Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 575

Chapter 575: Top-Tiered Heaven Chosen

The light from the stone tablet completely enveloped Qin Wentian, and caused an enigmatic scene to appear. There were actually countless illusory battle drums that sprang up around him with him in their center.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

The reverberations thundered out unceasingly as a powerful force suddenly shot towards Qin Wentian from the stone tablet, so fast that he had no time to react. This terrifying force blasted into him, spreading to all parts of his body and causing him to groan in misery, before coughing out fresh blood as his entire person was lifted up and flung backwards.

Ye Lingshuang, Qin Zheng and the others who stood with Qin Wentian were fine. The glow from the stone tablet targeted only Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian’s long hair fluttered in the wind. He silently cursed that ox demon in his heart. Wasn’t he supposed to get an awesome reward for being the sole survivor? Why was he getting roughed up instead?

“Damn ox.” Qin Wentian roared in rage when he saw the stone tablet accumulating power as though preparing to fire another beam of light at him. He then summoned the entirety of his strength and blast out at his battle drum in front of him.

BOOOOM!

A gargantuan palm imprint manifested and shot towards the stone tablet.

As the gargantuan palm imprint slammed into the stone tablet, the force behind it was actually fully devoured by the tablet. The glow radiating from it continued to envelope Qin Wentian, causing his countenance to become incredibly unsightly to behold.

RUMBLE!

A devastating destructive energy permeated the air as a Grand Nihility Palm Imprint shot back towards him. This caused Qin Wentian’s eyes to widen in shock, what the hell was this stone tablet? It could even reflect attacks?

Qin Wentian was speechless, he could only erupt forth with another attack, but the rebounded attack disintegrated his attempts and shot into his body once more, shaking him so badly that he coughed out even more blood. Qin Wentian was suddenly seized with the impulse to let go with some vulgarities.

“I’LL DESTROY YOU!” Qin Wentian roared. Executing Stellar Transposition, he dashed towards the stone tablet. A blood-red halberd appeared in his hand as it smashed onto the stone tablet with indomitable might.

BOOM BOOM BOOM!

The light radiating from the stone tablet intensified as the booming from the illusory drums rocked the space unceasingly. Streams of energy gushed into his body frenziedly, ravaging it. It was unknown how many mouthfuls of blood Qin Wentian coughed out, as his face turned pale white. Yet the loftiness in his eyes remained, and he madly unleashed a storm of attacks onto the stone tablet, enduring the injuries until a certain point of time where the only sound was the echo and rebound reverberations of the countless drums. The glow from the stone tablet abruptly disappeared because every iota of light had finally entered Qin Wentian!

RUMBLE!!

The gigantic stone tablet vibrated intensely before transforming into a streak of multicolored light and shooting up through the air. Qin Wentian stared at it dumbfoundedly as an incredulous expression arose on his face.

Had it finally ended?

“No, something is wrong, what’s this?” Qin Wentian’s perception turned inwards. Within his body, there was actually a miniature battle drum sitting there, merged together with his body.

“This…” Qin Wentian was speechless. Was this the awesome reward the ox demon was talking about?

Meticulously examining himself, although he was weaker because of the injuries sustained, he realized that after the ‘beating’ by the light from the stone tablet, the circulation of astral energy and his blood seemed to be smoother many times compared to before. Not only that, the comprehension of his mandates seemed to have also deepened further.

This battle drum should be the same type of treasure as that miniature axe in his foster father’s body, able to fuse together with someone, Qin Wentian silently speculated. After that, with a mere intention, streams of light from illusory battle drums enveloped his body. It was as though he himself was the battle drum!

“Wentian, try to attack, see if there’s any augmentation effect.” Ye Lingshuang was also dumbstruck when she saw this scene. She knew that the miniature axe of her father was able to augment his attacks. Qin Wentian’s miniature battle drum should be able to do so as well.

“Mhm,” Qin Wentian nodded his head. After the battle drum entered his body, the suppression and boost was completely gone, he had returned to his original cultivation base at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper. But what was strange was that for Ye Lingshuang and the others, the suppression effects on their cultivation bases hadn’t been lifted yet. Maybe it was because he was the sole contender remaining from the battle field, or because he passed some of the tests in the Immortal Martial Realm which resulted in such a happening.

Qin Wentian lifted his palms and attacked, echoes of drum reverberations resounded through the air as terrifying palm imprints broke the space as they blasted out. Qin Wentian’s heart trembled slightly as he glanced at Ye Lingshuang, nodding his head. “There’s indeed an augmentation effect to my attacks, but I can sense that this battle drum was also able to weaken the attacks of others. This is a divine artifact that combines both attack and defense.”

“Your cultivation base has already been restored?” Ye Lingshuang’s eyes flashed with surprise.

“Yeah, the suppression is lifted. However, a cultivation base at the fifth level is still insufficient in here. I have a feeling that I’m about to break through soon though.” Qin Wentian spoke. Earlier after the baptism from the light of the stone tablet, he felt he was already infinitesimally close to breaking through to the sixth level of Heavenly Dipper.

“In that case, just focus on cultivation first. We will guard you.” Chu Mang replied. Qin Wentian nodded slightly, he turned his gaze ahead and saw a path leading forward to the next area. However, Qin Wentian wished to level up his cultivation base before advancing. If not, and he met with the other eighty selected individuals who also had the Immortal Martial Medallion, it would be extremely tough to deal with them.

Among the selected eighty-one individuals, his cultivation base at the fifth level could be considered the weakest tier. The others are all either at the eighth or ninth level of Heavenly Dipper. He simply had no way to fight against them right now.

Just like one of the eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses, Gu Liufeng: he was exceedingly tyrannical with a cultivation base at the eighth level of Heavenly Dipper.

Thus, Qin Wentian wished to raise his own strength before meeting with the other selected individuals. Only then would he have more confidence.

“Right,” Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. He found a place and sat down, and with a wave of his hands, an astronomical number of Yuan Meteor Stones appeared before he started his cultivation. The others didn’t forget to clean the battle field, acquiring the interspatial rings of those deceased. There were some of them who were Heaven Chosen of their respective factions, the wealth in their interspatial rings could well be imagined. Not only that, they might have some powerful innate techniques stored within as well.

The moment Qin Wentian started cultivating, he entered into a mental state where he forgot about everything else, nothing could disturb him. The Yuanfu in his body thrummed as rumbling sounds echoed akin to the roar of oceanic waves. Chu Mang and the others exchanged glances as expressions of surprise appeared on their faces. Even in cultivation, this fellow also caused such a ruckus.

“Breaking through to Celestial Phenomenon is a dividing range of strength. The manifested constellation of some absolute geniuses were extremely frightening, lengthening the distance between them compared to an ordinary Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants the instant they broke through. I wonder what constellation he will manifest when he eventually steps into that realm.” Ye Lingshuang silently sighed in her heart, she was filled with anticipation for Qin Wentian’s growth. After spending such a long time with this brother of hers, she could feel that Qin Wentian was a demon-level talent that would definitely surpass the Human Emperor in the future.

In that special state, Qin Wentian even forgot about time. In the blink of an eye, three days passed. Through this period of time, there were many participants who came to the battlefield, but after they took the pathway to the next area, they all returned shortly thereafter. Nobody knew the reason why.

Even Fan Le and Ouyang Kuangsheng appeared. Evidently, these people who only appeared now were either trapped in the Cavern of Life and Death or some other secret areas in the Immortal Martial Realm, undertaking the tests and trials there. There was even a young man clad in silver robes that emanated an extremely terrifying aura. His cultivation base was actually at the seventh level of Heavenly Dipper.

This made Ye Lingshuang and the others alarmed. They knew that this floating bridge was exceedingly vast. There were some strange places that you could barge into if you wished. However, for the minority who chose to do so, only a limited few returned. One of the rewards was that the suppression limit would be lifted, restoring cultivation bases back to their original level. It seems that only by undergoing extraordinary trials would one be able to achieve that effect.

This person merely glanced at Qin Wentian before continuing his way ahead. The rumbling sounds echoing from Qin Wentian’s body grew even more terrifying, and finally two days later, he broke through to the next level.

The instant he opened his eyes, Qin Wentian immediately saw Fan Le and Ouyang Kuangsheng. A smile flashed on his face. Luckily nothing had happened to them.

“You monster, you are actually already at the sixth level of Heavenly Dipper. In the Cavern of Life and Death, there’s only a 10% chance of survival and I barely made it out after breaking through to the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper.” Ouyang Kuangsheng punched out at Qin Wentian in a depressed manner. Not only that, Qin Wentian’s suppression had already been lifted, and he and Fan Le had already learned of what they experienced in the past few days.

“This fatty me also felt the pressure was a little too great,” Fan Le mumbled in a serious manner, causing Qin Wentian to laugh. He also didn’t question about what they experienced in the Cavern of Life and Death, but rather said, “Let’s move on, we will see what other tests await us in this realm.”

“Mhm.” The others nodded, and advanced on the pathway leading to the next area. After a short period of time, they came before a gate.

“Let me enter first.” Fan Le stepped out,but there was an invisible force that blocked him, and he was unable to enter.

“What is this sorcery?” Fan Le depressingly asked.

“Let me attempt it.” Chu Mang walked up. Unfortunately, he ended up like Fan Le; there was an invisible energy force field that blocked them, and they had no way to step into the gate.

Ye Lingshuang’s eyes flickered with a strange glow as she looked at Qin Wentian. “No wonder those earlier were all forced to return. It seems like only people with their cultivation bases restored would be able to enter!”

Qin Wentian furrowed his brow before stepping out. And indeed, he encountered no resistance and smoothly stepped through the gate. In fact, he could even clearly sense spatial energy bringing him to another separate space.

“Damn!” Fatty widened his eyes. “Seems like we have to return and find some other way of advancing to the next area. Evidently, we don’t even possess the qualifications to enter and spectate.”

“Seems like we have no choice but to head back,” Qin Zheng spoke in a low voice. It was clear that they had to find a method to lift the suppression before they could enter.

Yun Mengyi didn’t say anything, she was still as cold as ever. She instantly turned and dashed away, as the others followed behind her.

And as for Qin Wentian, after he stepped through the gate he was transported into another area. This was a gigantic large square-shaped field. There were also several other silhouettes that were already currently here. With just a single glance, Qin Wentian saw eleven cultivators and there were even a few familiar faces within.

These people were all crowding around a pagoda situated in the center of the field. Above the pagoda, there was a radiance that shimmered constantly, exuding a marvelous energy. The very top of the pagoda was actually pointed in shape, and when Qin Wentian stared straight at that point of illumination, it was so blinding that he had no choice but to use his hand to shield his eyes.

“Sir Qin.” A weak and gentle voice drifted over, Qin Wentian shifted the hand shielding his eyes away and turned towards the direction of the voice. Once again, he saw that soul-stirring countenance smiling at him as though just a single look at her was sufficient to cause one to fall so deeply into the river of love that one would be unable to extricate themselves.

“Xianer.” Qin Wentian inclined his head slightly. This person was none other than Lin Xianer. Qin Wentian understood when he saw the people here, most probably the ending point for the other bridges led to here as well. The eleven other cultivators were all part of the eighty-one selected individuals who had been bestowed the Immortal Martial Medallions.

