Unable to block my path

Unable to block my path...

In this moment, only four contenders stood ahead of Qin Wentian in the rankings – Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, Chu Chen, and Orchon. These four were undeniably the most formidable in the eyes of the audience. However, a new factor had emerged in the equation – Qin Wentian.

"Qin Wentian's strength should still be sufficient to handle Orchon," the spectators mused, "but if he aims for one of the top three spots, it's nearly impossible. We all witnessed the incredible power Chu Chen displayed earlier."

As these speculations circulated through the crowd, the aged figure standing beside Chu Tianjiao announced that Qin Wentian would be facing Orchon.

A longstanding grudge simmered between Orchon and Qin Wentian. Back when Qin Wentian had just arrived in the Royal Capital and participated in the Martial Academies' Selection Examination, Orchon had arrogantly sat at the pinnacle, looking down on everyone. In Orchon's eyes, Qin Wentian was a mere ant, unworthy of his attention.

However, within a short year, Qin Wentian had risen to the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet, now standing before Orchon. This turn of events left people astounded, especially Orchon himself.

Without exchanging a single word, Orchon thrust his spear toward Qin Wentian. The two combatants needed no verbal exchange; their intentions were painfully clear – they sought each other's lives.

The long spear shattered the very fabric of reality, unfurling like a blossoming lotus. The radiant spear light once again illuminated the stage, shining as brightly as before.

Orchon unleashed his first attack with explosive force, catching many by surprise. To their amazement, Qin Wentian had the same idea as Orchon, immediately employing the Mountain Splitter technique. His halberd strike was akin to the skill of a seasoned master, creating a fierce gale upon collision with Orchon's spear light.

Orchon's spear quivered, and once more, the lotus blooms of spear light surged forth in an eternal cycle. Qin Wentian's Mountain Splitter attack, powered by the Mountain-type Divine Yuan Energy, showcased the incredible strength Orchon possessed to match it.

Both combatants stood their ground, refusing to yield even an inch. For the third time, their attacks met in a furious clash. This time, Qin Wentian spun the ancient halberd slightly, locking down Orchon's spear with the moon blades attached to its tip. He then hurled the halberd aside, opting to disarm them both. With the Garuda Movement Technique, Qin Wentian charged straight at Orchon.

"KILL!" Qin Wentian bellowed, releasing a sword ray. Orchon's expression froze, and he hastily countered with both palms, dispelling the sword ray.

Rumble! The overwhelming mountain-type Divine Energy surged as Qin Wentian retaliated with his Falling Mountain Palms. Orchon struggled; his close combat skills were no match for Qin Wentian's. Deprived of his weapon, he had no choice but to engage Qin Wentian palm to palm.

Boom! Orchon felt his arms quiver under the impact. Qin Wentian continued to fire sword rays relentlessly as Orchon retreated desperately, attempting to put distance between them. But Qin Wentian seized the opportunity, stabbing forth with a finger. Mysterious energy imbued that attack, casting Orchon into a trance-like state.

The finger strike combined the sharpness of a sword with the might of an ancient halberd, aiming to shatter everything.

"Orchon, withdraw!" A hoarse voice called out. Orchon froze, then hastily retreated. Nonetheless, Qin Wentian's finger attack still landed on his palms, piercing through and causing fresh blood to flow unabated from the wound.

Boom! Qin Wentian's left palm crashed forward, and a look of despair washed over Orchon's face as the strike landed squarely on his body. His internal organs quaked violently from the impact, sending him hurtling through the air.

Qin Wentian showed no mercy, soaring through the air toward Orchon as the latter's face contorted in agony.

"I CONCEDE!" Orchon roared in anger. Qin Wentian was inches away from finishing him off when the words escaped Orchon's lips. Qin Wentian gracefully touched down on the platform, while Orchon crashed heavily onto the ground.

In this round, victory belonged to Qin Wentian.

Orchon slowly picked himself up, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood, his countenance a twisted mask of shame and defeat. He had actually lost to Qin Wentian, the very thought sending waves of humiliation washing over him.

As Qin Wentian reached the platform's edge and looked down at Orchon, the latter's face turned ashen. He felt an overwhelming sense of disdain in Qin Wentian's gaze, which intensified his humiliation.

"A year ago, you sat atop your warhorse, pointing your spear at me, a participant in the Emperor Star Academy's selection examination. The gap between us then was like an Astral River apart," Qin Wentian said calmly. "But now, after a year has passed, I, a Body Refinement cultivator, have defeated you. Orchon, tell me, do you feel the shame of being called a genius?"

Orchon's face seemed to flush with blood, and with a 'wa' sound, he spat out another mouthful of fresh blood. It was clear that Qin Wentian's intent was to provoke and humiliate him.

"If I were you, I wouldn't dare to speak of cultivation again," Qin Wentian concluded, turning and departing.

In the Chu Emperor District, the onlookers felt their hearts tremble, having witnessed one twist after another. Initially, they thought Chu Chen was the biggest variable, clawing his way into the top three rankings. But Qin Wentian's sudden appearance changed everything. By defeating Orchon, he earned the right to compete for a spot in the top three.

From being absent to starting at the bottom, and now contending for the top three positions, it seemed Qin Wentian's journey should have already ended. Yet, he stood before the three seemingly insurmountable mountains: Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, and Chu Chen. All four of them had proven their extraordinary strength.

"I can give you two hours to rest," the aged figure informed Qin Wentian.

