Heavenly Stele Platform

Heavenly Stele Platform

The heart of the Azure Continent concealed the Heavenly Stele Platform within its core, yet it remained a desolate realm, bereft of visitors. Solely an aged figure, forever engrossed in sweeping the steps of the Heavenly Stele, lingered there.

A place of breathtaking magnificence, untouched by claims of ownership or the destruction that time could bring. A prevailing tale suggested that the guardian of this place possessed an unparalleled might, so colossal that none dared invite their ire.

The platform's namesake artifact, the Heavenly Stele, offered invaluable insights to cultivators, unraveling their destinies and gauging their innate aptitudes. Whenever stars descended from the heavens, countless aspirants flocked to the platform, enticed by its legend. By scaling its steps and reaching the Heavenly Stele, one could even alter the very core of their innate potential.

Yet, the timing of the stars' descent defied predictability, adhering solely to the whims and emotions of the platform's overseer.

Now, an eccentric elder from the Unmatched Realm proclaimed that he would momentarily borrow the Heavenly Stele. In three days' time, the path would open for them to ascend the steps, inscribing their destinies upon the stele—a future that could reshape their lives.

The eccentrics, aware of the imminent migration of a significant portion of the younger generation to the Ginkou Continent by year-end, seemed to hold a peculiar rapport with the Heavenly Stele's overseer. Their willingness to facilitate this path for the young cultivators of the Unmatched Realm, including Situ Po and Qin Wentian, was evident.

For the two contenders, the stakes were high. The loser would forfeit all claim to the Unmatched Realm, banished forever.

If Situ Po met defeat, the humiliation he would suffer was immeasurable. Despite his two-level cultivation advantage over Qin Wentian, he had failed to eliminate him today. In fact, Qin Wentian had retaliated by slaughtering Lin Haotian and his associates, a disgrace Situ Po could scarcely tolerate.

Should Qin Wentian fall, death was certain. Situ Po would never extend clemency.

"Senior, he's taken lives within the Unmatched Realm," Yue Bingying pointed her finger at Qin Wentian, her intent to employ the elders' influence evident. She seemed to hope the looming figures would apply pressure on Qin Wentian through the laws of the realm.

"Do you believe I lack perception?" That resonant voice thundered, laced with an icy edge. Yue Bingying's countenance paled, her affiliation with the Azure Emperor Palace held no sway within the Unmatched Realm. Her background held no value, for the eccentrics paid no heed to her stature.

How many Unmatched Realm cultivators hailed from transcendent powers? How often did they supplicate the eccentrics for discipleship? What weight could one Yue Bingying muster in this context?

Clearly, the eccentrics were versed in the situation's nuances. Situ Po sought to eliminate Qin Wentian, yet Lin Haotian and the others met their demise while intervening. Establishing culpability seemed arduous.

Pronouncing guilt would deem both parties liable.

"This chapter closes today. Should you two yearn for combat, let it unfold upon the Heavenly Stele Platform. Test if you dare to taste defeat under the gaze of the entire Azure Continent." The eccentric's verdict resonated as the stifling air eased.

Situ Po's expression remained frosty. As he gazed at Qin Wentian, his intent to slay seemed undiminished.

"Three days hence, at the Heavenly Stele Platform, I await your presence," Situ Po declared emotionlessly. Then, he gathered Yue Bingying and withdrew, leaving the Unmatched Realm. Three days hence, Qin Wentian's fate would seal.

Retracting his demonic aura and Astral Souls, Qin Wentian's form revealed the injuries from the battle—wounds that were profound. Situ Po was undoubtedly the most formidable adversary he had encountered within the Yuanfu Realm.

In talent, Qin Wentian reigned superior; yet in combat, Situ Po eclipsed him. The disparities in cultivation level and Mandate's Boundaries marked a chasm. A level's gap was all it took to distinguish cultivators. Without his aces, Situ Po's hands would've sealed his demise.

Touching down, Qin Wentian cast another glance at Li Shiyu and the Mystic Maiden Palace representatives. Li Shiyu snorted, and with a scornful look at Fan Le, she addressed Xuan Xin, "Xuan Xin, in three days' time, Situ Po shall triumph. Qin Wentian is destined for death. Moreover, due to Lin Haotian's fall by his hand, Fan Le and his allies won't be spared."

"Sister Shiyu, Qin Wentian's just at the sixth level of Yuanfu, yet he stood up to Situ Po so fiercely. Talent's plain to see. The Heavenly Stele Steps gauge not combat strength, but talent, determination, and conviction. How can you assume he's the one doomed?" Xuan Xin retorted, visibly indignant.

Li Shiyu snorted coldly. "Situ Po's lapse allowed Qin Wentian to survive today. A short scuffle is all that kept him alive. If not for that, would he still breathe? Xuan Xin, cease your delusions. Despite Qin Wentian's monstrous talent, Fan Le isn't him. Can that pudgy fool ever match you?"

Fan Le felt despondent, his spirits sinking at Li Shiyu's words. In response, he spoke up, "Fair maiden, shall we engage in a contest then? The eccentric announced the Heavenly Stele Platform open for Unmatched Realm members. Care for a match?"

"With just you?" Li Shiyu scoffed. "Should you lose, leave Xuan Xin of your own volition."

What an advantageous proposition to miss.

"Hold up, isn't that biased? I can't decide Xuan Xin's fate without her consent," Fan Le interjected weakly. "How about this—if I win, you become my concubine."

