Holy Successor

Holy Successor . . .

Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian raised their heads, their gazes drawn to the sky as they observed the grand procession of powerful cultivators arriving. Jun Mengchen couldn't help but chuckle, a sense of familiarity washing over him. "This reminds me of our time in the City of Ancient Emperors. Everyone here must be from major powers."

Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. Above them, a luxurious carriage, pulled by eight formidable white tiger immortal beasts emitting an awe-inspiring aura, cruised through the air. A person perched on the back of a playful Pixiu cub, while others rode on majestic golden battle chariots that roared through the skies, resonating with thunderous might. All of them were heading toward the heart of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

Jun Mengchen whispered, awed by the spectacle. "Look at the grandeur and imposing presence of these arrivals, Senior Brother. We seem a bit lacking in comparison."

Qin Wentian, however, simply smiled, unruffled by their relatively modest entry. In the vast and boundless immortal realms, even the southern region alone was incomprehensibly immense, inhabited by countless immortal emperors. Among the major powers gathered here, the Southern Phoenix Clan stood as one of the most formidable. Each major power sent their representatives in a display of extravagance and power, reflecting the significance of this gathering.

The strength of immortal emperors varied as well, with Matriarch Southern Phoenix boasting an immeasurably deep foundation. The Southern Phoenix Clan, with its long history, had nurtured more than one immortal emperor.

Yet, it wasn't just the Southern Phoenix Clan. As Qin Wentian had learned during his time in the City of Ancient Emperors, numerous heirs and descendants of immortal emperors existed. For example, there was the Xuan Emperor, the father of Xuan Yang and Xuan Xing, the Xiao Emperor, who was Xiao Lengyue's father, and many others. These immortal emperors didn't possess foundations as profound as Matriarch Southern Phoenix. Some had established their own powers, while others chose to roam freely throughout the immortal realms.

Here, among the immortal-emperor-ranked powers, Qin Wentian could discern several heaven's chosen, some of whom were direct descendants of immortal emperors themselves.

Two individuals they had encountered in the inn were also present. Shen Yi, hailing from the Shen Clan, was said to have an immortal emperor within his clan, with their residence situated in Southern Phoenix Immortal City. The Shen Clan maintained a close relationship with the Southern Phoenix Clan. The person adorned in golden robes was a prince from an immortal empire. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as more and more distinguished figures arrived.

"This time, it seems everyone invited is at the immortal foundation level," Qin Wentian observed, his gaze sweeping over the gathered experts. Regardless of the guards accompanying them, the younger generation cultivators were all at the immortal foundation stage. The weakest among them, like himself, were at the first level of immortal foundation, while the strongest had reached the fourth level, placing them in the middle tier. These fourth-level immortals appeared more mature, likely being among the oldest of the invitees.

In the sky, a subtle tension hung in the air as the various experts studied each other, their eyes revealing a hint of hostility.

Beside Qin Wentian, Purgatory, in her human form, leaned closer and whispered, "Should I transform into my original form and accompany you inside? It might boost our presence." She sensed their group lacked the imposingness compared to the other arrivals and thought that Qin Wentian riding on her true form as a vermillion bird could help them make a grand entrance.

Qin Wentian smiled, appreciating Purgatory's concern. "It's not necessary." He shook his head gently, touched by her thoughtfulness. She was always looking out for him, even if it meant sacrificing her own dignity.

They had reached the entrance of the Southern Phoenix Clan. As each guest declared their clan names and identities, the guards granted them entry. When Qin Wentian attempted to pass, a guard stopped him momentarily. With a wave of his hand, Qin Wentian presented his invitation card, prompting the guard to usher them inside immediately.

Within the Southern Phoenix Clan's premises, numerous elegant maids bustled about. They exuded an air of refinement and approached guests to guide them. One maid with a welcoming smile walked up to Qin Wentian and his companions. "Sirs and miss, please follow me. I will lead you to the gathering place."

"Thank you." Qin Wentian smiled and nodded, following the ancient path deeper into the Southern Phoenix Clan.

"May I inquire about your surname, sir?" the maid asked politely, her voice melodic and pleasant.

"Qin."

The maid blinked, momentarily taken aback. She then chuckled, "Sir Qin, your demeanor is extraordinary. I wonder which of the holy maidens invited you?"

"Nanfeng Yunxi," Qin Wentian replied.

The maid appeared surprised but quickly composed herself. Her gaze lingered on Qin Wentian as she spoke, "Sir Qin is indeed an exceptional individual."

"Why? Is it unusual for Nanfeng Yunxi to invite me?" Qin Wentian inquired, curiosity piqued by her reaction.

"Holy Maiden Yunxi is highly esteemed within our Southern Phoenix Clan. The banquet was organized to celebrate her attainment of the immortal foundation stage, and she is the focal point of this gathering. Everyone has been eager to know her invited guests. It's quite a stroke of luck for someone like me to meet young master Qin so early on," the maid explained with a smile.

