Half Disciple . . .
The divine weapon emitted a resplendent shimmer, its immortal light beam piercing the sky with such intensity that it seemed capable of puncturing the very dome of the heavens. Gradually, the radiant light subsided, giving way to a corona that enveloped the weapon, casting a radiant glow over its surroundings.
Awe and disbelief etched onto their faces, Pei Tianyuan and the assembled onlookers watched in astonishment.
Only immortals were accompanied by a corona of immortal light. In their everyday lives, if immortals didn't consciously suppress this radiance, it would flood their surroundings, transforming the darkest night into radiant day. Similarly, when immortal-ranked weapons came into being, they shed their mundane trappings to bask in the light of immortality.
For Pei Tianyuan and the others, as well as the audience, incredulity hung in the air. Experts from the major powers had their gazes frozen, fixated on the immortal-ranked long spear held by Qin Wentian.
A third-level ascendant had created an immortal-ranked divine weapon? Such an event was unparalleled in ancient history, a feat never before achieved.
"Do the Nine Immortality Bells truly contain immortal energy?" The crowd's eyes turned toward the ancient bells. They understood that Qin Wentian couldn't have accomplished this feat on his own; he must have harnessed the energy within the Nine Immortality Bells. Qin Wentian was now connected to the bells, achieving immortality through the art of weaponsmithing.
"Is this what they mean by 'ascending to immortality in a single step'?" Qin Wentian marveled at the scene, his heart pounding. As he gazed at the immortal-ranked weapon in his grasp, he saw something different from the others. Within the spear, he discerned a towering figure from the ancient era exuding boundless power.
"Driftsnow Master, do the Nine Immortality Bells hold your soul? Are you trying to convey something?" Qin Wentian wondered aloud. From the towering figure, he saw runic inscriptions radiating like constellations in the sky, forming ancient characters that seemed to hang in the heavens.
"Immortal Physique?" Qin Wentian's heart raced. It seemed that the Driftsnow Master had cultivated an Immortal Physique Art, allowing him to possess such a colossal form. With his unparalleled expertise in weaponsmithing, he had used his body to forge immortal weapons—a process that bore similarities to Qin Wentian's Fiendgod Body Refinement Art.
Qin Wentian couldn't help but ponder the possibilities. If he mastered this Forger Immortal Physique Art and combined it with his Fiendgod Heavenly Suppression Art and Fiendgod Body Refinement Art, what heights of power could he reach?
The assembled crowd was left in stunned disbelief as they beheld the words forming in the sky—the formula for the Forger Immortal Physique Art. If Qin Wentian successfully cultivated this art, the potential for his power was limitless.
Cheron, who had stood beside Qin Wentian, was rendered speechless. He had initially hoped that Qin Wentian would craft a unique peak-tier fifth-ranked divine weapon surpassing Jiang Yan and the others. But he couldn't have fathomed that Qin Wentian would succeed in creating an immortal-ranked weapon.
The divine long spear gleamed with its corona of immortal light, an unequivocal testament to its extraordinary status.
Jiang Yan, Nion, and the rest wore expressions of disbelief and shock. Their faces drained of color as they shook their heads repeatedly, unable to accept the astounding reality unfolding before them.
The young man who had vanquished their united efforts had harnessed his understanding of the runic inscriptions enveloping the surroundings to craft an immortal-ranked weapon. In the annals of Driftsnow City, he would undoubtedly be remembered as a legend.
"Spirit manifestation! The Nine Immortality Bells have undoubtedly manifested their spirit. Today, Driftsnow City witnesses the birth of a legend," murmured onlookers, their voices filled with awe.
In the open air, Qin Wentian advanced toward the long spear bathed in the Nine Immortality Bells' radiance. At this moment, he felt an unusual connection—as if his will had seamlessly melded with that of the Nine Immortality Bells, their desires one and the same.
Within these ancient bells, he glimpsed a snow-covered, fortified city. It seemed to pulsate with life, each corner brimming with vitality.
This city was none other than the Driftsnow City of old, a vivid projection now imprinted in Qin Wentian's consciousness.
"The essence of a weaponized city lay hidden within these bells. Using their energy, I forged an immortal-ranked weapon, thereby gaining the city's approval and connecting to immortality," Qin Wentian realized. He could perceive every facet of the city with crystal clarity. The will of the Nine Immortality Bells now directed the city, with his own will serving as its emissary.
"Weaponsmithing with the aid of the nine bells, ascending to immortality in a single step," Qin Wentian whispered silently.
He had officially become a half-disciple of the Driftsnow Master. However, this status did not infringe upon the rules of the Heavenly Talisman Realm, as he had not willingly joined another sect. His bond with the Driftsnow Master had been forged through his experiences here, solidified by the insights garnered from the Heavenly Talisman Treasured Tome.
