Might of the Seven Annihilations Swordplay
This time, destiny played a trick on the cultivators residing in the rugged mountain range. It was a stroke of pure luck that led one of them to stumble upon a hidden entrance. However, the poor soul had such a low cultivation base that he couldn't muster the confidence to venture inside. Instead, he decided to auction off this secret in exchange for a hefty sum of wealth. This revelation triggered a frenzy among the major powers, all racing to claim this newfound treasure trove.
At the heart of the mountain range, a parade of dazzling figures began to appear. These were the brightest stars of their sects and clans, each radiating an aura of brilliance that rivaled the sun itself.
From the formidable Yin Clan, even Yin Cheng's elder brother, Yin Ting, had graced the occasion. Both Yin Ting and Yin Cheng were recognized as demon-level geniuses, carving their names into the annals of the Yin Clan's history.
Jin Yan, hailing from the prestigious Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan, was known as Jin Zhan's elder cousin. His combat prowess was nothing short of terrifying, standing head and shoulders above Jin Zhan.
Feng Yunhe, from the esteemed Wind Roc Aristocrat Clan, held a fame that could rival Jin Yan's.
Then there was Jian Jingtian, the master of enigmatic sword arts, who bore the illustrious title of the number one swordsman among the younger generation in the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect.
Aside from these luminaries, representatives from other major powers joined the fray. They hadn't initially intended to participate in the Treasure Seizing Assembly, but the news of this hidden realm was too tantalizing to ignore.
Within the Heavenly Mountains, countless secrets lay concealed. A hidden realm promised an unprecedented stroke of fortune, an opportunity that no demon-level genius could afford to miss.
Jin Yan descended gracefully and fixed his gaze upon Jin Zhan's battered form. "Word has it that you were injured by someone. Care to share the details?"
Jin Zhan hung his head in shame before responding in a hushed tone, "I don't know his name, but he was a young man dressed in white."
"What was his cultivation level?" Jin Yan inquired, his eyes never leaving Jin Zhan's face. He had heard whispers that the assailant was merely at the third level of Heavenly Dipper, but he needed confirmation from Jin Zhan himself.
"I believe he was at the third level of Heavenly Dipper," Jin Zhan muttered, his expression deeply soured. He couldn't forget how he, a fourth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator, had been effortlessly defeated by someone with a lower cultivation level. The memory was an indelible stain on his pride.
"Let me know if you see him again," Jin Yan said coldly, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. Jin Zhan had been nurtured by their clan as a talent, but he had been defeated by someone with a weaker cultivation level. It was a matter Jin Zhan dared not report to the clan, given the shame he felt.
Meanwhile, Yin Ting approached Yin Cheng and inquired, "Did he employ the Mandate to defeat you as well?"
"Yes, and that Mandate felt incredibly peculiar—it could directly assault my consciousness," Yin Cheng replied, his embarrassment apparent. Qin Wentian's attacks were anything but ordinary; they bypassed all defenses and targeted his very mind.
"Why didn't you station spies to keep an eye on him?" Yin Ting asked, well aware of Yin Cheng's cautious nature.
"I did," Yin Cheng affirmed.
"And yet, you lack confidence?" Yin Ting probed.
"That man is a master of divine inscriptions. Grandmaster Qiu went into the cave where he resides, and he hasn't returned since. Now, my men are merely observing his movements, afraid to take any rash actions," Yin Cheng explained.
"You and your brother should join forces to capture him. After that, rendezvous with me," Yin Ting ordered, turning his attention to two other cultivators who had accompanied him. Yin Cheng gestured for one of his spies to lead these newcomers toward Qin Wentian's location.
After a tense wait, the collective attention of the gathered crowd converged on a middle-aged man with a hawk-like gaze who claimed to possess the coveted information.
"Now that we're all here, let's get moving," declared Shang Yue, gaining unanimous nods of agreement from the assembly. Earlier, they had been forced to bide their time in this spot, unwilling to take the initiative, as they all relied on the seller to lead the way. A strict protocol was in place, dictating that no one could move until all potential buyers were assembled.
Furthermore, they had reached a consensus: they would relay this discovery to their respective sects and clans, rallying more members from the various powers to converge on this location. The strategy was clear – by increasing their numbers, they could mitigate the dangers that lay ahead. In adherence to this agreement, only those at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper would be permitted to participate; no one was to deviate from this condition.
The rationale behind this condition was crystal clear. When immeasurable treasures were at stake, clashes among the geniuses from different major powers might erupt into all-out warfare. Therefore, restricting participation to those at the fifth level ensured a level playing field. It wouldn't do if one power dispatched experts of higher levels, easily overpowering the rest.
Moreover, they were well aware that unforeseeable circumstances could arise within the hidden realm, possibly even the appearance of a world-shattering treasure. In such cases, they would dispatch messengers to report the situation and await reinforcements from their respective sects or clans within the hidden realm.
This was the mutually agreed-upon rule governing the major powers of Xuan King City. As for the smaller factions, they were deemed unworthy of participating.
"Please, everyone, follow me," the hawk-eyed man led the way, marching deeper into the heart of the Heavenly Mountain. From afar, the watching spectators seethed with frustration, cursing the arrogance of those from the major powers. Each time a hidden realm materialized, ordinary cultivators without influential backing were denied entry.
Qin Wentian's gaze scanned the scene, a growing sense of pressure bearing down on him. Six auras at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper were converging on him. They seemed to be treating him as a formidable threat.
"A hidden realm has appeared; I can't miss the party!" Qin Wentian chuckled, then with a burst of blinding speed, he darted off in a specific direction.
