Snatching the Celestial Constellation Fruits

Snatching the Celestial Constellation Fruits

Qin Wentian's mind wandered back to the skeletal remains in that pool of blood. However, aside from those ancient bones, there was nothing else in the vicinity. It was clear that this legendary character had met a formidable adversary, given that he had fallen here. It was only logical that his conqueror would have plundered any treasures he possessed. Not every powerhouse left behind treasures or legacies. In fact, some were lucky enough to leave behind even their skeletal remains.

The birth of the Celestial Constellation Tree was attributed to the sheer might of the deceased powerhouse, which persisted even after death. Over countless years, this power had nurtured the soil, eventually leading to the growth of the ancient tree.

Xie Yu, fully aware of the crimson-eyed demonic spirit's terrifying strength, had been astounded by Qin Wentian's survival. By making such a statement, Xie Yu diverted the group's attention towards Qin Wentian. This, in turn, would reduce the scrutiny on his own primary target—the Celestial Constellation Tree.

"Brother Qin was being pursued by that fearsome demonic spirit. How could he have had the opportunity to acquire any treasure even if there were any to be found? Xie Yu, your words are too harsh," Ji Xue scolded Xie Yu, her face filled with anger. If it weren't for Qin Wentian luring the demonic spirit away, they might all have perished. Now that Qin Wentian had miraculously survived, he had narrowly escaped a calamity. As per their prior agreement, Xie Yu and the others were supposed to share any treasures they found with Qin Wentian. But instead of discussing the distribution of treasure, Xie Yu was trying to push Qin Wentian to the brink.

"I was merely asking casually. After all, there were two exits earlier. The path we took led directly to the base of the Celestial Constellation Tree. It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that there might be unique treasures along the path Brother Qin took," Xie Yu replied with a laugh.

"Enough of your nonsense," Xu Feng snapped, his voice cold and harsh. He pointed the tip of his spear at Xie Yu, its glint sharp as he continued, "My biggest regret is teaming up with you."

"Brother Xu Feng, don't confuse my courtesy with fear. You're just an external disciple of Qinghua Mountain. If I decide to attain the same status, it won't be a challenge for me to become an external disciple as well," Xie Yu retorted with a cold glint in his eyes. With his remarkable talent, passing the test wouldn't be difficult. However, the Ecliptic Sect, to which Xie Yu belonged, was a major power in Xuan King City and aligned with the Grand Shang Empire.

The Grand Shang Empire and Qinghua Mountain didn't have the best relationship, but the empire's royal clan held a dominant position. With numerous sects and clans to choose from, they weren't in a hurry to make a selection.

"No need for further argument. We can simply eliminate this man, and we'll soon find out if he possesses any of that supreme existence's treasures," a cold voice interjected. The speaker was none other than Yin Ting, who remembered Qin Wentian as the one who humiliated Yin Cheng. Back then, he had ordered Qin Wentian's death, but to his surprise, Qin Wentian had survived. Now that he had reappeared before Yin Ting, there was no reason for him to live any longer.

Ji Xue swiftly moved to Qin Wentian's side, her eyes locked onto the other experts as she declared, "Brother Qin is in an alliance with me. Whoever dares to harm him, I will stand with him."

Xu Feng brandished his spear and glared in Yin Ting's direction, clearly indicating his stance. He owed Qin Wentian his life, and regardless of the reasons behind Qin Wentian's actions, the fact remained that Qin Wentian had saved him.

"I won't take sides," Leng Tu declared firmly. While he wouldn't help Qin Wentian, he also wouldn't join in attacking him. He wasn't that morally compromised. He had heard of Qin Wentian's conflicts with Jin Zhan and Yin Cheng and knew that Qin Wentian might not escape death today.

Yin Ting glanced at Xie Yu after hearing Leng Tu's statement. Xie Yu's attempt at diversion wasn't going to deceive those experienced in scheming like them.

A fierce gust of wind disrupted the silence as Feng Yunhe from the Wind Roc Aristocrat Clan soared toward the Celestial Constellation Fruits. Shang Qi snorted coldly and transformed into a streak of light, also heading for the fruits.

Seeing this, no one paid any more attention to Qin Wentian. Each expert followed suit, emulating the actions of Shang Qi and Feng Yunhe. They weren't fooled by Xie Yu's words; otherwise, they wouldn't have spared Qin Wentian so easily.

Whether or not there were actual inheritances or treasures left behind by the supreme existence, obtaining the Celestial Constellation Fruits before the other experts outside the hidden realm received the information was paramount.

The Celestial Constellation Fruits varied in color based on their height. The fruits on the lowest branches were earth-yellow, similar to the Great Terra Fruits. However, as cultivators approached, they felt a powerful pressure preventing them from advancing.

Others attempted to reach different branches, but they were all met with varying degrees of resistance.

For instance, a blood-red Celestial Constellation Fruit emitted an overwhelming aura as nearby cultivators felt their blood surge uncontrollably. It was as if their blood was on the verge of bursting from their veins, a sensation that could lead to fatal ruptures.

