Qin Wentian, Immortal . . .
"Who is he exactly?" The question hung in the air as every eye was fixed on Qin Wentian. They couldn't help but wonder about this young man who had managed to make the notorious Xie Yu submit with a single sentence. Xie Yu was known for his malevolence, and both his parents were formidable immortal-foundation experts. His father, Xie Shi, was a demonic lion and a renowned hegemon of a particle world, while his mother, Bu Yanyu, held the esteemed position of City Lord in this very city. In the Worryfree City, Xie Yu could act with impunity, and no one dared to challenge him.
Yet, in the face of this seemingly ordinary young man, Xie Yu had capitulated.
This turn of events suggested that the young man held an extraordinary status. The arrogant young experts from immortal-ranked powers who had accompanied Xie Yu were silenced, their earlier rudeness replaced by trepidation. They secretly inquired about the young man's background from Xie Yu through telepathy, but Xie Yu remained tight-lipped and visibly irritated.
The members of the Battle Sword Sect were equally puzzled. The sect's old ancestor regarded Qin Wentian thoughtfully, noting, "This young man's talent is truly exceptional. It's likely that he has achieved remarkable feats even in the immortal realms. Xie Yu wouldn't fear him to this extent otherwise."
Ye Lingshuang, Qin Wentian's foster sister, boldly asked, "Have you joined one of the major immortal-ranked powers in Jiangling Country? Is your sect influential enough to challenge the City Lord of Worryfree City?"
Qin Wentian responded with a knowing smile but declined to elaborate. The members of the Battle Sword Sect felt reassured. With Qin Wentian at their side, they believed their sect was safe. His ability to intimidate Xie Yu was a clear testament to his high status.
Despite being fully prepared for battle, both sides stood in an uneasy stalemate. The experts on both sides were uncertain about their next move.
Addressing the members of the Battle Sword Sect, Qin Wentian calmly stated, "Please, retreat to a safe distance. I will handle this matter. There won't be any problems." With their trust in him, they obediently withdrew, leaving only Lou Bingyu and a few others by his side.
As time passed, a palpable sense of dread emanated from the distance, growing ever closer. Heads turned, and all eyes fixed on the two approaching figures that landed before Xie Yu with astonishing speed.
"City Lord," Xie Yu's retinue of experts all bowed respectfully to Bu Yanyu.
However, Bu Yanyu paid them little attention, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian. It was him, as she had suspected. Qin Wentian had returned to the Worryfree City. She recalled the past when he had grievously injured Jiang Kuang of the Jiang Clan in her presence. At that time, no one could have foreseen that this young man would go on to become the top-ranked participant at the hundred-year recruitment banquet of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. He even had the audacity to reject the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor himself. Bu Yanyu had only learned of this later, after the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord had assumed control of the six prefectures.
The citizens of Worryfree City might not have been aware of these events, but as the City Lord, she kept a close watch on the news.
Many thoughts raced through her mind. Qin Wentian had clashed with them before. Was he here to settle those past grievances?
"City Lord of the Worryfree City, Bu Yanyu, pays her respects to Lord Qin," Bu Yanyu said with a bow. This display left all the experts present dumbfounded.
An immortal-foundation expert, the City Lord of Worryfree City, was addressing Qin Wentian as "Lord Qin" and bowing to him. Just what was this young man's true status?
"Bu Yanyu, it seems you have no idea how to discipline your son. How do you intend to address this matter?" Qin Wentian spoke with a sharp glint in his eyes, his tone uncompromising. The members of the Battle Sword Sect couldn't help but feel their hearts quiver. Even when facing an immortal-foundation expert, Qin Wentian remained unyielding?
Immortals in their particle world wielded boundless and supreme authority. The Royal Sacred Sect had once held dominion simply because they had immortals backing them.
Now, Qin Wentian stood brazenly before an immortal-foundation expert. It was nothing short of astonishing.
Both Bu Yanyu and Xie Shi froze in response. Xie Shi attempted to intervene, saying, "Upon our return, I will ensure Xie Yu receives a severe and unforgettable punishment."
"I'm not addressing you," Qin Wentian retorted, casting a cold gaze at Xie Shi. The latter's expression darkened, while Bu Yanyu swiftly interjected, "Lord Qin, how would you like us to handle this matter?"
"As the City Lord of Worryfree City, you are entrusted with governing this city. Yet you've allowed your son, Xie Yu, to tyrannize and oppress other powers, treating lives like mere weeds. Xie Yu deserves the punishment of death, and it's high time you relinquished your position as City Lord," Qin Wentian declared in an unwavering tone. His voice resonated like thunder, reverberating across the heavens and striking fear into the hearts of those who heard it. This young man intended not only to see Xie Yu put to death but also to force Bu Yanyu to step down as City Lord.
"I've been governing Worryfree City for 1,000 years," Bu Yanyu began, her voice firm and defiant. "Even with the Cloud Prefecture changing hands, the City Lords of all 81 Countries have remained unchanged. Young Lord Qin, isn't it preposterous to demand that I relinquish my position with a single sentence and condemn my son to death?"
As Qin Wentian gazed at Bu Yanyu's unyielding stance, a chilling smile crept across his face. He lowered his voice and replied, "Very well."
His smile was a razor-sharp edge, causing Bu Yanyu to feel a tremor in her heart. She sensed the danger emanating from the young man before her.
"Since City Lord Bu objects to my using status to assert authority, I shall speak to you in a personal capacity, nothing more. In the past, your City Lord Manor abducted my friend Qin Qing and even pursued me relentlessly. It's time to settle that score," Qin Wentian declared coldly.
"So we're addressing this as a personal vendetta now?" Bu Yanyu's tone was icy.
"Exactly. A personal vendetta. Forget my status," Qin Wentian retorted.
