Escalation of Conflict

Escalation of Conflict...

Qin Wentian's thunderous voice enveloped the entire arena, bringing an abrupt silence. His audacious proclamation and the unwavering point of his halberd at the Eye King conveyed a stark message: he held no reservations and was ready to chop Shang Tong to pieces if the latter dared to step onto the battlefield.

The six major powers from Xuan King City were dumbfounded by Qin Wentian's audacity. The burning fury within them soared, for how could this upstart Qin Wentian challenge the esteemed Eye King openly? Who did he think he was? Even if Qin Wentian possessed formidable combat abilities, it paled in comparison to the Eye King's status. Shang Tong was one of the Emperor of Grand Shang's cherished princes, a future chosen of the Royal Sacred Sect, destined to wield vast influence over Grand Shang. With such a prestigious background, no one had dared to challenge his authority before, let alone provoke him.

Once, there was a powerful faction in Grand Shang whose young master shared an arrogance comparable to the Eye King's. He believed himself Shang Tong's equal, which led to a violent confrontation between them over a coveted treasure. The result? The young master was brutally murdered, his lifeless body left hanging in the streets as a grisly display. When the faction sought justice from the royal clan, their entire existence was erased from Grand Shang, leaving not a trace behind. From that point onward, the entire royal capital and the Seven King Cities knew that the young Eye King was an entity beyond reproach.

Now, the Eye King was already on his ascendant path, standing at the peak of the sixth level of cultivation, exuding overwhelming combat prowess. Even disregarding his secret aces, his raw power and unparalleled talent were undebatable. The Eye King was no longer just a rising star; he was a blazing comet destined to shape the fate of Grand Shang. His golden eyes fixated on Qin Wentian, their gaze as if it could devour him whole. The intense radiance emanating from those eyes hinted at the formidable Mandate they harbored. At this moment, Qin Wentian felt as if an imposing, golden beast was charging at him, fierce and unyielding, aiming to rend his Mandate in two.

Yet Qin Wentian didn't flinch. Scarlet demon halberd in hand, he met Shang Tong's eyes with unyielding determination. He unleashed his own Mandate energy, surging toward Shang Tong. This was a clash of Mandate wills, a battle of indomitable spirits.

"Do you even realize who you're addressing?" The elderly man beside Shang Tong spoke with a frigid tone, his killing intent surging.

Qin Wentian cast a disdainful glance at the elder. Shang Tong had already sent his lackeys onto the battlefield to eliminate him. Now, he was flaunting his background, attempting to intimidate Qin Wentian. But what was the point of such theatrics? They were archenemies, locked in a life-or-death struggle. In such a dire contest, who cared about social standing?

"I could personally put an end to your miserable existence for killing my subordinates, but I fear tarnishing my own reputation," Shang Tong sneered. He insinuated that he could effortlessly annihilate Qin Wentian but considered it beneath him to personally deal with his lowly adversary due to his noble status.

"If you've got the guts, step up. Otherwise, spare us your empty boasts," Qin Wentian retorted icily.

"Indeed, empty boasts. I once fought my way out of a battlefield besieged by a million foes. Every moment spent there felt like an eternity in hell. The opponents I killed had cultivation bases surpassing my own. If you survive today, you might earn the right to face me. And then, I will personally end your existence," Shang Tong proclaimed. He was the Eye King, a scion of the Shang Royal Clan and one of the most outstanding talents in the younger generation of Grand Shang.

Though Qin Wentian had challenged his authority, it was a simple matter for Shang Tong, with his elevated status and superior cultivation, to personally crush Qin Wentian. However, this would undoubtedly invite widespread criticism and diminish his prestige. Yet, Shang Tong had no intention of letting Qin Wentian off easily. Hence, he stated that if Qin Wentian survived today, he would gain the right to be his opponent.

"Sorry, but I've never regarded you as a worthy adversary. If you were at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper, I might consider stomping you to death with a single foot," Qin Wentian replied cheekily. His audacity earned the silent agreement of the onlookers. Qin Wentian had demonstrated the ability to defeat fifth-level Sovereigns with a single spear thrust. Even the sixth-level Sovereigns from the War King Palace couldn't stand up to him. If the Eye King were only at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper, Qin Wentian would surely overpower him.

"The outcome remains to be seen. I'm curious how you'll survive today." Shang Tong remained composed, exuding the air of someone born to dominate. He shifted his gaze to the crowd and declared, "I shall reward the one who manages to kill him with a Heaven Mending Pill."

Shang Tong's announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd, igniting a frenzy of whispers and greed on many faces.

The Heaven Mending Pill held an irresistible allure for Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns. It had the unique ability to enhance one's astral nova, enabling it to absorb higher-grade astral energy. This boost resulted in increased power and more potent astral nova attacks. However, it was essential to understand the limitations—once an astral soul condensed, its strength was predetermined. While the Heaven Mending Pill could elevate an astral nova to its peak, it couldn't transcend the boundaries already set. This advantage was exclusive to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. In the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, strengthened novas would still fall short against constellations formed from higher-tier astral souls.

Nevertheless, the Heaven Mending Pill was an irresistible temptation for Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns. This rare fifth-ranked medicinal treasure was a coveted item that even the wealthiest individuals might struggle to procure.

Shang Tong's ability to offer this pill was a testament to his status as one of the Grand Shang Kings. His extraordinary position allowed him to access such precious resources. The Royal Shang Clan boasted its own alchemy hall staffed by top-tier alchemists, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality pills.

