truly a fight of those standing at the pinnacle of Yuanfu.” The spectators cheered wildly as they roared with excitement. This was too fascinating.

Although Shi Potian was powerful, Qin Zheng was no weakling.

Given how intense this battle already was, what scenario would then occur during the fight for the top three positions?
Their hearts were all filled with pure anticipation!

Chapter 378: Sharp Point

 

Shi Potian erupted with overwhelming strength as he faced Qin Zheng. Yet, despite Shi Potian’s tyrannical attacks, Qin Zheng’s method were too varied, and packed with power as well.

Finally, at that instant where they clashed directly, Astral Light erupted as astral shackles appeared on Qin Zheng’s body, so binding that it wouldn’t have any problems restricting the movements of a true dragon.

Qin Zheng’s body blasted forth a sharp light that condensed itself into a terrifying Origin Void Sword.

“Lacerate!”

Qin Zheng coldly snorted, aiming for Shi Potian, and even the space itself couldn’t stand up to his slashes. Would Shi Potian in his golden dragon battle armor be able to withstand that strike?

An exceedingly sharp light glinted in Shi Potian’s eyes. He didn’t dodge, but stood still instead, allowing the slash to strike him.

“Bzzz!”

Abruptly, at the instant Qin Zheng’s slash descended, Shi Potian had totally vanished from sight. Qin Zheng’s countenance drastically changed as he immediately retreated backwards with the will of the Mandate of Wind.

“Peng…”

A terrifying force rammed into Qin Zheng, catapulting him through the air. While still in mid air, he continuously coughed out blood from the impact.

After steadying himself on the ground, Qin Zheng turned his gaze onto the platform. The qi in his body was circulating chaotically about, as fresh blood leaked out of his mouth. No trace of rage could be seen in his eyes—even though he had lost, he was still extremely calm.

“Earlier, was that one of the nine ultimate arts you made the exchange for?”

Shi Potian stood on the platform as he returned Qin Zheng’s gaze. “Able to fight against me to such an extent, you should already be proud of your own abilities. You might still have a chance to crawl your way into the top six. And to answer your question, yes, that was the sole movement technique of one of the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia—Stellar Transposition.”

“Indeed, it really was the Stellar Transposition. No wonder.” The crowd was stunned. Other than the Golden Dragon Battle Art, Shi Potian had also mastered a movement technique as incredible as the Stellar Transposition. How could his combat prowess not be fearsome?

Stellar Transposition only had a single stance, yet it was an extremely powerful one. It’s function was able to instantly transposition the user anywhere in a short distance. It required the burning of a huge amount of Astral Energy to execute this, and Shi Potian even though his attacks appeared extremely savage, he had always been extremely cautious when fighting against Qin Zheng, only revealing his trump card at the last moment.

In a battle of life and death, such a precious movement techniques could be called a life-saving measure. Or one could even use it to reverse the situation and instantly slay their opponents.

Although Shi Potian was more powerful than Qin Zheng, Qin Zheng had too many techniques he was proficient in, it could be said that if Shi Potian didn’t use Stellar Transposition, the fight between them would most likely ended up as a draw.

In this case, Shi Potian had a ranking among the top six, while Qin Zheng’s ranking would be temporarily be pushed backwards. With Qin Zheng’s strength, he still had a chance for contending for the top six.

Next the second round, Si Qiong vs Mu Feng.

The instant both of them stepped on the stage, the hearts of the spectators began to boil with excitement. Si Qiong was the strongest dark horse within the contenders while Mu Feng wields terrifying venom arts. How intense would their battle be?

“Do you think you wouldn’t need to pay a price for your obstinate rejection?” Si Qiong lowly stated as an icy light flashed past his countenance. At the same time, an imposing aura threateningly blasted out towards Mu Feng.

Si Qiong was referring to back then where Mu Feng and the rest had rejected the exchange offer of their ancient luck for one of the nine ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia.

The nine ultimate arts was nothing to them, what they truly wanted was the ancient luck for the secret art yet they were stopped by the Vermilion Bird Formation. They also didn’t dare to destroy the formation for fear of the ancient luck all dissipating away.

But, they were extremely patient. So what a few thousands years passed? They could afford to wait for an opportunity. And now that there were signs that the destiny of Grand Xia was changing again, the power that sent the group of them here would brook for no failure. They had to succeed this time around.

The variation in the formation world was the best prove, and now that all the ancient luck had already concentrated into corporeal forms, the formation would be destroyed after the ranking battle.

Hence, they had to do their best right now to take the secret art of Grand Xia away.

Did these foolish people think that they can retain the ancient luck for their own? How ridiculous.

Si Qiong obviously didn’t put Mu Feng in his eyes.

Mu Feng and the others actually dared to reject the exchange offer earlier? Since they did so, there was no need for anyone of them to remain alive.

Mu Feng’s eyes shone with a cold light as he regarded Si Qiong.

“BOOM!” The will of his Mandate of Blood erupted forth, causing Si Qiong to feel the blood in his body surging out of control. With a cold smile, Si Qiong took a step forwards as a terrible terrible heat gushed out from his body – Great Solar Energy.

“That’s the Great Solar Universe Art!”

The crowd started in surprise. Si Qiong also knew the ultimate arts of Grand Xia?

A light flashed as an ancient sword appeared in Si QIong’s hands. Stepping out, a sword descended down from Heavens as flames of the sun incinerate the skies.

“Heavenly Swordplay, Great Solar Universe Art!”

The hearts of Old Man Tianji and the rest thumped when they witnessed this scenario. Although they knew that the earlier group of people possessed the complete collection of the nine ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia, they still couldn’t help but sigh in their hearts when they saw Si Qiong executing it one by one.

Mu Feng’s silhouette flickered as his palm sent out a manifestation of an inky black-colored blood imprint.

Sizzling sounds rang out as the blood imprint was evaporated totally by the Great Solar Energy of Si Qiong. He moved like the wind and chased after Mu Feng, slashing forth with another sword that descended from the Heavens. Mu Feng continually retreated backwards, if it wasn’t for him comprehending the Mandate of Wind, it would be totally impossible to avoid the strikes from the Heavenly Swordplay.

Si Qiong landed on the ground only to see his lips quivering as a strange melody flowed out.

The melody transformed into musical notes before turning into a formless energy drifting into Mu Feng’s ear. Mu Feng frowned as he felt an intense pain in his head, even his soul itself was quivering.

Si Qiong took another step forwards as the strange melody got louder in intensity. Mu Feng shook his head trying to clear the pain while Si Qiong took this opportunity to slash out another sword strike.

Blood sprayed out, Mu Feng was already forced into a corner. The strange melody continued unabated as he walked step by step towards Mu Feng.

“Soul attacks…?”

The hearts of the crowd was pounding in fear. This Si Qiong was extremely terrifying.

They suddenly realised that Chen Wang may not be the strongest among this batch of contenders. Not only was Si Qiong proficient in the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia, he could even use soul attacks.

The soul was an extremely obscure and indistinct thing. Yuanfu Realm cultivators couldn’t even sense the faintest hints of soul’s existence. But Si Qiong definitely had terrifying talent in regards to matters such as souls before he could execute such a terrifying soul attack.

At that instant, Si Qiong’s silhouette completely vanished as a intense burst of Astral Light erupted forth.

“Stellar Transposition!”

Only to see Si Qiong instantly appeared before Mu Feng as though he just teleported, as his palms clutched atop Mu Feng’s head while his lips trembled unceasingly, mumbling a strange melody that drifted into Mu Feng’s ears. Such a scenario caused everyone spectating to be thunderstruck.

How powerful, Si Qiong is just too domineering.

This is…

“Soul searching, legends said that there were some who excelled in soul power who could be able to pull this technique off.”

“Si Qiong wanted to do a soul search on Mu Feng?”

“But wouldn’t the target of the soul search be reduced to nothing but an idiot?”

Qin Wentian’s eyes flashed with a cold light when he saw this, he somehow understood why Si Qiong was doing this.

Himself, Mu Feng, Mo Qingcheng, Yun Mengyi and Qin Zheng were people who rejected the exchange offer. Did Si Qiong wanted to turn all of them into mumbling idiots?

Si Qiong’s true strength was indeed beyond expectations.

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze onto Mu Feng. Mu Feng’s story was extremely brutal, could it be that even he found the true killer, he would already fall on this arena platform?

Si Qiong would certainly not spare Mu Feng.

“Sizzle…” On the arena, Si Qiong’s palms abruptly started to corroded away and the corrosion was rapidly spreading to the rest of his body. Dark qi could be seen circulating on his face as Si Qiong’s countenance faltered, the next moment, a terrifying blood that was black in color gushed out of Mu Feng.

“BOOM!”

A flood of Astral Light erupted forth as Si Qiong executed his Stellar Transposition once again instantly retreating explosively. His countenance grew incredibly unsightly when he stared at his arm.

Mu Feng only felt an intense pain in his head when he opened his eyes. He icily swept his gaze over at Si Qiong before he turned and stepped down the arena platform. Although he was grievously injured, he was still exceedingly calm. So calm that it was terrifying.

