Ruthless . . .
In the midst of the epic battle, an overwhelming cascade of suppressive destruction palm imprints descended from the heavens, threatening to shatter the very fabric of the universe itself. The atmosphere was electric with tension as Jiang Kuang, his face contorted with determination, bore the brunt of this cataclysmic assault. His teeth clenched in defiance, he let out a furious roar that echoed through the battlefield. In that climactic moment, the power of his celestial constellation was unleashed, giving birth to a colossal lance forged from the ethereal radiance of the astral realm. It was a manifestation of his very essence, a symbol of his unwavering resolve.
"KILL!" Jiang Kuang bellowed, his anger reaching a boiling point as he found himself pushed to the brink by the enigmatic Qin Wentian. The celestial entity behind him surged forth, an awe-inspiring force that swept away the countless palm imprints, each collision resonating like thunderclaps in the air.
With unwavering determination, Jiang Kuang advanced, guiding the manifestation's movements as he aimed the formidable lance towards Qin Wentian. But in this critical juncture, Qin Wentian's own transformation was nothing short of astonishing. His body became a vessel of divine power, shimmering with runic lights that seemed to dance with glee at the spectacle. He expanded in size, resembling a vengeful deity poised to deliver retribution.
And then, as if in response to the challenge, Qin Wentian too called upon his constellation. A towering figure, radiant and titanic, emerged behind him. Its presence was so overwhelming that it felt as if it could defy the very heavens, crushing all opposition with its sheer might.
In a breathtaking display of power, Qin Wentian descended upon the battlefield, his every step shaking the earth. The lance of Jiang Kuang's constellation could offer no resistance and was obliterated under the relentless pressure, its once-untouched surface marred by spreading cracks.
"Since you wish to test limits, let me reveal mine," Qin Wentian declared, his voice devoid of emotion. His body was bathed in a divine light, a white candle flame merging seamlessly with the swirling runic patterns. In that moment, he appeared as if touched by the gods, radiating an aura of unfathomable strength.
"Suppress!" Qin Wentian's voice rang out, imbued with an icy determination as he channeled the Fiendgod Suppression Art. The force he unleashed shattered the remnants of Jiang Kuang's lance and enveloped the space between them in a trembling, destructive energy.
"Be cautious, young master!" An immortal-foundation expert, keenly aware of the cataclysmic force at play, warned Jiang Kuang. Qin Wentian's attack had reached a level that defied comprehension, pushing Jiang Kuang to his absolute limits. No one had anticipated the astonishing combat prowess of this second-level ascendant.
Jiang Kuang grimaced, and in an instant, a sinister, compact black lance appeared in his grasp. With casual precision, he thrust it forward, unleashing a tempest of destruction that engulfed the surrounding space. Qin Wentian was forced to retreat as the immense power behind his attack dissipated, absorbed effortlessly by Jiang Kuang's weapon.
"An Immortal-ranked weapon," Qin Wentian observed with a hint of admiration in his eyes as he retreated, his gaze locked onto the menacing lance in Jiang Kuang's grasp. His voice, though resolute, carried a note of authority as he addressed his adversary, "A fifth-level ascendant such as yourself, is this the pinnacle of your strength? In both combat prowess and weaponry, I surpass you. I, Qin Wentian, have no quarrel with your esteemed Jiang Clan. Release my sister now, and I am willing to let bygones be bygones."
Qin Wentian's words rang out with a commanding presence, not born of arrogance but of a deep understanding of the ruthless laws that governed the immortal realms. To appear weak in this unforgiving world was to invite annihilation, and Qin Wentian was determined to secure his sister's release while asserting his dominance.
In the intricate dance of power and pride, one truth remained evident in the immortal realms: to command respect, you had to possess the audacity that was uniquely your own. Of course, the prerequisite was that your strength must reach heights that matched the swagger you displayed. After all, how else could you hope to astound and awe the gathering of experts assembled at this illustrious banquet?
As the story unfolds, the crowd bore witness to the undeniable spectacle of Qin Wentian's astonishing combat prowess. It was a performance that etched itself into their minds, leaving an indelible mark of vigilance and reverence in their eyes. In the wake of such a display, it would be folly to deny Qin Wentian's connection to a major power.
