I will kill you today

I will kill you today...

Qin Wentian had initially extended great respect towards Ghaus. When he observed Ghaus hesitating earlier, he had offered a gentle reminder out of genuine concern. However, Ghaus's response was unexpected—rejecting his well-intentioned advice.

The current Qin Wentian possessed a decisive nature in his actions. He recognized the loss of face Ghaus had endured due to his reminder, yet he understood that true prestige was earned through one's capabilities, not mere appearances. Thus, he chose to act boldly, even at the risk of offending Ghaus further. After all, respect should be reciprocated, not demanded. If Ghaus chose to behave in such a manner, Qin Wentian was more than willing to respond in kind.

Numerous eyes were fixed upon Qin Wentian. Among the stares, there were undoubtedly some tainted with ill intent. The first trial assessed participants' perceptiveness and familiarity with Divine Inscriptions. Although it couldn't definitively prove that Qin Wentian surpassed the other third-ranked Divine Inscriptionists in overall mastery, it certainly showcased his elevated perception compared to the rest.

Bailu Yi's gaze also turned towards Qin Wentian. Unchanged from before, he appeared remarkably casual and unaffected. However, to those unfamiliar with him, such demeanor might be easily mistaken for arrogance.

Floating in mid-air, Grandmaster Fenrir grinned as his gaze lingered on Qin Wentian. This young man managed to sense what the other third-ranked Divine Inscriptionists couldn't, capturing Fenrir's attention in the process.

Yan Tie's expression froze as a sinister air settled over his features. He hadn't anticipated that Qin Wentian possessed such skill. But regardless, it made no difference; Qin Wentian had to die, he absolutely had to. An ominous glint danced in Yan Tie's eyes as he imagined ending Qin Wentian's life and then utilizing his remains to craft a Puppet.

Among the members of the Leng Clan, disbelief caused many to tremble. Especially Leng Jian and his companions, their expressions soured considerably. Perhaps this was a fluke, an accidental achievement. They were convinced that he had somehow stumbled upon the last hidden Inscription.

"Oops, we missed one," Old Third laughed.

"Yeah, we overlooked it," Ghaus chimed in, his previous irritation now replaced with regained composure. He continued in a hushed tone, "Impressive luck, kid. To think you were the one who discovered the last Divine Inscription."

Fenrir, positioned high in the air, sported a faint smile. He observed Qin Wentian with a measured gaze, noticing that Qin Wentian had chosen not to dignify their earlier remarks with a response. With another sweeping gesture of his hand, the meticulously crafted landscape quivered, filling the air with rumbling echoes. As this happened, a spectral shadow of a demonic dragon emerged, its mighty roars so potent they could crumble mountains. A moment later, the runic design of the dragon shimmered before disintegrating into a shower of ethereal starlight.

The subsequent instant witnessed an abrupt cessation of all conversation. Qin Wentian's actions instilled an encompassing silence. Ghaus stood immobile, eyes unblinking, as he confronted his own earlier words. What had he stated before? He had carelessly "overlooked" the "last" Inscription due to his own negligence. Moreover, he had credited Qin Wentian's success to mere luck. But the current scenario unraveled a stark contradiction. Was he the negligent one? Or was his own prowess insufficient? Were his previous comments nothing more than a resounding slap to his own face?

"My 'luck' does indeed seem to be on my side. I appreciate your kind observation," Qin Wentian sarcastically chuckled. His laughter triggered an uncomfortable tension within Ghaus. Luck, and Qin Wentian?

Among the members of the White Deer Institute, the elder with the large eyes stood in dumbfounded awe as he beheld this spectacle. Qin Wentian had exceeded his expectations in terms of skill. However, if he persisted in this demeanor, he risked inadvertently offending Grandmaster Ghaus.

"This guy is quite full of himself," the elder muttered, shaking his head.

"Well, Ghaus started with the arrogance, things are getting intriguing," Bailu Jing, positioned beside the elder, couldn't help but chortle. The elder cast a glance at him before inquiring, "Jing'er, how do you feel about Qin Wentian?"

