Contending against Ancient Will

Contending against Ancient Will

Ouyang Ting's failure met with indifference from everyone but Duan Qingshan. Their decision to tread the Heavenly Stele Steps today came with an unspoken agreement—they were daring the ancient will of the Stele itself. If they were to falter too quickly, what opinion would their respective sects and clans form?

This was an opportunity, yet it was also a treacherous journey. None could afford to fail.

Their caution was palpable, each step an arduous endeavor. They would pause momentarily upon each step, recalibrating their spirit and mentality before venturing forth again.

Qin Wentian, now on the 4th step, still felt the lingering impact from his earlier ordeal. The jarring resonance had sent his internal organs into upheaval. Faced with this profound challenge, he realized just how formidable the Heavenly Stele Steps were.

"Can your body of flesh and blood withstand this level of power?"

The voice echoed in his mind, attempting to undermine his resolve. Qin Wentian's eyes sparkled with determination as he fixed his gaze on the brilliant light emanating from the three-sided Heavenly Stele.

"It seems that the rebound pressure is proportional to my own strength. The stronger I am, the more force I encounter. If I enhance my strength, the opposing pressure will scale accordingly," Qin Wentian pondered. There was no way to conceal one's strength before the Heavenly Stele; it drew out their full might, matching the step's level with the power it unleashed upon them.

Activating his demonic form, Qin Wentian's bloodline limit surged. He closed his eyes, ignoring the steps ahead as his internal flame burned ever brighter. His conviction remained steadfast, unwavering.

His body surged with immense vigor—a fusion of his demonic physique and unwavering determination.

"BOOM!" Ignoring the torrents of impact, Qin Wentian took another step. The tumultuous force caused his blood and qi to spiral chaotically, yet he paid it little mind. He'd faced worse injuries before; this adversity wouldn't hinder his ascent.

He proceeded to the 6th step. The 7th step lay ahead, brimming with overwhelming primordial and demonic pressure. Although he coughed up blood, Qin Wentian remained standing, resolute and undeterred.

Upon stepping onto the 8th step, an abrupt gust of wind materialized from nowhere, barreling into Qin Wentian. His feet quivered, as if his footing was inescapably precarious.

"Rumble, rumble…"

Twice in succession, the ferocious wind forcefully shoved him backward, each push eroding his stability. Inch by inch, his feet grazed the precipice of the 8th step. His face grew pallid like a blank canvas. After regaining his footing, he expelled two mouthfuls of blood, his chest heaving as he circulated Astral Energy throughout his body, dispersing the residual pressure.

"Qin Wentian is the fifth to anchor himself firmly on the 8th step. His prowess truly befits his reputation as one of Unmatched Realm's prime geniuses," a spectator observed.

All eyes remained riveted to Qin Wentian's every movement. Qiao Xuan of the Mystic Maiden Palace had been sent reeling from the 6th step, and as Wang Xiao prepared to ascend the 7th, his composure wavered upon witnessing the scene. Fortunately, Qiao Xuan sustained minor injuries during her fall, and her life was unthreatened.

"The 8th step is like the initial barrier; one wonders how many will conquer it." The crowd bore a keen sparkle in their eyes. Situ Po, Ouyang Zheng, Zang Lengfeng, and Qin Wentian currently resided on the 8th step, steadfastly eschewing further advancement. Their decision to halt emanated from their astute awareness of the distinction between the 8th and 7th steps.

If an unknown factor accompanied their journey onto the 8th step, what challenges awaited them upon the 9th? Prudence dictated their approach.

Those who led the march to the 8th step exercised caution, adjusting their mental bearings to an optimal level. For those striving to catch up, several were violently propelled off before securing purchase on the 8th step.

Liu Xi, from the Mystic Maiden Palace, was among the casualties, collapsing immediately after a forceful expulsion. Her suitors scarcely spared her a thought, preoccupied as they were with their own ascent. Soon, her sect members arrived to carry her away from the bottom of the steps.

Infuriated, Wang Xiao radiated an aura as sharp as a Divine Weapon, his determination unyielding. He eventually steadied himself upon the 8th step, garnering admiration from the crowd. This Wang Xiao was truly a character of his own.

Those who triumphantly reached the 8th step were all exceptional geniuses, their accomplishments deserving of awe.

Fan Le's face was ablaze, his exertions evident as his blood surged within him. Bathed in golden flames, he eventually emitted a determined growl, solidifying his stance on the 8th step, positioned beside Qin Wentian.

In a similar fashion, Ouyang Kuangsheng had achieved stability. Unyielding as a mountain, he seemed immovable under the pressure. Although his progress could be deemed a tad slower, each movement reflected careful deliberation and self-control—qualities that oddly contradicted his name, Kuangsheng, which meant "unrestrained."

Chu Mang's gaze fixed above, a resolute glint shining in his eyes. He too stepped onto the 8th step.

"The number nine is the zenith, the first of the three segments comprising twenty-seven. We should exercise caution," Ouyang Kuangsheng cautioned in hushed tones. As Qin Wentian advanced to the 9th step, the moment his foot landed, he was engulfed by a sensation akin to being thrust into a tempestuous tidal wave.

"BOOM!" A colossal wave crashed, a lone vessel in the vast expanse of the sea.

"BOOOOM!" The second wave struck, shattering the 'vessel.' Blood welled within Qin Wentian's throat, but he suppressed it resolutely.

