Immortal Martial Realm
The eyes of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign shone with sharpness as she fixed her gaze on Qin Wentian. This was the person who had shattered the record of the grass hut and had rejected her when she tried to recruit him. Now, she was here to claim the treasure for her disciple, Lou Bingyu, and had even compelled the Human Emperor. But at this very moment, the envoys from the Immortal Martial Realm had appeared to hand over the Immortal Martial Medallion to this young man?
Qin Wentian held the Immortal Martial Medallion in his hands and inclined his head, looking up at the white-robed envoys who hovered in the air.
"Every ten years, the Immortal Martial Realm opens its gates. We hope for your presence. Opportunities, destiny, and untold adventures await you within. Do not let this opportunity slip away," one of the envoys said, nodding at Qin Wentian. Then, with a flicker of their silhouettes, they departed abruptly, ignoring everyone else. In no time, they disappeared completely, transforming into streaks of light that pierced the horizon.
Below, the Crown Prince of the War Country, the Princess of the Spirit Luan Country, and even Li Hanyou all had peculiar glints in their eyes. Even the disciples of the Battle Sword Sect couldn't help but envy Qin Wentian. This young man had earned such high regard from the Immortal Martial Realm envoys that they had personally delivered the Immortal Martial Realm medallion to him.
"Junior Brother Qin, although this medallion serves no other purpose, it at least shows how highly the envoys value you. That's why they personally delivered it to you, urging you not to miss the opening of the Immortal Martial Realm this time. Throughout history, only eighty-one people have ever received the Immortal Martial Medallion. I didn't get one, neither did the Crown Prince of the War Country or Princess Tianluan. You mustn't miss this opportunity to enter the Immortal Martial Realm," Duan Han whispered to Qin Wentian, his voice filled with anticipation.
Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. While he was slightly puzzled, he knew he could seek answers later. For now, he turned his attention to the air, where his foster father, the Human Emperor, stood as a symbol of heroism. Being forced to relinquish the treasure was an awe-inspiring sight.
With the Immortal Martial Medallion in his grasp, Qin Wentian's gaze shifted to the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, who was also looking at him.
"Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, you took advantage of the Human Emperor's vulnerable position, compelling him to dig into his own flesh to retrieve the treasure for your disciple. But remember this, guard that treasure well," Qin Wentian spoke slowly as he stared into the distance. The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness's expression turned sharp as she retorted icily, "Are you threatening me?"
"As one of the Sword Sovereigns of the Battle Sword Sect, no one can dictate your actions. However, your actions have tarnished the reputation of the Battle Sword Sect. If you had openly and honestly fought for it, there would be no complaints. But your actions today...even as a junior, I find them despicable," Qin Wentian declared emotionlessly, his words eliciting a cold laugh from the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.
"Even if I don't take the treasure today, Ye Qingyun won't be able to hold onto it. Furthermore, the matters concerning me have never been your concern. Today, I won't bother with you, but if you step into the Immortal Martial Realm, my personal disciple will naturally deal with you on my behalf," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness said, her voice dripping with arrogance.
With those words, she flicked her sleeves and departed with her entourage. "Farewell, Ye Qingyun," she called out before disappearing into the distance.
The Human Emperor's voice echoed with a sense of gravity as he addressed the assembled princes. They had all witnessed the tumultuous events of the day, and it had left an indelible mark on their hearts. Despite their average talents, they understood that determination and resolve were equally important in the path of cultivation.
As they nodded in agreement, they couldn't help but reflect on the profound truth the Human Emperor was imparting. The fate of the entire Ye Country rested on his shoulders, and they were privileged to be princes only because he was alive to protect them. The stark reality was that if the Human Emperor were to fall, their lives would be in jeopardy, and they would be reduced to refugees, hiding in fear.
The Human Emperor continued, emphasizing the fragility of power and the difficulty of building a strong foundation. In the vast Royal Sacred Region, numerous ancient countries, secluded sects, and powerful clans coexisted, but their strength was built on precarious ground. The Ye Country, with its over ten-thousand-year history, could crumble in a single day if the reigning Emperor proved weaker than their rivals.
