Meeting An Old Friend

Meeting An Old Friend

Mo Qingcheng's words ignited a tempest of emotions. The members of the Violet Thunder Sect, due to their mistake, harbored a burning desire for revenge and were eager to quench it by immediately engaging in conflict with the Battle Sword Sect.

The Battle Sword Sect's members had always carried themselves with arrogance and pride, rarely acknowledging the existence of those from the nine great sects. While conflicts within the nine great sects were common, their greatest animosity was reserved for the Battle Sword Sect.

"This cultivator is truly formidable. He possesses a cultivation base at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper, and his combat prowess is exceptionally terrifying," Ye Lingshuang finally broke the silence, her eyes fixed on the golden-robed combatant standing proudly on the hundred-victories combat stage.

"Indeed, he's powerful. Proficient in the Mandate of Gold and having cultivated an invulnerable body technique, his defense is incredibly high, and his attacks are devastating," Ye Kongfan added with a laugh. "This man achieved a hundred victories today and has been on that stage since morning, still waiting for a worthy challenger."

Hearing Ye Kongfan's words, the expressions of those present grew more peculiar. It appeared that Ye Kongfan was well-acquainted with this combatant.

"Hehe, this man has already become a member of my Qi King Manor," chimed in a person beside Ye Kongfan. "I wonder if anyone from the Battle Sword Sect has the courage to challenge him."

"No need for that. He'll undoubtedly lose his next battle," Qin Wentian replied calmly, causing Ye Kongfan's eyes to flash with disdain. He knew just how formidable the golden-robed combatant was, and it seemed impossible for him to lose here.

On the combat stage, a slender figure in black attire exuded an intense chill. His aura was so frigid that onlookers felt their souls freezing in terror, despite his cultivation being only at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper.

"Although he appears dangerous, he's merely at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper. He's bound to be defeated," an expert from the Violet Thunder Sect commented. All eyes turned to the black-robed figure, and the crowd's excited cheers signaled their anticipation for an exciting showdown.

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Qin Wentian replied, unperturbed. The battle between the two combatants erupted with lightning speed. The golden-robed young man radiated a brilliant golden light, with the faint shadow of an invulnerable body behind him. His attacks, honed by the Mandate of Metal, combined sharpness and impenetrable defense.

The black-robed fighter chose evasion over direct confrontation, deftly dodging each of his opponent's strikes with graceful footwork. Blood-red light illuminated the combat stage as their intense exchange captivated the spectators.

The golden-robed combatant's attacks grew increasingly fierce, aiming to eliminate his opponent swiftly. Both of his arms thrust upward towards the sky, unleashing a massive golden palm imprint that obliterated everything in its path. Though the black-robed fighter retreated at astonishing speed, he was still grazed by the palm's aftereffect, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood.

"Your judgment appears to be lacking. These two combatants clearly operate at different levels," mocked the Violet Thunder Sect expert, directing his taunts at Qin Wentian.

"You're absolutely right; these are combatants on different levels. This charade is about to reach its conclusion," Qin Wentian responded with a calm and unwavering voice. His composure remained unshaken. His words prompted hearty laughter from the Violet Thunder Sect members.

"What a stubborn tongue you have. You already foresee the outcome, yet you persist in this verbal duel? I can't wait to see if you'll need to eat your own words when the inevitable ending unfolds," one of them jeered, grinning confidently.

Qin Wentian turned his gaze towards the provocateur, uttering a single word, "Idiot."

"You..." The Violet Thunder Sect expert's patience reached its limit. In a situation where it was clear the black-robed combatant would soon be defeated, Qin Wentian's taunt was unbearable. He longed to punch Qin Wentian right then and there.

"If the Holy Maiden weren't present today, you'd probably already be dead countless times over," the Violet Thunder Sect member threatened, his killing intent no longer concealed.

