Devouring Constellation?

Devouring Constellation?...

Qin Wentian and his companions remained in Skythunder for a full seven days, meticulously reorganizing the Royal Clan and asserting their authority as rulers. Qin Wentian didn't demand the dissolution of the Skythunder Aristocrat Clan and their allegiance to the Celestial Lake Palace. Instead, he carefully selected over ten skilled experts from their ranks to accompany him on his journey. As for the remaining members, they were entrusted with governing the Skythunder Country, with the royal authority passing into their hands.

The Skythunder Aristocrat Clan had maintained control over the Skythunder Country for nearly eight centuries, establishing deep roots and strong foundations. The region was teeming with experts, abundant cultivation resources, and vast wealth. It would be folly for Qin Wentian to abandon such a valuable asset.

Therefore, he chose to bring the most formidable experts from the Skythunder Aristocrat Clan with him and left behind his trusted subordinates to collaborate with the core members in governing the Skythunder Country. This arrangement would provide invaluable reinforcements in the future. After extracting a substantial amount of resources from the treasury, Qin Wentian embarked on his journey.

At this point, the powers under Qin Wentian's command included the White Deer Institute, the Zong Clan, the Ice Spirit Sect, the Skythunder Country, and the old man representing the Punishment Branch.

Yet, the work was far from complete. Qin Wentian personally requested that Fairy Qingmei lead the 'hidden' factions in restructuring the final faction - the Di Clan.

The Di Clan, after the cataclysmic battle of yesteryears, had been on the brink of annihilation, with only a handful of survivors. The Azure Emperor had entrusted them with the Azure Emperor Token and charged them with finding a new successor to reestablish the Azure Emperor Palace. However, the Azure Emperor could not have foreseen that, over a few millennia, these survivors would become divided.

The current Di Clan was torn between two ideological schools of thought. One, the faction to which Di Yi, headmaster of Emperor Star Academy, belonged, remained faithful to the Azure Emperor's instructions and continued to search for a worthy successor. The other faction, led by Di Feng, sought to seize control of the entire Di Clan and select a successor from their own lineage. Their reasoning was that, as descendants of the Azure Emperor, they should have the right to choose their own successor rather than rely on outsiders. This ideological divide had persisted for many years, and they had only recently uncovered the affiliation of the White Deer Institute with the 'hidden' Azure Faction.

Fairy Qingmei arrived with a contingent of experts from the 'hidden' Azure Faction and descended upon the Di Clan. Employing ruthless methods, she suppressed Di Feng's faction and, together with the Punisher, even executed those who dared to betray the Ancestral Edicts. No quarter was given, not even to those who shared the bloodline of the Azure Emperor.

In a mere three days, the arduous process of restructuring the Di Clan was finally complete, but it came at the steep cost of many lives and rivers of blood. Those who survived this tumultuous upheaval followed Fairy Qingmei back to the Celestial Lake Palace.

However, the entire matter went unnoticed by the majority of Grand Xia's populace. The actions of the Celestial Lake Palace unfolded in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of the world. Presently, the attention of the masses was laser-focused on Ginkou, for the events occurring there held the keys to Grand Xia's future.

The intense clash orchestrated by Hua Taixu and Bai Qing had drawn five transcendent powers into its vortex. This was no minor disturbance; it had the potential to erupt into a cataclysmic tempest, shaking the foundations of Grand Xia.

Amidst the ongoing restructuring of the Di Clan, the date for the next Heavenly Fate Ranking Battle inched ever closer. As a storm brewed on the horizon, the various transcendent powers were marshaling their strength in preparation.

In these tumultuous days, the Mystic Moon Sect, Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, and Jiang Clan mobilized their formidable experts and ventured into Ginkou. Their motivations were clear: they needed to bolster their strength in anticipation of potential confrontations with both the Chen Clan and the Hua Clan. After all, Ginkou was firmly under the dominion of the Chen Clan.

Simultaneously, among the younger generation, conflicts were rife, resulting in numerous injuries and even fatalities.

Amidst this backdrop, a solitary figure named Di Tian stepped resolutely into Ginkou. Three years had passed since his last visit, when he had arrived alongside the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. But now, he embarked on this journey alone, entering the ancient ruins that were once the heart of Grand Xia.

Other curious onlookers also gathered in the vicinity, drawn by the allure of witnessing the remnants of a bygone era with their own eyes.

Standing on the threshold of the ancient kingdom, Qin Wentian was lost in a sea of memories, his heart heavy with sighs.

Three years.

Three years ago, he had ventured to Ginkou with the goal of securing a place within the top three of the Heavenly Fate Rankings to earn the approval of the White Deer Institute. Simultaneously, he had faced the daunting task of defeating Zhan Chen in order to safeguard his relationship with Mo Qingcheng, ensuring that Luo He would not interfere in their affairs.

In the subsequent ranking battle, he faced off against Grand Xia's most formidable geniuses, emerging victorious and claiming the coveted top rank. But this triumph led to a nightmarish twist. In his pursuit, the Purgatory Vermilion Bird transformed into the true soul of a formation, taking control of the formation world.

Yet, the nightmare persisted. Qingcheng was forcibly taken back to the Pill Emperor Hall, where Luo He arranged a marriage candidate selection for her. Subsequently, Qingcheng was abducted and thrust into the sinister abyss of corpses. To this day, he remained uncertain about her fate, uncertain whether she was dead or alive.

In response, he underwent a transformation, becoming a majestic roc. Armed with a demonic sword, he laid siege to the Pill Emperor Hall, shattering it into fragments. As he reminisced about those tumultuous times, it all felt like a fleeting dream.

