Floating Bridges

Floating Bridges

The eight absolute era-suppressing geniuses were, without a doubt, the most luminous stars among the galaxy of prodigies gathered here. Their presence drew the collective gaze of the crowd like magnets, and it was on them that the majority of eyes were fixed.

Ji Feixue and Qin Wentian, comrades and fellow disciples within the same sect, ascended the stone pillars together. Their mutual familiarity and shared sect affiliation naturally made them closer than the rest of the unfamiliar faces. The two of them found themselves standing upon neighboring stone pillars.

Joining them from the Battle Sword Sect were two other individuals, a man and a woman, both bestowed with the coveted medallions.

These two were none other than the personal disciples of the nine Sword Sovereigns themselves, just like Ji Feixue and Qin Wentian. The woman, an icy figure, stood beneath the sunlight, emanating an aura of frigid aloofness that rendered her an ethereal moon goddess, seemingly beyond reach. Positioned to the left of Ji Feixue was Qin Wentian, and to his right stood this enigmatic maiden.

"Lou Bingyu," Qin Wentian murmured to himself, recognizing her as the disciple of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. Lou Bingyu held a special status among her master's disciples, and this favored position had earned her the admiration and jealousy of many.

In the confines of the Immortal Martial Realm, treasures and divine weapons were strictly prohibited. This separate dimension functioned independently, rejecting any external energies that didn't bear its distinctive mark. To bolster Lou Bingyu's prospects and give her a significant edge over other participants, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness had boldly coerced the Human Emperor, Ye Qingyun, to part with his treasure. This exceptional relic was then bestowed upon Lou Bingyu and melded into her very being, an integral part of her physical form. Qin Wentian observed this without revealing a hint of his thoughts. However, ever since the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness had orchestrated this scheme, rivalry between Qin Wentian and Lou Bingyu had been all but ordained. They might have shared the same sect, but they were hardly allies; they had become arch-enemies.

As the spectators scrutinized the remaining medallion holders, a variety of reactions played out. Among these eighty-one individuals, the Nine Great Sects accounted for merely a third of their ranks. The rest hailed from other influential powers in the Royal Sacred Region, with one or two representatives at most.

While some, like Qin Wentian, remained obscure figures whose faces and names were known to only a few, no one questioned his inclusion among the eighty-one. His reputation for slaying Ye Kongfan, a cultivator two levels higher than himself, and for confronting Di Yu of the supreme Di Clan head-on in front of Di Shi justified his medallion status. His deeds spoke of a man with remarkable courage and unyielding resolve.

The sole point of contention was his lower cultivation level compared to the other geniuses. Though rumors hinted at a test format in the Immortal Martial Realm that allowed individuals with varying levels of cultivation to compete on equal terms, notions of absolute fairness proved elusive. Ultimately, participants would have to rely on their absolute strength to achieve their goals, rendering the playing field less than perfectly level.

The momentous gathering had the power to shape destinies, a grand feast that would leave an indelible mark on the lives of many.

"Activate the Immortal Martial Realm!" The envoys, perched atop the stone monument, thundered their command. The earth itself seemed to tremble in response as the colossal entrance to the Immortal Martial Realm swung open. A vista of wonder unfolded before the assembled multitude, enticing them to peer into the mysterious world beyond.

Floating islands, adorned with twisted roots and interconnected joints, resembling ethereal cities in the sky, greeted their gaze. It was a breathtaking spectacle, one that would remain etched in their memories forever after just a single glance.

"Are those the eighty-one floating bridges of the Immortal Martial Realm?" While many among the crowd had sought information from seasoned experts who had previously entered the Immortal Martial Realm, witnessing the sight with their own eyes remained an awe-inspiring experience.

Although the term "bridge" was used to describe them, each of the eighty-one structures could be considered a unique realm unto itself, a crucible of trials and tribulations.

These eighty-one floating bridges were intricately linked to the eighty-one medallion holders. They were the very reason for the existence of these coveted tokens. The Immortal Martial Realm envoys had carefully chosen eighty-one participants and had no intention of allowing them to encounter each other too soon. If any of these chosen individuals were defeated by others on their respective bridges, it would be a testament to their own inadequacies.

"All eighty-one of you, listen well. Each of you must choose a bridge, and each bridge will present a different challenge. The level of danger is uniform across all bridges. Your fate depends solely on your own actions. As for those without a medallion, you are free to choose any bridge you desire." An envoy addressed the medallion holders and the other participants, and with a wave of his hand, the eighty-one chosen individuals entered the Immortal Martial Realm.

Qin Wentian and Ji Feixue strode forward together, side by side. The moment they stepped into the Immortal Martial Realm, an invisible celestial pressure descended from the heavens. It was a formless force of the Great Dao that enveloped all who crossed the threshold. Most of the eighty-one individuals remained unfazed, as they had anticipated the conditions within.

These chosen few possessed strong hearts and unwavering determination; they were well-prepared for the trials ahead. Their abilities transcended mere cultivation levels. Being Heaven Chosen wasn't solely contingent on the superiority of their cultivation bases; it encompassed their combat prowess, comprehension, and strength of will.

Qin Wentian had a rough understanding of the situation. He knew that entering the Immortal Martial Realm involved choosing one of the eighty-one floating bridges. Although the choice was constant, the dangers and opportunities each bridge presented varied. The suppression of their cultivation levels was temporary, and they would gradually regain their full strength. Until then, he intended to utilize the Immortal Martial Realm's pressure to continually elevate his strength, striving to advance to the next level before the suppression was lifted.