"BOOOMMMMMM!" The third wave surged with even greater ferocity than its predecessors. It buckled Qin Wentian's form, threatening to propel him away. Yet, in the next instant, he straightened his posture. It was merely the 9th step; faltering here was not an option.

How could he be vanquished here?!

Hands outstretched, he wiped away traces of blood from his lips' corners. His sleeve swiftly saturated with crimson as he did so. Finally, his once-closed eyes opened. Anchored upon the 9th step, he was resolute.

"Threefold onslaught, each more formidable than the last. Be on guard," he cautioned his comrades Fan Le and the others.

Fan Le's gaze swerved to Xuan Xin, only to find her staring back. Their eyes locked, a shared smile bridging the gap.

Xuan Yan's gaze flickered oddly. Fan Le had, astonishingly, managed the 8th step. But regardless, the 9th step posed an entirely different challenge.

"I'm definitely going higher than you," Fan Le quipped, flashing a grin toward Xuan Yan. In the blink of an eye, he advanced. The Heavenly Stele's luminance converged upon him, and an instant later, his once-prominent form trembled violently, as though it might disintegrate any second.

Bent like a drawn bow, his body seemed on the verge of breaking, and he coughed up blood incessantly. However, he managed to regain his balance. Casting a bloodstained grin over his shoulder at Xuan Yan, he returned her gaze with a radiant smile.

"Xuan Xin, I'll make you proud," Fan Le asserted, an uncharacteristic gravity in his tone. Xuan Xin nodded, and with that affirmation, both Xuan Xin and Xuan Yan ascended to the 9th step.

Ouyang Kuangsheng and Chu Mang pressed forward, determined not to lag behind.

"The Heavenly Stele won't bar my way!" Chu Mang's declaration resonated as he took that crucial step. Unfazed by the onslaught of tsunami-like waves, he stood unyielding, a steadfast determination evident in his eyes.

In that moment, he resembled a mountain. Once, his elder brother Chu Wuwei had served as his anchor. Now, Chu Mang aspired to be the bulwark that Chu Wuwei could rely upon. He refused to let Chu Wuwei's strength wane with age, aiming instead to find a means for him to cultivate.

"Big Bro Chu Mang, you're amazing." Qin Wentian beamed upon witnessing Chu Mang's success.

Of the ten Chu prodigies, he ranked first. Despite his simplicity and occasional clumsiness, his unwavering determination set him apart.

"Together, we'll overcome this, reaching at least the 18th step." Chu Mang grinned. "We're going to conquer this Heavenly Stele test."

"Absolutely." Qin Wentian nodded with enthusiasm, their exchange causing onlookers' hearts to tremble.

Initially, numerous contenders had congregated at the foot of the steps. Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, and Fan Le comprised a group of four tackling the trial together. Now, they stood united, having surmounted the 8th step without a single stumble and proceeding to solidify their foothold on the 9th step. This band of mostly unknown cultivators had evolved into radiant exemplars, captivating the gaze of all who watched.

"ARGHH…" A wretched scream pierced the stillness. Yue Bingying of the Azure Emperor Palace was flung from the 9th step, crashing to the ground and spiraling into unconsciousness.

Situ Po's countenance tightened as he glanced at Yue Bingying, his breathing uneven as he struggled to regain his composure.

"The steps you couldn't conquer, I shall conquer in your stead," Situ Po declared, exuding unwavering assurance. Fixing his gaze ahead, determination blazed in his eyes. He advanced resolutely, becoming the first to set foot on the 10th step.

To everyone's surprise, once Situ Po reached the 10th step, his posture remained unshaken. The act seemed as mundane as ascending a normal stair, with no hint of pressure. This sight revealed that, following the 9th step, the 10th harbored a distinct alteration.

"Let me give it a shot." Qin Wentian stepped forward, taking the initiative. As he touched the 10th step, he encountered no overwhelming pressure. Instead, it felt as if he was immersed in a unique, enigmatic realm.

"Can your feeble determination withstand the ancient will of the Heavenly Stele?"

A resonant voice resonated in his mind. Gazing upon the Heavenly Stele, a silhouette resembling him emerged from the shadows. It emanated an intimidating ancient will that menaced to obliterate his consciousness. The will shattered his mental defenses, penetrating his mind.

"Get lost!" With an eruption of anger, Qin Wentian released the will of his Mandates. The Mandate of Force projected its determination, colliding with the ancient will of the Heavenly Stele.

While he outwardly seemed composed, he fully comprehended the immense danger of the 10th step, far surpassing the mounting pressure of the previous stages. A single misstep could lead to eradication of one's will—forever sundering the path of cultivation.

His Mandate of Dreams and Mandate of Demons also surged forth. In an instant, three semblances of Qin Wentian materialized above the Heavenly Stele Platform, casting disdainful glances downward with icy eyes. The trio of doppelgangers transformed into streams of ancient will, descending upon him.

"Using my own will to suppress me? I won't allow your success," Qin Wentian muttered, sending shivers through Fan Le and the others below. They watched as Qin Wentian pressed forward, placing his foot on the 11th step.

Unlike before, he didn't halt but pressed on with determination, reaching the 11th step. His will clashed fiercely against the ancient will.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

Each step appeared casual, yet the sight filled observers with a sense of heart-stopping tension.

"12th, 13th, 14th, 15th…" Swiftly, Qin Wentian advanced to the 15th step. Only three steps remained to match the previous record, unbroken over the past decade.

Yet, it was evident to all that these final steps would be more perilous than any before. The last three steps didn't just threaten harm—they could obliterate one's path of cultivation, condemning the defeated to a fate worse than death.