"In that case, very well. Since Young Lord Qin frames it this way, we might have to oppose you," Bu Yanyu declared, her eyes flashing with lethal intent. It appeared that she could no longer remain as the City Lord of Worryfree City. Given Qin Wentian's current standing, he wouldn't allow her to maintain her position unchallenged. Killing Qin Wentian would only lead to more trouble. Her best course of action was to leave the prefecture immediately and lend her support to the other prefectures under the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's control.
As long as she retained authority and power, losing the City Lord position was a minor concern.
"Just get it over with. Don't waste my time," Qin Wentian urged.
However, at that moment, a swishing sound sliced through the air as a man stepped forward from the crowd. His body radiated an immortal aura, clearly an immortal-foundation expert.
"Who are you?" Qin Wentian inquired.
"I am the Commander of Worryfree City," the immortal responded, bowing respectfully. "I pay my respects to Young Lord Qin."
"Very well. After today, you shall assume the role of City Lord temporarily," Qin Wentian declared calmly. As his words hung in the air, a smile spread across Bu Yanyu's face. "Qin Wentian, you're audacious indeed. While I won't kill you, I will capture you and deliver you to the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in exchange for a more favorable position."
"You're courting death," Purgatory chimed in, her voice icy. Stepping forward, she enveloped the area in a radiant red glow, bathing it in searing heat that sent shivers down many spines.
The lovely young woman behind Qin Wentian was an immortal-foundation expert.
"Immortal Foundation!" The members of the Battle Sword Sect stood in stunned disbelief. As for those who had spoken rudely earlier, they now trembled in realization.
"No wonder you were so audacious. You have an immortal-foundation expert shielding you. Yet, she alone is far from sufficient," Bu Yanyu and Xie Shi declared, their immortal might surging. They strode forward, and Xie Shi unleashed a deafening roar that rent the sky. A fearsome lion king materialized, lunging toward Purgatory.
With Purgatory leading the charge, her finger jabbed forward, releasing an overwhelming surge of immortal-foundation power. A vermillion bird's phantom erupted from her fingertip, meeting Xie Shi's ferocious attack head-on. The collision sent shockwaves through the surroundings as both forces exploded from the sheer impact.
"Her combat prowess is impressive," Xie Shi acknowledged, turning to Bu Yanyu. The two immortals advanced in unison, the earth trembling beneath their feet. Xie Shi transformed into a colossal demonic beast, seemingly capable of devouring the heavens and the earth itself. He materialized right before Purgatory, intending to engulf her whole.
Purgatory's body radiated a boundless light. In an instant, the faint outline of a resplendent vermillion bird enveloped her form, spreading its wings with unparalleled grace. Emitting a piercing screech, spheres of purgatory fire were hurled towards Xie Shi as they engaged in a fierce battle. Xie Shi, a second-level immortal-foundation expert, found himself evenly matched with Purgatory. Onlookers watched in awe as the two powerhouses clashed, their surroundings quaking from the intensity of their confrontation.
"Bzz!" In the midst of the melee, Bu Yanyu transformed into a blur, bypassing Purgatory with lightning speed. Fueled by an immortal movement technique, she materialized before Qin Wentian, her imposing aura pressing down upon him. Silvery white feathers as sharp as swords manifested, descending upon Qin Wentian. Bu Yanyu's speed was so blindingly fast that the members of the Battle Sword Sect couldn't react in time.
"Wentian!" Panic surged through the ranks of the Battle Sword Sect as Bu Yanyu's cold smile held firm, her sword-like feathers closing in.
"Chi, chi, chi…" The air filled with sharp, piercing sounds as the sword feathers landed on Qin Wentian's shoulder. Yet, upon contact with his body, pure white flames ignited. There was no blood, no severed arm. Qin Wentian stood calmly in place, observing everything.
However, the Qin Wentian before them was now adorned with resplendent runes that flowed around him, bathing him in their ethereal light. In the next moment, a burst of immortal radiance illuminated the sky, and Qin Wentian's aura transcended the mortal realm, unrivaled.
Qin Wentian had become an immortal!
"This…"
"Immortal Foundation!" The experts from the Battle Sword Sect were overwhelmed with shock as they stared at the young man before them. Qin Wentian had ascended to immortality!
"Hu…" The old ancestor of the Battle Sword Sect trembled as he drew in a deep breath. "The younger generation is truly formidable. No wonder he claimed to be showing mercy during our earlier sparring."
The gasps of disbelief reverberated through the crowd. How could this be? Many onlookers simply couldn't fathom it. Qin Wentian might have attained immortality, but Bu Yanyu had been an immortal for ages. How was it possible that her devastating attack failed to sever his arm? Could his body's defenses be impenetrable?
Ji Feixue, Lin Shuai, Duan Han, and the others stood dumbfounded, their eyes locked on the astonishing scene unfolding before them. Qin Wentian had ascended to immortality?
Lou Bingyu, her gaze fixed on the regal figure radiating immortal light, felt a twinge of melancholy in her heart. Complications swirled in her eyes as she watched this unexpected turn of events.
Yet, the one whose expression transformed the most was none other than the City Lord of Worryfree City, Bu Yanyu herself. Her assaults appeared to have no effect on Qin Wentian whatsoever.
"Courting death," Qin Wentian declared, his voice laced with cold determination. With a raised right hand, he extended a finger infused with the power of immortality. The distance between them was too close; Bu Yanyu had no chance to evade the impending finger attack.
"Puchi!" The finger struck home, the might of immortality boring through her with unstoppable force. Waves of destructive energy, governed by the laws of annihilation, concentrated in his finger and surged through her immortal foundation.
"ARGH!" A piercing cry of agony echoed through the air as Bu Yanyu's immortal foundation shattered into oblivion!