Mandates of the Cultivation Path

Mandates of the Cultivation Path...

The passage of time seemed irrelevant in the world of cultivation, especially when one was immersed in profound insights.

Qin Wentian found himself in an extraordinary state, where he existed simultaneously in both wakefulness and dreams. The outside world faded from his awareness as he delved deeper into this extraordinary mental landscape.

Within this state, he perceived the presence of immensely potent celestial constellations that enveloped the entire cosmos. They radiated a mesmerizing brilliance, and an increasingly powerful surge of energy saturated the atmosphere with each passing moment.

"Will. Intent. Mandate." Qin Wentian pondered, a torrent of willpower surged forth from his resplendent Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul, creating a palpable force field in his surroundings.

"In the realm of Stellar Martial Cultivation, when reaching the Yuanfu stage, the Astral Soul aligns with the cultivator's Yuanfu. Astral Souls serve as the wellspring of strength for Stellar Martial Cultivators, and the will and intent of the Astral Soul are, in essence, the cultivator's own will and intent," Qin Wentian reflected. A Heavenly Hammer materialized in his grasp, and as he clutched it tightly, he felt a mysterious energy emanating from it, invigorating him. This energy felt profoundly enigmatic, yet it was undeniably real.

This was no mere augmentation granted by Astral Souls; it was an energy born from intent and willpower. Qin Wentian believed that as he advanced further on his cultivation journey, this energy would continue to grow, eventually enabling him to manifest these Heavenly Constellations.

Suddenly, Qin Wentian's eyes snapped open, his gaze fixated on the colossal statue before him. It was as if he had just become aware of the potency of this enigmatic energy stream.

Unbeknownst to him, he had already begun to grasp the insights of a higher cultivation truth. What he had comprehended was the first level of the Mandate of Force—Strength.

In the world of martial mandates, various types existed, each generating unique abilities as they advanced. However, the initial stage for all these mandates was the same—the Mandate of Force began with Strength.

To progress to the next level of mandates, cultivators relied on destiny, comprehension, experience, and a dash of luck to gain insight into the second level. Only when they comprehended the second level of their respective mandates would they truly enter the Heavenly Dipper Realm. And with the attainment of the third level, they could manifest the Heavenly Constellations.

After the Yuanfu stage, the path to each subsequent cultivation realm became like crossing a watershed. Many people remained stuck, unable to break through. It wasn't solely due to the astronomical resources required, but also the need for profound comprehension of their respective mandates to continue progressing along their cultivation path.

Consider someone like Xiao Lan, a Nine Mystical Palace genius who only grasped insights into the first level of his Mandate when he reached the 3rd level of Yuanfu. In contrast, Qin Wentian, with his naturally exceptional comprehension abilities, combined with a stroke of fate that allowed him to contemplate the statues, managed to comprehend the first level of his Mandate while only at the 1st level of Yuanfu.

Contemplating his progress, Qin Wentian mused, "If I were to spend more time understanding my Great Dream Astral Soul and Demon Sovereign Astral Soul, perhaps I could gain insights into other Mandates as well." With that thought, he closed his eyes, diving into his cultivation.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian, chaos and danger now gripped the Royal Capital. In this very moment, several formidable individuals had entered the Dark Forest.

Meanwhile, Mo Qingcheng found herself in dire straits. After venturing into the Dark Forest, she had become disoriented, pursued relentlessly by demonic beasts from all directions. Even the white crane she had ridden was struck down by a powerful claw swipe, a vivid memory etched into her mind.

Tears welled in her red-rimmed eyes, her robes in tatters, her lovely face etched with exhaustion. She hadn't had a moment's respite for days.

"Wentian, where are you?" Her weary form leaned against a tree, eyes heavy with concern. Unaware of the turmoil in the Royal Capital, she could only hope that Qin Wentian had not left the Dark Forest yet.

"I will find you, no matter what." Her gaze filled with determination, she steeled herself to continue her search. Suddenly, a piercing sound cut through the air. Turning her head, Mo Qingcheng spotted a line of silhouettes racing past with astonishing speed. When they noticed her, they came to a halt, scrutinizing her with imposing auras that signaled their formidable strength.

After a few moments, one of them spoke, breaking the silence. "The demonic Qi in the mountain range ahead is incredibly dense. Let's investigate." With that, they resumed their swift journey forward.

Mo Qingcheng's eyes sparkled, and she quickened her pace, following closely behind them.

"The demonic Qi here is overwhelming. It makes you wonder if the Venerate Heavens Sect's reports were a bit exaggerated. Declaring that the Demonic Star has descended? Do they really think their vision pierces the Heavenly Layers?" Another member of the group commented, their voices laced with skepticism.

"Never underestimate the Venerate Heavens Sect. Over the years, all the rankings they've issued have been confirmed and authorized by consensus among the major powers of the Grand Xia Empire. That old man must have his reasons," one of them replied with conviction.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, their eyes narrowed at the sight of the countless demonic beasts on their pilgrimage. One of them chuckled, "Look at all these cute little demons."

"And there's a human youth too," another added.

