Despair Wrought By A Single Stomp
Despair Wrought By A Single Stomp
"You've thoroughly infuriated me, trash," hissed the Black Jiao Python with its sinister, triangular-shaped eyes flashing with venom. In this realm, it held the power of life and death over the participants. They had been brought here and entrusted to its care, with clear instructions about its duties. As long as it adhered to the basic rules, it had free rein to do as it pleased.
Its only mandate was to remain within this place and guard this particular checkpoint. Simultaneously, it was tasked with emitting poisonous mist to obstruct those who sought to pass beyond it.
Beyond these directives, it was at liberty to act as it desired. This meant that, should it wish to, it could unleash unbridled slaughter upon the participants. However, while this Black Jiao Python was exceedingly cunning, it also understood that it couldn't completely infuriate the participants. After all, what if they all united to kill it?
It was not immortal. If a single team couldn't overcome it, what would happen if two or three teams joined forces against it?
Hence, the Black Jiao Python always made sure its actions wouldn't incite the collective wrath of the participants. To the humans, it was merely a test, and the easiest way to pass it was to walk beneath the snake while avoiding the mist.
Unbeknownst to the Black Jiao Python, a young man standing before it was currently pondering this very possibility, his eyes gleaming with newfound determination.
"Though this Black Jiao Python is formidable, we could easily defeat it with the assistance of other participants. However, would that violate the original intent of this test? Would the Immortal Martial Realm introduce unforeseen complications if we were to slay the guardian?" Qin Wentian contemplated silently. He had a strong suspicion that this might be the case, and they couldn't risk altering the rules.
But if the Black Jiao Python was deliberately provoking them, would it be excessive for their small team to band together and eliminate it?
If they followed the python's rules, Qin Wentian was confident he could pass the test unharmed. However, what about Ye Lingshuang, Fan Le, and the others?
Fan Le glared at the Black Jiao Python, his eyes filled with defiance and a strange gleam. He transmitted his thoughts to Qin Wentian, his voice filled with determination, "Boss, do you want to take on this beast?"
Qin Wentian wasn't surprised by Fan Le's suggestion. The portly fellow had always been audacious, and given that the Black Jiao Python had targeted them, they had no other option but to confront it.
"Let's do it," Qin Wentian responded, surprising those around him. This refined-looking individual had just used a rather uncouth word?
"A mere demonic beast, yet it dares to act so brazenly?" Fan Le's eyes flashed with malice. As his words echoed in the area, the other participants felt their hearts pound. It appeared that this group had no intention of adhering to the test's rules; instead, they planned to take on the guardian.
Strangely, this plan seemed to align with the wishes of the other participants. If Qin Wentian and his group engaged in combat with the Black Jiao Python, it would mean that everyone would easily pass this second test. The onlookers couldn't help but feel a sense of cold satisfaction. They weren't even certain if Qin Wentian's group could handle the python. Despite their numbers, they might be powerless against the python's absolute strength. Facing a fifth-level Black Jiao Python, their numbers wouldn't make a difference if they couldn't breach its defenses.
Nevertheless, this was only a third-level Heavenly Dipper Black Jiao Python. There shouldn't be a problem if everyone worked together to defeat it. However, with just the strength of Qin Wentian's group of eight, it might not be enough.
Demonic beasts had incredibly strong defenses, and this Black Jiao Python's scales had a hint of the flood dragon, rendering them seemingly impenetrable. With its cultivation base, it was impossible for first-level Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns to break through its defenses. These eight individuals were indeed bold.
"Are you all seeking death?" The Black Jiao Python began to move, causing the ground to shake as it continuously exhaled black mist, saturating the area with corrosive gas.
"We must avoid that black mist; its corrosive effect can reduce us to nothing but puddles of blood," Mu Feng cautioned. The others nodded in agreement, and those with bloodline powers activated them to enhance their strength. Bloodlines were innate to cultivators and wouldn't be suppressed by the Immortal Martial Realm.
