Death List

Death List...

Qin Wentian stood motionless upon the expanse of grass. Gradually, a wondrous and curious sensation enveloped him. His perception seemed to amplify several times over.

He could distinctly feel his blood pulsating, the circulation of every strand of Astral Energy, the desperate cries of insects pursued by birds, and even the gentle sigh of the passing wind.

Clearly, he was attuned to the transformation transpiring within his own body. The once overbearing intensity of his bloodline had now calmed, embracing the newfound tranquility that surrounded the candle flame with a reverence, almost as if it was celebrating its very existence.

It was hard to fathom that the ferocious force behind his bloodline limit could exhibit such submission in the presence of a mere candle flame. Not only did it submit, but it seemed to yield, akin to subjects paying obeisance to their sovereign.

Encircling the candle flame were strands of resplendent golden threads. This sight perplexed Qin Wentian. Could these threads represent vestiges of his bloodline limit's power?

And what of the candle flame? What force could incite such a remarkable transformation in his perception?

Furthermore, as the golden threads brushed against the candle flame, its radiance intensified progressively. The once-muted vigor of his bloodline roared to life once again, surging madly, as if heralding the imminent arrival of something significant.

Gradually, an unparalleled brilliance emanated from Qin Wentian's body. His heart's blood ignited, his three Yuanfu ignited, and every iota of Astral Energy within him gleamed with a luminous glow.

It was as if the three Yuanfu Oceans nestled within his Yuanfu were enveloped by an enigmatic presence. His Astral Energy resonated and circulated with an even greater fervor than before.

Seating himself in a cross-legged position, Qin Wentian felt the changes coursing through his being. He sensed, with a faint intuition, that the newly kindled candle flame represented a unique and awakening power—one that was currently reshaping his body and his perceptions.

Even Little Rascal could detect Qin Wentian's transformation. Its eyes shimmered with a golden light as it inched toward Qin Wentian's feet, settling down in a hushed manner.

"Mhm?" Bailu Yi and Fan Le focused their gazes on Qin Wentian. They could discern that he was undergoing a peculiar state of mental and physical transition, a metamorphosis of sorts. His aura was evolving, and an ethereal luminescence seemed to emanate from his body, captivating those who beheld it.

"Such a mysterious character," Bailu Yi murmured, her voice barely audible. This individual possessed an astonishing innate talent for Divine Inscriptions and wielded immense combat prowess. Moreover, his analytical thinking and insights consistently left her astonished, especially within the realm of Divine Inscriptions. Even the revered elders of her clan paled in comparison to his conceptualizing skills. He had even ventured into bold territories like the hypothesis for Reverse Inscriptions.

What truly flabbergasted Bailu Yi was his dedication. Despite his prodigious talent, he invested an astonishing amount of effort into his cultivation and practice. His thirst for strength was insatiable, and his hunger for improvement was relentless. A person of such caliber would undoubtedly become a formidable presence in the days to come.

Of course, Qin Wentian was oblivious to Bailu Yi's musings. Presently, he was fully absorbed in the ongoing transformation within his body. Every sensation was heightened as the mysterious energy washed away impurities and cleansed him from the inside out.

For three consecutive days, Qin Wentian remained in this unique state. The gentle mountain breeze caressed his being, and he felt an abundance of energy emanating from him, gently permeating the surroundings.

Astonishment flashed in Bailu Yi's eyes. "He's broken through to the Third level of Yuanfu? I never would have anticipated that he could suppress his anger and killing intent, and achieve a breakthrough under such circumstances."

Finally, Qin Wentian opened his eyes. He had successfully advanced to the Third level of Yuanfu, sensing the expansion of all three Yuanfu simultaneously.

Additionally, he detected a qualitative transformation within himself. This sensation was nearly impossible to convey with words—it was enigmatic, bordering on the marvelous. He understood that even his perception had transcended to a higher plane.

It was as though a previously locked door in his mind had been flung open. Enigmas that once confounded him while perusing Bailu Yi's manuals now unraveled seamlessly before him.

Not only that, even the pinnacle-tier third-level Divine Inscriptions that had previously confounded his understanding and inscription techniques were now clear as day.

He had undergone a metamorphosis of sorts. Everything was different from before.

The birth of the candle flame, the advent of the Heart's Inferno, enlightenment of the mind, the discovery of one's true self—each element had coalesced, culminating in a profound transformation.

With a mere thought, he could capture sounds from miles away, even the most intimate whispers of his heart.

Qin Wentian shifted his focus to Bailu Yi, a smile playing on his lips. "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me? While you acted on impulse before, you seem to have regained your composure now. Why rush into revenge?" Bailu Yi's lips curled into a meaningful smile, a glint of fascination in her eyes as she perceived the changes in Qin Wentian.

This guy had somehow become even more appealing, emitting a unique aura. At this moment, she felt like Qin Wentian was surrounded by an illusion, an elusive radiance that defied clear perception.

"Me, handsome?" Qin Wentian grinned playfully, noticing how Bailu Yi's gaze lingered on him.

"Yes." Bailu Yi nodded absentmindedly before her mind snapped back to reality. A faint blush painted her cheeks, the combination of her innocence and shyness enhancing her beauty.

She shot him an annoyed glance, inadvertently revealing a hint of her girlish side. She silently chided herself for her lack of restraint—how embarrassing to be caught ogling a guy by the very person she was staring at.

Qin Wentian, however, wasn't fazed. He chuckled casually before directing his gaze toward the horizon. Although he had advanced in power, he was fully aware that his current strength was far from sufficient.