"You… you…" Xuan Xin glared, resembling a fierce tigress.

"I'm jesting, darling." Fan Le grinned. "What woman could ever compare to a talented, dashing figure like me?"

"Stay tuned," Li Shiyu retorted icily before departing with the Mystic Maiden Palace members. She needed to inform her sect about the Heavenly Stele Platform and Xuan Xin's situation.

Watching Li Shiyu leave, worry flickered in Xuan Xin's eyes. Fan Le took her hand, his tone gentle. "Fear not. In three days, this remarkable genius will astound your sect with my prowess. They'll embrace me as your partner."

Even in this situation, Fan Le boasted. Xuan Xin couldn't help but smile. Though shameless, he brought her joy. With Fan Le, she experienced a happiness tinted with sweetness—a sensation unprecedented within the Mystic Maiden Palace.

"Boss, are you all right?" Fan Le and the rest turned their attention to Qin Wentian.

"I'm good. Just need a day's rest and I'll bounce back," Qin Wentian grinned. His blood coursed through his veins with incredible speed, mending his injuries and revitalizing him. Looking at his cheerful expression, it was hard to connect him with the fearsome, demonic figure that had confronted Situ Po earlier.

"You beast. If I had faced Situ Po, I'd be instant dust."

Ouyang Kuangsheng couldn't help but be impressed. A sixth-level Yuanfu fighter going toe-to-toe with Situ Po was astounding. Not to mention, Qin Wentian had conjured a top-ranked Warbeast Index beast-type Astral Soul and wielded a demonic art that transformed him into a demon-like force. His monstrosity knew no bounds.

"Still, you better tread carefully. Your demonic art is so potent that even the bigwigs from the Demon Continent might get interested. That form you unleashed just now is something they'd kill for but can't achieve," Ouyang Kuangsheng cautioned. Qin Wentian nodded, the Azure Emperor had already warned him about this when he first obtained the Fiend Transformation Art. He'd been forced to unleash his full might against Situ Po today, but he'd need to be more cautious going forward and focus on enhancing his strength.

After the Heavenly Fate Rankings competition, if he could reach the pinnacle of Yuanfu, he'd ideally find a quiet spot to seclude himself, preparing to break through to the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

Despite being the cream of the crop, they were still just Yuanfu experts. In Grand Xia, most wouldn't spare them a glance. Only by becoming a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign could they truly command some attention, ascending the ladder of true power.

"What's this Heavenly Stele, anyway?" Qin Wentian queried.

"The Heavenly Stele is ancient, capable of conjuring illusions and altering innate talent. Even if attempting its trial might cost lives, it offers the potential to skyrocket one's strength. A true treasure, but its availability is scarce. Now that the eccentrics are lending it, it's a golden opportunity. It would allow us to enhance our strength and compete against the others in the Ancient Kingdom at the year's end," Ouyang Kuangsheng explained, excitement tinging his voice. The bout between Qin Wentian and Situ Po might have some silver lining—it offered them all a shot at conquering the Heavenly Stele Steps.

Over the following three days, cultivators from the Unmatched Realm flooded out, carrying news of the impending challenge to their respective sects and clans, all making their way to the Heavenly Stele Platform.

News of this showdown raced across the Azure Continent at astonishing speed.

And the transcendents of the Azure Continent found themselves confronted with a single name—Qin Wentian.

Within the Unmatched Realm, a battle between two prodigies had unfurled, pitting a nineteen-year-old sixth-level Yuanfu cultivator against the Sword Extinction Sect's chosen one, Situ Po. This tale of prowess spread far and wide, leaving many in the younger generation of the Sword Extinction Sect feeling humiliated. Yet, the sect's elders paid little heed, deeming Lin Haotian's death at the hands of someone of even lower cultivation to be the mark of a failure unworthy of revenge. Such vengeance was best left to Situ Po.

Meanwhile, countless eyes turned toward the Heavenly Stele Platform.

In order to ensure their safety, Ouyang Kuangsheng secretly gathered clan elders to shadow their group's journey from the Unmatched Realm to the platform. Who could predict if attackers lurked, waiting to pounce on Qin Wentian? Vigilance was paramount.

Today, the Heavenly Stele Platform was swarmed with experts. The younger generation members from major powers who cultivated in the Unmatched Realm converged, all having a chance to ascend the Heavenly Stele Steps.

On the steps leading to the Heavenly Stele, an elderly man in blue robes wielded a broom, sweeping with quiet dedication. He seemed immune to weariness, as if he had swept these steps for eternity.

"BOOM!" A distant toll resounded across the Heavenly Stele Platform, as the sky itself transformed and columns of starlight bathed the stele. A sense of marvel hung in the air.

The steps radiated starlight, enveloping them entirely in a luminous embrace.

"Bzzz!" Like a gathering storm, figures descended onto the ground before the steps. The Unmatched Realm cultivators were assembling.

At that moment, a figure floated down from above—the one and only Situ Po. His gaze locked onto a particular group, where Ouyang Kuangsheng, Qin Wentian, Fan Le, and others stood.

"In the past decade, the twenty-seven steps of this Heavenly Stele Platform have been 'activated' merely three times. The highest reached was the 18th step. Today, I intend to shatter that record," Situ Po declared languidly, his piercing gaze trained on Qin Wentian. "Today also marks the anniversary of your demise."