Price of Arrogance

Price of Arrogance...

Qin Wentian's reputation reverberated throughout the Unmatched Realm in record time. His unanimous approval from all thirty-six halls, his defeat of Lei Yan, and his audacious confrontation with Liu Xi of the Mystic Maiden Palace had become the talk of the realm.

Intrigued by the tales of his exploits, numerous denizens of the Unmatched Realm sought out Chu Mang and Fan Le, hoping to glean more information about the enigmatic newcomer.

Soon after, whispers of Qin Wentian's past deeds started circulating. Before departing the Moon Continent, in a fit of rage, he had slain Hua Xiaoyun, the younger brother of Hua Taixu, the reigning champion of the Heavenly Fate Ranking. Not stopping there, he had thwarted assassination attempts by the top Heavenly Fate Ranking contenders, Zhan Chen and Yang Fan, by abducting Yang Fan's fiancée. He warned Yang Fan not to make a move against him, lest he pay the price in her blood.

Upon Shu Ruanyu's return to the Moon Continent, the relationship between the Star-Seizing Manor and the Shu Clan underwent a transformation. The Star-Seizing Manor could not believe that Qin Wentian had spared Shu Ruanyu during her captivity. This turn of events prompted a reconsideration of her suitability as Yang Fan's betrothed, given his significant standing within the Star-Seizing Manor.

The authenticity of these accounts left little room for doubt. Several geniuses from the Moon Continent even ventured to the Unmatched Realm to confirm the tales for themselves.

In a mere blink since Qin Wentian's arrival, many cultivators were eager to test their mettle against him. Triumphing over him would bestow upon them a substantial boost in prestige. Individuals like Liu Xi were particularly eager for a chance at revenge.

Yet, curiosity about Qin Wentian persisted among the ranks. According to rumors, he lacked a prominent background to support his bold actions. Nevertheless, his daring feats—slaughtering Hua Xiaoyun, abducting Shu Ruanyu, transforming Lei Yan's face with his fists, and his "encounter" with Liu Xi—stood in stark contrast to his unassuming appearance.

On this day, more members of the Ouyang Clan arrived in the Unmatched Realm. Among them were Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting.

Ever since enduring that humiliating defeat, Ouyang Ting had been consumed by a fervent desire to surpass Ouyang Kuangsheng. Today, she sought to undertake the entry test for the Unmatched Realm, a pathway toward cultivating within its confines. Duan Qingshan, already a qualified chosen of the Ouyang Clan, accompanied her.

The entrance of the Unmatched Realm was bustling with activity. A group of people had gathered there, and one of them playfully addressed Duan Qingshan, "Brother Duan, when's the wedding? We're eager to celebrate!"

Duan Qingshan chuckled, his reply light-hearted, "It's a bit too early for that."

As the moments passed, Ouyang Ting emerged from the illusory city. The individual overseeing the entry test acknowledged her, saying, "Congratulations, you've passed. You're now qualified to cultivate within the Unmatched Realm."

"Thank you, Senior," Ouyang Ting expressed her gratitude with a slight bow, her face brimming with joy. Clenched fists and a palpable excitement depicted her emotions. After the senior departed, she knew that her qualification was a narrow one, since none of the thirty-six elders had made an appearance. She would have to rely solely on her own efforts to gain their approval.

"Congratulations, Ting'er. From now on, we can cultivate together," Duan Qingshan said, his smile genuine.

Ouyang Ting nodded with determination, her resolve evident. "I'm determined to surpass Ouyang Kuangsheng. And as for Qin Wentian and Fan Le, I'll exact my revenge sooner or later."

"I believe in you," Duan Qingshan affirmed, but their conversation didn't go unnoticed by those observing from above.

"Ouyang Ting, do you have a score to settle with Qin Wentian?" someone from the crowd inquired.

Puzzled, Ouyang Ting frowned at the questioner. "Yes, I do. Do you know him?"

"No," the person replied with a chuckle. This exchange caught the attention of the onlookers, prompting Duan Qingshan to inquire, "Do you all know Qin Wentian?"

"Brother Duan, let's put it this way—everyone in the Unmatched Realm knows about Qin Wentian," someone quipped, laughter in their voice.

Duan Qingshan's gaze shifted to the speaker. "What happened with Qin Wentian?"

Ouyang Ting tensed, knowing that Duan Qingshan often spoke about Unmatched Realm matters.

"Ouyang Kuangsheng brought Qin Wentian and his friends, the Fatty and the Muscle-head, to take the entry test. All three passed. The other two were accepted as disciples by the Arrow Emperor and Qiao Long, respectively," the person explained.

"What about Qin Wentian?" Ouyang Ting's voice betrayed her anxiety as she grasped the significance of being accepted as a disciple in the Unmatched Realm.

"Qin Wentian wasn't taken in by any elder. Instead, he was granted access to all thirty-six Dao Cultivation Halls unanimously," the speaker elaborated.

The shock on Ouyang Ting and Duan Qingshan's faces was evident.

"That's not all. Qin Wentian not only gave Lei Yan a 'facelift,' but he also had a 'unique interaction' with Liu Xi," the speaker added.

"No way," Ouyang Ting exclaimed, struggling to believe the extent of his accomplishments. Frustration and rage welled up within her—she despised him immensely, yet he managed to outshine her by leaps and bounds. The elation from her qualification waned in comparison to his achievements.

"Hey, Ting'er, isn't it more interesting now that he's here in the Unmatched Realm?" Duan Qingshan's grip on Ouyang Ting's hands seemed to provide comfort. She nodded, trying to alleviate the unease she felt deep within.