A cultivator at the Third level of Yuanfu was considered a mere beginner within the vast expanse of the Grand Xia Empire. True recognition and power lay within the realm of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

Moreover, he lacked the support of a major faction. He had to rely solely on himself, which only amplified the urgency of his need to become stronger.

"It's time to accelerate my influence within the White Deer Institute," Qin Wentian contemplated. Leng Ning's visage floated into his mind. His emotions toward her weren't necessarily love, but her tragic demise had become an intense driving force for him. In addition to the hatred and anger he felt toward the Leng Clan and Yan Tie, he blamed himself for his powerlessness, for foolishly believing he could control everything. Ultimately, reality had shattered his illusion, revealing that he couldn't protect Leng Ning in the slightest.

"Bailu Yi, could you offer me a bit of assistance?" Qin Wentian turned his gaze to Bailu Yi, his request hanging in the air.

"Indeed." Bailu Yi's nod was gentle.

"Could you do me a favor?" Qin Wentian's request was laden with determination.

"What is it?" Bailu Yi inquired.

"I want you to investigate Leng Ning's death for me. Find out who in the Leng Clan was involved in her demise, and also gather information about Yan Kong and Yan Tie. I need detailed insights into both the Leng Clan and the Yan Clan," Qin Wentian explained.

Bailu Yi understood the resolve behind his words, despite their relatively short acquaintance. Once Qin Wentian set his mind on something, he pursued it wholeheartedly, delivering exceptional results—much like his skill in inscribing Divine Inscriptions, which consistently stood out.

"I'll instruct my subordinates to commence immediately," Bailu Yi assured.

"Thank you." Qin Wentian's expression radiated gratitude. He knew that Bailu Yi wasn't indebted to him; if anything, she had been remarkably supportive ever since he arrived at the White Deer Institute. She generously shared secret Divine Inscription manuals from her clan to enhance his understanding. His appreciation for her ran deep.

"Aren't we friends?" Bailu Yi chuckled.

"Of course, we are," Qin Wentian concurred.

"Then why are you thanking me? Besides, you've been a great help to me as well. Your insights into Divine Inscriptions have expanded my knowledge significantly," Bailu Yi said, laughter in her eyes. With that, she turned and walked away to issue orders to her men.

A contented smile played on Qin Wentian's lips as he watched her depart.

"Divine Inscriptions," he murmured. Extending his finger, he coalesced motes of Astral Light. Swiftly, runic patterns materialized and ascended, creating a mesmerizing display in the sky. Gradually, the silhouette of an immense Garuda took shape.

With a sweeping motion of his hand, a fierce tempest surged forth. The colossal Garuda emanated an aura of rage as it soared upward.

Closing his eyes once more, Qin Wentian entered a meditative state.

A day later, upon Bailu Yi's return, a slight tremor coursed through her as she sensed Qin Wentian's aura. It was as though he was cloaked in enigmatic blood energy, exuding an authority that demanded absolute submission. He seemed like an ancient deity from primordial times, looking down from the heavens. In his gaze, she felt as minuscule as a speck of dust in the grand cosmos.

An array of colossal runic patterns sprawled around Qin Wentian, etched into the ground. Yet, it was more fitting to describe them as more than mere patterns; a colossal, fully-formed entity had emerged from their intricate lines.

A gigantic, obsidian-hued Roc unfurled its mighty wings behind Qin Wentian. Its imposing form exuded a menacing power, its predatory gaze piercing with a palpable coldness. It was as if this manifestation had taken a concrete, corporeal form, rather than being a mere illusion.

"Can Divine Inscriptionists truly create such monstrous beasts?" Bailu Yi's astonishment echoed in her racing heart. As for Fan Le and Chu Mang standing nearby, they too felt the awe coursing through Bailu Yi. Even the typically stalwart Chu Mang sensed the menacing aura emanating from this creation.

The formidable Roc gradually dissipated, transforming back into runic patterns etched on the ground. A smile graced Qin Wentian's lips as he observed the incredulous look on Bailu Yi's face. "I recently made a breakthrough, which significantly sharpened my perception of Divine Inscriptions. Now, I can easily comprehend and inscribe even the most intricate third-level Divine Inscriptions."

However, Qin Wentian withheld that this transformation extended beyond Divine Inscriptions. His entire perception had undergone a similar, profound evolution.

"Is this a peak-tier third-level Divine Inscription?" Bailu Yi's gaze remained fixed on the intricate inscription on the ground.

"Though I can inscribe it, the process is too time-consuming for effective combat use. I need more training," Qin Wentian admitted.

"Your mastery of inscriptions, merging reality and illusion, gives me great confidence for the upcoming exchange," Bailu Yi said with a smile. She then produced several thick stacks of documents and handed them to Qin Wentian. These were the information reports he had requested.

Flipping open the pages, Qin Wentian's eyes traced the numerous names listed therein, each person implicated in Leng Ning's death.

Leng Ning's uncle, Leng Jian.

Leng Lin's father, a Seventh-level Yuanfu cultivator who orchestrated the incident and played a major role in it.

Leng Mao, the Leng Clan's chief disciplinary elder, Ninth-level Yuanfu cultivator, and the leader of the elders' council on the day of the incident.

Leng Lin, a young lady from the Leng Clan at the Second level of Yuanfu. Originally intended as Yan Tie's target, her father's influence and other factors led to Leng Ning being chosen instead.

Each name inscribed in the records held some responsibility for Leng Ning's tragic fate. A smile reminiscent of the reaper's grin stretched across Qin Wentian's face. Those whose names were documented here had already been condemned to death in his eyes.