No One?

No One?

Ouyang Kuangsheng tilted his head, his eyes laced with an arrogant disdain as he regarded Wang Xiao floating in the air.

"Wang Xiao, how many Unmatched Realm elders showed up for your entrance test?" Ouyang Kuangsheng queried coldly. He already knew the answer, yet he deliberately asked, enjoying the forthcoming response.

"Three," Wang Xiao replied, his voice dripping with pride. The Unmatched Realm's elders were notorious for their indolence. Some were reluctant even to take on disciples. Allowing young cultivators to learn alongside them was seen as a charitable act. Numerous aspirants qualified for entry but lacked the talent to merit mentorship by these eccentric elders.

The Unmatched Realm's venerable figures were undoubtedly formidable powerhouses, drawing a throng of gifted prodigies to the Azure Continent.

When Wang Xiao had taken his entrance test, three such elders appeared, each eager to claim him as their disciple.

Yet, Wang Xiao rejected their offers, choosing instead to train under another renowned elder, hoping to join the sect as a disciple of that specific mentor.

Ouyang Kuangsheng coldly chuckled, "At least my number won't be fewer than yours." Wang Xiao's expression stiffened as he locked eyes with Ouyang Kuangsheng. "Really? I can hardly contain my excitement."

In the distant ancient mountains, hidden cave dwellings resonated with celestial energy. This concealed sanctuary evaded detection by even the most seasoned participants of the Unmatched Realm.

In these sanctums, several aged figures opened their eyes, focusing on the commotion stirred by the young man.

"He passed, through the ninth checkpoint."

Amazement surged among them as they recounted Qin Wentian's progression. They had witnessed him breach the tenth checkpoint, with the other two participants trailing at checkpoints five and six.

A collective sharp glint illuminated the elders' eyes. The tenth checkpoint consisted of eighteen formidable demonic beasts, all at the pinnacle of seventh-level Yuanfu cultivation, each an Astral Warbeast. Despite their might, these beasts failed to dent the youth's unyielding form. Flashes of Astral Light erupted periodically as the young man harnessed his Astral Energy, unleashing innate techniques.

What truly astonished the observers was the youth's intricate footwork—mid-battle, he inscribed Divine Inscriptions. All were third-ranked, peak-tier defensive symbols. His strategy was clear: fortify his defenses before mounting any offense.

"By the granny's whiskers, he's actually holding them off!" the burly man bellowed, his voice reverberating through the entire cavern. "This lad should have been under my wing, MINE, MINE, MINE! But now, darn it, darn it all to heck, I've got no chance whatsoever."

The extent of Qin Wentian's strength was apparent to the burly man, but his current display went beyond raw power. His ability to etch third-tier Inscriptions at lightning speed was incredible, and that ornery old coot would undoubtedly claim Qin Wentian now. There was no way to challenge that.

In another chamber, a slothful-looking old fellow jolted as he witnessed Qin Wentian's prowess. His eyes then narrowed, aglint with sudden realization.

"A single stride, capable of crafting fundamental third-tier Inscriptions. And that rapidity… he surpasses my abilities at his age," the old man muttered. In a heartbeat, the intricate outlines of the fundamental third-tier defensive Inscriptions shifted and converged into an advanced third-tier offensive Inscription. The old man was astounded by Qin Wentian's expertise.

"This youngling is mine, FOR SURE! THE LOT OF YOU BETTER NOT DARE VIE FOR HIM!" The old man's bellow shook the ancient mountain. Someone's voice lashed back, "That shameless old coot, using force like that. Downright shameless, he's off the charts!"

"To whom are you directing your rants?" a voice suddenly thundered in the chamber of the one who had criticized the old man. The individual trembled, stammering, "Br-brother, just a jest. He's yours, only yours."

"He did it, he actually cleared the tenth checkpoint!" The onlookers widened their eyes as they saw the advanced third-tier Inscriptions shift again, now exuding the power of a fourth-tier. "Why hasn't he left yet? What's with that guardian?"

Then, the spectators' stares froze as another figure materialized beside Qin Wentian.

"Wait, she's entered the illusory city too?" The crowd's attention pivoted to a distant, mist-shrouded peak as they regained their senses. Even the area's ruler was now giving his undivided focus to this young man?

Qin Wentian was just as flabbergasted. He blinked in bewilderment at the figure before him, draped in pristine white robes. The fabric seemed to complement her fair complexion, making it temptingly soft—like a touch would dissolve it into snow.

