Qin Heavenly Divine Sect

Yang Chen swiftly fulfilled his promise by upgrading Francis's guest status and providing him with even better accommodations, including a scenic courtyard, a lakeside pavilion, an elegant residence, and a forging hall stocked with superior resources and materials. Yang Chen's thoughtfulness extended to sending maids to attend to Francis's needs. Francis understood that all of this preferential treatment was due to Qin Wentian. It was only because of Qin Wentian that he could enjoy such privileges.

At first, Francis had some doubts about the treatment bestowed upon him by Yang Chen. However, after Qin Wentian passed the 2nd-level divine imprint to him for reference and study, he realized that the value of the 2nd-level divine imprint warranted such remarkable treatment from Yang Chen. Yang Chen's favor was well-deserved.

Qin Wentian and Francis continued their collaboration, forging several more divine weapons. Among them, they crafted a special set of 2nd-level divine equipment for Fan Le: an arm-guard and a concealed spring-loaded arrow that could be stored within the arm-guard. These items were made from exceptionally lightweight materials, ensuring Fan Le felt as comfortable as if he were wearing clothing when using them.

This equipment was designed with Fan Le's close combat weaknesses in mind. Upon receiving it, Fan Le was ecstatic and silently resolved to stick with this talented blacksmith, knowing that treasures and riches would flow abundantly. Consequently, he became more affectionate when addressing Qin Wentian, always referring to him as "Boss" or "Dear Boss" during their encounters.

With everything settled, Qin Wentian was ready to open his 2nd Astral Gate. In the quiet of the night, bathed in the starlight from the nine Astral Rivers that cascaded down, he absorbed Astral Qi from the Heavenly Hammer Constellation in the 5th Heavenly Layer.

Holding Yuan Meteor Stones in both hands, Qin Wentian directed the surging Astral Energy contained within them to flow along his Stellar Meridians. This energy transformed into a formidable Astral Energy Spiral, rushing toward his 2nd Astral Gate and embedding itself in his sea of consciousness. Every human was born with an Astral Gate, and the 2nd Astral Gate would only manifest after reaching the Arterial Circulation Realm. To open the 2nd Astral Gate, one needed to channel an extraordinary amount of Astral Energy along the circular pathway of their connected meridians, flooding them and stimulating the 2nd Astral Gate to open.

The process demanded an astonishing and incredible quantity of Astral Energy, underscoring the importance of cultivation resources. This granted cultivators from prestigious academies and wealthy clans an undeniable edge due to their access to abundant resources.

Within Qin Wentian's sea of consciousness, violent tremors prevailed as he weathered excruciating agony. Cultivation, in its essence, was a path of suffering and torment. Only through enduring trials could one attain strength. Those without an indomitable will and unyielding determination would find themselves unable to traverse the road to becoming truly formidable beings.

Fatty, engrossed in researching and experimenting with his newly crafted concealed arrows, was preoccupied, while Francis delved deep into comprehending the insights of the 2nd-level divine imprint. Solely Little Rascal remained by Qin Wentian's side. The night was serene, a tranquil expanse. Unexpectedly, a radiant aura enveloped Qin Wentian. Resolutely striving to unlock his 2nd Astral Gate, the Astral Energy contained within the pair of Yuan Meteor Stones in his hands was nearly depleted.

As dawn neared, a resounding boom echoed from his sea of consciousness, heralding the successful opening of his 2nd Astral Gate. Collapsing to the ground, a faint smile played on his lips. The 2nd Astral Gate had finally yielded; next up would be the condensation of his 2nd Astral Soul—an achievable feat thanks to his remarkable senses and affinity. "Two 2nd-layer Yuan Meteor Stones, both drained of Astral Energy. Ah, cultivation indeed demands its due resources," he murmured. Little Rascal pounced onto him, playfully sticking out its tongue and appearing utterly adorable.

"Little Rascal, soon you'll be reunited with your cherished Senior Sister Luo Huan," Qin Wentian cooed, patting the creature's head with a smile. The anticipation of entering Emperor Star Academy heightened his excitement.

How was Senior Sister Luo Huan faring?

As for Orfon, there remained an unsettled debt for his "warm reception."

Another image materialized in his mind—a captivating countenance. It was none other than Chu Country's unrivaled beauty, Mo Qingcheng. Appreciation for beautiful girls was natural among men, and he was no exception. Yet, recollections of their last encounter erased the goodwill he once felt.

Throughout the day, Qin Wentian honed the innate techniques of the Dragon Subduing Fist Manual. This section encompassed three strikes, while the innate aspect harbored a technique allowing the practitioner to transform into a fierce and commanding dragon. Exuding a regal aura and wielding incredible strength, the user could reign supreme over all.

During the night, Qin Wentian initiated the process of condensing his second Astral Soul. However, he abstained from immediate condensation. Instead, he preferred to observe, meticulously contemplating the boundless constellations painting the expansive starry canvas.

His sensory awareness soared effortlessly through the 2nd Heavenly Layer. Progressing to the 3rd Heavenly Layer brought mild strain. The 4th Heavenly Layer augmented the pressure, escalating into a throbbing headache at the 5th Heavenly Layer. Each constellation underwent meticulous scrutiny as Qin Wentian examined their emanations. Unfazed, he persevered through the pain, extending his stay within the 5th Heavenly Layer.