The crowd of exceptional cultivators from younger generations present was preparing to participate in the Royal Sacred Sect's test. With so much talent gathered in one place, everyone aimed to be in peak condition. They wanted to accept challenges at their strongest, fighting for the chance to join the Royal Sacred Sect and ascend to greater heights.

The Heaven Mending Pill was a tantalizing prize. Numerous experts couldn't resist its allure. If they couldn't defeat Qin Wentian individually, they would band together. No matter how formidable Qin Wentian might be, facing multiple adversaries simultaneously would be a death sentence.

Qin Wentian scanned the crowd and sensed that even disciples from the nine great sects were tempted by Shang Tong's offer, their thoughts already drifting toward the idea of eliminating him.

His perception alerted him to an expert from the Great Earth Sect stepping forward. The intent behind this move was clear even without words. Following suit, a member of the Violet Thunder Sect mirrored the action.

The factions of Sky Poison Valley and Blood Devil Sect followed suit, mirroring the actions of their peers. They converged near the Violet Thunder Sword-Drum Formation, united in their intention to breach the formation and ascend to the battle stage. These actions had undoubtedly received the silent approval of their elders. Qin Wentian possessed tyrannical combat strength and heaven-defying talent, but he had ruffled too many feathers. Since they couldn't secure his allegiance, they were determined to obliterate him completely, preventing any other great sects from claiming him.

Among the nine great sects, however, not all chose to intervene. Some could only sigh in silence, realizing that their chances of recruiting Qin Wentian had dwindled to near impossibility. This realization prompted several sects to take action. With Qin Wentian's impending demise, why not be the ones to end him and claim the coveted Heaven Mending Pill?

Lin Shuai of the Battle Sword Sect, witnessing these events, couldn't help but feel a cold amusement. These great sects were all two-faced, and their actions didn't surprise him one bit. Unable to secure such a talented individual, they opted to eliminate him in hopes of obtaining a treasure.

"Your behavior is truly disappointing. I'm ashamed to share the title of the nine great sects with all of you," Lin Shuai chastised those standing behind him, shocking the crowd with his words. The Battle Sword Sect had no qualms about revealing their intention to support Qin Wentian? If this continued, today's disciple recruitment event might escalate into an all-out war among the nine great sects.

Qin Wentian silently watched these unfolding events, grateful that he hadn't hastily made a decision earlier. He had already experienced the ruthless pragmatism of transcendent powers during his time in Grand Xia. In this world, most individuals acted solely in their self-interest. If you happened to stand in their way, you would be discarded without hesitation.

If he were to join one of the nine great sects, he would need to choose carefully, aligning himself with the sect that best suited his goals.

"The Battle Sword Sect always follows their own whims. But this time, are you certain you want to join forces with him against me? Remember, I will be participating in the Royal Sacred Sect's test as well. If I see members of your Battle Sword Sect there, don't expect me to show any mercy," Shang Tong sneered coldly, issuing a veiled threat to the Battle Sword Sect.

"You still lack the qualifications to speak to me in such a manner," Lin Shuai retorted, his gaze locking onto Shang Tong. Suddenly, a flurry of sharp swords soared toward Shang Tong, forcing him to hastily retreat. Simultaneously, the royal clan's experts rushed to shield him. However, Lin Shuai's swords altered their trajectory at the last moment, harmlessly shooting into the sky. Lin Shuai then shifted his attention away from Shang Tong. "Next time you converse with your elders, remember to be more courteous."

"The Battle Sword Sect truly lives up to its reputation—domineering and unapologetic," the spectators murmured in surprise. They hadn't expected the Battle Sword Sect to directly confront Shang Tong. Today's event was becoming increasingly intriguing. Rumors had long suggested that the royal clan had a longstanding feud with the Battle Sword Sect, even extending to their representatives in the Royal Sacred Sect. Today, these rumors seemed to be vindicated.

Shang Tong's expression soured. Had Lin Shuai truly taken action against him? His eyes gleamed with icy resolve as he coldly declared, "I will remember your actions today. During the Royal Sacred Sect's test, I'll make sure that all members of the Battle Sword Sect regret it."

"If we weren't on Grand Shang's territory, I might have executed you for that threat alone," Lin Shuai replied nonchalantly, devoid of emotion. He didn't even spare another glance at Shang Tong. His actions were always independent, and he would never allow a junior to intimidate him.

The crowd fully believed Lin Shuai's words. If they weren't in Grand Shang's domain, Lin Shuai might indeed have carried out his threat and slain the Eye King.

Shang Tong snorted once more but refrained from responding further. He returned to his original position and sat down.

Qin Wentian observed everything that transpired. He had come here today with the intent of slaying the chosen ones from the six major powers, but he hadn't anticipated that his identity would be exposed, leading to such a massive spectacle involving even the nine great sects.

However, this uproar allowed him to see the true nature of the nine great sects. He was no longer influenced solely by rumors.

"If I'm going to join a sect, I might as well go all out, making a grand statement to show them that their decision to recruit me was the right one," Qin Wentian mused aloud, prompting those who heard him to once again focus their attention on him.

With deliberate steps, Qin Wentian approached the Qinghua Mountains. Then, he grasped the heavy mountain and allowed his perception to flow into it. After a resounding roar, the mountain designated for the test was effortlessly raised three feet, securing his passage of the Qinghua Mountain's trial.

Next, he unsheathed his long spear and advanced toward the Great Earth Sect. Facing the colossal earth puppet, he dashed forward and thrust his spear. The sheer force of his strike made space quiver, and upon impact, the vibrational energy permeated the puppet's interior, wreaking havoc and reducing it to dust through implosion.

The Great Earth Sect's trial was passed with ease!