Sacred Luminance

Sacred Luminance . . .

The group stood patiently by Little Rascal's side, watching as it underwent a profound transformation, shedding its old form and emerging as something altogether more imposing. Little Rascal exuded a baleful aura that hinted at the presence of a demon king.

The Southern Phoenix Clan, a mighty ancient clan in the immortal realms, had endured for countless ages, possessing extensive records that chronicled the history of these realms from time immemorial. As such, Nanfeng Yunxi's knowledge surpassed that of most prodigies.

"Perhaps it's connected to the ancient experts. This information isn't within my reach; only immortal emperors might hold the complete story," Nanfeng Yunxi murmured, her voice hushed. Despite her peak Celestial Phenomenon cultivation, she remained a junior in the immortal realms, unable to access many of its ancient secrets, thanks to her clan's restrictions.

Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. They continued to wait until Little Rascal finally emerged from the blood pool. The transformation had fortified its bones and flesh, imbuing it with even greater power. Lifting its head, it let out a triumphant roar, its eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Let's move forward and explore," Qin Wentian suggested. The group ventured ahead, fully aware that the Antiquity City beneath the stars held countless enigmas. They encountered a peculiar sight: a shattered saber thrust into the ground, radiating a daunting, devilish aura. A formidable field of saber qi surrounded the broken blade, capable of rending anything to pieces. Qin Wentian and his companions dared not approach, sensing that their bodies might be sliced apart if they got too close. Such treasures had surely gained sentience, making any hopes of claiming them a distant dream.

The eerie hum emanating from the broken saber sounded like mournful weeping. Even as Qin Wentian's group moved farther away, they could still discern the palpable might of the devilish weapon.

In the distance, they heard a gentle, melodious gurgling sound. Though soft, it was oddly soothing. Turning their gaze, they were momentarily awestruck to discover an astral river. Its luminous flow descended like liquid light, resembling countless cascading waterfalls formed from intricate runes. However, upon touching the ground, the radiant streams inexplicably vanished into nothingness.

"Is that an astral river?" Zi Qingxuan's voice trembled with excitement as they gazed at the radiant spectacle before them. Nanfeng Yunxi, too, couldn't tear her eyes away from the boundless runic light and the cascading phenomenon. Her heart raced, making even breathing a challenge.

Sensing Nanfeng Yunxi's unusual state, Qin Wentian turned to her and inquired, "Nanfeng, do you recognize this?"

"I once came across a similar image in an ancient scroll, but it was just an illustration. If I'm right, what we've stumbled upon is truly a miracle," Nanfeng Yunxi responded gravely. "According to legends, above the nine heavens, there exists a divine radiance known as Sacred Luminance. It can cleanse mortal bodies, refining and transforming them. If my deduction is correct, this astral river of light is none other than the Sacred Luminance. It's an ethereal existence—unreachable and unattainable."

"Sacred Luminance possesses the power to purify and enhance our bodies, unlocking our latent potential. The stronger one's cultivation, the greater the benefits reaped from a baptism in this sacred radiance. Stellar martial cultivators experience ongoing growth, repeatedly tapping into their potential, increasing their chances of evolution. Immortal emperors and kings are already endowed with tremendous potential. If they were to undergo the Sacred Luminance's baptism, they could make a quantum leap, ascending to the ranks of supreme immortal kings or emperors."

Nanfeng Yunxi elaborated, her voice filled with longing. "Unfortunately, we can't take the Sacred Luminance with us. Otherwise, my Southern Phoenix Clan could potentially become the most dominant force in the vast expanse of the immortal realms."

"That powerful?" Qin Wentian's expression stiffened. The Sacred Luminance was an immensely sacred existence. Unfortunately, it resided in the first level of the City of Ancient Emperors, in the remote Antiquity City in the sky. The chances of encountering it were astonishingly slim.

"Yes, undoubtedly. If the Sacred Luminance were to manifest in the outside world, it would undoubtedly trigger chaotic wars among the most supreme powers, all vying to claim it for themselves," Nanfeng Yunxi added, her eyes shimmering with intensity. She continued, "We're incredibly fortunate to stumble upon it. Although we are only ascendants at present, our potential doesn't compare to those who've already achieved immortality. Nevertheless, we can use it to aid our ascension. This process will be significantly smoother than the norm."

"Let's not waste any more time. We should attempt it now," Jun Mengchen urged impatiently.

"Exercise caution, everyone. The Sacred Luminance is a divine radiance from ancient legends. We can't predict if it holds any dangers. It's wise to proceed carefully," Nanfeng Yunxi cautioned. Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. "Nanfeng is right. This ancient holy light warrants our caution."

