Too Weak.

Too Weak....

Irreversible! The revelation left Qin Wentian's heart pounding with intense emotions as he contemplated what he had just witnessed.

There existed a more formidable Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art, a secret that unveiled itself only upon mastering the third level of the Fiend Transformation Art. It appeared that the Azure Emperor had overlooked this aspect all those years ago. Perhaps, after acquiring the Fiend Transformation Art, he had extracted it from this place before initiating his cultivation. By the time he reached the third level, the opportunity had slipped through his grasp, forever eluding him.

The sheer potency of this transformation art was staggering. It invoked the chants of demonic divinities, resonating with the ancient will that spanned the heavens. It formed a connection with divine forces from all eight directions, allowing a human to undergo a metamorphosis, not into a mere demonic beast, but into the very essence of a true demonic divinity. This transformation could even evolve into the manifestation of an actual divinity in the future.

The divine beast, the Vermilion Bird, stood as a testament to this art's power, serving as the totem of Grand Xia.

Conflicted emotions swirled within Qin Wentian's heart. He gently caressed the wings of the Purgatory Vermilion Bird as he murmured, "This art is undeniably godlike, granting humans the ability to transform into demons and cultivate a true divinity soul. It bestows unrivaled might upon the practitioner after the transformation. But to become a demon—can I truly embrace such a path?"

Pondering this dilemma, Qin Wentian shook his head and looked at the Purgatory Vermilion Bird. "Do you wish for me to transform into a demon so we can journey together through the skies and explore the world?"

A look of innocence filled the Vermilion Bird's eyes as it affectionately nuzzled Qin Wentian's chest.

It was as if Qin Wentian could comprehend the unspoken sentiments of the Purgatory Vermilion Bird. He spoke calmly, "I don't blame you. This Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art is indeed a terrifying, demonic technique. Those who master it would attain unparalleled power, striking fear into the hearts of all beneath the heavens. But regrettably, I'm unwilling to tread this path. It feels like a waste on me. Perhaps we should search for other legacies in different locations."

The Purgatory Vermilion Bird emitted a soft, plaintive cry as Qin Wentian continued, "Nonetheless, I may decline to embrace my transformation into a demon, but since my destiny is intertwined with this art, I shall learn it nonetheless. Someday, if I encounter a destined successor, I will pass it on to them."

With that, Qin Wentian seated himself cross-legged, his focus on deciphering the chants of the demonic divinities.

Lost in the depths of his cultivation, Qin Wentian lost all sense of time. After an extended period of deep contemplation, an eerie, low-pitched sound emanated from his throat. This otherworldly noise was unlike any human sound; it carried a primal, powerful resonance that seemed to echo from the dawn of time itself. It wasn't a mere human sound; it possessed a profound quality that could bridge the gap between heaven and earth. It was so potent that it sent shockwaves rippling throughout the entire hidden palace, the concentrated demonic qi swirling around him.

Within Qin Wentian's body, his blood surged with growing intensity. Even his dormant bloodline displayed signs of stirring, as though it was awakening from a deep slumber.

The palace rumbled with the intense circulation of Qin Wentian's blood, creating a deafening noise. The vibrations reverberated through the entire chamber, causing the Purgatory Vermilion Bird to sit up abruptly. Emitting a long, piercing screech, the bird's eyes glittered with astonishment and, perhaps, a trace of fear as it fixed its gaze on Qin Wentian.

His blood continued to surge, flowing in a frenzied, spiraling motion through his body. In an abrupt spectacle, the formidable bloodline within him conjured the image of a colossal, ancient primordial demonic beast. This beast opened its eyes, revealing an unfathomable malevolence lurking deep within.

Who had utilized the demonic divinity chant to rouse the soul of this ancient, primordial bloodline?

An indomitable pressure erupted, forcing the Purgatory Vermilion Bird to the ground, where it struggled to raise its head. In its eyes, the initial shock was now mingled with a profound sense of reverence.

The suppression exerted by this pressure was absolutely terrifying.

"Too weak!" A resonant, low voice reverberated within Qin Wentian's heart as he involuntarily coughed up a mouthful of blood. His blood, which had been surging violently, reverted to its previous tranquil state, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Abruptly, Qin Wentian's eyes snapped open, and a formidable demonic light gleamed within them. Beads of perspiration glistened on his forehead, a clear indication of the immense strain he'd experienced.

"That sensation vanished..." Qin Wentian muttered to himself. He had unmistakably heard a voice echoing from deep within his soul—too weak. Following this, the ancient primordial demonic beast returned to its slumber as if Qin Wentian's current strength failed to meet the qualifications necessary for control. He was, in essence, too feeble.

Qin Wentian, lost in thought, couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected awakening of his bloodline.

"To think that the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art could stir the power of my bloodline. It appears my suspicions were right; one of my bloodlines belongs to an ancient primordial beast. Moreover, it must be of the highest caliber, or else it wouldn't have been awakened by the demonic divinity chant. My bloodline is undoubtedly on the level of a demonic divinity or even surpassing it," he mused, his curiosity about his heritage growing.

His past experience in the secret realm of Divine Inscriptions, where he had teetered on the brink of life and death, had led to the activation of his bloodline. Yet even now, he could only control a fraction of its true power. Deep within his dual bloodlines lay untapped potential, waiting for him to unlock it. Unfortunately, he felt painfully aware of his current weakness.

