The Hardest Path

The Hardest Path...

In ancient times, the Royal Xia Clan of Grand Xia had been renowned and had wielded dominion over the entire region. The titles of Tyrant Emperor and Blood Emperor were bestowed upon those extraordinary powerhouses after their ascension to the throne.

Chu Mang and Ouyang Kuangsheng ventured through the Tyrant Emperor Door, treading the path of his legacy.

Meanwhile, Mu Feng embarked on the journey of the Blood Emperor's Inheritance.

The Vermilion Bird's scrutinizing gaze then shifted to Fan Le as it commented, "Your constellation perception ability may be deemed ordinary among this group, but your adaptability is exceptional, and you possess psycheforce. Coincidentally, there was once an emperor of Grand Xia who excelled in psycheforce. Make the most of this opportunity to undergo the test and potentially secure the inheritance."

With a graceful sweep of its talon, the Vermilion Bird summoned yet another statue. The statue's eyes held a profound depth, sending shivers down the spines of those who beheld them.

Fan Le approached the statue as he continued on his path.

Next, the Vermilion Bird turned its attention to Qin Zheng, remarking, "Control over spatial power is an outstanding ability, affording you advantages in both offense and defense. It can also complement other abilities effectively. Seize this opportunity well."

As its talon descended once more, Qin Zheng expressed his respect with a bow before stepping onto his chosen path.

The Vermilion Bird's gaze shifted to Bai Qing. "I sense your unwavering determination in enduring the dark and frigid energy of the devils, contained within your petite and frail frame. Your journey will be exceptionally arduous. The Chaotic Devil Emperor, a unique figure in Grand Xia's history, left behind his inheritance even though he refused to assume the title of Xia Emperor after conquering Grand Xia. His trial will be intricate and demanding. I hope you can overcome it."

With a swift motion, the Vermilion Bird's talons summoned another statue. Bai Qing respectfully bowed before proceeding toward the statue representing the Chaotic Devil Emperor.

Soon, only Qin Wentian and Yun Mengyi remained.

Qin Wentian's inquisitive gaze settled on the Vermilion Bird as he questioned, "Senior, these inheritances were left behind by the ancient emperors of Grand Xia. But what happened to the emperors themselves? Are they all deceased?"

The young man pondered these questions. If one could become an Emperor of Grand Xia, their strength should be unquestionable. According to Fairy Qingmei, the peak powerhouses in Grand Xia had reached the Ascendant realm at the pinnacle of Celestial Phenomenon. How could such formidable figures easily meet their end? Additionally, upon achieving that level, why would they confine themselves to Grand Xia? It seemed more likely they would seek broader horizons to further their cultivation.

The Vermilion Bird met Qin Wentian's gaze but remained silent, deep in thought. It contemplated which inheritance would be most fitting for Qin Wentian.

Among these elite youths, Qin Wentian outshone them all. His sensory abilities, perception, and Astral Soul's strength were unparalleled in this group. Even compared to the descendants of the Royal Xia Clan from the past, this young man had the greatest potential to attain the full inheritance of one of the ancient emperors.

The Vermilion Bird had meticulously selected the emperor gates that offered the highest chance of success for each individual among Yun Mengyi's entourage. Nevertheless, even among these exceptional talents, Qin Wentian's brilliance surpassed them all, like a radiant sun.

Yun Mengyi understood the Vermilion Bird's unspoken question. Her gaze shifted to Qin Wentian, and she replied silently within her mind, "He's absolutely crucial."

In Yun Mengyi's eyes, Di Tian's enigmatic background suggested an exceptionally close connection with Qin Wentian. Qin Wentian had even entrusted Di Tian with the secret art of the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation, which clearly indicated a high level of trust and representation.

Furthermore, Di Tian's extraordinary talent only added to his significance.

The Vermilion Bird shifted its gaze back to Qin Wentian. "The inheritances of Grand Xia are not easily obtained. To have a chance at the complete inheritance, you might face life-threatening dangers. Whether it's you, the previous six entrants, or the descendants of my Royal Xia Clan, surviving means leaving with only a part of the respective ancient emperors' inheritance, not the entire set. I want to know, how great is your ambition?"

"I desire the complete inheritance," Qin Wentian replied firmly.

"If I were to choose the path with the highest degree of difficulty, would you dare to tread it?" the Vermilion Bird inquired.

Qin Wentian's eyes sparkled with determination as he responded, "The greater the difficulty and danger, the more powerful the inheritance obtained. Why would I not dare?"

"In that case, let me offer you a warning. You may encounter scenarios beyond your current imagination. Particularly during the final trial, stay true to your heart. You may proceed," the Vermilion Bird stated before pressing its talons onto the ancient coffin once more. The grand hall rumbled, and this time, it split apart to reveal a golden gate exuding immense majesty, with no statue in sight.

Qin Wentian bowed and stepped onto his chosen path. He disappeared into the gate swiftly.

Now, only Yun Mengyi remained in the grand hall.

After Qin Wentian's departure, the Vermilion Bird focused its gaze on Yun Mengyi. "With your strength, the journey to restore Grand Xia will be long and challenging. I believe that the individuals you brought here are extraordinary in their own right. However, managing individuals like them won't be easy. If they are mere 'friends,' how can you be certain of their loyalty? Are you willing to take that risk?"

