Who Isn’t Qualified?

Who Isn't Qualified? . . . 

As Huang Shatian's hand descended, an immediate eruption of turmoil ensued.

Mighty tempests of immortal energy surged across the heavens and earth as both factions distanced themselves from one another, extending the battlefield into a vast expanse. At their level of power, their attacks possessed immense areas of effect. When they fought in groups, they required ample space to maneuver.

Spectators in the distance hastened their retreat, wary of the potential aftershocks from the impending clashes. Numerous figures from both sides ascended into the skies, their auras conjuring powerful storms that surged forward.

Huang Shatian loomed high above, radiating an unrivaled presence. Huang Wudi and his companions advanced, cutting a path toward Qin Wentian's group.

"Do these individuals dare to defy the sacred academy's rules?" Onlookers watched in astonishment, their hearts trembling. Not long ago, the sacred academy's overwhelming authority had suppressed everyone, announcing that slaughter was strictly forbidden. Yet, here were these individuals, preparing to initiate a conflict immediately afterward. Were they disregarding the academy's regulations?

Particularly after Huang Shatian's declaration that he intended to eliminate Qing'er first, followed by Qin Wentian. He even insisted that Qing'er kneel and confess her guilt.

He was Huang Shatian, and when he made a proclamation, it was no mere idle threat. He possessed the audacity to follow through.

In this moment, Huang Shatian and Qin Wentian remained motionless in midair.

As he gazed at Qin Wentian, an undeniable arrogance flickered in Huang Shatian's eyes. "Did you believe you could stand against me? In my eyes, you're insignificant—little more than a corpse."

His words hung in the air, his attention shifting directly to Qing'er, effectively dismissing Qin Wentian. Surrounding Qing'er, Mo Ziyan, Qi Da, and several other experts stood guard.

If Huang Shatian declared his intention to kill Qing'er, he would surely act upon it. Though Qing'er had significantly improved her strength through her transformation, briefly tapping into the power of an Immortal King, she still couldn't compare to Huang Shatian.

Huang Shatian had already reached the pinnacle of the sacred academy—a peak Immortal Foundation expert. Briefly touching the Immortal King realm's gate had granted him control over a trace of Immortal King's power. He was in a league of his own, beyond Qing'er's fifth-level capabilities. Killing her would be as effortless as a flick of his hand.

"I intend to kill her. Do any of you truly believe you can stop me?" Supreme spatial law energy radiated from Huang Shatian, casting a golden glow around him. He advanced, disappearing through spatial rifts, bypassing Qin Wentian, and materializing before Qing'er. His entire being exuded an aura of law, encased in formidable fluctuations.

Qin Wentian's form shimmered with radiant divinity. His outstretched palm conjured innumerable ancient characters that blotted out the sky. This formidable palm strike surged toward Huang Shatian, aiming to annihilate him.

The brilliant radiance enveloping Huang Shatian intensified. He transformed into a human emperor, a manifestation of laws themselves. As Qin Wentian's powerful palm descended, the spatial law under Huang Shatian's control consumed the palm's energy, disintegrating the attack into nothingness. Qin Wentian's devastating strike never even made contact with Huang Shatian's body.

So, what made Qin Wentian think he could stand against Huang Shatian?

As they beheld this unfolding spectacle, the truth became crystal clear to everyone present. With Huang Shatian's return, no matter how brightly Qin Wentian's star might have shone, he was now destined to play the role of a mere backdrop, enhancing the brilliance of Huang Shatian.

For those at the peak of the Immortal Foundation realm who had briefly grazed the gates of the Immortal King realm, they had already transcended ordinary ninth-level immortals. It was as though they stood at the threshold of the Immortal King realm itself.

In the world of cultivation, it was universally acknowledged that each higher level of cultivation marked a qualitative leap from the preceding one.

Immortal Kings occupied the next echelon, their capacity to vanquish Immortal Foundation individuals almost trivial. There was no Immortal Foundation character capable of holding their own against an Immortal King, even with the aid of supreme treasures. Thus, although Huang Shatian had yet to formally step into the Immortal King realm, his contact with the gate had elevated him to a position that genuinely represented the pinnacle of the Immortal Foundation realm.

How could Qin Wentian even dream of comparing himself to such a figure?

Huang Shatian had returned, and there was no one in the Southern Phoenix Alliance who could stand in his way.

A deafening "BOOM" reverberated as formidable spatial barriers materialized, ensnaring Qin Wentian within a formidable enclosure. Emperor's light burst forth from Huang Shatian, seeking to tear apart his adversary. Qin Wentian's countenance grew serious, and numerous ancient suppression characters materialized to shield him from the emperor's light. Yet, in that very moment, Huang Shatian paid him no heed, dismissing his presence as he moved away, leaving only a hazy silhouette.

"I will deal with you later," Huang Shatian stated calmly, as though discussing a trifling matter. 

The daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor had slain Youdi. Consequently, she would be his first target before he turned his attention to Qin Wentian. All of them would pay a steep price.

Regarding the academy's anger, he had heard their announcement. Those who violated the rules would face expulsion?

Expulsion, as in being ejected from the Sacred Academy?

For Huang Shatian, he had already achieved everything he aimed for here. Even if he departed from the academy now, he would inevitably reach the Immortal King realm independently. His self-assurance was boundless, and even if he were expelled, he would still be the incomparably dazzling and supreme genius known as Huang Shatian.