As he gazed upon the eighty-one heavenly bridges, each one a celestial palace in its own right, Qin Wentian was struck by awe. These bridges led to different realms, offering distinct trials, dangers, and fortuitous encounters.

A surge of killing intent assailed his senses. Qin Wentian's sharp perception detected hostile intentions emanating from various directions. Among them were Di Shi and disciples from the Violet Thunder Sect.

Ignoring their presence for now, Qin Wentian understood that he would eventually confront these adversaries. Yet, more immediate perils awaited him in the realm ahead. If he aspired to traverse this treacherous path and reach the end, the challenges ahead were far from simple, extending beyond encounters with Di Shi and the Violet Thunder Sect.

As the majority of participants flitted across the sky, their silhouettes soared towards the various floating bridges like celestial beings drawn to heavenly pathways.

"Junior brother Qin, let's choose a bridge first. Each bridge is a world unto itself, and our fate will depend on the bridge we select," Ji Feixue suggested, his voice carrying a sense of purpose.

"Ji Feixue." Just then, a voice chimed in from Ji Feixue's side, its tone as cold as the frostiest of winters. The source of the voice was none other than Lou Bingyu, her icy countenance betraying no emotion. Ji Feixue turned his gaze towards her, awaiting her words.

"My name shall be engraved ahead of yours on the Immortal Martial Realm's ranking monument," Lou Bingyu declared calmly. Without further ado, she gracefully ascended one of the floating bridges, her slender figure blending seamlessly with the ethereal surroundings.

"Confidence is a virtue," Ji Feixue replied with a wry smile, then followed suit, selecting a bridge of his own.

Lou Bingyu didn't spare a glance for Qin Wentian. Perhaps she was unaware of the connection between Qin Wentian and the Human Emperor.

Turning his gaze skyward, Qin Wentian ascended into the heavens, his movements as swift and unpredictable as the wind. He approached one of the vacant floating bridges with determination. As a medallion holder, he had the privilege of being the first to set foot on this bridge. This arrangement ensured that the selected individuals wouldn't cross paths prematurely.

The floating bridge beneath Qin Wentian's feet stood alone, running parallel to the other eighty bridges, each leading to a distinct destination. He stared at the unfamiliar vistas that stretched before him, taking in the breathtaking scenes with every deep breath he drew.

A bridge was, in essence, a world of its own.

Meanwhile, other participants had entered the Immortal Martial Realm, flying toward the eighty-one floating bridges scattered across the ethereal landscape.

Despite the existence of eighty-one bridges, the number of participants was simply overwhelming. Thousands of contenders converged on each of the eighty-one bridges.

With slow and deliberate steps, Qin Wentian ventured further out onto the bridge of his choosing, savoring each moment.

The Immortal Martial Realm held sacred status within the Royal Sacred Region, and this was his chance to seize it and fortify his strength.

"Halt!"

A thunderous voice echoed from behind, causing Qin Wentian to pause in his tracks. It appeared that another participant had also chosen the same bridge. Qin Wentian was the first to tread upon it, but now he was met with company.

Shi Kuang, representing the Heaven Crippling Sect, had arrived on the bridge as well. He was the second person to set foot upon it, having been drawn by Qin Wentian's selection.

Although Qin Wentian had a stellar record in battle, the threat he posed was perceived as less significant compared to the others.

At least, that was what Shi Kuang, a Heaven Chosen from the Heaven Crippling Sect, believed. He was the one who had bellowed for Qin Wentian to halt.

Qin Wentian turned back, his gaze locking onto Shi Kuang as the sounds of an approaching army echoed from behind the Heaven Crippling disciple.

Qin Wentian maintained his silence, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Shi Kuang. As he stared into those deep and crystal-clear eyes, a sense of unease slowly began to creep into Shi Kuang's heart. This feeling was insidiously dangerous, particularly within the confines of the Immortal Martial Realm. How could a single glance from one person evoke fear within him?

"Even though you hold an Immortal Martial Medallion, wouldn't it be wiser to wait for more participants before proceeding together across the bridge?" Shi Kuang managed to control his emotions, choosing his words carefully. He seemed almost afraid of provoking Qin Wentian with his composed demeanor, sensing a hidden wildness lurking behind those calm eyes.

"Wentian." Ye Lingshuang arrived at the same bridge, her presence reassuring to Qin Wentian. She swiftly joined him, followed by Fan Le and the rest of their group. Naturally, they had decided to tread the same path as Qin Wentian.

Only then did Qin Wentian avert his gaze from Shi Kuang. He turned towards Ye Lingshuang, offering a warm smile. "Sister Lingshuang, let's proceed together."

The number of participants on the floating bridges continued to increase, until it seemed as though this ethereal realm could hardly contain them all. Qin Wentian and his companions advanced cautiously, taking in the awe-inspiring scenery of towering ancient trees and grand structures that surrounded them. Despite the breathtaking beauty, their path stretched endlessly ahead, with no discernible endpoint.

Those behind them began to form alliances, many opting to unite with fellow sect members to ensure greater protection should danger arise.

Shi Kuang and several Heaven Crippling Sect disciples formed their own alliance, as did representatives from the Nine Great Sects and other major powers in the Royal Sacred Region.

Duan Han, however, made a different choice. He knew full well the extent of Qin Wentian's combat prowess, and with everyone's cultivation bases suppressed, he had no qualms about letting Qin Wentian take the lead on this floating bridge. Duan Han and a few other disciples ventured onto a separate bridge. The remaining members of the Battle Sword Sect, lacking the trust Duan Han had in Qin Wentian, chose not to join his alliance and instead formed their own groups.