Nobody dare to get near to Mu Feng, not even Si Qiong. He immediately retreated from the platform as well and sat down cross-legged as Astral Light shrouded his body. He had to purge the poison with immediate speed if not his life would be in danger.

The victor of this round was Si Qiong, entering into top six. He was extremely powerful and left a deep impression in the hearts of the spectators.

And as for Mu Feng, although he was defeated, he too had successfully made everyone remember him.

The third round, Zhan Chen vs Yun Mengyi.

When Zhan Chen stepped onto the platform, his eyes gleamed with a terrifying confidence, shiny with golden light. He stared at Yun Mengyi as he calmly asked, “What’s the relationship between you and Qin Wentian?”

He still remembered when he was chasing after Qin Wentian back then, Yun Mengyi and that black-robed figure interfered and spoiled his plans.

“None of your business.” Yun Mengyi serenely stated as an astral sharp sword appeared in her hands. She was radiating winter’s chill, fully ready for battle.

“Don’t worry I won’t kill you.”

Zhan Chen stared at Yun Mengyi as he stepped out. “Heavenly Swordplay? I know it as well.”

As the sound of his voice faded, a golden sharp sword formed from the Mandate of Gold appeared in his hands.

With a wave of his hands, the shine of the golden sword flared out, enveloping the entire platform.

Streams of golden light covered Zhan Chen’s body, transforming into an invulnerable, indestructible one. Taking another step forward, he lunged towards Yun Mengyi.

The golden light flickering in Zhan Chen’s eyes abruptly shot forth, like golden swords right into Yun Mengyi’s eyes.

Instantly, Yun Mengyi only felt a bout of intense pain, she could only blurry make out a golden figure like an executioner in her sea of consciousness, raising his sword and was about to hack down at her.

Lifting her arms, the fearsome ice and snow concentrated as she blasted out. Not only did she not retreat, she took the chance to advance forwards instead. Executing the Heavenly Swordplay, the nine shadow shadows interlinked and formed an intricate connection, spinning in a perfect circle.

Zhan Chen was still using his eye-technique, the pressure causing Yun Mengyi to perspire but her hand wielding her sword never trembled.

“Puchi!”

Her sword slashed down with terrifying force, striking at Zhan Chen’s golden body. Yet everyone discovered that no damage was dealt to Zhan Chen? Next, his sword followed the same principles, nine shadows as one, spinning a perfect circle and slashed down right at her while a cold and sadistic smile hung on his lips.

Blood splattered outwards, raining upon the ground dying Yun Mengyi’s robes red. Yun Mengyi was flung out of the arena, upon seeing this Qin Wentian waved his hands as a gentle force supported Yun Mengyi’s fall, dissolving the impact.

Inclining his head, Qin Wentian stared at Zhan Chen who was on the platform only to see Zhan Chen himself had already walked to the boundaries of the platform and was similarly staring at him.

Zhan Chen’s sword was pointing right at Qin Wentian. His eyes flickered with sinister smile, brimming with absolute confidence!

Chapter 379: Facing the World Together

“How can this be possible?”

“Yun Mengyi’s sword obviously landed on Zhan Chen’s body, yet… there was no damage?”

The exchange of blows between Zhan Chen and Yun Mengyi was so fast that it felt as though the battle ended in an instant. All the way up till Yun Mengyi was injured, the spectators couldn’t keep up with their movements. Zhan Chen stood upon the platform uninjured, effortlessly defeating Yun Mengyi.

This previously ranked #11 contender from the Pill Emperor Hall had temporarily stepped into the top six today. He gave people a feeling of being unfathomable, no one could see through him at all.

Zhan Chen was also a dark horse, and he was an extremely terrifying one.

For this battle, each and every one of the remaining contenders were so powerful to the point that they were inscrutable. Nobody knew how strong they were exactly, and what trump cards they possessed.

Qin Wentian’s gaze fixated on Zhan Chen, and could clearly sense the killing intent Zhan Chen was sending his way. The grudge between them had festered for a long time with no resolution. Not only that, Qin Wentian had once divulged the truth of Zhan Chen’s ugly deeds, which had caused Mo Qingcheng to despise him. It could be well imagined how deep the hatred Zhan Chen had for Qin Wentian.

Today on the Vermilion Bird arena platform, Zhan Chen wanted to show the entire Pill Emperor Hall, to show Mo Qingcheng, how he would torment and abuse Qin Wentian before sending him off to meet his death.

Today’s ranking battle was to be orchestrated for him alone—for his name to resound throughout Grand Xia.

Turning, he departed the arena platform.

Zhan Chen was temporarily ranked in the top six while Yun Mengyi was temporarily ranked in the bottom five.

The next round, Emperor Azure vs the black-robed figure.

Emperor Azure was one of three contenders who’d placed in the top five for the previous ranking battle, having been formerly ranked as #5. The other two were Chen Wang and Shi Potian.

Emperor Azure had always been exceedingly mysterious, and nobody even knew which clan or continent he belonged to. He was one of the most low-profile rankers to be on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. For this year, his background was still as mysterious as ever, yet nobody dared to belittle him because of it.

As for the black-robed figure, he was even more mysterious than Emperor Azure. Nobody knew of this person at all, but it was as though he suddenly sprang to prominence this year. Nobody knew the figure’s real name, or even whether they were a male or a female.

Naturally, the crowd was wild with anticipation when it finally came to their battle.

The two of them stood atop the arena platform. The vermilion bird behind Emperor Azure let out a low screech, as Emperor Azure coldly smiled and stated, “You came to participate in the ranking battle yet why are you afraid to show your true face to others?”

The black-robed figure ignored Emperor Azure, his only response to the question was his exuding devil-might soaring upwards to the skies, as he stared coldly at Emperor Azure.

“Fine, I shall seek guidance from you today then.” Emperor Azure stepped outwards with incredible speed. Swiftly after, the entire platform was filled with the blurry after-images of Emperor Azure. Any one of them could be the real one and they were all armed with an incomparably sharp sword.

“How fast are his movements? His Illusion Swordplay has actually reached such a realm, where the truth intermingles with the deceptive. Nobody can tell where his real body lies.”

Emperor Azure’s sword techniques were beyond terrifying. With a single movement, all of the after-images lunged at the black-robed figure.

The devil qi gushing forth from the black-robed person concentrated onto the devilish spear in his hands. Taking a step forwards, the spear strike was filled with such power that the sword-light from the silhouettes in the direction of the spear’s stab, was instantly suppressed.

Yet there were just too many after-images. One of the illusory images broke past and slashed a sword aiming right for the black-robed figure’s throat.

The black-robed figure sidestepped the attack, as a devilish armor enveloped his body. The devil-might in the skies grew increasingly concentrated as a terrifying aura gushed forth from it. With a blast of his palms, the devil-might rained down like black thunder, instantly destroying thousands of Emperor Azure’s after-images.

The black-robed figure had no way to identify which was the real body, hence he chose to reply in the most overwhelming manner – destruction of everything.

Yet how could Emperor Azure be so easy to deal with? He flew up into the skies as his silhouette propagated yet again, causing countless Emperor Azure to appear before the black-robed figure. Columns of Astral Light descended downwards and reflected off their swords, so resplendent that it seemed as though Emperor Azure was an immortal sent down from the nine heavens.

“Isn’t that the Heavenly Swordplay…? Has Emperor Azure cultivated in that as well? Yet it didn’t seemed to be solely that, his sword movements aren’t as pure as Yun Mengyi’s.”

As the seemingly alike Heavenly Swordplay rained downwards, the devil-might from the black-robed figure erupted forth as his aura skyrocketed.

Countless devilish spears manifested, penetrating through space, and clashing against the countless swords birthed by virtue of the Heavenly Swordplay.

In combat, nobody could tell what Mandates the black-robed figure had comprehended, and nobody could tell which Astral Souls he had. All they could see, was the roiling black-colored devil-might explosively erupting forth from him.

As Emperor Azure’s true form slashed downwards with his sword, his Astral Souls were released in order to augment his attacks. His first was a Sword-type Astral Soul, his second, was an Evil-eyed Astral Soul. Momentarily, his eyes transformed into something extremely demonic. With a burst of Astral Light, Emperor Azure instantly appeared from faraway before the black-robed figure as he slashed downwards.

“Stellar Transposition?”

Expressions of dumbfoundedness appeared on the faces of the crowd—why did Emperor Azure know so many of the ultimate arts? He wasn’t from any of the seven Grand Clans that betrayed Ancient Grand Xia.

Unless… the techniques he used weren’t from the Heavenly Swordplay, nor was it Stellar Transposition.

“Chi, chi…”

A crisp sound rang out as blood dyed the figure’s black robes a deep red. He rapidly retreated as he icily stared at Emperor Azure, whose eyes grew increasingly demonic as his third Astral Soul was released. It was actually an Astral Soul originating from the 5th Heavenly Layer, Blood-Winged Devil Ape.

“Ranked #2 on the Warbeast Index, Blood-Winged Devil Ape…”

Thunderstruck expressions appeared on the faces of the spectators, the mysterious Emperor Azure had finally revealed all three of his Astral Souls.

