Power of a single grab

Power of a single grab...

Luo Qianqiu stood frozen as Qin Wentian's words sank in. Then, a manic laughter erupted from his lips, his amusement bubbling into a crazed howl. Stepping forward, he unleashed his Astral Souls, evoking a cascade of violet lightning that enveloped his body. The relentless torrents of lightning hummed with a fearsome energy, ominous and potent.

For Stellar Martial Cultivators, lightning endowed their attacks with a piercing quality, rendering them exceedingly domineering. After achieving the Yuanfu realm, Luo Qianqiu had condensed a lightning-type Astral Soul as his third, harnessing its destructive power.

"Never heard such a hilarious joke in all my years," he sneered, his body aglow with resplendent violet light. His aura surged to the second level of Yuanfu.

"First breath," Qin Wentian declared calmly, his fingers stretching out, tracking the passage of time. Simultaneously, Astral Energy surged within him.

His robes billowed, hair darkening to inky black, and his eyes took on a fiendish glint. His aura became saturated with demonic Qi as his bloodline limit stirred awake.

Inside him, the corresponding Yuanfu for the Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul and Demon Sovereign Astral Soul rumbled. Vast quantities of Divine Energy surged forth from these two Yuanfus, transformed from the Astral Energy they contained. Swift as lightning, the overwhelming Divine Energy coursed through his entire being.

With three Yuanfus, Qin Wentian possessed threefold energy reserves, far surpassing those of ordinary Yuanfu cultivators.

Luo Qianqiu's expression contorted with fury at Qin Wentian's measured remark. He inhaled deeply, summoning an ethereal Lightning Revenant that materialized behind him, further enhancing his power.

"You have no idea what death truly means. Allow me to introduce you to the power of my Mandate," Luo Qianqiu spat out venomously. Suddenly, Qin Wentian felt torrents of energy slamming into his body, causing excruciating pain to ripple through his sea of consciousness. It was akin to the attack he had experienced from Xiao Lan in the past.

These incredible surges of energy resembled countless arcs of lightning. Luo Qianqiu stood motionless as Qin Wentian's body tingled and twitched from the electric shocks coursing through him.

"How are you feeling now?" Crazed laughter danced in Luo Qianqiu's eyes as he stared at Qin Wentian.

"Third breath," Qin Wentian responded with the same indifference, still meticulously keeping track of time. His reaction sent Luo Qianqiu into a fit of rage, his face contorted with frustration.

Did this guy not comprehend the terrifying power of a Mandate? Even if he didn't, why was he acting as if he felt nothing?

Qin Wentian remained composed, his every action oozing arrogance. It was as though this arrogance had become a part of his very being, ingrained in his bones and blood. His regal demeanor resembled that of a sovereign looking down from the heavens. As Divine Yuan Energy coursed through his body, an aura of unwavering authority radiated outward.

"Fourth breath," Qin Wentian continued, causing Luo Qianqiu's smile to freeze. The icy stare directed at Qin Wentian spoke volumes of the mounting tension. Qin Wentian's behavior felt like an unrelenting series of slaps to his face. Who did Qin Wentian think Luo Qianqiu was?

Chu Wuwei stood serenely on the balcony, seemingly unfazed by the escalating confrontation. Regardless of the outcome, he remained composed.

In truth, he harbored doubts about his chances of winning the dispute over the Emperor's throne. His influence was limited, and his confidence rested entirely on Qin Wentian. Having recognized Qin Wentian's exceptional talent, he trusted him implicitly. Therefore, he firmly believed that today's victor would undoubtedly be Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's triumph would signify Chu Wuwei's triumph.

"Chu Mang, protect Qin Wentian from any sneak attacks. I'm concerned that our third brother might attempt something," Chu Wuwei ordered.

"Understood." Chu Mang soared into the air, positioning himself not far from Qin Wentian. His vigilant gaze remained fixed on Chu Tianjiao, monitoring his every move, ready to fulfill his elder brother's command.

"Fifth breath."