Qin Wentian, seemingly youthful and vibrant, bore a facade of strength that defied his age. The mysterious whispered no more, for its role had been banished from this tale.
Jiang Kuang, the mighty adversary, arched an inquisitive brow as his gaze locked onto Qin Wentian. The revelation was undeniable – Qin Wentian had leaped three formidable levels to challenge him, placing himself at a distinct disadvantage. This was not a triumph that would be sung in heroic ballads.
"Your combat prowess is commendable," Jiang Kuang acknowledged, his tone tinged with a hint of grudging respect. "But it isn't enough to compel me to release her." His eyes remained fixed on Qin Wentian, harboring an unwavering determination to uncover the truth. Today, Qin Wentian would be compelled to unveil his enigmatic origins, for the fate of the young woman rested upon this revelation.
Jiang Kuang paid little heed to Qin Wentian's brash arrogance. The Jiang Clan was no mere powerhouse; it boasted ties with several influential factions of equal stature. Even if Qin Wentian hailed from an entity too formidable to confront directly, Jiang Kuang harbored the belief that such a power would abstain from intervening in a matter of seemingly minor import.
Moreover, if Qin Wentian truly possessed such a formidable backing, he would have readily divulged its name. Why this insistence on secrecy?
Jiang Kuang's suspicion grew, leading him to speculate that Qin Wentian's affiliation was far weaker than the Jiang Clan. This, he believed, explained Qin Wentian's reluctance to reveal his allegiance.
Thus, his resolve solidified: Qin Wentian must be compelled to utter that elusive name. Failing that, Qin Qing's fate would remain sealed.
"Are you certain you wish to tread this path?" Qin Wentian's voice remained cold, his eyes burning with an icy intensity as they bore into Jiang Kuang's soul.
"Yes," came Jiang Kuang's resolute reply.
"Very well," Qin Wentian replied with an eerie calmness that sent shivers down the spines of onlookers. The radiant aura surrounding him shimmered, and he advanced confidently toward Qin Qing.
"You intend to seize her directly?" Jiang Kuang sneered, his eyes dancing with mockery. He thrust his battle lance once more, unleashing a torrent of destructive energy that seemed poised to tear the very fabric of space between them.
Undeterred, Qin Wentian ascended onto the immortal-ranked shuttle, soaring gracefully through the heavens in a majestic arc. His third eye materialized, its energy piercing through Jiang Kuang's consciousness, conjuring a nightmarish constellation teeming with golden figures that charged relentlessly. The sight sent tremors through Jiang Kuang's mind.
In a swift and fluid motion, Qin Wentian's demon sword sliced through the air like a lightning bolt, its presence emanating a potent, blood-curdling intent that chilled the hearts of all who beheld it.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Qin Wentian's killing intent flared, a blazing fire of defiance that dared to challenge the heavens themselves. The nearby immortal-foundation experts, incensed beyond measure, erupted in a symphony of rage. Before they even drew near, the weight of their collective immortal might bore down on the unfolding drama.
Yet, in this pivotal moment, Qin Wentian defied the odds. With an audacious flick of his hand, he summoned the essence of true immortal might, weaving it into an impervious shroud of immortal armor that enveloped him. Even Jiang Kuang's prized immortal-ranked battle lance, a symbol of his formidable prowess, met its match in this newfound defense. Qin Wentian pressed forward with unwavering determination, his immortal shuttle propelling him toward Jiang Kuang, carving through the sky.
"IMPUDENT!" bellowed an indignant immortal expert from the Jiang Clan. With a flourish of his fingers, he conjured a fearsome barrage of energy, aiming it squarely at Qin Wentian. The searing force of the attack crashed into Qin Wentian's armor with a deafening thud. Astonishingly, the armor remained unscathed, absorbing the brunt of the assault without faltering. Undaunted, Qin Wentian pressed on, undeterred by the futile display of power.
The shuttle raced forward at breakneck speed, covering vast distances in the blink of an eye. Jiang Kuang's face paled as he realized the futility of his attacks. In a desperate bid for survival, he attempted to retreat, his mind racing to formulate a last-ditch plan. Time, however, was a cruel mistress, affording him no opportunity to unearth any additional treasures.