In the blink of an eye, three years elapsed. At present, he had successfully united the 'hidden' Azure Factions, aided by Fairy Qingmei's guidance in restructuring these covert organizations. He now wielded formidable power, commanding countless experts.

As for his other form, the great roc, after escorting him to Ginkou, had returned to the demon-infested territories near the Demon Continent. There, it continued its conquest, vanquishing rival demon emperors in preparation for an imminent, world-shattering war in Grand Xia.

And now, he found himself back at Ginkou, standing outside the ancient kingdom.

Suddenly, a malevolent aura surged from the heart of the ancient kingdom, spreading throughout the vicinity.

"The Vermilion Bird Formation is activated, retreat quickly!" A voice urgently warned, prompting other visitors to hastily withdraw. The ominous aura swiftly enveloped the entire area, ensnaring even Qin Wentian within. Then, the Purgatory Constellation materialized overhead, bathing him in its astral light.

"Yiyiyaya!"

A familiar, cheerful voice echoed in his mind. Qin Wentian's eyes widened as he witnessed a white blur darting towards him, leaping into his embrace.

"Little Rascal!"

Qin Wentian grinned, pleasantly surprised that even with his disguised features, Little Rascal could still recognize him.

"Bzzz!" A gentle warmth enveloped him. He gazed ahead to see the faint silhouette of a Vermilion Bird soaring above, spiraling in jubilation.

"Purgatory!" Qin Wentian's heart trembled. Hadn't the Purgatory Vermilion Bird already transformed into the true soul of the formation world?

Yet, there was no mistaking it. The bird soaring above was the very same Purgatory Vermilion Bird he had obtained during the Heavenly Fate ranking battles.

"Little Rascal," a melodious voice called out. Qin Wentian turned his gaze to behold a stunning lady adorned in red. Her attire accentuated her graceful figure, and her eyes radiated an alluring charm that could captivate souls.

Luo Huan stared at Little Rascal and the faint outline of the Vermilion Bird surrounding the young man, her expression marked by bewilderment. After a moment, her eyes lit up as she tentatively inquired, "Are you junior brother?"

Luo Huan couldn't help but notice that Little Rascal was behaving unusually affectionate towards the newcomer. She knew the mischievous nature of that puppy all too well. Apart from Qin Wentian, it rarely allowed other males to get close.

Qin Wentian's eyes warmed as he regarded Luo Huan. His Senior Sister had always been astute; he knew he couldn't hide things like this from her. He placed complete trust in her.

"Senior Sister," Qin Wentian greeted with a smile, his facial features returning to their original appearance. A gleam of excitement lit up Luo Huan's eyes. She playfully rested her hands on her hips and chuckled, "You've finally remembered to come visit your senior sister?"

Qin Wentian approached her, casting an admiring glance at her elegant figure before enveloping her in a warm hug. "Sis, how have you and Teacher been these past years? It's been almost three years now."

"Bored out of our minds. Thankfully, Little Rascal is here to keep us company, adding laughter to our dull cultivation routines with its antics. And you? Why are you here so soon? Even if you're in disguise, you must be cautious in Ginkou. Many transcendent powers are currently present," Luo Huan said.

"Don't worry. News of our departure has long since spread, causing the transcendent powers to lose interest in monitoring this place," Qin Wentian reassured her. They continued walking when suddenly, another figure appeared before him.

Qin Wentian's face lit up with a smile when he saw Mustang. "Teacher," he greeted warmly. "Seeing you well puts my worries to rest."

"Mustang," Qin Wentian said warmly. "Seeing you well puts my worries to rest."

"Teacher," Qin Wentian greeted warmly. "Seeing you well puts my worries to rest."

"Teacher." Qin Wentian's heart swelled with warmth. Mustang took his hand and motioned for him to sit down. "Come, sit and tell me about your experiences and the changes in Grand Xia."

"It's quite a tale," Qin Wentian replied, taking a seat. He sighed and proceeded to recount everything that had happened, from Mo Qingcheng's unknown fate to the unification of the Azure Faction. His words evoked a range of emotions on their faces, from smiles to expressions of concern and sorrow.

"Qingcheng is a remarkable girl," Mustang said with a hint of moisture in his eyes. Back when they were at the Emperor Star Academy, Old Gu was Mo Qingcheng's grandfather, and Mustang was Old Gu's disciple. Naturally, Mustang had been supportive of the relationship between his student and Mo Qingcheng. The current situation was far from what he had expected.

"I share your hope," Qin Wentian murmured, his voice tinged with worry.

"Wentian, in these past two years, we've been preparing a surprise for you," Luo Huan suddenly exclaimed, her laughter bubbling forth. It seemed she wanted to steer the conversation away from the grim memories so as not to distress Qin Wentian.

Recognizing her intention, Qin Wentian played along and asked, "What surprise?"

"Little Rascal, show him," Luo Huan directed her attention to the mischievous pup. Little Rascal, eager to impress, leaped out of Qin Wentian's arms and dashed beneath the Purgatory Constellation. With a satisfied look on its face, it raised its head and began to inhale deeply.

Suddenly, the astral light radiating from the constellation above began to condense into a thick strand of light, flowing directly into Little Rascal's mouth. The once majestic constellation gradually dimmed as its light was voraciously devoured by Little Rascal, including the true soul of the formation world.

Little by little, a transformation unfolded within Little Rascal. It grew in size, sprouting wings reminiscent of the Purgatory Vermilion Bird on its back, while golden runes appeared on its forehead. It seemed to have merged as one with the Vermilion Bird's true soul. Little Rascal continued to consume the constellation at an insatiable pace, as if it aimed to engulf the entire sky.

Qin Wentian could hardly believe his eyes. Little Rascal had always struck him as extraordinary, but this was beyond anything he had imagined. Could it really devour constellations?