Who’s the Controller

Who's the Controller...

Qin Wentian's gaze lingered on Mu Feng's retreating figure, recognizing the profound change in his temperament and character, a transformation wrought by the tragedy that had befallen his family.

Mu Feng's heart now beat with even greater determination, and astonishingly, the fearsome poison qi hadn't succeeded in snuffing out his life. Instead, under the influence of another poison, these toxins seemed to counterbalance each other, creating a peculiar equilibrium within his body.

Turning his attention back to Shu Ruanyu, Qin Wentian couldn't help but smile. "Did Yang Fan dump you?"

Shu Ruanyu's expression soured at the question. She shot a sharp look at Qin Wentian and replied through clenched teeth, "No, I was the one who initiated the breakup."

Qin Wentian nodded knowingly; it appeared his hunch was correct. Influential figures like them were acutely aware of their public image. Even though he hadn't harmed Shu Ruanyu, her captivity by him for a significant duration would have given rise to countless rumors. This likely contributed to the split between Yang Fan and Shu Ruanyu.

"Earlier, you went to great lengths to try and kill me, which is why I chose to capture you instead. Let's end our feud here. If you still wish to cause trouble for me, go ahead, but I can assure you, it won't end well for you," Qin Wentian declared calmly. Beside him, Fan Le couldn't help but interject with a lewd laugh. "Just be careful that I don't catch you and have you warm our beds."

Shu Ruanyu bit her lip, casting a fierce glare at Fatty. After a moment of tense silence, she turned away reluctantly.

Qin Wentian pushed aside thoughts of Shu Ruanyu and proceeded leisurely toward the entrance of the Ancient Kingdom.

Ahead of him, ninety-nine azure dragon stone steps converged to form a sacred pathway, exuding an imposing and majestic aura. At the start of this path lay a nine-sided colossal drum. To qualify for the ancient path, the drum's resounding beats had to echo nine times—an ordeal that determined one's worthiness to compete for a place on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

Flanking the azure dragon steps were two separate winding pathways, designated for spectators to ascend as they followed the course of the ancient sacred path.

Legend had it that these two winding paths were once used for the Royal Clan and Grand Clans to review the Grand Xia's troops.

Now, they served as viewing platforms for spectators to witness the contenders' struggles for luck and positions on the Heavenly Fate Rankings—an entertainment that thrilled the audience.

Countless young heroes had met their downfall while attempting to ascend these steps, resonate the drums, and battle for a coveted rank.

The sacred pathways were unforgiving. Out of the multitude embarking on this pilgrimage, only a mere 360 cultivators would emerge with a spot on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. The rest would either be left fatally wounded, their lives hanging by a thread, or worse than dead.

And among these 360 ranked contenders, only the top thirty-six would earn the prestigious title of Heaven's Chosen.

Every three years, countless geniuses were reduced to oblivion.

Qin Wentian stood there, his eyes fixed on that ancient path.

The Grand Xia sprawled boundlessly, teeming with geniuses as numerous as the stars. They had all toiled for years, honing their skills before converging here for the ultimate battle—the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Each had their unique stories, their dreams, all in pursuit of their names echoing throughout the Grand Xia, soaring to the pinnacle of Yuanfu.

He didn't know the caliber of his adversaries, nor the extent of the peril he would face. All he knew was that his resolve remained unshaken, his heart unwavering.

Before he could dominate the Grand Xia, he needed to seize control of the White Deer Institute, which meant securing one of the top three rankings in this battle. It was his starting point.

He needed this victory to vanquish Zhan Chen, to ensure Luo He wouldn't meddle in his relationship with Mo Qingcheng.

He needed this battle to make the name 'Qin Wentian' resound across the Grand Xia, to let them know exactly who he was.

Closing his eyes, Qin Wentian entered a state of meditation. The gentle breeze whispered in his ears, carrying with it a chorus of voices.

At one location, an elderly figure addressed a young man, "Son, your talent is exceptional. With years of preparation, this battle will catapult your name into eternal fame."

Elsewhere, a young man smiled as he faced his clan members, "Father, Mother, Grandpa, don't worry about me. I'll give it my all."

A young lady cheered for her older brother, fist pumping the air, "Brother, you've got to give it your all! There might be plenty of admirers falling for you after this, so find me a great sister-in-law!"

Words of encouragement from elders, friends, and fellow contenders blended together.

Some hailed from humble backgrounds, while others belonged to major powers. Yet, the stark reality was that most would either be ousted early or meet their end in the later stages. Destiny's baptism was merciless. To vie for luck, they had to confront this ruthless trial.

Fan Le approached, intending to say something to Qin Wentian, but then he spotted Luo Huan waving him off, signaling not to disturb Qin Wentian.

Chu Mang settled beside Qin Wentian, his gaze fixed on the ancient path, absorbed in thought.

Luo Huan sported a radiant smile as she glanced at her favorite Junior Brother. Regardless of whether he failed or succeeded, she'd always be proud of him.

This wasn't the Jun Lin Banquet, and this place was far from Chu. Here, Qin Wentian would be up against the most monstrously talented young contenders in all of Grand Xia.

Qing'er, too, cast a glance at Qin Wentian. A glint of something stirred in her eyes, though her thoughts remained a mystery. She continued to gaze at him for a moment before gracefully exiting the area.

The Bailu siblings fixed their eyes on the ninety-nine azure dragon steps before them, their hearts swelling with boundless anticipation and yearning.

The surrounding crowd steadily grew in size, all assembled here in eager anticipation of the ranking battle's commencement.