"Blind its eyes," Qin Wentian whispered, and Fan Le nodded in agreement.
"That beast's eyes are indeed wicked. It even dared to leer at Sister Lingshuang."
"Absolutely filthy," Ouyang Kuangsheng remarked, giving Fan Le a sly look that made him curse inwardly. What's with that look? Are you implying that I'm the pot calling the kettle black? My gaze isn't dirty when I admire beautiful women. It's called appreciation!
"Let's go." As Qin Wentian's voice faded, the group adopted a serious demeanor. Qin Wentian led the way, activating the Fiend Transformation Art to envelop himself in scaly armor. Demonic wings sprouted from his back, ready to defend against any attacks.
"Die!" The Black Jiao Python expelled a cloud of black mist toward Qin Wentian. The corrosive energy filled the air, but before the mist could reach him, Fan Le and Chu Mang's arrows were already on their way, aimed directly at its eyes.
Upon seeing the incoming arrows, the Black Jiao Python promptly shut its eyes and relied on its senses to locate its adversaries. It exhaled another burst of corrosive mist, targeting Qin Wentian, who was using Stellar Transposition.
A long spear materialized in Qin Wentian's hand. It wasn't a divine weapon, just an ordinary mortal-ranked long spear. Utilizing Stellar Transposition, Qin Wentian darted through the air, thrusting the spear at the Black Jiao Python's eye with lightning speed.
The Black Jiao Python extended its colossal maw, its neck reaching towards Qin Wentian, poised to snap shut at any moment. If Qin Wentian dared to approach, it would devour both him and the spear.
"Mu Feng!" Qin Wentian called out, and Mu Feng transformed into a series of shadows, unleashing blood-colored palm imprints at the python's gaping maw before executing Stellar Transposition to retreat alongside Qin Wentian. In that instant, the Black Jiao Python snapped its jaws shut with immense force. The ground trembled from the power of its bite, but the blood-colored palm imprint had already entered the beast's mouth.
Qin Wentian's attack had been a clever feint.
The Black Jiao Python seethed with rage. Its massive head lunged at Qin Wentian and the others, its long, sinuous body allowing it to extend its attacks effectively. It spewed another cloud of corrosive black mist, attempting to engulf them.
"Freeze!" Yun Mengyi's Mandate of Icesnow enveloped the mist, while Fan Le and Chu Mang's arrows thundered mercilessly into the python's maw. The python roared in pain and wrath.
Qin Zheng used his spatial energy to envelop the frozen mist and teleported it away with a wave of his hand.
The Black Jiao Python howled in agony as Mu Feng's poison began to take effect. Qin Wentian and Ouyang Kuangsheng took to the air, relentlessly attacking the python's eyes.
In their hearts, many participants thought, "Before the suppression on our cultivation bases is lifted, let's not provoke this group of madmen." Their fear wasn't solely because of Qin Wentian's group's strength; it was their ruthless tactics and impeccable teamwork that struck fear into others. A united group was a formidable force that few could contend with.
Eventually, Qin Wentian's group of eight successfully slew the Black Jiao Python. Its massive corpse lay lifeless on the ground. Fan Le couldn't resist stomping on its body in frustration.
"Let's continue," Qin Wentian said calmly. Their actions had saved trouble for other participants, and as a result, they were allowed to lead once more. Some participants, however, harbored ill intentions as they stared at the back of Qin Wentian.
In the Immortal Martial Realm, tests were present, but so were opportunities for good fortune. While participants hadn't reached the point of open conflict, the appearance of a treasure could ignite a fierce battle among them.
As they continued forward, Qin Wentian suddenly halted, leaving everyone in disbelief. They all stared at the astonishing scene before them.
"BOOM!" A thunderous sound reverberated, causing their hearts to race.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" The thunderous noise persisted, sending shivers down their spines. Those sounds were unmistakably the footsteps of something massive.
Before them loomed a colossal demon, over a hundred meters tall. Its head resembled a large house, forcing the participants to crane their necks to see it. Its feet were tens of meters wide and pounded the ground relentlessly. Unfortunately, the creature was stomping right at the entrance to the next area.