Qin Wentian sensed the tremendous force behind Huang Shatian's attack. He fully grasped that, with his current cultivation at the sixth level, despite the potential of his innate techniques and the mastery of his arts, even with the fusion of his ultimate art, it wasn't nearly enough to bridge the chasm between him and someone who stood at the pinnacle of the Immortal Foundation realm, wielding a trace of Immortal King's might.

Observing Huang Shatian continuing his advance toward Qing'er, Qin Wentian closed his eyes. In an instant, massive tidal waves surged within him, and his entire form was cloaked in a blood-red radiance. An unparalleled demonic pressure surged into the atmosphere, ascending to the very heavens.

As Qin Wentian released his immortal foundation, an ominous, blood-colored light surged into it, enveloping his entire body. This abrupt transformation sent shockwaves through the onlookers, and they couldn't help but recoil in astonishment. The aura that emanated from him was undeniably terrifying.

His pupils underwent a demonic transformation, and when he looked up into the sky, a radiant astral soul materialized above his immortal foundation. Wisps of the blood-colored light ascended towards the heavens, as if attempting to bridge a connection with the nine celestial layers.

In response, torrents of astral radiance descended, accompanied by a thunderous rumble that reverberated throughout the area.

"BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" The ferocious energy instantly transformed into a tempestuous, demonic wind that swept through the heart of the academy. Amidst the raging wind, numerous Greater Demons materialized, each exuding immense power. When these demonic beings opened their eyes, a glint of cruelty gleamed within their gazes.

Many who were engaged in combat paused to glance in Qin Wentian's direction. Members of the Southern Phoenix Alliance wore expressions of surprise and elation, while those from the White Tiger Alliance displayed twisted, displeased countenances. The cultivation levels of these Greater Demons were undeniably fearsome; it was as if an army of supreme Greater Demons had descended upon the scene.

Initially, Huang Shatian had launched his assault on Qing'er, but several experts surrounding her had retaliated, attempting to thwart his advances. At this moment, Huang Shatian turned his gaze back to Qin Wentian, his expression betraying a subtle shift.

"You claim you've never regarded me as your opponent, asserting that I lack the qualifications. You want to take the life of my beloved without anyone interfering. Well then, allow me to clarify: I, too, have never considered you, Huang Shatian, as my adversary. You are merely an obstacle I'll either surpass or eliminate sooner or later. If I were to describe you as an 'opponent,' that would be overestimating your worth. Today, I intend to deal with Huang Wudi. Who can stand in my way?"

Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with an ominous, demonic light, sending shivers down the spines of those who beheld him.

Was it true that Qin Wentian was no match for Huang Shatian?

Did he truly lack the qualifications to confront him?

If that were the case, why had he dared to return in such a commanding manner, leading the experts of the Southern Phoenix Alliance back to the academy?

Why had he dared to initiate a bloody conflict right here within the sacred academy?

As they heard Qin Wentian's resolute words, those who witnessed this scene couldn't help but sense his fierce pride. While the world might have believed he was unworthy of being Huang Shatian's adversary, his heart clearly held a different conviction. Huang Shatian was simply an opponent he had to overcome or eliminate, nothing more.

If Qin Wentian had uttered these words earlier, most would have dismissed them as grandiose boasting, a clear sign of his ignorance about the vastness of the world. However, the current scene left everyone contemplating the truth behind his statement. Was Qin Wentian truly as egotistical and unaware as they initially thought?

Here he stood, possessing remarkable strength at the mere sixth level of immortal foundation. If he lacked the qualifications, who could claim to possess them?

If he were to break through to the ninth level, would there be anyone left within the sacred academy who could dare to challenge him?

Even Huang Shatian?

In the hypothetical scenario of Qin Wentian reaching the ninth level, it was highly likely that even Huang Shatian wouldn't be able to contend with him.

Currently, in the realm of immortal foundation, Qin Wentian still had three levels of potential strength left to unlock. In contrast, Huang Shatian had likely reached his zenith.

A resounding roar echoed through the air as the terrifying Greater Demons surged forward, their voices shaking the very ground. Several of these formidable creatures charged toward Huang Wudi, while others engaged in combat with the White Tiger Alliance's experts. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian, like a deity of darkness, advanced relentlessly toward Huang Wudi.

Some individuals would inevitably have to face the consequences of their actions.

Huang Shatian had declared his intention to eliminate Qing'er with the belief that no one could halt him. In response, Qin Wentian targeted Huang Wudi. He was determined to prove whether there was anyone capable of obstructing him.

Huang Wudi, a formidable figure at the ninth level of immortal foundation, might have once overshadowed others. However, in this moment, he found himself the prey in Qin Wentian's sights. Observers swiftly recognized that there was a high likelihood of Qin Wentian succeeding in his mission to vanquish Huang Wudi.

Upon seeing Qin Wentian approaching, Huang Wudi unleashed his immortal foundation and channeled his immortal energy to its maximum potential. His emperor's radiance surged with overwhelming power, summoning a human emperor's sword into his grasp. He swung the sword with the intent to obliterate everything, targeting Qin Wentian.

Yet, in that very instant, layers of demonic light enveloped Qin Wentian, converging to form a colossal silhouette of a demonic protector. When Huang Wudi's attack struck, it failed to breach Qin Wentian's formidable defense.

The astonishing truth became evident: the mighty Huang Wudi couldn't even penetrate Qin Wentian's defenses. With this realization, how could he hope to engage in a battle?