A frigid aura emanated from her, her demeanor reminiscent of Qinger, but distinct in its own right. While Qinger possessed an aloof innocence, this maiden exuded the chill of a snow lotus thriving on an unforgiving, icy summit.

Still, her beauty was nearly indescribable. While Qin Wentian still found Qinger more enchanting in looks, the distinction was minute. The fact that he could unconsciously compare anyone to Qinger spoke volumes about the newcomer's allure.

Among all the women Qin Wentian had encountered, only Qingcheng's beauty could rival Qinger's—albeit they represented opposite ends of the beauty spectrum. The woman before him could, at most, surpass Ouyang Ting's beauty, but she fell short of Mo Qingcheng and Qinger.

And to add to her mystique, her cultivation base stood at the eighth level of Yuanfu.

"Rely solely on your own strength, not on the might of your inscriptions," her voice matched her icy demeanor.

Qin Wentian gave a slight nod. The pressure he felt from her was magnitudes stronger than what Yang Fan's fiancée, Shu Ruanyu, exuded.

"BOOM!"

His aura surged, as if a floodgate had burst open. His demonic qi, bloodline power, and will of Mandates surged forth in unison. In this moment, he embodied an unstoppable force, akin to a fearsome primordial beast.

As his body filled with an inexhaustible well of demonic qi, Qin Wentian approached the maiden. His palms conjured two explosive dragon imprints, and as their gazes locked, the intensity of his Mandate blazed in his eyes. Yet, he soon realized that the longer he stared into her eyes, the more his entire body turned numb.

A single icy stare from the maiden bore into him, sending shivers down his spine.

"She's remarkably strong, probably at the Perfection Boundary of her Mandate," Qin Wentian mused. The sensation of cold gnawed at him. Having a Mandate at the Perfection Boundary was a prerequisite for breaking through to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Oddly, the maiden's cultivation was only at the peak of the eighth level.

Despite the formidable opponent, Qin Wentian's resolve remained unwavering. He advanced, conjuring another dragon imprint powered by torrents of Astral Energy.

"BOOM!" Their attacks collided in a deafening crescendo. Bone-chilling frost enveloped him, and though her cultivation was at the eighth level, her Mandate was capable of slaying peak-level Yuanfu experts with ease—thanks to its Perfection Boundary status.

Her youth and comprehension skills were both alarming; her mastery of Mandates might even reach monstrous levels. Yet, while Qin Wentian might not match her, his attack made her wary. The pressure he emitted would give pause even to a seventh-level Yuanfu expert.

"BOOM!" His left palm shot forward, brimming with every ounce of strength.

The maiden's expression darkened. Conjuring an arctic shield, she solidified the air's chill, leaving Qin Wentian frozen. Despite smashing through her defenses, she retaliated with a finger thrust. A monstrous snowstorm roared his way, cold enough to freeze his Yuanfu.

Aware of his disadvantage, Qin Wentian fought back, demonic qi intertwining with the frigid air. His finger pierced the heavens, splitting the sky with raw power.

Crackles of energy echoed as both combatants staggered. Qin Wentian was pushed several steps back, while the maiden ceased her assault. Surprise flickered in her eyes. "Your strength exceeds my expectations."

With that, she turned and vanished, leaving Qin Wentian behind.

In their hidden abodes, the old eccentrics were left speechless. To withstand her attack indicated extraordinary combat prowess on Qin Wentian's part.

A brilliant flash later, Qin Wentian stood outside the illusory city alone. Fan Le and Chu Mang were yet to emerge.

"Hu... the chill seems to have penetrated my bones," Qin Wentian murmured, shivering still beneath the frost's touch. His body remained coated in ice, refusing to relent. Lifting his gaze, he noticed several airborne cultivators casting their attention his way, a curiosity that sparked a sense of wonder within him.

"So quick?" Wang Xiao chuckled, mockery etched across his face. Qin Wentian's entrance and swift exit from the illusory city had occurred in a mere moment. His frost-covered form, trembling from the cold, invited questions. Had something intriguing taken place?

Wang Xiao's gaze fixed upon the distant ancient mountain, yet not a single silhouette emerged from it. Not one.

This anomaly furrowed Ouyang Kuangsheng's brow; something had to be amiss. Wang Xiao, on the other hand, bore a smug grin.

"You couldn't even attract a single elder's attention, let alone three. Your strength has evidently dwindled since our last encounter. Ouyang Kuangsheng's praise was clearly misplaced," Wang Xiao jeered. Qin Wentian stared at Wang Xiao, recognition apparent in his eyes. Yet, the context eluded him. Why would any elders present themselves here?