Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay

Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay...

Within the demon sword dwelled an ancient will.

The Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation, once enacted, was deemed irreversible. Yet, the voice emanating from the demon sword asserted the opposite.

From whence had the sky sovereign roc, which had resented the heavens for their limitations, truly originated?

Could the legends circulating in Sword Reverence City be accurate? Had this sword indeed descended from a realm beyond this world? As it plummeted from the heavens, its razor-sharp edge cleaved through the mountains outside Sword Reverence City, creating the iconic Sword Reverence Precipice.

The sword eventually settled at the precipice's base, lamenting the heavens' perceived inadequacy, its anguished wails resounding endlessly as it stubbornly refused to be removed.

"How?" Qin Wentian asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

"You awakened me from my slumber with your blood, forging a karmic bond between us. This connection allows you to hear my voice even when we're separated by vast distances. As a token of this connection, I shall bestow upon you... the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay." The archaic voice reverberated in his mind. "This ancient will links your essence with the demonic divinity of the eight directions, leveraging your mortal body as a sacrifice to change your form into that of a demon. Given your remarkable abilities, you may possess the potential to comprehend this sword art. To unleash it, however, you must burn the demonic energy infused within your body as fuel, a process that may reverse your demonic transformation."

"This is the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay—an immortal art. To perform it, you'll need to tap into the entire reservoir of demonic divinity energy within your body. Even then, with the addition of your bloodline's power and the energy within your Yuanfu, it may still be insufficient to execute a single stance of the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay. But should you succeed, your demonic form will be reversed, though your vitality will be drained. Despite your enhanced physique, recovery without a year of rest would be impossible."

The voice continued, its words causing Qin Wentian's heart to tremble. The power of the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay surpassed that of the demon sword by a hundred or even a thousandfold. Presently, he lacked the capacity to withstand such an immense expenditure.

Inherently, Qin Wentian understood that his transformation into a great roc had occurred due to external sources of energy being channeled into him. The ancient will extended across the heavens, establishing a connection with the eight demonic divinities and utilizing the power of the demonic constellations to mold him into his current form. The demon sword sought to teach him a method that would burn all this energy as fuel to unleash the immortal sword art and fully reverse the transformation. This approach was exceptionally ruthless, to the extent that it could jeopardize his life. After all, mortals were not meant to wield immortal arts.

This swordplay was an immortal art akin to the Great Nirvana Art, possessing incalculable might. However, mastering it would be many times more arduous and perilous compared to his earlier attempt to extract the demon sword.

"Are you willing to learn?" the archaic voice inquired once more. A resolute gleam flickered in the eyes of the great roc. Presently, he possessed both the body of a great roc and another true body courtesy of the Great Nirvana Immortal Art. Regardless of the risks involved, he was eager to learn. Even if he ended up severely wounded or, in the worst case, dead, it wouldn't be a true loss since he had another true body available for cultivation.

"I am," Qin Wentian affirmed without hesitation.

If he could master this art, he might even harness the energy from the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art to power the swordplay in the future when he grew stronger. The steep price didn't daunt him; he had two true bodies at his disposal.

"Very well, bear in mind: never attempt to use this swordplay unless you're in the form of a primordial great roc. Without the energy from the demonic divinities, this swordplay will deplete your life force instead, and you won't survive it," the voice cautioned. Qin Wentian took this warning to heart, recognizing that he could only unleash this immortal swordplay while in the form of a great roc. Otherwise, certain death awaited him.

However, in the future, when his cultivation reached a certain level, these restrictions might no longer apply.

At that moment, the voice of the demon sword directly transmitted information into his mind. Qin Wentian closed his eyes and floated in the sky, entirely focused on the information coursing through his consciousness.

Only after an extended period did he reopen his eyes.

He had only managed to grasp the first stance, the simplest one.

Although the first stance wasn't overly challenging and laid the foundation for the subsequent stances of the Immortal Vanquishing Swordplay, it remained an immortal art. Presently, he lacked the means to gather sufficient energy to execute it, unable to endure even the consumption rate of this basic stance. As the demon sword had predicted, using it would deplete all his demonic divinity energy, exhaust the energy in his Yuanfu, and harm his vitality. Should the combination of these three factors prove insufficient, death was a likely outcome.

"Senior, are you the incarnation of the sky sovereign roc, or are you the sword spirit dwelling within the demon sword?" Qin Wentian inquired curiously. He yearned to understand the origins of the demon sword and its true nature.

