Death Battle

Death Battle

Situ Po's killing intent was overwhelming. Qin Wentian, at the sixth cultivation level, experienced a stifling suppression when confronted with Situ Po at the eighth level. Moreover, Situ Po's Mandates of Swords and Stone, both perfected to the boundary of perfection, exerted a similar suppression over Qin Wentian. Adding to this was the fact that Situ Po was the supreme chosen of the Sword Extinction Sect. Naturally, his innate techniques were far from weak. With all three of his Astral Souls condensed from the 5th Heavenly Layer, the quality of their Astral Energy rivaled that of Qin Wentian's.

Qin Wentian did possess certain advantages: his three Yuanfu, the Divine Yuan Energy stored within one of them, the Fiend Transformation Art that endowed him with a demonic physique, and the power of his double bloodline limits. However, what frustrated Qin Wentian was that, despite his second bloodline being of higher grade, he couldn't yet tap into its full potential. Like an ancient treasure box, he could only gradually unlock its strength step by step.

Third-level Divine Inscriptions, the ones he could inscribe instantly, posed no threat to Situ Po. The only way might be to utilize his Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul as a foundation, inscribe Divine Inscriptions within his Yuanfu, and then unleash a single all-out strike.

"Bzzz!"

Radiant Astral Light bathed the surroundings. Qin Wentian didn't bother concealing the brilliance of his third Astral Soul. Its golden corona clearly indicated that it was condensed from the 5th Heavenly Layer—a fearsome ancient demon exuding a malevolent aura. Beneath the enhancement of his Astral Soul, the demonic qi emanating from Qin Wentian became even more potent.

"An Astral Soul from the 5th Layer. This is the first time we're seeing Qin Wentian use his Astral Souls in combat, and it's from the 5th Heavenly Layer no less."

"And not just any Astral Soul, but the Demon Sovereign Astral Soul, ranking first on the Warbeast Index!"

Whispers filled the air below as shock rippled through the crowd. Qin Wentian and Situ Po, both acclaimed geniuses who gained approval from all thirty-six halls, were now on the brink of deadly conflict. With Situ Po's intention to kill, Qin Wentian chose to abandon all pretense and reveal his true strength—unleashing his Demon Sovereign Astral Soul.

He had actually condensed an Astral Soul corresponding to the mighty Demon Sovereign Constellation, holding the first rank on the Warbeast Index. If that was the case, then his fourth Astral Soul would undoubtedly stem from the 6th Heavenly Layer. At that point, the sheer quality of his Astral Energy would be overwhelmingly superior.

"His body..."

At that moment, gasps of astonishment swept through the spectators. The demonic qi enveloping Qin Wentian surged skyward, completely transforming his form—assuming the shape of a demon. In an instant, he underwent a metamorphosis, embodying the attributes of various powerful beasts. The only vestige of humanity that remained was his head. This sight struck terror into the hearts of onlookers, evoking primal fear. Was Qin Wentian truly not a beastman? The sight of his current form left the spectators in a state of awe and dread.

The second stage of the Fiend Transformation Art, known as Demon Emergence, involved harnessing demon-attributed Astral Energy to manifest a demonic body.

"That's definitely no half-beast's form. How can such a terrifying amalgamation exist? Garuda wings for speed, Xuanwu scales for defense, Kirin arms, and Dragon claws for offense. This is an uncanny fusion that mimics the attributes of a Demon Sovereign. It must be a cultivation art; that's how Qin Wentian emanates such formidable demonic qi despite being human. He must have mastered a demon-attributed cultivation technique."

An exclamation reverberated through the crowd, the revelation igniting a spark of realization. If they could all master the same technique, their power would undoubtedly surge to the next level. After all, they had witnessed firsthand the immense strength of Qin Wentian's physique when he effortlessly caught swords with his bare hands.

Gleams of anticipation glinted in the eyes of many bystanders.

Even Situ Po momentarily halted, genuinely intrigued by Qin Wentian's transformation.