"In that case, does that mean others will pay extra attention to us? That doesn't sound like a good thing," Qin Wentian remarked, a wry smile forming on his face.

"Sir Qin, you have quite the sense of humor. Many were hoping for the chance to receive an invitation from Holy Maiden Yunxi, but it eluded them," the maid remarked, playfully rolling her eyes at Qin Wentian's banter. Her charm, combined with her status as a maid, made her actions endearing rather than offensive. Qin Wentian couldn't help but admire the Southern Phoenix Clan's maids. Even they possessed a unique charm.

"Are there many holy maidens in the Southern Phoenix Clan?" Qin Wentian inquired, genuinely curious.

"Not really," the maid responded. "Every hundred years, the Southern Phoenix Clan selects thirty-six of the most exceptional individuals to become holy maidens. If a holy maiden fails to ascend to immortality within a century, her status as a holy maiden is revoked. At the end of the hundred-year period, the holy maidens must undergo a test to determine who will become the core member. The chosen core member, known as the Holy Successor, receives the protection of the other holy maidens and is destined to become Matriarch Southern Phoenix's successor. The remaining holy maidens become Dao-Protector Holy Maidens. This competition for the title of Holy Successor is one of the most significant events in the Southern Phoenix Clan."

Qin Wentian nodded in understanding. This longstanding tradition had its own set of rules and rituals. With numerous exceptional descendants, only the best among them could claim the coveted title of Holy Successor. The competition was fierce since there could be only one successor to Matriarch Southern Phoenix among the holy maidens.

Becoming the Holy Successor would elevate one's status significantly, granting the authority to mobilize immortal king-level experts. Such a position was highly prestigious, and the competition for it was undoubtedly intense.

"Many here support Holy Maiden Yunxi," the maid commented, her gaze holding a hint of curiosity as she looked at Qin Wentian. It was as if she wanted to gauge his extraordinary qualities, given that Nanfeng Yunxi had personally extended an invitation to him, signifying her high regard for this young man.

Qin Wentian smiled but didn't respond. After a while, they reached a spacious area where the preparations for the immortal banquet were in full swing. Several heaven's chosen figures conversed on the sidelines, their presence denoting their extraordinary backgrounds. The majority of the guests were elite cultivators from prominent powers in the southern region of the immortal realms.

Qin Wentian spotted familiar faces among the attendees, including Rong Xiao, who had wanted to trade for Purgatory, Shen Yi, and the young man from the Gold Race.

Shen Yi spotted Qin Wentian and his companions and couldn't resist approaching them. A friendly smile graced his face as he greeted them, "So, the three of you are here for the immortal banquet. My name is Shen Yi from the Shen Clan. How should I address you all?"

"I'm Qin Wentian. This is my junior brother, Jun Mengchen, and my younger sister, Purgatory," Qin Wentian introduced his companions.

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, isn't she your servant? Why is she your younger sister now?" Laughter rippled through the air as another familiar face, Rong Xiao, joined the conversation.

"When we met earlier, I thought this vermillion bird referred to you as her master? Is Brother Shen acquainted with them?" Rong Xiao inquired.

"We've met," Shen Yi confirmed with a nod.

"I see," Rong Xiao remarked, his eyes briefly flicking towards Purgatory. Then, he shifted his gaze back to Qin Wentian. "My offer still stands. If you are willing to trade, you can state any price you want."

Qin Wentian's response was curt and unyielding. "I'm afraid you might not be able to afford it."

Rong Xiao chuckled arrogantly. "She's just a mere demonic beast. Even if she was a saint beast, how could I not afford your price?"

Qin Wentian's voice turned icy as he made a bold declaration. "Okay, then. You shall be the price of the trade. From now on, you will become my servant and obey my every command."

The atmosphere tensed as Rong Xiao's smile froze, and his gaze sharpened. He locked eyes with Qin Wentian, and his voice dripped with venom as he retorted, "You want to use a servant demonic beast to trade for me? Are you insulting me?"

But Qin Wentian remained unfazed, his demeanor unwavering as he uttered words of dominance. "You are the one courting humiliation for yourself. In my eyes, even if there were ten of you, you'd still be unworthy compared to Purgatory's value. Who the hell do you think you are?"

Their exchange crackled with tension, drawing the rapt attention of the onlookers, especially the heaven's chosen present.

"This young man seems unfamiliar. I don't recall anyone that matches his profile," some of the spectators whispered, their curiosity piqued.

"Your words are too rude, and you show no respect at all. Were you really invited here by a holy maiden?" Rong Xiao fired back, his tone icy.

Qin Wentian's response was unapologetic. "When people respect me, I will respect them. As to who invited me here? That's none of your business."

Rong Xiao flashed a smile, his eyes locked on Qin Wentian. "Okay then, I shall wait and see."

As the confrontation simmered, several enchanting figures descended upon the scene, their ethereal presence akin to celestial maidens, captivating the attention of all who beheld them.