"I don't aspire to be the Empress. My sole wish is to bring down the nine traitorous clans," Yun Mengyi replied as she knelt. "I seek your forgiveness, dear ancestor. I brought them here because there's one person among them whom the others will willingly follow. He is the core figure, of utmost importance."

"The one prophesied by the Venerate Heavens Sect, is that the person you mentioned? The one who illuminated all eighty-one stone pillars earlier?" the Vermilion Bird inquired.

Yun Mengyi shook her head. "No, it's not him."

"Someone even more exceptional than him?" The flames in the Vermilion Bird's eyes flickered. Di Tian had managed to illuminate all eighty-one stone pillars!

"I believe so," Yun Mengyi nodded. "The person I'm referring to has mastered Grand Xia's secret art, the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation. He transformed into a primordial great roc and possesses a second-level Heavenly Dipper cultivation base. Moreover, he employed a mysterious method to revert the transformation and slay a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant with a single sword strike. Currently, he is still unconscious, which is why I didn't bring him here."

Yun Mengyi continued to provide more information about the mysterious individual, catching the Vermilion Bird's interest. She explained that the person possessed incredibly powerful Astral Souls, with the first three originating from the 5th Heavenly Layer. She listed the Astral Souls: Heavenly Hammer, Great Dream, and Demon Sovereign.

The Vermilion Bird inquired further, "This person is currently unconscious? Why? Are you sure?"

Yun Mengyi clarified, "He became unconscious due to today's battle, where I had to use the power of the Seven Slaughters Puppets to secure victory. The man I'm referring to has a background that can rival Grand Shang. He is undoubtedly the one who will shape a future where Grand Xia is united under one rule. However, I believe his final destination will not be in Grand Xia."

After a moment of stunned silence, the Vermilion Bird nodded in understanding. It instructed Yun Mengyi to proceed, pressed its talons on the ancient coffin one final time, and revealed a path. Yun Mengyi followed it, leaving the grand hall behind.

"Negating the Demonic Divinity Sacrificial Transformation and even having an additional body that shares the same soul and essence as the original. This young man..." The Vermilion Bird mused, realizing that Yun Mengyi was indeed referring to Di Tian. However, it decided to honor its promise to Qin Wentian and keep this secret.

As Qin Wentian stepped through the gate, he felt the powerful energy of spatial manipulation. The space warped around him, transporting him to a new dimension. He found himself in a world covered in ice and snow, where the frigid air sent shivers down his spine.

He pondered about the trials that lay ahead on this inheritance path, wondering about their difficulty. He took a step forward, leaving footprints in the snow. Suddenly, he felt that he was being monitored, and a wave of intense coldness threatened to freeze him in place.

Reacting swiftly, Qin Wentian used Stellar Transposition to retreat. He stared ahead, trying to locate his unseen opponent. To his surprise, a figure emerged from a pile of snow, dressed in white and blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

"I couldn't sense him?" Qin Wentian marveled at his opponent's mastery of the Mandate of Ice and Snow, which allowed him to erase his presence.

"Quite rare to see someone here," the snowy figure commented with a smile, revealing his teeth as white as snow. "In all the thousands of years I've guarded this place, very few have dared to venture here. It's astonishing to find someone brave enough to come."

"Senior, what is the first trial?" Qin Wentian inquired, ready to face the challenges ahead.

"Trial? Do you understand that within the rules I've set, I'm permitted to end your life?" The snowman stared at Qin Wentian, a sinister grin creeping onto his face.

"In that case, may I inquire about the rules governing this trial, senior?" Qin Wentian asked again. He was well aware that this opponent's strength was beyond his current abilities. However, since the Vermilion Bird had sent him here, there had to be a trial that was possible to overcome.

"What's your cultivation level?" The snowman continued to grin, relieved to finally have someone to interact with after countless years of solitude.

"I am at the second level of Heavenly Dipper," Qin Wentian replied.

"I shall limit myself to the second level of Heavenly Dipper as well. There's only one rule here: defeat me or meet your demise." The snowman's eyes sparkled with amusement, causing Qin Wentian to furrow his brow.

"Very well," Qin Wentian agreed, stepping forward as an eruption of astral light surrounded him. He activated Stellar Transposition and simultaneously released a flying sword, directing it towards the snowman's body.

However, Qin Wentian watched in amazement as the snowman transformed back into a pile of snow, easily evading his attack. It was clear that this opponent was not a human.

A sharp sound rang out, and Qin Wentian's legs were encased in ice. He tried to move but found the frozen ice to be far more formidable than he had anticipated. The icy chill seeped through his legs, numbing his blood and disrupting the flow of energy, preventing his astral energy from reaching his lower limbs.

"This..." Qin Wentian's gaze froze as he realized that his arms and body were also beginning to freeze.

"I did mention that I would limit my cultivation to the second level of Heavenly Dipper. However, I didn't say the same for my Mandates," a voice as frigid as the wind whispered, sending shivers down Qin Wentian's spine. This was only the first trial upon entering the gate; was the difficulty level already this extreme?