Qin Wentian's bloodline pulsed within him, casting a crimson radiance that enshrouded his demonic form, accentuating the aura of dread he radiated. It was as if he were a true demon king, an ancient lord of a primordial realm, disdainfully surveying all in his domain. For that fleeting instant, he ruled as the sovereign of demons.

"Even if you're the ruler of demons, death is still your fate," Situ Po's voice shattered the silence. He extended his palms towards Qin Wentian, fingers curling as he aimed to petrify him. Yet, Qin Wentian stood undaunted, his expression icy as winter's grip. His Mandate of Demon surged to its pinnacle as he swung his golden draconic claws with unbridled force.

But Situ Po remained fearless, calmly stepping forward. With a finger extended, his sword intent forged an expansive torrent of sword energy that condensed into a whirling vortex of blades. The shrill whistling of this onslaught was so piercing that it seemed to cleave through flesh at mere proximity.

Qin Wentian's formidable physique notwithstanding, it would eventually crumble before such might.

Qin Wentian sought a head-on confrontation? So be it. No matter what hidden talents he possessed, Situ Po remained confident that death was the only outcome.

In their collision, Situ Po's finger aimed for Qin Wentian's head. Swift as lightning, Qin Wentian shifted to the side, swiping his left claws as Divine Energy surged. But Situ Po was no novice; he instantly adapted, redirecting his attack toward Qin Wentian's heart.

Simultaneously, a brilliant light enveloped Situ Po as a suit of starstone armor materialized.

Qin Wentian unleashed the Heaven Breaking Finger technique, his hands morphing into draconic claws that shattered the heavens with a single thrust. This potent innate technique, fueled by the keenness of his sword-oriented Divine Yuan Energy, collided with Situ Po's protective armor, piercing right through it.

Peng...

Both assaults struck simultaneously. Qin Wentian's demonic form quivered, as if on the verge of disintegration. His internal organs trembled violently, forcing him to expel several mouthfuls of blood. Situ Po's single finger attack packed an explosive force so terrifying that it seemed capable of tearing him apart, ending his life on the spot.

"Cough…" More blood stained his lips. One of Situ Po's strikes had gravely wounded Qin Wentian.

However, the crowd was dumbfounded by the revelation that Situ Po was also injured. His starstone armor had been penetrated, blood seeping from the wound. A destructive energy had infiltrated his body, targeting his internal organs and leaving him in a state similar to Qin Wentian's. The collision had been nothing short of fierce.

And astonishingly, Qin Wentian had not only survived, but had also managed to wound Situ Po.

Situ Po's starstone armor, crafted from his Mandate of Stone at the Perfection Boundary, had withstood blows from ninth-level Yuanfu experts before shattering. Yet, Qin Wentian, at the sixth level, had pierced it. This signified that his combat prowess was already on par with ninth-level Yuanfu experts.

"BOOM!"

Undeterred by his injuries, Situ Po took another resolute step forward. To him, his injuries were an undeniable humiliation. Only Qin Wentian's death could erase this stain of shame.

Qin Wentian's form flickered as he retreated at lightning speed, followed by Lin Haotian and the others. However, they dared not approach him, resorting to long-range attacks.

As Qin Wentian's gaze locked onto them, his third eye glowed. Instantly, all three trembled. His palms trembled too, snuffing out the lives of the other two sixth-level Yuanfu cultivators. He then lunged toward Lin Haotian.

Lin Haotian tried to flee, but he couldn't match Qin Wentian's speed. Empowered by the Mandate of Demons, his essence had become demonic, imbuing him with both heightened strength and explosive velocity. Coupled with the speed enhancement of Garuda's Wings, he closed in on Lin Haotian. His golden draconic claws seized Lin Haotian's head, and with a brutal jerk, separated it from his body, launching it skyward.

Lin Haotian, a chosen of the Sword Extinction Sect, met an instant death at the hands of Qin Wentian. The crowd stared in horror, even Yue Bingying quivering from head to toe. Qin Wentian's decisiveness and ruthlessness were on full display—he showed no mercy, acting swiftly without fear of the consequences.