Bailu Jing responded nonchalantly, "I don't have any specific requirements. As long as Little Yi likes him, I'm content."

"You've always spoiled Little Yi excessively," the large-eyed elder sighed in resignation.

Fenrir's gaze remained fixed on Qin Wentian. "Any more, young man?"

"I'm unaware," Qin Wentian answered. He had exhausted his knowledge, but that didn't necessarily mean that all hidden Divine Inscriptions had been identified. After all, Fenrir was a fourth-ranked Divine Inscriptionist—there might exist Inscriptions so artfully concealed that even peak-level third-ranked Divine Inscriptionists like Qin Wentian could struggle to uncover them.

"I see," Fenrir nodded before gesturing, "You may all step aside for now."

After the last contender had descended from the training platform, Fenrir swept his arms in a graceful motion, causing the enigmatic portrait to dissolve and disappear. As for the outcomes of the first trial, they lay unmistakably clear in his assessment.

The three Li brothers of the Clan displayed immense prowess, standing alongside Ghaus, Yan Tie, Qin Wentian, and the enigmatic youth from the Demon Cult as the most formidable Inscriptionists among the assembled.

Considering the strength of the teams as a whole, it was undeniable that the Li brothers from Watermoon Mountain Villa and the White Deer Institute's faction stood out as the most powerful participants. The Watermoon Mountain Villa's siblings were all masters in the art of Divine Inscriptions, while the White Deer Institute's team showcased the impressive abilities of Ghaus, Qin Wentian, and even Bailu Yi. The only remaining uncertainty lay in the extent of Qin Wentian's skill in domains beyond his sensory capabilities.

Fenrir occupied the aerial space, his expression suffused with approval as he regarded the participants who remained. "The secret realm is replete with countless snares, intricately woven formations, and deadly automatons. Hence, our second challenge will evaluate your aptitude in deciphering formations and the efficiency with which you can dismantle them. Within the formation that I have fashioned, I've integrated an array of traps and lethal Puppets. I caution you, it's an exceedingly perilous undertaking. I shall bear no responsibility for any injuries or fatalities that may transpire. Those among you who wish to withdraw have the opportunity to do so now. Remember, success merely requires you to safely exit the formation."

As the echo of Fenrir's words dissipated, a glint of icy determination danced within Yan Tie's eyes. The danger posed by the formation suggested a window of opportunity—an ideal moment to eliminate Qin Wentian.

This was his chance.

So what if Qin Wentian's perception was uncannily sharp for his age? Yan Tie harbored no doubt that his own prowess in the realm of Divine Inscriptions surpassed that of the young contender's.

Possessing heightened perception at such a tender age was indicative of potential. But what good was potential when one's existence was snuffed out?

None among them chose to withdraw, a fact that garnered a knowing smile from Fenrir. His expectations had been met. With a flourish, he produced a flag from his voluminous sleeve, casting it to the earth below. The banner expanded rapidly, conjuring a fierce gale that swept through the vicinity.

"Step forth then," commanded the flag of the formation with a menacing aura, unleashing a torrent of energy that enveloped Qin Wentian and the rest. A sensation of displacement gripped the participants as their surroundings seemed to morph. The atmosphere was laden with a greyish mist that clouded their vision and impaired their senses.

"Bailu Yi," Qin Wentian called out.

"I'm here," responded Bailu Yi's voice. Following its direction, Qin Wentian took a few measured steps forward until he stood beside Bailu Yi. "Stay cautious, this formation carries considerable might."

Buzzz.

Without warning, a fiery ring materialized, hurtling toward them. Qin Wentian swiftly retaliated with a palm strike that quelled the flames. He refused to be complacent, fully aware that this was merely the prelude.

As the extinguished flames transformed into drifting smoke, the runic patterns within rearranged themselves, culminating in a cascade of fiery rain plummeting toward them.

"The intricate complexities of Divine Inscriptions are truly wondrous," Qin Wentian mused, momentarily entranced. The caliber of this formation could very well surpass the third rank.

