A Single Axe

A Single Axe

The reason behind Qin Wentian's unwavering confidence in Mu Feng stemmed from the latter's mastery of the venom arts. Qin Wentian had personally witnessed the terrifying abilities of Mu Feng, who could eliminate targets without leaving any traces. In fact, Qin Wentian had once been on the brink of death due to Mu Feng's poison.

Recalling the events on the Vermilion Bird Platform during the Heavenly Fate Rankings, Qin Wentian couldn't help but reflect on the formidable opponent Si Qiong had been. Si Qiong's combat skills far surpassed Mu Feng's, yet he had narrowly escaped death, falling victim to Mu Feng's deadly poison. This demonstrated that combat strength was not always the decisive factor. Even those more powerful than Mu Feng could easily succumb to his lethal poison, especially if they were unaware of his proficiency in its use.

Furthermore, Mu Feng had evolved over time, his demeanor growing colder and more aloof. He had even inherited the true legacy of the Blood Emperor, making his current strength a mystery to Qin Wentian.

This was why Qin Wentian was so certain of Mu Feng's victory. Although the battle had appeared unfavorable for Mu Feng at times, the ultimate outcome spoke for itself—the golden-robed young man had met his demise.

Upon hearing Mu Feng's mention of the girl who had always cared for him, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. He nodded in response and made a solemn promise, "Okay, you can follow me from now on."

Mu Feng didn't utter a word but silently moved to stand behind Qin Wentian, almost like a phantom. If one didn't pay close attention, they might not even notice his presence.

Ye Kongfan could never have imagined such a turn of events. He had originally intended to recruit Mu Feng, but the young man had not only ignored his offer but had also chosen to follow Qin Wentian instead. This only fueled Ye Kongfan's growing resentment toward Qin Wentian.

Those from the Battle Sword Sect and the Medicine Sovereign Valley were equally astonished. They had not anticipated that the elegant-looking young man standing beside Mo Qingcheng possessed such a remarkable side to him. Although his cultivation was only at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper, Mu Feng had swiftly dismissed Ye Kongfan's invitation and pledged his loyalty to Qin Wentian.

This turn of events made them reconsider Qin Wentian's true nature. Mo Qingcheng, the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley, loved him deeply, and now they had witnessed another stunning woman who was willing to follow him. Reflecting on Qin Wentian's remarkable feat of comprehending the fourteen sword strikes in just five days, Ye Lingshuang began connecting the dots. She silently speculated that there were even more mysteries surrounding Qin Wentian. None of them truly understood the depth of his character. They couldn't help but wonder about the storm he had stirred in the vast expanse of Grand Xia.

As they contemplated these revelations, Qin Wentian's enigma only deepened in their eyes. Mo Qingcheng's beauty alone would make her shine like the cold moon among countless stars. Mu Feng's presence, a character of such formidable strength, added another layer of intrigue. The Battle Sword Sect had gone to great lengths, sending powerful experts like Senior Lin Shuai and even an elder-level figure under Sword Sovereign Ling Tian, just to recruit two individuals—Qing`er and Qin Wentian. Could it be that the Battle Sword Sect had a larger scheme in play?

The questions that had been lingering in Ye Lingshuang's mind were like seeds taking root, growing into a profound curiosity about Qin Wentian's background. She couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic figure who had sent the gravely injured Mo Qingcheng to the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Why had the Medicine Sovereign held her in such high regard, even personally expending a significant amount of his origin qi to treat her? This level of respect indicated that the one who had brought Mo Qingcheng to the Valley held an extraordinary status. Ye Lingshuang's thoughts raced as she connected the dots, realizing that her junior apprentice brother seemed to be among the most outstanding individuals in the Battle Sword Sect.

However, the members of the Violet Thunder Sect were too preoccupied with their own embarrassment to contemplate such matters. All they desired was to find a place to hide their shame.

Ye Kongfan's eyes gleamed with coldness, and a member of his sect stood up, drawing the attention of Qin Wentian and the others.

"COME!" The thunderous roar echoed through the air, captivating the attention of the entire empire space. The voice was like a rumbling thunderstorm, drawing countless gazes toward its source.

"Lei Yan, a cultivator at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper. His offense and defense are extremely balanced, and he possesses no major weaknesses. If he challenges you, do not accept," Ye Lingshuang transmitted her thoughts to Qin Wentian, causing his expression to fluctuate. It seemed that his senior apprentice sister had ulterior motives for this challenge. While Qin Wentian understood her intentions, he had no objections. After all, anyone who discovered that their father had been gravely injured would react similarly.

"I am Lei Yan from the Violet Thunder Sect. As I witnessed the heroic battles of so many experts from the Ye Country on the combat stages, my blood was stirred, and I too wished to participate and be a part of this. I would like to request a sparring match against an expert from the Battle Sword Sect. What say you all?" Lei Yan's booming voice resounded. Immediately, a wave of excitement swept through the crowd, manifesting as cheers and shouts that enveloped the entire battle arena.

The competition among the nine great sects was intense, and it was a rare occurrence to witness members of these sects engaging in public combat against one another. Only by being present at the Sacred Battle Platform could one have the opportunity to witness such an event. Therefore, when Lei Yan of the Violet Thunder Sect openly challenged members of the Battle Sword Sect, the anticipation among the spectators was palpable.

There was a prevalent rumor in the Royal Sacred Region that claimed the individual combat prowess of Battle Sword Sect members was unparalleled. Thus, when the Violet Thunder Sect sought to test this claim, the crowd eagerly anticipated the outcome.