"Senior, who will I be facing next?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Chu Chen defeated Orchon and secured a place in the top three. If you want to enter the top three, you will need to face him first," the aged figure replied.

The spectators in the arena nodded in agreement. This arrangement made perfect sense. While Luo Qianqiu and the other two hadn't yet completed their final ranking battles, Chu Chen had already advanced by defeating Orchon. It was only fair to determine the victor between Qin Wentian and Chu Chen before proceeding with the final ranking battles.

"In that case, there's no need for me to rest," Qin Wentian replied calmly, earning fascinated gazes from the onlookers.

How confident he was, to declare that he didn't need a break before facing his next opponent?

His next battle would pit him against Chu Chen, who possessed the double augmentation of the Amethyst Astral Soul and the Emperor Bloodline limit.

"As it stands, Chu Chen, you will be Qin Wentian's opponent," the aged figure announced.

As Chu Chen and Qin Wentian stood face to face, the hearts of many spectators raced with excitement. If Qin Wentian emerged victorious, it would mean he had secured a spot in the top three.

It was worth noting that the odds for Qin Wentian entering the top three had initially been 1:100, but they had been adjusted to 1:80 earlier. Though only a few people had placed bets on him, there were still those willing to test their luck. Fan Le was a prime example. If Qin Wentian managed to defeat Chu Chen, the potential winnings for that small group of believers would be substantial.

"BOSS, GIVE IT YOUR ALL!" Fatty cheered enthusiastically, his face flushed with excitement. He earned odd looks from many in the crowd.

Fan Le soon realized that he had gone overboard. His actions had been far too conspicuous.

Fatty couldn't contain his excitement. If Qin Wentian emerged victorious, he would have thousands upon thousands of 2nd-layer Yuan Meteor Stones. He was already daydreaming about a prosperous future.

"Come on, let's get this started," he urged. A few others had also placed bets on Qin Wentian just for fun, never truly expecting him to reach this stage. But now, they were brimming with anticipation. Their blood was boiling, and it seemed like they were more anxious than Qin Wentian himself.

Mo Qingcheng wore a nervous expression. Qin Wentian was about to compete for a spot among the top three ranked contestants.

"It won't be easy," the Mo Clan members sighed. A cultivator at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation had made it this far, but surpassing Chu Chen would be an incredibly challenging feat.

In the Divine Weapon Pavilion's direction, An Liu Yan's eyes sparkled with fascination as she spoke to Yang Chen. "This young man is full of surprises."

"Indeed, his talent in cultivation appears to match his skill in inscriptions. He's a rare genius, even once in a century," Yang Chen agreed.

Over at the Emperor Star Academy's area, Mustang, Ren Qianxing, and old man Gu were equally excited.

In the Star River Association's section, Zuo Yin wore a discontented expression as he muttered unhappily, "Murin, you're something else."

Murin's face twisted with frustration. He had never anticipated that Qin Wentian would undergo such a transformation. This was a slap in the face he never saw coming.

Representatives from the Ye Clan and the Ou Clan also looked dissatisfied. The insignificant figure they had previously disregarded had now become remarkably outstanding.

Chu Chen, standing across from Qin Wentian, calmly remarked, "Reaching this stage today is no small feat. You should consider basking in the glory of your current achievement and quit while you're ahead."

Chu Chen clearly didn't consider Qin Wentian a worthy opponent.

"You're just like Orchon, unable to stand in my way," Qin Wentian declared calmly, his determination unwavering.

But now, his strength wasn't solely driven by determination.

"Oh, really? I hope your strength matches your words," Chu Chen retorted, summoning both of his Astral Souls as a formidable aura emanated from him. His Bloodline Limit surged with power.

Having secured his spot among the top three, Chu Chen had no intention of losing it. He wanted to test his abilities against Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue.

As his imposing aura created a storm of pressure, Qin Wentian remained unfazed. He gripped the ancient halberd tightly and gazed at Chu Chen with calm determination.

"Let's begin," Chu Chen said.

Qin Wentian nodded, becoming a blur of motion as he unleashed the first stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art, Mountain Splitter. With astonishing speed, he appeared before Chu Chen.

Chu Chen roared in fury, generating millions of palm shadows that converged into a colossal palm, crashing toward Qin Wentian.

Boom, boom, boom! Tremors shook the arena as Qin Wentian was pushed back by the overwhelming force. However, he advanced again, launching another halberd strike.

This strike didn't seem as fierce as the previous one, but as he attacked, starlight seemed to twinkle. Visible runes formed intricate patterns in the air, weaving into a swirling pathway that transformed into a spiraling black hole capable of devouring all.

"Get lost!" Chu Chen shouted. The gigantic palm loomed over everything, hurtling toward Qin Wentian.

Simultaneously, Qin Wentian unleashed the second stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art, Fallen Star.

Boom! The deafening sound echoed through the air as the giant palm and the halberd strike collided. The palm's surface cracked before it disintegrated into nothingness.

"How... how is this possible?" Shock was written across Chu Chen's face. He then saw Qin Wentian's ancient halberd approaching once more. The first stance, Mountain Splitter, moved like lightning, obliterating everything in its path and stopping right before Chu Chen's throat.

"I told you before: you can't stand in my way," Qin Wentian declared, retracting the ancient halberd. He used a palm strike infused with Mountain-type Divine Energy to push Chu Chen off the platform, sparing his life.

Qin Wentian's serene confidence hung in the air. Chu Chen had also failed to block his path. With this victory, Qin Wentian secured his place in the top three rankings!