Incantation

Incantation

Zhan Chen lay defeated. The fourth spot in the rankings remained vacant, awaiting the reshuffling that would follow the conclusion of the ranking battle. Qin Wentian had secured a spot in the top three, but his exact ranking was yet to be determined.

Bailu Jing and Bailu Yi beamed with pride, and even the elder with large eyes couldn't help but chuckle. He added in a hushed tone, "This young man has truly outdone himself, breaking into the top three. His potential knows no bounds."

However, beneath the elder's words of admiration lurked a hint of concern. Zhan Chen wasn't just any ordinary individual; he was the pride of the Pill Emperor Hall, a core disciple. Yet, Qin Wentian had eliminated him with ease during the ranking battle, seemingly without concern for the consequences. Qin Wentian had already made numerous enemies among the Heaven's Chosen from various transcendent powers. It was only natural for the large-eyed elder to worry.

Even if Qin Wentian were to claim the top spot, the grudges he had accumulated would surely follow him, and his life might be in jeopardy.

"Revealing such exceptional talent and potential, I wonder if it's a blessing or a curse," sighed Bailu Yi's father.

"Perhaps it's just his nature. Throughout history, many successful individuals chose not to suppress their hearts. They dared to love and hate, allowing their emotions to guide them. Their dao-hearts remained clear and unburdened by knots hindering their progress. Even if the entire world turned against them, they would stand firm. The Azure Emperor of the past shared a similar disposition, one that propelled him to great heights. However, the animosity he accrued eventually led to his downfall," the large-eyed elder murmured. He explained that there were two types of people who could achieve great success in life. The first type, exemplified by Qin Wentian and the Azure Emperor, was characterized by their unyielding nature and the courage to pursue their desires without restraint. The second type comprised those who could endure and tolerate what shouldn't be endured and tolerated, people who could deceive the world, even themselves, presenting a facade of righteousness while harboring a sinister heart. These individuals had hearts as deep as the night, concealing a sinister nature.

Ultimately, it all boiled down to one's nature. If one's heart was resolute enough, nothing could sway it.

Mo Qingcheng stood gracefully, a radiant smile adorning her face. Her white robes billowed in the wind, exuding an aura of unparalleled beauty. Her eyes were fixed on the figure standing on the arena platform, filled with admiration and pride. Throughout his journey, Qin Wentian had endured numerous trials. He had even taken the life of Hua Xiaoyun for her, and today, by defeating Zhan Chen, he had fulfilled the condition set by her Master.

The spectators in the arena were brimming with excitement. After the Purgatory Vermilion Bird devoured Zhan Chen's life essence, it exuded an overwhelming malevolence that sent shivers down the spines of onlookers. It seemed to mirror its owner, Qin Wentian, ready to overcome any obstacle in their path.

Qin Wentian's gaze then shifted to Si Qiong and Chen Wang, two formidable opponents who remained in the rankings.

Chen Wang's eyes snapped open, locking onto Qin Wentian's gaze. It felt as though powerful bolts of electricity crackled in the space where their eyes met.

"Just one more battle, and I'll be standing right in front of you. I hope you can live up to your 'Number One' title," Qin Wentian declared confidently. After defeating Zhan Chen, his next challenge would be Si Qiong. If he emerged victorious, he would claim the top spot on the stage, ready to confront Chen Wang himself. Both Qin Wentian and Chen Wang radiated an unshakeable self-assuredness, treating Si Qiong as nothing more than a stepping stone in their ascent.

Qin Wentian's statement seemed to completely disregard Si Qiong's existence. Some might view him as arrogant, but in reality, everyone on that stage, whether it was Chen Wang, Si Qiong, the vanquished Shi Potian, or even the late Zhan Chen, possessed an inherent arrogance. Confidence in their own strength was a prerequisite for standing on that grand stage; it was a conviction that molded their destinies.

Si Qiong's expression turned sharp as he regarded Qin Wentian. Such audacious arrogance! He had blatantly dismissed Si Qiong while addressing Chen Wang.

Si Qiong had also aspired to claim the top rank when he arrived, but he lost to Chen Wang. He accepted that defeat, considering that Chen Wang had intentionally suppressed his cultivation for a longer duration to remain in the Yuanfu realm. However, to be defeated by Qin Wentian, who had recently reached the ninth level, was unthinkable.

"All of you will have a day of rest. The next battle will be between Qin Wentian and Si Qiong," announced Old Man Tianji, drawing the spectators' attention.

Had Old Man Tianji foreseen something when he initially scheduled the battle between Chen Wang and Si Qiong? At the time, many spectators had been perplexed by his choice, but now, they began to see the wisdom behind it. Had Old Man Tianji, with his ability to observe celestial movements and foresee the future, already known about Qin Wentian's concealed cultivation? It was evident that he had anticipated Zhan Chen's high probability of defeat at Qin Wentian's hands.

Had he also foreseen Si Qiong's defeat by Qin Wentian? Was that why he had rescheduled Chen Wang's battle with Si Qiong?

Qin Wentian returned to Mo Qingcheng and Bai Qing after his declaration. Thanks to the medicinal pills Mo Qingcheng had provided, Bai Qing's injuries had mostly healed. She playfully tugged at Qin Wentian's arm and smiled, "Wentian gege, you're amazing! You've already secured a spot in the top three!"

