Identity of the BlackRobed Figure

Identity of the Black Robed Figure...

Without a doubt, Qin Wentian continued to astound the onlookers.

Initially, they all assumed that with Shi Potian's formidable strength, even if he couldn't completely overpower Qin Wentian, victory would still be assured.

Yet now, their confidence wavered. Shi Potian had seemingly fallen into some kind of illusion.

But was it truly just an illusion?

"No, this is definitely not an illusion," Emperor Azure, who had experienced a similar attack from Qin Wentian, declared firmly. His expertise in illusions made him acutely aware of their nuances. When he had struck at that moment, it hadn't felt like he was in an illusory state. Instead, it felt like he was dealing with a reality.

Emperor Azure's proficiency in illusions meant he wouldn't easily succumb to such a trick. Moreover, breaking free from illusions was possible by employing the formidable will of one's Mandates. With Shi Potian's overwhelming power, falling victim to an illusion seemed implausible.

Emperor Azure recalled that back then, he had been certain it was reality that he had targeted. But now, observing the situation from the sidelines, he realized it couldn't have been a mere illusionist's ploy. It had to be fueled by the unwavering will of a Mandate.

And that monstrous roc currently taking shape—was it a fourth-tier combat-type Divine Inscription?

Accompanied by Qin Wentian, the colossal roc streaked toward Shi Potian at the speed of light. Its formidable might obliterated everything in its path. Qin Wentian's Purgatory Vermilion Bird held a distinct advantage over Shi Potian's bird, nearly devouring it completely. As Qin Wentian grew stronger, his Purgatory Vermilion Bird seemed to gain strength in tandem.

Gradually, Shi Potian appeared to sense something amiss. His perceptions were feeding him false information. This wasn't a mere illusion; it was a reality conjured by Qin Wentian's imagination.

"BOOOM!" The formidable roc crashed into Shi Potian's body, propelling him high into the air. His armor shattered into fragments as he was brutally slammed back to the ground, blood spraying like a fountain. His Vermilion Bird met a similar fate—already consumed entirely by Qin Wentian's Purgatory Vermilion Bird.

Qin Wentian, now in human form, stood there as his aura fluctuated. His long hair and robes billowed in the wind, and the crowd watched in awe at the incredible spectacle.

As the imposing figure of Qin Wentian graced the stage, spectators grasped that this dark horse possessed the potential to go the distance.

Qin Wentian had conquered Shi Potian, who was deemed Chen Wang's equal.

Although Qin Wentian's victory hinged on his speed advantage, a win was a win. His overall combat prowess was well-rounded and impressive, seemingly devoid of weaknesses. He outpaced those stronger than him, could transform into a formidable demon to enhance his strength, possessed unparalleled control abilities, targeted his opponents' hearts with deadly precision, and even crafted powerful combat-type Divine Inscriptions on the fly.

The three battles were now concluded.

Chen Wang had triumphed over Zhan Chen.

Si Qiong bested the black-robed figure.

Qin Wentian vanquished Shi Potian.

The last of these battles had the most impact on the spectators, not in its execution but in its outcome.

"Next up, Chen Wang vs. Shi Potian, Si Qiong vs. Zhan Chen, and Qin Wentian vs. the black-robed figure," announced Old Man Tianji. The three winners would face off against the three losers to determine the rankings more accurately.

Before the next round, there was a break for everyone to rest and recover from their injuries.

When the next round commenced, all eyes fell upon Chen Wang and Shi Potian standing on the arena platform. This time, the Vermilion Bird that had hovered behind Shi Potian had vanished, yet anticipation still filled the crowd.

However, after Shi Potian's previous loss, the spectators' perspective had shifted. They believed Chen Wang would undoubtedly win this match. His once invincible aura had waned.

But if Shi Potian somehow defeated Chen Wang, didn't that imply Qin Wentian could do the same?

This battle held immense significance for Shi Potian. He couldn't afford another loss. Yet, his opponent was none other than Chen Wang.

From the outset, Shi Potian tapped into the power of his bloodline, visibly enhancing his physique like an ancient primordial beast. His strength, offense, and defense all surged to extraordinary levels.

Similarly, Chen Wang didn't underestimate his adversary. He released his Astral Souls with a resounding blast, casting the entire platform in radiant sunlight. Both fighters opted for a head-on confrontation, ready for a frontal collision.

On the grand platform, a titanic flame giant clashed with an ancient demonic behemoth, sending shockwaves that struck fear into the hearts of the onlookers. Chen Wang's fiery giant form teetered on the edge of collapse, while Shi Potian's immense demonic frame writhed in the searing flames.

"You're not enough, Shi Potian," a voice resounded, and moments later, spectators witnessed a colossal sunfire sphere above Chen Wang, his Astral Soul melded within it. A mighty palm descended, resembling the sun itself crashing onto the Earth. Shi Potian roared but made no attempt to dodge with Stellar Transposition. Instead, he confronted it head-on, opting for the most direct means to settle the clash. He refused to back down in a test of strength.

"BOOM!"

As the strike landed, Shi Potian's form turned into burning flames, his bones, flesh, and even his blood morphing into molten lava under Chen Wang's relentless assault. Shi Potian's face contorted with intense struggle.

"Get down," Chen Wang commanded, blasting Shi Potian off the stage.

Chen Wang emerged victorious in their duel, while Shi Potian tasted defeat once more.

If Qin Wentian defeated the black-robed figure, Shi Potian would have one last chance to face Si Qiong. If he could best Si Qiong, it would signify his superiority over the black-robed figure or Zhan Chen, who would likely struggle against Si Qiong. In this scenario, he'd secure at least the third rank. But if Qin Wentian lost to the black-robed figure, all his hopes would crumble.

