Primordial Profound Ark

"Zhi... I can't believe it, you won the whole tournament! You're first place out of all the nations... hahaha, let's go out and celebrate after, alright? I'll pay for everything, of course! It would be rude for me to steal from the Grand Asura Kingdom's great hero."

"Yeah, let's..."

Xiao Jiantian reached out to Tao's distant figure, only to see a steaming hot spring before him. He sat alone, most of his body embedded in the burning hot yet calming waters.

"Hmph... to feel so accomplished over such a small thing."

Closing his azure eyes, he fell back into his comforting nap. Although deep inside, he missed the days when he would struggle. The struggle made him stronger... it was thrilling, pushing him to go above and beyond his limits.

...

The next time he opened his eyes, he was accompanied by a golden-haired goddess that was as radiant as the sun. Her head was leaning on his shoulder and she looked perfectly at peace, in all her divine beauty. Xiao Jiantian was taken aback for several moments by her perfect body that seemed far too precious to defile. This person was one of his few skies, the people that he'd do anything for.

"Ying'er..."

He spoke her name affectionately, embracing his former disciple and future wife.

...

The NEXT time he opened his eyes, he was accompanied by another divine beauty, a black-haired goddess that was as brilliant as the moon. She had rested her head on his warm upper chest, resting soundlessly. From an arrangement that seemed futile at first because of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, he had truly opened his heart for the first time since Jun Mei... and showed her what it meant to love. In turn, she had also made him more open and willing. Teaching her his sword art, teasing her all the time, spending many moments of warmth... and, at last, he had eased her heart completely with the reunion of her family.

Nothing could ever truly separate these two lovebirds.

Xiao Jiantian smiled, embracing Xia Qingyue with his other arm.

'My dearest.'

...

"Alright gents, I'll be joining the side of the Grand Asura Nation in this great tournament to come!" Xiao Jiantian stated with enthusiasm, shocking everyone from the Grand Asura Nation. He turned to Jin Zhihao with a smile. "I look forward to working with you, Your Highness."

Jin Zhihao lowered himself, bowing his head. "I... it's a great honour to fight alongside you."

"The pleasure is all mine." Xiao Jiantian nodded, taking out a few pellets. "We got to put some steroids on you first, my boy, if we're to overcome my rather powerful disciples. Oh and... some proper clothes. We all have to look classy as we triumph over the other nations!"

"Indeed...." Jin Zhihao raised his head, smiling.

~

After some 'discussion' with Feng Hengkong, Xiao Jiantian set up the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament as a team battle type of tournament that had a few special rules. The main rule was that every participant would be restricted to the Emperor Profound Realm, favouring skill over sheer strength. Feng Hengkong humbly agreed, without saying so much as a word in opposition.

Just before the tournament was to begin, there was a Profound Assessment phase where... as the name states, participants' profound strengths would be measured. Every nation's ten geniuses stepped forward when they were called upon.

The Grand Asura Nation's participants came dripped out in royal aristocrat dress coats and stole the show with their unique fashion choice, led by Xiao Jiantian who wore an especially dazzling full golden Venetian mask that covered his whole face. To add to that, he had a majestic black tricorne that came with golden feathers.

"... Are you trying to impress someone?" Jin Zhihao inquired.

"Call me God-Father or ancestor." Xiao Jiantian replied, changing the topic. "After all, the 'Jin' family descended from my little Jun Bai, did it not?"

"Well... that was a well-kept secret. Though, I'm not surprised that someone so great would be able to find out." Jin Zhihao nodded. "I will do as you wish, God-Father."

Xiao Jiantian created a new type of beverage, Fanta and had a taste while everyone was getting assessed. Instead of drinking directly, he simply moved the liquid inside of his mouth.

"Fanta...? Does it taste as good as the coca-cola that comes from the Floating Cloud City?" Jin Zhihao wondered.

'Oh, he's had a taste?'

"It's Fanta-stic." Xiao Jiantian replied, having kept that joke for himself.

"... May I have one?"

"Sure, here you go."

He handed the crown prince a can, who joined him in observing the other nation's geniuses.

"Since you're not on the list of participants... how will you be fighting?" Jin Zhihao wondered, having had made a surprised expression after tasting some Fanta. "Or, more accurately, what will you do for the side of the Grand Asura Nation?"

"I will be there spiritually, like a guiding hand. A coach." Xiao Jiantian chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "If I went down there in this body... it would be a massacre. No one would even want to fight me, really."

"Thank you, God-Father. Even your presence is more than enough."

"You're too humble..." Xiao Jiantian replied in a warm tone. "Anyway, I'll be sitting back and watching the tournament unfold."

"And we will be winning it in your honour." Jin Zhihao smiled.

~

Xiao Jiantian sat with Qianye Ying'er, Xia Qingyue and Huan Caiyi on the highest stage that even overshadowed the seating of the Divine Phoenix Emperor. As the Divine Sword Master and absolutely an existence that could not be offended, he was given every honour imaginable.

"Making all the time those geniuses spent on meditation alone vanish right before their eyes in their life's most prominent tournament. Aren't you cruel, my dear?" Huan Caiyi playfully remarked.