A cold gaze landed on him, Qin Wentian turned in that direction to see Lou Bingyu icily staring in his direction before shifting her gaze away. There was no other changes to her expression.

“Hehe, there’s a path open to heaven but you didn’t want to take it; there are no doors to hell, but you insist on barging in,” a voice brimming with arrogance drifted over. This time Qin Wentian discovered a silhouette exuding a tremendous amount of demonic qi looking at him. The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect was here, as well! Those who managed to arrive here, were all top-tiered Heaven Chosen!

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Chapter 576: Immortal in the Immortal Martial Realm?

Qin Wentian didn’t feel too surprised. Since he had already stepped into the Immortal Martial Realm, it was destined that he would run into these people sooner or later.

Before this, the eighty-one selected individuals each went off to a different floating bridge without facing each other. But no matter if it was the test of the black jiao python, the test of the ox demon, the test of the cavern of life and death, or that final battlefield, danger was extremely real and even Qin Wentian would have died if he was not careful.

The Immortal Martial Realm was also known as the burial place of geniuses, and indeed it did match up to its name. Now, this would be merely the true beginning of the fantastic clashes among the geniuses after they exited their respective floating bridges.

Qin Wentian, who was looking at the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect instantly shifted his gaze to the top of the pagoda. The piercing beam of light was simply too bright, Qin Wentian couldn’t tell what was hidden there. What he and the others saw was just an exceedingly powerful beam of light radiating from there.

“Is there an even stronger treasure there?” Qin Wentian speculated.

“Sir Qin, what do you think is at the top of the pagoda?” Lin Xian`er asked with a smile.

“Xian`er you were here before me, could it be that you have no idea as well?”

Lin Xian`er shook her head, her mouth twitched with traces of depression as she replied, “This pagoda is simply too unusual, we are unable to discern what the item on the top is from the ground. The only way to find out is to ascend it step by step, climbing to the peak.”

Qin Wentian’s countenance flashed with a bewildered expression when he heard these words. He then seriously glanced at the light radiating from the top of the pagoda that enveloped the entire building. However, the other geniuses merely stood their ground and weren’t doing anything. Evidently, climbing to the top of this pagoda wasn’t so easy and if it wasn’t for that, these geniuses would have already started to contend against each other.

“How do we ascend?” Qin Wentian asked.

“Very simple, just walk on the path around the pagoda and it will lead you upwards. However, Sir Qin, you must remember this; you cannot attempt it without being fully prepared because the instant you take the first step, everyone else would ascend together with you at the same time. And at that moment, their attacks would all directly blast at you,” Lin Xian`er meticulously explained in a gentle voice.

Only now did Qin Wentian notice that the other eleven geniuses were all maintaining their posture. Nobody moved, all of them were quietly standing there. Evidently they had already contended against each other before this and were now waiting for an opportunity.

The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect exuded a killing intent targeted at him. But despite his desire to kill Wentian, the saint child didn’t move, only standing there at his original position.

“Since I’ve already came here, I might as well test it out.” Qin Wentian’s eyes flickered with a bright glow. After which he stepped out on the path leading to the top of the pagoda.

The pagoda was very high, and at the instant Qin Wentian stepped onto the path, the other eleven geniuses instantly acted.

“Foolish act,” the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect snorted coldly as overwhelming amounts of demonic qi radiated from him.

Qin Wentian entered the area illuminated by the silvery glow from the top of the pagoda. The brilliant light cascaded down on him, causing Qin Wentian to feel a boundless pressure pressing down. There was a pathway upwards that led to the top and the instant he stepped upon the first step, the others all ascended by one step together.

Qin Wentian started in astonishment, he actually could view all the silhouettes of all eleven geniuses clearly in his eyes.

“Sir Qin, be careful. In this place, any attack you send out would blast towards the others on the path. But this holds true for the attacks of others as well.”

The instant Lin Xian`er’s voice sounded out, the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect had already unleashed an attack. This was a blood-colored palm imprint that contained a savage violent demonic energy that exuded an extremely intense destructive power. Instantly, the blood-colored palm appeared before Qin Wentian, blasting forth towards him.

Not only Qin Wentian, at this moment everyone was faced with the same attack.

Qin Wentian’s palms turned crimson as he lifted them, blasting forth with an attack of equal magnitude. An explosive sound thundered out as both the palm imprints collided in mid air. Although the saint child’s attack was cancelled out, the impact from the collision jolted Qin Wentian so bad that his entire arm was trembling involuntarily.

However this was just the start, and just as Wentian defended against that blood palm imprint attack, yet another dazzling saber light flashed and chopped right at him. This beam of light was as fast as lightning, slashing down aiming for the center of his head, wanting to split him in half.

Qin Wentian’s eyes narrowed. He lifted his hands and blasted upwards. Although the saber light split apart the palm imprints, the saber light also faded away.

However, this bout of engagement was far from reaching its end. Qin Wentian finally understood why Lin Xian`er cautioned him to be careful.

After that, four to five powerful attacks continuously fired over, causing Qin Wentian’s qi and blood to rumble, there was no rest at all. However, the other participants save for the one attacking were all suffering from the same attacks. The only way to negate this was to retaliate back and in this taxing fashion, the weakest among them that was unable to endure the barrage of attacks would be the first to be eliminated.

A notion flashed through Qin Wentian’s mind. Before he arrived was there already someone that died? Although there wasn’t any corpse to prove his theory, if someone were to be blasted with attacks from these people, it made sense that nothing would be left behind.

“Sir Qin, best be careful now…” a melodious voice drifted over. After which, Lin Xian`er’s silhouette directly appeared within his sea of consciousness.

The sound of a soul-stirring melody permeated his heart. Even in this illusion-scape filled with killing intent, one would still pause and admire the music.

“Pu…” In the midst of that melody, a musical note filled with killing intent suddenly erupted out aiming straight for his throat. Even though Lin Xianer warned him, Qin Wentian’s reaction was still slower by half a beat. A blood-red halberd struck out slashing the musical note apart, after which he shifted the trajectory as the halberd whistled through the air with blinding speed, aiming for Lin Xianer, but Lin Xian`er had already vanished.

“Why are you not dead yet?” A voice of anger echoed out loud, causing his ear drums to vibrate incessantly. The next instant, it felt as though a myriad horde of demonic beasts was rushing over. Qin Wentian saw the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect disappearing from his original spot, dashing straight at all of them.

“DIE!” The silhouette of the Saint Child magnified in front of Qin Wentian’s eyes, transforming into a demonic giant that blasted out with its tyrannical fist. Blood light flashed in the skies as hundreds of thousands of blood-colored demonic wolves manifested rushing over. Each of these wolves had blood-colored eyes, projecting an aura of fear that caused the hearts of people to involuntarily shudder.

Each of the participants went all out and clashed madly against the attack sent out by the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect. A blood-colored demonic qi gushed out from Qin Wentian, towering straight up into the heavens, enveloping himself within. His physique gradually became larger, appearing like a descendent of an ancient primordial demon emperor. The loftiness in his eyes were unmatched, able to pierce the hearts of others and in the center of his brow, a third eye could be seen there gleaming with demonic light.

He wielded a blood-colored ancient halberd and was clad in a demonic armor. The Fiend Art Transformation technique had transformed him totally.

The gigantic Blood Halberd waved about, containing a boundless strength. Qin Wentian struck the halberd out through the air, and everywhere the halberd passed by, the space there would tremble as the blood wolves were destroyed from the crushing force within. The wave of his halberd created a tide of blood, that engulfed and devoured the attack before him.

“Sir Qin’s strength has grown stronger again,” Lin Xian`er’s gentle voice sounded out. She sat there on the path while playing the zither. Her stance was as though she was preparing for defense and wasn’t keen to continue attacking.

Beside Qin Wentian, Lou Bingyu moved. Snowflakes drifted down as a fearsome icy energy that could seal everything gushed out from her. Very quickly, this entire space was filled with snow. Qin Wentian shivered, staring at the ice-cold silhouette who stood at the center of them all. She was like a lonely yet proud plum that stood amidst and bloomed brilliantly in the winter snow.

She was Lou Bingyu, the favourite disciple of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.

“Chi, chi…” Not only did Qin Wentian feel cold, he also felt a destructive sword qi that melded perfectly within the snowstorm. The drifting snow was filled with the power of laceration, able to slice apart the defense of others, yet Lou Bingyu merely stood there silently, she didn’t actually unleash an attack.

Bzz!

Lou Bingyu moved, a cold glint akin to the light of winter snow slashed out as the storm of snow was infused with her killing intent.

With that single sword strike, it seemed so lonely yet proud while exuding a coldness unique to Lou Bingyu. Qin Wentian only saw Lou Bingyu turning, and dashing towards him. The snowflakes roiled up from her speed, transforming into a vortex that pierced unceasingly towards him. Each snowflake brimmed with power, intent on destroying his defense.

Qin Wentian could no longer see any sword light, he only saw a blanket of snowflakes zooming towards him. Each of the snowflakes were as sharp as a real sword.

Qin Wentian stomped the ground as his ancient halberd erupted forth once more. This halberd strike had no sound nor presence, penetrating through the vortex of snow. The instant the ancient halberd came in contact with the snowflakes, a terrifying pulsation energy exploded outwards in all eight directions, shattering the blanket of snow, and clashing directly against the heart of the vortex.

The ancient halberd directly froze. After which, cracks appeared on its surface and with a resounding boom, the ancient halberd completely shattered into pieces. But also, that vortex was also forcibly torn apart with its strength negated.

“The most favored personal disciple under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness is truly extraordinary,” Qin Wentian mused. That sword strike of hers wasn’t unleashed with her strongest strength. He had held part of his strength back, and apparently, so did his opponent.

However, there was one among the other experts who could no longer withstand it, dying under the sword of Lou Bingyu.

All of a sudden, the pressure on their bodies disappeared, and after which he saw the rest simultaneously taking another step upwards. Only with the death of one participant would the others be able to lessen the distance to the peak by a single step.

Qin Wentian mirrored the actions of others, marveling in his heart as he stared at the blinding white-silvery glow at the top of the pagoda.

There were only eleven geniuses left, and was it destined that there would only be one that eventually walk all the way to the top?

In the Immortal Martial Realm, there were so many dangers and so many tests, the eventual survivors would definitely be the most terrifying demon-level characters among their peers, able to earn the label of an era-suppressing genius. What was the true objective of this Immortal Martial Realm then?

Could it be that the rumors in the Royal Sacred Region were real?

An immortal was looking for a successor?

There was a true immortal in the Immortal Martial Realm?

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Chapter 577: Poison Scorpion

The silvery white light cascading down from the top of the treasure pagoda descended lightly on their bodies. Qin Wentian stably took a step upwards as he glanced up at the dazzling light.

If one wanted to ascend, the only way was to step on all the various geniuses here and use them as stepping stones. He wouldn’t shy away nor hesitate; Qin Wentian was very clear that this test wasn’t the end yet. There were still many other Heaven Chosen undergoing competitions against one another in unknown tests at other locations.

If he couldn’t even claim the top here, it indicated that he would become a stepping stone for others. If that was the case, how could he answer to his band of comrades who sent him here with their efforts?