With the passage of several days, Qin Wentian's tolerance for the pain grew, allowing him to extend the duration of his connection to the 5th Heavenly Layer.

On a particular night, nine slender needles were delicately inserted into the nine key acupuncture points around his head. This procedure, known as the "Nine-Needle Seal," effectively muted his six senses, leaving his heart as tranquil as a placid lake. Swiftly, he envisioned a pathway paved with Astral Light, which his senses used as a conduit to traverse towards the Astral Rivers.

During this moment, Qin Wentian didn't linger in the initial Heavenly Layers but ascended directly to the 5th Layer of Heaven. The tremendous pressure compressed him, rendering him breathless, as if his skull were on the brink of shattering. He understood that, currently, he lacked the qualifications to establish an innate connection with the constellations of the 6th Heavenly Layer. His realm was confined to the 5th Heavenly Layer.

Among the constellations on this layer, two stood out:

The Demonic Ape Constellation, whose Astral Soul conferred formidable boosts to both offense and defense.

The Lightning Revenant Constellation, bestowing its wielder with the might of lightning.

Qin Wentian's senses projected an Astral Form amidst the stars. He spotted a constellation resembling a colossal figure, enveloped in arcs of dazzling lightning and thunder. This constellation enticed him, tempting him to condense it. With an innate link to this constellation, the Astral Energy absorbed would be imbued with the element of lightning, ideal for tempering his body.

Constellations from higher layers held more potent Astral Energy and often possessed unique and extraordinary attributes.

Resisting this allure, Qin Wentian's Astral Projection momentarily disregarded the Lightning Revenant Constellation. He continued his exploration of the Astral Space. Suddenly, he detected an anomalous constellation in the form of a slumbering human. A single glance induced drowsiness, gradually encroaching upon his mind. His consciousness flickered, no longer under his command.

"Dream Cast Constellation."

Involuntarily, Qin Wentian entered a dreamlike state as his senses forged an innate connection with the Dream Cast Constellation. In this dream, he floated amid the starry expanse, absorbing Qi from the Dream Cast Constellation, forging an unbreakable bond between them.

The dream extended for an extended period, but for Qin Wentian, it transcended mere dreams; it was his reality.

In this altered state, he retrieved more Yuan Meteor Stones and activated the tiny Astral-Being within his sea of consciousness. The entity exhibited insatiable hunger, voraciously absorbing copious amounts of Astral Energy. Two Astral Gates stood nearby, each housing an Astral Soul.

Finally, the tiny Astral-Being activated, allowing Qin Wentian's consciousness to enter it.

This time, no new memories were imparted. Instead, a grand tableau unfurled before him.

He beheld a magnificent Ancestral Gate atop a sacred mountain, its peak seemingly piercing the heavens. The mountain exuded a vibrant, imposing vitality, as if it dared to challenge both heaven and earth.

"Qin Heavenly Divine Sect."

Four words adorned the stone columns of this imposing Ancestral Gate, radiating an indomitable aura. From the energy emanating from these words alone, it was evident that the engraver possessed unimaginable strength.

In front of the majestic Ancestral Gate, a group of formidable cultivators materialized, arrogantly hovering in the air. Dazzling halos enveloped them as they summoned their Astral Souls. These Astral Souls were unlike any Qin Wentian had ever seen; their categories and types lay beyond his understanding. These Astral Souls transformed into Celestial Phenomena, manifesting as Heavenly Manifestations. The entire world became suffused with the actual embodiment of their Constellations, a sight that struck Qin Wentian with the stark contrast of his own insignificance.

This gathering of supreme beings encircled a middle-aged figure.

This middle-aged figure danced gracefully in the sky, eyes ablaze with vitality. Confronting these ultimate existences, he exuded an aura of dominance as if he were a monarch, and they, his subjects. A blinding radiance enveloped his entire form, casting him as the deity of this world.

Suddenly, the entire realm transformed into a cosmos of Manifested Constellations. The middle-aged man radiated divine light, encircled by countless Constellations. Even his casual palm strikes reverberated through the void, as though they could rend the very fabric of existence. With each strike, countless constellations blinked out, and with another powerful punch, those encircling him disintegrated into dust.

Terrifying! That single blow seemed like divine retribution, extinguishing the Heavenly Manifestations and erasing all life. Though Qin Wentian couldn't feel the divine pressure, he could only bear witness as this chaotic and overwhelming force annihilated everything.

But in an instant, a powerful surge of mental energy disrupted the scene, causing it to flicker out of existence. Qin Wentian felt as though he were within the consciousness of the tiny Astral-Being, absorbing fragmented memories into his own mind before being abruptly expelled.

"Hu..." Qin Wentian regained his composure and opened his eyes, only to find Fatty's disheveled face looming over him.

"What the heck are you doing?" Qin Wentian involuntarily shuddered. Fatty grinned and moved his face away from Qin Wentian. Only then did Qin Wentian realize that he was lying on the ground.

"Qin Wentian, you're a champion sleeper. You've been out cold for three whole days," Fatty exclaimed, sounding slightly exasperated.

What frustrated him was that during Qin Wentian's slumber, the nine silvery needles had remained lodged in his head, allowing starlight from the constellations to continuously flow into him.

Merely being around Qin Wentian made Fatty want to nod off as well. Little Rascal, with utter disregard for Fatty's dignity, had fallen asleep long ago, sprawled out beside Qin Wentian.