Not a genius, no gazing upon the Heavenly Stele

Not a genius, no gazing upon the Heavenly Stele

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze between Situ Po and the Heavenly Stele Steps. A mysterious energy shrouded all twenty-seven steps, each exuding an immensely formidable aura.

It wasn't just the Unmatched Realm participants who had gathered here. Among them were several figures exuding auras that could rival Situ Po's in strength.

While Situ Po might be a Heaven's Chosen of the Sword Extinction Sect, there was a critical aspect where he fell short—he had yet to challenge the other top-ranked individuals on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Many of the Azure Continent's elites had been in seclusion, either preparing to break into the Heavenly Dipper Realm or getting ready for the year-end journey to the Ancient Kingdom. As such, their presence in the Unmatched Realm was rare.

But today's event was an exception.

Within the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, aside from Ouyang Kuangsheng's faction, two other powerhouses held sway. One was led by a young man dressed in purple. Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting were not far from him.

This young man was another Heaven's Chosen of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan—Ouyang Zheng, the tenth on the latest Heavenly Fate Rankings.

However, rumors were circulating that Hua Taixu and several others had already broken through to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This meant the rankings were likely to shift again after the Ancient Kingdom expedition. Though most rank changes were minor, the Venerate Heavens Sect conducted a complete overhaul and re-ranking every three years. This practice led most to check the rankings only once every three years.

So, without considering the emergence of even stronger contenders, Ouyang Zheng had a strong chance of entering the top eight.

Currently, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan had two Yuanfu Realm Chosen—Ouyang Zheng and Duan Qingshan. Moreover, Ouyang Kuangsheng's status was superior to them.

"Zang Lengfeng from the Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect has made an appearance," the crowd's attention shifted to a young man with an icy demeanor. He was the twelfth-ranked Heaven's Chosen on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

At the Mystic Maiden Palace's vicinity, Li Shiyu stood beside a striking young woman. This lady glanced at Qin Wentian and the surrounding figures, then called out, "Xuan Xin, come here."

Xuan Yan, the seventeenth-ranked Heaven's Chosen, obeyed. This Mystic Maiden Palace member's status was lower than that of Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng.

"Bingying, is he the one?" Beside Yue Bingying from the Azure Emperor Palace stood a figure who pointed at Qin Wentian, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," Yue Bingying affirmed, her gaze glinting coldly.

"If Situ Po emerges triumphant, he'll deal with this guy. But if he doesn't, then I'll take care of it," the speaker stated with confidence. He was the Azure Emperor Palace's Heaven's Chosen, Yue Bufan.

Yue Bufan's voice carried no disguise, causing everyone to follow his finger, which was directed squarely at Qin Wentian.

"The rumors are true then? Is this the person who turned the Unmatched Realm on its head? I've heard that he's on par with Situ Po, gaining access to all thirty-six halls. He managed to insta-kill Lin Haotian and two other members of the Sword Extinction Sect. It seems that Situ Po's Extinction Swordplay wasn't enough to bring him down."

"Indeed, and let's not forget his third Astral Soul, condensed from the Demon Sovereign Constellation, the first-ranked Astral Warbeast in the Warbeast Index. His Astral Soul clearly outshines those of other geniuses from the Azure Continent."

"Absolutely, and that plump fellow next to him is Fan Le. He excels in archery and is a disciple of the Unmatched Realm's Arrow Emperor. The Arrow Emperor's reputation stretches across Grand Xia—able to eliminate enemies from miles away without leaving a trace."

"Fair point, but just look at him. I'm baffled about why the Mystic Maiden Palace's little princess would fall for him. It's rather amusing. Perhaps he's skilled in sweet talk? After all, given Xuan Xin's talent, she'll have no shortage of suitors in a few years. Why choose that portly fellow?"

Chatter filled the air as the crowd speculated and discussed. Almost everyone had caught wind of the true reason behind lending the Heavenly Stele—the ongoing rivalry between Situ Po and Qin Wentian, as well as the romantic connection between Fan Le and the Mystic Maiden Palace's princess.

Furthermore, the prominent figure Ouyang Kuangsheng stood among them.

Curiosity was high as the crowd eagerly awaited the performance of this group during the Heavenly Stele Steps' trial.

On the steps, the elderly figure spoke in a measured tone, "Should you decide to undertake this trial, bear the risks in mind."

His words sent shivers down the spines of many present. The countless stories about the Heavenly Stele Steps, both miraculous and cautionary, came rushing back. While this place could accelerate one's progress, many talented individuals had found themselves inexplicably hindered after their encounters with the Heavenly Stele. This had led to a saying within the Azure Emperor Palace: unless you possessed demon-level talent, the Heavenly Stele Steps were best left unexplored.

Why bother with the Heavenly Stele Steps? Staying out of them was certainly a smarter choice. Why jeopardize their existing talents in a mystical quest to alter their innate potential? They were all exceptional talents who could advance without the help of these steps. The risks just weren't worth it.