"This is the Nine Levels of Dragon Trapping, Thunderfire Formation. Although it's originally a fourth-ranked formation, I've adjusted its potency to match the pinnacle of the third rank. You're at liberty to employ any means necessary, your sole objective being to dismantle the formation and safely exit it," Fenrir's voice echoed from a distant point, resonating in the ears of all present.

As his voice tapered off, the formation was pierced by deafening thunderous detonations, manifesting as colossal thunderfire balls akin to celestial bodies descending from the firmament—an apocalyptic spectacle.

Instantly, Bailu Yi summoned her Puppet, directing it upward to intercept the looming threat. The thunderfire orbs rained upon her construct, prompting Bailu Yi to remark, "While the Puppet can absorb the thunderfire's impact for now, we must ascertain a solution before it depletes its energy reserves."

"Grandmaster Ghaus!" she called, well aware of his profound expertise in the realm of Divine Inscriptions. Given his unparalleled prowess, his Puppet was bound to eclipse hers. They should pool their talents to unravel the predicament.

Alas, no response came. Despite the protective shelter provided by Bailu Yi's Puppet, recklessness was unwarranted.

"Bailu Yi, don't interrupt my focus. I must deduce a path to break the formation. Keep yourself safe," Ghaus's voice drifted over, leaving Bailu Yi taken aback. Was Ghaus intentionally withholding his aid?

"Watch it!" With a swift motion, Qin Wentian pulled Bailu Yi out of harm's way just as a sword-wielding silhouette blitzed past them, its blade narrowly missing the spot Bailu Yi had occupied moments before. As he turned to inspect the scene, Qin Wentian recognized the figure as a humanoid Divine Puppet.

Reacting with an icy aura enveloping him, Qin Wentian promptly unleashed his Thousand-Hand Imprint, sending the puppet hurtling away.

"Stay put and watch your step," Qin Wentian cautioned as he noticed Bailu Yi's inclination to move. The ground was laden with concealed traps, requiring caution.

To navigate safely, Bailu Yi summoned another Puppet—a prudent choice to probe the ground for potential dangers.

"Go search for Ghaus," Qin Wentian suggested to Bailu Yi.

"No way. Yan Tie is a formidable adversary. He commands an arsenal of Puppets and employs sinister, cutthroat tactics. I can't face him alone," Bailu Yi responded, her voice brimming with urgency.

"Your presence will only divide my focus. Trust me, Yan Tie can't overpower me," Qin Wentian asserted.

Unconvinced, Bailu Yi persisted, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Grandmaster Ghaus, where are you? We're making our way to your position."

Despite the lack of reply, her call caught the attention of a Puppet lurking nearby. Swiftly turning, it homed in on Bailu Yi, charging forward with a massive saber poised to strike.

Bailu Yi agilely sidestepped, narrowly evading the Puppet's attack. In the same instant, a sense of foreboding gripped her, alerting her to imminent danger.

"Watch out!" Qin Wentian's intuition matched hers. He saw Bailu Yi's movements and sensed the triggered trap. His gaze darted downward, observing a fiery projectile ascending as a Puppet unleashed a black-tinged palm strike toward her.

Caught off guard, Bailu Yi managed to raise a defense in haste, though the impact still elicited a pained groan as she was flung to the side, inadvertently colliding with Qin Wentian. Another Puppet was on its way, closing in swiftly.

Qin Wentian's determination solidified. "Yan Tie, no matter the peril here, I'll make sure to end you today," he vowed inwardly. Holding Bailu Yi in his arms, he sensed her tremble—a reaction perhaps induced by the intimate proximity.

The wind's mournful howl echoed in their ears as Qin Wentian's movement techniques propelled them through the formation. This risky maneuver was fraught with danger, for each step within the formation could conceal treacherous traps that posed significant threats.

Qin Wentian was growing increasingly frustrated. Dealing with the Puppets themselves wasn't the main challenge; he could easily neutralize them. The real menace lay in the formation's traps, cunningly designed to hinder his movements and necessitate careful attention. Consequently, his efforts were divided, forcing him to allocate around 70% of his focus just to anticipate the hidden dangers that lurked within the treacherous terrain.