Attempting Creation

Qin Wentian currently stood at the 6th level of Arterial Circulation. A year from now, given his exceptional talent, he should ascend to the peak of Arterial Circulation. This year-long window allowed him to solidify and stabilize his cultivation base, gain deeper insights into enhancing his Astral Souls for battle support. Only then could he realistically vie for the top spot in the grand banquet.

"Are we truly going to place our hopes in the hands of others?" Qin Wentian murmured, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. His firsthand experience with Luo Qianqiu's formidable strength lingered in his mind. Even when Luo Qianqiu had held back, his power was astonishing. Had Qin Wentian not seized the initiative during their third clash, the outcome could have been dire. Moreover, Luo Qianqiu's intentions were clear, meaning he would undoubtedly strive to augment his power during these remaining months.

Luo Qianqiu's affiliation with the Nine Mystical Palace made Qin Wentian cautious. He knew better than to underestimate his opponent; Luo Qianqiu undoubtedly harbored hidden cards.

"Even if my chances of becoming champion this year are slim, I must still strive for it," Qin Wentian declared with determination.

"I concur," Mustang nodded. "However, keep in mind that the grand banquet poses certain risks. Both Luo Qianqiu and Orchon, among others, will undoubtedly participate. Treat it as part of your training and withdraw if it becomes too perilous. Remember, caution is paramount."

After all, the Emperor Star Academy had placed exceptionally high expectations on Qin Wentian. Mustang understood the gravity of those expectations. The 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion was the gateway to the 8th and 9th levels.

Throughout the academy's long history, no student had ever reached the 9th level. The top echelons of the Emperor Star Academy longed for the day when a student of exceptional character and unparalleled talent would emerge, possibly making history.

"Teacher, with my current status, can I visit the 6th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion?" A mischievous grin crept across Qin Wentian's face, prompting a wry roll of Mustang's eyes.

"Using the backdoor approach, are we?" Mustang teased. "Now that you can inscribe 3rd level imprints, Yuan Meteor Stones shouldn't be an issue for you. Perhaps you should consider making some contributions to the academy as well."

Qin Wentian's face fell upon hearing Mustang's words. Mustang, however, continued, "How about this? You upgrade your medallion to the 4th level by your own merits, and when it comes to the 5th level, just let the elder in charge know that I granted you access. As for the 6th level, figure it out yourself."

"Thank you, Teacher," Qin Wentian replied with a grateful smile. The 5th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion meant the opportunity to study mid-tier earth-grade innate techniques.

But Fan Le couldn't contain himself. He interjected with enthusiasm, pointing at himself and winking. "What about me, Teacher?"

Mustang turned his gaze towards Fan Le, his expression unchanging. "You stay here and focus on cultivating. With enough dedication, your cultivation might even catch up to Qin Wentian's."

Fan Le nodded with a wry smile. During Qin Wentian's absence, Mustang had personally guided and coached him in cultivation. Mustang's care and support had deeply moved Fan Le.

Luo Huan joined in with laughter. Despite Fan Le's laziness, his talent was undeniably impressive. He had already reached the 5th level of Arterial Circulation, making him one of the top students among the newcomers.

"Fatty, I'll help you raise your medallion to the 4th level," Qin Wentian offered.

Fan Le beamed. "That's my brother!"

"Teacher, we'll take our leave now," Qin Wentian and Fan Le bid farewell as they departed with Luo Huan.

Mustang watched them go and then returned his attention to the large circle he had drawn. Neither Qin Wentian nor Fan Le had inquired about the circle's significance. They didn't want to aim too high. Even the Nine Mystical Palace was beyond their reach. The power represented by that gigantic circle was something they couldn't fathom.

Once Qin Wentian and his companions had left, a figure appeared behind Mustang.

Mustang glanced back and smiled at the newcomer. "Old man Ren, why not let that young fellow raise his jade medallion's level on his own?"

Evidently, Mustang's use of his name was a ruse. In truth, the Emperor Star Academy had already arranged a backdoor for Qin Wentian.

"He's already mastered the 3rd imprint of the Thousand-Hands Imprint, a mid-tier, earth-grade innate technique. The 5th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion suits him well. I just hope he matures quickly. It'd be ideal if the upcoming grand banquet puts immense pressure on him, as pressure is one of the fastest ways to grow," Ren Qianxing spoke with wisdom. "I hope my judgment this time can make up for the mistake I made in the past."

Mustang looked at Ren Qianxing and sighed inwardly. It seemed that old man Ren still carried the weight of blame for nurturing Luo Qianqiu's father's talent, and the wound from that past mistake still stung.

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After upgrading his medallion to the 5th level, Qin Wentian returned to the Heavenly Star Pavilion. This time, he decided to delve into two more mid-tier, earth-grade innate techniques. His mastery of the 3rd imprint of the Thousand-Hand Imprint indicated his ability to comprehend techniques of this caliber.

First was the "Falling Mountain Palms," an innate technique that gained potency with the user's cultivation base. When cultivated to its peak, every palm strike would possess the crushing might of a mountain.

