Enraged
Enraged . . .
The mission assigned to elite disciples within the daunting confines of the Sage Devil Gorge was a straightforward one: to oversee the selection test. Ordinarily, they refrained from engaging participants in any confrontations or battles.
Within the hallowed halls of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, elite disciples occupied a position of great reverence. These distinguished individuals were cherry-picked from the core disciples, each having the privilege of personal guidance from the most venerable figures within the sect. In fact, they were considered just a step away from achieving the exalted status of Sage Child characters.
The rigorous selection process within the Sage Devil Gorge aimed to sift through the throng of participants and handpick 160 promising core disciples. If elite disciples were to intervene and act against these aspirants, the consequences would be severe. Even the most prodigious talents could be eliminated, undermining the very essence of this selection trial.
Xia Hou, the elite disciple entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the trial in the Sage Devil Gorge on this occasion, held a position of formidable power. His cultivation was formidable, and his status within the sect was impeccable. Perplexed by Blackpeak's unusual request, he couldn't help but respond, "Blackpeak, you must understand that our role as elite disciples here is limited to supervision, not the pursuit and elimination of participants. If I were to lead a group to hunt down a junior, I might face severe consequences and punishment from the sect."
"I grasp the nuances of your concern. However, your involvement wouldn't need to be hands-on. Merely assist in assembling fifth-level ascendants among the disciples to track him down. If the blame ever surfaces, you can easily deflect it with an excuse. After all, as the overseer of this trial, part of your responsibility is to enforce the consequences upon anyone who dares tarnish the reputation of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Isn't that so?" Blackpeak urged, his voice a hushed transmission to Xia Hou, who pondered the proposal. This seemed like a significant vendetta, and Blackpeak's determination to eliminate this fifth-level ascendant was unwavering. Xia Hou, as the overseer, could certainly take discreet actions behind the scenes without blatantly violating the sect's rules. As long as he remained within the bounds of propriety, repercussions would be minimal.
Blackpeak enjoyed the privilege of being the personal disciple of the highly esteemed Deepflame Immortal King, a revered war general cherished by the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Given Blackpeak's considerable investment in this endeavor, Xia Hou felt compelled to grant him this favor. In Xia Hou's view, it appeared that this young man had drawn the short straw, and Blackpeak was resolute in settling the score.
"This young man has affronted the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect with his audacious conduct. His actions are intolerable. In that case, I will muster a group of ascendants to address this matter," Xia Hou conceded, sharing a knowing look with Blackpeak. There was no need for further discussion.
"Recruit as many as you can. This individual possesses extraordinary combat capabilities. I've crossed swords with him before at the Eastern Sage Cliff," Blackpeak cautioned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. From his perspective, even a one-on-one confrontation between an elite disciple and Qin Wentian might end unfavorably for the former. The only surefire way to eliminate Qin Wentian was for a Sage Child to intervene.
"Very well," Xia Hou affirmed. He employed a specialized artifact to emit a beacon of light, sending a summons for disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect to converge at this location. Meanwhile, the fifth-level ascendant who had been closely monitoring Qin Wentian's movements detected a change. The pinpoint of light representing Qin Wentian had halted at a new location after moving away.
Qin Wentian sought only solitude for his cultivation, ultimately arriving at the base of a mountain. A majestic waterfall cascaded from the mountaintop, its roar resonating thunderously. Its sheer force was overwhelming.
"Tiny water droplets, converging into a mighty waterfall. It's astonishing how even the smallest elements can yield tremendous power," Qin Wentian contemplated, his gaze fixed on the spectacle. After a brief interlude, he turned as a newcomer arrived, offering a friendly smile. "What a fortuitous encounter."
Gu Liufeng let out a wistful sigh as he shook his head, his lips curling into a rueful smile. "Finding a tranquil spot for a bit of respite is a monumental task in this place, my friend. The hunters are relentless, lurking in every corner."
Qin Wentian, his demeanor untroubled, responded, "With your strength, ordinary disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect should pose no significant threat."
A wry smile graced Gu Liufeng's handsome visage as he gazed at the cascading waterfall ahead. "Indeed, the external disciples are manageable. But when it comes to the core disciples, things become considerably more complicated."
With a knowing nod, Qin Wentian said, "I've had my share of encounters with these relentless hunters as well."
"Mmm, peace and quiet seem to be elusive these days," Qin Wentian added in a low voice as he turned his attention to a particular direction. A group of nine individuals approached, soaring gracefully through the air. Several among them exuded powerful auras, marking them as distinct from the rest.
"The persistence of these individuals is truly remarkable," Qin Wentian muttered, his gaze locked on Blackpeak. Simultaneously, another group of figures emerged from a different direction. They, too, appeared to have their sights set on Gu Liufeng, their cultivation matching his at the fourth level of Celestial Phenomenon.
A glint of suspicion flickered in Qin Wentian's eyes. These two groups had arrived almost simultaneously, and it was uncanny how closely their cultivation levels matched Gu Liufeng's and his own. The feeling of being pursued was undeniable, suggesting that their movements had been tracked.
"An intriguing coincidence, encountering two groups at the same time," Blackpeak mused as he set his sights on Gu Liufeng. He had crossed paths with Gu Liufeng when searching for an inn earlier, and now that Gu Liufeng and Qin Wentian appeared together, it seemed like an opportune moment to eliminate them both.
Gu Liufeng, on the other hand, observed Blackpeak and the attire of his companions. His expression soured as he discerned the presence of core disciples clad in golden robes and others in scarlet-golden robes, radiating powerful auras that indicated their higher status within the sect hierarchy—ranked above core disciples.
