Tempest in Ginkou
Tempest in Ginkou...
It had been nearly three years since the last epic clash in the Heavenly Fate Rankings, and the countdown to the next showdown had begun - just three months away.
But this time, there were some jaw-dropping changes in the works. In the past, the battleground was always the ancient kingdom of Grand Xia, nestled in the heart of Ginkou. There, the battle rituals were as intricate as a symphony - the drums would resound, contestants would cross the treacherous River of Life and Death, don their ranking battle robes, and plunge into the enigmatic Vermilion Bird Formation World. It was a whirlwind of ancient luck plundering and the tantalizing possibility of securing secret arts. But this time, the stage had transformed. The reins of this Ascendant-level formation had shifted into the capable hands of none other than Qin Wentian himself, who had seized it almost three years ago.
As a result, the transcendent powers of Ginkou announced that the upcoming battle would unfold within the hallowed halls of the Venerate Heavens Sect. In addition, since the fickle mistress known as 'ancient luck' had departed, the thirty-six transcendent powers of Grand Xia pledged to present extraordinary treasures to the top thirty-six contenders as a token of their victory.
With the three-year mark closing in, scores of young talents descended upon Ginkou. Despite their lofty ambitions, there lingered a cloud of doubt - could they ever hope to reach the dizzying heights set by the participants of the previous ranking battle, the shining stars like Qin Wentian, Chen Wang, and Si Qiong?
The previous ranking battle, more than two years ago, was a golden era, a beacon inspiring cultivators far and wide to strive towards the legendary prowess of those like Qin Wentian, Chen Wang, and Si Qiong.
Yet, beneath this bustling surface, the sinister currents beneath Ginkou's facade grew stronger by the day. Members of the Pill Emperor Hall, Chen Clan, and Hua Clan met untimely ends, their deaths casting a grim shadow over the city.
Then, one day, amidst this brewing tempest, shocking news shook Ginkou to its core.
Hua Taixu was hot on the heels of Bai Qing after she dispatched an expert from the Hua Clan!
Bai Qing, formidable as she was, couldn't quite measure up to Hua Taixu. But in the very moment when capture seemed imminent, a motley crew of heroes swooped in - Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, Fan Le, Qin Zheng, and Yun Mengyi appeared out of nowhere and joined forces to confront Hua Taixu.
Geniuses from two distinct Heavenly Fate Rankings clashed, and the heavens themselves seemed to quake. Hua Taixu held the higher cultivation and the prestigious number one spot on the Rankings. His superior strength almost negated the numbers disadvantage, and despite the brutal brawl, Ouyang Kuangsheng and his comrades found themselves grievously wounded. But in a stunning twist, just as the battle reached its zenith, Hua Taixu retreated. He was poisoned!
The poison's origin remained shrouded in mystery - a clandestine act that left no witnesses and no fingerprints, except for one name that echoed through the minds of all who heard it: Mu Feng.
This name, dormant for three long years, suddenly erupted like a volcano, setting the world ablaze with intrigue and suspicion.
The elite forces of the Hua Clan and the Great Solar Chen Clan swiftly descended upon the scene. But they were not alone; the Mystic Moon Sect, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, and the Jiang Clan, sensing the looming storm, converged as well. A stalemate hung in the air, neither side willing to yield, and the result was an explosive clash between these five transcendent powers. When the dust finally settled, both factions nursed grievous losses.
Yet, this clash was just the prelude, a mere whisper of the gathering tempest that enveloped all of Ginkou. It felt as though the city was on the brink of a blood-soaked hurricane.
The battle also revealed much to the public eye. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan had forged a strong alliance with the Jiang Clan, cemented by the engagement of Ouyang Kuangsheng and a Jiang Clan member. They acted in concert, all for the sake of Qin Wentian, at Ouyang Kuangsheng's request. This demonstrated the high regard in which Ouyang Kuangsheng was held; he was poised to inherit the leadership of the Ouyang Clan.
In the midst of all this, another name resurfaced in people's thoughts: Qin Wentian. Was he truly gone, or did he exist somewhere in the shadows?
Wasn't it because of Qin Wentian that formidable figures like Bai Qing, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, Fan Le, Qin Zheng, Yun Mengyi, and Mu Feng had united? If Qin Wentian rejoined the fray, what would be the outcome of their battle against Hua Taixu?
The deeds of this young man dwarfed even those of Hua Taixu. Both were the shining stars of their generation, and the world yearned to witness a clash between these titans. Yet, fate cruelly denied them that spectacle.
While some initially clung to hope, believing the mighty roc that Qin Wentian had become might still soar through Grand Xia's skies, as time passed, doubt crept in, and many began to suspect he perished in his assault on the Pill Emperor Hall.
Bai Qing, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le, and the others often found themselves contemplating Qin Wentian. After their encounter with Hua Taixu, uncertainty weighed heavily on their hearts as they gazed at the heavens and wondered: was he still out there, breathing?
...
High above the forested expanse on the outskirts of the Demon Continent, amid the veiled clouds, the colossal roc unfurled its 3,000-meter wingspan, slicing through the skies toward an unknown destination.
Perched atop the majestic roc's back was an ethereal beauty, her features finely chiseled like a masterpiece. Though she emitted no discernible aura, her eyes held a shroud of mist, her allure so arresting that a mere glance etched her into memory.
The roc tore through the heavens, a lightning bolt streaking across the canvas of clouds. It sped past the Demon Continent and relentlessly surged forward. In just one day's span, the roc reached a sector of the Moon Continent overseen by the Star-Seizing Manor.
