Departure
Departure...
As the last vestige of will dissipated, the surroundings around Qin Wentian returned to their usual state. He stood on the golden pathway, before the statue of the Xia Emperor.
"Vermilion Bird Immortal Palace," Qin Wentian murmured, glancing at the key in his hand. Finally, he understood why the totem beast of Grand Xia was a Vermilion Bird. The Xia Emperor had entered the Vermilion Bird Immortal Palace through sheer luck and gained immense benefits. He had then united the region, establishing Grand Xia as a formidable power in the world.
Stepping back, Qin Wentian respectfully bowed three times to the statue of the Xia Emperor. In a low voice, he said, "I may not be a descendant of the Royal Xia Clan, but fate, or as you called it, karma, has brought me here. I will always remember your kindness. When I reunite Grand Xia under a single banner, its name will remain unchanged for all eternity."
After these words, Qin Wentian bowed once more and stored the Vermilion Bird Immortal Palace key in his interspatial ring. He returned to the altar's location and began studying the manuals.
Qin Wentian had talent in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions, but his recent focus on his martial path had led him to neglect it somewhat. Now, Di Tian, his other self, diligently studied the books, aiming to comprehend the knowledge required to inscribe a fifth-ranked Vermilion Bird Formation. This was the first step toward restoring Grand Xia to its former glory. Simultaneously, Qin Wentian's heart underwent an evolution, and he realized it was time to advance his cultivation.
...
In a distant forest beyond the Spirit Continent's borders, Qin Wentian's original form eagerly shared what he had discovered in the Royal Tomb with Qing`er.
After he finished, Qing`er's melodious voice broke the silence. "Okay... and?"
Qin Wentian wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. "Qing`er, please inform your master. I plan to spend some time consolidating my original body's foundation and attempting a breakthrough. After that, I'll make necessary preparations before leaving Grand Xia."
"Okay," Qing`er replied with a nod. Qin Wentian then entered the bamboo forest and settled into a cross-legged position. His original form shared a deep connection with Di Tian, so when Di Tian's heart evolved, so did his. If Di Tian could break through, so could he. He needed only Yuan Meteor Stones.
The bamboo forest exuded tranquility, with occasional gentle breezes rustling the leaves. Two months passed in this serene setting. On this day, resplendent astral light radiated, and a powerful aura enveloped the entire bamboo forest.
Fairy Qingmei and the Mystic Moon Sect's leader stood side by side. They both gazed toward the depths of the bamboo forest, their eyes gleaming with an odd light. He had broken through. Qin Wentian's cultivation was now at the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. At this rate, if things remained consistent, Qin Wentian might reach the seventh to ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm before turning thirty.
And he was only twenty-five.
Qin Wentian stepped out of the bamboo forest, wearing a confident smile and exuding an extraordinary air. What was peculiar, however, was that not a trace of his aura leaked. It was as if he had already reached the state of returning to the origin, shrouding himself in an aura of mystery.
To a casual observer, the young man standing before them seemed far from what one would expect of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign, especially one at the third level of Heavenly Dipper.
"Uncle Zong, Elder Bailu, Aunt Bing... all of you, come here," Qin Wentian beckoned. Moments later, a group of figures gathered around, all wearing smiles. Zong Yi was the first to speak, grinning widely, "Wentian, breaking through to the third level of Heavenly Dipper so quickly is impressive. I'd wager in less than ten years, you'll be standing at Grand Xia's pinnacle, even without turning into a primordial great roc."
"Considering Wentian's talent, that's entirely plausible," agreed Bing Yuchan, the leader of the Ice Spirit Sect, her face radiant.
Even the Punishment Old Man, Old Xing, nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Do you all know what I have in mind?" Qin Wentian asked, shaking his head with a chuckle.
"Wentian, are you really planning to leave Grand Xia?" inquired the headmaster of the White Deer Institute.
"Yes. Staying in Grand Xia won't benefit me much. I want to explore the world, gain more experience, and further accelerate my growth. Di Tian is currently in seclusion inside the ancient kingdom. When he emerges, he'll help me manage things. Additionally, with Fairy Qingmei and the Mystic Moon Sect's leader, I'm confident," Qin Wentian explained.
He continued, "Now that the Azure Faction is fully restored, I will become its sect master. When I'm away, Di Tian will take my place. Fairy Qingmei will be the vice sect master. Old Xing will establish the new Punishment Branch and select suitable disciples from various factions to join it. All of you will be doyens and have authority over your respective factions. The individual elder-level figures within the factions will remain unchanged. I need all your help to identify promising talents for nurturing in the nine ultimate arts. Old Xing will supervise this process. Lastly, cultivation resources in our Azure Emperor Palace will be managed by my senior sister, Luo Huan, and my teacher, Mustang. This arrangement should ensure the smooth operation of our Azure Emperor Palace."
He emphasized, "But please inform all disciples not to reveal their identities while training outside. Also, keep the existence of other factions a secret from fellow disciples. Only those present here today need to know."
"Understood," everyone nodded. This setup allowed each faction head to run their faction independently while being part of the Azure Emperor Palace's larger structure.