The Immortal Martial Realm was a burial ground for geniuses, a place with only a 10% chance of survival. If they weren’t able to become the most dazzling existence here, everything that they had accomplished would be meaningless. When the Royal Sacred Region remembered those attention-grabbing geniuses, if they even mentioned the name ‘Qin Wentian,’ it would only be to say that he was a stepping stone for whoever.

However, if they really continued fighting in such a way, even when they reached the peak, the astral energy in their Yuanfu would have been totally emptied. Qin Wentian gradually acclimatized to the radiant light, and was seriously contemplating the other participants. Any one of the eleven here was stronger than Shen Ting. If not, they would never be able to walk up to this step.

After ascending one more step, the participants tactfully halted their attacks. Everyone was very clear that the moment one initiated an attack, unless there was a person eliminated, the combat between them would never stop.

“Since everyone wants to take a break, allow Xianer to play a melody for all of you to enjoy.” Xianer spoke in a gentle voice. After which she started to strum the strings of her zither, creating a melodious tune.

The melody was tranquil and gentle, beams of illusory light shot forth from her zither bringing everyone into an illusion-scape.

“Sir Qin, we meet again.” Lin Xian`er appeared before Qin Wentian. This scenario was extremely similar to the time when they met back in the Immortal Ripple Pavilion.

“I’m afraid I have to offend Xianer sooner or later after our meeting this time around.” Qin Wentian’s voice was serene without traces of fluctuations. It was as though he was recalling that night when the moonlight shone on Lin Xianer. That soul-stirring melody when matched with her flawless countenance, how marvelous it was.

Lin Xian`er didn’t act as rumored, trying to seduce others. Within her weak and gentle smile was contained a pride higher than the heavens. She was as tranquil as water and like a mystical luan bird waiting for others to sing together with her.

Qin Wentian’s impression of Lin Xianer wasn’t bad. It wasn’t just because previously Lin Xianer had spoken out for him and offended the saint child of the Supreme Demon Sect, nor because of her charming smile that filled people’s heart with admiration.

However, since they were all here to ascend this pagoda, it was destined that there would be a confrontation between them.

“Xianer will treat this seriously as well. But of course, whoever can leave this illusion-scape first would be the one that poses the greatest threat to the others,” Lin Xianer stated intentionally or otherwise, yet undoubtedly she was reminding Qin Wentian that right now, all the geniuses were brought into a illusion-scape by her music. If he didn’t extricate himself from it and others did so before him, they could launch an attack at the defenseless others who hadn’t awakened yet.

“Be careful now,” Qin Wentian spoke, and his ancient halberd slashed out as his silhouette flickered, transforming into a blurry shadow. Piercing sounds echoed out unceasingly as the multitude of silhouettes of Lin Xian`er were destroyed.

A melody drifted over, each and every one of the remaining silhouettes of Lin Xian`er strummed the zither, using music to attack. The musical notes swept out, transforming into resplendent blades of light that were sharp enough to reap lives.

“Although Sir Qin’s strength had improved, Xianer didn’t merely sit around as well.” Lin Xianer’s melodious voice sounded out. Her cloning technique seemed indestructible, all her destroyed images were revived again and again. This was originally a super strong illusion-scape where illusion and reality were mixed. There was no distinction between what was real and what was not.

The sound of the music then transformed into silvery silken threads that expanded, becoming a net of slaughter gushing his way seeking to envelope Qin Wentian within.

“Illusion!” Qin Wentian recalled the previous time he fought with Lin Xianer. During that time, did he ever truly ‘find’ her real body? Did he really defeat Lin Xianer back then? Maybe, maybe not.

The killing melody landed on Qin Wentian, but he had already broken out from the illusion-scape. Lin Xian`er continued sitting there quietly playing the zither. Her eyes were closed as her eyelashes fluttered slightly. She knew that Qin Wentian had exited from her illusion-scape and his subsequent counterattack would not only affect the others, she would be swept up in it as well.

The ancient halberd in his hands gleamed with a scintillating light. Qin Wentian dashed out as he explosively lashed out with the halberd. In that instant, the eyes of all the remaining participants opened, glinting with a cold light.

Qin Wentian was clearly still standing in his original location, but for some reason all of them felt the ancient halberd in his hands was already rushing right at them. This was the marvelous effect of fighting on this path to ascend the pagoda.

The instant Qin Wentian attacked, the others started to defend. This was equivalent to both Lin Xian`er and Qin Wentian attacking them simultaneously. All of the others instantly broke into a cold sweat. They were already experienced with the rules of this place. Especially since they had endured them before Qin Wentian had arrived. Thus, they would all instinctively defend in tacit understanding during the attacks of others. If two people instantly unleashed their attacks, their attacks would only target each other and not everyone else. However, this was evidently an extremely dangerous action. Others could make use of the opportunity to sneak an attack on them the instant after they unleashed their attack, killing them by catching them unawares. Hence, everyone preferred to stay passive and defend when someone else was unleashing an attack.

But this time was different, because Qin Wentian had broken through Lin Xian`er’s attack while the rest hadn’t yet. They were still under the effects of the illusion-scape when Qin Wentian unleashed his attack.

An incomparably sharp aura gushed forth from Lou Bingyu who was beside Qin Wentian. This aura was akin to sharp swords tearing apart Qin Wentian’s attack. The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect howled in anger as he underwent demonification, blasting out with tyrannical might and breaking through Qin Wentian’s attack.

But not everyone was as strong as Lou Bingyu or the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect. A piercing sound rang out, there was a Chosen whose throat was penetrated through by the ancient halberd. He stared in disbelief at Qin Wentian as an expression of bitter resentment came over his face. After which, the light from his eyes dimmed as he fell over dead.

A beam of light shone down as the pressure on them disappeared once more. Qin Wentian’s countenance flickered with sharpness, this was the first time he had initiated an attack. And earlier at that instant, he felt though he was one facing against all at the same time. Such a feeling felt truly mysterious.

BOOM!

Everyone stepped out, continuing to ascend upwards. Every death of a participant would enable the others to ascend a level higher. This time around, everyone was even more cautious. After the probings earlier, they were even clearer on the rules that governed this pagoda. It was extremely interesting, but at the same time extremely dangerous.

Diagonally opposite to Qin Wentian was a man clad in luxurious robes. His body exuded a dangerous fiery aura, but from the start until the end he had never unleashed an attack. However, just the defense he put up when facing Qin Wentian’s attack was sufficient to tell that the strength of this person was extremely fearsome.

He was waiting for an opportunity while hiding in the crowd.

The person beside Lin Xian`er was also very powerful. His eyes shone with venomous light, causing others to feel strange and terrified. He was the same as the man clad in luxurious robes, both of them had yet to make an attack.

Those two people, the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect, Lin Xian`er, and Lou Bingyu were the five participants whom Qin Wentian felt presented the strongest threat.

“Since everyone doesn’t want to show their true strength, I shall force you all to do so!” Qin Wentian stepped out as his King Sword astral nova blasted out. A violent surge of sword intent gushed forth, instantly enveloping everyone. Because of the strange rules here, all of them felt as though Qin Wentian was taking a step towards them.

BOOM!

Qin Wentian stepped out, each and every step was filled with the sword intent of ten thousand swords piercing through one’s heart. Qin Wentian’s eyes were akin to sharp swords, and the King Sword astral nova revolving around him also filled the air with the hum of its sword melody.

BOOM, BOOM!

With each step landing, the sword qi engulfing this area grew increasingly intense. Everyone was doing their best to defend because they could clearly feel that this sword intent was still skyrocketing upwards. Their entire bodies were surrounded by it, even their hearts felt as though they were about to be pierced through should they be the slightest bit careless.

The sword might from the Seven Annihilation Swordplay grew increasingly terrifying. At the moment when Qin Wentian’s seventh step landed, the entire pagoda was covered with torrential amounts of sword might! Everyone was frantically defending against it!

However, nobody noticed that at the instant Qin Wentian finished executing his Seven Annihilation Swordplay, the low-profile young man with the venomous light in his eyes also acted. His grasp of timing was extremely accurate. Beams of red light blast forth from his palms, targeting at the weaker participants who still hadn’t recovered from Qin Wentian’s attack.

When Qin Wentian saw the red light zooming out, even he felt an intense sense of danger from it. Fast, simply too fast! So fast that there wasn’t time to defend!

Bzz.

Qin Wentian could only use the remaining sword qi and lash out. The energy within the beam of red light weakened after encountering the sword qi and had completely dissipated before it could reach Qin Wentian. Some of the others weren’t so fortunate. There were four participants who were struck by that beam of red light.

“Argh!” Miserable agonized cries rang out. Qin Wentian glanced in that direction, only to see the body of one of the four withering up and swiftly turning into ashes.

“NO!” Another person howled. Qin Wentian felt the pressure bearing down on him lighten. And as he stepped upwards, the intensity of the pressure lightened again because of the death of the second participant.

In this way Qin Wentian consecutively advanced four steps upwards. When he stared down at the four victims, a strange scene appeared before his eyes. After their death, four brown-colored poisonous scorpions actually appeared, burrowing out of their bodies.

The survivors all felt their scalps turning numb as they stared at the young man who unleashed that attack.

“Sky Poison Valley, Poison Scorpion.” Lin Xian’er’s countenance changed, feeling waves of fear in her heart as she stared at that venomous young man. She didn’t know the real name of this person, almost no one had seen him before. They only knew that in this generation of disciples from the Sky Poison Valley, there were a few extremely terrifying Heaven Chosen. And as for this man nicknamed ‘Poison Scorpion’, he was the most dangerous of them all.

“Now there’s only six more. Isn’t this much more comfortable?” Poison Scorpion spoke in a clear baritone. They had already arrived at the midpoint of their climb. The illumination from above grew brighter in intensity, causing the eyes of Poison Scorpion to gleam with excitement. They were getting closer and closer to the top of the pagoda, and their target!

Chapter 578: The Battle Intensifies

There were only six remaining participants: Qin Wentian, Lou Bingyu, Lin Xian`er, the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect, Poison Scorpion, and the young man clad in luxurious robes.

Qin Wentian gazed intently at Poison Scorpion. As he expected, the ones left remaining were all extremely dangerous characters. The Sky Poison Valley was one of the Nine Great Sects, and since this brown-eyed young man from the Sky Poison Valley was actually powerful enough to make Xian`er’s countenance change, it was obvious that he must have his terrifying points. He had already demonstrated to the remaining survivors how dangerous he was.

Although he only struck out once, it wasn’t in an open and aboveboard manner, but rather through the use of poison. This made him even more fearsome in comparison. As long as one’s cautiousness lapsed even slightly, they might even die without knowing how. Earlier he had struck out and reaped away the lives of four Heaven Chosen effortlessly. If it were anyone else here wanting to eliminate those four, they would surely have had to expend many times more energy and engage in risky combat.

“Indeed, it’s much more comfortable now,” the instant after Poison Scorpion’s voice faded, the young man clad in luxurious robes spoke up. His deep eyes contained traces of a dangerous destructive current. Each of them were silently studying one another to see who were their allies and who were their foes. But to him, all five of them were his enemy.

