Thirtysix Mountains

Thirtysix Mountains

Ouyang Kuangsheng scratched his head, his confusion evident on his face. "Hey, do you think there are any Unmatched Realm elders coming out?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Shifting his gaze from the enigmatic figures suspended in the air, Ouyang Kuangsheng's spirits plummeted when he noticed faint traces of amusement reflected in the eyes of the other cultivators.

Their laughter wasn't exactly friendly; it carried a touch of ridicule.

Clearly, they considered Qin Wentian and Ouyang Kuangsheng a grand source of entertainment. In the midst of this ethereal spectacle, the figure who had triggered the entrance test formation turned to Qin Wentian and remarked, "Well done, you've passed the entry test. You're now free to come and go within the Unmatched Realm as you please. However, do take note that you need approval before entering any of the Dao-Cultivation Halls situated in the thirty-six mountains."

Curiosity colored the man's eyes, his puzzlement apparent. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Given Qin Wentian's performance, the old eccentrics should've been popping out like popcorn. Yet, the ancient mountains remained oddly still.

"Thanks for the guidance, Senior," Qin Wentian replied, a respectful nod accompanying his words.

A burst of maniacal laughter echoed through the air. Subsequently, a figure strolled leisurely out of the crowd, stealing everyone's attention. And who was it but the beastman Shiki? His form had bulked up since the past, his imposing two-meter stature exuding an air of raw power.

Possessing the bloodline of the Beast King coursed through his veins, gifting him the formidable traits of a demonic beast. His strength was otherworldly.

"It seems this Unmatched Realm isn't your everyday vacation spot. Even folks from the distant Demon Continent have decided to drop by for some self-improvement," Qin Wentian mused aloud, his expression unflappable as he sized up Shiki.

"Today, I'll be the ambassador of etiquette for all newcomers. Ouyang Kuangsheng, just hang tight and watch." Shiki's laughter was laced with a sinister gleam. Ouyang Kuangsheng turned his attention to Qin Wentian, only to find him gazing back, a silent query in his eyes. "In this Unmatched Realm, how wild can our battles get?"

"Death and dismemberment are a no-no. Basically, don't go all murderous on your opponents," Ouyang Kuangsheng replied, his eyebrows arching in surprise at Qin Wentian's apparent calm. But then, a glimmer of understanding sparkled in his eyes—Qin Wentian's tranquility was merely the calm before the storm.

"Got it," Qin Wentian affirmed, a casual nod accentuating his agreement.

"Exactly, no killing, no dismembering. Just make sure I never see your face around here again, unless you're craving a regular beating," Shiki taunted, his laughter laced with malice. And with that declaration, he lunged forward, soaring into the heavens. A torrent of menacing aura surged towards Qin Wentian.

"Zoom!"

Invisible energy spiraled around Shiki's palms. Meanwhile, the onlookers in the air crossed their arms, forming a collective front row to witness the impending spectacle.

Shiki's might was undeniable, practically a one-man show against those at the fifth level of Yuanfu. His grudge against Ouyang Kuangsheng was no secret, and this golden chance to humiliate him couldn't be more perfect. Besides, Qin Wentian was Ouyang's confidant, so laying a hand on him was akin to slapping Ouyang across the face.

With a swiftness that defied his bulk, Shiki materialized before Qin Wentian. His massive, beast-like arms surged forward with the velocity of a shooting star, carrying the weight of an impending catastrophe. A punch through the air generated vibrations that birthed a thunderous shockwave barreling directly at Qin Wentian. The potency behind Shiki's strike could reshape mountains, let alone a mere Qin Wentian.

But the young man's fist clenched, demonic energy swirling around his arms as scales emerged at a visible pace. His Mandate-infused determination detonated like fireworks, infusing his limb with Divine Energy before he launched his counterattack.

"KABOOM!"

Two colossal forces clashed headlong, defying expectation. Anticipating Qin Wentian's impending airborne flight, spectators gaped in disbelief when they realized he stood his ground. His eyes alight with fierce determination, he focused intently on Shiki.

Yet, a curious thing occurred. Shiki seemed to freeze, the onset of an almost lethargic drowsiness muddling his consciousness. His defenses wavered as if he'd been entrapped in an unforeseen slumber.

"Thud!"