The eyes of the black-robed figure were still as cold as always, as though the injury he’d just sustained didn’t bother him in the slightest. As he activated the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, the surroundings of the arena platform became pitch black, covered in total darkness. A black-colored dragon gushed out from his body, before metamorphosing into a terrifying black-colored sabre—the Heavenly Devil Sabre.

The black-robed figure then slowly advanced towards Emperor Azure. At this moment, the intensity of the devilish aura emanating from the black-robed figure, struck fear even into Emperor Azure’s heart.

“BOOM!” Demonic qi shrouded his body as Emperor Azure’s physique grew tremendously powerful, akin to that of a demon. Right at this moment, an overbearing aura gushed forth from him.

“Fiend Transformation Art?!”

Qin Wentian’s eyes stiffened in shock. Emperor Azure had also cultivated the Fiend Transformation Art.

Based on the Azure Emperor’s last words, he had not passed down the inheritance to the Di Clan. So then how did Emperor Azure manage to learn the Fiend Transformation Art?

Emperor Azure’s eyes bore into the black-robed figure. He had been waiting for this ranking battle for far too long. How can he fail here?

“Boom!” Emperor Azure stepped forth as a demon scale armor enveloped his body within. Each and every step he took seemingly had enough force to make the arena platform crumble to dust.

Yet the frigid gaze in the black-robed figure’s eyes never changed. With a heave of his sabre, the devilish air blasting forth caused ripples of terror in the hearts of spectators.

“Nine Slashes of the Underworld.”

Some of those from the transcendent powers were somewhat familiar with the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Dipper. When they saw the sabre slashing out, they immediately knew that this was the inexorably tyrannical ‘Nine Slashes of the Underworld’ attack.

The first sabre blow slashed out, causing the Heavens and Earth to roar in agony. As the sabre descended, the devil-might surrounding it transformed into an underworld dragon, blasting forth in rage.

Emperor Azure rushed forwards and punched out with overwhelming savageness. Yet the countless fist imprints he generated were all destroyed the instant they came into contact with the underworld dragon.

In fact, the devil-might exuding from the sabre got even stronger. The Nine Slashes of the Underworld was a sequential increase in power. Each slash would be many times more powerful compared to the last.

The second slash, the third slash, the hearts of the spectators pounded without stopping. The black-robed figure’s qi frenziedly circulated about, and it was unknown if he could last long enough to produce all nine slashes.

Emperor Azure underwent a demonic transformation and took on the form of a Blood-Winged Devil Ape. The force of his attacks didn’t lose out to the devil-might of the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil.

The two of them fiercely collided, strength against strength. The fourth sabre slash appeared, and the colors of the skies changed. The black-robed figure spat out a mouthful of blood in order to execute it, but he still succeeded.

“ROAR…” The sound of a wrathful howl shook the entire surroundings. The Blood-Winged Devil Ape mustered all the strength within him as he defended against the power of that fourth slash.

Devil-might and demonic qi interweaved, forming a maelstrom of destruction. In the middle of the maelstrom, the spectators abruptly saw a darkness deeper than midnight slashing outwards, dissipating the maelstrom completely. Fifth slash of the Underworld! With a thunderous sound of collision, Emperor Azure’s demonified body was blasted down the platform as he ruthlessly slammed onto the ground.

The Heavenly Devil Sabre disappeared, as the devil-might exuding forth from the black-robed figure dissipated. The spectators only saw the black-robed figure clutching his body as he descended down the platform, his posture bent as though he too, was heavily injured. Even his steps were unsteady and the black veil covering his face, was also stained with blood.

Such a terrifying battle, but he had won. How awesome was that, triumphing over the Azure Emperor who was ranked #5 from the last ranking battle.

After this battle, the black-robed figure had secured his position. With the level of prowess he’d just displayed, there shouldn’t be anyone else daring to challenge him anymore.

Emperor Azure retreated to his original location. His eyes were filled with a terrible fire. He lost—he had actually been defeated here, of all places.

The Heavenly Devil Sabre, when used in conjunction with the Nine Slashes of the Underworld, was just too overwhelming.

The Heavenly Art of the Chaotic Devil truly lived up to its name as the most tyrannical art of all nine ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia.

“Hu…” The spectators all drew in a huge breath. The battle earlier had stolen their breath away. Now, it was time for the fifth round, which was also the last round for the remaining two.

Qin Wentian vs Mo Qingcheng.

The pride of the Pill Emperor Hall, the most astounding woman participating in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Not a single person in the entire Grand Xia was able to match her in terms of beauty. Would Qin Wentian be able to defeat her?

The two of them walked up the platform and stood facing each other. Mo Qingcheng’s perfect figure, in addition to her flawless countenance, made the spectators sigh in envy and admiration as they marveled at the exquisiteness of the Creator’s design.

She stared into the eyes of the young man, as a slightly mischievous and radiant smile blossomed on her face. This smile caused time to stop as an earthquake quaked the hearts of the spectators.

Mo Qingcheng smiled! She actually smiled at Qin Wentian?!

Thunderstruck and extreme shock weren’t sufficient to describe the emotions the spectators were feeling. Wasn’t this supposed to be a grand battle? What was going on?

When they shifted their gaze onto Qin Wentian, they discovered that he too, wore a smile on his face. It was a smile of such warmth and gentleness, as though he were looking at someone he’d loved more than life itself.

“You’ve finally reached this step,” Mo Qingcheng spoke with affection, smiling sweetly at him.

“I’ve always believed in you, I knew you were capable of doing it.” Mo Qingcheng’s hair fluttered in the wind, and the spectators saw Qin Wentian slowly walking up to stand closely beside her. He placed one of his hands gently on her forehead as he stroked her luxuriant hair. Mo Qingcheng lowered her head shyly yet raised no objections, allowing Qin Wentian this intimate act.

He reached for Mo Qingcheng, and gently enveloped her hand in his own. And just like that, in front of the countless spectators in Grand Xia, this unlikely pair joined hands in a bond forged of eternal love.

As Qin Wentian had once said to her before, during the ranking battle at the end of the year, he would let the entire world know of their relationship—that Mo Qingcheng was his woman!

Chapter 380: Egotistical Arrogance

Atop the Vermilion Bird arena platform, the location of the battle for the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng, the two that were originally supposed to fight against each other, held hands as they faced the entire world together.

Qin Wentian’s gaze was resolute, while Mo Qingcheng’s eyes sparkled with a dazzling smile. Today was the happiest day she experienced in the course of the past few years.

Her time with Qin Wentian had taught that innocent and carefree young lady from Chu the sweetness of love, followed quickly by the bitter aftertaste of separation. Through it all, she had truly matured, further tempered by the longing in her heart.

Their bubble of love back then had been so perfect, until Hua Xiaoyun arrived in Chu and destroyed all that. She was quickly brought to the Pill Emperor Hall, where she found herself worshiped like a saint, with tens of thousands of adoring gazes focused on her every move. Under that silent pressure, that young lady from Chu learned to seal her own heart, using icy aloofness as a mask and defense against her terrible loneliness.

Throughout these few years, even though her skill with alchemy and strength had been constantly rising, she hadn’t truly been happy. Her heart would only stir whenever she heard Qin Wentian’s name, yet this would soon be followed by a bitterness so intense at the reminder that they couldn’t be together.

Right now, both of them stood atop the Vermilion Bird Arena Platform staring straight at the world. Qin Wentian held her hand, she wasn’t shy, nor was she afraid. In her heart, there was only conviction, as well as courage.

She wanted to let the entire Grand Xia know that Qin Wentian was the only man she loved. No matter the consequences, and regardless of what would happen in the future she, Mo Qingcheng, had no regrets.
Qin Wentian had never felt this composed. He knew that the majority of the world disdained him. When speaking of Mo Qingcheng’s prospective partner, the names that would often be heard would always be Hua Taixu, and even Zhan Chen. Nobody would think of him.

Today, he wanted to make an announcement to the whole world. He was Qin Wentian, and Mo Qingcheng was his woman.

Just like this, their hands tightly held onto the other, directly facing the world. May the consequences be damned for they had no regrets. Not now, not ever.

“How can this be?” The spectators didn’t dare to believe their eyes. How was this possible?

Mo Qingcheng was the epitome of beauty among the younger generations, why was she holding hands together with Qin Wentian, why were they even together?

This was totally out of the crowd’s expectations—wasn’t Mo Qingcheng supposed to be together with Hua Taixu?

So, it turned out that this world-astounding woman had long been acquainted with Qin Wentian. And not only that, they were mutual lovers.

Those from the Pill Emperor Hall stared at the scene happening on the platform. Luo He’s countenance was intensely ugly to behold, she had given everything to Mo Qingcheng, yet she still chose to disobey her.

Bai Fei stared at the two figures on the stage, as she silently lamented in her heart. Back then, when she had met Qin Wentian in that small and remote country, even in her wildest dreams she would not have imagined that there would be such a day today. He dared to hold Mo Qingcheng’s hand in front of the entirety of Grand Xia, right on the Vermilion Bird Arena Platform, a stage where countless gazes would be riveted upon the two of them.

Zhan Chen trembled violently as his eyes flashed with an intense desire to kill.