The Celestial Constellation Tree had grown from the blood essence of a supreme legendary being, and its fruits naturally contained a formidable Mandate's will. Obtaining these fruits was no simple task, which explained why figures like Xie Yu and Leng Tu hadn't acted earlier. If they could easily obtain the fruits, they wouldn't have waited for others to arrive.

"Go!" Xu Feng ordered, glancing at Ji Xue. He brandished his spear and flew towards a Constellation Fruit. Ji Xue turned to Qin Wentian and advised, "Brother Qin, it would be safer for you to leave now. Contesting for the Constellation Fruits may not be a wise choice."

With her words, Ji Xue also soared into the sky. She believed that if Qin Wentian stayed, he might be risking his life unnecessarily.

Within the hidden realm, the major powers had formed their respective camps. The area around the Celestial Constellation Tree became crowded with human figures.

Qin Wentian extended his perception, studying the Mandate's will emanating from the fruits on the lowest layer.

The earthen-yellow Constellation Fruit likely held the Mandate of Great Earth.

The blood-red fruits resonated with the Mandate of Blood.

In addition to these, there were Constellation Fruits exuding demonic and spatial energies.

At the uppermost layer, dark red fruits captured Qin Wentian's attention. Their energy was identical to that of the crimson-eyed demonic spirit he had battled earlier.

The crimson-eyed demonic beast had originated from blood essence, but it contained various unique energies that it couldn't fully unleash.

The branches of the Celestial Constellation Tree were divided into six layers, each bearing different kinds of Constellation Fruits. Regardless of the layer, plucking these fruits wouldn't be a straightforward task.

One expert who had attempted to reach the uppermost layer plummeted headfirst to the ground, clearly losing his life in the process. Such a sight instilled fear in the hearts of others.

The price for attempting to pluck the fruits was death.

Qin Wentian gently patted Little Rascal's head and whispered, "Retrieve all the fruits emitting the Mandate of Demons for me."

Little Rascal darted toward the demon-will-infused fruits.

Qin Wentian's bloodline surged, unleashing a formidable demonic aura. His entire body was enveloped in a blood-red mist as his aura soared beyond the limits of his cultivation level. With determination in his eyes, he gazed at the Celestial Constellation Tree, and with a burst of power, he leaped onto the branches of the first layer.

Xie Yu, Yin Ting, and Jin Yan, three chosen individuals representing major powers, stood on this layer. Besides them, several formidable Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns also occupied this space. Yet, Qin Wentian advanced without hesitation.

"Step aside," Yin Ting commanded, thrusting his palm forward, unleashing a thunderous imprint filled with oppressive force, aimed squarely at Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian raised his hands, the swirling demonic energy around him surged as his Divine Energy erupted. With a single punch, he shattered the thunderous imprint.

Marching forward, Qin Wentian braved the restrictive forces emanating from the Constellation Fruits. He was just five steps away from seizing one.

However, Yin Ting, Xie Yu, and Jin Yan were even closer, merely four steps away from their targets. Around Qin Wentian, other experts were also at the five-step distance. When they saw Qin Wentian approaching, their eyes glittered with determination.

"Since you helped me once, I'll give you a chance. Back off now, and I'll spare you," Xie Yu declared, his nine arms sprouting from his body, making him appear monstrous.

Jin Yan, a chosen from the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan, remembered Qin Wentian's victory over Jin Zhan. He had initially wanted to teach Qin Wentian a lesson, but now, Qin Wentian was vying for the Constellation Fruits. Jin Yan's finger ignited with golden flames as his Astral Nova manifested, and strands of formidable flames concentrated around his fingertip.

Jin Yan thrust his finger toward Qin Wentian, and the golden flames surged toward him. Qin Wentian waved his palms, creating a massive palm imprint to nullify the flames. However, the golden flames turned elusive, as if no longer bound by reality, passing through the palm imprint and aiming directly at Qin Wentian.

"Puchi!" The flames pierced through Qin Wentian's fist, sending a fiery destructive energy coursing through his arm, threatening to incinerate it completely.

A thunderous roar erupted as a surge of demonic energy enveloped Qin Wentian's arms, smothering the golden flames. These elusive flames had the ability to become formless and illusory, catching careless opponents off guard. Fortunately, their power wasn't overwhelming, allowing Qin Wentian to use his own energy to extinguish them completely.

Advancing step by step, Qin Wentian endured the immense pressure bearing down on him. Now, he was only four steps away from the earthen-yellow Constellation Fruits.

"Don't overestimate yourself," Yin Ting sneered, unleashing an overwhelming surge of strength that resembled thunderbolts descending from the heavens. He appeared like a Thunder God, looking down upon Qin Wentian with undisguised contempt.

Xie Yu's expression was equally frigid. Each of his nine arms emitted a thunderous roar as they thrust towards Qin Wentian.

However, it seemed that Qin Wentian paid them no mind. His gaze remained fixed on the fruits ahead as he declared coldly, "As long as Qin Wentian is here, none of you will ever lay a finger on these Constellation Fruits."

With those words, he brushed off their threats and continued advancing, determined to reach his goal.