Hua Taixu

Hua Taixu...

Hua Taixu, a supreme expert, stood proudly at the peak level of Yuanfu, holding the prestigious title of first place in the Heavenly Fate Ranking.

The Heavenly Fate Ranking was a monumental record crafted by the Venerate Heavens Sect of the Ginkou Continent. Within its pages resided the names of the most formidable Yuanfu-level experts across the entire Grand Xia Empire. This ranking held immense weight and was a revered testament to the mightiest cultivators.

Throughout countless years, anyone in the Grand Xia Empire who held the power to shape destinies and command respect could be found etched into the annals of the Venerate Heavens Sect's records.

The records consisted of the Heavenly Dipper Ranking, the Heavenly Fate Ranking, and the Warbeast Index. The Venerate Heavens Sect had birthed these records, and they had eventually spread across the empire, becoming revered by all.

The Warbeast Index garnered attention primarily from those who possessed Astral Souls derived from beast-type Constellations. The Heavenly Dipper Ranking, on the other hand, was the object of awe and admiration. Each name within it represented a formidable, world-shaking presence – the true giants of the Grand Xia Empire.

The first thirty-six cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Ranking held an even more prestigious title: the thirty-six Heavenly Starlords. They were the embodiment of the Grand Xia Empire's power.

The Heavenly Fate Ranking, though a tier below the Heavenly Dipper Ranking, should not be underestimated. It housed the names of 360 Yuanfu Realm cultivators and was updated annually.

However, the 360 spots in the Heavenly Fate Ranking were not easily earned. Considering the vastness of the Grand Xia Empire, even reaching the pinnacle of Yuanfu was no guarantee of a spot. Typically, only those who had reached the peak level of Yuanfu had a shot at making the list unless they possessed extraordinary combat prowess and could defeat higher-level Yuanfu opponents.

The top ten cultivators gracing the Heavenly Fate Ranking were all extraordinary figures whose names reverberated throughout the Grand Xia Empire. Their potential knew no bounds. Even those among them who could be considered more advanced in age were still exceptional. Their profound understanding of Mandates and combat prowess were unparalleled. Despite their relatively slower progress in cultivation, it was clear that given enough time, they would ascend to become supreme powerhouses.

Claiming the first position in the Heavenly Fate Ranking was no small feat. The prestige and glory that came with it were immeasurable.

In the Grand Xia Empire, your name would be on everyone's lips. Even the audacious Ouyang Kuangsheng had marked Hua Taixu as his idol, striving to surpass him and become a renowned figure himself.

Stepping back for a moment, while Ouyang Kuangsheng's name may have held some fame, when compared to Hua Taixu, it dimmed significantly.

There was a tale of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign who had once tested Hua Taixu's strength. After their battle, this Sovereign proclaimed that Hua Taixu's combat prowess was so astonishing that it was beyond comprehension. The outcome of the battle was left to interpretation by the masses.

With such an elder brother, Hua Xiaoyun roamed the world with arrogance, seemingly immune to retribution. Behind his back, many had dubbed him "the useless second Young Master."

Because of Hua Taixu's radiance, even Luo He showed him respect. Given her own status as the Pill Emperor's daughter, she commanded reverence regardless of one's cultivation level.

If it weren't for Hua Taixu, even ten Hua Xiaoyuns would not deter her from ruthless action.

Hua Xiaoyun stared at his brother, his heart sinking. His elder brother was not playing around.

"It's all his fault," Hua Xiaoyun seethed, directing his hatred at Qin Wentian. This stranger from Chu had cost him an arm and forced him to kneel in apology. The humiliation was unbearable.

Yet, he had no choice but to heed his brother's command. Hua Xiaoyun knelt before Luo He and offered a reluctant apology. "Junior was in the wrong and seeks Senior's forgiveness."

Watching this, Hua Taixu added, "Senior Luo He, if you feel that one arm is insufficient, you are welcome to eliminate this wretch."

Luo He glanced at Hua Taixu, his demeanor composed, revealing no trace of anxiety. She couldn't discern his true intentions.

However, one thing was clear to Luo He. Hua Taixu had severed Hua Xiaoyun's arm and made him kneel not out of fear of her or to preserve the Hua Clan's relationship with the Pill Emperor Hall.

Nevertheless, Hua Xiaoyun was still his younger brother, and everyone in the Grand Xia Empire knew that Hua Taixu had always cherished him. Through his earlier actions, Hua Taixu had already provided a platform for Luo He to step back. If she truly chose to execute Hua Xiaoyun, it would complicate matters instantly. There was no need for further words; by taking that step, she would be making another formidable enemy.

"Let it go. Since he has already lost an arm, consider it the price for his wrongdoing. Besides, Qingcheng is already on the path to recovery. Let this matter come to an end. Also, don't trouble the Mo Clan any further," Luo He replied indifferently, opting not to press the issue. Hua Taixu had shown her respect, and she didn't want to be the one to strain their relationship.

For someone like Hua Taixu, even if one couldn't befriend him, one must never become his enemy.

"You don't have to worry about that," Hua Taixu nodded. "Hua Xiaoyun brought this upon himself."

Since his younger brother, Hua Xiaoyun, was apologizing, he had to maintain the appearance of making amends. After all, just a word from Luo He was enough to move several Heavenly Sovereign Dippers to action. It was the only way for Hua Taixu to resolve the matter.