There were too many that didn’t bless this union.

They don’t think that this relationship would go far. Or more accurately, they looked down on Qin Wentian.

Although, Qin Wentian was already very outstanding, but to them, they still felt that he could never match up to Mo Qingcheng.

Those from the White Deer Institute stood together, including Bailu Yi and Bailu Jing. Upon seeing the two figures standing on the stage, two against the entire world, a glint of congratulatory happiness could be seen in Bailu Yi’s eyes, and yet… there was also the glimmer of unshed tears.
“He’s finally holding her hand in front of the entire world.” Bailu Yi smiled as she murmured. Back then she had already heard of their story from Qin Wentian, and seeing the couple in front of her today, she truly and sincerely wished them well from the bottom of her heart, and hoped they would have a perfect ending.
Bailu Jing also had a smile on his face. Although he was eliminated quite early on, he didn’t appear to mind it that much. He embraced Bailu Yi as he patted her shoulders, offering his consolation.

Bailu Yi glanced upwards as she smiled, “Brother.”

“I know you are in love with that brat, however sometimes, letting go is the best closure.” Bailu Jing sighed, how could he not understand his own sister’s heart? Back then when it was rumored that Qin Wentian was together with his sister, although he was supportive of it, he still felt that Qin Wentian was lucky to catch the eye of Bailu Yi. Yet now, upon seeing the remarkable speed of Qin Wentian’s improvement, so fast that he had even surpassed himself, Bailu Jing now understood how wrong he’d been.

“Little Yi, do you think he’ll be able to obtain the top three rankings?” At the side, the large-eyed elder from the White Deer Institute asked in a low voice. This batch of contenders were all monsters, and it wasn’t going to be easy if Qin Wentian wanted to exceed the rest.

Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, the black-robed figure, Qin Zheng, Emperor Azure, Mu Feng. Which of them weren’t terrifying figures in their own right?

Qin Zheng had cornered Shi Potian to such an extent, while Mu Feng caused Si Qiong to be grievously poisoned. The black-robed figure’s battle with Emperor Azure still filled the hearts of the crowd with shock and amazement. Each and every battle had already imprinted themselves in the mind of the spectators, forever inerasable. This ranking battle for the Heavenly Fate Rankings had proven to be too fearsome.

“Naturally,” Bailu Yi stated with certainty. “Back then in the secret realm of Divine Inscriptions, did anyone from the Star-Seizing Manor believe in him? No. But didn’t he still succeed in the end?”

“Alright, I hope he’ll succeed too. If not, then after holding the hands of the most beautiful maiden in Grand Xia, even the gazes of the world would be sufficient to pressure him to death.” The large-eyed elder laughed, this brat was truly good at making others feel surprise at his inconceivable achievements.

They could still remember back then, when Di Feng arrived at their White Deer Institute, how many among them believed in Qin Wentian? Yet today, he could already stand equally with Di Feng on the same stage and not only that, his ranking had temporarily exceeded Di Feng after his earlier defeat.

Countless gazes landed on Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

From the Mystic Maiden Palace, Xuan Yan, Xuan Xin and Li Shiyu.

Shu Ruanyu from the Moon Continent, Ouyang Kuangsheng and Ouyang Xiaolu from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan—they all had different thoughts currently running through their minds.

Now, no matter what the others thought about them, both Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng couldn’t care less. Since they were already holding hands on this platform in full view of the world, they had nothing more to fear.

“I admit defeat.” Mo Qingcheng gently smiled. She didn’t care whether she was ranked first or last, the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle didn’t matter to her.
She’d give up this battle to pave the way for Qin Wentian.

“Indeed, Mo Qingcheng has chosen to concede.”

When the spectators witnessed the two of them holding hands, they already guessed that Mo Qingcheng wouldn’t fight against Qin Wentian. She would rather pave his way to the top six by choosing to give up instead.
As the sound of Mo Qingcheng’s voice faded, the top six rankers of the Heavenly Fate Rankings appeared: Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, the black-robed figure and Qin Wentian.

Only… their rankings had yet to be finalized, and there might still be others who wanted to challenge them. If the challengers won, they would instantly take over their positions.

The gazes of the crowd were fixated on Qin Wentian. He became the person with the highest probability of being challenged by the four others ranked at in the bottom five. Other than Mo Qingcheng, the rest had no reason to pave the way forwards for him.

After she conceded, both Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng walked down the platform and stood alongside each other.

After Old Man Tianji announced the victor, it was now time for the bottom five rankers to issue their own challenges. But before this, everyone would have a night’s worth of time to rest, before commencing to the next round.
On the winding pathways, the spectators were all engrossed in their topics of discussion. The majority of the murmurs involved Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng’s shocking reveal. Many in the crowd couldn’t help but fantasize how good it would be if they were the male lead instead.

The next morning, the sun rose as the myriad of living things began to awaken. The contenders were already waiting in position, as they stood by the side below the arena platform.

Old Man Tianji’s opened his eyes and stated to Qin Zheng. “Qin Zheng, you will have first priority to issue a challenge. If you win, you will be boosted to the top six, and if you lose, your position will be fixed at your current ranking.”

Qin Zheng nodded his head lightly, he stood upon the platform and the person he issued a challenge to, was actually Zhan Chen.

Zhan Chen was exceptionally astonished, he never expected that the first person to be issued a challenge would actually be him.

Radiating sharpness, he stepped onto the arena platform. After which, a world-shattering battle ensued and Zhan Chen ended up as the victor.

It wasn’t that Qin Zheng was weak, but he was similar to Yun Mengyi, in that even though his attacks could bypass Zhan Chen and smash into his body, due to his indestructible form, Zhan Chen took no damage at all. After witnessing that, the crowd re-evaluated Zhan Chen’s combat prowess yet again. What a terrifying defense, it was as though he was invulnerable to all others in the whole of the Yuanfu Realm.
Next, was Mu Feng.

Mu Feng sat there cross-legged, appearing as though he was still in the middle of his meditation. Si Qiong used a soul attack against him—for soul-based attacks, the resulting wounds would be the most difficult to heal.

“I give up, I’m not interested,” Mu Feng unperturbedly stated as he closed his eyes, as if speaking of an extremely ordinary thing.

“Fine. Mu Feng’s ranking will be fixed at #11.” Old Man Tianji nodded. After which, upon the shimmering scoreboard, Mu Feng’s name was inscribed as the #11 position. Despite not being in the top ten, nobody dared to belittle or even forget the name of this young man, who had so grievously poisoned Si Qiong.
After which, it was now Yun Mengyi’s turn. Upon seeing those in the top six, Yun Mengyi calmly spoke, “I concede as well.”

Yun Mengyi knew that there was still some distance between her and Qin Zheng. Since Qin Zheng was already about to be out of the picture, it was useless for her to continue struggling on.

“Yun Mengyi, ranked #10 on the Heavenly Fate Rankings,” Old Man Tianji announced.

“I too, choose to give up.” Mo Qingcheng stated in a low voice. She originally didn’t even want to participate, she had only ever wanted to aid Qin Wentian.

“Mo Qingcheng, ranked #9 in the Heavenly Fate Rankings.”

After which, only Emperor Azure was left.

Emperor Azure walked up onto the arena platform once again. His gaze didn’t glance about randomly, but instantly riveted onto Qin Wentian.

The others might not know this, but he knew that Qin Wentian was the successor who possessed the Azure Emperor Token.

Qin Wentian was the one that snatched the inheritance that should rightfully have belonged to him.

Qin Wentian, also stepped into the top six because of Mo Qingcheng’s forfeit of their battle.

“You should step down to rank #8. Only useless weaklings would depend on a woman,” Emperor Azure slowly spoke, as many nodded their heads in agreement. Qin Wentian’s ‘battle’, wasn’t a real battle at all. Absurdly stepping into the top six, this rankled the hearts of many of the spectators’, displeased with the unfairness of such an outcome.

He felt compelled to blast Qin Wentian off the stage to ease the negative emotions bundled up in his heart.

Qin Wentian stepped upon the arena platform, coming face to face with Emperor Azure.

This was the first battle after he and Mo Qingcheng made their announcement to the entire world. And this battle was also against the descendents of the main bloodline of the Azure Emperor—the chosen from the Di Clan’s younger generation.

“Do you want to concede, or do you want me to make you concede?” Emperor Azure’s intense demonic qi permeated the air. He no longer concealed the fact that he too, had cultivated in the Fiend Transformation Art.

Qin Wentian stared at Emperor Azure, his arms crossed as he wore a look of serenity in his eyes.
“Ten breaths. If you remain undefeated, I will concede right away.” Qin Wentian’s voice resounded through the air, causing countless gazes from the spectators to freeze. Just when everyone had firmly condemned Qin Wentian for achieving his position because of Mo Qingcheng’s concession, that man in question was now announcing to the entire world that if he couldn’t defeat Emperor Azure in ten breaths, he would bow out of the Heavenly Fate Rankings!

Was this an arrogance borne of ignorance, or was it a self-confidence so immense that it was carved into his very bones?

Chapter 381: You, Aren’t Qualified

The battle between Emperor Azure and the black-robed figure was still fresh on the spectators’ mind. It was all very clear to them how powerful Emperor Azure really was.

