The Name that Shook the Unmatched Realm

The Name that Shook the Unmatched Realm...

The maiden was draped in robes as white as fresh snow. Her proclamation left a reverberating shock in its wake as she vanished, much like she had arrived. Her startling words cast a hushed stillness that seemed to saturate the surrounding air.

Thirty-six mountains. This entailed that each of the thirty-six esteemed masters, reigning over their respective Dao-Cultivation Halls, had sanctioned Qin Wentian's entry. In this vast sea of talented cultivators, many would be fortunate to secure access to a handful of these halls for their practice.

Yet, this bespoke a prodigious, sky-rending prodigy—a figure deserving guidance from all thirty-six Unmatched Realm elders. Within this congregation, only one individual enjoyed such exalted privilege—Qin Wentian.

For in the entirety of the Unmatched Realm, a trifling three cultivators had been bestowed the honor of unrestricted access to all thirty-six halls. And now, Qin Wentian was the fourth to join this prestigious league.

Not one elder had materialized upon Qin Wentian's test's conclusion, a stark contrast shattered by the maiden's sudden appearance. Reality seemed to blur as the crowd grappled with a surreal turn of events.

Wang Xiao, who had previously aired his disparaging quips, found himself reeling under the weight of irony, his visage oscillating between pallor and redness. The taste of his own medicine was a bitter one indeed.

Wang Xiao, once courted by three elders eager to be his mentors, had earned his place in their halls. As time passed, his star had garnered the patronage of two more, a total of five. In the realm of the Unmatched, this feat was praiseworthy. Yet, here was Qin Wentian, championed by all thirty-six elders.

"HAHAHA!" A stunned silence gave way to Ouyang Kuangsheng's uproarious laughter. His initial shock yielded to a bemused expression as he eyed Qin Wentian. "So that's why not a single elder emerged. It wasn't their absence but rather their deliberate abstention, providing you with a grander chance. If you're keen, all thirty-six eccentrics are willing to foster your growth."

A subtle smile played on Qin Wentian's lips as he addressed Ouyang in a low voice. "So, this isn't too embarrassing then, right?"

Ouyang Kuangsheng's response was a pointed glare, his eyes ablaze with a potent mix of amusement and incredulity. Qin Wentian's penchant for feigning naivety was becoming uncanny.

"Embarrassing? Absolutely. How can you possibly measure up to our paragon, Wang Xiao? Remember this clearly: three elders manifested for Wang Xiao's grand entrance!" Ouyang Kuangsheng crowed. Wang Xiao's expression soured, but Ouyang cut him off before a retort could escape. "Wang Xiao, do you hear that resounding slap? I can practically feel its echo trembling within my very bones. HAHAHA!"

"Wonder how far he'll get in the Unmatched Realm," Wang Xiao muttered with a dismissive snort. Clasping Qiao Yuan's hand, he and his company withdrew, no semblance of dignity left to uphold.

Silhouettes suspended in the air exchanged intrigued glances, united in their fascination with Qin Wentian. A fresh contender, a nascent genius with untapped potential, had entered their midst. But truth be told, many here outstripped him in current strength, for the Unmatched Realm harbored formidable individuals of varying degrees.

"All right then, follow me," Arrow Emperor beckoned, guiding Fan Le to a new chapter in his cultivation journey. Likewise, the half-naked man shepherded Chu Mang to his Dao-Cultivation Hall.

As the crowd dispersed, Ouyang Kuangsheng approached Qin Wentian, a knowing smile curling his lips. "Fan Le and Chu Mang did pretty damn well. Arrow Emperor's an archery sovereign, and Senior Qiao Long wields strength at a similar echelon. He's also an axe technique virtuoso, so Chu Mang made an excellent choice."

"Mhm." Qin Wentian gave a slight nod, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

"Qin Wentian, brace yourself," Ouyang Xiaolu chimed in, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Her words left Qin Wentian perplexed—'brace yourself'?

"It's nonsense, just have fun," Ouyang Kuangsheng chimed in, giving Qin Wentian's shoulder a hearty pat. His grin was almost conspiratorial, reminiscent of Murin's antics from yesteryears.

"The heavyweights here are countless as the stars. Given your current strength, at the fifth Yuanfu level, to win approval from all thirty-six halls—your name's gonna echo throughout the Unmatched Realm. Who among us isn't proud of our own mettle? So, what's your take? Are you bracing yourself?" Ouyang Xiaolu folded her arms over her stomach, her giggles unstoppable.

The smile on Qin Wentian waned, replaced by a shadow of contemplation.

Within the Unmatched Realm's various Dao-Cultivation Halls, a silhouette snapped awake, his gaze intent on the figure before him. "What was that? Someone's secured the favor of all thirty-six mountains?"

"Yes."

"How strong is this individual?"

"Fifth level of Yuanfu."

"Let's go, we need to see this for ourselves." A silhouette sprang aloft, vanishing with rapid haste. Simultaneously, on a mountain shaped like a sword, a young man frowned upon receiving the tidings.

"Lin Haotian, she made the proclamation herself—all thirty-six Dao-Cultivation Halls have opened their gates for him," an attendant at his side interjected, prompting Lin Haotian's eyes to gleam with a dagger-like brilliance.

Lin Haotian—a prodigy of the Sword Extinction Sect—was fated to rise among the chosen few, contending for supremacy in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. However, for now, he had only gained the favor of thirteen out of the Unmatched Realm's thirty-six halls.

At the very same instant, a group of female cultivators convened upon a pavilion's rooftop. These young women exuded exceptional bearing and beauty, their dignified airs a testament to their status.

In the Azure Continent, some transcendent power disciples ventured to the entry test as a collective, their aim to gain passage to the Unmatched Realm. These particular young women hailed from the Mystic Maiden Palace, a congregation of exceptional talents.

