The power of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns

The power of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns...

Cloaked in a simple, unadorned robe, his head crowned with a halo of snow-white hair, he seemed both prepared for the grave and ready to conquer the world.

As he ascended the platform, the eyes of countless people in the Chu Emperor District fixated upon him. Who was this mysterious elder?

"Gongyang Hong," many spectators in the stands murmured with trembling hearts. It was indeed Gongyang Hong. His once ebony hair had turned an ethereal white. What had transpired to change him so drastically?

"He's the Grandmaster Divine Inscriptionist, Gongyang Hong! And he's standing up for Qin Wentian!"

Shock rippled through the crowd. Gongyang Hong, despite his profound mastery of Divine Inscriptions, was seemingly about to confront the Nine Mystical Palace, an organization brimming with power. Moreover, he appeared to be acting on behalf of Qin Wentian. Could their connection go back to the divine inscription painting incident?

Luo Yunhai regarded Gongyang Hong with a flicker of scorn in his eyes. In Chu Country, did anyone dare to challenge the might of the Nine Mystical Palace? Did this elderly man not comprehend their unparalleled influence?

"Get lost!" The young man at the Yuanfu Realm altered his course, stepping menacingly toward Gongyang Hong, his intent to kill palpable.

Was this elderly man courting death?

"How audacious. For decades, no one has dared to address me in such a manner," Gongyang Hong responded coldly. As the Yuanfu Realm youth drew nearer, Gongyang Hong nonchalantly waved his palms, and in an instant, a massive explosion of Astral Light erupted, bathing the entire platform in radiant brilliance. Onlookers beheld a colossal arm manifesting, seemingly drawing upon boundless starlight as if it descended from the heavens themselves.

The celestial arm's palm opened wide and snatched toward the young man with astonishing force, brimming with celestial might that seemed impossible to counter.

The young man's expression shifted abruptly. He unleashed a barrage of fist lights, but Gongyang Hong's celestial arm, akin to a divine artifact from the heavens, paid no heed to the feeble attacks of the Yuanfu cultivator. It firmly grasped the young man.

In a blur of motion, the celestial arm, with the speed of a hurricane, lifted the young man high into the sky. Before the overwhelming might of this celestial appendage, the mighty Yuanfu cultivator was reduced to a mere ant-like existence.

Gongyang Hong raised his hands to the heavens, as if the celestial arm were an extension of himself, effortlessly controlling it as if it were a natural part of his body.

"Didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Gongyang Hong spoke calmly. With a swift motion, the Astral Celestial Arm flung the hapless Yuanfu cultivator through the skies.

In an instant, the young man's body was launched toward the horizon, sailing through the air with his ultimate destination unknown. Gongyang Hong had nonchalantly tossed a Yuanfu Realm expert around, as if he were disposing of trash.

This incredible display of power left everyone stunned.

"How powerful is he?!"

Their hearts quaked with astonishment. Just how formidable was Gongyang Hong?

Luo Yunhai's countenance paled. As a peak Yuanfu Realm expert, he fully comprehended the implications of what had just transpired. The earlier surge of Astral Light was a hallmark of someone at the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

Members of the Royal Clan, individuals from the Emperor Star Academy, and all the experts in attendance felt as if a colossal wave had surged within their hearts.

Many years ago, Gongyang Hong had been the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet. After his return to Chu following his mysterious absence, he had dedicated himself to the study of Divine Inscriptions. Little did they know that, all along, he had been a hegemonic powerhouse at the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

"Descend here," Gongyang Hong commanded, his tone brimming with tyranny, as if reprimanding an errant child. It appeared as though Luo Yunhai had no choice but to comply, reluctantly descending and landing on the ground.

Earlier, Luo Yunhai had exuded an aura of awe-inspiring authority. Yet, a single sentence from Gongyang Hong had transformed him into a meek child, relinquishing his earlier bravado.

"Your Excellency, may I ask who you are? Yunhai hopes that you won't intervene in the Nine Mystical Palace's affairs," Luo Yunhai implored. His once-imposing presence had now withered. This was Chu Country, not the Nine Mystical Palace. In their own territory, he wouldn't have shown such fear toward Gongyang Hong. However, here, any Heavenly Dipper Sovereign could effortlessly annihilate their group of Yuanfu cultivators from the Nine Mystical Palace.

"Silence," Gongyang Hong coldly reprimanded. He continued, "Has the Nine Mystical Palace's prestige declined so drastically that they must flex their muscles in a place like Chu to regain their pride?"

With deliberate steps, Gongyang Hong advanced and took a position beside Qin Wentian. Their eyes met, and he offered a warm smile. "Young man, I never expected you to become the champion of this year's Jun Lin Banquet. What a delightful surprise."

Qin Wentian couldn't contain his joy at the sight of Gongyang Hong's smile. He had been deeply concerned about Gongyang Hong's emotional state, fearing that his mentor's spirit had withered away.

Yet, here was Gongyang Hong, standing on the platform, offering to accompany him in dominating the world. It was the grandeur that befit Gongyang Hong's stature.

"Senior, weren't you also once the champion? My accomplishments are nothing compared to yours," Qin Wentian replied, laughter in his eyes.

"That's not the same," Gongyang Hong responded, his smile unwavering. "I became champion with a cultivation base at the peak of Arterial Circulation, but you achieved the same feat at the 8th level. Just from this fact alone, you've already surpassed me by leaps and bounds."

He continued, reflecting on the moment when Qin Wentian had uttered the words, "The past is now past, and the future is too far away. Only the present matters." Gongyang Hong had felt that he couldn't hold a candle to the young man standing before him.

"Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, Chu Chen, and Orchon, while not lacking in talent, don't compare to your level," Gongyang Hong remarked. "What's laughable is that, to humiliate you, the Nine Mystical Palace threw away a gem like you while recruiting the rest of them. Isn't that pathetic? Isn't that absurd?"

Then, Gongyang Hong turned his gaze to Luo Yunhai.

"Aren't you afraid that your actions today will tarnish the Nine Mystical Palace's reputation if this matter were to get out?" Gongyang Hong continued calmly. "Considering the level of talent Qin Wentian displayed today, he could choose to join any of the great powers – Misty Peak, Sunset Mountains, or the Phoenix Valley – and they would gladly welcome him. The Nine Mystical Palace has no room to be selective. Do you truly comprehend the gravity of your actions?"

"But it works out just fine. In my view, the Nine Mystical Palace isn't deserving of Qin Wentian's talent," Gongyang Hong concluded, his words landing like a slap across Luo Yunhai's face, leaving the spectators gasping in shock.

Gongyang Hong was, indeed, Gongyang Hong. His experiences extended beyond the confines of the Nine Mystical Palace. Initially, they had been captivated by Luo Yunhai's overbearing presence, picturing him as an unrivaled figure. However, a few words from Gongyang Hong had shattered that illusion.

This time, Qin Wentian stood as the Jun Lin Banquet champion. What right did the Nine Mystical Palace have to 'choose' him? Shouldn't the power of selection belong to Qin Wentian himself? Gongyang Hong, who had also been a champion, hadn't chosen the Nine Mystical Palace back then. In the end, he became a peerless figure and returned to Chu. Why couldn't Qin Wentian do the same? He might even surpass Gongyang Hong in the future.

"If you truly wish to leave Chu, I can assist you in finding a suitable school to join," Gongyang Hong suggested, his smile genuine. His words were not to be taken lightly.

Qin Wentian understood that Gongyang Hong wasn't joking. If he agreed, Gongyang Hong would take him away. Given Qin Wentian's exceptional talent, Chu was too small to contain him. He needed to explore the world and find a bigger stage.

Qin Wentian also realized that Gongyang Hong's words served as a message to everyone in Chu, including himself. They were a reminder not to be overly affected by Luo Yunhai's humiliation and to broaden his horizons. So what if the Nine Mystical Palace controlled ten countries? The world was vast, like the Nine Heavenly Layers. Chu was merely situated on the lowest layer. To see the entire expanse, one had to venture beyond.

However, Qin Wentian had unfinished business in Chu, and he still had loved ones and friends here. Leaving immediately wasn't a practical option.

"It seems you still have some unfinished business here in Chu. After today, I'll depart from Chu, but I'll recommend you to some powerful schools and sects worldwide to see if they're interested in recruiting you. Or maybe, after I finish what I need to do, I'll return to Chu once again to find you," Gongyang Hong said with a chuckle. Then, he turned his gaze to Chu Tianjiao. "You are the Crown Prince of Chu? What rewards have you prepared for this year's Jun Lin Banquet champion?"

Chu Tianjiao glanced at Gongyang Hong, feeling a mix of emotions. The mighty Gongyang Hong didn't need to consider his background or status; he could speak to him as if he were addressing a servant. This was the true display of power.

Before Chu Tianjiao could respond, Gongyang Hong interrupted, "Never mind. Since it's a reward, let's allow Qin Wentian to choose what he wants. Qin Wentian, as the Jun Lin Banquet champion, what rewards do you desire?"

"I want my father and grandfather to be released," Qin Wentian stated firmly, his gaze piercing into Chu Tianjiao like a sharp sword.

He had come to the Royal Capital of Chu, grown stronger, and participated in the Jun Lin Banquet, all with one purpose in mind: to free his father, Qin Chuan, and his grandfather, Qin Wu, who were still imprisoned in Chu's Black Stronghold.

"That's impossible. They are rebels; how can I release them?" Chu Tianjiao replied coldly.

"I said, release them," Gongyang Hong asserted with the air of a true hegemon, leaving no room for further discussion.

Chu Tianjiao's face twisted with displeasure. He hesitated for a moment before responding, "If I have to release anyone, it can only be Qin Chuan. Qin Wu will remain imprisoned. This is my bottom line."

Gongyang Hong turned his gaze toward Qin Wentian, who had a resolute and cold light in his eyes as he stared at Chu Tianjiao. "Fine," Qin Wentian agreed. He had already anticipated that he might not be able to save both his father and grandfather.

At that moment, a voice filled with the power of a raging storm echoed from a distance, proclaiming, "Gongyang Hong, you meddle too much!"

Gongyang Hong furrowed his brows slightly as he peered into the horizon. A colossal, thunderous palm was hurtling down from the heavens towards him.

"Hmph," Gongyang Hong let out a disdainful snort. His Astral Celestial Arm Nova erupted in a furious display of power. In the sky, the two colossal palms clashed, creating a massive explosion of energy that sent shockwaves rippling through the atmosphere.

In the midst of this chaotic confrontation, a figure descended from the heavens. Dressed in sky-blue robes, he exuded an aura of authority without a hint of anger. His facial features bore a striking resemblance to Luo Qianqiu and Luo Yunhai.

As this man appeared, Ren Qianxing, from the Emperor Star Academy, couldn't help but tremble violently. His face contorted into a deeply troubled expression.

Luo Tianya had originated from the Nine Mystical Palace, but he had also once been a student of the Emperor Star Academy!

And now, he had come to Chu!