Jun Yu

Jun Yu..

Qin Wentian's plea for the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan to join the fight stemmed from his realization that, despite his newfound strength, he still lacked the power to take on a top-tier transcendent force like the Great Solar Chen Clan head-on. If he could have done it alone, why had Fairy Qingmei waited for so many years? There had to be a greater plan in motion. Therefore, he needed the alliance's strength to deal a crippling blow to the Chen Clan, ensuring they wouldn't rise again.

Fairy Qingmei had also revealed some secrets about the Azure Emperor's death. The Great Solar Chen Clan had orchestrated it. Without her timely intervention, the Hua Clan and Wang Clan might have joined the attack as well.

However, Qin Wentian was not willing to endanger the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. He had made other arrangements. The power under his command would not officially join the alliance between the Ouyang Clan, Jiang Clan, and Mystic Moon Sect. They had gathered for the sole purpose of confronting the Great Solar Chen Clan. The promise of the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia was the compensation for the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan. Qin Wentian hoped that these two powers would grow stronger and eventually surpass the Chen, Hua, and Wang Clans.

In Ginkou, the number of experts gathered for this year's Heavenly Fate Rankings surpassed that of the previous event three years ago. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, deeply embroiled in Ginkou's turmoil, had even brought their Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant. The storm that was brewing was bound to be cataclysmic.

The Chen, Hua, and Wang Clans appeared to be drawing closer for some unknown reason. Xiao Han and others from the Nine Mystical Palace were present as well. However, they were blindsided by shocking news that hit them like a hammer.

Hadn't Qin Wentian died when he stormed the Pill Emperor Hall? How could it be that now news spread of a massive roc controlling the hidden factions of the Azure Emperor, allied with the Greencloud Pavilion, and utterly eradicating the Nine Mystical Palace? This revelation prompted a collective recollection of the Pill Emperor Hall's mysterious seclusion. What had transpired back then?

The shockwaves continued as another piece of news rippled through Ginkou. The Hua Clan in the Moon Continent was under attack by the Azure Faction, suffering immense losses due to their unpreparedness. Fortunately, the Hua Clan's Ascendant was present, allowing them to survive despite severe injuries. This news prompted members of the Hua Clan in Ginkou to immediately depart for the Moon Continent. It was now undeniable—Qin Wentian was exacting his revenge.

As word spread of the Wang Clan in the War Continent also coming under attack, people were left in stunned silence. Qin Wentian was indeed alive, and the stories of a supreme power backing him were evidently true. He now represented the Azure Faction and was on a path of vengeance, offending numerous transcendent powers along the way. Even if they sought peace now, it was too late. War was the only outcome.

Despite his actions, Qin Wentian had no intention of immediately establishing his own power. A stable base might invite attacks from others. This was why his followers concealed their identities with masks and melted into the crowds, keeping their true selves hidden from those who wished them harm. In the meantime, they diligently cultivated the nine supreme arts, their true identities known to none.

Amidst the continuous onslaught of astonishing news, the Heavenly Fate Ranking battle finally commenced at the Venerate Heavens Sect in Ginkou.

Within the illustrious Venerate Heavens Sect, a magnificent arena stood encircled by thirty-six viewing platforms, oriented in all eight directions. Beyond these platforms, a multitude of spectators gathered eagerly to witness the emergence of the new top-ranked cultivators.

This year's ranking competition differed from the traditions of the ancient Grand Xia Kingdom. There were no ceremonial drum beats, no perilous crossings of the river of life and death, and no opponents in solemn battle robes to face. Instead, combat would directly determine the rankings, with each transcendent power offering a treasure as a reward to the thirty-six highest achievers.

However, the once-thirty-six transcendent powers had dwindled to thirty-five. In the viewing area designated for the Nine Mystical Palace, only a handful of experts remained, sitting uncomfortably as they grappled with the awkward reality that their sect no longer held transcendent status. They now relied on the protection of others for their survival.

Elsewhere, viewing platforms reserved for the Wang and Hua Clans also held just a few cultivators, their fear of another surprise attack by Qin Wentian driving them to return to their clans and heighten their defenses.

Amidst the grand viewing platforms, spectators gazed at the battles in the arena, yet their attention seemed elsewhere. Compared to the tumultuous currents coursing through Grand Xia, the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle appeared rather insignificant. Given the state of Grand Xia, could the emerging geniuses from this competition even make an impact?

Brought by members of the Chen Clan, Bai Qing stood under constant vigilance. While they had not harmed him, they kept a watchful eye on him. Today, if the Sacred Royal Medallion did not appear, they would undoubtedly kill Bai Qing to vent their frustration.

Seated at the main position, Old Man Tianji observed the intense battles below, a smile crossing his face as he fixed his gaze on a young man. "This young talent shows promise."

"The depth of his swordsmanship is truly remarkable," remarked a spectator from the Venerate Heavens Sect.

However, when Old Man Tianji scanned the attendees from various transcendent powers, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. It appeared that these individuals had more than just the rankings battle on their minds. With the chaotic times in Grand Xia, even transcendent powers were vulnerable to downfall. How could they afford to focus on the ranking competition?

"Ah, the Star of Chaos, the Star of Chaos, you have indeed thrown Grand Xia into disarray."

His vision from the past was gradually unfolding before him. In just a few short years, Qin Wentian had already plunged Grand Xia into turmoil. If he were to have another decade to grow, what would become of Grand Xia? Considering the history of Grand Xia, ten years were but a brief moment.