The silently approaching experts detected Qin Wentian's movements and quickened their pace, determined to encircle him before he could evade them.
Qin Wentian's speed accelerated, each stride propelling him further. He soared over a mountain peak before descending into a mist-shrouded valley.
"Hmph," the six experts sneered as they emulated Qin Wentian's actions, no longer bothering to conceal their intentions. Their auras erupted as they gave chase at breakneck speed.
Moments later, Qin Wentian found himself atop a massive rock at the valley's base. The surrounding cliffs and stone walls seemed to close in. The six pursuers closed in on him, forming a circle as their astral novas ignited with blazing intensity.
Suddenly, Qin Wentian felt his body sinking into the earth, the overwhelming pressure making him exceedingly uncomfortable.
"BOOM!" One of the six combatants lunged towards Qin Wentian, unleashing an aura that sent shockwaves through his body, as if his blood were ready to burst forth.
"KILL!" Above another, a sword of immense terror materialized, its radiant brilliance too blinding for onlookers to bear.
Simultaneously, they attacked, releasing their formidable Mandates upon him. Qin Wentian marveled silently at the might of Stellar Martial Cultivators. Their combined onslaught was terrifying. In a one-on-one showdown, he might hold his own or even gain an advantage, but when their Mandates intertwined, their collective power could crush any adversary, especially considering his lower cultivation.
Soaring into the air, demonic scale armor encased Qin Wentian, as the demonic blood within him surged and seethed. He transformed into a demon-like figure, resembling the overlord of demons. This metamorphosis struck fear into the hearts of those who witnessed it.
The Demon Sovereign Astral Soul materialized, establishing a natural connection with the Demon Sovereign Constellation in the Heavenly Layers. Starlight cascaded down as a group of menacing demonic beasts manifested around him. These fourth-level Heavenly Dipper beasts exuded a terrifying aura, forming a protective barrier around Qin Wentian, blocking the relentless Mandates of the six experts.
"A summon-type Astral Soul," one of the six remarked, sharpness in his eyes. Another barked, "Attack!"
The six experts unleashed their most devastating techniques upon Qin Wentian, who remained shielded by the demonic beasts. Their ultimate attacks merged seamlessly with their Mandates, effortlessly capable of annihilating a fourth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator.
"You may find your final rest here."
Qin Wentian stared down the oncoming experts, his eyes aflame with determination. His King Sword Astral Nova materialized as he thrust it into the enormous rock beneath him. In an instant, the rock disintegrated into dust, and the echoes of a celestial sword symphony reverberated throughout the area. The six experts' eyes widened in astonishment as they hurriedly employed various innate techniques to counter the harmonious assault of the sword melody.
But due to their incredible speed, they reached Qin Wentian within the attack's radius. Qin Wentian commanded his summoned beasts to charge, while repeatedly striking the air, generating ancient bell-like sounds that intermingled with the sword melody.
The sword melody's cutting effects merged with the pulverizing power of the Heartbreak Echo, causing the experts to feel their hearts pounding uncontrollably.
"BOOOM!"
Simultaneously, Qin Wentian took a step forward, executing the Seven Annihilations Swordplay. Each step brought annihilation.
The six experts engaged in a fierce clash with Qin Wentian's summoned beasts. Despite their power, the beasts found it difficult to hold their ground against the experts, let alone block their advance.
"Meet your end," Qin Wentian's palms continued to deliver devastating blows, executing the Heartbreaking Echo. He advanced with a third step, shrouding the vicinity with an even more formidable killing intent. The hearts of the six experts raced, threatening to burst from their chests.
Qin Wentian gripped the hilt of his King Sword and took a fourth step, releasing countless beams of blinding light.
"AROOO!" One of the summoned beasts fell under an expert's onslaught. The expert exuded a chilling killing intent as he focused on Qin Wentian. Recognizing the threat Qin Wentian posed to their sects, they knew he had to be eliminated now.
However, Qin Wentian had already embarked on his fourth step, and sword intent enveloped the area. It was as though he commanded the entirety of the world's sword qi, which coalesced into a gigantic blade hurtling toward the expert.
The expert summoned a massive axe and, with a thunderous shout, brought it crashing down to meet the oncoming sword. The impact propelled him backward, his qi and blood in turmoil. He roared in frustration, "We cannot allow this person to live. KILL HIM!"
"Pu, pu..." The astral warbeasts fell one by one. Qin Wentian's aura continued to rise as he took a fifth step. Upon landing, the entire space transformed into a forest of swords, entrapping the six formidable experts. Their expressions twisted with despair; this sword technique was unfathomable, imbued with overwhelming power.
Without hesitation, they fought to break free, striving to reach Qin Wentian. Yet they encountered an incomprehensibly terrifying sword energy blocking their path. The King Sword Astral Nova gleamed coldly in Qin Wentian's hands as he gazed down imperiously. Taking the sixth step forward, he unleashed a barrage upon the sword forest. Under the relentless sword intent, their bodies were slashed, blood flowing ceaselessly, their faces etched with despair.
"NOOOO..." Reluctant roars echoed one after another. Qin Wentian's expression remained icy as he swung down with his King Sword. In an instant, the six experts were pulverized into oblivion.
He retracted his King Sword Astral Nova into his Yuanfu, and with a sweep of his arms, the interspatial rings of the experts flew towards him. In the next moment, Little Rascal transformed into its enlarged form, and Qin Wentian mounted it.
With a determined gleam in his eyes, Qin Wentian shot towards the location where the chosen ones were gathering!