Finish Them

Finish Them . . . 

A single uttered word set in motion a tempestuous storm.

Jia Gu's presence had been acknowledged by a mere glance from Qin Wentian, who, with an air of indifference, directed him to depart. Such a response was nothing short of supremely domineering.

Originally, the conflict was between Qin Wentian and the White Tigers. What right did Jia Gu possess to intrude upon it? The arrogance that radiated from Jia Gu's judgmental gaze was nothing short of disrespectful. Qin Wentian's retort was a resounding slap to Jia Gu's face. Who did Jia Gu think he was? Did he truly believe he had the standing to meddle in Qin Wentian's affairs?

The holy maidens' icy stares bore into Jia Gu. When the White Tigers had humiliated the holy maidens, had Jia Gu intervened? When the holy maidens were compelled to transform into droplets of nirvanic blood, had Jia Gu spoken up? How preposterous.

"Your enemies have infiltrated the sacred academy, yet your tongue remains as vile as ever. In the past, you had the sanctuary of the sacred academy, but today... Do you genuinely believe I wouldn't dare to end your life?" Jia Gu's voice dripped with icy detachment, his lofty eyes aglow with a golden sheen. As a ninth-level Sky Roc, the Sky Roc Race commanded greater fear than the White Tiger Race. Why would he need to be cautious of a sixth-level human cultivator?

Only now did Qin Wentian lock his gaze onto Jia Gu. His eyes turned glacial. "If you wish to kill me, it means you are entering the fray between us and the White Tigers. Once you make that commitment, you're in it. Who knows? Perhaps today, we'll have the fortune of savoring both Sky Roc and White Tiger meat. I'm certain it would be quite the delicacy."

A resounding "BOOM" echoed as a golden beam of light emanated from Jia Gu, its shimmering radiance tearing through the fabric of space like sharp swords. Such formidable power would unnerve even the bravest of hearts.

Yet, Qin Wentian remained motionless, his unwavering gaze locked on Jia Gu as he continued, "There's no need to rush into venting your anger. At the very least, tell me whether you're joining this battle between the two alliances or not. If not, and we engage in combat, I can't guarantee your safety."

Jia Gu scanned the individuals surrounding Qin Wentian. Only a few demons stood by his side, hardly a match for the numerous human foes. If he accepted now, an all-out attack from this assembly would be imminent.

"You lack the qualification to engage in a life-and-death battle with me. I merely wish to impress upon you that arrogance carries a price," Jia Gu declared with a chilling gaze locked on Qin Wentian. "Let's see how formidable you truly are."

As the last word left Jia Gu's lips, he unleashed a mighty slash with his roc sword, radiating an irresistible force.

Behind Qin Wentian, a warrior from the Battle Saint Tribe raised his hand and delivered a powerful punch, sending forth a deluge of fist shadows that painted the sky. Amidst a deafening eruption, the dust cleared to reveal Qin Wentian, Mo Qingcheng, and their companions sitting calmly as if they had no intention of entering the fray, indulging in their white tiger meat with a nonchalance that belied the tension surrounding them.

Jia Gu's enraged voice resounded through the air, an outpouring of his fury at Qin Wentian's audacity.

"Is your reliance solely on your guards?" Jia Gu thundered.

Qin Wentian, unimpressed, retorted, "So, your logic is that I should leap three levels to engage you just because you're displeased with my actions? If that's what you're after, I won't object, but first, you must demonstrate your qualifications for such arrogance. As a ninth-level immortal, you can't even withstand the combined pressure of these multiple experts? What right do you have to challenge me alone? Greater demon sky roc, do you not care about your dignity?" His words dripped with mockery.

Li Yufeng chimed in, chuckling, as several sky rocs let out anguished cries. Jia Gu found himself fending off a barrage of attacks from several experts. Reverting to his true form, he was helpless against the relentless onslaught from the Battle Saint Tribe and Southern Phoenix Clan. Moments later, numerous bones in his body lay shattered, leaving him howling in agony and anger.

A ninth-level greater demon of the Sky Roc Race had been reduced to such a wretched state through group attacks—a humiliating spectacle.

"Qin Wentian, you will regret this," Jia Gu bellowed, but before he could muster another word, a colossal fist from a Battle Saint Tribe expert struck him in the back, nearly shattering his wings. He spat out more blood, his condition growing ever more pitiable.

The sight left onlookers trembling. Qin Wentian and his comrades appeared as avenging deities, swiftly deeming anyone who dared provoke them as their sworn enemies.

Soon, Jia Gu, the gigantic sky roc, crashed to the ground, his aura feeble, his body covered in wounds, fresh blood oozing from his many injuries. Witnessing this, everyone shuddered. Had Jia Gu declared earlier that he'd join the conflict, Qin Wentian might have indeed turned him into barbecued meat.

"By making so many enemies, aren't you afraid of retaliation?" Li Yufeng inquired, his curiosity evident.

Qin Wentian gazed at Li Yufeng's handsome visage, sensing the probing in his words. It seemed that Li Yufeng harbored a keen interest in understanding him. Qin Wentian spoke deliberately, "Why do cultivators embark on the path of cultivation? This journey brooks no retreat; progress demands advancing continually to attain the apex, to dominate all beneath the heavens. If one stifles their dao heart, how can they ever achieve greatness? My dao heart is simple—I reciprocate kindness with gratitude and repay hatred with vengeance. I aspire to grow powerful, to the point where I can navigate the world as I please. I won't oppress others, but neither will I tolerate anyone oppressing me. If someone attempts to do so, I will have no choice but to assert my dominance."