His words carried a weight that made the princes contemplate the broader implications of their roles and responsibilities. They understood that they needed to be prepared for any challenges that might arise in the future.
As the conversation concluded, the Human Emperor's gaze turned to Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng, his foster son and future daughter-in-law. He saw the potential in them, not just as individuals but as part of the Ye lineage.
"Qin Wentian, Mo Qingcheng, you both have shown exceptional character today. The fate of Ye may rest on your shoulders one day. Continue to cultivate diligently and strengthen yourselves," the Human Emperor encouraged them.
Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng nodded respectfully, acknowledging the weight of his words. They were ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Ye Country.
With the immediate crisis resolved and the rebellious dukes and kings dealt with, the Ye Country could finally begin the process of healing and rebuilding. The Human Emperor's resilience and wisdom had once again secured the future of their nation, and his legacy would continue to guide the Ye lineage for generations to come.
The Human Emperor's voice carried a sense of melancholy as he contemplated the future of his ancient country. It was a poignant moment, as he recognized the absence of a suitable successor to carry on his legacy. His thoughts were filled with the weight of responsibility, knowing that the fate of Ye Country rested upon his shoulders alone.
Qin Wentian shared in the Human Emperor's somber reflection. He couldn't help but marvel at the allure of an ancient country with a history spanning over ten thousand years. The power, influence, and secrets contained within such a nation were like a magnet, drawing the ambition and covetous eyes of others. It was the strength of those at the highest echelons that kept Ye standing, as evidenced by the events of the day.
He couldn't help but consider the nine great sects, renowned for their strength and influence. The key to their dominance lay in the presence of exceptionally powerful individuals among their upper echelons. The Battle Sword Sect boasted nine Sword Sovereigns, while the Violet Thunder Sect had seven Supremacies. If Ye Country could have two or more Human Emperors, the neighboring War Country and Spirit Luan Country wouldn't dare to encroach upon its borders.
Qin Wentian listened attentively as the Human Emperor commended his performance during the recent battle. He couldn't help but smile at the memory of the old witch's face when the Immortal Martial Realm envoys had delivered the medallion to him instead of her disciple, Li Hanyou.
The Human Emperor's laughter was infectious, and Qin Wentian joined in. The absurdity of the situation had left an indelible mark, and they found humor in the unexpected turn of events.
However, Qin Wentian's curiosity got the best of him as he inquired about the significance of the Immortal Martial Realm envoys personally delivering medallions to people. The Human Emperor explained that the Immortal Martial Realm was a mysterious place, and its envoys were said to be omniscient. Qin Wentian's remarkable achievements, such as comprehending fourteen sword strikes and defeating Ye Kongfan, had likely already become known to them. The Immortal Martial Realm valued talent, and their decision to personally deliver the medallion to him was not unusual.
Qin Wentian's questions continued as he sought to understand the Immortal Martial Realm further. The Human Emperor explained that the realm opened once every ten years, attracting elites from various generations. Only those under Celestial Phenomenon were qualified to enter, but the place was notorious as a graveyard of geniuses. The absence of external divine weapons made survival difficult, and only the most exceptional talents had a chance of succeeding.
Duan Han, a fellow disciple from the Battle Sword Sect, interjected, revealing the sect's intention to enter the Immortal Martial Realm. Instead of returning to the sect, they planned to head directly to the realm. Qin Wentian's eyes sparkled with anticipation, understanding that this opportunity would bring together the most outstanding talents of their generation. He couldn't pass up the chance to test his strength against the Royal Sacred Region's top geniuses.
The prospect of entering the Immortal Martial Realm ignited a fire within him, and he was determined to make the most of this unique opportunity to showcase his talent and grow stronger. The journey ahead promised both challenges and rewards, and Qin Wentian was prepared to face them head-on.