Meanwhile, the ranking competition intensified. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, Jiang Clan, and Mystic Moon Sect occupied a single viewing platform, their eyes gleaming with determination, yet they appeared to be awaiting something patiently.

Finally, after days of fierce battles, only two combatants remained. The crowd erupted in exuberant cheers, showering accolades upon them, fully convinced that these two would undoubtedly ascend to the pinnacle of Grand Xia in the future.

The two contestants, clad in black and white, captivated the audience's attention. The young man in the black robe hailed from the Shi Clan. Three years ago, Shi Potian had suffered a humbling defeat, but this time, the Shi Clan could hold their heads high, for one of their own had ascended to the coveted position of top ranker in the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

Old Man Tianji completed the etching of the Heavenly Fate Ranking scoreboard, and thirty-six names shimmered in the air, announcing the birth of new Heavenly Fate Ranking champions. It seemed as if everything had concluded, but everyone understood that this was merely the beginning of a new chapter.

"Congratulations, Brother Shi," a Chen Clan powerhouse exclaimed, his eyes locking onto a man from the Shi Clan. "Your esteemed nephew, Shi Hao, possesses extraordinary talent. He is destined for greatness." The Shi Clan leader nodded graciously and replied, "Hao'er still requires more training. He has a long way to go compared to the top-ranked cultivator from three years ago."

The Chen Clan powerhouse's eyes harbored an indiscernible emotion when Qin Wentian was mentioned. He casually added, "With so many experts gathered here and the ranking battle now concluded, the Royal Sacred Medallion has yet to make an appearance. I can't help but feel sorry for that talented and beautiful young lady from the Mystic Moon Sect, for the humiliation she is about to endure."

As his voice trailed off, he stood up and directed his gaze towards Bai Qing.

"The Chen Clan lost the Sacred Royal Medallion due to their disciple's inadequacy. It's laughable that they would take out their frustration on the disciples of our Mystic Moon Sect," the sect leader of the Mystic Moon Sect declared, her eyes radiating a menacing light as she locked onto the Chen Clan powerhouse.

"Who knows what's real? Maybe your sect has the medallion?" The Chen Clan powerhouse retorted, his words laced with icy disdain. He then shifted his gaze towards the alliance of the three powers, harboring cynical laughter in his heart. Did the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan genuinely have the resolve to ally with the Mystic Moon Sect in an all-out war against them?

"The Chen Clan has indeed crossed a line in this matter," the Ouyang clan lord calmly remarked, sending a ripple of unease through the crowd. His statement held a significant implication – a tempest was brewing.

The Chen Clan powerhouse glanced in the direction of the Ouyang Clan, his expression seemingly serene while concealing his smugness within.

Just as the tension reached its peak, a voice wafted over from the distance.

"Old friends from the Pill Emperor Hall are here to visit Brother Tianji."

The crowd's expressions froze as their attention shifted toward the voice.

Three imposing silhouettes appeared, each exuding an awe-inspiring aura of immeasurable depth.

"That's the Pill Emperor and the ancient Ascendant-level elder. Is the Pill Emperor Hall emerging from seclusion?"

Witnessing this, the crowd displayed expressions of puzzlement. However, it was the young man walking shoulder to shoulder with the two Pill Emperor Hall powerhouses who raised the most questions.

Old Man Tianji turned his gaze toward the newcomers, a strange glint flashing deep within his eyes. The experts from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan wore deeply troubled expressions.

Why had the Pill Emperor Hall chosen this moment to make an appearance?

"Noble nephew Jun Yu has returned," declared an elderly man in extravagant robes among the Chen Clan experts. This was the Great Solar Chen Clan's ancestor, the figure of utmost authority in the entire clan.

The fact that he, among all the people present, chose to greet the young man from the Pill Emperor Hall caused a wave of astonishment to sweep through the crowd.

Jun Yu... Jun Yu? Could it truly be him?

Around three decades ago, the Pill Emperor Hall took great pride in two of its prodigies: Jun Yu, the personal disciple of the Pill Emperor himself, and Luo He, the Pill Emperor's daughter. Jun Yu immersed himself in the martial path, while Luo He dedicated herself to the art of alchemy. Jun Yu had even held the prestigious title of the Heavenly Fate Rankings' top ranker. However, mysteriously, his name vanished from Grand Xia after he reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

And now, after all these years, Jun Yu had finally returned.

"Uncle Chen," Jun Yu greeted with a warm smile, his demeanor exuding the confidence of an equal. The Chen Clan's ancestor found nothing amiss in this gesture and simply nodded, saying, "I've heard that noble nephew Jun Yu has reached the Celestial Phenomenon Realm and has received high praise from that place. Now that you're back, the Pill Emperor Hall is sure to regain its former glory."

Jun Yu continued to smile in response. The three of them took their seats on the viewing platform designated for the Pill Emperor Hall, amid the thunderous cheers of the Pill Emperor Hall disciples.

Although the three Ascendants of the Pill Emperor Hall sat together, Jun Yu seemed to radiate a unique aura.

Old Man Tianji cast a thoughtful glance in Jun Yu's direction as he contemplated silently. Jun Yu was undeniably formidable, as befitted someone who had ventured beyond Grand Xia to hone his skills and was also a holder of the Sacred Royal Medallion. In the past century, Jun Yu had undoubtedly achieved the greatest accomplishments. He wasn't just a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant; rumors suggested that his status there was extraordinary, capable of overshadowing anyone's prestige in Grand Xia.