Given his status, what would people think if his younger brother sought revenge against the Mo Clan immediately after being forced to apologize? It would be like slapping his own face.

"Get up!" Hua Taixu commanded Hua Xiaoyun, who was still kneeling.

"Brother, but..." Hua Xiaoyun's gaze shifted to Qin Wentian, suggesting he wanted to say more.

"Quiet," Hua Taixu frowned. Hua Xiaoyun had to grit his teeth and endure it for now.

Hua Taixu turned his attention to Qin Wentian and calmly asked, "You're emanating a killing intent?"

Qin Wentian inclined his head, his gaze fixed on Hua Taixu. This person was extraordinary; even the Pill Emperor's daughter had to give him respect.

But what of it? So what if Luo He chose not to pursue the matter further? Did it mean the matter had truly concluded? How could such an incident be so easily resolved? Regardless of Hua Xiaoyun's background, he had to deal with him.

Upon hearing that Qingcheng's life was no longer in danger, Qin Wentian managed to calm himself somewhat. Given the current circumstances, rushing forward to end Hua Xiaoyun's life was out of the question. Doing so would undoubtedly mean his own demise, as even Qing`er's strength wouldn't be sufficient to protect him.

"My younger brother mentioned that you relied on an exceptionally powerful divine weapon to defeat him. However, a first-level Yuanfu defeating a fourth-level Yuanfu already demonstrates your remarkable combat prowess. If you have the chance, you should explore the Grand Xia Empire," Hua Taixu remarked, his tone devoid of anger, as if speaking to an old acquaintance.

"In that realm, you'll encounter many so-called 'geniuses' like yourself." Hua Taixu extended his hands, causing the sky above to crack open. Intense beams of light descended, responding to his call. These beams transformed into countless sharp swords that streaked through the sky at the speed of a comet, heading towards the distant horizon. The energy packed within them was immense, enough to challenge even another peak Yuanfu cultivator.

"Only by surpassing these other geniuses will you be considered barely qualified to establish yourself in the Grand Xia Empire."

"Senior Luo He, I take my leave," Hua Taixu said with a slight bow. He then grasped Hua Xiaoyun and departed, moving like the wind itself. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from sight and reappeared atop the wave of swords he had summoned earlier. His astonishing speed left no doubt about his level of power.

Members of the Hua Clan cast one last glance at Qin Wentian before following Hua Taixu.

Hua Taixu refrained from seeking revenge on Qin Wentian for Hua Yunxiao's sake. Instead, he left behind a few cryptic sentences before departing, yet his words dripped with condescension and cold arrogance.

"In that place, there are many so-called 'geniuses' such as you."

"Only by surpassing the other geniuses would you be considered barely qualified to gain a foothold in the Grand Xia Empire."

But, in truth, weren't his words accurate?

Qin Wentian stood there, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Did they genuinely believe this matter was resolved?

Could he really spare Hua Xiaoyun after what he had attempted against Mo Qingcheng?

The Grand Xia Empire—Qin Wentian would undoubtedly journey there soon.

However, when he did, how could he limit himself to merely attaining the qualifications to establish a foothold for himself?

"It's also time for us to depart," Luo He declared. She then entered the room and carried Mo Qingcheng out.

Old Mo, Mo Tianlin, and Qin Wentian all followed, their eyes fixed on the unconscious Mo Qingcheng. Was there no chance for a proper farewell?

As he gazed at her pallid but still beautiful face, Qin Wentian's determination grew stronger.

"Leave her to me; there's no need for you to worry," Luo He reassured them, observing the worry etched on their faces.

"Senior, we didn't mean it that way," Old Mo explained.

"If there's an opportunity in the future, you can visit her at our Pill Emperor Hall," Luo He added before soaring into the sky, with the other disciples of the Pill Emperor Hall trailing behind her.

Bai Fei was about to leave but paused as if she remembered something. She walked over to Qin Wentian and said, "You were lucky this time. Because my master was present, the Hua Clan didn't take any action against you. I understand your deep feelings for Mo Qingcheng, but I must warn you not to come to our Pill Emperor Palace to look for her. The two of you aren't compatible."

Bai Fei paused, then added, "That individual earlier, his name is Hua Taixu. He holds the top position in the Heavenly Fate Ranking, making him the most formidable Yuanfu cultivator in the entire Grand Xia Empire. In the future, he's bound to ascend to the pinnacle of true powerhouses. It might be wiser for you to stay here and continue your journey as a genius."

With those words, Bai Fei soared into the sky, following the Pill Emperor Palace members.

Jing Yu and Yan Qi exchanged meaningful glances with Qin Wentian. Witnessing the importance Luo He placed on Mo Qingcheng, they understood that Mo Qingcheng would undoubtedly play a significant role within the Pill Emperor Hall in the future.

While Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng had a profound connection, this appeared to mark the conclusion of their story.

This is where their paths diverge.

"Hua Taixu," Qin Wentian murmured softly, concealing his inner thoughts.

In a swift motion, Qin Wentian left the Mo Residence.

Old Mo remained standing, deep in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the spot where Hua Taixu and Qin Wentian had been moments ago.

"Hua Taixu, the supreme expert ranked first in the Heavenly Fate Ranking!"

"Qin Wentian, with all three of his Astral Souls stemming from the 5th Heavenly Layer. Are they truly beings from different realms? What could destiny have in store for them? Will their paths cross again in the future?"