He was skilled in many arts and techniques, and there was even a strong similarity between him and Qin Wentian, given how both were able to undergo demonic transformation, causing both their physiques to become incomparably terrifying.

If the black-robed figure hadn’t overdrafted himself by unleashing the Nine Slashes of the Underworld, and then gave his all to execute the fifth slash, then the Emperor Azure would have definitely been the winner. It was considered a tyrannical sabre technique, even within the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil itself.

Yet now, when Qin Wentian stood on the arena platform, he actually dared to make such an arrogant proclamation—he would defeat Emperor Azure in a mere ten breaths worth of time.

Emperor Azure’s eyes widened in disbelief when he heard what Qin Wentian had said.

Only ten breaths was sufficient to defeat him?

For someone that had depended on Mo Qingcheng to help him climb up the ranks, while the others gave their lives in frenzied battle, Qin Wentian actually dared to utter such words? Not only that, he even dared to say it right in front of his face? Emperor Azure couldn’t believe his ears.

A demonic light flashed in Emperor Azure’s eyes, and a pair of gigantic wings appeared on Qin Wentian’s back as he started to make his move.

“First breath.”

As the sound of his words faded, Qin Wentian vanished from sight.

Roc Flash—with a single flash, he instantly arrived before Emperor Azure, blasting out at him with a palm strike.

When the palm manifested, ringing sounds could be heard as several manifestations of ancient bells appeared, exuding a mysterious energy.

The continuous clang of the bells directly rang in Emperor Azure’s heart, ignoring the defenses of his formidable external form and going straight at his heart. At this moment, Emperor Azure only felt his heart getting pulverized by the increasingly loud echoes of the ringing bells. Such a feeling was completely unbearable, unable to defend against an attack he had no resistance to.

An instant later, Emperor Azure’s back was drenched with sweat and with a howl of madness, he completely transformed into the form of the Blood-Winged Devil Ape. He punched out in a frenzy, hoping to put a stop to Qin Wentian’s attack.

“BOOOM!”

The echoes of the ringing bells continued on as Emperor Azure’s heart pounded madly, feeling as though it would burst at any moment. His countenance was already as white as paper.

Slamming forth with his left palm, a devil imprint explosively erupted forth, aiming for Qin Wentian’s face.

“A contest of absolute strength?!”

Qin Wentian’s Mandate of Force and Mandate of Demons erupted forwards together at the same moment. Both their palms collided as the entire arena platform trembled from the impact.

“Peng…”

An immensely strong burst of Astral Energy inundated the area as Emperor Azure’s silhouette completely disappeared. It was that movement technique again, the one that looked similar to Stellar Transposition. The next moment, the spectators saw that Emperor Azure had appeared right behind Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian didn’t even turn back, he immediately stabbed backwards with a single finger.

Heaven Breaking Finger—a technique capable of destroying the Heavens with just a single finger. With one stab, demonic qi spiralled rapidly in the air, forming a demonic qi black hole on the tip of his finger that stabbed straight at Emperor Azure’s heart. At the same time, a golden ray of light shot forth from the centre of Qin Wentian’s brow, piercing right into Emperor Azure’s eyes and caused his entire mind to tremble violently.

“DIE!” With a howl of anger, Emperor Azure slashed out, and a resplendent sword descended from the Heavens, containing within it a horrific energy. However, the crowd wore expressions of puzzlement on their faces.

Why had Emperor Azure’s sword slash landed on an empty spot beside Qin Wentian?

Such a beautiful sword, filled with an overwhelming power, and it actually missed its mark?

As the Heaven Breaking Finger landed, the Purgatory Vermilion Bird behind Qin Wentian let out a screech as it dashed towards Emperor Azure’s Vermilion Bird. Even though gathering even more ancient luck was useless at this point in time, Qin Wentian’s Vermilion Bird didn’t even want to spare that of the Emperor Azure’s.

A powerful pressure pulverized Emperor Azure’s heart, wanting to explode it. At the same moment, Qin Wentian dashed forth as his hands transformed into golden dragon claws, and locked his opponent into a chokehold.

“Ten breaths of time, it seems like I didn’t even need that much,” Qin Wentian calmly spoke, as he dragged Emperor Azure by the throat to the boundaries of the arena platform.

Countless spectators stared in dumbfounded amazement at the scenario occurring on the platform, they didn’t know what to think in their hearts.

Too many shocking scenes had occurred today.

Qin Wentian had heavily injured Emperor Azure within ten breaths of time, completely suppressing him with such devastating power that Emperor Azure couldn’t even begin to summon his strength.

If they competed purely in strength, it was a certainty that Qin Wentian’s was more overwhelming compared to Emperor Azure. Yet Emperor Azure had many methods, and it seemed as though he was proficient in several rare and powerful innate techniques. Although the power unleashed through these techniques wasn’t as spectacular as the original, it was still exceedingly powerful.

But regretfully, regardless of how many techniques he knew, he had squandered his opportunity away the moment he missed his mark with that earlier sword slash. That terrifying attack had actually missed?

This was what the spectators didn’t understand. With Emperor Azure’s capabilities, there was no way he would miss such an attack. Not only that, he had even been injured by Qin Wentian’s finger attack.

As he reached the boundaries of the platform, Qin Wentian lifted Emperor Azure with ease.

He stood there imposingly, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light. He stared at the spectators, then at the powerful lead characters from the various transcendent powers. He wanted to let everyone know, including the Di Clan and the White Deer Institute, that he was Qin Wentian.

He wasn’t worthy of Mo Qingcheng?

Since he dared hold Mo Qingcheng’s hand in front of the world on the Vermilion Bird arena platform, he had long made ready his preparations.

“You, aren’t qualified.” Qin Wentian directly tossed Emperor Azure off the platform. Color visibly drained from Emperor Azure’s face, he clearly understood the underlying meaning behind Qin Wentian’s words.

He, Emperor Azure, wasn’t qualified enough to obtain the Azure Emperor’s inheritance.

The battle between the two of them had also been a battle to see who would be the true successor. Emperor Azure, otherwise known as Di Feng, suffered a miserable defeat.

Those from the Di Clan were naturally mixed in with the crowd. Obviously, they already knew of Qin Wentian’s existence. When Qin Wentian had revealed the Azure Emperor Token, as well as the appearance of those from the Celestial Lake Palace, Di Feng had then told them everything.

Those from the White Deer Institute also felt an impact in their hearts when they witnessed this.

That youth from before actually achieved such a result in a mere few years of time.

Countless gazes focused on Qin Wentian on the arena platform, and after his Purgatory Vermilion Bird devoured Emperor Azure’s Vermilion Bird, it hovered behind his back. One man, one bird, both stood imperiously on the stage as they stared back at the world. Yesterday, when he held Mo Qingcheng’s hand in front of them all, had he really been unworthy?

Stepping out, Qin Wentian descended the platform, and currently, it was already a given that he would be placed among the top six rankers.
Currently the top six rankers are: Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, Zhan Chen, the black-robed figure and Qin Wentian.

Old Man Tianji allowed them to take another break, and after which he stated, “Qin Zheng vs Emperor Azure.”

This battle was to determine who would take the seventh and eighth rankings respectively.

Emperor Azure told himself he couldn’t be defeated, he frenziedly fought against Qin Zheng on the stage in a crazed manner, awing the spectators with his devastating attacks. Both of them were skilled in various techniques, making their battle extremely exciting to watch.

Yet ultimately, Emperor Azure was still defeated.

As of now, Emperor Azure had already suffered three defeats; first, to the black-robed figure; second, to Qin Wentian; and third, to Qin Zheng.

He couldn’t even win a single fight.

The powerful Emperor Azure suffered three continuous defeats. Such a scene caused many to sigh in their hearts—the powerful Emperor Azure, ranked #5 in the previous rankings, had been downgraded in his position despite his evident increase in combat prowess. He’d lost all three rounds.

Currently, Emperor Azure had an extremely wretched expression on his face, he had no way to accept this reality.

Yet, reality was often cruel. After Old Man Tianji’s announcement, in the space next to the eighth position, the name ‘Emperor Azure’ appeared on the shimmering scoreboard.

Now, only the actual rankings of the top six had yet to be determined. These remaining six would be considered the cream of the crop—the most powerful cultivators in the entire realm of Yuanfu.

“Hu…” The spectators felt great waves crashing into their hearts.

Chen Wang, who would he fight against for the position of the top ranker?

Si Qiong, with his mysterious soul attacks, what was his true level of strength. Would there be someone else other than Mu Feng that could even injure him?

Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong and Zhan Chen. Which among them was the strongest?

As for the black-robed figure, had he already reached his limits? Could he still continue on?

Was Qin Wentian the weakest amongst the six? Or would he continue creating miracles and step into the top five? Or maybe, even the top three?

Many questions and speculations arose in the hearts of the spectators. They couldn’t wait to see the final results of the ranking battle this time around.

“Next, everyone in the top six will have several chances to fight against each other. We won’t be determining the rankings based on just a single round. As for the order, I will be the one to decide those arrangements.” Old Man Tianji stated as he stared at them.