Events unfurled with breathtaking rapidity.
A swift, merciless stroke from the demon sword cleaved through Jiang Kuang's form as if it were mere tofu, siphoning away his life force in an instant. A gut-wrenching cry of despair escaped Jiang Kuang's lips as he faced the inexorable embrace of death. The assembled witnesses at the banquet, their bodies wracked with shivers, felt an unexplainable chill crawl down their spines. Today was meant to be a celebration of the Jiang Clan's hospitality, but it had devolved into an unimaginable nightmare—Jiang Kuang, their esteemed representative, had fallen at the hands of an outsider.
"Everyone, stand down," an ice-cold voice resonated through the air as Qin Wentian leveled his sword at Jiang Kuang's heart. The once-impenetrable armor of light that had shielded him had now shattered into oblivion. The Jiang Clan's experts, their eyes blazing with simmering anger, were held at bay by an oppressive aura that radiated from them. Each one quivered with outrage, their hearts pounding wildly in the face of this audacious intruder who dared to threaten their young master.
"Release him," commanded an immortal-foundation expert with a commanding gesture. The surrounding space congealed, imprisoned by an unseen force, leaving no room for escape.
The tension in the air hung thick, shattered only by the eerie sound of a blade plunging deep into flesh. Qin Wentian's grip on Jiang Kuang was vice-like, one hand clamped around the man's throat, while the other drove the sword unrelentingly toward its target—the very heart that pumped life through Jiang Kuang's veins.
In this heart-stopping moment, Jiang Kuang, once fierce and unyielding, stood frozen like a wooden chicken, his eyes wide with disbelief. Never in his wildest dreams had he envisioned a scenario where his life could be snuffed out so effortlessly. And the audacity of this assailant, to commit such a brazen act...
"Clear a path!" Qin Wentian's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade. The experts surrounding them, their powerful auras pulsating, found themselves holding their breath. Yet, against all odds, they gave way, creating a corridor for the young man who had just committed the unthinkable. None dared to obstruct him, for he was a maverick among them, unafraid to mete out death even in the presence of immortal-foundation experts.
"Release me, and we shall consider this matter settled," Jiang Kuang stammered, his voice tinged with desperation. Fear had gnawed at his heart, leaving him utterly shaken. Never had he encountered someone so ruthlessly uncompromising.
Qin Wentian's cold gaze met Jiang Kuang's without a flicker of emotion. This was the moment of reckoning, and no words could alter the course of fate.
Qin Wentian had arrived with a plan firmly in mind. Armed with the immortal treasures pilfered from the War Immortal Palace's experts, he possessed the means to seize control of Jiang Kuang's life swiftly. If the Jiang Clan remained obstinate in their refusal to release Qin Qing, he was prepared to act decisively and lethally.
"Qin Qing, come here," Qin Wentian called out as he approached her. Qin Qing, finally shaken from her daze, wasted no time in boarding Qin Wentian's shuttle. Yet, the immortals of the Jiang Clan surged forward, their tone now a plea rather than a demand. "Sir, release our young master, and you may go in peace."
The immortal shuttle burst into motion, cutting through the sky with ferocious speed. The demon sword, still embedded within Jiang Kuang's writhing form, continued its grim work, siphoning away his life force amid his agonized cries. Those who bore witness to this macabre spectacle could only stand aside in mute shock, unable to hinder Qin Wentian's escape.
"Pursue him!" The Jiang Clan's experts roared in unison, giving chase. Yet, as they closed in, Qin Wentian produced a spatial treasure scroll, radiating a menacing energy. With a swift, practiced gesture, he hurled the wounded Jiang Kuang toward his pursuers.
"Bzzz!" The spatial scroll came to life, and in an instant, Qin Wentian and Qin Qing vanished without a trace. Simultaneously, a burst of immortal power erupted from Jiang Kuang, manifesting a formidable projection—the indomitable spirit of Jiang Kuang's father. This projection had been patiently awaiting the right moment, lurking in the shadows.
But it seemed Qin Wentian had foreseen this very eventuality, his actions calculated to the last detail.