Meeting Each Other

Meeting Each Other . . . 

"Dear friend, may I inquire about the nature of this unfolding spectacle?"

From a distance, a gathering of experts soared through the sky, their attention seized by an unfolding chaos. The scene before them was bathed in flames, casting a fiery glow that reached out across vast distances. The cacophony of agonizing howls pierced the air.

"Behold, the White Tiger Greater Demons," they gasped in shock as they surveyed the chaotic scene. Their hearts raced in response to the unfolding madness.

One could hardly deny that these individuals had lost their minds. Rumors had previously circulated of people indulging in the consumption of white tiger flesh, but witnessing it firsthand was an entirely different matter.

"They must be utterly insane," remarked a bystander, their gaze shifting from the holy maidens' frosty expressions to the central figure in the drama: Qin Wentian. This was the very man who had conquered the 81 steps in a single breath, declaring his return before demolishing the formidable Stonebell Rampart. His reappearance was nothing short of overwhelming, as he had not only crippled the White Tigers but also captured them alive.

"The White Tiger Race is a sacred beast tribe, a formidable power in the Western Regions. Is there no limit to his audacity?" murmured another observer, bewildered by Qin Wentian's brazen actions.

"Did you happen to notice the holy maiden? She exudes no aura whatsoever; it is evident that she has been incapacitated. Moreover, the other holy maidens exhibit traces of anger and sorrow in their eyes. Let us not forget the perverse intentions of these lascivious White Tigers. It is entirely possible that several holy maidens have already suffered their defilement. Since this battle has erupted in such madness, let us simply observe. After all, are the Southern Phoenix Clan of the Southern Regions not a formidable power in their own right?"

A voice in the crowd responded, rendering everyone momentarily speechless. Indeed, the White Tigers had repeatedly voiced their intention to capture the holy maidens for use as breeding vessels, subjecting them to humiliation before their eventual demise. The revulsion and hatred they inspired could only be partially quelled by the holy maidens feasting upon the flesh of these White Tigers.

The flames raged higher, engulfing the White Tigers who were now being roasted alive. They howled and cursed at Qin Wentian, yet his expression remained unmoved. He had already learned of the horrors of the war from Jun Mengchen and the Battle Saint Tribe's experts. The White Tigers had formed a sinister alliance to hunt down his friends, and their sinister designs on the holy maidens had driven him to the brink of fury. Moreover, the whereabouts of Qing'er remained unknown. Even if he exterminated all these White Tigers, it wouldn't bring back those who had already perished.

As for the White Tiger Race's formidable reputation, Qin Wentian had no inclination to consider it. When someone seeks to harm you and your friends, what significance does their background hold? It was a question that held no weight in such a context.

Meanwhile, members of the White Tiger Alliance had also observed the unfolding drama from a distance. However, upon witnessing Qin Wentian's overwhelming dominance, they dared not reveal themselves. Qin Wentian's allies had regrouped once more, and appearing at this moment would undoubtedly seal their own fate.

"Let the feast begin," Qin Wentian declared coldly. Bathed in the fiery embrace of the phoenix flames, the White Tiger meat had been thoroughly cooked. With a swift stroke of his blade, Qin Wentian carved the meat into numerous portions, inviting everyone to partake.

The meat of sacred beasts, particularly White Tigers, possessed extraordinary nutritional value. It could enhance one's immortal energy and even bolster their bloodline power. The energy contained within the flesh of a sacred beast far surpassed that of any medicinal pill. The feast had begun in earnest.

In this very moment, even the ethereal and enchanting holy maidens had cast aside their graceful composure and were unabashedly indulging in a hearty feast. Yet, beneath their voracious appetites, an intense fire of resentment continued to smolder. In many distant academies, their fellow sisters still faced the relentless pursuit of ruthless adversaries. It was essential to remember that this gathering represented just one corner of a sprawling landscape comprised of four sacred academies.

"This is absolutely invigorating!" Jun Mengchen exclaimed with a boisterous laugh, his voice echoing through the scene. "Such an exhilarating experience! Those pompous beasts, who once held themselves in such high regard, now cower in the shadows as their comrades sizzle away into barbecue. The absurdity of it all!"