"Even at the pinnacle of the Yuanfu realm, my combat strength is still inadequate?"

His mind raced, pondering what cultivation realm would meet the minimum requirements to unlock his bloodline's full potential. Would it be the Heavenly Dipper Realm, or perhaps the legendary Celestial Phenomenon Realm?

As Qin Wentian delved into his contemplation, thunderous booms resonated, and the entire hidden palace began to descend into the ground. His eyes widened as he gazed upward, witnessing a magnificent yet formidable light descending, casting its radiant beams onto the palace. Qin Wentian observed the colossal Vermilion Bird hovering in the sky—a true ancient divinity controlling the Vermilion Bird Formation. It felt as though this creature embodied the authentic soul of the Vermilion Bird.

Countless rays of light burst forth, transforming the entire palace into a golden blaze before crumbling into dust scattered by the wind. Qin Wentian remained standing in place, sensing that the Vermilion Bird Formation was undergoing another transformation.

A seductive voice echoed within his mind, tempting him, causing his heart to race. His gaze turned sharp as he fixed his eyes on the colossal Vermilion Bird hovering in the air.

"The Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art uses the demonic divinity chant to harness the demonic qi from the other demonic divinities located in the eight directions. However, within the Vermilion Bird Formation, the only divinity present is the Vermilion Bird itself. If you are willing to abandon your humanity and embrace this transformation, your will can extend across the heavens and draw upon its power."

Qin Wentian's gaze shifted to the Purgatory Vermilion Bird beside him, his expression softening as he affectionately stroked its head. He whispered gently, "It seems that the ancient luck you granted me is incredibly remarkable. Unfortunately, I'm not willing to embrace this demon transformation."

The Purgatory Vermilion Bird responded with warmth in its eyes, shaking its head to convey that it respected Qin Wentian's choice. It wouldn't force him into a decision he wasn't comfortable with.

Spectators outside couldn't contain their shock. They observed as the ten contenders re-emerged from the depths, and the locations where they had discovered their legacies were now obliterated. Furthermore, the Vermilion Bird Formation had undergone another transformation, leaving only thirty-six contenders standing.

These thirty-six contestants were vastly more powerful than when they initially entered the formation. The ten individuals who had acquired legacies exhibited a profound change in their demeanor and aura.

"For the next three years, there will be only thirty-six spots available on the Heavenly Fate Rankings," Old Man Tianji announced, confirming his earlier prophecy of Grand Xia's shifting destiny.

This meant that these thirty-six contenders were destined to be the top-ranked Yuanfu Realm cultivators in Grand Xia for the next three years. Anyone aspiring to join the rankings would have to defeat one of them to secure a position.

"After Chen Wang obtained his legacy, his aura has become even more formidable," the crowd murmured in amazement, their eyes fixed on Chen Wang as he sat cross-legged, surrounded by a radiant Great Solar Energy. The solar energy materialized as arcs of power swirling around him, forming a radiant solar star on his back.

"Chen Wang was already incredibly powerful before. Now, who could possibly match him?" they wondered aloud, their expectations for Chen Wang's rise to the top of the rankings evident.

Yet, it wasn't just Chen Wang who had experienced a dramatic transformation. Contenders like Shi Potian, Zhan Chen, and others were also brimming with the concentrated ancient luck they had obtained during this unprecedented ranking battle.

Observing Qin Wentian, the crowd noted that although the demonic qi surrounding him had lessened, an inexplicable fear still gripped their hearts. However, the consensus remained that Chen Wang's newfound strength would overshadow anyone, even Qin Wentian.

With just thirty-six contenders remaining, the next phase of the test would involve direct combat. Many believed that Qin Wentian would not survive this round.

Once again, the formation world underwent a radical change, condensing and reshaping itself. At its center, a platform soared into the sky, radiating brilliant Astral Light and bearing the likeness of a Vermilion Bird. The formation world had given way to the Vermilion Bird Arena platform, where the final rankings of the remaining contenders would be decided.

Excitement surged through the hearts of the spectators, knowing they were about to witness a ranking battle unlike any in the history of Grand Xia. Thousands of years had passed with little change, but perhaps, as Old Man Tianji had hinted, the destiny of Grand Xia was undergoing a profound shift.

Old Man Tianji gazed at the hovering Vermilion Bird Arena platform, his eyes widening with shock. A strange gleam danced within them. The Vermilion Bird Formation had been impervious to transcendent powers for countless years. Now, a change had occurred in its laws, and even Old Man Tianji couldn't predict what would happen next.

"The thirty-six contenders have finally been revealed. However, we should allow them to rest before continuing," a voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention. Floating in the air, a middle-aged man led a group of impressive-looking young men. He spoke calmly, referring to the contenders as guests. This declaration left the spectators utterly bewildered.

"Guests?"

Did this mean these individuals were the hosts? Were they the survivors of the ancient Grand Xia dynasty? Qin Wentian glanced over, recalling Ouyang Kuangsheng's words about the Nine Grand Clans never allowing any survivors after the dynasty's rebellion. Suspicion arose. Were these people truly who they claimed to be? Or did the upper echelons of the transcendent powers know something about their origins, keeping it shrouded in secrecy?