This region could barely lay claim to the title of a 'city' within the Star-Seizing Manor's domain. A newcomer had set roots here two years ago. Though this power often preferred the shadows, when it did unveil its strength, it sent shockwaves through the masses.
None other than the White Deer Institute had settled in this out-of-the-way city, coerced to relocate by the weighty hand of the Star-Seizing Manor. Their motives were twofold: evading confrontation and seeking opportunities for growth.
A year back, Fairy Qingmei herself graced the institute with her presence, gifting them the secrets of Grand Xia's nine ultimate arts. During this visit, they received another revelation: Qin Wentian was still very much alive. His intentions were crystal clear - the unification of the 'hidden' Azure Factions was on the horizon.
Over the past year, the White Deer Institute meticulously selected their core disciples, rigorously nurturing them. Simultaneously, the older, loyal members were entrusted with the nine ultimate arts, slowly elevating the institute's strength. Yet, these potent arts remained concealed from the public eye.
The White Deer Institute bided its time, awaiting the return of the youth who had trampled the Pill Emperor Hall.
In the institute's training grounds, the air buzzed with the sounds of young disciples sparring with zealous energy. Among them was Bailu Yi, a transcendent figure whose cultivation had surged remarkably - now resting at the ninth level of Yuanfu.
As she watched the vibrant camaraderie of the young aspirants, a fleeting image of someone flashed through her mind.
But, in that very instant, a gust of wind erupted. All eyes turned upward as an enormous figure descended from the heavens. The wind intensified, sending several onlookers sprawling to the ground.
As the dust settled, a voice boomed, accompanied by a hearty laugh. "Well, well, seems like I've arrived just in time for the fun! Did I miss anything exciting?"
The source of the voice? None other than Qin Wentian himself, a grin playing on his lips as he looked down at the bewildered faces below.
Moments ticked by, and the turbulent winds finally subsided. As the members of the White Deer Institute regained their footing, they gazed upward and beheld an awe-inspiring sight. A colossal silhouette loomed in the sky, its massive wings casting a shadow over them, as if it could blot out the very sun. Its piercing gaze exuded an aura of dominance, as if it were the sovereign of this world.
"It's the great roc!"
A collective shiver of terror ran through the onlookers. Yet, a spark of recognition gleamed in Bailu Yi's eyes as she fixed her gaze intently on the behemoth hovering above.
Could it be? Had he truly become a great roc? Was this transformation permanent?
A symphony of whistling sounds filled the air as the elders and revered figures materialized one by one. All eyes were trained on the colossal roc.
As they continued to look up, they noticed a figure standing on the roc's back. Initially obscured by the immense avian body, the figure gradually came into focus.
Why had the great roc brought this man here?
Who was he?
In that moment, Bailu Yi approached the great roc, her hand outstretched as though she intended to touch its face. The roc's gaze remained sharp, but it made no move to stop her, lowering its head so that Bailu Yi's gentle hand cradled it.
"Little Yi," a deep voice resonated.
Bailu Yi's hand trembled, her eyes welling with tears as she gazed at the great roc. Indeed, he had transformed into this formidable creature.
"How have you been?" Bailu Yi choked out.
"I've been holding on," the great roc replied. Then, its sharp eyes shifted to the others. The young man on its back stepped forward, perching on its head, and surveyed the members of the White Deer Institute.
"Starting today, I will assume control of the White Deer Institute," he declared. The gazes of the institute's members froze as they fixated on the young man, then shifted to the great roc. The colossal bird nodded, affirming the young man's statement. "From now on, seeing him means you are seeing me. His orders are my orders."
Confusion and curiosity gripped the crowd. Who was this young man, and why did Qin Wentian place such unwavering trust in him?
"My name is Di Tian. As of today, I, Di Tian, will unify the remaining factions of the 'hidden' Azure Factions and reshape them into a new force. You will sever all ties with the White Deer Institute, allowing it to fade into obscurity. A new transcendent power shall rise in Grand Xia."
The figure standing on the great roc exuded unshakable confidence, his voice carrying both supreme arrogance and a chilling calmness. He wasn't a madman; he harbored a grand ambition - to establish Grand Xia's thirty-seventh transcendent power.
Witnessing the great roc's serene demeanor, the White Deer Institute members grasped that the moment for action had arrived. It was precisely why Fairy Qingmei had graced them with her presence a year prior. The White Deer Institute would gradually fade into the annals of history, carried away by the relentless flow of time in Grand Xia.
"Select three of your most formidable members to accompany me," Di Tian commanded. His tone exuded an imperious air, but the elders and venerable figures nodded in unanimous agreement. Shortly after, three elderly gentlemen were chosen, taking their place alongside Di Tian on the great roc's back.
"For the rest of you, make your way to the Celestial Lake Palace in Demon Mountain City, located within the Demon Continent. Fairy Qingmei will await your arrival there. Remember, this endeavor must remain shrouded in absolute secrecy. Disperse in groups, departing at different times to evade suspicion. The foundation of our new power shall take root at the Celestial Lake Palace," Di Tian instructed. With those words, the great roc unfurled its mighty wings and soared skyward, vanishing from their view in the blink of an eye.
The majority of the members were left reeling by this sudden turn of events. In Bailu Yi's eyes, a trace of sorrow lingered as she recalled the memories of the past. He had transformed into a primordial great roc, and even his demeanor had shifted. Would he ever revert to the person he once was?