"It just means that the most skilled of these geniuses will win." Xiao Jiantian replied, smiling behind his mask.

"Those that have fought in wars, perhaps?" Xia Qingyue asked knowingly.

"Hmm…" Xiao Jiantian nodded. "Indeed."

"To favour the boy that is closest to a son to you, I see." Qianye Ying'er remarked. "The regret of not seeing your son grow his wings still looms over you. Though, there will be plenty of time to make a true offspring… provided that you don't jump into a certain void."

"I'm not sure if it can kill me anymore." Xiao Jiantian replied. "Given that I know the Law of Nothingness, perhaps I might be able to explore it. Could you imagine all the things that were thrown down there, though? Maybe there's even some true gods or devils waiting at the bottom… like a pit that they can't escape."

"Not worth the risk, not now. Even you would fall to such beings if that were the case."

'I got some very hacks abilities…'

"After this… we should spend some time alone in that Profound Ark." Xia Qingyue changed the subject, smiling as she smoothly grabbed his hand. "I'm sure there would be many exciting places to engage in 'certain' activities, wouldn't you agree, dear?"

"Hmph, I see what you're doing." Qianye Ying'er replied, interpreting that as a way of spiting her.

"You're looking too much into it, although… you stole my dear husband away from me for a whole year. I appreciate that you gave him the determination to reach the peak once again, however, I should've been by his side in the God Realm. So, compared to that a few hours really isn't much, is it?"

'To think that such a weak woman can tell me what is right and what is wrong…' Qianye Ying'er thought, shaking her head. "Tian'er, I can't wait until this little tournament is over. Every God Emperor, Realm King and worthy expert should be invited to witness our divine union in reverence. Even that Witch… she can watch from the distance, hmph. You can come too, Xia Qingyue but know that it will be my night."

'These two are so petty.'

"Hmm… in truth, I want to see the Realm of the Gods for myself." Xia Qingyue nodded. "I wonder how all those God Emperors are…"

"If you're so curious, I will take you there." Xiao Jiantian proposed.

"Tian'er's maid, would you like to come as well?" Qianye Ying'er turned to Huan Caiyi who had been silently observing their scuffle.

"Wife is the correct term, Brahma Heaven God Empress." Huan Caiyi smiled, playing with her black hair. "I recall you making several mocking gestures towards me as you teased Jiantian… and yet, I was the one who shared a bed with him before you. Fate works in amusing ways, does it not?"

"… Your greater stature came with a mouth to match, it seems." Qianye Ying'er replied, although that matter did grab her interest. "How did you grow so much?"

"Jiantian's seed works miracles, though you wouldn't know that…"

'Not this one as well…' Qianye Ying'er chuckled. "I will, in due time. The most precious of treasures should be taken with utmost care and patience. Wouldn't you agree, Tian'er?"

A snicker's bar fell on Qianye Ying'er's and Haun Caiyi's laps.

"Don't drag me into your catfight..." Xiao Jiantian replied, observing everything beneath him. "And just enjoy the show."

"Hmm..." Qianye Ying'er pouted a little behind her mask as she observed the snicker's bar.

~

Amusingly enough, unlike any other year, the Blue Wind Empire was regarded rather highly simply because of Xiao Jiantian's influence and its deep pool of geniuses this time around. Leading the way was Yun Che, Xia Yuanba, Xiao Nan, Xiao Zhen, Xiao Kuanglei, Shui Wushuang and Wu Xuexin... this seven-man lineup was in a league of its own.

And it showed, where the Blue Wind Empire steamrolled through every other nation including the Divine Phoenix Empire... until it came time for their match against the Grand Asura Nation. The Grand Asura Nation's 'team' was more of a support group for Jin Zhihao who possessed extraordinary battle instincts. Meanwhile, the Blue Wind Empire's team was more well-balanced and the chemistry between Xiao Jiantian's disciples was supreme.

"Yo, sorry to break it to be the one to inform you about this... prince. But we're taking the title of #1 back home to the Blue Wind Empire in honour of my princess." Yun Che smiled confidently, taking out his bow. "Third place is still pretty good though...".

'Che uses the bow?' Xiao Jiantian almost stood up. The number of profound practitioners who have used a bow... it was practically non-existent. 'Well, this'll be interesting.'

"You'd make a good court jester." Jin Zhihao remarked, drawing out his sword. "Tell me, how much would it cost to hire you? My subjects need a good laugh."

"... Damn, he got you there, Xiao Che." Xiao Zhen laughed a little before lowering his voice. "So, the plan is to target the weaker guys and then gang up on the crown prince?"

"Yeah, I'll be the decoy who takes him on directly." Xiao Kuanglei nodded. "I probably won't even need help... unless he's hiding some tricks."

"And then you'll find yourself unconscious the very next second." Shui Wushuang replied. "Be cautious... after all, our Master is supporting the Grand Asura Nation in some way."

Shortly after... the battle began.

As predicted, the lesser geniuses of the Grand Asura Nation did not stand a chance and were wiped out pretty swiftly. Although not high in the stages, all of Xiao Jiantian's disciples had learned the Great Way of the Buddha which was an unfair advantage to say the least...

