Seclusion

Seclusion...

The misty region outside Demon Mountain City vanished completely, disappearing overnight. The passing demonic beasts sensed something peculiar, but they couldn't quite grasp what was happening.

However, this was a matter of minor importance. In all of Grand Xia, no one was aware of such an event, let alone comprehended its profound impact on the kingdom's history.

In the demon territory, atop a mountain, the great roc stood as a symbol of desolation.

Today, a figure streaked across the sky, racing toward the mountain. Demonic beasts growled and attempted to block the intruder, but inexplicably, space warped, rendering them helpless behind a spatial barrier.

"Stand down," the great roc's cold voice commanded. Instantly, the other demonic beasts retreated, leaving behind a celestial maiden resembling a snow lotus. The beasts couldn't help but wonder if their Emperor was acquainted with this human female.

Qing'er's form flickered as she arrived at the mountaintop, standing before Qin Wentian.

She handed him an ancient golden-colored page and an interspatial ring. "See if these can be of use."

Qin Wentian accepted the items, and his perception delved into the golden page. Numerous symbols flashed in his mind as information about the cultivation method for an exceptionally powerful ancient art was imprinted in his consciousness.

As he contemplated the information, Qin Wentian's heart pounded. Even his body trembled involuntarily from the knowledge contained within.

"The Great Nirvana Immortal Art. This art allows the cultivator to form a true-body avatar that is identical to the user." The implications hit him like a tidal wave. Terrifying excitement filled his eyes, and he turned his gaze to Qing'er, who remained distant and ice-cold as ever.

"Qing'er, where did you get this?" Even Qin Wentian's normally composed voice quivered. This art... this inconceivable art allowed the creation of a true self, an avatar with identical attributes to the original. If one body died, the other remained unaffected. These two avatars could follow separate paths of cultivation, gaining insights into different Mandates, and even act independently.

For a Stellar Martial Cultivator, this was equivalent to having a second life. Moreover, these two avatars could coexist, sharing thoughts and perspectives. This art clearly came from a realm far more advanced than Grand Xia. It was no wonder it was called an Immortal Art. Its effects were nothing short of godly.

"Where did Qing'er acquire this art? She was missing for several days. Did she search for this item? What price did she pay for it?" Qin Wentian's questions filled the air, laden with concern.

"In the interspatial ring, you'll find abundant cultivation resources, materials, and treasures to help you form your second true-body." Qing'er deflected his inquiry. Her voice remained cool and detached as she continued, "Can you send me back?"

Qin Wentian clutched the interspatial ring tightly, the talons on his hands digging deep into his palms. The Great Nirvana Immortal Art required precious treasures to create a true-body. While he had never heard of this art before, the invaluable treasures contained in the ring undoubtedly bordered on the priceless.

"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded heavily. With the Great Nirvana Art, he could live as a human while retaining the advantages of a great roc's body. It was perfect—a win-win situation. However, Qin Wentian didn't seem as thrilled as expected.

Despite Qing'er's icy demeanor and tendency to remain reticent, the weight of the debt she had incurred pressed heavily on his heart.

Qing'er's form flickered, and she reappeared on the great roc's back.

Qin Wentian spread his wings, the colossal 3,000-meter expanse blotted out the sun. A massive gust of wind erupted as he soared into the sky. A resounding boom echoed, "Scarlet-Winged General, this region is now under your governance. The nine demonic leaders will assist you."

As the echo of his voice faded, the great roc disappeared into the clouds, Qing'er seated elegantly on its back, like a scene from a beautiful painting.

"Qinger, you should also memorize this art. If you accumulate enough treasures in the future, you can use it to form a true-body," Qin Wentian whispered. Qinger nodded gently, her voice unusually serious, "I've already memorized it. But, apart from the two of us and my master, Fairy Qingmei, no one else in Grand Xia must know of this immortal art's existence."

Qinger's solemn instructions were clear, and Qin Wentian understood without further explanation. This immortal art could drive all of Grand Xia into madness and even result in mutual destruction as people fought to possess it. Leaking news of this art's existence would drag Grand Xia into a war not just among its own people.

Even if Qin Wentian managed to form a true-body, he could never allow the great roc and himself to appear in front of others simultaneously. It was acceptable for others to know he had reversed the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation and returned to human form, but revealing the existence of a second true-body was out of the question.

Within the Celestial Lake Palace, the great roc and Qinger landed in a courtyard. Fairy Qingmei appeared there, wearing a smile of contentment. Qinger had also imparted the Great Nirvana Immortal Art to her, leaving Fairy Qingmei pleased.

"Wentian, I've located the members of the White Deer Institute and Zong Clan," Fairy Qingmei stated as she glanced at the great roc.

"Senior, I still need your help to find the other 'hidden' Azure Factions. I'll mark their locations on the map. Additionally, regarding the matter of establishing my own sect, I'll need your guidance on the location," Qin Wentian said, sparking a gleam of excitement in Fairy Qingmei's eyes. It appeared that Qin Wentian had completed his preparations.

Qin Wentian had already begun devising a plan, and the next step involved gathering all the remnants of the 'hidden' Azure Faction.