"All thirty-six halls?" A young woman took center stage, her eyes flickering with intrigue. "I'm eager to witness his prowess, to discern why he merits such exceptional treatment."

With resolve, she stood. Among the Mystic Maiden Palace disciples, her talent gleamed as one of the most luminous. She, too, boasted the endorsement of several Dao-Cultivation Halls within the Unmatched Realm.

Across the land, word of Qin Wentian's unprecedented feat swept like wildfire.

Grand Xia teemed with geniuses drawn to the Unmatched Realm's trials. Until now, only three had etched their names in this same pinnacle, and each was a legend in their own right. Now, with a fourth addition, could this news not reverberate throughout the Unmatched Realm?

In the moment, Ouyang Kuangsheng guided Qin Wentian, acquainting him with the realm's vast expanse.

The Unmatched Realm sprawled expansively, its ancient mountains perennially veiled in ethereal qi. Buildings of myriad hues speckled the mountains, some perched at summits, others extending down their slopes.

"In the Unmatched Realm, no one arranges lodgings for you. It's up to you where to stay, where to cultivate," Ouyang Kuangsheng explained while airborne. "Mystical grand formations abound, replete with innate techniques and cultivation arts inscribed across landmarks. And then there's the most mysterious of all—the Heavenly Moat Precipice. There, past luminaries left behind records of their wisdom and prowess."

"In addition to that, the Sword-Scar Mountain is graced with sword-slashes that still emanate formidable sword intent. It's a haven for sword-cultivators, a favorite haunt of the Sword Extinction Sect's disciples. Some marks are legacies of past generations, while others are traces left by clashes between experts. Both serve as founts of comprehension."

"Speaking of which, Chu Mang's axe technique? If you cross paths with him, advise him to seek out the Skysea Stone Rampart. A mighty ax-wielder once graced that spot, leaving behind a set of techniques pulsating with immense power. Even Yuanfu cultivators mastering a fragment could wield a massive offensive boost. Indeed, full mastery could unlock the second-level insight of the Mandate of Axes, a stepping stone into the Heavenly Dipper Realm."

Ouyang Kuangsheng and Ouyang Xiaolu continued weaving the tapestry of the Unmatched Realm, ushering Qin Wentian through its depths. In tandem with guidance from the thirty-six eccentrics, the realm harbored secret arts and techniques, leading to exclamations of awe as Qin Wentian chanced upon priceless treasures concealed within the mountains. No wonder scores of geniuses braved arduous journeys to cultivate here.

The Unmatched Realm stood as a sanctuary for prodigies, with transcendent powers eagerly sending their most promising protégés to its embrace.

After all, the Unmatched Realm diverged from the external world. Here, distractions dissolved, leaving behind a pristine arena of cultivation. The trio soared, Ouyang Kuangsheng at the helm, revealing hidden arts and techniques, and introducing Qin Wentian to peers of his generation. Frankly, a fifth-level Yuanfu cultivation was meager by Unmatched Realm standards. Most denizens operated at the seventh or eighth levels, driven by aspirations of Perfection Boundary attainment and second-level Mandate insights—tools to pierce through the Heavenly Dipper Realm's barrier.

Of course, some figures remained beyond Qin Wentian's perception—their levels unquantifiable. These figures invariably wore the aura of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, and to top it off, they all bore a youthful countenance, most appearing no older than thirty. They epitomized exceptional talents.

Just as Qin Wentian contemplated rejoining the congregated cultivators, a coterie materialized, provoking Ouyang Kuangsheng's brow to furrow.

"They're of the Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect," Ouyang Kuangsheng murmured. The leader moved with swift elegance, exuding faint traces of wind and thunder. As the young man materialized, a confluence of elements surrounded him. His gaze fixed on Qin Wentian, and Ouyang Kuangsheng's expression darkened.

"Allow me to jog your memory—within the Unmatched Realm, landmarks and elders' guidance aren't your sole avenues to empowerment. Engaging in combat against fellow younger cultivators is another option. And given your newfound notoriety, plenty of opportunities to fortify yourself will come your way," Ouyang Kuangsheng whispered, his eyes fixed on the figure ahead.

"Hey, newcomer, care for a bout?" The Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect's youth brimmed with an eagerness for battle. His gaze sizzled like a storm-charged sky, and his aura bore traces of a berserker's ferocity.

"Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect—a transcendent power on the Azure Continent. That's Lei Yan. He's standing at the sixth level of Yuanfu. Alongside his cultivation, he wields a bloodline limit and holds mastery over lightning-infused techniques. His strikes pack explosive potency, outstripping even those at the seventh level of Yuanfu," Ouyang Kuangsheng offered in a measured tone, appraising Lei Yan's might for Qin Wentian.

A grin surfaced on Lei Yan's lips as he absorbed Ouyang Kuangsheng's explanation. Learning of Qin Wentian's unanimous endorsement by the thirty-six elders, Lei Yan was keen to witness the newcomer's prowess firsthand.

"As long as I don't kill or cripple him, I can give him a sound thrashing?" Qin Wentian glanced at Ouyang Kuangsheng, firing off his inquiry. Ouyang Kuangsheng rolled his eyes in response. His brother was even more audacious than himself.

"Indeed," he confirmed with a nod.

"Will he employ his sect's power for vengeance?" Qin Wentian probed further.

"Who do you take me for?" Lei Yan retorted with a cold snort. "Newcomer, don't overstep your bounds."

"I'd rather steer clear of biting off more than I can chew. It's best not to exchange a little confrontation for an avalanche of trouble," Qin Wentian reflected, though a smile danced on his lips as he locked gazes with Lei Yan.