Qin Wentian's heartfelt words resonated deeply with those present, striking a chord within their hearts. Many shared the same aspiration: to grow ever stronger and live life on their own terms, free from subjugation.

Of course, the path of cultivation was not without pitfalls. Some, intoxicated by their newfound strength, grew insufferably arrogant, prioritizing personal gain without concern for others' well-being. Huang Youdi, a prime example, had flaunted his arrogance. He had publicly declared Qing'er as his brother's woman, attempting to assert dominance by force and suppressing all dissenters.

Li Yufeng couldn't help but laugh at Qin Wentian's perspective. Qin Wentian's words rang true, but in the vast expanse of the immortal realms, there would always be those stronger than you trying to exert their dominance. How could one hope to overpower them all?

Understanding Li Yufeng's point, Qin Wentian replied, "If someone seeks your death and you can't assert dominance, you certainly wouldn't sit idly by, would you? The only choice then is to flee. Only when you become strong enough to dominate can you consider returning. But if you can never surpass your adversaries, you must accept your fate."

Li Yufeng smiled in response. "A simple yet profound philosophy. Does this mean you can currently dominate the entire White Tiger Alliance? Is that why you chose this moment to return?"

Qin Wentian offered no direct response. His comrades continued to relish the feast, bolstering their immortal energy and even enhancing their bloodline powers. Watching this, some spectators, envious of Li Yufeng, contemplated joining in to savor the delicious meat.

Qin Wentian, however, had another thought. His gaze settled on Beiming Nongyue, a woman of extraordinary beauty who emanated a unique charm distinct from Mo Qingcheng.

"You seem oddly familiar," Qin Wentian remarked, directing his attention to Beiming Nongyue.

She chuckled. "Perhaps you've met my elder sister before? She's far more renowned than I am, known as the number one beauty of our Darknorth Immortal Empire. If you've encountered her once, you'd be unlikely to forget."

Qin Wentian's eyes widened in realization. He couldn't help but smile, marveling at the unexpected connection. Indeed, the world was full of surprises—Beiming Nongyue was the younger sister of that woman.

"They're here," Li Yufeng suddenly announced. The group turned their attention to the horizon, sensing the approaching pressure. It appeared their enemies had assembled and were rapidly closing in.

With everyone on their feet, preparing for battle, Qin Wentian's calm demeanor reassured his comrades. Having witnessed his combat prowess, they knew that as long as Huang Shatian remained uninvolved, there should be no one in the White Tiger Alliance capable of challenging Qin Wentian.

Amidst the anticipation, they resumed their feast, consuming their meal with remarkable speed, their immortal energy reaching its zenith. The mounting pressure of their adversaries drew nearer. Innocent spectators hastened to retreat. Li Yufeng, preparing to depart, thanked their hosts with a smile.

As they were about to leave, over ten enemy experts descended. The white tigers, upon discovering Qin Wentian feasting on their kin's meat, grew visibly incensed. Their eyes brimmed with hatred, as if they could kill on sight. Their collective glare bore into Li Yufeng, who showed no courtesy.

"Are you joining this conflict too?" one of the white tiger kings asked, his voice dripping with animosity.

Li Yufeng raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't resist the allure of this feast, but I have no stake in your grievances. I won't participate."

"Do you think you can absolve yourself of blame so easily?" sneered an eighth-level white tiger king, his baleful energy suffusing the area.

Li Yufeng's brow furrowed at the hostile reception. "If you're going to hate me just for enjoying a bit of meat, that's your choice," he retorted. "If anyone's in the mood for a little sport, I'm always up for it."

With his words hanging in the air, Li Yufeng sauntered away from the scene, his nonchalance undiminished. While the white tigers bristled with animosity, the other members of the White Tiger Alliance paid him little heed. After all, Li Yufeng had merely indulged in some white tiger meat and held no personal grudge against them. If the white tigers desired a confrontation, he was more than willing to oblige.

Cold stares now converged on Qin Wentian, who responded with a grin, casting an affectionate glance at Mo Qingcheng by his side. "Qingcheng, once we've savored our meal, it'll be time for a little sparring. Stick close to me."

Mo Qingcheng nodded in agreement. Qin Wentian rose to his feet, and as the ground trembled beneath him, he transformed into a colossal figure towering over a hundred meters in height. Placing Mo Qingcheng securely on his shoulder, a radiant aura enveloped them both. Observers couldn't help but shudder at the audacity of this man. What could be the source of such confidence? Placing his beloved wife on his shoulder during combat – did he truly believe no one could breach his defenses?

"As I've said before, what if someone seeks to harm us, attempting to end our lives?"

"We'll dominate them," affirmed the experts of the Battle Saint Tribe.

"In that case, let's finish this," Qin Wentian declared. His voice reverberated like thunder as he took a colossal stride forward, the earth cracking beneath his feet. Without further ado, experts from both sides surged towards each other, words giving way to a storm of battle.