"Tian'er... are you?" Qianye Ying'er noticed that Xiao Jiantian was a little slumped as he fell into her shoulder.

That was the exact moment that the tides of battle changed forever.

"Hahaha..." The last of the Grand Asura Nation's geniuses suddenly laughed as he was attacked by Xiao Che, Xia Yuanba and Xiao Nan simultaneously. Within an instant, he teleported out of danger and behind Xiao Che.

"Hello there~"

He slammed Xiao Che's head straight into the ground with his palm, releasing all of his body's strength at once. From sheer sword intent, he created a blade and covered it in wind profound energy... piercing right through Xiao Che's shoulder.

"AHH..."

"Is this... even the same person?" Xiao Nan asked, observing the Grand Asura Nation participant.

Smirking, 'Xiao Jiantian' created another sword and from this sword's intent appeared another 'Xiao Jiantian'. A perfect doppelganger...

"Who wants to dance with me?"

"... Man, this isn't fair-"

Within only seconds, all of Blue Wind Empire's participants fell as Xiao Jiantian's doppelgangers painted in red across the arena.

"You're all still too slow to react." 'Xiao Jiantian' remarked. "Know that, even if you stand above average mortals, you're still nowhere near the peak. So take this as inspiration to reach even higher... because, in the end, I believe that this 'decent' performance is far from your limits."

"... What a way to turn a beating into something motivational." Xiao Kaunglei stated.

"In this day and age, do you wish to grow into renowned true gods or be left in the dust by those who are more determined than you?" Xiao Jiantian asked, finally releasing control of the Grand Asura Nation's luckiest participant.

~

For the final battle of the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, it was the Grand Asura Nation against the beaten-down Divine Phoenix Empire. Xiao Jiantian had healed up the Grand Asura Nation's team after their fight with the Blue Wind Empire's team... so Jin Zhihao showed out with some 'guidance' and triumphed in the end, earning first place for his nation.

"A day where the Divine Phoenix Empire loses is always a good day..." Jin Zhihao jested towards Xiao Jiantian. "Although, I would've preferred a more honourable battle."

"One on one, none of them would be able to defeat you. However, you must learn to help others blossom and allow their strength to push you even higher. That is how an Emperor and his subjects succeed." Xiao Jiantian advised, patting his head. "You did well... but you still have much to learn."

"You've broadened my horizons today, God-Father." Jin Zhihao nodded. "What you said is true... I'm not quite the Emperor my people deserve yet."

"Don't pity yourself either. For your age, you're brilliant."

"Haha... you flatter me too much, God-Father. I simply do my duty as best as I can."

"Keep at it, young man. I'm proud of you."

Xiao Jiantian smiled behind his mask, returning to his ladies.

...

Eventually, the Primordial Profound Ark opened and Xiao Jiantian got a 'free pass' for everyone close to him. As he hopped into its internal world, he was rather surprised by its size and began to explore it alongside Qianye Ying'er, Xia Qingyue, Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er. They gathered several treasures before encountering a flying fortress.

After the fortress grabbed his interest, he teleported into it and came across a lingering spirit. Glancing at his aura, the spirit spoke out a name.

"Li... Suo?"

"Do I look female to you?" Xiao Jiantian inquired, not knowing how to feel about the spirit addressing him as such.

Feng Xue'er chuckled. "Grow out your hair and you just might."

'Wow... okay.'

"Soo, what's a spirit like you doing around here? Surely, you must have some purpose besides floating around. If I know... I might be able to help you out."

"The truth is... I have been searching for the... Sky Poison Pearl... to treat my... little mistress of her devilish... poison."

'This spirit sure is struggling to speak without stuttering.'

"Poison, you say?" Xiao Jiantian stroked his chin, scanning his surroundings until he sensed someone inside of a coffin. "Well, I happen to be someone even better than the Sky Poison Pearl in treating people."

'A... god?'

Xiao Jiantian was greatly intrigued, teleporting towards the coffin and breaking its protective barrier by simply glancing at it. There, he found a cute little bundle... well, petite girl. Her vermillion red hair was especially extraordinary, making Xiao Jiantian all the more sure that she was a goddess of some kind.

Without sparing much time, he got to treating her 'devilish' poison and it was not long until she was treated and opened her eyes.

"You cured her... without the Sky Poison Pearl..." The lingering spirit couldn't believe it.

"Isn't she the cutest little thing?" Feng Xue'er remarked. "I just want to cuddle her."

"... Hmph." Qianye Ying'er didn't say much, although her eyes widened when the sword at Xiao Jiantian's side was snatched away.

"... Uhm." Xiao Jiantian looked to his side, where his 'ceremonial' sword had disappeared and entered the hands of the vermillion-haired girl. "That sword is a little sharp, you know-"

Then he watched as she started to eat it... piece by piece.

'What the fuck am I watching?' Xiao Jiantian stood in bewilderment. 'There are gods who eat swords?'

"Yum... yum... yummy."

"Little brat... do you have a death wish?"

Qianye Ying'er asked, killing intent rising from her brilliant golden eyes.