Qin Wentian was lost in introspection, prompting the experts around him to exchange uncertain glances. The reality before them was undeniable: this young man had forged an immortal-ranked divine weapon and connected to immortality through weaponsmithing. The boundless runic light that enveloped him hinted at a transformation of sorts.
Had he unraveled the secret concealed within the Nine Immortality Bells? If so, what was this elusive secret?
Avarice gleamed in the eyes of the Jiang Clan's experts, while Jiang Yan stood amidst his clan's geniuses, his visage marred by unhidden vexation. These individuals, handpicked from a prestigious Cloud Prefecture sanctuary dedicated to weaponsmithing, had been eclipsed by an enigmatic outsider. In the presence of this youth, their once-bright halos had dimmed to insignificance, rendering them mere mortals in comparison.
"He's undoubtedly received the Nine Immortality Bells' assistance. It appears he's successfully connected with them," Jiang Yan commented, nudging the immortals from the Jiang Clan who were present.
This notion wasn't confined to Jiang Yan's thoughts alone; it resonated with everyone present. If this young man had managed to forge an immortal-ranked weapon using the Nine Immortality Bells' energy, did it signify that he'd unraveled their concealed secrets?
In the midst of this discussion, an expert bathed in a corona of immortal light strode forward. Within that radiant aura simmered a palpable combat intent, suggesting his immense martial prowess.
His gaze, sharp as a blade, bore down on the long spear and Qin Wentian. Calmly, he requested, "May I have a look at this divine weapon?"
Despite his ostensibly polite request, his hand had already begun reaching for the long spear.
Qin Wentian raised his head abruptly, eyes gleaming with resolve. "I haven't consented. Is it appropriate for a senior to resort to force?"
"If you refuse my request, you show disrespect for your elders," the man countered, cold laughter punctuating his words. His outstretched hand conjured a palm imprint, gleaming like diamond, its indestructible presence undeniable.
"Senior, despite your immortal status, bullying a junior in this manner seems ill-advised. Don't you fear sullying your reputation?" Qin Wentian's retort was laced with defiance. The long spear, its radiance ever more dazzling, tore through the air, hurtling toward the colossal palm imprint. But in a surprising twist, the palm imprint unleashed a formidable, immortal-infused protective barrier, effectively warding off the spear's attack.
"Did your elders not teach you to respect your seniors?" The expert scoffed, his voice resounding like thunder in Qin Wentian's mind, sending shivers down his spine.
"Are you even worthy of being addressed as my senior?" Qin Wentian shot back, his voice dripping with scorn. The immortal-ranked spear abruptly extended to a staggering 30,000 meters, an effulgence of immortal light enveloping it. It emanated an indomitable power capable of reducing everything to naught.
With a thunderous boom, the elongated spear surged forward, shattering the palm imprint into motes of light before hurtling toward the immortal-foundation expert.
The crowd watched in stunned disbelief as this spectacle unfolded. Qin Wentian intended to confront an immortal using an immortal-ranked divine weapon? It seemed audacious to the point of madness.
After all, an immortal-ranked divine weapon, despite its prestige, was still an external source of power. How could it genuinely contend with a true immortal?
However, what set this weapon apart was the fact that it was crafted by Qin Wentian himself, endowing him with an unparalleled mastery over it. Consequently, the unleashed power was nothing short of terrifying. Ordinary Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants would scarcely be able to harness the potential latent within immortal-ranked divine weapons.
Qin Wentian was no ordinary case. He brandished the immortal-ranked weapon, poised to defend himself against an immortal.
The crowd's collective astonishment reached new heights as Qin Wentian boldly took on an immortal-foundation expert.
Keep in mind that Qin Wentian's cultivation merely stood at the third level of Celestial Phenomenon. Even with the backing of the Nine Immortality Bells, immortal-foundation experts could extinguish him as easily as blowing out a candle.
"He must be insane, challenging an immortal like this," gasped onlookers from a distance. The immortal-foundation expert leveled a stern gaze at Qin Wentian. "I merely wished to examine your weapon, and you dare to obstruct me? Do you still value your life?"
His menacing demeanor left no room for interpretation. Other spectators saw no reason to intervene. With someone else willing to step in and suppress Qin Wentian, it saved them from getting involved and sullying their own reputations.
Yet, the irony lay in the very brilliance that had propelled this young man into the limelight. Today, having forged an immortal-ranked weapon and garnered widespread acclaim, he found himself unable to bask in the glow of his newfound fame without interference.
Qin Wentian, in response to the threatening words, raised his head and locked eyes with the immortal-foundation expert. Arrogance flickered in his gaze as he retorted, "Resorting to your immortal status to oppress me, you're nothing more than a pitiful and contemptible character who preys on the weaker. You're probably just a minuscule speck among immortals, destined to be crushed underfoot throughout your entire existence!"