“For the first round, Chen Wang vs Zhan Chen; Si Qiong vs the black-robed figure; Shi Potian vs Qin Wentian,” the crowd murmured, yet they tacitly approved in their hearts. Chen Wang, Si Qiong and Shi Potian should be the strongest among the six. Such an arrangement prevented the strongest from clashing against each other right from the start so as to further build up the excitement.

But despite the order, there really were no weaklings among the six. No matter which pairing it was, all of them could be considered monsters in the Yuanfu Realm. There would only be the strong, compared to those stronger.

Chen Wang against Zhan Chen, the odds of victory clearly favoured Chen Wang. Although Zhan Chen was very powerful, Chen Wang still had a higher probability of obtaining the first ranking compared to him.

Si Qiong vs the black-robed figure. If there were no unexpected accidents, Si Qiong should be the victor of this match up as well. Si Qiong’s techniques were just too mysterious, he even knew of the soul-attacks and soul searching techniques, in addition to the nine ultimate arts of Ancient Grand Xia. After all, the devilish art of the black-robed figure hadn’t even reached the maturation stage yet.

The mastery of the ultimate art the black-robed figure was proficient in could be said to exceed that of the other contenders, and was on the same level as Chen Wang’s mastery in the Great Solar Universe Art. However, this was sorely insufficient when it came to facing against Si Qiong.

And as for Shi Potian against Qin Wentian, the spectators still felt that Shi Potian had a higher chance of being victorious. Shi Potian had long been regarded at the same level as Chen Wang and he even had the bloodline of an ancient primordial beast. Initially the results would have no cause for suspense, and the ultimate battle to contend for the number one position would definitely be between Chen Wang and Shi Potian. But because of the presence of Si Qiong and Zhan Chen, variations occurred.

But no matter what happened up there, there would only be one outcome; Shi Potian would definitely not lose out to Qin Wentian!

Chapter 382: The Nine Ultimate Arts of Grand Xia

 

“Chen Wang vs Zhan Chen.”

“Si Qiong vs the black-robed figure.”

“Shi Potian vs Qin Wentian.”

All three battles filled the crowd with fervor and anticipation.

When Chen Wang and Zhan Chen stood upon the Vermilion Bird arena platform, countless gazes landed uniformly on them.

Great Solar Chen Wang, as well as Zhan Chen who had become so mysteriously powerful. How terrifying would their collision be?

Chen Wang’s body was bathed in flames, and even his bones and blood vessels had turned into fiery lava, as though he was one great being of magma. Great Solar light flickered in his eyes as the manifestation of a giant ball of flame could be seen on his back. With just a glance at his form, and the crowd was instantly filled with endless terror. The temperature around him skyrocketed to insane degrees, nobody dared to stand near him.

Bizarrely, Zhan Chen’s body was pure gold in color, and extremely dazzling to the eye under the glint of sunlight. In this frontal confrontation; a golden, indestructible body facing against the raging sun flames of Chen Wang.

“No matter how strong you may be, you are still destined to lose here,” Chen Wang calmly spoke as he gazed at Zhan Chen. “Nobody will impede my path.”

A terrifying golden light glimmered in Zhan Chen’s eyes, and it was as though his eyes alone were sufficient to kill. A golden-colored ancient sword then appeared in his hands—the Heaven Punisher Sword.

The two of them slowly stepped forwards and moved closer to each other. A towering energy gushed forth from Chen Wang as the glow of terrifying flames covered the entire platform. In midair, their Vermilion Birds were both already engaged in deadly combat..

“Chi.”

Zhan Chen initiated the attack, and a sword beam tore apart the void. Infused with the will from the Mandate of Sword, the Heaven Punisher Sword meted out justice on behalf of the Heavens, as it inexorably exploded forth with overwhelming might. His sword contained the might of Heaven’s punishment, and could determine life and death with a single strike.

“Peng…” Chen Wang’s silhouette vanished as a burst of Astral Light inundated the area.

He had chosen Stellar Transposition as well.

Out of all the nine ultimate arts, Stellar Transposition was the easiest to master in the shortest period of time. The higher your proficiency in this art, the stronger it would be when used in combat. This was a characteristic of all the nine ultimate arts.

For example, Chen Wang’s Great Solar Universe Art, as well as the black-robed figure’s Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, they were all exceedingly powerful because they had been cultivated for a long time. As for the others who had just managed to learn the ultimate arts, while the power unleashed from those arts was strong, each contender was limited by their relative inexperience in utilizing them. This was also the reason why Emperor Azure had lost to the black-robed figure.

Strangely enough, Emperor Azure, who seemed proficient in several of the nine ultimate arts still lost to the black-robed figure, who was only proficient in one. Why was this so?

And therein lay the answer. The black-robed figure had only concentrated his efforts into mastering the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, hence all his attacks contained a true tyranny to it.

In addition, there was another real reason for his defeat: Emperor Azure wasn’t actually skilled in several of the nine ultimate arts. He had instead chosen to cultivate in a single one—Formless Heart Sutra.

The Formless Heart Sutra also eventually landed in the hands of the Hua Clan. Back then, Hua Taixu also depended on this to dominate Yuanfu, unsurpassed by his peers.

The Formless Heart Sutra had no true form—it could directly comprehend the ‘heart’ and essence of various techniques while granting the user a basic ability to mimic others. Emperor Azure’s Formless Heart Sutra was naturally eons away when compared to that of Hua Taixu. After all, he had only cultivated the art for a few days worth of time.

The Nine Ultimate Arts of Grand Xia were: Great Solar Universe Art, Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, Heavenly Swordplay, Golden Dragon Battle Art, Stellar Transposition, Formless Heart Sutra, Seal of Life and Death, Bloodcurse Imprint and Thunder God Slash.

And it simply wasn’t possible for everyone to cultivate the nine ultimate arts. An example of this was the Great Solar Universe Art, only people who had an affinity with fire would be able to cultivate this. The Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil was extremely dangerous to cultivate because of the huge backlash, hence not many wanted to risk their lives to cultivate it. Yet, the tyranny of its collective power was unmatched. Among the nine arts, its power only lost out to single-attacks executed with the principles the Thunder God Slash.

The Stellar Transposition was the easiest to master, while the Seal of Life and Death and the Bloodcurse Imprint were only suitable for people with special characteristics or a particular constitution. It was tremendously difficult to master either one of them but once one succeeded, the power gained would be at an unimaginable level.

Of course, for those arts and techniques that were more difficult to master, the user is granted a corresponding equivalent level of power upon achieving true proficiency.

Chen Wang had chosen Stellar Transposition because he already had the utmost confidence in his own attacks. The other ultimate arts didn’t suit him, and Stellar Transposition granted him the ability to attack or retreat instantaneously depending on the situation.

A moment later, Chen Wang appeared in front of Zhan Chen, and the terrifying Great Solar Palm Imprints contained a domineering power as it blasted upon Zhan Chen’s body.

The lava flames akin to the fires from the great sun instantly melted Zhan Chen’s body into liquid. However, Zhan Chen merely looked on impassively—did Chen Wang really think he could defeat him in just a single attack?

Chen Wang might have underestimated him a little too much.

With a malevolent glint of laughter in his eyes, a guzzling sound rang out as the liquid formed into a golden puddle on the ground. Could it be that the indestructible golden body couldn’t stand up to the terrifying sun flames of Chen Wang? Yet at this moment, a figure abruptly flew forwards as a sword lacerated the void, with a speed as quick as lightning.

Chen Wang raised his hands and made a grab in the air. The sounds of the collision rang out as his arms appeared to have been almost severed off. With a howl of rage, that arm formed into magma, grabbing hold of Zhan Chen yet again. As the golden exterior melted once more, Zhan Chen’s silhouette retreated rapidly, completely unharmed.

“Swish!” Zhan Chen instantly appeared behind Chen Wang, as a sword light descended from the Heavens. This sword was fused by the energy of the Heavens, as well as the Mandate of Gold, and when it cleaved downwards, golden scars could be seen rupturing the space where it passed by.

“BOOOM!” An astonishing amount of Astral Light flooded the area. Chen Wang executed Stellar Transposition and disappeared, seeming to sense the impending danger, reappearing at the other end of the arena platform.

Turning, he stared at Zhan Chen with puzzlement in his eyes.

Did Zhan Chen truly have an indestructible body?

Every attack that hit him would only affect the exterior of his golden body. It was as though he was truly impervious to damage.

“I truly want to see how many times you’ll use that parlor trick.” Chen Wang smiled as soared up in the air, releasing his Astral Soul. The manifestation of a giant sun appeared above his head, augmenting his power. He vanished and reappeared before Zhan Chen once more, gathering the Great Solar Energy within his palms before slamming out, incinerating everything. Zhan Chen responded with his Heavenly Swordplay as he weaved his sword about in an intricate dance. They quickly collided with increasing might, causing sounds of explosions to ring out one after another.

“The two of them appear to be undefeatable. Zhan Chen was blasted ten times, while Chen Wang was also slashed five times. How strong are they exactly?” The spectators furrowed their brows, continuously shocked at the display—they never thought that Zhan Chen would be able to combat Chen Wang to this degree. With that level of power he exhibited, even if he lost to Chen Wang, the probability of him being in the top three ranks would still be exceedingly high.