In the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, she stood high and mighty, looking down upon others with a sense of superiority. But in the Unmatched Realm, she was confronted with cultivators whose backgrounds were as prominent as hers, if not more. Their talent outshone hers, leaving her devoid of any pride. And now, hearing that Qin Wentian—a simple country boy with no notable lineage—had soared past her, it was hard not to feel a pang of resentment.

While inscribing Divine Inscriptions on the ground, Qin Wentian immersed himself in contemplation of the engravings surrounding him. Each depiction of a demonic beast on the rampart contained hints of a Mandate.

Ouyang Kuangsheng pointed to the images and began to explain, "That supreme powerhouse was originally a demonic beast before transforming into a human. The techniques he mastered are immensely powerful, but because they're rooted in demon arts, I doubt they would suit your physique."

"Take that one, for example." Ouyang Kuangsheng gestured to a particular engraving. "The Fist of the Primordial Ape—capable of shattering mountains with a single blow. Given our physique, we can't meet the minimum requirement for mastering this technique."

"To me, it's a possibility," Qin Wentian responded, a grin on his face. He extended his arms, enshrouding them in demonic qi. His arms morphed, muscles bulging and skin transforming into demonic scales. He unleashed a punch, obliterating a massive rock at the precipice's edge into fragments.

Ouyang Kuangsheng was rendered momentarily speechless. "The power of your Mandate of Demon is astounding. I'm curious how you managed to attain this level. With your physical strength alone, you could likely obliterate fifth-level Yuanfu opponents instantly. No wonder your combat prowess is astonishing."

Qin Wentian smiled knowingly. "The engravings here showcase eighty-one sets of demon-attributed innate techniques, all perfectly suited for me. I'll be poring over them."

Having already reached the second stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, he possessed the ability to 'demonize' specific body parts and even fully transform into a demon. His bloodline appeared to trace back to a supreme demon, bolstered by his Demon Sovereign Astral Soul, which allowed him to absorb demon-attributed Astral Energy from the Fifth Heavenly Layers. The cultivation of demonic arts seemed tailor-made for him.

"Indeed, we only have a year left. Let's buckle down and increase our strength," Ouyang Kuangsheng concurred, his expression serious. "Securing a place in the top three of the Heavenly Fate Ranking isn't a simple feat. The challenges you'll face will be unlike anything you've encountered before."

"I appreciate your guidance and for bringing me to this incredible place for cultivation," Qin Wentian responded with gratitude.

"Quit with the formalities," Ouyang Kuangsheng scolded with a mock glare, both of them breaking into laughter.

At that very moment, several figures soared over, hovering above the ocean. One of them fixed their gaze on Qin Wentian, a sneer playing on their lips. "So, this is where you're hiding."

Ouyang Kuangsheng furrowed his brows upon noticing the newcomers. "Two of them are at the seventh level of Yuanfu, while the other is at the eighth. Despite their higher cultivation, they still want to spar with him?"

"Hehe, sparring? You think he's worth it? We're here for revenge," the newcomers chuckled ominously, their presence casting a shadow on the boundary where the mountain met the sea.

Qin Wentian let out a weary sigh. "What a hassle. Let's just get this over with."

The trio of cultivators hesitated for a moment, then the one in the center sneered, his gaze chilling as he enveloped himself in a brilliant glow. "I'm taking you to see Liu Xi. You'll kneel before her, kowtow ten times. Do that, and I might let this slide."

This man, an eighth-level Yuanfu expert, emitted an aura that sent shivers down the spine of those observing from afar. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Qin Wentian's in real trouble now. Zai Mu is a fierce opponent, capable of battling evenly against ninth-level Yuanfu cultivators. Qin Wentian has practically given him a golden opportunity to impress Liu Xi."

As the three aggressors charged toward him, Qin Wentian nonchalantly shrugged. Zai Mu's reaction was instantaneous, flicking his finger to conjure a dazzling beam that materialized into a torrent of mighty swords, aimed to slice through Qin Wentian's position.

But in a single fluid movement, Qin Wentian raised his foot and stamped the ground. A massive surge of sword qi surged forth like a tempest, swallowing and annihilating the entire torrent of swords. In an instant, it was Qin Wentian's turn to counterattack. Flicking his finger, he manipulated the remnants of Zai Mu's attack to augment his own, sending a frenzied sword beam surging out. Zai Mu's expression shifted, too late to react as the three of them found themselves enveloped in a sphere of sword light. Slicing sounds reverberated as two of them, both seventh-level Yuanfu cultivators, emitted anguished cries.

"Do you have a death wish?" Qin Wentian's gaze bore into Zai Mu, his sword energy pulsating with an intimidating power. Zai Mu staggered back, unable to comprehend the terrifying divine inscription that had suddenly manifested.

"Puchi…" Multiple sharp swords impaled his arms, spattering blood onto the ground. Zai Mu's screams pierced the air, yet Qin Wentian showed no mercy. The assault continued until swords punctured through his arms and chest. Only then did Qin Wentian launch forward, his fists imbued with the Mandate of Force slamming into all three adversaries.

Spectators watched as Qin Wentian unceremoniously sent the trio hurtling down into the ocean with thunderous impacts.

"The next person who pushes my patience will regret it even more than these three," Qin Wentian declared, his gaze fixed on the horizon, voice as cold as ice. Before long, Zai Mu and his companions were swallowed by the waves. Their arms hung uselessly at their sides, robbed of all strength. They had entered with arrogance and certainty of victory, but now they clung to life by a thread.

The distant spectators shuddered at Qin Wentian's words. He turned and grinned at the dumbfounded Ouyang Kuangsheng and Ouyang Xiaolu. "He wanted me to kowtow ten times. If I'd answered a little less assertively, I'd be surrounded by a queue of people expecting me to bow."

With that, Qin Wentian settled down cross-legged, poised to immerse himself in cultivation.