"I have no idea," the demon sword sighed before falling silent. Qin Wentian followed suit and continued on his path.

The date of the ranking battle was fast approaching. He needed to lead his comrades to Ginkou before the Heavenly Fate Rankings commenced.

...

After numerous days, at the temporary Ouyang Aristocrat Clan base in Ginkou, several formidable experts stood guard. Even the Chen Clan would find it challenging to launch an attack.

The reason was simple: the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, Jiang Clan, and Mystic Moon Sect had joined forces with the intent to forge an alliance.

In the current landscape, who would dare provoke an alliance forged by three transcendent powers?

At this moment, the esteemed leaders of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, the Jiang Clan, and the Mystic Moon Sect occupied a solemn council, surrounded by numerous experts.

A few days prior, a brutal massacre had unfolded at the Mystic Moon Sect's Ginkou base, perpetrated by members of the Great Solar Chen Clan. This shocking event had rippled far beyond the Ginkou Continent, causing astonishment throughout the entire Grand Xia. The Chen Clan's actions carried a grave message, signaling the onset of a war among Grand Xia's transcendent powers.

Now, the ancestors of the Jiang and Ouyang Aristocrat Clans had arrived in person. Although they had allied with the Mystic Moon Sect, they still deliberated on their level of commitment to this cause.

Their primary concern was their respective clans' overall benefit. Fully engaging in an all-out war with other transcendent powers due to the friendship between their younger generation members, such as Qin Wentian, Ouyang Kuangsheng, and Bai Qing, was a grave consideration. The prospect of an all-out war among transcendent powers was fraught with peril, where a single misstep could lead to their downfall.

Such were the thoughts of the ancestors of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Jiang Clan. However, the Mystic Moon Sect had a different motive: revenge. Therefore, they sought to persuade the two transcendent powers to lend their support.

If their alliance was solely for defensive purposes, the Ouyang and Jiang Clans were eager to join. Doing so would ensure their clans' security amidst the current turmoil in Grand Xia. Nevertheless, participating in an all-out war with just three transcendent powers was not an endeavor easily undertaken.

"Ancestor, if given the opportunity, the Chen Clan would show no mercy to our Ouyang Aristocrat Clan." Ouyang Kuangsheng, among the crowd below, spoke out. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's ancestor regarded him and replied, "Indeed, I'm aware of that. But if our Ouyang Aristocrat Clan were strong enough, we would similarly not spare the Great Solar Chen Clan. However, should we engage in conflict now, the outcome would be uncertain. In an all-out war, other transcendent powers harboring grievances against our Ouyang Clan would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to strike us down. Any unexpected developments could place our clan in grave peril."

"Moreover, if the three of us can form an alliance, what prevents the Chen Clan, Hua Clan, Wang Clan, and Nine Mystical Palace from doing the same? A union of four would wield even greater collective power than ours."

These words silenced the murmurs among those below, leaving them with grave expressions. However, a middle-aged woman from the Mystic Moon Sect maintained a stoic demeanor. At her level of cultivation, her heart remained as calm as still waters. She comprehended the complexities of their situation and understood the rationale behind the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's and Jiang Clan's decisions. If the three transcendent powers failed to form an alliance, her Mystic Moon Sect would have no choice but to bear the weight of its vendetta.

In this moment, a guard entered the courtyard. An individual from the Ouyang Clan rose to inquire, "What's the matter?"

"Somebody has arrived, requesting an audience," the guard replied. The Ouyang Clan representative frowned and waved his hand. "Turn them away."

"But this person claims to be... Qin Wentian," the guard continued. As the guard's words hung in the air, the crowd's eyes ignited with anticipation. Qin Wentian?

Recollections resurfaced of his past exploits, particularly his rampage at the Pill Emperor Hall. If he was still alive, it suggested that an immensely powerful faction supported him, the very faction that had spirited him away from the Pill Emperor Hall.

Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le, and their companions gazed intently, their eyes filled with anticipation. A moment later, the man who identified himself as Qin Wentian arrived. Upon seeing his figure, the assembled group's brows furrowed and frowns deepened.

"I am Di Tian, and Qin Wentian sent me to Ginkou."

Qin Wentian introduced himself. His true human appearance and that of the great roc could not coexist publicly.

"How can we trust you?" Ouyang Kuangsheng asked, his tone frosty.