This was because the black-robed figure had already lost to Si Qiong. A victory over Qin Wentian would mean he had also triumphed over Shi Potian. In that case, further battles would be futile.

At that point, Shi Potian would lose any chance of securing a top-three rank, shattering his aspirations and Grand Xia's recognition.

In the next clash, Si Qiong bested Zhan Chen, but no one believed Shi Potian stood a chance against him.

Both Shi Potian and Zhan Chen suffered back-to-back defeats, leaving the spectators with heavy hearts.

Even on one of the world's most illustrious stages, the mighty Shi Potian and Zhan Chen were subjected to consecutive losses.

Such was the harsh reality. Zhan Chen had poured immense preparation into this moment, only to be defeated by Chen Wang and Si Qiong. He resolved not to accept another loss, vowing never again.

For Shi Potian, the situation was even grimmer. He not only succumbed to Chen Wang but also fell to Qin Wentian. As the previous third-ranked contender, his performance in this tournament was deeply disappointing.

"The next battle, between the black-robed figure and Qin Wentian, is bound to be a spectacle. Their strengths should be evenly matched. Qin Wentian is undeniably formidable, but the black-robed figure managed to injure Si Qiong; he's no ordinary competitor," the spectators pondered as they engaged in animated discussions.

What would the outcome of this battle be?

Could the black-robed figure's tyrannical devilish art and elusive vanishing technique counter Qin Wentian's might?

Qin Wentian's attacks were becoming increasingly enigmatic. Could his illusion-like technique prove effective against the black-robed figure?

As they stood on the platform, the spectators' hearts quickened. Both Qin Wentian and the black-robed figure had emerged as dark horses, achieving victory after victory to reach this point.

Qin Wentian had no allegiance to any major faction, while the black-robed figure's identity remained shrouded in mystery. Now, the two most potent dark horses were finally poised for a direct confrontation.

"Who are you, really?" Qin Wentian fixed his gaze on his opponent. Contrary to expectations, he didn't immediately launch into battle. Instead, he opted to question the black-robed figure.

The black-robed figure had aided him twice, kindling Qin Wentian's curiosity about the person's true identity. However, this individual had also harmed Mo Qingcheng on this very platform. Initially filled with gratitude, Qin Wentian's curiosity had grown more intense after witnessing the figure's clash with Mo Qingcheng. He was determined to unveil the person's identity.

The black-robed figure remained silent, responding only with a cold stare.

"If you refuse to tell me, I'll simply have to unveil your mask myself," Qin Wentian replied nonchalantly, his aura surging.

"Kill me or inflict serious injury, and you may have the chance to unmask me. But if I'm the one who defeats you, I won't be the least bit merciful," the black-robed figure hoarsely replied. To the spectators, this marked the first time the enigmatic figure had spoken; prior to this, they had only known him to be a man of silence.

A sinister qi emanated from the black-robed figure as a malevolent black cloud loomed overhead.

"Very well," Qin Wentian said as he advanced toward the black-robed figure, his aura rapidly ascending. Gathering demonic energy in his hands, he summoned a pair of wings upon his back, fully committed from the outset. He had no intention of underestimating his opponent.

With a single flap of his wings, Qin Wentian vanished, reappearing instantly before the black-robed figure. Reacting swiftly, the black-robed figure conjured a devilish palm imprint. Qin Wentian, however, smiled coldly, unleashing a dragon imprint with full force. The power behind their attacks was undeniably staggering.

As they collided, Qin Wentian's Mandate imbued with a fierce determination shot from his eyes, penetrating his opponent's psyche. Yet at that very moment, the devilish might emanating from the black-robed figure's palm imprint vanished entirely. The black-robed figure deftly withdrew his palm, allowing Qin Wentian's attack to strike unhindered.

Qin Wentian's expression shifted dramatically, but it was too late to halt his attack. The resounding dragon roars reverberated in the void as the overwhelming dragon imprint collided forcefully with his opponent's body.

"BOOOOM!"

The black-robed figure was sent hurtling through the air, akin to a kite with its string abruptly severed, crashing brutally into the ground, blood oozing from their wounds.

The entire crowd stood in stupefied silence. Why had the black-robed figure abandoned their attack at the last moment?

Confusion etched Qin Wentian's face as he struggled to comprehend his opponent's actions.

After a momentary daze, Qin Wentian flickered and materialized beside the black-robed figure. The hood concealing their face had disintegrated, revealing only a veil that still obscured their identity. Qin Wentian gazed upon a cascade of long, raven-black hair and a pair of strikingly beautiful eyes that met his own.

Those eyes felt strangely familiar.

"Who are you?" Qin Wentian's heart raced, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He bent down and carefully lifted the veil that masked the black-robed figure's face.

A delicate, exquisite countenance emerged, radiating youth and beauty.

In the crowd, thunderbolts seemed to have struck the hearts of the onlookers as they beheld the unveiled features of the black-robed figure.

How could this be? The individual who had wielded such an overpowering art was, in reality, a young and stunning maiden?

What's more, despite the blood at the corner of her mouth, her eyes twinkled with a smile, unshed tears glistening as she gazed upon Qin Wentian.

Recognition finally dawned on Qin Wentian. Despite her dramatic transformation, he could still identify her. His heart trembled intensely, a sharp, unbearable pain surging through him, causing involuntary convulsions.

"WHY? WHY DID YOU DO THIS?"

Qin Wentian roared, his voice a raw symphony of torment and anguish. His hands gently caressed the face of the beautiful young woman sprawled on the ground, wiping away the traces of blood from her lips.

"To atone for my sister's and father's crimes, to offer you their apologies," came a voice of incredible gentleness.

In her eyes, that warm smile persisted.

Her lips quivered slightly as she fixed her gaze on Qin Wentian, happiness radiating from her. She softly called out, "Wentian gege!"