“I have a suggestion. Why don’t we do this: we will start from one of us and attack only in turns. If it’s one’s turn to attack, none of us can interfere until the weakest link dies or unless the attacker gets tired of attacking before we change the role of the attacker to another. How about it?” The young man’s eyes rested momentarily on Lou Bingyu as he spoke out.

“How can you guarantee everyone will abide by this? What if somebody tries to sabotage this arrangement?” Lin Xian`er replied in a gentle voice while her eyes glanced towards Poison Scorpion who was standing to the side.

“Everyone simply has to be a little more cautious. For example, if I’m the attacker, the instant somebody also attacked, only the two of us would be affected. But the instant I stopped, his attack would affect all of you, so it’s best if all of us just keep an eye out or history will repeat and Poison Scorpion will kill even more of us.” The luxuriously-clad young man smiled casually as though he didn’t mind the risk at all. “But of course, if there are people who don’t wish to take on the role of attackers, we can just skip their turn. In that case, for that person, he can just carry on defending throughout.”

“I don’t really have much of an objection.” Poison Scorpion’s eyes flashed with light, causing others to coldly laugh in their hearts. Of courses he wouldn’t have any objections. If they were talking about sneak attacks, they were basically his speciality. The others wouldn’t even have the time to be on guard against him.

“In any case, if we fight using this method, things would be much less chaotic. I have no objections as well.” The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect was very confident in his own strength, and so he agreed to this.

“Since you all have already put it this way, Xianer can only agree. However, if Xianer is unable to stand up to the barrage of your attacks, I hope that all of you would show mercy and allow Xianer a chance to live. Even if Xianer has to give up on this opportunity to obtain the treasure at the top, Xianer can only blame myself for my incompetence.” Lin Xianer’s smiled slightly, causing the hearts of the others to tremble. Truly, even people at their level found it hard to kill a beautiful woman like her.

Lin Xianer’s willingness to show such a weak stance was a little weird. Earlier, other participants died when they were unable to endure the attacks, and no one gave them any chance to run. Lin Xianer was able to say such a thing because she was a female, so others would pay it little mind. If it was the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect instead, he would never be able to utter such humiliating words.

Qin Wentian laughed, considered agreeing to this in his silence. Lou Bingyu didn’t reply either. She was as cold as ever, but she didn’t seemed to be disagreeable.

“Since this is the case, let me be the first to take on the role of the attacker,” the luxurious-robed young man smiled. After he spoke, his aura blasting out became more and more dangerous. As he lifted his palm, a fiery qi flow filled with overwhelming destructiveness gushed out.

From the perspective of the the others, they all felt his attack instantly hurtling right towards each of them.

Qin Wentian lifted his palms and blasted out, only to see the young man coldly smiling. A surge of blazing fire abruptly erupted around him, and a pair of fiery wings took form behind his back. Terrifying heat waves engulfed the area, and as that young man stabbed out with his finger, Qin Wentian saw a blood-colored phoenix containing boundless might flying out towards him.

Qin Wentian’s blood thrummed as a crimson glow towered up into the skies. His body was enveloped in demonic armor as his hand punched out with crushing force, aiming for the blood phoenix. At the instant of collision, he felt his arm tremble violently from the impact.

The cry of the phoenix resounded through the nine heavens as it spat out black colored flame lotuses of destruction that contained a terrifying energy within. Qin Wentian simultaneously slammed out with both his palms as the rumbling might of his attacks tore through space, clashing against the destructive flame lotuses.

And just like what they agreed, the luxurious-robed young man continuously blasted out attacks while the other five defended. However the attacker was only one man, after all, and his attacks couldn’t vary when targeting all five of the others. He can only vary his attacks according to one of them. And right now, his target was none other than Lou Bingyu. The young man was constantly adjusting his attacks based on her defense.

This young man was proficient in fire while Lou Bingyu was proficient in ice. Fire and ice was naturally polar opposites, and the combat between them was also the most intense.

This young man was surnamed Li, he was a Heaven Chosen and originated from the Li Clan in the Southern Domain of the Royal Sacred Region. Li Hantian was none other than the elder brother of one of the personal disciples under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, Li Hanyou. He knew that Lou Bingyu was the senior apprentice sister of his sister, and was more favored by the Sword Sovereigness. Back in Ye, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness forced the Human Emperor Ye Qingyun to dig out the treasure in his flesh to gift to Lou Bingyu, causing the elders of his Li Clan to have no choice but to return in defeat.

Now, since he had met her, Li Hantian wanted to have a showdown with Lou Bingyu to see who was stronger.

“Have you attacked enough?” A cold voice issued from Lou Bingyu’s mouth, containing an intense killing intent within that caused others who heard it to involuntarily tremble.

“Even when a beauty is angered, she’s also so appealing,” Li Hantian teased, causing the coldness radiating from Lou Bingyu to grow even stronger, seemingly enough to freeze the mountains and rivers.

Frost suddenly descended on the area as Lou Bingyu coldly spoke, “Since you wish to battle me, I shall comply.”

As the sound of her voice faded, Lou Bingyu stepped out, issuing her own attacks. In that instant, Qin Wentian and the others felt the pressure engulfing them suddenly vanish. They only saw the silvery glow of the pagoda envelope both Lou Bingyu and Li Hantian. The rest of them weren’t affected at all.

Evidently, Lou Bingyu was truly incensed. She brandished her sword, causing snow and frost to form, exuding a power so cold that it could freeze everything.

A sword strike birthed a storm of frost and snow, drifting about in an area of a thousand miles. Sword qi danced in the air as the fiery phoenix was frozen solid. Li Hantian’s countenance changed drastically. At this moment he actually felt an irresistible might emanating from Lou Bingyu’s body. He knew that he had underestimated this woman who was the most favored personal disciple under the the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.

Lou Bingyu struck out, the snowflakes drifting in the area all transformed into her sword. The power of this strike was twice as strong as her previous attack. Li Hantian tried to retreat, only to discover that the boundless snows converged together, forming a gigantic frost sword that slashed out towards him at blinding speed. As Li Hantian tried to exit the treasure pagoda, the sword had already split apart his body. The temperature was so cold that when his blood splattered out, it was instantly frozen.

Yet another Heaven Chosen had fallen.

Among the Nine Great Sects, the Battle Sword Sect was the sect known for the strongest individual combat prowess. Although not every disciple was powerful, those elites among the disciples could truly accomplish the feat of suppressing others of the same generation when compared to the disciples of the other great sects. Although Lou Bingyu wasn’t as famous as Ji Feixue, who was an era-suppressing genius, just from the brilliance of her sword attack it was evident that she wasn’t much weaker than him.

In addition, these people also knew that the treasure which her master, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, had coerced from the Human Emperor had already melded into her body, serving to augment her strength further.

Lou Bingyu retracted her sword, and stood in her original location. The other participants had vividly seen her fight against Li Hantian. This was the marvelous part of the rules of this pagoda.

There were only five people remaining. All of them ascended another step, nearing the peak of the pagoda. Yet the hearts of everyone weren’t at ease at all. They all knew that their remaining opponents were all extremely powerful.

“It’s your turn now, Poison Scorpion,” the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect spoke. The brown eyes of Poison Scorpion surveyed the crowd before he unleashed his attack. A wave of nauseous wind gusted out, causing Qin Wentian and the rest to instantly halt their breathing. A screen of swords manifested around Qin Wentian, revolving around him protectively, dispersing the poisonous miasma.

The nauseous wind blew stronger and stronger, until it reached a point where the vision of everyone gradually blurred. Qin Wentian frowned as he saw an enormous scorpion king dashing out from the heart of the poisonous miasma, running straight towards him while stabbing out with its stinger .

“Is Poison Scorpion a human or a demon?” the hearts of the others shuddered. A blood-red halberd appeared in Qin Wentian’s hand, erupting out towards the stinger of the scorpion. At the instant of impact, the stinger was directly shredded as a burst of blood splattered out, the droplets moving as fast as lightning towards Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian’s left palm hurriedly blasted out, disintegrating the blood droplets. However, that scorpion unceasingly closed the distance, stabbing out with its stinger.

This caused Qin Wentian to hesitate slightly, after which a cold light flickered in his eyes as his ancient halberd struck out with indomitable might. Piercing sounds rang out, shattering the scorpion completely as the blood in its body splashed out, transforming into a sea of venomous blood.

Qin Wentian stabbed out with his finger, and instantly a surge of destructive blood-colored light rushed up into the air, devouring the venomous blood that was raining down.

“How dangerous,” Qin Wentian silently mused. One must not come in contact with the blood of that poisonous scorpion.

At this moment, a cold light shot over causing Qin Wentian’s heart to lurch violently as an intense sense of danger overwhelm him.

“Hehe, it isn’t good to do such a thing,” a melodious voice rang out as that sense of danger vanished. After which, Qin Wentian saw two silhouettes clashing against each other under the silvery light. The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect tried to launch a sneak attack, but was stopped by Lin Xian`er.

“Back then I had already wanted to spar against Fairy Lin, seems like there’s no better time than now,” the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect laughed as both of them clashed.

“Hey, me too,” another voice rang out as Poison Scorpion joined the fray, blasting out a beam of blood-colored light towards Lin Xian`er.

“Joining hands to bully a weak female like me, this doesn’t seems to match up to the bearing of Heaven Chosen like yourselves.” Lin Xian`er’s eyes flashed. She prepared to leave the battlefield, yet she promptly discovered that she had no way to break off from the combat. It was as though the moment one started, one would not be able to exit voluntarily until someone died.

Chapter 579: Double Kill

As Lin Xian`er gently spoke, her white-jade skin seemed as though it was possible for water to be wrung out of it. Her soul-stirring countenance, although it wasn’t seductive, it was sufficient to enter deep in the hearts of others and cause a desire to protect her to spring forth. At the same time, it would also rouse those who had intense lust; the more weak and fragile she appeared to be, the more they wanted to ravage her completely.

Right now, such a notion had flashed through the Saint Child’s mind. Previously, Lin Xian`er had humiliated him. He had then made a vow that one day he would press this woman beneath him. Forcing this number one beauty under the heavens into submission. By then, what sort of expression would her soul-stirring countenance have?

“Fairy Lin is a weak lady? Back then in the Immortal Ripple Pavilion, Fairy Lin was so dominant for the sake of a guy, and even invited him solely into the pavilion for a meeting with you. I wonder if he made love to Fairy Lin that night?” The eyes of the Saint Child stared right at Lin Xian`er, with not a glance at Qin Wentian who was standing to the side. It was as though the person he was talking about didn’t have any relation with Qin Wentian in the slightest. “If he is unable to satisfy you, I’m naturally more than willing to show Fairy Lin how to feel good.”

“Have you even asked my opinion yet?” The brown eyes of Poison Scorpion flashed with a drooling expression. Such a beautiful woman, even if it was him, he couldn’t help but feel his soul stirring at the prospect of gaining her.

“Don’t kill her, just cripple her cultivation base. As to who is the one who can can ravage her, that would depend on who between the two of us would be able to become the person who ascends the pagoda,” the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect spoke. Both of them locked their gazes, their sinister eyes flickered with a mutual understanding.