"I've already encountered both external and core disciples earlier. Pray, who are you individuals?" Qin Wentian inquired, his gaze fixed on Xia Hou, who stood at the forefront.
"We are elite disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect," Xia Hou responded, his voice cold and unwavering.
But before Xia Hou could elaborate further, Blackpeak interjected, "Qin Wentian, your audacity knows no bounds. You've been ruthlessly slaying members of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect without restraint. I've warned you previously that death was inevitable."
Despite the situation, Qin Wentian maintained his composure. He turned his attention to Xia Hou, questioning, "In this trial, 160 individuals will be selected as core disciples. Shouldn't elite disciples refrain from intervening, as it would undermine the purpose of this test?"
Xia Hou's expression remained frosty as he retorted, "Your intelligence is commendable. However, Blackpeak here has reported that you displayed unruly behavior even before joining our sect, showing disdain for others and killing sect members indiscriminately. With your temperament, you lack the qualifications to become a core disciple. As the overseer of this trial, it is my responsibility to bring you to justice."
Qin Wentian couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing this reasoning once again. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had employed the same excuse in the past to humiliate him. And now, an elite disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was invoking it to justify his actions.
Floating effortlessly into the air, Qin Wentian addressed the gathering with unwavering confidence. "If my temperament doesn't align with your standards, then so be it. If you wish to end my life, give it your best shot."
A fifth-level ascendant who was also an elite disciple volunteered, but Xia Hou intervened, stating, "No need. This young man's character is beyond redemption. Attack him collectively; there is no need to show mercy."
Upon hearing the order, the fifth-level ascendants nodded in agreement. A total of six individuals stepped forward, four of whom were core disciples, while the remaining two were elite disciples. Their formation was undeniably formidable, foreshadowing an intense confrontation.
"RUMBLE!" The battle in the serene courtyard erupted into a spectacle of astral power. One of the elite disciples, Qing'er, released his constellation. Astral light danced in the skies as a formidable image of a Xuanwu Turtle materialized behind him, exuding an overwhelming presence. His palms shimmered with runic light as he hurled a devastating attack towards Qin Wentian. Within his strikes lay an indomitable divine might, capable of rending the fabric of space itself.
Qin Wentian's own battle art surged forth, his palms ascending to meet the challenge. The collision of their mighty attacks reverberated through the surroundings like thunder. Qing'er, enveloped in a protective Xuanwu armor, was adorned with countless runic inscriptions, granting him unparalleled defense. Over ten fierce exchanges ensued, yet neither combatant could gain the upper hand.
The elite disciples of the Eastern Sage Sect were a select few, chosen after enduring countless trials and receiving personalized guidance from the sect's most revered experts. They cultivated a myriad of immortal arts, making them formidable opponents.
Meanwhile, another elite disciple joined the fray. His constellation took the form of a rising sun sword diagram, radiating blinding brilliance. Countless sun rays coalesced into razor-sharp swords, descending from the heavens with the intent to cleave Qin Wentian. Each sword bore enough energy to startle the very cosmos, capable of sundering all in its path.
Qin Wentian's palms continued to unleash a barrage of strikes in all directions, but it became apparent that his speed was slightly inadequate. The remaining four core disciples also initiated their attacks. While they might have faltered against Qin Wentian alone, the two elite disciples spearheaded the assault, with the others playing a supporting role. All they needed was one successful strike against Qin Wentian to turn the tide in their favor.
A voice broke the tension. "Aren't disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect being rather audacious? We've come here for a selection test to hone our skills, yet you choose to surround a single man with elite and core disciples," Gu Liufeng remarked with an air of disapproval.
Xia Hou, his expression frigid, retorted, "Those who dare to humiliate the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect must face the consequences." He ensured he stayed within the boundaries of the rules; after all, he held authority as a supervisor of this place, which allowed for some flexibility.
Fourth-level ascendants rushed towards Gu Liufeng, only to witness a dazzling bow materializing behind him. He retaliated with fury, his arrows resembling vibrant rainbows that seemed to corrode the very air, possessing an immensely formidable penetrating force. Simultaneously, he skillfully retreated, creating distance between himself and his attackers.
Blackpeak watched the two ongoing battles with a sardonic grin. Qin Wentian had humiliated him before, and now, he was determined to make Qin Wentian pay the price for his earlier arrogance.
In this moment, Qin Wentian found himself besieged by six formidable adversaries, his situation growing increasingly perilous. The disciple clad in the Xuanwu armor acted as an impervious shield, thwarting many of Qin Wentian's strikes while delivering powerful counterattacks.
Then, a monumental rumble shook the very heavens. In an instant, Qin Wentian's form swelled to a towering height of 100 meters, resembling a living mountain. The six experts retreated hastily, their gaze fixed on the gigantic Qin Wentian.
"BOOM!" With a mighty roar, Qin Wentian unleashed a devastating attack, shrouding the heavens. His colossal hands closed in on two core disciples, who struggled in vain. Unable to withstand the pressure from the blood-colored palm imprints, their defenses crumbled, and they were reduced to pulp under the tremendous force.
Qin Wentian's icy gaze locked onto Xia Hou and Blackpeak, his voice dripping with fury. "Both of you will pay dearly for your actions." His words sent shivers down Xia Hou's spine for a brief moment. However, in the next instant, Xia Hou produced a treasure that emitted an even more radiant beam of light, shooting skyward. Instantly, disciples from the Eastern Immortal Sage Sect far and wide noticed the summons, converging towards the scene.