Heartbreak Echo

Heartbreak Echo

Zhan Chen's eyes, ablaze with golden intensity, remained locked on Yun Mengyi and the black-robed enigma. Killing Qin Wentian today had morphed into an impossibility. The combat prowess of his opponents was undeniably exceptional. In particular, the black-robed figure, a practitioner of the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, struck fear into Zhan Chen's heart with every clash.

Among the nine paramount arts of Grand Xia, the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil stood as the sole representative of Devil Arts. Its notoriety had reached Zhan Chen's ears long before this encounter. The art's cultivation path was treacherous, with nine out of ten practitioners succumbing to the devouring grasp of devil energy. Yet, if one persevered to achieve mastery, they would ascend to the rank of a true devil king.

Little did Zhan Chen expect to bear witness to such a figure today.

"I, Zhan Chen, shall remember your deeds. When the year-end ranking battle arrives, I'll personally seek both of you for guidance." His voice wavered, dissolving as he stepped onto his sword and soared away.

Neither Yun Mengyi nor the black-robed figure gave chase. Zhan Chen's combat prowess held its own against theirs. Even if they bested him, it didn't guarantee his death. Defeating and killing were worlds apart. The latter required an overwhelming supremacy, enough to suppress an opponent entirely, as mere defense and retreat could foil attempts at assassination.

With the battle's end, Yun Mengyi's attention shifted to the black-robed enigma. "Who are you? How did you master the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil?"

The black-robed figure's countenance flickered before he coldly retorted, voice hoarse, "None of your concern."

His words hung, then he turned to depart. Yet, before he could take a step, Yun Mengyi lunged, a bolt of lightning in human form. An icy intent surged from her, coating the surroundings in snow and frost.

The black-robed figure pivoted, thrusting his devil spear with tyrannical force. Devil-might vibrated, obliterating ice and snow.

Yun Mengyi's palm swept, sword cries resonating like harmonious music. A symphony of sword-might converged, and in a heartbeat, her hands stretched skyward. Beams of sword light descended from the heavens.

"Bzzz…"

A sword plummeted, an eruption of brilliance that dwarfed the world's splendor.

Qin Wentian had witnessed his share of extraordinary swordplay techniques, but even so, Yun Mengyi's display left him profoundly stunned.

Her swordplay was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Undeterred, the black-robed figure lunged, thrusting his devil spear once more, targeting Yun Mengyi's heart. His eyes, as cold and lifeless as ever, mirrored those of a corpse, devoid of emotion, indifferent to her sword's advance.

"You…"

Yun Mengyi's expression contorted. She hadn't anticipated the black-robed figure's ruthlessness. Continuing her attack would undoubtedly spell their demise.

Taking to the air, she shifted her position, executing another strike that descended from the heavens.

"This… Heavenly Swordplay…" Ouyang Kuangsheng's heart raced. As an Ouyang Clan prodigy, his discernment was unmatched.

Zhan Chen's strength had matched Ouyang's expectations, given his #11 ranking on the Heavenly Fate Ranking—even before he acquired the Gold-Element Ascendant's inheritance.

Then emerged the enigmatic black-robed figure, a practitioner of the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil.

Shortly thereafter, Yun Mengyi revealed herself, wielding the Heavenly Swordplay—one of the nine supreme arts of Grand Xia. Both arts had faded into history, and yet, fate had them manifesting consecutively.

Even as Ouyang Kuangsheng pondered, a palpable unease gnawed at him about the impending year-end ranking battle. Confrontations loomed, many unforeseen and unprecedented.

"Enough."

Qin Wentian's reprimand rang out, compelling both combatants to halt. The black-robed figure retreated as Yun Mengyi retracted her sword.

Ouyang Kuangsheng's heart nearly skipped a beat. He stared, flabbergasted, at Qin Wentian. The two before him—one, a disciple of the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil, the other, a practitioner of the Heavenly Swordplay—ceased their clash at a mere command from Qin Wentian?

The scene defied explanation.

Even Qin Wentian himself was taken aback. A glimmer of suspicion flashed in his eyes. Yun Mengyi's identity remained obscure, and the black-robed figure's abrupt intervention against Zhan Chen—was it a mere coincidence or intentional aid?

"Are you familiar with me?" Qin Wentian addressed the black-robed figure, his voice tinged with curiosity.

The black-robed figure's gaze swept toward Qin Wentian, lingering for a fleeting moment before he abruptly departed, wordless. Yun Mengyi contemplated chasing after him, but Qin Wentian's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Halt right there."

She paused, glancing at Qin Wentian, who inquired further, "Who are you, and why are you following me?"

Her icy stare met his, a silence enveloping them. His bewildered expression prompted him to offer an apologetic shrug in Ouyang Kuangsheng's direction.

He remained in the dark about their motives.

"Let's head back," Ouyang Kuangsheng suggested. The two of them left the scene together. Soon, word of their recent clash circulated, overshadowing talk of Qin Wentian. The appearance of the Chaotic Art of the Heavenly Devil turned the spotlight away from him.

Rumors also spread about a white-clad maiden wielding the Heavenly Swordplay.

Back in his courtyard, Qin Wentian meditated cross-legged, shrouded in the inky darkness of night. The day's events had stirred a storm of emotions within him.

Mo Qingcheng's safety washed relief over him. With her well-being confirmed, he could finally rest easy.