Upon hearing their words, Lin Xian`er’s self-restraint finally broke. Waves of coldness radiated from her, her complexion resembled snow. Both her beautiful eyes were as sharp as blades, yet this expression on her face caused the nefarious light in the eyes of Poison Scorpion and the Saint Child to gleam even brighter.

A bright light flashed as her astral novas were unleashed. Lin Xian`er’s illusion clones appeared, causing this entire space to transform into a grand illusion-scape. Her fingers were strumming on the strings of an ancient zither, creating musical notes of attack that directly blasted onto the Saint Child’s and Poison Scorpion’s bodies. Under the onslaught of attacks, they had no choice but to halt their steps as their expressions grew heavy.

“Fairy Lin is angered,” the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect icily snarled. The music of Lin Xian`er was able to attack his soul directly. It was an extremely uncomfortable feeling.

Lin Xian`er didn’t say anything, and at this instant, Qin Wentian clearly saw her eyes turning in his direction. Although no words were spoken, that soul-stirring eyes actually caused Qin Wentian to be seized by an impulse to enter combat to aid her.

However, Qin Wentian didn’t do so.

Poison Scorpion was exceedingly powerful. Although his attacks couldn’t be considered tyrannical, they were extremely crafty and tough to deal with, even more dangerous than tyrannical brute force attacks. A single drop of his blood was sufficient to kill others.

In contrast, the attacks of the Saint Child from the Supreme Demon Sect were filled with overwhelming strength. Demonic qi towered up the skies and every strike he unleashed could shake the heavens and vibrate the earth.

They were powerful, but Lin Xian`er wasn’t a weakling either. Her silhouette turned blurry and faded away, the illusion-scape was so powerful that her opponents weren’t able to tell her true location. Although her individual attacks weren’t that powerful, when the sound of music filled the air, both the Saint Child and Poison Scorpion felt extremely unbearable as their combat strength was severely affected.

“There are hints of soul-attack contained within her music,” Qin Wentian silently mused. When this soul-stirring woman was angered, even outstanding characters such as Poison Scorpion of Sky Poison Valley and the Saint Child of Supreme Demon Sect weren’t able to do anything during a short period of time. On the contrary, they were being pressured into an extremely miserable state.

“When your master transplanted a treasure that belonged to others into your body, didn’t you feel that that treasure was still stained with the blood of its previous owner?” Qin Wentian slowly asked.

Lou Bingyu, who was near him, still exuded that lofty and cold aura from before. As she heard Qin Wentian’s words, she merely coldly replied, “You walking up to here, how much blood have your hands been stained by?”

“Earlier when the two of them spoke those humiliating words, I could see killing intent flashing through your eyes. You are not as calm and cold as you appear to be.” Qin Wentian didn’t reply to her words and shifted topics. Lou Bingyu’s brow was fiercely furrowed. In fact, she didn’t need to care about Qin Wentian’s words. Her personality was as tough as steel, and when her master obtained the treasure from the Human Emperor and gave it to her, she promised her master that she would definitely make it so that her performance would outshine Ji Feixue, Sword Sovereign Ling Tian’s personal disciple.

Only then would her master be able to stand up tall before her senior, Sword Sovereign Ling Tian. When she thought of that lonely and proud silhouette of her master, Lou Bingyu clenched her fists tightly. She told herself she must never let down the expectations her master had of her, she must never make it so that her master would lose face in front of a man. Even if that man was the sect leader of the Battle Sword Sect, Sword Sovereign Ling Tian.

However, this was young man who had comprehended fourteen sword strikes when he first entered the Battle Sword Sect. His words were filled with an overwhelming strength. This was cause enough for Lou Bingyu to acknowledge his existence. By right, this fiendishly handsome young man should refer to her as senior apprentice sister, considering her seniority in the sect. And although he was standing there quietly just like her, she could feel that he was brimming with confidence in his own abilities.

“What about you? You are already acquainted with her. She calls you Sir Qin, but you refer to her directly by her name, Xian`er. Right now your heart is as hard as stone, standing here talking to me instead of aiding her? Could it be accurate to say that what you presented before was just an act, and you are in fact, a cold-blooded man?” Lou Bingyu’s voice seemed to contain hints of an icy fury so cold that it had the power to freeze others.

Qin Wentian had a revelation when he heard the way she spoke. It was as though she didn’t have an enmity towards him alone, but rather, she hated men entirely as a whole. He couldn’t help but feel strange in his heart. Could it be that this Lou Bingyu was once spurned by a man before?

Lou Bingyu’s temperament was simply too cold, just like ice and snow. But looking at her profile, Qin Wentian could see that she should still be quite young. And considering her level of strength at such a age, it didn’t seem likely for her to have been bullied by a man.

Right now, Qin Wentian couldn’t help but to think of her master, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. Or maybe, she had been led astray by that old witch?

“The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness was bullied by a man before?” Qin Wentian casually asked, yet his words caused the coldness radiating from Lou Bingyu to increase by several folds.

“You dared to insult my master?!”

“That old witch forced my foster father to dig his own flesh out for that treasure. Just a single sentence from me can be considered an insult? Now the treasure has already fused with you, granting you an augmentation in your strength. But have you once thought about if I defeat you, what you would do?” Qin Wentian just as coldly shot back. Both of them were equally proud.

Lou Bingyu turned and looked at Qin Wentian, that loftiness and arrogance in her cold eyes brimmed with an immense self-confidence, “I’ve never thought about it, because the final victor would definitely be me.”

Qin Wentian turned and stared straight back at her, their gazes colliding in mid-air. Lou Bingyu only saw a casual smile that contained hints of arrogance on the face of the fiendishly handsome young man as he replied, “Let’s wait and see.”

As the sound of his voice faded, Qin Wentian dashed out, joining the combat. Lin Xian`er had been pressured to an extremely miserable state by the Saint Child and Poison Scorpion.

Hints of victory flashed in the eyes of Poison Scorpion and the Saint Child as they continuously advanced on Lin Xian`er. By now, both of them had truly been angered. Her strength far exceeded their expectations, and she had even injured their souls, causing them to be in endless agony. They planned to first strip her of her cultivation before recuperating and slowly ravage her to her death. Only then would the anger and lust in their hearts ease up.

Right at that instant, an intense sense of danger descended. Poison Scorpion and the Saint Child turned simultaneously and saw Qin Wentian’s silhouette transformed into a series of shadows as he struck out towards them with his arms. Strangely enough, he didn’t seem to be intending to use any weapon.

Poison Scorpion smiled malevolently as he sent out a palm shimmering with blood-red light, grabbing towards Qin Wentian. As long as this attack came into contact with Qin Wentian, he would die without a doubt.

“Mhm…Huh?” At that moment, Poison Scorpion felt a great shock in his heart. Even before he could react, blood splashed out from his throat as his sea of consciousness was painted blood-red. The next moment, his throat was cleanly penetrated through by a halberd that appeared soundlessly and without presence via Breaking Through the Void.

At the same time, Qin Wentian’s left palm wasn’t idle. A stream of terrifying palm imprints blasted out towards the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect. Although the Saint Child was strong, this attack still caused the circulation of blood and qi in his body to go awry as he was forced backwards.

Endless musical notes transformed into indomitable sharp killing weapons that directly penetrated into the head of the Saint Child. Fresh blood gushed out, the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect couldn’t believe that he was about to die. His eyes stared death Qin Wentian, only to see that fiendishly handsome young man staring back at him with a smile on his face, mocking him for his arrogance back then as he perished.

The ice-sealed heart of Lou Bingyu couldn’t help but tremble upon seeing this scene. Her clear eyes flashed with a dazzling light. The instant Qin Wentian acted, he directly succeeded in killing two powerful Heaven Chosen. She naturally could see how precisely Qin Wentian grasped the timing, which in turn led to the opportunity for him to kill the two of them.

So it turns out that it wasn’t that he didn’t want to act. Rather, it was him trying to find an opportunity to deal a critical strike, getting rid of both enemies with a single strike.

However very swiftly, Lou Bingyu’s appearance returned to its normal iciness. Even so, Qin Wentian wouldn’t be able to block her path. Nobody could block her from advancing, nobody could block her from surpassing the most dazzling figure in Heavenly Dipper of the Battle Sword Sect, Ji Feixue.

Lin Xian`er stared at Qin Wentian. She lowered her head before inclining it again, as a bright light flashed past those beautiful, world-mesmerizing eyes of hers. This seemingly ordinary young man in front of her was very quiet, yet what pride and what wild ambitions lay in that heart of his?

“When I saw that you didn’t move to help earlier, Xianer truly felt more than a little disappointed,” Lin Xianer gently stated. When Qin Wentian merely watched on the side as a spectator, although Lin Xian`er didn’t say anything, she understood that since they were contenders, they each have their own agendas. If she failed, wasn’t this a good thing to Qin Wentian? After all, he would face one less powerful opponent. Despite understanding that this was extremely logical behavior, she still couldn’t help but feel a trace of disappointment.

“Only by saving a damsel in distress at the most crucial moment would the hero be able to move her heart. Isn’t this especially so for a woman as beautiful as Xian`er?” Qin Wentian shrugged as he jokingly replied.

Such words from Qin Wentian caused Lin Xian`er to be totally taken aback. She stared at that smiling young man and as she heard the joking tone in his voice, she finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. The sound of a musical laughter filled the air. She was actually teased by a man! At this moment, a notion involuntarily flashed past her heart; she truly wanted to know what Qin Wentian was thinking about at this moment!

A beautiful smile lit up Lin Xian`er’s face, causing Qin Wentian to involuntarily slip into a daze. Both of them didn’t seem to be like enemies at all.

“I concede!” A melodious voice rang out in the air. Lin Xian`er smiled shyly and turned around, her words causing Qin Wentian to stand there stunned.

“I’ll take back my words. How can a person like Sir Qin ever be underneath the eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses?” Lin Xian`er’s melodious voice drifted over in an elegant manner. After which, she truly walked away, exiting the path of the pagoda, leaving Qin Wentian there standing dumbstruck!

Chapter 580: Winter Plum Flower Standing Proud in the Snow

Lin Xian`er’s decision caused Qin Wentian to be taken aback. After all, Qin Wentian knew very well how strong she was. She could even hold her own when facing joint attacks by Poison Scorpion and the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect, and even injuring them. It was evident she was by far many times stronger than the weak woman she appeared to be.

Qin Wentian also understood Lin Xian`er. Her heart was higher than the heavens, and the pride she had in her strength wasn’t any less than that of other Heaven Chosen. Yet she actually chose to give up at this moment?

Travelling all the way to the Immortal Martial Realm, how could there be unambitious people? Although the true contest of the Immortal Martial Realm would be fought by those whose strength was at the very peak, every single participant who dared to step foot inside here representing this generation had something that set them apart from others their age. They were the future of the Royal Sacred Region and were destined to grow into something great if they survived, even qualifying to contend for this world.

Thus, there was nobody that would willingly give up even if they failed in any of the tests. They didn’t know how it would affect their future, and everyone was very clear that if they really sought to become the most dazzling character in their generation, they couldn’t afford to lose even for a single time.