Qin Wentian's knuckles made unceremonious contact again. Shiki's agony-filled cry resonated as he was propelled backward by the onslaught. In an instant, Qin Wentian's figure blurred, a relentless pursuit following the attack.

"Thud, thud, thud…"

Successive blows rained down like a tempest. Amidst gasps of disbelief from onlookers, Shiki's towering half-beast physique transformed into a grotesque spectacle of dents and depressions. Groaning in torment, he hemorrhaged from various wounds, relinquishing his stature as the beast king's heir and morphing into the semblance of a feeble kitten in comparison to a fierce half-lion.

"Don't even think of crossing my path again."

Qin Wentian's words dripped like chilled water into a still pond, quiet yet commanding, as the onslaught continued without mercy. With a final, earth-shattering blow, Shiki's body careened into the earth, crashing with such force that the ground splintered, a vast crater born from their collision. The once formidable half-beast lay battered, a canvas painted in his own blood.

Collective breaths hitched as the crowd stared, mouths agape. How was this possible? Shiki was half-beast royalty, an entity hailing from the majestic bloodline of the beast king himself. His physique, by all means, should've transcended them all. Yet here stood Qin Wentian, eschewing innate techniques and relying solely on sheer, unadulterated strength to subject Shiki to such a brutal pummeling.

Qin Wentian's demeanor was remarkably composed as he addressed Wang Xiao in the distance. His voice, unassuming but laced with an undertone of defiance, carried across the field. "As for your earlier sentiments, I confess I'm not quite grasping the essence. But if you're nursing an urge to 'abuse' me too, feel free to indulge yourself, here and now."

As words tumbled from his lips, Qin Wentian nonchalantly shrugged, his demeanor insinuating that being at the sixth level of Yuanfu wasn't reason enough to earn Wang Xiao's notice. The casual gesture left Wang Xiao fuming, his anger palpable as he gazed at Qin Wentian with an unsettling glint in his eyes.

The tension, however, soon gave way to a cold laugh. "Oh really? So, you're all brawn and no brain. No wonder the seniors aren't interested."

"If you're not up for a brawl, save your breath," retorted Qin Wentian, his eyes still averted from Wang Xiao. His attention instead shifted to Ouyang Kuangsheng, an expression of bewilderment knitting his brow. Wang Xiao's words remained a puzzle, their meaning eluding him.

"In the Unmatched Realm, there are thirty-six Dao-Cultivation Halls nestled within the mountains. Should the elders deem you worthy, you gain access to these halls to cultivate alongside them. There's even a slim chance of being taken on as a disciple," Ouyang Kuangsheng elucidated, his voice measured. "During the entry test, the old eccentrics scrutinize our performances. If they're impressed by your prowess, they might extend an invitation to join a Dao-Cultivation Hall. Wang Xiao, for instance, was courted by three elders after his test."

"Eh…" Recognition dawned in Qin Wentian's eyes. The fog lifted. "So, the absence of elders after my test is, well, kind of embarrassing?"

"Just a tad." Ouyang Kuangsheng's nod was candid, a hint of awkwardness creeping over Qin Wentian. It seemed that the glances fixed upon him weren't entirely friendly; they bore the weight of mockery and taunt.

But why? He had successfully navigated each checkpoint, except for the climactic showdown against the formidable maiden. Despite employing his full might, victory remained elusive. Was it conceivable that all these present cultivators had triumphed through all ten challenges? That felt like a far-fetched fantasy.

"DARN!" A raucous curse disrupted the contemplative silence. Qin Wentian turned to find Fan Le trudging forward, his visage marred by a storm of frustration. His garments were worse for wear, evidence of the trials' brutal difficulty.

Chu Mang materialized soon after, audibly inhaling as he addressed Qin Wentian and Fan Le. "You two are out too."

"Yeah, Brother Chu Mang, which checkpoint did you reach?" Fan Le inquired.

"Checkpoint six," came Chu Mang's reply. He then inquired of them, "And you guys?"

A smug grin cracked across Fan Le's lips. "Well, it appears that my greatness—yes, my greatness—surpassed even the esteemed Brother Chu Mang. I made it to the seventh checkpoint."

"With the crutch of your bloodline augmenting your strength, hitting the seventh checkpoint isn't that big a feat," Chu Mang quipped. Their conversation trickled through the air, catching the ears of onlookers who found themselves flabbergasted. Sixth and seventh checkpoints? Those weren't cakewalks. These newcomers were clearly above average. In fact, passing the fifth checkpoint in itself granted entry to the Unmatched Realm, the qualifying mark.