Qin Wentian selected this technique because it happened to align with a Divine Imprint he possessed. This particular Divine Imprint, a mountain-type one, was at the 2nd level. Initially, Qin Wentian had struggled with its slow condensation speed and the vast consumption of Astral Energy. Yet, during his battle with Luo Qianqiu, even a small fraction of Divine Energy condensed by the mountain-type imprint had displayed formidable power.

With his growing proficiency in the Spirit Refinement Method, Qin Wentian knew it was only a matter of time before he reached the 2nd level. At that point, the rate of condensing Divine Energy using the mountain-type imprint would surge. Currently, he could store the compacted Divine Energy as a hidden trump card.

The second choice was the "Berserker Beast Halberd Technique," comprised of four stances and 36 transformations: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise (Xuanwu). Each stance included nine transformations, enabling the user to move swiftly, simultaneously attacking and defending. This technique was well-suited for combat.

The Heavenly Star Pavilion offered an array of innate techniques, including those for swords, sabres, spears, and halberds. Given the Heavenly Hammer Soul's emphasis on sheer force, it complemented the halberd's brutal aura perfectly. Qin Wentian was drawn to this technique due to its compatibility with his style.

With the Thousand-Hands Imprint for offense, the Falling Mountain Palms for simple attacks, the Berserker Beast Halberd Technique for versatility, and the Garuda Movement Technique for mobility, Qin Wentian's martial prowess was poised to soar as he dedicated himself to mastering these innate techniques.

Three days had passed, and Qin Wentian found himself in a unique courtyard within the Emperor Star Academy. He sat serenely beside a tranquil pond, his eyes closed, completely oblivious to the outside world.

Upon reaching the 4th level of his jade medallion, he gained the privilege to select a unique courtyard for his residence.

Yet, he wasn't merely resting; within the confines of his dream world, an expansive ocean surged violently against a shore. Amidst the tumultuous waves, a figure brandished an ancient halberd with the grace of a martial deity. Each of his movements resonated with the ferocity of a raging tiger. Every thrust was a symphony of thunderous roars, reminiscent of a horde of infuriated tigers.

As a colossal wave crashed towards him, the figure shifted his stance, repelling wind and water alike. Before him, a manifestation of the mighty Xuanwu Black Tortoise devoured the sea's onslaught.

With a determined stride, he transformed into a Garuda, soaring into the sky with a deafening roar. The ancient halberd morphed into the Azure Dragon, unleashing numerous azure dragons that crashed into the ocean waves.

Finally, he landed gracefully on the shore and seated himself.

This figure was none other than Qin Wentian.

In his dream world, Qin Wentian allowed his imagination to run wild. He envisioned himself far stronger than he was in reality, wielding the full might of his innate techniques. This immersive experience amplified his understanding of these techniques.

His gaze shifted from the dreamy night sky to the unique heavens depicted in the Landscape Pictograph.

Within this landscape, every brushstroke conjured mountains and rivers, harboring countless peerless innate techniques.

Qin Wentian became increasingly engrossed in deciphering these insights, sinking into a profound state of meditation.

The brushstrokes within the landscape seemed to intermingle, forming runic lines akin to Divine Imprints. These Divine Imprints, much like those inscribed on Divine Weapons, could be used to generate Divine Energy.

Qin Wentian noticed that his utilization of innate techniques was remarkably similar to manipulating Divine Imprints on Divine Weapons. For instance, the Falling Mountain Palms allowed the control of Astral Energy to manifest a towering mountain peak that crashed down upon foes. This resembled the time he conjured a mountain with the sliver of mountain-type Divine Energy during his duel with Luo Qianqiu. The only distinction was the complexity of the Falling Mountain Palms, yet its effects mirrored those of Divine Imprints.

Qin Wentian entertained a daring hypothesis: Could innate techniques have evolved from Divine Imprints?

As he gazed upon the Landscape Pictograph in the celestial canvas of his dreamscape, his meditation grew even more profound.

If others were to notice this peculiar phenomenon, they might not give it much thought. And even if they did, they wouldn't delve into it as deeply as Qin Wentian. After all, not every Stellar Martial Cultivator possessed his unique combination of abilities: the Spirit Refinement Method, the Landscape Pictograph, and an Astral Soul specialized in forging, providing him with unparalleled insights into weapon craftsmanship.

Three days elapsed, and although Qin Wentian hadn't arrived at a definitive answer, he felt far from despondent. In fact, he was elated because his understanding of innate techniques had deepened substantially. He had managed to create his own unique thought processes, viewing these techniques from an entirely fresh perspective.

Within his dreamscape, Qin Wentian began to etch runic lines onto the ground. Each stroke contained a mysterious surge of energy. This time, he didn't inscribe the Divine Imprints into his body; instead, he channeled them directly from his imagination through the movements of his hands.

The core principle of Divine Imprints was perfection. Every line and curve had to be flawless for a Divine Imprint to function correctly. Even the slightest deviation or imperfection in the inscription would render the Divine Imprint ineffective. Consequently, Qin Wentian's attempt to create an entire Divine Imprint solely through his own understanding and power posed an immense challenge. Nonetheless, he remained resolute in his desire to try.

After all, was the Landscape Pictograph that adorned his dreamscape not a creation powered by the imagination and comprehension of the enigmatic green-robed middle-aged sage?