Of course, there would always be those proud geniuses who wanted to measure their innate abilities. The ones eager to test themselves had already assembled at the base of the steps. The likes of Situ Po, Qin Wentian, Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, Xuan Yan, Yue Bufan, Duan Qingshan, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le, Xuan Xin, and others commanded the attention of the onlookers. Besides this distinguished group, several other high-ranking figures from the Heavenly Fate Ranking also drew many curious glances.

Over the past decade, the highest step reached was the 18th. Could today be the day that record was shattered?

Situ Po ignored Qin Wentian now, his focus set as he boldly stepped onto the Heavenly Stele Steps. None could know the sensations that coursed through him until they too took that first step.

"Fan Le." A voice called, and Fan Le turned to see Xuan Yan accompanied by Liu Xi—who had been humbled by Qin Wentian before in the Unmatched Realm—Wang Xiao's girlfriend Qiao Xuan, Li Shiyu, and finally, Xuan Xin. All these individuals were qualified geniuses who had earned entry to the Unmatched Realm.

The maidens of the Mystic Maiden Palace formed a charming tableau, their presence both visually delightful and emotionally warming.

Xuan Yan's tone was devoid of emotion as she addressed Fan Le, "If you can't surpass me today, you'll leave Xuan Xin willingly."

Ouyang Zheng and Zang Lengfeng shared a competitive glance before simultaneously stepping onto the first stair.

Yue Bufan and Yue Bingying moved in tandem, casting a parting glance at Qin Wentian.

Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting stood united, the former encouraging the latter, "Ting'er, since you've earned your place in the Unmatched Realm, conquering these Heavenly Stele Steps should be well within your reach."

"Agreed." Ouyang Ting nodded with determination. As a pampered young lady from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, even she felt the weight of being surrounded by so many geniuses from the Azure Continent.

"Ouyang Ting, I'd advise against attempting this with your temperament. The psychological toll might be more than you can handle," Ouyang Kuangsheng commented, causing a cold fire to flicker in Ouyang Ting's beautiful eyes.

"You're getting a friendly warning here. But if you're hell-bent on ignoring well-meaning advice, then let's just pretend I never said anything," Ouyang Kuangsheng remarked with a casual shrug. He shifted his attention to Qin Wentian and the group, adding in a hushed tone, "Folks, it wouldn't hurt to exercise some caution during the test."

Qin Wentian and his companions nodded in agreement, their auras surging. Raising their heads, they observed that Situ Po had already advanced to the third step, firmly establishing his position.

Soon, Qin Wentian's party moved forward, their feet firmly landing on the first step, marking the beginning of their challenge.

A low hum filled the air as the mystical radiance blanketing the steps enveloped them, immersing them in an overpowering sensation as if they were the only ones present, as if they were undertaking the Heavenly Stele test in isolation.

High above the platform, the three-sided Heavenly Stele projected its formidable power, seemingly scrutinizing Qin Wentian.

"Is your mortal body able to withstand this level of power?" The question sliced into Qin Wentian's mind, resonating endlessly. Almost immediately, an intense pressure wrapped around his body, causing his muscles to involuntarily tense. He felt that even a momentary lapse in focus might send him hurtling off the Heavenly Stele Steps.

Can your mortal body endure this level of power?

"Absolutely," Qin Wentian replied inwardly, his eyes gleaming with a touch of demonic radiance. His aura of demonic energy permeated the surroundings, while the blood within him surged. With resolve in his heart, he took another step, ascending to the second stair.

"A rumble echoed, and a formidable force struck him like invisible lightning. His blood and qi churned chaotically, prompting a soft groan to escape his lips.

Yet, Qin Wentian rooted his feet more firmly, anchoring himself to the steps. His determination was unwavering. It was only the second step—how could he afford to falter?

Gazing ahead, his eyes locked onto the distant Heavenly Stele. He steeled himself and took another step, the force of it creating a resounding boom. He landed on the third step.

"BOOOOM!"

An immense pressure slammed into him, causing his footsteps to involuntarily skid back. His face paled. No wonder Ouyang Kuangsheng had been so serious; the Heavenly Stele Steps were nothing to scoff at.

"ARGHHH…"

A piercing, blood-curdling screech reverberated from a nearby spot.

"Ting`er!" Duan Qingshang cried out in alarm. His eyes widened as he turned to witness Ouyang Ting's struggle. She was being mercilessly pushed back by the overwhelming pressure, crashing onto the ground in a crumpled heap. Her face was pallid, and bloodstains marked her lips. Tremors wracked her body relentlessly.

Merely the second step—she hadn't even made it past the second step before being forcefully repelled. How could this be? Was her talent truly so limited?

Glancing around at the onlookers, Ouyang Ting detected traces of derision and mockery in their eyes. She, a proud scion of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, couldn't even ascend past the second step. Her weakness was on full display, and it stung.

"No…" Ouyang Ting wailed, her voice laced with torment. A few individuals cast empathetic glances her way, sighing inwardly. This was the brutal reality of the Heavenly Stele Steps. Her progress had been halted at the second step, and from now on, doubt would creep into her heart, and an inner demon would loom over her aspirations, hindering her advancement.

Her self-assurance lay shattered.

Not a genius, no communion with the Heavenly Stele!