Spar

Spar...

Wandering through the various Dao-Cultivation Halls, seeking guidance from elders, and honing his insights in secluded cave dwellings, Qin Wentian relished in this process. Day by day, he sensed his strength growing, even if his cultivation level didn't undergo drastic changes. He considered each ounce of effort akin to persistent water droplets wearing away solid rock. Immersed in cultivation day in and day out, Qin Wentian had evolved into a much more formidable individual compared to his initial entry into the Unmatched Realm.

However, as time flowed on, the pace of his improvement began to taper.

On this particular day, Qin Wentian strolled leisurely along an ancient mountain path, his gaze fixed ahead. In the distance, he spotted a white-clad figure making her way toward him. The woman exuded a cool and elegant aura, reminiscent of a snow lotus gracing a frozen peak. This was the very same maiden with whom Qin Wentian had crossed swords during the entrance test.

Her combat prowess had left a profound impression on him, and it seemed she held a unique status within the Unmatched Realm. It was she who had granted him access to all thirty-six halls. But who had bestowed upon her such authority? The one capable of such a decision must surely occupy the highest peak of the Unmatched Realm.

The white-robed maiden halted her steps and greeted him with a smile. "Has our previous exchange led to any improvement in your strength?"

"Somewhat. Would it be possible for us to spar once again?" Qin Wentian inquired. His intention wasn't driven solely by the desire to emerge victorious, but rather to measure the gap between himself and the maiden. Her combat abilities were extraordinary—an eighth level Yuanfu cultivator with a Mandate perfected to its limit. Qin Wentian wished to gauge how far he had come in comparison.

Recollections of Cang Lan's words resurfaced in his mind—the one behind Yue Bingying. He guessed that Situ Po's power was likely on par with this maiden's.

"Sure." The white-clad maiden locked her gaze onto Qin Wentian and gave a slight nod. "Give it your all."

Astral Energy surged within Qin Wentian, his bloodline limit coursing through his body. Battle intent radiated from him, ascending to the heavens, and his demonic qi emanated in a formidable aura. Even before launching an attack, his presence resembled that of an ancient primordial beast.

Without a trace of hesitation, he lunged into an offensive stance. He was aware that this maiden stood at the eighth level, two tiers above him. Furthermore, her Mandate had reached the zenith. Even in terms of Mandates, she held a distinct advantage.

Qin Wentian became enveloped in a formidable surge of light, while the arm exuding his demonic qi seemed to extend towards the very heavens. The energy of the heavens and earth converged within him, shaping a distinct rhythm as he directed his attack at the white-clad maiden. The sheer dominance of his strike rent the fabric of space, conjuring fissures that shattered the tranquility around him. A direct hit from this attack would undeniably lead to the maiden's instantaneous demise.

Pushing forward with her palms, the maiden conjured an extraordinary rhythm that resonated through the air, instantly transforming their surroundings into a domain of ice and frost. As their forces collided, Qin Wentian found himself plunged into an unnerving, bone-chilling sensation. Yet, he persisted, channeling an unwavering force into his fist.

A resounding roar filled the air, but the maiden's composure remained unshaken. She deflected his forceful strike with her palms, projecting an icy intent capable of freezing anything it contacted.

Crash!

Upon impact, the frosty qi morphed into countless razor-sharp icicles that hurtled toward Qin Wentian. Swiftly evading to the side, he countered with a palm thrust. The icicles shattered, yet the maiden pressed on, her aura exuding an overwhelming glacial intent that sent shivers coursing through his body.

"Counterattacking with such strength?" Qin Wentian was taken aback. The maiden's speed was astonishing, so he swiftly slammed his fist into the ground, causing a minor tremor that momentarily disrupted her balance. He unfurled his Garuda Wings and ascended into the sky.

Undeterred, the maiden executed a complex spin, summoning a tempestuous gale that bolstered her speed further.

With her hands outstretched, the maiden's Mandate of Ice and Snow expanded, crystallizing the surroundings. Drifting leaves transformed into frost, while the chill gradually seeped into Qin Wentian's body, encasing him in an icy cocoon.

"My Mandate's will is no match for hers. I'm the one being suppressed now. If my Mandate of Dreams had reached its pinnacle, I could immerse her in slumber instead of being ensnared by her frost," Qin Wentian contemplated. An immense sword intent emanated from him, rupturing the icy shroud. However, even as the frosty haze dispersed, the maiden had already closed the gap, standing right before him.

Demonic qi surged forth as Qin Wentian's palms flipped, his eyes taking on a fiendish gleam. Thrusting out his finger, the air quaked like a volcanic eruption surging towards the maiden.

A look of alarm flickered across the maiden's face as she hastily clasped her hands together. A suit of ice armor solidified around her, freezing her in place. Qin Wentian aimed his Heaven Breaking Finger at the ice armor, shattering it into fragments. However, the maiden's defense proved formidable enough to counteract the force of Qin Wentian's attack. Her life-preserving method was clearly potent.