With each word, Luo Qianqiu's countenance darkened. Qin Wentian was subjecting him to humiliation.

Taking deep breaths, Luo Qianqiu struggled to regain his composure. He knew that anger and frustration were the deadliest foes in combat. Yet, Qin Wentian remained an enigma, a vexing knot in his heart.

Violet lightning crackled incessantly, coalescing into an enormous lightning sword that seemed boundless. The phantom Lightning Revenant hovering behind Luo Qianqiu stretched its ethereal hands, grasping the massive blade. The sheer, terrifying might emanating from this spectral apparition sent shivers down the spines of all who beheld it.

Boom! As the power of his Lightning Mandate infused the colossal sword, Luo Qianqiu advanced, the immense pressure bearing down upon Qin Wentian.

"Ten breaths?" Laughter rumbled through the heavens. It was perhaps the most absurd jest ever told in the Nine Heavens. Luo Qianqiu aimed to showcase to the spectators how pitiful Qin Wentian would appear after ten breaths, dodging his attacks like a dog fleeing with its tail between its legs.

Just as Qin Wentian uttered the sixth breath, Luo Qianqiu launched his assault. The dazzling lightning sword cleaved through the air with such force that it seemed a deity howling in anger, its might overwhelming.

"Thunder Beheading Slash!" In a furious bellow, the titanic lightning sword descended with ferocious speed. The insights of the Lightning Mandate imbued this attack.

The first level of the Lightning Mandate - Eruption. It heightened the speed and power of a cultivator's attacks tremendously. Luo Qianqiu's strike brimmed with the essence of Eruption.

Qin Wentian tilted his head, the immense force of the lightning sword threatened to pierce his body. He could clearly perceive the formidable strength behind Luo Qianqiu's blow. However, today's battle would conclude the war in Chu, and he was determined to eliminate Luo Qianqiu using the most overpowering and commanding method at his disposal.

His devilishly handsome face radiated cold arrogance. Qin Wentian stepped forward, moving toward Luo Qianqiu, directly into the path of that monstrous sword.

The onlookers watched in awe as Qin Wentian raised his left hand high into the air, fingers outstretched to seize the incoming sword. Gasps of disbelief and stupefaction rippled through the crowd as they beheld this astonishing sight.

"Wentian!" Fear clutched at Qin Chuan's heart. Many thought that Qin Wentian had succumbed to the immense pressure, believing he'd gone mad. After all, he was merely at the first level of Yuanfu, yet he dared to attempt catching that colossal sword with his bare hands. The gruesome image of Qin Wentian being sliced in half haunted their minds.

The members of the Nine Mystical Palace couldn't hide their smirks anymore. It was utterly comical that they had even entertained the idea of fearing Luo Qianqiu earlier. I mean, seriously, they had felt a bit anxious about Qin Wentian? The guy who was emitting pressure that could rival a cultivator at the second level of Yuanfu? But now, in the blink of an eye, Qin Wentian was like a clown in a circus, and they were here for the show.

Luo Qianqiu's already terrifying sword-slash innate technique had undergone a stunning transformation. It was now infused with lightning-type Astral Energy and sprinkled with his deep insights into the Mandate of Lightning. This technique had the power to effortlessly take down even a cultivator at the third level of Yuanfu, let alone someone like Qin Wentian.

I mean, seriously, did this guy think he could catch that lightning-infused monstrosity with his bare hands?

Within Qin Wentian's body, the blood seal thrummed, and a demonic will swirled within his palm. It felt like an endless reservoir of 'Mountain' type Divine Energy was being siphoned from his Demon Sovereign Astral Soul's Astral Energy and funneled relentlessly into his hand. Suddenly, a fearsome demonic aura burst forth; his palm now resembled a colossal demon the size of a mountain, radiating a bone-chilling power.

Chi! Ruthlessness flickered in Luo Qianqiu's eyes as the colossal lightning sword descended.

Yet, to the astonishment of everyone watching, Qin Wentian remained unmoved. As the crowd gasped in disbelief, his left palm reached out and grasped the monstrously sharp, terrifying gigantic lightning sword.