Qin Wentian's mind replayed countless scenes, as if he had been here for a mere instant yet also an eternity.

Three days of waiting had flown by like a fleeting dream.

Upon waking, he found this sensation of time passing strangely mystical. It felt as though he had brushed against something, yet it remained elusive, a smoky enigma he couldn't quite grasp.

A chorus of whistles marked the start of contenders stepping onto the platform, approaching the ninety-nine sacred steps.

Among these individuals, Qin Wentian recognized many familiar faces: Luo He from the Pill Emperor Hall, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's leader, representatives of Grand Xia's transcendent powers, all present.

In the midst of the group, the leaders of the nine supreme-level transcendent powers—Great Solar Chen Clan, Venerate Heavens Sect, Shi Clan, Wang Clan, Pill Emperor Hall, Hua Clan, Yan Swallow Swordsmen, Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, and Skydemon Sect—stood out.

Three of these powers took center stage: the Chen Clan on the left, the Shi Clan on the right, and the Venerate Heavens Sect in the middle.

These three powers, located in Ginkou, were considered the pilgrimage's leaders. From the Venerate Heavens Sect, an old man ascended into the air, emanating a faint, misty aura. Qin Wentian noticed the reverence and respect in the eyes of the crowd as they looked at the old man.

This old man was none other than the current head of the Venerate Heavens Sect, Old Man Tianji.

Old Man Tianji was a master of celestial observation, divining the fates and fortunes of Grand Xia. He peered into the future, unlocking heavenly secrets. Although the Venerate Heavens Sect was not known for combat prowess, no other transcendent powers dared to underestimate them. They were the arbiters of Grand Xia's rankings, including the Heavenly Fate and Heavenly Dipper Rankings.

Old Man Tianji waved to the crowd below, a warm smile on his face.

As he waved, countless figures began to part to the sides, creating a central space for him. Swiftly, the platform's left and right sides filled up, and some individuals were even pushed off due to the limited space. Gradually, the area below the platform emptied of contestants, leaving only the spectators. Everyone on the platform, regardless of age, had come to fight for a place on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

The atmosphere took on a grave tone as the crowd awaited Old Man Tianji's words. Qin Wentian scanned the assembly, his attention returning to the old man. He observed how those from the supreme transcendent powers carried themselves.

All present had one thing on their minds: who would emerge as the victor, their name echoing throughout Grand Xia?

The gazes of the cultivators wandered in various directions, each fixating on those they believed had the highest chance of claiming the top spot.

For individuals like Chen Wang and Shi Potian, the attention they garnered was immense. They were now positioned to seize the top rank, especially since Hua Taixu, the previous top contender, was no longer in the running.

"Junior Brother, give it your all," Luo Huan said as she approached Qin Wentian. She enveloped him in a warm hug before leaving the platform. Her embrace, soft and supple, sent his heart racing. All Qin Wentian could manage was an awkward smile.

Bailu Yi embraced her brother Bailu Jing before walking up to Qin Wentian, giving him a tight hug as well. He felt overwhelmed by the affection he was receiving.

"I'll be waiting to see your name among the top three," Bailu Yi whispered before joining Luo Huan as they left the platform.

Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Bailu Jing, Chu Mang, and Fan Le stood together, a group that went mostly unnoticed. They were relatively unknown compared to the top-ranked contenders of previous years. Moreover, all the participants here were prodigious talents from every corner of Grand Xia. This was why Qin Wentian and his friends didn't attract much attention.

Mo Qingcheng, on the other hand, with her unmatched beauty, drew gazes wherever she went. At that moment, she wasn't far from Qin Wentian. Zhan Chen trailed close behind her, his eyes flashing with a sinister glint as he cast a malevolent look at Qin Wentian and his companions.

Luo He, hovering in the air, displayed a similar reaction. When she spotted Qin Wentian, her face contorted in a frown, and her eyes gleamed with cold hostility.

"That woman is incredibly beautiful," whispered the hearts of the crowd as they noticed Mo Qingcheng. Grand Xia boasted countless beauties, but Mo Qingcheng's unique allure outshone them all.

"Who is she?" someone in the crowd couldn't help but inquire.

"Mo Qingcheng from the Pill Emperor Hall," a voice murmured. "Indeed, the rumors are true. Even a figure like Hua Taixu was smitten by her beauty and sought her affections."

"The one trailing behind her is Zhan Chen. There have been whispers about his practice of an immensely formidable cultivation art. He's a shoe-in for the top ten, and he might even contend for the top three. Sadly, it's said that he's been pursuing Mo Qingcheng relentlessly, only to face rejection every time."

Countless thoughts swirled in the minds of the onlookers. The spectators were eager for time to hurry along so they could witness the emergence of new legends in the refreshed rankings.

Finally, those prepared to partake in the ranking battle steered clear of the central emptiness.

Old Man Tianji scanned the contenders below, his voice deliberate. "A few millennia ago, in this very place, Ancient Grand Xia crumbled, and the empire fractured into nine pieces. Yet, the Ancient Kingdom persevered, gathering the luck, destiny, and spiritual energy of Grand Xia. Every three years, talented geniuses from every corner of Grand Xia gather here, embarking on a pilgrimage to the Ancient Kingdom. The battle to seize the luck and destiny belongs only to the mightiest, making them figures on the Heavenly Fate Rankings."

"I am the one who watches over Grand Xia's destiny. Signs and omens suggest that one among you will unite Grand Xia once more. We can only await the arrival of this chosen one, the individual destined to reshape our world. So, who among you will hold the future of Grand Xia in your hands?"