Yet, as the wind whispered its secrets, a silhouette emerged in the distance. His presence was sharp, a single glance enough to cut through steel. Those eyes—like daggers—fixed on Fan Le.

"Arrow Emperor? Seriously, even the Arrow Emperor's showing up." The crowd's expressions collectively faltered as they regarded Fan Le. Could this portly fellow truly be this fortunate?

"Your bow skills are undeniable, and you've got that Psyche-force Mandate under control. It's clear that you're a match for my guidance. Would you be open to having me as your master?" The inquirer, gaze fixed on Fan Le, delivered his words in a measured tone. Fan Le's eyes widened, a startled expression overtaking his features. He stuttered weakly, "Uh, what's your power level like?"

Beads of sweat formed on foreheads across the crowd; this shameless fatty truly knew no bounds. Ouyang Kuangsheng and his sister, Xiaolu, exchanged bemused glances. Truly a master of shamelessness.

"He's a Heavenly Dipper Ranking elite," Arrow Emperor chuckled. Fan Le's eyes lit up like twin beacons, and without hesitation, he plunged into a deep bow. "Esteemed Master, this humble disciple pays respects."

"Holy crap, that fatty's like instant gratification. He just claimed Arrow Emperor as his master out of nowhere?" The astonishment was palpable. First, the cheeky fatty inquired about Arrow Emperor's strength, and then, in the blink of an eye, he was bowing to him as his master.

Was this even real? A Heavenly Dipper Ranking elite was a figure of note in the entire Grand Xia. Fan Le, somewhat regretting his prior question, hastily jumped at the opportunity to claim Arrow Emperor as his master.

"Here's the deal—I don't give a damn about the outside world. The Unmatched Realm is its own bubble. If you run into trouble or get into scraps out there, I won't lift a finger. You still down with having me as your master?" Arrow Emperor's voice cut through the air. Fan Le nodded, a grin quirking his lips. "I'm in because I want to refine my archery skills, not to flaunt them outside. My aim is to push my abilities to their limits. Will Arrow Emperor kindly accept me?"

"You little rascal, you've already called him master. What's left to reject?" Another figure descended, corpulent and half-clad. He focused on Chu Mang before turning to Arrow Emperor. "This one's an archery maven too. Why not take him under your wing as well?"

"I know you've got your sights set on him, but either way, my Dao-Cultivation Hall's granting him entry. I'll oversee his archery journey too," Arrow Emperor retorted, his words met with a self-satisfied grin from the burly newcomer. "Good fellow indeed. All right, I'll open my doors to that fatty as well."

With his piece said, he shifted his gaze toward Chu Mang. "You might've reached the sixth checkpoint, but your trials were more demanding than your friend's, given your seventh-level Yuanfu cultivation. If you're game, I'll take you as my disciple."

"Chu Mang's in. Just so you know, folks call me simple-minded. Hope you don't mind," Chu Mang responded bluntly, triggering laughter from Arrow Emperor and his companions. The half-clad man chimed in too. "It's all good; simplicity's my jam."

The Arrow Emperor and his half-naked counterpart shifted their focus to Qin Wentian, emitting sighs of lament. "What a waste," they intoned.

"You, young one, are welcome in my Dao-Cultivation Hall for future endeavors," the half-naked gent extended an offer to Qin Wentian.

"Mine too," the Arrow Emperor chimed in, their combined invitations leaving Qin Wentian perplexed.

Meanwhile, in the crowd, speculation brewed like a storm. Perhaps Qin Wentian's showing hadn't been subpar—it just hadn't reached the heights necessary to win the favor of the old eccentrics.

In the distance, a figure descended like a celestial snowflake drifting to earth. Her presence exuded an air of tranquility, a frosty allure befitting a lotus atop a glacial peak. Her arrival demanded the gaze of all, hearts throbbing in perplexity. "Why was she here?"

The maiden alighted gracefully, her approach purposeful as she advanced toward Qin Wentian. He, too, sensed her presence, his gaze unwavering.

"I've come to convey that you've been granted access to all thirty-six Dao-Cultivation Halls within these ancient mountains. You're free to visit at your leisure," her words struck like lightning, resonating within the ears of the onlookers.

All thirty-six Halls—access extended to Qin Wentian?