The quartet of white tigers, among them a formidable ninth-level immortal-foundation expert, possessed colossal bodies that dwarfed even the most insatiable of appetites. Qin Wentian and his companions found themselves with an abundance of culinary delight to sate their hunger. With each bite, their immortal energies stirred with newfound vigor, creating a sensation of pure bliss.

The onlookers' eyes sparkled with avarice as they contemplated tasting this extraordinary repast. The allure of such nourishment was irresistible, a culinary experience unlike any they had ever encountered. After all, humans and demons were distinct species from the outset. Consuming the flesh of demons, unless they were one's trusted beastly companion or comrade, was regarded as the natural order of things. The same principle applied when demons devoured humans. Had the White Tigers not been a paramount power within the immortal realms, there would undoubtedly be no shortage of individuals eager to hunt them down for a taste of their meat.

"If anyone among you wishes to partake, please feel free to join us," Qin Wentian declared with a glint of sharpness in his eyes, keenly aware of the covetous glances cast his way by many of the assembled experts.

However, all present understood that the moment they savored a morsel of white tiger meat, they would inevitably incur the wrath of the White Tiger Race.

"This meat is not only remarkably fresh and delectable but also has the potential to bolster one's immortal energy, offering a chance to ascend to the next level of cultivation," Qin Wentian continued, stoking the embers of desire within their hearts. Silently, they cursed him for tempting them so.

"You are all peerless geniuses hailing from the pinnacles of power within the immortal realms. Since the white tiger meat is already prepared, why not indulge yourselves?" Another voice chimed in. As the gazes of the assembly turned toward the source, they beheld a group of experts approaching.

"Li Yufeng and Beiming Nongyue," the crowd murmured, gazing at the couple who seemed destined never to part. Li Yufeng stepped forward, flashing a cordial smile at Qin Wentian. "Let me clarify from the outset that this white tiger meat was cooked by your group and has no bearing on my involvement. I've come merely to savor the meat and won't partake in your skirmish against the White Tiger Alliance."

"Please," Qin Wentian extended his hand in a gracious gesture of invitation. He harbored no reservations about Li Yufeng's decision. Some things needn't be articulated explicitly. Although Li Yufeng had declared his intent to abstain from the battle, indulging in white tiger meat would undoubtedly earn him the profound enmity of the White Tiger Race. By choosing to partake, Li Yufeng had clearly weighed the consequences. Everyone present was a supreme genius, and once Li Yufeng had reached a verdict, further words from Qin Wentian were superfluous.

Li Yufeng and Beiming Nongyue made no pretense of formality. They settled directly across from Qin Wentian, conjuring immortal swords from their energy to carve the succulent meat. As they savored each bite, Li Yufeng couldn't help but smile, "Truly a feast for the ages. Its nutritional value surpasses even the heavenly ingredients and earthly treasures I've sampled in the past. As one would expect from a saintly beast."

"Feel free to indulge," Qin Wentian encouraged, returning the smile.

Li Yufeng nodded appreciatively, savoring the flavor before continuing, "You intend to rally your comrades for a counteroffensive. Are you not concerned about Huang Shatian?"

At the mention of that name, a chill flickered across Qin Wentian's eyes. According to Jun Mengchen, the tide of the previous war had shifted significantly with Huang Shatian's involvement. It had forced his friends into a harrowing situation, hunted relentlessly by their foes and suffering heavy casualties. A genuine supreme genius could indeed sway the course of battle.

"Which sacred academy does Huang Shatian currently reside in?" Qin Wentian inquired. The prospect of Huang Shatian's return loomed ominously, potentially spelling disaster for his friends and comrades.

"Fear not," Li Yufeng reassured him, understanding Qin Wentian's apprehension. "After that war, Huang Shatian became embroiled in a conflict with another formidable adversary and found himself unable to extricate himself."

Qin Wentian breathed a sigh of relief at this news regarding Qingcheng. Yet, he couldn't help but be perplexed. Why had individuals from the Myriad Devil Islands come to their aid?

His knowledge of the Myriad Devil Islands was limited to a single individual, Mo Xie, who happened to be his adversary. According to the Southern Phoenix Clan's holy maidens, Mo Xie might well have been the true instigator behind the war between the White Tigers and the Southern Phoenix Clan.