Qin Wentian glanced at her moving smile as he suddenly thought of that night again. Back then, Lin Xian`er’s eyes flashed with a brilliant glow when she spoke of the eight era-suppressing geniuses, saying that they were characters that were even more outstanding than Qin Wentian. Now, she most likely had already ranked Qin Wentian on the same level as those eight absolute geniuses, despite his current cultivation base being lacking.

Nodding his head to Lin Xian`er, Qin Wentian shifted his glance back to the remaining participant, Lou Bingyu.

Lou Bingyu was also staring at him. Those cold eyes of hers flickered with a resolute conviction. That was the conviction of victory, her lips moved as she stated icily, “You won’t be able to defeat me. On account that we are both from the same sect, I don’t wish to injure you. Just leave here.”

Staring at Lou Bingyu’s countenance, the long eye lashes augmented the beauty of her cold eyes. Qin Wentian was thinking that if it wasn’t for Lou Bingyu having such a cold temperament, she would also be considered an empire-toppling existence. The coldness she exuded seemed to be carved into her bones, allowing no one to get near. Even standing right in front of her would cause one to feel that she was far away and out of their reach.

Lou Bingyu’s words caused Qin Wentian to be slightly startled. Seems like he was right about her. Although she seemed so distant and cold, her inner heart wasn’t a block of ice. When contending against each other in the Immortal Martial Realm, things like being in the same sect could be disregarded completely. Since all were Heaven Chosen, how could one expect the other to give up simply because of being in the same sect? Would people freely hand over the glory to another?

This was also the reason why that expert from the Battle Sword Sect acted against Qin Wentian in the previous test. Maybe if they were facing against external enemies, the thin line that was known as ‘being in the same sect’ would bind them together, allowing them to fight for the glory of their sect. But in the Immortal Martial Realm, everyone was an enemy.

Lou Bingyu would never give up. Neither would Qin Wentian.

However, wasn’t this ice-cold woman a little too confident in herself?

“Let’s fight then.” Qin Wentian held a blood-colored ancient halberd in his hands. The instant his voice faded, snow in the area started to dance about, causing the temperature of this space to fall tremendously. Lou Bingyu quietly stood there, in the midst of the snow.

The drifting snowflakes contained an intense coldness in them, along with a bone-piercing sharpness. The instant they landed on Qin Wentian, each of the flakes felt akin to sharp blades wanting to slash apart his skin.

“Ji Feixue’s Flying Snow Swordplay. But when I’m the one executing it, my might isn’t any weaker compared to him,” Lou Bingyu stated. She seemed as cold as ever, and from her words, Qin Wentian could feel her desire to contend against Ji Feixue, wanting nothing more than to surpass him.

As one of the era-suppressing geniuses, there was no need to doubt Ji Feixue’s status in the Battle Sword Sect. He was one of the most dazzling existences in Heavenly Dipper. Even if there were other outstanding talents in the Battle Sword Sect, they were all eclipsed by his brilliance. Lou Bingyu, a personal disciple under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, should probably be one of these other outstanding talents.

The sword intent in the snow got increasingly more powerful, to the extend where it could even slice a human in twain. Qin Wentian’s blood thrummed with power as his body was enveloped in armor. His entire being became incomparably demonic as the loftiness and pride in his eyes thickened. Staring at Lou Bingyu, the ancient halberd in his hands began gleaming with terrifying blood-red astral light.

Right now, Qin Wentian felt extremely cold. When the Mandate of Icesnow at the perfection boundary of the second level landed on his body, even though Qin Wentian’s bloodline power was strong and he was protectively enveloped by demonic qi, he still felt a bone-piercing chill permeating his body. Not only that, this coldness also contained a sharpness to it.

Bzz!

The sound of her sword might angrily whistled through the air. In this world of snow, Lou Bingyu stood there with her hand on the hilt of the sword, adopting a dominant posture.

The intensity of her show of force got stronger and stronger.

BOOM!

Qin Wentian stepped out as his King Sword astral nova lashed out, instantly causing his own sword might to engulf the area, breaking Lou Bingyu’s dominance. His silhouette flickered as he turned into a blurry shadow dashing towards her with his ancient halberd seeking to pierce through her head.

Her sword hummed, Lou Bingyu drew her weapon. The cold light reflecting from her sword shone on Qin Wentian’s face, and just that mere reflection was extremely cold due to being imbued with the will from her Mandate. Qin Wentian shifted his ancient halberd slightly, using its body to block the light and then he lashed out directly at her sword as an overwhelming might directly shattered the reflection. After all, Qin Wentian’s own attacks were infused with the will of his Mandates, and were extremely tyrannical.

But things weren’t at an end yet. The shattered pieces of the sword transformed into beams of cold light that erupted towards Qin Wentian.

A raging wind gusted by, Qin Wentian evaded by moving sidewards, only to see a surge of snow blowing past him as the sword qi from Lou Bingyu instantly concentrated into the form of a sword, slashing towards him. The drifting snow filled the skies as it then transformed into a sword art that utilized coldness with the power to sweep over everything blocking its path.

Back on the ground, Lin Xian`er was paying attention to the battle above. Upon seeing how profound Lou Bingyu’s sword art was, her heart couldn’t help but tremble. The cold beam from that sword left behind arcs of white in the air, displaying redoubtable power.

Astral energy gushed out from Qin Wentian. He lifted his halberd and struck out in an extremely natural and carefree manner, making it appear as simple as moving his hands. Qin Wentian had undergone countless hours of training and right now, his halberd could already be considered an extension of his body.

BANG!

Destructive energy erupted forth, colliding together with the white beams. Shockwaves born from the impact rocked and ravaged the area as the cold beam was splintered into two halves which shot past either side of him. His robes were torn from the sharpness of the attack as his body felt a bone-chilling cold.

But this was merely Lou Bingyu’s beginning attack. After blocking this, Qin Wentian saw Lou Bingyu moving towards him, piercing out simply with no fanfare right for him. Her sword arts were as cold as her temperament and had reached such a level where the instant she attacked, others would feel waves of coldness bombarding their bodies, slowing them down as her sword claimed their lives.

The frost and snow in this area transformed into a gigantic winter plum flower. This winter plum flower, appearing both beautiful and demonic, blossomed as it flew over, seeking to devour Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian’s left palm had long been accumulating energy. A single palm strike was akin to the force of a mad cyclone and torrential waves gushing out. It seemed as though there were hundreds of thousands of palm imprints concentrated into one; it whistled through the air producing a terrifying sound and slammed right into the middle of the frozen flower, causing both to be destroyed together.

Although the winter plum flower was destroyed, its petals were still dancing about in the wind. The coldness and sharpness of the petals remained unaffected.

In the midst of the drifting snow and petals, a ray of cold light appeared, shooting directly towards Qin Wentian’s throat and moving so quickly that he only had time to take half a step back. The wound on his throat leaked blood which froze instantly in the chilly air.

It was as though he predicted her attack, his ancient halberd once again collided against the ray as both fighters were forced simultaneously backwards. .

Lou Bingyu stood there, radiating a coldness which was causing this entire space to turn into a world of ice and snow. The temperature dipped even lower and lower.

“Are you really unwilling to give up?” Lou Bingyu stared at Qin Wentian as she coldly asked. “The next attack might really claim your life.”

“If you can kill me, I have no complaints.” Qin Wentian was as calm as ever. He nodded his head,after which she swung out with her sword. That casual sword slashed out a wave of coldness that was infused with the speed and laceration effect of the wind.

Qin Wentian’s ancient halberd disappeared. Both his palms accumulated might. He lifted and blasted forth a palm strike, shattering the sword attack.

Upon which Lou Bingyu’s sword art was completely unleashed.

Lin Xianer stood on the ground and silently watched the unfolding battle. Lou Binyu slashed out sword attack after sword attack and each of her sword attacks were as cold and elegant as herself. She was extremely calm, her sword was a part of the frost and snow that filled the world, swirling up together in a dance capable of conquering everything, there wasn’t a place where her attacks couldn’t reach. Staring at her swordplay, Lin Xianer’s eyes shone with admiration. Such a beautiful and elegant woman should be even more dazzling than what she was now. Unfortunately, Lin Xian`er couldn’t help but wonder if Lou Bingyu’s personality was also influenced under the guidance of that obstinate old woman, Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, so much that it turned towards another extreme.

Qin Wentian also went all out, the blood in his body seethed and surged as demonic qi towered up into the sky. Both his palms madly slammed out, covering the entire space with a countless number of palm imprints, each leaving a mark in the sky.

The endless swirling sword qi clashed repeatedly in the air against the palm imprints. Lou Bingyu danced in an intricate manner amongst the snow and sword beams. Right at that moment, an explosive blast sounded out from the void. Her countenance drastically changed, and she retreated rapidly while exuding a terrifying, indomitable aura.

Whistling sounds echoed out, the glow from an axe could be seen erupting out from her, joining together with her sword qi before slashing downwards, splitting apart the nihility palm imprints which originated from the void.

This Grand Nihility Palm Imprint was simply too overpowered. It wasn’t just because its attacking strength was tyrannical, its concealment was top-notch as well. The instant it appeared could mean the instant you died, there was no way to prepare a defense against it at all. Simply too terrifying!

Bzz!

Bathed in the glow of the axe-light, Lou Bingyu brandished her sword again. The might of her swordplay instantly skyrocketed explosively, exuding an even sharper and more terrifying aura. This caused the beautiful eyes of Lin Xian`er to glaze over for an instant. This should be the Human Emperor’s treasure. Earlier Lou Bingyu and Qin Wentian were evenly matched, and now that Lou Bingyu activated the treasure, it was definitely extremely detrimental to Qin Wentian.

And as expected, the resulting sword slash of Lou Bingyu slashed apart the tyrannical palm imprints and shot towards Qin Wentian.

BOOM!

A fearsome drum reverberation echoed out, thrumming together with heaven and earth. Qin Wentian’s entire body was surrounded by battle drums. His eyes were shining with a pride of his own as he stared at Lou Bingyu while floating in the air. It was as though in this world, he would soon be the only one remaining.

BOOM, BOOM!

Two more reverberations vibrated the entire space, after which Lou Bingyu only felt a surge of nirvanic might gushing down on her. The frost and snow danced about, accompanying her sword as she slashed out; yet the instant her sword light fired off, an almighty gargantuan palm imprint manifested, crushing down on her.

Lou Bingyu continued retreating backwards amidst the sounds of endless pounding drums. The unending streams of palm imprints seemed ready to bury the entire sky. They were all glowing with the dark-red color of blood, dying the entire frost and snow in this world crimson.

The gaze of that ravishing maiden was still as cold, as clear, as lonely and as prideful as ever. She was like a winter plum blossom, standing tall and proud in the snow despite the cold and ice. Only death itself would cause her to wilt! The fresh blood in the snow only increased the most solemn and touching aspects of this proud plum flower!

Chapter 581: Strength of Character

Lin Xian`er watched the battle on the path up towards the treasure pagoda without blinking. Even with her state of heart, she couldn’t help feeling thunderstruck.