Unfazed by the resistance, Qin Wentian pressed on. Yuanfu surged within him, channeling Astral Energy into his fist, imbued with every technique he had learned.

As the maiden met Qin Wentian's gaze, he returned the stare with steely resolve, his Mandate of Dreams surging forth. He had no intention of showing her mercy—instead, he aimed to test her true strength.

A mighty wind swept through the surroundings.

Peng...

A violent gust reverberated through the mountain pass, altering the trajectory of Qin Wentian's punch. He stood bewildered—his mightiest blow had missed its mark, leaving him wishing that the maiden had used a powerfully defensive method to counter his attack, rather than simply evading it. That would have at least provided some consolation.

Drawing back his aura, Qin Wentian ceased his actions, a wry smile playing on his lips. The satisfaction he'd felt earlier about his progress now evaporated. If the maiden had capitalized on the opportunity to strike, he would have been defeated. Clearly, she was holding back in their spar.

He inclined his head slightly, recognizing this as the effect of Mandate suppression. A Mandate at the Perfection Boundary held an undeniable advantage. Even if his strikes matched or surpassed his opponent's in power, it would be futile if they couldn't land.

Remembering the Barbarian King's proclamation about the might of the Mandate of Force, he realized it was merely one perspective. All Mandates wielded great power—it depended on the practitioner's skill.

"The fusion of the Mandate of Ice and Snow to hinder movement and the Mandate of Wind to enhance speed is truly formidable," Qin Wentian murmured. The white-robed maiden replied, "At the Perfection Boundary, any combination of Mandates is fearsome. Take you for example—your Mandate of Dreams can induce drowsiness, while your Mandate of Force follows up with a potent attack. Who could withstand that?"

"You're right. Anyway, thanks for sparring with me." Qin Wentian shrugged off the concern of victory or defeat, extending a warm smile to the maiden. "I'm Qin Wentian. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"

Qin Wentian observed Yun Mengyi's smile and responded with a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Yun Mengyi."

A sudden voice pierced into Qin Wentian's thoughts, making him jump. He swiveled around to find a casually-dressed, disheveled old man perched on a rock. The man's smile held a peculiar quality—it seemed both sly and sincere, a strange combination.

Despite his heightened perception, Qin Wentian hadn't sensed the old man's presence until he spoke.

"Trying to charm the ladies, huh?" the old man quipped, directing his words at Qin Wentian. His grin was more of a smirk, bearing a touch of mischief.

Yun Mengyi offered the old man a sharp glance before departing, leaving Qin Wentian in bewilderment. He redirected his attention to the old man. "Is Senior Yun Mengyi's master?"

The old man's eyes narrowed, oozing a shrewdness. "Interested in having me as your master too?"

Qin Wentian was at a loss for words. This old man's disregard for convention was exceptional, outshining even the Barbarian King in audacity.

"Chasing girls with your level of strength? Good luck with that," the old man remarked, a sentiment that rendered Qin Wentian speechless and disinclined to respond.

"If you're done here, I'm taking off." Qin Wentian paid his respects and turned to leave, causing the old man to react strangely.

"Don't come crying back if you regret it," the old man warned in a half-joking tone.

"Farewell." Qin Wentian waved over his shoulder and sped away down the mountains. The old man's face twitched in response—Qin Wentian's personality seemed to rival his own.

"Quit gawking, all of you. Scatter. You hear me?" The old man's tone shifted, exuding an imposing pressure. As several figures materialized, their suppressed laughter dissolved under the weight of his presence.

The old man's outburst barely fazed them, and they exchanged amused glances. "Whoever wants to laugh can go for it," he snapped, triggering an immediate shift in their expressions. They masked their amusement, privately scoffing at the old man for venting his frustration on them after being brushed off by a young brat.

"Hey, you there," the old man addressed a brawny figure, prompting the Barbarian King to bristle in irritation.

In a tone dripping with insolence, the old man referred to the Barbarian King as "little barby." The Barbarian King's eyes flashed with fury at the disrespectful moniker. How dare this man, the mighty Barbarian King, be referred to so irreverently?

Thankfully, no youngsters were present, sparing him the embarrassment of losing face within the Unmatched Realm.

"That lad's talent is nothing to write home about. He merely stumbled through the tests with luck. He's hardly fit to be your disciple. If you decided to hand him over to me, I'd reject the offer because he's as thick-headed as a boulder," the Barbarian King quipped, his expression deadpan. His words prompted an eye roll from the old man.

"Get lost! Clear out now, and don't you dare spout a single truth-laden sentence in my presence. Be gone. Remember, keep this incident under wraps," the old man ordered.

"Sure thing." The Barbarian King and his cohorts nodded in agreement and wasted no time in departing. They knew better than to linger and risk any change of mind from the eccentric elder. The old man lounged on a boulder, his squinted eyes reflecting an enigmatic gleam. His contemplation remained a mystery to all, leaving observers to ponder his thoughts.