"I had thought the Violet Thunder Sect was one of the nine great sects, but it appears it's also home to a multitude of imbeciles. It's humiliating to be associated with such idiocy merely because of the sect's name," Qin Wentian retorted, maintaining his calm tone. However, his words pushed the Violet Thunder Sect expert over the edge. Even the members of the Battle Sword Sect and Medicine Sovereign Valley were baffled by the source of Qin Wentian's unwavering confidence. It was clear that the black-robed combatant was at a disadvantage, yet Qin Wentian seemed absolutely certain of his victory.

"Let's hope the Holy Maiden's companion isn't all talk and no substance," sighed the other maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Qin Wentian certainly had a way with words, but if his power didn't match his rhetoric, it would be a major disappointment.

"After this battle, I will personally come and teach you a lesson," another infuriated expert threatened. His anger boiled over as he couldn't bear Qin Wentian's continuous humiliation of the Violet Thunder Sect.

Qin Wentian merely cast a cold glance at the man before shifting his attention back to the ongoing battle. The golden-robed young man's attacks had grown increasingly formidable, and it seemed the battle could end at any moment. The Violet Thunder Sect members wore smug smiles, the Battle Sword Sect members furrowed their brows, and the maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley felt a sense of letdown. Only Mo Qingcheng maintained her unwavering faith in Qin Wentian's judgment. Her belief wasn't solely due to her relationship with him, but because she also knew the true identity of the black-clad figure.

"RUMBLE!" The arena reverberated with the deafening sounds of combat. It appeared that the golden-robed young man was on the verge of delivering the final blow to the black-robed combatant. The faces of the Violet Thunder Sect members lit up with triumph, while those from the Battle Sword Sect wore worried expressions. The maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley couldn't help but feel disheartened. In this tense moment, only Mo Qingcheng held steadfast to her belief in Qin Wentian's judgment. Her faith was about to be vindicated, for in the eyes of the supposed victim, a gleam of black light flickered. In an instant, the golden-robed young man's punch hung suspended in the air, his face drained of color, like ashes.

With a resounding "BOOM!" that shook the arena, the black-robed man took a single step forward. He pressed his palms firmly into the golden-robed man's body, and in an instant, the once formidable hundred-victories combatant withered away, unable to mount any defense. It was a swift and baffling end, leaving the onlookers in shock and disbelief.

The crowd's hearts pounded with amazement. The members of the Battle Sword Sect, in particular, wore expressions of sharp curiosity as they directed their puzzled gazes at Qin Wentian. How had he been so sure of this outcome, and what had led him to predict it?

Among the maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley, similar expressions of surprise appeared. It seemed that Qin Wentian possessed capabilities that went beyond their initial impressions of him.

As for the members of the Violet Thunder Sect, their faces had turned extremely unpleasant. The unexpected outcome left them feeling deeply uncomfortable, and the memory of their previous exchange with Qin Wentian weighed heavily on their minds.

Liu Yun couldn't contain his laughter, his voice ringing with mirth. "HAHAHA, watching people slap their own faces is truly a delightful sight. I recall someone being quite arrogant earlier. Why the sudden silence now?" He taunted the Violet Thunder Sect members, who were at a loss for words, their pride wounded and their faces burning with shame.

"Senior Brother, is it really worth engaging with a bunch of fools like them? It only lowers your status," Qin Wentian remarked, glancing at the Violet Thunder Sect members. Although it sounded like advice to Liu Yun, his words were strategically laced with barbs aimed at their pride.

"Kongfan, despite their guest status today, their behavior has crossed the line. They've insulted our sect's honor with their language, and we can't simply let it slide. If we don't respond, we'll become the laughingstock of the region," asserted a young man from the Violet Thunder Sect with a fifth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivation base, his tone icy.