To these individuals, the ferocious beasts of the Dark Forest were deemed as 'cute little demons.'

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian was jolted from his trance. Opening his eyes, he saw the group of powerful beings descending. The demonic beasts roared and raged, as if attempting to block the humans' advance.

"What ignorant little demons," one of them mocked. With a wave of his hand, a column of blood-red light descended from above, striking the demonic beasts. Their agonized howls filled the air as their bodies erupted.

"Mandate," Qin Wentian murmured. This was what he was in the process of understanding, but the power of this individual far exceeded his own.

"Senior," Qin Wentian called out, and the man halted his onslaught, turning his gaze toward Qin Wentian.

"These demonic beasts came here to pay their respects to these two statues. I happened upon this place by chance and found these extraordinary statues. I humbly request, on their behalf, that Senior spare them. They meant no harm to this sacred place and have not damaged it in any way. I will lead them away immediately," Qin Wentian pleaded.

"Very well. It's not often one encounters someone with such compassion. You are right; since they caused no harm to this sacred ground, and if you can convince them to leave, I shall spare them," the man responded with a laugh.

Qin Wentian glanced at Little Rascal, which had jumped into his arms earlier. The small creature emitted low growls, joined by the shrill cries of the Blackwind Condor. Gradually, the clamor of the demonic beasts subsided, and they began preparing to depart. However, their eyes still smoldered with anger and hostility.

Mounted on the Blackwind Condor, Qin Wentian led the way for the demonic beasts. The hovering experts in the air didn't obstruct them, as they considered these creatures and Qin Wentian unworthy of attention.

"It seems that little fellow has the ability to tame beasts," one of the experts remarked with a chuckle. However, their expressions grew more serious as they turned their attention to the two statues.

After traveling a certain distance, Qin Wentian noticed even more formidable experts arriving. He hadn't anticipated that this sacred ground would attract the attention of so many powerful individuals.

"Let's go," Qin Wentian muttered in a low voice. The Blackwind Condor surged forward, its speed reaching such a velocity that it became a mere blur. Moments later, the furious roars of the demonic beasts echoed once more. By fate or fortune, Qin Wentian spotted something that caused his eyes to narrow.

"Qingcheng!" Qin Wentian leaped off the condor, landing beside Mo Qingcheng, who was surrounded by demonic beasts. He barked, "Get out of here."

Little Rascal transformed into its battle form, letting out a thunderous roar that shook the very air. The remaining demonic beasts were taken aback by its bone-chilling presence.

"ARFF!" A golden bolt of lightning streaked by. In an instant, a demonic beast that had been lunging at Mo Qingcheng fell, its throat crushed in Little Rascal's powerful jaws. The creature then turned its icy gaze on the remaining beasts.

"Qingcheng." Qin Wentian hurried to Mo Qingcheng's side, taking in her disheveled appearance. Bloodstains marred her torn clothing, and her once-luminous aura now felt unstable. Mo Qingcheng's eyes welled up with tears, and it took a moment before a smile broke through as she collapsed into Qin Wentian's arms.

"Silly girl, I was so afraid I wouldn't find you," Mo Qingcheng shivered in Qin Wentian's embrace. He felt a pang of guilt and comforted her with gentle pats on the back. His left hand gently stroked her head as he whispered, "It's alright now. Everything's okay."

"I was really scared, scared that you had returned to the Royal Capital," Mo Qingcheng sobbed, holding Qin Wentian even tighter.

"What happened?" Qin Wentian inquired, puzzled.

"After Xiao Lan's death, several experts from the Nine Mystical Palace came to Chu. They ordered the Chu Clan's Ancestor to face Headmaster Diyi in battle. The Ancestor died, and Diyi was seriously injured before being dragged away in chains by the Nine Mystical Palace. Right now, the Royal Clan is hunting down students from our Emperor Star Academy, showing no mercy. You, especially, are at the top of their hit list."

Qingcheng's words sent a chill down Qin Wentian's spine, and his aura surged with unprecedented anger.

Mo Qingcheng looked into Qin Wentian's eyes. "Wentian, can't we just leave Chu? I'll go with you, and we can roam the Nine Continents together."

Qin Wentian gazed at Mo Qingcheng, his heart aching at her haggard appearance. Her beautiful eyes remained as clear as ever. She had risked her life to enter the Dark Forest, solely to warn him not to return to Chu.

"Silly girl..." Qin Wentian planted a kiss on Mo Qingcheng's forehead, holding her even closer. "Qingcheng, I, Qin Wentian, am blessed beyond measure to have you with me. But I can't abandon Chu."

Mo Qingcheng trembled, her eyes welling up again, but this time, a radiant smile of unmatched brilliance graced her face. She understood his unspoken resolve.

Everything was worth it. Mo Qingcheng already knew Qin Wentian's answer. From this moment on, she was willing to stand by his side no matter where he went, whether it was to conquer the heavens or storm the gates of hell. She wouldn't hesitate, as long as Qin Wentian was by her side.

Qin Wentian looked up, gazing in the direction of Chu, and made a solemn vow. Regardless of the cost, he would consign the Royal Clan of Chu to the annals of history.