Before this, although Qin Wentian was already quite famous due to his slaying of Ye Kongfan, he was still quite a distance from those Heaven Chosen in the Royal Sacred Region who had already been renowned for a long time. At most, he could only be considered an up and coming new talent. Lin Xian`er recognized Qin Wentian’s talent and potential, but she had not thought him comparable to the absolute era-suppressing geniuses until he slew both Poison Scorpion and the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect in one blow.

Right now, staring at the battle drums around him, Lin Xian`er couldn’t help but sigh in her heart. This so-called burial ground of geniuses, was it not also a place for talents to awaken? Those who were truly outstanding would never be buried forever. This outstanding young man seemed to have undergone a transformation through the trials of this realm, and had already grown powerful enough to fight against the majority of the Heaven Chosen in the Royal Sacred Region.

In addition to that, he had even obtained a divine artifact from the Immortal Martial Realm.

She naturally knew that external divine weapons from outside this realm weren’t usable here, only divine weapons of the Immortal Martial Realm could be used. Maybe the Immortal Martial Realm divine weapons weren’t as powerful as some of the supreme techniques taught to those Heaven Chosen from the true major powers, but their usage would be magnified when used in the Immortal Martial Realm.

For example, if Lin Xian`er were to fight against Lou Bingyu and under the circumstances when their strengths were evenly matched, just by using a Immortal Martial Realm divine weapon, Lou Bingyu would instantly be able to suppress her effortlessly, possibly to the extent of being able to kill her.

If Lou Bingyu originally had been sufficiently powerful when she was lent the power of an Immortal Realm divine weapon, she would be able to sweep through all Heaven Chosen unhindered, achieving a strength similar to the eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses while here in the Immortal Martial Realm.

Lin Xian`er also clearly knew that only a very limited few would be qualified to receive a divine weapon from the Immortal Martial Realm, the chances were as rare as finding a phoenix’s feather or kirin’s horn. Many people speculated that an Immortal Martial Realm divine weapon was able to grow together with the martial cultivator who possessed it, and it even changed one’s innate talent. Back then, the Human Emperor of Ye was a very good example. Before the Immortal Martial Realm, Ye Qingyun was basically an unknown. But after that, wasn’t it the time he truly exuded his splendor, and showcased his brilliance?

The Human Emperor was the most evident example everyone else could find. But as to what the truth really was, it was something that only Ye Qingyun himself knew. Qin Wentian once personally heard the Human Emperor disdaining that a mere treasure could be the reason for his uprising, mocking those who went to such lengths to take the treasure from him.

But regardless of the matter, Qin Wentian himself had already received one Immortal Martial Realm divine weapon, the battle drum. This was enough to make Lin Xian`er sigh in admiration.

Naturally, Lin Xian`er was also taken aback by that cold and beautiful silhouette. That poor silhouette who was forced back continuously, even to the extent of coughing out blood, exuded an unbendable aura even in the face of death. That demeanor, when exemplified by a woman, wasn’t it also displaying her strength of character?

When Lin Xianer saw how Lou Bingyu was injured to this extent by Qin Wentian, her heart couldn’t help but to bloom with compassion and worry. She had truly started to admire this young maiden who was the most favored disciple under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. Indeed, Lou Bingyu was an extraordinary character. Lin Xianer could only hope that she wouldn’t be led astray by that old witch’s teaching and guidance. Naturally, that was in the future, and the premise as to her being led astray or not still depended on whether or not Qin Wentian would be ruthless enough to destroy this beautiful flower, burying the proud plum flower forever right here in the Immortal Martial Realm.

Lin Xian`er’s eyes revealed traces of a gentle smile. For some reason she believed that Qin Wentian wouldn’t be so merciless. After all, the person he was facing was a delicate and beautiful young maiden who had a different bearing compared to the vast majority of women. Although she was a little cold, it wasn’t able to mask her refined presence, so different from others.

Yet when Lin Xian`er saw Qin Wentian directly pointing the ancient halberd at Lou Bingyu’s throat, her heart couldn’t help but skip a beat. Her eyes widened and were as bright as torches as she stared intently at the sharp tip of the ancient halberd.

On the top of the treasure pagoda, Qin Wentian stared at Lou Bingyu, his heart stirring slightly. This was someone who wouldn’t cower even in the face of death. Although his first impression of Lou Bingyu wasn’t that good, the actual reason was mainly because of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. But as they exchanged blows, he saw many other things. This female in front of him was more outstanding and tenacious even compared to many of the other male Heaven Chosen.

“Why must you do this? You completely have the chance to breakaway from this battle.” Qin Wentian stared at that cold and beautiful countenance in front of him as he was slightly taken aback.

Lou Bingyu seemed as though she hadn’t heard any of his words. Right now, her heart was filled with an excruciating piercing pain that was extremely unbearable.

She was an orphan. She had followed her master ever since she was very young. Not only the was the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness her master, she also took on the role of her mother. And although her master was very strict towards her, Lou Bingyu understood the reason behind it. She knew that the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness only had a single wish in this lifetime and that was to surpass that man. If she didn’t have the power to surpass him, she had to nurture and ensure that her disciples at the very least would surpass his disciples. Hence, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness placed her heavy hopes onto her disciple’s shoulders.

Lou Bingyu was extremely outstanding and the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness once stated that among the younger generations at the Heavenly Dipper Realm, other than Ji Feixue, there would be no one who could defeat her disciple Lou Bingyu. Although many people didn’t believe so, Lou Bingyu’s performance in the Battle Sword Sect soon made everyone agree with the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness’ statement. Despite her young age, Lou Bingyu was already shining like a constellation, chasing after the footsteps of Ji Feixue.

But today, even before she met Ji Feixue, and contended against the eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses, she had already been defeated by this young man in front of her. Not only that, this person was the same as her, a disciple of the Battle Sword Sect. And what’s even more ironic was that her master had forced that person’s foster father to dig into his flesh for his treasure for her benefit. Yet today, she still lost to this young man despite the augmentation the treasure provided her.

Lou Bingyu felt that she had no way to face her master. She didn’t want to imagine how disappointed the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness would be when she exited the Immortal Martial Realm.

Qin Wentian could see despair as well as a struggle in Lou Bingyu’s eyes. He furrowed his brows in confusion, this maiden before him wasn’t afraid of death. So what then would cause her to feel despair?

The only possibility was the hope and expectations the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness laid on her shoulders.

“Is it because of your master?” Qin Wentian asked in a low voice. “Is it even worth it?”

“Kill me and retrieve the treasure axe to return to your foster father. The actions of my master were because of me, your actions were because of your foster father. I have no regrets even if I were to die in your hands.” Lou Bingyu was as cold as ever. She closed her eyes when she finished her statement.

This decision caused Qin Wentian to be stunned. When he stared at the countenance of Lou Bingyu, he found that the ancient halberd in his hands had no desire to pierce forward.

Glancing at Lou Bingyu’s body, even if he tore her apart, would he be able to retrieve the treasure?”

“When your master forced my foster father to take out that treasure, my foster father said this: ‘This is just a mere treasure, do you really think that this item was the sole reason for me being able to rise up? Utterly laughable.’ And after your master acquired the treasure, she also spoke to me: ‘Today I won’t bully you, but if you step into the Immortal Martial Realm, this seat’s personal disciple will naturally discipline you on my behalf.’ How imposing my foster father was, how could he care for a mere treasure? Maybe the only thing that was unbearable for him to accept was the humiliation of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness forcing him to dig out that treasure in front of so many experts.”

Qin Wentian slowly continued, “Now that I’ve defeated you here today, I really want to see if the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness will remember her arrogant words she spoke back then. And as for this debt that she owes, I don’t think you should be the one bearing it for her. Although the disciples of the Battle Sword Sect aren’t even comparable to the numbers of the other nine great sects, they are still revered and feared because of their individual combat prowess. I believe that you would also be one of the dazzling figures of our sect in the future, but I hope you remember that ultimately you are a member of the Battle Sword Sect and not just a personal disciple under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. I won’t kill you, nor will I retrieve the treasure that has now already melded as one with you because I can see in you the ‘spirit’ of the Battle Sword Sect.”

After speaking, Qin Wentian retracted his ancient halberd as a powerful force knocked Lou Bingyu down the pagoda’s path.

As Qin Wentian stared at Lou Bingyu who was now on the ground, the expression on his face was as calm as water. He had his own principles, and the Human Emperor had his own pride and spirit. He believed that his foster father would understand his decision.

Regarding this treasure, what he should do was that one day, he had to make the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness lower her head in apology and not destroy such an outstanding disciple of the Battle Sword Sect. Only this would be able to satisfy the pride of himself, Qin Wentian.

Naturally there were two other reasons why Qin Wentian chose to spare Lou Bingyu: Firstly, that sentence Lou Bingyu had spoken, “We are both from the same sect, I have no wish to injure you. Just leave.”

Secondly, simply because Lou Bingyu was a woman, and an exceedingly beautiful one at that. Maybe Qin Wentian didn’t consciously decide to spare her because of this, but one couldn’t argue that this fact didn’t influence his decision. Qin Wentian was a man, after all.

After Lou Bingyu was knocked down to the ground, her cold eyes flashed with traces of surprise. Lifting her head and staring at that young man on top of the pagoda, she saw Qin Wentian was also looking right at her at that moment. From his eyes, she could see resoluteness, determination, and pride, as well as conviction.

Qin Wentian continued to ascend. After all the participants had all been knocked out, nobody could bar him from advancing to the very top of the treasure pagoda.

The silvery white glow got stronger and stronger and even blinded Qin Wentian’s eyes. His eyes narrowed to a slit as he grabbed towards the source of the light. However, he didn’t manage to grab anything. The already intense light intensified even further and all of a sudden, a beam of silver light shot into the center of Qin Wentian’s brow, causing stabbing pain to rip at his sea of consciousness as if something was drilling into it.

To his surprise, words of a chant appeared in his mind. The silvery glow caused Qin Wentian’s sea of consciousness to rumble as it instantly echoed within him. His entire body started trembling violently. The stream of words of the chant seemed incomprehensible, yet each syllable of it was filled with an incomparably unique and mysterious energy that permeated every part of his body.

Along with the sound of the chant in his mind, Qin Wentian’s astral energy spiraled madly, erupting forth as though it wanted to break its own limits. His Yuanfu and astral novas were all trembling violently; even his meridians and artery channels were shaking. The blood circulating in his body was roaring like the waves of the ocean. The transformation occurring at this instant filled every cell of him with excruciating pain. With a howl of agony, Qin Wentian involuntarily spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

The humming of the chant got increasingly messy, completely without rhythm. It was almost impossible to control; it seemed like it was a source of energy that didn’t belong to him and was intending on forcibly drilling deep into his sea of consciousness.

“HALT!” Qin Wentian’s mind shuddered violently, his powerful will forcibly halted the humming of the chant. He was worried that if he allowed the chanting to continue unabated, the transformation would tear his body asunder before it ended.

Chapter 582: Courting Humiliation

Within the Immortal Martial Realm, in a vast region which exuded an archaic air, there were numerous silhouettes currently standing. Any one of them was an extremely famous Heaven Chosen from the various major powers in the Royal Sacred Region.

In fact, even the eight era-suppressing geniuses were there.