"How ironic. Weren't you all so confident in your judgment? You even publicly declared your intention to slap my junior brother Qin's face after the battle. Now it seems you're the ones slapping your own faces. Truly, the Violet Thunder Sect is something else. Thank you for the lesson today; I've learned a lot from our interaction," Liu Yun retorted, his snort carrying a heavy dose of sarcasm. "My junior brother was absolutely right. It's a disgrace to be associated with the Violet Thunder Sect."

However, Ye Kongfan intervened, sensing that further verbal sparring would lead to nothing productive. "It's pointless to engage in a war of words. Despite their guest status, they have repeatedly insulted my sect. In that case, let's settle this with true power."

Before initiating a confrontation, Ye Kongfan decided to invite the black-robed man over. He was intrigued by this mysterious figure's victory and hoped to recruit him. With the golden-robed man's death, this newcomer could potentially fill the vacancy.

A member of the Violet Thunder Sect hurried toward the combat stage to extend the invitation. Though the method employed was unclear, it was a fact that the black-robed man had emerged victorious. Ye Kongfan wanted to capitalize on his strength for his cause.

After a short while, the black-robed man approached the assembly. His dark eyes exuded a terrifying darkness, and he emitted an aura of impending danger. His gaze appeared lifeless, as cold as the abyss, capable of paralyzing anyone with lower cultivation levels with just a glance.

"Your strength exceeded my expectations. Would you be interested in joining the royal clan of Ye Country? I can also recommend you to join the Violet Thunder Sect without requiring you to undergo their usual test," Ye Kongfan offered to the black-robed man. However, he noticed that the man wasn't even looking at him; instead, his black eyes were fixed on a seat above him.

As Ye Kongfan furrowed his brow in puzzlement, he followed the black-robed man's gaze and discovered that the person who had captured the man's attention was none other than Qin Wentian. A sense of curiosity filled the air as they all wondered about the connection between these two individuals.

The black-robed man directed his question at Qin Wentian while stealing glances at Mo Qingcheng. His surprise at their presence was evident, and he seemed genuinely taken aback.

"I'm now a member of the Battle Sword Sect. My visit to Ye Country is primarily because of my senior sister, the Princess of Ye. It's quite unexpected to run into you here," Qin Wentian replied, equally surprised by the encounter.

"Grand Xia couldn't contain me any longer," the black-robed young man replied with calm assurance. Little did Qin Wentian know that this enigmatic figure had continued to make waves even after his departure from Grand Xia. He had attracted the attention of numerous transcendent powers, who had sent wave after wave of assassins to eliminate him.

Qin Wentian inquired about the black-robed man's plans for the future. The man paused for a moment, his face betraying a hint of contemplation. "In the future?" he echoed. "After Lu Min's death, I no longer have any attachments. I will follow you wherever you go. If you are the light, I will be your shadow."

A sense of sadness washed over Qin Wentian as he recalled the young girl who had tearfully pulled along a crippled young man to Ginkou, just before the Heavenly Fate Ranking Battle in Grand Xia had begun. He hadn't expected Mu Feng's sole surviving relative to have met such a tragic fate.

The cruelty of fate weighed heavily on Mu Feng's life story.

The black-robed young man before him was none other than the demon-level genius who had once held a prominent rank on the Heavenly Fate Rankings in Grand Xia. He was also known as the disciple of the Poison Monarch, Mu Feng. Back then, Di Feng, disguised as Qin Wentian, had orchestrated the murder of Mu Feng's entire family to sow discord and exact revenge. This grudge had nearly led to Qin Wentian's own poisoning and death. However, after the truth came to light, instead of seeking revenge, Qin Wentian had helped Mu Feng discover the truth and exact his own revenge on Di Feng. From that moment on, Mu Feng had willingly dedicated his life to Qin Wentian.

Following these events, Mu Feng had embarked on a new path, embracing the identity of the Blood Emperor. He had ventured into the Royal Tomb of Grand Xia with Di Tian (the incarnation of Qin Wentian's other self), Yun Mengyi, and others. Since then, little had been heard of his whereabouts. Now, fate had brought them together once more in Grand Shang.