Yet, the demonstration of Zhan Chen's power cast a shadow of apprehension. Qin Wentian realized that Zhan Chen hadn't fully unleashed his arsenal during their confrontation.

Moreover, Yun Mengyi and the black-robed figure were equally formidable adversaries as Zhan Chen.

And then there were Yang Fan from the Star-Seizing Manor and Hua Feng of the Hua Clan, both likely considerably stronger now. Their aims aligned with Qin Wentian's: securing a top-three spot in the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

Clutching Yuan Meteor stones, Qin Wentian pondered his cultivation. Though he could hold his own against opponents two levels above him, he knew that geniuses armed with potent innate techniques or unique skills posed a greater challenge. Absolute confidence in victory remained elusive.

Thus, he resolved to cultivate even more potent attacking techniques.

When it came to raw attack power, the Heaven Breaking Finger technique left behind by the Gold-Element Ascendant was among the most formidable Qin Wentian had ever encountered. However, its astonishing Yuan Meteor Stone consumption made it unsuitable for frequent use. Beyond the 81 stances of the demonic arts learned in the Unmatched Realm, he needed more potent innate techniques as his trump cards.

Among his memories, one innate technique stood out for its immense might.

The Astral-Being, bequeathed to him by that cantankerous old sage, held his greatest secret. Over the past two years, Qin Wentian had invested an astronomical number of Yuan Meteor Stones to access the memory fragments of the minuscule Astral-Being. In addition to insights into his father's memories, he'd acquired the cultivation method for an immensely potent innate technique.

This technique was known as the 'Heartbreak Echo.'

Heartbreak—aptly named, as it promised to shatter the very core of the opponent's heart.

Its execution necessitated bell-type Divine Energy, along with a connection to third-level Ancient Bell Divine Inscriptions.

Qin Wentian had begun cultivating this technique long ago. At present, he had surmounted the initial challenge—inscribing a peak-tier, third-ranked Ancient Bell Inscription instantaneously—ensuring the attack could be unleashed at will.

But that was just the first hurdle. The second required syncing the attack with the rhythm of one's heartbeat—a task of prodigious complexity.

Now, a candle flame silently blazed within Qin Wentian's heart, its rhythm in harmony with the Divine Yuan energy coursing through him. This phase was immensely challenging, and only late into the night did he finally achieve it.

Rustling sounds reached his ears from the courtyard, causing a frown to mar his concentration. Even while cultivating, his awareness remained keen. With a cold snort, he thrust his palms out. An instant later, an ethereal Ancient Bell materialized in the air.

Yun Mengyi, who was leisurely wandering nearby, was seized by terror as she felt her heart constrict. She swiftly reacted, extending her palm to intercept the sudden manifestation of the Ancient Bell.

"BOOM!"

A bell's reverberations echoed through the air. Yun Mengyi groaned as her heart raced wildly, as if someone had just shattered it. Her eyes shot open, her expression trembling as she stared at Qin Wentian in shock.

What was that innate technique? She couldn't fathom how she'd been attacked.

"Why are you here?" Qin Wentian asked, opening his eyes and glancing at Yun Mengyi.

Her demeanor turned icy as she met his gaze. "What was that innate technique?"

Qin Wentian regarded her for a moment, then slowly replied, "That was the 'Heartbreak Echo.'"

"Heartbreak Echo," Qin Wentian replied calmly.

"Heartbreak? It's truly potent," Yun Mengyi commented, "If you were at the eighth level of Yuanfu, my defensive technique wouldn't last long against the unrelenting echoes of the bells."

Qin Wentian said nothing, simply locking eyes with Yun Mengyi. He wondered why she had come to his residence so late at night.

"Though my beauty may not be unrivaled, I'm still considered quite captivating. Why are you so against me?" Yun Mengyi asked, a touch of unhappiness evident as she observed Qin Wentian's impassive expression.

Taken aback, Qin Wentian hadn't anticipated that the usually icy Yun Mengyi would utter such words.

"Your character seems to have changed. This isn't the Yun Mengyi I once knew," he remarked, his tone steady.

"I was only pretending to be indifferent. If you truly love me, I wouldn't mind giving myself to you." A warm smile graced Yun Mengyi's lips as she leisurely approached Qin Wentian. With deliberate slowness, she allowed her outer layer of clothing to slide down her shoulders and pool around her feet. Her alabaster shoulders and enticing collarbone were exposed, a sight that defied comparison.

Qin Wentian frowned, completely bewildered by the situation. Why was Yun Mengyi acting so irrationally?

"What do you really want?" he interjected, his voice cold.

In response, Yun Mengyi released her outer clothing, allowing it to fall gracefully to the ground. She moved closer to Qin Wentian, settling beside him with a sensual grace. Drawing nearer, she pressed her soft form against his and whispered, "Is your heart still untouched? Do I not stir any emotions within you?"

Turning to face her, Qin Wentian placed his hands on Yun Mengyi's delicate shoulders. He felt the chill of her skin against his palms, his gaze trailing over her tempting collarbone before meeting her eyes. Yun Mengyi's smile grew wider in response.

"No," Qin Wentian declared, his hands moving as he gracefully retrieved Yun Mengyi's white outer garment. He deftly draped it over her shoulders, his words as emotionless as before. "Unless you have a specific reason, kindly refrain from disturbing my cultivation."

Yun Mengyi flushed, feeling heat spread across her cheeks. She immediately stood, flicked her sleeves, and left without another word. It wasn't clear whether she was chiding him for his naivety or his insensitivity!