In this vast region somewhere situated at the back, there were countless floating bridges intersecting together. This place was the place where the ending point of all the eighty-one floating bridge converged. Right now on top of a particular bridge, quite a few silhouettes appeared there. They stood there and turned their gazes on the vast region ahead and stared at those dazzling figures that were already there.

In fact, among the silhouettes appearing on this particular bridge, there were several extremely famous characters among them as well. Members from the Nine Great Sects, crown princes from ancient kingdoms, Saint Children and Holy Maidens from large reclusive sects, etc. Yet right now, the vast majority of them didn’t have the guts to get down from the bridges. Just by sensing how immensely powerful the aura from these various geniuses of the Royal Sacred Region were, they were all trembling with fear. Right now, these people’s cultivation bases were still being suppressed. If they really got down from the floating bridge, any one of those dazzlingly famous characters already there could kill them with a single slap.

Although these people weren’t happy in their hearts, the harsh reality of the current differences in strength was right in front of them. They had no choice but to accept the reality: they had already been eliminated.

“Gu Liufeng is still as outstanding as ever. No matter where he goes, he who is always clad in white will always be the focal point of all attention.” A female Heaven Chosen from an ancient reclusive sect stood on the bridge, gazing at the silhouette of Gu Liufeng. Her eyes sparkled with admiration. Although the Royal Sacred Region was boundlessly vast, based on her talent and background, those who were able to make her sit up with attention among those of the same generation weren’t many. Those who could attract her interest were undoubtedly extremely outstanding amongst their peers.

Gu Liufeng was the perfect example. The calm lake severs the moon, the Yi shooting the nine heavens. This young man had long became a symbol of this generation. No matter what topic was it, as long as it had something to do with geniuses of the younger generation, Gu Liufeng’s name would be sure to come up. There were almost no characters who could be compared to him, simply because Gu Liufeng was someone with no background who rose that high despite having no support.

“Is your heart moved?” A young maiden clad in pink who stood at the side spoke in a teasing manner. For those who knew of her, they all knew that she was a character extremely tough to deal with.

“There are very few people whose heart wouldn’t be moved when facing the eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses, let alone Gu Liufeng, who could be considered among one of the more outstanding ones among the eight,” another maiden replied with a slight smile on her face. “In addition, it seems as though he was the first among the others to arrive at this point.”

“Who would have thought that we wouldn’t even have the qualifications to step down from the bridge. The tests in the Immortal Martial Realm was truly too difficult. My last test had something to do with a demonic tree, only three people on my floating bridge passed that test. After which, they were sent away by that demonic tree to some unknown place while we were all trapped at that location. Only after a certain amount of time did the demonic tree vanish, enabling us to continue advancing forward, and eventually reaching this place at the end.”

The girl smiled, albeit bitterly. “However, the suppression effect on our cultivation bases has never been lifted. Right now, we no longer have the qualifications to contend against those below.”

“I believed there would still be chances. There are some secret realms on the floating bridge I was on, and as long as we can passed them, we would gain the qualifications to take a test named ‘The Immortal Guides the Way.’ Sadly, I failed them.” The girl at the side smiled wryly as she shook her head. She originally was also a prideful individual, but she faltered, and when she was in front of that difficult test, she failed. She couldn’t help feeling depressed when she recalled the demonic monkey who was the guardian of that test.

“Yeah, there are many secret realms on the floating bridges, with many tests designed for the participants. There were some who could pass easily, advancing courageously forwards without looking back, while there were also some who took the beaten path. Look over there, it’s Princess Jiao Yang of Grand Zhou. She’s awesome, she passed all of those difficult tests and even acquired a blazing steed.”

The other maiden glanced over towards Princess Jiao Yang when she heard her friend’s words and indeed, a handsome looking horse blazing with flames that was exuding a brilliant glow was being ridden by Princess Jiao Yang. The blazing steed floated in the air as a wave of flame continuously revolved around it beautifully, the light from the flame also causing a halo of fire to envelope Princess Jiao Yang.

At that moment, a person appeared beside the two maidens. This person was clad in imperial robes that were incomparably luxurious. His eyes shone with a terrifying golden light that caused fear in others. His aura was at the seventh level of Heavenly Dipper, and it was evident that his suppression was lifted. He directly walked past the two maidens, advancing forward.

“It’s Shang Tong, the Eye King from Grand Shang. To think that he has already stepped into the seventh level, and not only that, his cultivation base is so solid, much stronger compared to him earlier when he just entered the Immortal Martial Realm,” somebody exclaimed in shock as they recognised him.

Both Grand Shang and Grand Zhou were extremely powerful. Other than Princess Jiao Yang, there was another prince from Grand Zhou that was among the dazzling group of characters as well.

After Shang Tong, there were a few exceptional others that appeared. All of their eyes gleamed with sharpness, the auras they exuded were filled with power as they continued their way forward.

Such a scenario caused the watching crowd to be taken aback. Even now, there were more people appearing and occasionally, even Heaven Chosen with the Immortal Martial Medallions were mixed within.

“Lin Xianer has arrived!” At this moment an exclamation of surprise sounded out. Many turned around to see the silhouette of Lin Xianer really appear on one of the bridges. Her flawless countenance was as soul-stirring as before, and each and every of her steps were able to move the hearts of people.

“Lin Xian`er is truly powerful, the restriction on her cultivation base is lifted.”

The crowd all sighed in admiration; as expected of a Fairy from the Celestial Maiden Sect. Not only was she beautiful, her talent was exceptionally outstanding as well.

The only point that caused people to feel somewhat uncomfortable was that there was a young man right in front of Lin Xianer. This person appeared calm, yet gave off a sense of incredible sharpness. His serene eyes stared ahead as he slowly advanced forward. And behind this young man, there wasn’t just Lin Xianer alone. There was another ice-cold beauty walking behind him, causing the crowd to speculate wildly about the identity of this young man.

“Senior Sister Lou.” The members from the Battle Sword Sect all called out a greeting upon seeing Lou Bingyu. Lou Bingyu’s gaze slowly turned towards them;, there was no expression in her eyes, and she continued on her way forward. Occasionally her eyes would drift to the figure of the young man in front of her. This young man who most assuredly came from the same bridge as her, should be one of the dark horses in the Immortal Martial Realm right?

“She’s Lou Bingyu, the most favored personal disciple under the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.” The crowd’s eyes narrowed upon learning of Lou Bingyu’s identity. Such an outstanding woman, yet she was actually following behind a young man? Not only that, Lin Xian`er who was beside her also has the title of the number one beauty under the heavens.

Such a scene caused an incredulous expression to appear on many faces of the crowd. Wasn’t it rumored that Lou Bingyu was as cold as ice and frost? She would never willingly walk with any man, let alone behind one. What was happening?

Staring at their position, regardless if you were looking at Lou Bingyu or Lin Xian`er, both of them seemed to be playing a supporting role. Such a scene caused a huge impact in the hearts of the crowd.

The person who called out Lou Bingyu’s name was another elite female disciple under the Plum Mountain Sovereigness. Next to her were a few other members from the Battle Sword Sect, and one amongst them was clad in robes made of phoenix feathers, looking outstanding and alluring beyond comparison. But at this moment, she was also rubbing her eyes in confusion as she stared at the scene below. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

As they were both personal disciples of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, Li Haoyou’s understanding far surpassed others when it came to Lou Bingyu. She knew that her master had placed high hopes and expectations on Lou Bingyu, a fact that made her jealous. But she knew that in terms of both strength and talent, she did not compare to her fellow disciple. She also knew that Lou Bingyu was lofty and cold, and the reason she had come to the Immortal Martial Realm this time around was to challenge the status of Ji Feixue in the Battle Sword Sect. Her sole purpose was to contend against the eight era-suppressing geniuses!

But now, Lou Bingyu was actually walking behind that man, together with Lin Xian`er?

The first time she saw Qin Wentian, Li Hanyou couldn’t even be bothered with him. Although he had proven his strength afterwards, Li Hanyou still wasn’t convinced. In ancient Ye, he had even threatened her master, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness; he simply didn’t know what was good for himself! It was not possible that Lou Bingyu didn’t know what happened in Ye.

At this moment, that young man in front of both Lin Xian`er and Lou Bingyu truly seemed extraordinary.

“Hold it there!”

This was practically an unexplained event crying out for an explanation. Lin Hanyou shouted, calling for Qin Wentian to stop. Her voice was impolite, containing coldness and even a few hints of disdain within.

Qin Wentian halted, his brow was furrowed as he stared at Lin Hanyou. In truth, he wasn’t really familiar with Li Hanyou; they had only brief encounters the few times they met. For some reason, the eyes this woman used to stare at him with were filled with unfriendliness. Although Qin Wentian didn’t like the gaze this woman was using to look at him, it couldn’t be said that he loathed it. After all, they weren’t really familiar with each other.

Hearing the ring of command in Li Hanyou’s tone, Qin Wentian’s look back at her was icy, and felt as sharp as an unsheathed sword, causing Lin Hanyou’s mind to violently shudder. This made her feel an even more intense bout of humiliation. A cold killing intent flashed in her beautiful eyes, and this killing intent was even sharper than the look Qin Wentian gave her.

“Senior sister, back when master stormed the royal palace of Ye, she publicly stated that she wanted you to teach this man a lesson! Although he’s also a member of our Battle Sword Sect, he’s extremely disrespectful of master; his behaviour was simply outrageous! How can senior sister pretend to be calm and remain indifferent?!” Li Hanyou knew that she might not be Qin Wentian’s match now, but because Qin Wentian’s gaze made her exceedingly uncomfortable; she decided to say these words to Lou Bingyu, hoping that she would be able to use Lou Bingyu to deal with Qin Wentian.

Lou Bingyu’s eyes flashed icily. In reality, although the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness did utter such words back then in Ye, she had never specifically instructed Lou Bingyu to deal with Qin Wentian. After all, from the perspective of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, Qin Wentian was merely a junior, and she was unlikely to go so far as to really do anything to him.

And Li Hanyou still didn’t know that Lou Bingyu had already been defeated by Qin Wentian. How could she even deal with him?

BAM!

As the sound of Li Hanyou’s voice faded, a loud sound echoed out. Qin Wentian directly swiped his palm across space, smacking Li Hanyou’s face with such might that her body was flung through the air. When she landed on the ground, the impact from that slap even caused her to cough out a mouthful of blood. The slap completely knocked Li Hanyou silly.

When she recovered, she climbed back up to her feet and stared at Qin Wentian with rage smoldering in her eyes. Her entire body was trembling in disbelief.

Qin Wentian’s killing intent gushed out, instantly causing an unbelievable amount of chill to bloom in Li Hanyou’s heart, so cold it was like she had frozen solid.

Qin Wentian slowly turned away and continued on his path, not even bothering to spare a second glance for her. Lou Bingyu similarly followed, completely disregarding her. Their actions caused Li Hanyou to feel the many pairs of eyes staring at her humiliation.

“What an interesting woman,” Lin Xian`er laughed lightly before following behind Qin Wentian. Her melodious voice contained a mocking tone to it, ridiculing Li Hanyou’s stupidity of grossly overestimating her own strength!

Princess Jiao Yang 骄阳公主 → Also stands for Princess Blazing Sun