"This matter needs careful consideration, with safety being paramount. After all, the combined might of all the 'hidden' Azure Factions wouldn't match up to a transcendent power," Fairy Qingmei reminded.

"I understand. When I mentioned establishing my own sect, I meant a complete restructuring of the 'hidden' Azure Factions' current organization. So, I need a secret location to keep this hidden from prying eyes, executed in absolute secrecy," Qin Wentian agreed.

"It seems you've already made your plans. Very well, as for the location, I believe the Celestial Lake Palace here would be the safest place of all," Fairy Qingmei suggested.

"Senior, this stele contains the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia. Could you ensure that the leaders of the White Deer Institute and Zong Clan receive it? Tell them to strengthen their forces; they'll understand my intentions once they see the nine ultimate arts," Qin Wentian handed over the Divine Stele to Fairy Qingmei, showing unwavering trust. For the sake of the Azure Emperor, she would assist him without reservation.

Fairy Qingmei glanced at Qin Wentian, a smile twinkling in her beautiful eyes. "You're willing to selflessly share the nine ultimate arts with your subordinates. Your spirit surpasses even that of the Azure Emperor from the past. However, if this matter were to leak out, the White Deer Institute and Zong Clan could face endless danger."

"The leaders of these hidden factions will know what to do. If they ever contemplate betrayal, even if I spare them, Senior Qingmei won't," Qin Wentian chuckled, his words earning a nod of agreement from Fairy Qingmei. Indeed, he was right.

After countless experiences, Qin Wentian's character had undergone a transformation. However, the determination in his heart remained unyielding.

"I need to enter seclusion, but I'm unsure how long it will take," Qin Wentian added in a hushed tone. The Great Nirvana Immortal Art would create a second true-body through a process of nirvanic rebirth. This wasn't something that could be rushed. The stronger the physique of the original body, the longer it took to form a perfect second true-body.

Now, with his great roc form, it would undoubtedly require even more time.

"I'll watch over you," Qinger stated, causing Qin Wentian's large eyes to fix on her. Despite her usual cold demeanor, his gaze held the warmth of a smile when it landed on her.

"Qing'er, you should also cultivate. I'll take care of everything," Fairy Qingmei shook her head and smiled. "Wentian, just focus on what you need to do. I won't allow anyone to disturb your seclusion."

"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded.

"Qinger, let's go," Fairy Qingmei said. Qinger glanced at Qin Wentian and gave a slight nod before departing with Fairy Qingmei. The location was quickly sealed off, and it fell into total silence, not even allowing sounds from the outside to penetrate the barrier.

Qin Wentian retrieved the golden page once more, his eyes flickering with a terrifying light. He stared up at the skies with a dangerous smile, his eyes radiating an incredible sharpness.

"Qingcheng..." the great roc murmured. In its large eyes, it was as though snow was falling. Underneath ancient trees, a beautiful girl was smiling as she called him "dumbo." Just her smile alone could drain the world of its color.

Qin Wentian began his seclusion. Time waits for no one, and major events in Grand Xia continued to unfold in his absence.

As for Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng, people couldn't help but lament, wondering if an immortal couple like them had truly vanished forever.

Yet another year passed, and many significant events had occurred during these years. One of the most attention-grabbing developments was the rise of the younger generation. Those who had ranked highly in the previous Heavenly Fate Rankings displayed terrifying progress, easily surpassing members of the older generation at the same cultivation level.

Some rising stars hadn't even participated in the recent Heavenly Fate Rankings but managed to garner attention.

Foremost among them was Hua Taixu, who, at just over thirty years old, had reached the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper. His combat prowess allowed him to defeat those at the fifth level, making him seem unmatched among his peers. He was considered a genius seen once every several hundred years, with the potential to step into the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.

Others like Chen Wang of the Great Solar Chen Clan, Shi Potian of the Shi Clan, and Ouyang Kuangsheng of the Ouyang Clan had also risen to prominence.

However, the most sensational news came from the Unmatched Realm, which was known for staying out of the external world's affairs.

Leaving aside the results of disciples from transcendent powers, some individuals without powerful backgrounds had achieved remarkable feats. Names like Qin Zheng, Yun Mengyi, Chu Mang, and Fan Le became well-known. They frequently clashed with members of transcendent powers during their travels and showed no hesitation in killing their adversaries. Their ruthless acts led several transcendent powers to issue a joint mission to capture them.

Bai Qing from the Mystic Moon Sect was another rapidly rising figure. Her mastery of devil arts had grown significantly, transforming her into a fearsome figure resembling a devil who had emerged from purgatory—a god of slaughter in the darkness.

Countless members of the Pill Emperor Hall, Chen Clan, Wang Clan, and the Star-Seizing Manor were ambushed and killed in the shadows. Although Bai Qing suffered grievous injuries in these confrontations, she managed to escape each time, recovering and continuing her killing spree without regard for her own safety. Soon, she became a thorn in the side of many transcendent powers, prompting them to issue a kill-on-sight order for her throughout Grand Xia.

But naturally, the young man holed up in closed-door seclusion within the Celestial Lake Palace, knew nothing of these matters!