“I want to see how long you can sustain this.” An arrogant voice echoed from above. Zhan Chen’s golden body shattered once again from the overwhelming destructive might of Chen Wang. Although Zhan Chen was powerful, he was still a shade inferior to Chen Wang.

Eventually, under the bombardment of Chen Wang’s attacks, Zhan Chen was forced off the arena platform.

As expected, the winner was still Chen Wang.

Chen Wang’s level of strength was evidently higher, yet Zhan Chen’s ability was too strange, it seemed as though he was impervious to death. This was why he’d managed to extend the fight for such a long time.

But if the others had faced Zhan Chen instead, would they be able to defeat him? Nobody knew.

The second battle: Si Qiong vs the black-robed figure.

This was also a battle that filled the hearts of the crowd with anticipation. When Mu Feng battled Si Qiong, that fight created an immense commotion among the spectators after they discovered that Si Qiong was actually skilled in soul attacks. And from the looks of it, other than Mu Feng, who was incredibly skilled in the venom arts, nobody else was capable of injuring Si Qiong to such a degree.

RUMBLEEEEEEEEEE~

Devil-might enveloped the Heavens and Earth as the black-robed figure stepped up onto the arena platform. He unleashed everything he was capable of the moment he stood on the stage—he knew that Si Qiong’s strength was too overwhelming, his soul attacks too fearsome.

Si Qiong had a lanky figure, he stood upright as he radiated sharpness, brimming with overwhelming confidence.

“Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil? A mere five slashes from the Nine Slashes of Underworld won’t be enough to fight against me,” Si Qiong calmly spoke, he had a thorough understanding of the nine ultimate arts. He knew that if the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil was cultivated to the limits, it would be so powerful that it could be said to be an unrivalled art. Yet, the black-robed figure only had a cultivation base at Yuanfu, so he wasn’t able to fully display the terrifying might of this cultivation art.

The Nine Slashes of the Underworld worked in this manner. Each successive slash would be stronger than the last, and when all eight slashes were unleashed, their collective power would gather together before the devil as it descended from the skies, shattering the earth and annihilating all before it.

RUMBLE!

The devil-might covered the skies, darkening the Heavens. Lightning flashed as the devilish clouds whistled, akin to the roar of a demonic dragon.

A devilish sabre appeared in the hands of the black-robed figure, exuding such might it was as if a demonic dragon had really been sealed inside it. The black-robed figure then advanced forward, showing no fear even when faced against Si Qiong.

Fighting against someone proficient in soul attacks? The black-robed figure had to end this as soon as possible, otherwise if his soul were to be damaged, the consequences would be too fearsome to contemplate.

Si Qiong’s lips moved as sound waves of a strange melody drifted out from his mouth. That was the Soul Suppressing Melody.

The black-robed figure’s silhouette flashed, as he struck forth with the first slash. This move effectively shattered the sound waves apart.

He didn’t hesitate, and immediately followed up with a second slash, chopping right at Si Qiong’s face.

“Bzzz!” Astral light erupted as Si Qiong vanished from view, appearing right above the black-robed figure. His mastery over Stellar Transposition was already at an extremely proficient level.

“Chi!”

Si Qiong’s finger pierced out as an evil, black-colored qi penetrated through the void and slammed into the black-robed figure’s body.

At the same time, the third slash was unleashed, smashing forth with incredible might.

Astral Light erupted forth once again as Si Qiong disappeared. This time around, he appeared behind the black-robed figure as his lips continued moving. He then pierced forwards with another finger attack.

The black-robed figure screamed in agony, yet his devilish sabre continued on its path, and with an added twist, shifted its trajectory to a horizontal slash instead.

However, Si Qiong disappeared once again. This was the third time he executed Stellar Transposition and each time he’d used it in rapid succession. This made the spectators sigh in shock—Si Qiong was simply too powerful, the continuous usage of his art must have exhausted an astronomical amount of Astral Energy in his Yuanfu. Although the distance he moved was short, no one should be able to sustain the consumption rate of Stellar Transposition for this long.

Hence, for the next attack, Si Qiong pierced out with five fingers, like a claw aiming to clutch at the head of the black-robed figure.

Yet, abruptly, the black-robed figure’s silhouette disappeared.

He had totally dematerialized, as though he was never there. The place where the black-robed figure stood, only a long, black robe remained.

“Mhm?” Si Qiong frowned, following which, a hand suddenly appeared, grabbing onto him as a terrifying underworld energy, so cold that it pervaded the bone, gushed into him.

“Bzzz.” With a slash, akin to a sabre, Si Qiong’s other hand chopped out. Fresh blood sprayed in the air before the black-robed figure finally retreated. Si Qiong rapidly moved backwards only to see the black-robed figure dashing off the platform, disappearing from the stage as he instantly sat cross-legged onto the ground.

“His soul has been damaged.”

The hearts of the spectators involuntarily clenched, an injury to the soul was extremely difficult to cure. The black-robed figure’s soul had been damaged, and lost to Si Qiong.

The contender, Si Qiong had proven to be terrifying beyond measure—he was definitely capable of matching Chen Wang in the battle for first ranker!

Chapter 383: Ferocious Grand Battle

Si Qiong’s soul attacks definitely didn’t lose out to any of Grand Xia’s nine ultimate arts. Yuanfu Realm cultivators had no definitive way to sense their souls, let alone defend against such an attack. Being able to unleash soul attacks made Si Qiong too terrifying to fight against.

However, the earlier strike by the black-robed figure also made the spectators stunned—during his abrupt attack, it was as though even his presence had completely vanished for a second. That sudden surprise strike had made Si Qiong break out in a cold sweat.

Even though Chen Wang and Si Qiong had won their respective battles, it was a narrow victory. They were unable to achieve complete suppression of their opponents—which showed that they may be stronger, but if they had let themselves underestimate their opponents for even just a bit, they definitely would have been defeated. A weaker opponent didn’t necessarily mean they were incapable of claiming your life.

Si Qiong departed the platform. The next battle would be Shi Potian vs Qin Wentian.

For this matter, could the powerful Shi Potian be able to defeat Qin Wentian?

For his exchange, Shi Potian from the Shi Clan had chosen the Stellar Transposition Art, complementing it with his domineering Golden Dragon Battle Art, as well as the overwhelming power hidden in his bloodline.

Shi Potian was ranked #3 in the last ranking battle. What methods would he use to defeat an opponent that was labeled a dark horse?

And the dark horse in front of him wasn’t an ordinary one. Since the commencement of the ranking battle, Qin Wentian had stolen the thunder from all other contenders. First, he’d made the spectators take particular note of him when he acquired first place in the battle of the drum echoes.

Following which, he slayed Duan Qingshan.

And next, he’d donned the platinum robes. With each step, his actions and achievements rocked the hearts of the crowd.

The crowd only truly recognized him when he displayed his brilliance while in the formation world; being pursued by Chen Wang, yet managing to injure him instead; stepping out of the cave, to overwhelmingly decimate Yang Fan and his collaborators; and then ultimately scaring off Yao Jun with a single sentence.

At that point of time, the crowd were already speculating that Qin Wentian had the potential to be among the top ten rankers.

And after that, he’d held Mo Qingcheng’s hand in front of the arena platform, proclaiming to the entire world their true relationship.

And following this shocking revelation, he’d once again accomplished another feat—defeating Emperor Azure within ten breaths of time.

With each successive accomplishment, he’d caused the spectators to be taken aback by his performance. He’d continued his victorious momentum, and now he had reached the point of contending for one of the top three positions, by battling against Shi Potian.

Without a doubt, this was the strongest opponent that Qin Wentian would face in the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle. Back then in the formation world, he could still choose to hide away in that cave during his confrontation with Chen Wang. But now on the arena platform, there was no escape.

Shi Potian and Qin Wentian both stood on the stage, facing each other.

Would this dark horse, Qin Wentian, finally reach the end of his limitations?

A golden suit of armor, in the shape of a dragon, covered Shi Potian’s body as the ancient primordial blood within him began to surge. He advanced forward, and in that moment, Shi Potian resembled a dragon-shaped, ancient demonic beast, wielding a long spear for a weapon.

The Golden Dragon Battle Art was one of the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia. Shi Potian had been cultivating it since a long time ago, which helped sharpen his combat prowess immensely.

As he walked over to Qin Wentian, everyone felt as though Qin Wentian was about to square off against an ancient demonic dragon.

Scaly demonic armor enveloped Qin Wentian’s body. Similarly, towering amounts of demonic qi gushed forth from him as his bloodline seethed and surged in response. His palms were filled with limitless strength.

Behind his back, a pair of demonic wings appeared and began to flap furiously The movement created an intense bout of demonic wind, gusting violently throughout the arena platform.

“BOOOM!”

Shi Potian took a step forwards as his silhouette disappeared from sight. Stellar Transposition! The next instant, he reappeared right in front of Qin Wentian as the golden spear in his hands stabbed out with ferocious speed, aiming to pierce right through Qin Wentian’s brain. The furious strike brought to mind a dragon’s attack, with a speed as fast as lightning. Essentially, Qin Wentian was left with no time to react.