Furthermore, he had heard that it was a female devil cultivator who had intervened to save Little Rascal.

Who was this enigmatic woman, and what were her motives in aiding him and his comrades? The questions swirled in Qin Wentian's mind, demanding answers.

"You appear exceedingly confident in your own strength," Li Yufeng remarked, his eyes sparkling with a radiant light as he fixed his gaze upon Qin Wentian. "You wouldn't dare to openly dine on white tiger meat, inviting your enemies to attack, unless you held immense confidence. Furthermore, you made this choice without foreknowledge that Huang Shatian wouldn't be involved. This implies that you are supremely self-assured, and you believe you can confront Huang Shatian?"

Li Yufeng's introduction to Qin Wentian had occurred when his name had been supplanted by the latter's. Subsequently, Li Yufeng had come to recognize Qin Wentian as an exceptionally remarkable individual whose deeds had shaken the very heavens and earth. He had long harbored a desire to engage with such an exceptional genius. However, his primary curiosity lay in understanding the character of Qin Wentian, who possessed the audacity to roast white tiger flesh for sustenance.

Li Yufeng's words left the assembled onlookers in a state of stunned realization. Only now did they comprehend the profound implications behind Qin Wentian's act of roasting white tiger meat in this location. In a sense, it was a declaration of war.

Until this moment, the notion had not crossed their minds, or perhaps they had never even entertained the possibility that Qin Wentian might engage in combat against Huang Shatian.

Even though Qin Wentian had demonstrated remarkable prowess and his return had astounded countless individuals, Huang Shatian's presence exuded an aura of invincibility. It seemed that only if Qin Wentian's cultivation advanced by another two levels might he possess a slender chance of challenging Huang Shatian.

Qin Wentian responded with a smile but refrained from speaking. However, in the next instant, his gaze shifted, and his body sprang into action, swiftly moving toward a specific location.

His footsteps came to a halt, and before him stood a striking figure, a face that could captivate empires.

Since ascending to immortality, Mo Qingcheng's demeanor had undergone a transformation. Her beauty had intensified, and she now exuded an extraordinary aura, akin to that of a celestial being.

A smile played on Qin Wentian's lips. Seeing that Qingcheng was safe brought immense relief.

Mo Qingcheng stepped forward, lightly tugging at Qin Wentian's robes, and nestled her head against his chest. She sought solace in his presence, as they had been separated for over four decades.

"Wentian, I missed you," Mo Qingcheng's tender voice melted Qin Wentian's heart. He embraced her delicate frame and replied, "I missed you too."

As Qin Wentian gazed into the distance, he observed a group of figures turning away and departing from the area. The leading woman possessed a figure of unparalleled allure, yet she exuded an icy aura associated with the path of the devil. Her features remained veiled, but when Qin Wentian fixed his gaze on her retreating form, he couldn't help but furrow his brow and inquire, "Qingcheng, do you know who she is?"

"I have no idea," Mo Qingcheng replied, her gaze still fixed on the departing figure. "She has been protecting me all this time, yet she has not uttered a single word. I never had the chance to hear her voice."

"No matter who she is, I am indebted to her," Qin Wentian murmured, his voice tinged with gratitude, before pulling Mo Qingcheng away. As the couple stood together, those who witnessed their reunion couldn't help but exclaim inwardly. Even an immortal couple like Li Yufeng and Beiming Nongyue seemed to emit a dimmer radiance in comparison to the warmth and connection shared between Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

The group of individuals fell into a comfortable silence, continuing to savor the white tiger meat as they braced themselves for the impending conflict. Both Qin Wentian and the members of the Southern Phoenix Clan were preparing for battle.

However, before the experts of the White Tiger Alliance could arrive, a towering figure materialized in the sky. His frigid gaze bore down upon Qin Wentian, and he spoke with disdain, "I once told you that I didn't want to see you feasting on demon flesh again. It appears you've paid no heed to my words."

Without wasting any words, Qin Wentian tersely commanded, "Leave!" It was none other than Jia Gu, the ninth-level expert of the Sky Roc Race who had previously ridiculed Qin Wentian during the Dao lecture. Jia Gu, also a greater demon, took exception to Qin Wentian's consumption of white tiger flesh.