Qin Wentian stomped on the ground, unleashing astral light that revealed his human form. With two sword fingers pointed skyward, a plethora of sword beams pierced the heavens as if answering his call.

"Stellar Transposition, Heavenly Swordplay. I also remember that you possess knowledge of the Bloodcurse Imprint. You have truly mastered several of Grand Xia's nine ultimate arts," Ouyang Kuangsheng observed, his gaze fixed on Qin Wentian. He was increasingly convinced that Di Tian was indeed Qin Wentian's emissary.

"Where is Qin Wentian now? Is he safe?" Chu Mang inquired eagerly.

"A few days ago, he obliterated the Nine Mystical Palace. Currently, he's leading a formidable force to Ginkou, and he'll make his presence known during the day when the Heavenly Fate Rankings commence," Di Tian responded deliberately. His words sent shockwaves through the audience. The Nine Mystical Palace had fallen to Qin Wentian's might?

"Can you provide any proof of your claims?" Ancestor Ouyang inquired. "And who exactly are you?"

"Qin Wentian wields a tremendously potent force now. I am Di Tian, and Qin Wentian is my master. If you still doubt my words, allow me to demonstrate." As he spoke, Qin Wentian extended his arm. Scales slowly encased his skin, transforming it into a kirin's arm. Wide-eyed, Fan Le and the others observed the Fiend Transformation Art in action. There was no doubt now: this man possessed knowledge of Qin Wentian's techniques.

Qin Wentian was indeed alive!

"See? I told you all that he wouldn't die so easily," Fan Le proclaimed with a wide grin. Ouyang Kuangsheng and Chu Mang joined in the jubilation. Qin Wentian was alive!

"Did you come here to convey a message from Qin Wentian?" Ancestor Ouyang inquired, his heart racing with excitement. If Qin Wentian lived, did that mean the power behind him was also behind the Pill Emperor Hall's mysterious seclusion?

"Yes. During the ranking battle, Qin Wentian's subordinates will gather here to wage an all-out war against the Great Solar Chen Clan. He hopes that the three powers here will form an alliance to obliterate the Chen Clan once and for all."

Ancestor Ouyang cautioned, "The repercussions of an all-out war are beyond imagination."

"Back then, Qin Wentian bestowed the nine ultimate arts upon Young Master Ouyang. Today, he is willing to share the entire set of nine ultimate arts with the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan. Does this offer entice you to join the alliance?"

Qin Wentian fixed his sharp gaze on the assembly. The full set of the nine ultimate arts, not just one or a few. That day, Ouyang Kuangsheng had mastered a few of the nine arts out of brotherly loyalty to Qin Wentian. Despite pressure from his clan to reveal the arts, he had refused, solely because of that brotherhood. The clan elders maintained an affectionate façade, but their true desire was for Ouyang Kuangsheng to share the ultimate arts with the entire clan.

Now, Qin Wentian was willing to bestow the complete set upon them.

The temptation was immense. With the nine ultimate arts, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan could become one of Grand Xia's most powerful clans.

"If the Nine Mystical Palace, Hua Clan, or Wang Clan join forces, our odds of victory would diminish," Ancestor Ouyang hesitated.

"You're mistaken. The Nine Mystical Palace has already fallen. As for the Hua and Wang Clans, leave them to Qin Wentian; his plans are in motion. If you publicly declare this alliance is aimed against the Chen Clan, they'll take the bait. The three of you—the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, the Jiang Clan, the Mystic Moon Sect—combined with the power that obliterated the Nine Mystical Palace... Who do you think will be stronger?"

"The Great Solar Chen Clan has three Ascendants. The strongest among them surpasses any of us. We're powerless to resist," Ancestor Ouyang asserted. This individual was the Great Solar Chen Clan's trump card. If they dared initiate an all-out war against the Mystic Moon Sect, they undoubtedly possessed sufficient strength to back it up.

"Three Ascendants, with one of them an initial Ascendant, yet they're exceptionally formidable due to the Great Solar Universe Art. Their combined might surpasses the majority of initial Ascendants." Qin Wentian explained. "On our side, we also have three Ascendants, not counting the one Qin Wentian will bring. Even if we can't annihilate the Great Solar Chen Clan, we can surely hold them at bay. An all-out war would severely weaken them, and they wouldn't recover for decades. During that time, your clans will master the nine ultimate arts. Tell me, would you still fear the Great Solar Chen Clan then?"

Qin Wentian's arguments swayed Ancestor Ouyang. The alliance was indeed worth the risk!