The spectators felt their hearts pounding so hard they thought they might leap out of their chests. Words failed to capture the awe and shock that coursed through them. Was that still a human hand? Heck, even a demon's hand wouldn't be this terrifying, right?

"He... he actually caught it! He really caught it!" The youth with jet-black hair stood there, his bare palms seeming like divine weapons designed solely for defense. In Qin Wentian's grip, the sword became as immovable as the mightiest mountain, rendering Luo Qianqiu powerless to control it.

"Monster," Ouyang Kuangsheng muttered in utter stupefaction. Seriously, what in the world was going on? Even though he was at the first level of Yuanfu, with all three of his Astral Souls originating from the 4th Heavenly Layer, that strike from Luo Qianqiu had sent shivers down his spine.

Could Qin Wentian really have pulled off that stunt with his bare hands? Ouyang Kuangsheng was dumbfounded. Seriously, what was happening here? Was his genius status in jeopardy?

He had a hunch that if Qin Wentian managed to survive the Grand Xia Empire's wrath, he would become a force to be reckoned with, capable of bending the elements to his will and causing storms and tempests.

But the crowd remained blissfully unaware of the incredible mysteries behind Qin Wentian's seemingly casual catch. They couldn't fathom the domineering Astral Energy he had absorbed from the 5th Heaven Layer's Demon Sovereign Constellation, nor could they grasp the conversion of this tyrannical energy into 'Mountain-type' Divine Energy. They didn't know about his bloodline's limit, the benefits of the Fiend Transformation Art on his physique, or the first level of the Mandate of Force, Strength, which doubled his power. It was the perfect storm that allowed him to make that catch look easy.

Only Qin Wentian understood the multitude of factors at play here. To others, his casual move seemed profoundly magical, causing their hearts to tremble with shock. This was especially true for Luo Qianqiu, who could hardly believe his own eyes. Was this even real?

Without warning, Qin Wentian transformed into a blur, charging towards Luo Qianqiu and delivering a powerful right-hand punch.

In his state of shock, Luo Qianqiu had no time to react. His hastily concocted defense was no match for Qin Wentian's attack, imbued with the insights of the Mandate of Force. The blow shattered Luo Qianqiu's feeble defense, connecting with his throat as Qin Wentian held him in a suffocating chokehold. Every breath became a struggle for Luo Qianqiu.

"Nine breaths," Qin Wentian declared, his demeanor as calm as ever.

Threateningly, Luo Qianqiu stammered, "If you dare to kill me, the Nine Mystical Palace will never spare you." But Qin Wentian shook his head in disappointment. This guy had called him a coward hiding behind others, yet even in his dying moments, he sought to use the Nine Mystical Palace to intimidate him. It was truly disappointing.

"How many times have you tried to kill me? Do you still expect mercy after your defeat? Pathetic. And don't worry, I'll personally visit the Nine Mystical Palace and reclaim everything they owe me." Qin Wentian's calm expression turned icy as he suddenly tightened his grip. Luo Qianqiu screamed in desperation, but moments later, his neck snapped, and his eyes went lifeless.

"Ten breaths, just as I thought." Qin Wentian slowly released his grip, allowing Luo Qianqiu's lifeless body to fall unceremoniously to the ground. As he had predicted, it took only ten breaths to eliminate Luo Qianqiu, a genius at the second level of Yuanfu!

Qian Mengyu stood there, dumbfounded, witnessing the ruthless manner in which Qin Wentian dispatched Luo Qianqiu. His combat prowess was beyond terrifying. He had grown immensely since his battle with the three Swallow swordsmen. He was like a true demon, and what's more, he had yet to align himself with any of the transcendent powers. If he had achieved such heights now, one could only imagine his potential in the future.

"Senior Gongyang's judgment is truly impeccable. It's a shame, though; I don't think it will be easy to recruit him into our Greencloud Pavilion," Qian Mengyu sighed with regret in her heart.