Members of the Battle Sword Sect, however, wore furrowed brows and icy glares. The Violet Thunder Sect had publicly issued a challenge, putting them in a difficult position. Refusing would tarnish their reputation and make them the subject of ridicule. The Battle Sword Sect's members were well aware that they could not afford to decline.

"I've already witnessed Brother Qin's eloquence, which left me astounded. But I wonder, is his strength on par with his silver tongue?" Lei Yan turned his gaze toward Qin Wentian, who stood beside Mo Qingcheng, confirming his challenge. Indeed, Qin Wentian was the one who had caused the Violet Thunder Sect to lose face on this day.

"The young man by the Holy Maiden's side?" The crowd was filled with anticipation as they realized who Lei Yan was challenging. This young man had a unique relationship with the Holy Maiden and was a member of the Battle Sword Sect. It was a duel that piqued their interest.

"My junior brother's cultivation is only at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper, while yours is at the fifth level. Don't you feel embarrassed to challenge him? Why not challenge me instead?" Liu Yun responded sarcastically, wearing a sly smile as he addressed Lei Yan.

"Hehe, I, Lei Yan, understand that this might seem inappropriate. I'm challenging Brother Qin because I want to see if he can back up his venomous words with strength. As for you, there's no need to rush. Members of my Violet Thunder Sect will surely come to challenge you as well." Lei Yan's words ignited further excitement in the crowd. It appeared that this day would witness not just one battle but several.

Qin Wentian responded to Lei Yan's challenge with a smug smile, his head tilted slightly. "What happens if the loser dies?" His words hung in the air, causing an involuntary gasp to ripple through the crowd. The audacity of Qin Wentian's response was astounding. In the face of Lei Yan's provocation, he had chosen the most straightforward and daring path.

The spectators couldn't help but admire such audacity. This was truly someone from the Battle Sword Sect, a sect renowned for having the highest individual combat prowess.

Lei Yan felt a shudder in his heart upon hearing Qin Wentian's words. As he stared at Qin Wentian, he saw clarity and depth in his eyes, along with a boundless confidence hidden behind that disdainful smile. It was as if Qin Wentian believed that once Lei Yan agreed, his life would be forfeit.

A booming sound filled the air as Lei Yan's formidable lightning aura erupted. He disappeared from the ground, reappearing in the airspace above the hundred-victories combat stage. He pointed a finger at Qin Wentian with a resolute roar, "If you dare to fight me without using divine weapons or other treasures, I'll accept your bet—the loser shall give his life to the winner."

Lei Yan's refusal to allow divine weapons or other treasures in the battle was a clear sign of his fear that Qin Wentian might possess a priceless treasure capable of instantly taking his life. Without such aids, Lei Yan doubted Qin Wentian's chances of victory.

"If you have the guts to fight, get out here!" Lei Yan's voice dripped with arrogance, as if he considered himself unrivaled in the world. A lightning dragon materialized above his head, exuding an overwhelmingly terrifying energy.

"Junior Brother, be cautious. His combat strength is formidable," Liu Yun warned Qin Wentian as he observed him preparing to fight.

Qin Wentian nodded in acknowledgment. His eyes flickered as he withdrew an ordinary large axe from his interspatial ring. He questioned Lei Yan, "Are ordinary weapons allowed?"

Members of the Violet Thunder Sect extended their senses, confirming that the axe in Qin Wentian's hand was indeed an ordinary weapon. None of them objected to its use.

Qin Wentian took a deliberate step forward, axe in hand. With each step, an invisible pressure emanated from him, causing Lei Yan to sense a mounting force.

Lei Yan attempted to use his Mandate of Great Earth to increase gravity and press down on Qin Wentian. However, Qin Wentian had already acclimated himself to extreme gravity during his time in the Gravity Mountains, rendering Lei Yan's Mandate of Great Earth ineffective.

All eyes were fixed on the two combatants as Qin Wentian's steps seemed to carry an increasing weight with them. Lei Yan, clad in a stone-like armor crackling with dangerous lightning arcs, prepared to defend against Qin Wentian's attacks. Despite the power of Qin Wentian's strikes, it would take some time to breach Lei Yan's formidable defense.

"The Battle Sword Sect claims to have the strongest individual combat strength? How laughable. I'll use this battle to prove them wrong to the entire Royal Sacred Region," Lei Yan declared with a resounding roar. He lunged forward, and the lightning dragon coiling around his head expanded, transforming into a crystalline, resplendent draconic sword. It pierced through the air, slashing toward Qin Wentian with incredible force.

"What a powerful attack!" The spectators marveled at the might of Lei Yan's strike. The members of the Violet Thunder Sect smirked, knowing that Lei Yan's Draconic Rock Swordplay possessed devastating destructive power, with each sword strike packed with overwhelming force.

Qin Wentian raised his hands, channeling the power of his Mandates. A frigid gleam emanated from the center of his forehead, piercing through Lei Yan's sea of consciousness before he executed his attack with the axe.

The axe strike may have seemed unremarkable, lacking any extravagant flourish, akin to a casual swing employed to fell trees. However, the moment the axe head made contact, it effortlessly countered the entire destructive force of Lei Yan's swordplay. Lei Yan's formidable draconic sword, previously overwhelming, was reduced to the likeness of a feeble tree. Under Qin Wentian's retaliatory strike, the sword was cleaved in twain. Yet, the shockwaves from the attack persisted, forging ahead with unstoppable momentum.

The crowd heard the resonant sounds of cleaving as Lei Yan's body was bisected. Blood sprayed through the air as the two severed halves plummeted to the ground.

With a single swing of his axe, executed in a manner reminiscent of chopping wood, Qin Wentian had decisively severed Lei Yan's life from him!