"As the #5 ranked, you're not too shabby either. Plus, you made that decision voluntarily," Qin Wentian teased, ruffling her hair. Bai Qing pouted and glared at him, saying, "Wentian gege, I'm not a little girl anymore!"

Qin Wentian gazed at Bai Qing for a moment, a smile forming on his lips. The once little girl had truly grown up, now even more beautiful than her elder sister, with a lovely figure to match.

"To me, you're still the same," Qin Wentian replied, reaching out to pinch her cheeks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Bai Qing shot him a fierce glare. He hadn't changed one bit, always pinching her cheeks and messing up her hair. How incorrigible.

"Hmph," Bai Qing huffed, but soon a matching grin tugged at her lips.

It felt wonderful, like returning to her childhood, back to a carefree time with no worries. Sitting here with her beloved Wentian gege, chatting leisurely.

When had she last felt this content?

"You should focus on recovering your Astral Energy," Mo Qingcheng chimed in, tugging at his other arm gently. Qin Wentian looked at her and nodded. "The previous battle didn't deplete my energy too much. With the night of rest that Old Man Tianji has granted us, I should have enough time for a full recovery."

"Don't worry, I know what you're thinking. I'll take care of myself." Qin Wentian squeezed Mo Qingcheng's hand reassuringly. Her concern wasn't about whether he'd secure first place or not; it was about his safety.

Qin Wentian sat cross-legged, summoning several Yuan Meteor Stones to orbit around him. In a short span, his Yuanfu Receptacles brimmed with energy. He utilized the surplus energy to generate even more Divine Energy for the battle ahead.

After some time, he abruptly opened his eyes. Lately, there had been too many mysteries and puzzles that intrigued him.

For instance, who was Yun Mengyi? Was she truly Princess Tianyu?

Then there was the matter of his father, who had descended upon Ancient Grand Xia and taken away a woman. Was that woman Yun Mengyi?

If that were the case, Yun Mengyi shouldn't be as young as she appeared.

If he wanted answers, the only path was to delve into the memories stored within the tiny astral being.

With the abundant astral energy from the Yuan Meteor Stones, Qin Wentian once again entered the realm of boundless starry skies, surrounded by countless astral fragments suspended in the cosmos.

Each fragment held a memory.

Over the years, he had unlocked several of these memories, gradually accepting that the middle-aged man depicted in them was his father.

These memory fragments all revolved around his father.

Qin Wentian delved into the memory fragments, eager to uncover information about Ancient Grand Xia.

After a considerable amount of time, he paused the process and began sorting through the fragments he had unlocked so far. In these memories, he witnessed an elegant pavilion where a middle-aged man meditated cross-legged, immersed in his cultivation. Brilliant columns of Astral Light descended from the heavens, fusing into his body, and a colossal constellation materialized beside him, radiating an unparalleled brilliance.

"How incredibly powerful," Qin Wentian breathed in awe. But then, the middle-aged man suddenly coughed, and the splendid constellation vanished. He expelled a mouthful of black blood, his face pallid, clearly suffering from severe injuries.

Looking up at the sky, the middle-aged man's eyes displayed a mix of frustration and disappointment, gradually transforming into unwavering determination. His gaze resembled a sharp sword aimed at the heavens, as if he could cut through it. Although this was merely a memory, Qin Wentian could feel the intense sharpness that emanated from it.

Behind the middle-aged man, another figure approached and knelt down respectfully. The middle-aged man turned to him, guiding him to stand up and patting his shoulder affectionately, like an old friend he hadn't seen in ages. Yet, there was still an air of profound respect in the figure's eyes.

"It's him?!" Qin Wentian's heart raced as a surge of realization washed over him. The Heavenly Stele Steps trial hadn't been a mere coincidence; it had been designed and left behind specifically for him.

Beside the middle-aged man, another figure appeared, a woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to Yun Mengyi.

And then, the recording in the memory fragments abruptly ended.

When Qin Wentian opened his eyes, a determined gleam shone within as he turned to see a familiar figure approaching. It was none other than Yun Mengyi.

Yun Mengyi cast a lingering look at Mo Qingcheng, her astonishment apparent as she marveled at her beauty. She couldn't help but wonder why Qin Wentian had never been tempted by someone like Mo Qingcheng; the answer, it seemed, was already right in front of her.

"I need to speak with him alone," Yun Mengyi said, her tone soft but resolute. Mo Qingcheng glanced at Qin Wentian and then at Bai Qing before nodding discreetly, leading Bai Qing away.

"Now, tell me the truth. Who are you?" Qin Wentian's gaze bore into her, sharp as a blade.

"As I've said before, whether you choose to believe it or not is up to you," Yun Mengyi replied calmly. "Now, I'm going to impart an incantation to you. With it, you can summon the ancient will by using the three pieces of the Divine Stele. This will unite the other six shattered remnants, forming a single, pristine piece. Only then will you possess the true nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia. But be warned: the other six remnants are still guarded by the six of the seven surviving grand clans. Once you decide to summon the other six steles, the outcome may not be a blessing—it could bring calamity instead."