"RUMBLE!"

Situ Po's malevolent aura surged to its peak, his sword intent so overwhelming it appeared capable of piercing through Qin Wentian.

His singular desire was to kill Qin Wentian, but who could have foreseen that three of his fellow disciples would meet their demise at Qin Wentian's hands?

Situ Po's figure transformed into a stream of light as he chased after Qin Wentian. His body, like a sword itself, brought forth a cold gleam as he cleaved through the heavens with a single motion. In response, Qin Wentian turned and unleashed the power of the dragon imprint. The furious roars of a demonic dragon resonated as it soared to intercept Situ Po's attack.

"DIE!"

Situ Po materialized before Qin Wentian, his palms descending like a mountain from the heavens, poised to crush Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with a chilling determination. He thrust both arms forward, the Divine Energy within his Yuanfu surging as he shattered the mountainous force and surged toward Situ Po.

The fragments of the shattered mountain, resembling controlled swords under Situ Po's influence, relentlessly pummeled Qin Wentian. Despite his defenses, Qin Wentian's demonic physique couldn't indefinitely withstand such a relentless assault.

In response to Qin Wentian's charge, Situ Po channeled his sword intent into nine celestial swords, their combined power capable of rending heavens and shattering the earth. Qin Wentian's Divine Yuan energy surged forth, merging several third-ranked Divine Inscriptions to form an ancient shield, attempting to disperse the might of the nine swords. Simultaneously, the residual Divine Yuan energy within him erupted outward, coalescing into a palm strike launched at Situ Po.

The armor of stonelight emerged as a defense, Situ Po retaliating with a palm strike of his own. An earsplitting crash resonated, and Qin Wentian was hurled through the air. His demonic form crumbled, and he spat out multiple mouthfuls of blood. Yet, the icy determination in his eyes remained steadfast.

"How can you survive if I want you dead?" Ignited by Qin Wentian's resilience, Situ Po's killing intent flared, driving him to press forward despite his own bloody injuries.

None could have anticipated the intensity of their battle. They had all assumed that Situ Po would effortlessly annihilate Qin Wentian. Clearly, they had gravely underestimated the tenacity of this madman.

"Enough!"

An enraged voice erupted, resonating with fury. Yet, Situ Po remained undeterred, his advance unrelenting. Suddenly, a bone-chilling gust of wind swept through the area, accompanied by a deafening explosion. The force sent Situ Po hurtling backward. He realized that even in their brief skirmish, the Unmatched Realm's enigmatic figures had already arrived.

"Do you all crave battle so eagerly?" A frigid snort echoed, reaching the minds of both Qin Wentian and Situ Po.

"I must slay him, whether within the Unmatched Realm's bounds or beyond," Situ Po responded, his tone devoid of emotion.

Though Qin Wentian remained silent, his eyes gleamed with an unmistakable glint. It was clear he shared Situ Po's sentiment. Their enmity had been forged today, an enmity so profound that it demanded one's life as restitution.

"Very well, since you two are so eager to fight, I shall provide you both an opportunity," the cold voice resounded once more. "Three days hence, at the Heavenly Steele Platform, I shall lend you the Heavenly Steele for a purpose. Both of you shall attempt the Heavenly Steele Steps, and the defeated party shall depart from the Unmatched Realm forever. Moreover, I extend this invitation to all cultivators within the Unmatched Realm. Everyone can attempt to surmount the Heavenly Steele Steps. I shall pave a path for you to reach the Ancient Capital of Grand Xia."

This announcement reverberated through the Unmatched Realm, sending shockwaves through every heart.

The eccentrics were offering the Heavenly Steele. What unprecedented notion was this? And their intent for lending the Steele was to pave the way for them?

Yet, buried deep within the hearts of all, there lingered an understanding of the immense danger entailed in ascending the Heavenly Steele Steps. A single misstep could spell one's demise. This proposition had the power to reshape the entire Azure Continent!