"Even when you're leaving, aren't you going to spare your senior sister?" Luo Huan teased Qin Wentian.
He smiled, "Senior sis, you're talented and intelligent. I can trust you with resource management."
Luo Huan grinned, "Your meager cultivation resources won't suffice. Luckily, we have access to Skythunder Country's treasury."
"I'll depend on you then, senior sis. With our current strength, seizing resources from others will be a piece of cake. We'll operate in the shadows, building our strength. When I return, we'll give Grand Xia a surprise," Qin Wentian declared, his eyes filled with determination.
"Hmph, you stinky brat gets to have all the fun out there while I, your senior sis, have to stay here and toil for you," Luo Huan grumbled, causing Qin Wentian to smile wryly. He shook his head, replying, "Senior sis, with my current strength, I can't control Grand Xia, let alone the vast world out there. I need to transcend one danger after another to become stronger. I wouldn't dare to drag my lovely senior sister into such suffering. When I return to Grand Xia stronger, I'll accompany senior sister to explore the vast world."
"Enough of this," interrupted Mustang. "Both of you, stop 'flirting' in public. Wentian is right. Given his talent, Grand Xia is too small a stage for him. It would only hinder his future."
"When are you leaving?" Fairy Qingmei asked Qin Wentian.
"No time like the present. I'm leaving today. If Fan Le, Ouyang Kuangsheng, or Bai Qing return, please tell them I've gone to the Grand Shang Empire," Qin Wentian replied in a low voice, causing the others present to react with surprise. The Mystic Moon Sect leader added, "Jun Yu has a significant presence there. Why choose Grand Shang?"
Qin Wentian chuckled, "I'm heading for the region controlled by the Royal Sacred Sect. Their influence might extend throughout Grand Shang. Jun Yu is just an elder's disciple; he can't be that influential across such a vast region."
"True," agreed the Mystic Moon Sect leader. Qin Wentian's trump cards would make it difficult for anyone to harm him. The Great Solar Chen Clan had already fallen a year ago, but with Qin Wentian's presence, it felt like it had happened just yesterday.
"Alright, everyone, I'll see you again in the future," Qin Wentian said, his eyes shining brightly. In the next moment, he soared into the air, accompanied by the small snowy puppy.
Qing`er stepped out as well, appearing behind Qin Wentian. It was clear she would accompany him on this journey.
"Choosing the company of a beauty over friendship," Luo Huan teased, but then burst into laughter.
"Everyone, I'm leaving the Azure Emperor Palace in your hands," Qin Wentian declared heroically. His silhouette flickered as he flew off in a certain direction.
The onlookers couldn't help but watch as he departed, sighing in their hearts. This young man was bound for Grand Shang, and they couldn't help but wonder what kind of storm he would create beyond the borders of Grand Xia.
Zong Yi, in particular, wondered how powerful Qin Wentian would become when he returned. After he had pledged to follow Qin Wentian, the Azure Emperor Palace had undergone significant changes. The Nine Mystical Palace was destroyed, the Great Solar Chen Clan annihilated, and Qin Wentian had wreaked havoc everywhere he went, like a demon. Zong Yi eagerly anticipated Qin Wentian's return, although he didn't yet know about Qin Wentian's true self within the Royal Tomb of Grand Xia.
Meanwhile, the Pill Emperor Hall had made a remarkable recovery in the year that had passed. With Jun Yu's arrival, the Pill Emperor Hall had regained its former strength. Many talented individuals were inspired by Jun Yu's status and joined the hall, revitalizing it.
Today, a group of experts arrived at the Pill Emperor Hall. They were all at the Celestial Phenomenon Realm and their purpose shocked the entire Grand Xia.
They sent out a message: all exceptional young talents in Grand Xia could travel to the Grand Shang Empire for training. Those with a Sacred Royal Medallion would receive special treatment. If they performed well, Grand Shang would invest heavily in their development, allowing them to join the Royal Sacred Sect.
Simultaneously, the Grand Shang Empire had decided to extend invitations to select talents, offering them the chance to join transcendent powers of their choice. These chosen powers would wield greater influence compared to the ordinary transcendent powers of Grand Xia.
One can only imagine the uproar and excitement that rippled through the land when this news spread. Numerous demon-level talents wasted no time heading straight for the Grand Shang Empire.
Even those from the seven grand clans who had received a Royal Sacred Medallion were preparing for their journeys to Grand Shang.
Within the Hua Clan, a gathering of their experts took place. All eyes were fixed on three figures standing before them, their hearts trembling with anticipation and pride. Among these three was Hua Taixu, the most exceptional member of the younger generation in the Hua Clan. The Hua Clan held higher hopes for him than for anyone else.
"Take care, and be vigilant during your adventures in Grand Shang," the clan lord of the Hua Clan advised. The three Hua Clan members nodded in agreement. Moments later, they vanished in a flash.
At the same time, in the Shi Clan and the Wang Clan, similar scenes unfolded. Their demon-level geniuses were all embarking on journeys to Grand Shang.
The question on everyone's mind was which of these exceptional talents would create a storm that would rock the foundations of Grand Shang?