It was at that moment, in the centre of Qin Wentian’s brows, his third eye opened and a harsh and powerful ray of light burst forth at the instant the golden spear stabbed towards him. He had totally anticipated Shi Potian’s movements.

It was impossible for Yuanfu Realm cultivators to truly achieve teleportation. However, Stellar Transposition managed to emulate a similar effect; a huge quantity of Astral Energy is collected and then attributed to an explosive magnification in speed. The end result gave people the impression that instant teleportation had occurred. But if one were to face off against a true expert, that expert would be able to anticipate the trajectory of the user’s Stellar Transposition and react accordingly. Naturally, the Stellar Transposition’s power still ultimately depended on the user’s proficiency, as well as the user’s method of combat.

With his third eye, Qin Wentian was effortlessly able to perceive all sorts of fluctuations in the space around him—there was nothing that could hide from his sight. This was also the reason why he had been able to stab his finger right into Emperor Azure’s heart during their earlier battle.

“Bzzz!”

As his wings fluttered, a raging wind kicked up. Qin Wentian’s silhouette turned into a series of after-images, as the golden-colored, dragon-shaped spear pierced at the space he’d been standing at just moments ago.

Shi Potian’s expression faltered as he stared at Qin Wentian’s demonic wings. Such a speedy short-movement technique didn’t lose out that much in terms of explosive movements when compared to the Stellar Transposition.

“Peng!” Shi Potian stepped forwards once again as he vanished completely. This time around, he reappeared at Qin Wentian’s side, thrusting his spear with even more power. With a single stab, the space cracked as spatial fissures were created. Yet for all its power, it still couldn’t hit Qin Wentian!

“How can this be?!”

The spectators saw Qin Wentian leisurely hovering on the platform, while staring at Shi Potian. He was completely unfazed by his attacks.

“Can he see through the trajectory of Stellar Transposition? How is he able to?” The spectators finally concluded that Qin Wentian’s perception was beyond what anyone could have predicted, he was able to sense the fluctuation in space and therefore ‘see’ the trajectory of Stellar Transposition.

Evidently, Shi Potian had also realized this; he didn’t continue using Stellar Transposition. Then, since speed had failed, he would use strength instead. He advanced towards Qin Wentian, the aura gushing from him growing increasingly stronger with every step he took.

The demonic qi exuding from Qin Wentian climbed rapidly, as though reaching the Heavens. His arms turned into the arms of a Kirin, thick and muscular, and his claws glistened with a terrifying sheen.

“PENG…” Shi Potian’s golden dragon spear unleashed another attack. This time around, he attacked directly without bothering with any tricks. The golden light of the spear penetrated through all things, and it only needed an instant to explode Qin Wentian’s head. The attack of that spear was akin to that of a true dragon, shooting out with the speed and ferocity of a comet.

“How powerful. Shi Potian’s strength borders on the unbelievable.”
Indeed, Shi Potian excelled in strength—his attacks were incomparably tyrannical.

Yet Qin Wentian proceeded to slam forth with his arm as well. The violent kirin claws and the illusory shadow of the demonic dragon collided, resulting in an explosive impact.

Booming sounds rang out as Qin Wentian was forced backwards. His Mandate of Force and Mandate of Demons had already reached the second level, yet in terms of a showdown based on strength, he still lost out by the slightest of margins to Shi Potian.

Shi Potian had comprehended the Mandate of Demons, Mandate of Gold and Mandate of Great Earth. All three of his Mandates had reached the Advanced Boundary of the second level while Qin Wentian’s still remained at the Initial Boundary.

Hence in terms of pure strength, Shi Potian surpassed him and even exceeded Chen Wang.

And precisely because of his overwhelming strength, Shi Potian was at heart, a firm favourite of many a spectator when it came to obtaining the position of first ranker.

Qin Wentian’s arms trembled violently, jarred from the impact. In the collision this time around, he’d felt several kinds of Mandates infused inside Shi Potian’s attack, and the power within was so domineering that his bones had almost been crushed into a powder. If he hadn’t already reached the third stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, he would definitely have been injured by this.

On the topic of strength, Shi Potian was truly terrifying. Yet Qin Wentian discovered that Shi Potian had a weakness—his speed and agility was abysmal.

The real reason why Shi Potian chose the Stellar Transposition to cultivate in was because he wanted to make up for his deficiency in speed. If it was truly a battle among equals for those at the pinnacle of Yuanfu, how could his opponent be slow?

“Swish!” A massive wind kicked up as the gigantic demonic wings of Qin Wentian flapped furiously.

Demonic qi gushed out as gradually, the silhouette of a demonic beast appeared. Qin Wentian’s body was enveloped in a demonic light, as the outlines of a giant, golden roc took form.

There was a limit to a human’s speed. But what if that human transformed into a roc? How terrifying would his speed be then?

Able to enjoy the attributes of a demon, while retaining one’s own comprehension over their respective Mandates—this was the true power of the Fiend Transformation Art!

Combining the perfect traits of humanity and demonkind into one.

The third stage of the Fiend Transformation Art—Demon Transformation.

Qin Wentian had transformed into a gigantic, golden roc.

“What a powerful art.” The hearts of the spectators pounded, they had seen with their own eyes how Qin Wentian transformed into a demon.

The defeated Emperor Azure could only stare on with a sharpness in his eyes. Qin Wentian had reached the third stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, far exceeding him—someone who was of the main bloodline of the Di Clan!

Gusts of wind billowed intensely, and Qin Wentian completely disappeared from sight before appearing in front of Shi Potian. This time, it was his turn to initiate the attack. The ringing echoes of ancient bells sounded, as the manifestation of a gigantic ancient bell appeared. At the same time, the claws of the golden roc extended, lunging straight for Shi Potian.

Shi Potian’s expression turned grim, and he immediately reacted with a swipe of his spear. Although his movement speed was atrociously slow, his attack speed was the total opposite. Yet in spite of this, his attack still couldn’t hit Qin Wentian. Qin Wentian’s silhouette flashed by, appearing behind him as the sounds of the ancient bells continued unabated, pulverizing his heart.

Shi Potian abandoned the golden spear in his hands, then instantly turned and blasted forth with a terrifying Heavenly Dragon Ancient Imprint. Draconic roars shook the void, yet the instant the attack ‘brushed’ against Qin Wentian, the great roc flashed again with greater speed, leaving countless after-images trailing behind it.

Too fast, too quick. Qin Wentian’s speed had broken the limits of humanity at the Yuanfu Realm. He wanted to use speed to defeat Shi Potian’s advantage in strength.

In the span of a few breaths, the two of them exchanged countless moves. On the arena platform, poor Shi Potian was encircled and surrounded by numerous gigantic rocs, all tearing at him with their claws, wings and beaks.

Shi Potian’s overwhelming strength was completely without an outlet through which it could be unleashed. Even after he used the Mandate of Great Earth, Gravity, he still wasn’t able to lower Qin Wentian’s speed. Qin Wentian’s Mandate of Force was too powerful, enough to counteract his Mandate of Great Earth.

Shi Potian could only use Stellar Transposition to break out of the encirclement, yet a mere instant later, he was once again on the receiving end of Qin Wentian’s ferocious attacks.

“This…” The spectators were completely speechless—Shi Potian had no chance to use his strength at all.

Shi Potian was extremely infuriated, as his heart continued pounding with increasing intensity. If this continued on, his heart would definitely pulverized. When that time came, only death awaited him.

With a wrathful howl, Shi Potian channelled his bloodline, as the illusory manifestation of an ancient, gigantic demonic beast appeared from Shi Potian’s body. His entire physique became stronger, with his stature also growing taller. The terrifying sound waves from his wrathful roars even had the power to shatter the ground surrounding him.

“Shi Potian’s bloodline is awakening.”

The hearts of the crowd pounded with excitement. As expected, all of these contenders had their own trump cards. At this moment, Shi Potian ignored all attacks and stretched out an impossibly gigantic arm, aiming to grab for Qin Wentian. Qin Wentian flashed past his reach yet again, appearing behind him and delivering a wing slash on Shi Potian’s back. Yet, now that the power of his bloodline had awakened, such an attack was no longer enough to break past his defenses. His demonic frame was as huge and heavy as a mountain, indestructible.

“Too late.” Qin Wentian’s voice issued out from the golden roc. The spectators stared in disbelief when they saw how Shi Potian was still frenziedly attacking his surroundings, his attacks hitting thin air while Qin Wentian quietly stood behind him, watching impassively.

“Shi Potian is trapped in an illusion?”

“Is this the reason why Emperor Azure missed that slash of his when he fought against Qin Wentian back then?”

Qin Wentian’s eyes widened in surprise as he studied the force in each of Shi Potian’s attack. Even now, he had still underestimated Shi Potian’s strength. But no matter, everything was going to come to an end.

Countless manifestations of giant rocs sprang out into being as a resplendent glow surrounded Qin Wentian. The runic outlines of the numerous rocs all fused together into one big monstrosity, and even enveloped Qin Wentian’s roc-form into it.

“Combat-type Divine Inscriptions?”

……..