As they drew closer to the Sacred Luminance, its holy aura intensified. They marveled at its splendor, pondering the immense power that had driven countless ancient emperors into a frenzy.

"I'll go first," Qin Wentian declared. He emanated his aura, bathing in an intense light as he stepped boldly into the Sacred Luminance. The radiant curtain enveloped him instantly.

"ARGH!" A tortured cry pierced the air, sending shockwaves through Qing'er, Nanfeng Yunxi, and the others. Qing'er, in particular, turned pale, her heart racing, and she made to rush forward. Yet, Nanfeng Yunxi gripped her arm and advised, "Wait!"

With trepidation, Qing'er halted and peered ahead. The luminous cascade continued, seeping into Qin Wentian's body. In a matter of moments, the supreme physique he possessed appeared to be riddled with tiny, gaping holes, as though he struggled to withstand the ancient power of the Sacred Luminance.

"Be cautious. The Sacred Luminance disrupts the body's equilibrium!" Qin Wentian's urgent warning echoed as Nanfeng Yunxi and the others proceeded with utmost care.

The brilliance of the Sacred Luminance engulfed Qin Wentian, shattering the equilibrium within his body. It proved far from the simple experience he had envisioned. While the Sacred Luminance possessed the capacity to unlock his latent potential, the ultimate outcome hinged on his own resilience.

The agonizing torment would have driven many into unconsciousness, shattering their willpower.

But Qin Wentian was resolute, clenching his teeth against the pain. His entire form trembled, disintegrating into fragments before undergoing rebirth. His blood pulsed, transmuting boundless astral energy into a miniature astral river that flowed through his body, purging impurities and infusing his blood and bones.

"ARGHH!" Cries of pain echoed as each of them, one by one, ventured into the Sacred Luminance, undergoing the same excruciating process as Qin Wentian. Their unyielding wills and determination enabled them to endure this hellish agony. Without strong willpower, the radiance of baptism would transform into the radiance of death.

Hovering in mid-air, they bathed in the holy light, their bodies convulsing involuntarily as pain etched lines of suffering onto their faces. Each person guarded their psyche with utmost vigilance, refusing to allow even a hint of distraction to breach their minds, as the risk of obliteration loomed.

The waves of torment surged ceaselessly. Their bodies underwent cycles of destruction and rebirth, their blood seething and surging, their bones growing significantly more robust, and their skin taking on a jade-like luster, exuding a divine radiance.

"ARGHHHHH!" Terrifying roars erupted from within Qin Wentian's body. An image of a colossal primordial-era demon materialized, enshrouding him. Simultaneously, an enigmatic, pure-white energy cocooned him. Qin Wentian had limited control over this white energy, which appeared to possess the power of regeneration, granting him an extraordinary rate of recovery and rendering him immune to all toxins and poisons. It harbored immense destructive potential when utilized for attack.

These two potent forces coursed through every fiber of Qin Wentian's being. The formidable suppressive energy merged with the Fiendgod Body Refinement Art, both flourishing within him. Gradually, these powers condensed into runes etched onto his bones and embedded within his body, resembling divine energy particles.

Currently, a radiant tapestry of runic light enveloped Qin Wentian's physique, elevating his resilience to unprecedented heights.

Rumble~ The astral radiance emanating from his four great constellations came into view. Under the Sacred Luminance's influence, these constellations gradually became ensconced in intricate runes. Among them, the suppressive annihilation constellation, in particular, shone resplendently, outshining the others. Its radiant aura cascaded down onto Qin Wentian, brimming with an overpowering, suppressive force, further honing his physical form.

Little Rascal, beside Qin Wentian, also experienced a remarkable transformation. It emitted ceaseless roars as its already substantial body expanded further, releasing a deluge of baleful energy that soared into the heavens.

Zi Qingxuan, however, appeared to be in a less favorable condition. She was incessantly coughing up blood, yet she steadfastly gritted her teeth and persevered. Her body teetered on the precipice of total disintegration, but an unwavering determination sparkled in her eyes. The Sacred Luminance, a legendary divine phenomenon, presented an opportunity that came but once in a millennium. How could she contemplate surrender? She resolved to endure until the very end.

Compared to her companions, Zi Qingxuan's innate talent was slightly inferior. Nonetheless, as a disciple of the Heavenly Talisman Realm, her potential was exceedingly remarkable. Indeed, only those endowed with extraordinary talent and potential could withstand this baptism.

Upon successfully doing so, their latent potential would be awakened, triggering yet another transformative phase in their journey.