The very idea of confronting this colossal demon never crossed the minds of the participants. This monstrous creature resembled an ox-type demonic beast. Its actions appeared repetitive, as it lifted its massive hooves and brought them crashing down with varying tempos. Even at the slowest tempo, one would need the peak speed of a first-level Heavenly Dipper Sovereign to hope to cross the entrance. If the tempo quickened, even a third-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator with insights into the Mandate of Wind at the second level of transformation would undoubtedly fail.
Anyone encountering the fast tempo was doomed to die. Those facing the slow tempo depended on their individual speed and a good dose of luck.
Silence fell like a heavy blanket, broken only by the rhythmic stomping of the Ox Demon. Participants communicated through voice transmissions, fearing their words might awaken the beast. Waking it would mean certain death; a single stomp could reduce them to bloody pulp.
Qin Wentian transmitted his thoughts, "Given our current cultivation levels, if we encounter the fast tempo, even Stellar Transposition won't be enough to cross. However, for the normal or slow tempo, we should have a chance."
"Agreed. Those unlucky enough to face the fast tempo will have no hope," came the consensus.
"Sister Lingshuang, I'll carry you," Qin Wentian communicated to Ye Lingshuang. Among them, he was the most skilled in Stellar Transposition. Bloodline powers and other movement techniques didn't affect Stellar Transposition. Due to his mastery and understanding of the technique, it was the method in which he had the most confidence.
Ye Lingshuang nodded and climbed onto Qin Wentian's back.
Before they could act, another participant was already prepared to make his move. Wings sprouted from his back, and the Mandate of Wind enveloped him. Clearly, he was an expert in speed. As the ox's hoof began to rise, he shot forward like a gust of wind.
His speed was astonishing, leaving after-images in his wake. Onlookers held their breath as they watched the ox's hoof begin to descend. The participant had almost reached the entrance to the next area.
"BOOM!" The hoof slammed down, and hearts raced in unison with the impact. When the hoof lifted again, all that remained was a pool of blood where the daring participant had stood.
Shivers ran through the crowd involuntarily. Even with such incredible speed, he failed to cross? The hoof's speed during that moment was considered normal, and this failure cast despair over the majority of the participants. Witnessing how swiftly the daring individual had moved only deepened their sense of hopelessness.
Qin Wentian took a deep breath.
Ye Lingshuang, lying on Qin Wentian's back, voiced her uncertainty. "Wentian, I think I'll just stay here. I don't want to burden you."
In truth, if he weren't carrying Ye Lingshuang, Qin Wentian would have been even more confident in this endeavor.
"Sister, trust me," Qin Wentian replied in a hushed tone. He approached the massive, stomping hoof and took a deep breath. He had noticed that the previous attempt had failed due to poor timing. With unwavering determination, Qin Wentian dashed forward the moment the hoof came crashing down and executed Stellar Transposition at the precise instant it lifted. His timing was flawless.
"BOOM!" The enormous hoof struck again, and Qin Wentian's heart seemed to beat in harmony with it. Ye Lingshuang, who had been trembling with her eyes closed, finally opened them. They were still alive! Realizing they had survived, her beautiful eyes sparkled with relief.
"He did it!" At the other end of the massive hoof, the participants marveled at the incredible speed of Qin Wentian's movement technique.
"It's my turn." Qin Zheng stepped forward, mirroring Qin Wentian's movements with precision. He, too, succeeded in crossing.
Excitement radiated from the faces of Qin Wentian's group members, while jealousy crept onto the faces of some other participants.
"It's my time to shine." Fan Le stepped forward, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm. With a quick burst of speed, he executed Stellar Transposition.
"Rumble!" As Fan Le moved, lightning crackled in the air, causing a slight tremor in Qin Wentian's heart. In the next moment, an overwhelming demonic energy filled the atmosphere. Someone had intentionally used the power of lightning to provoke the ox demon, trying to wake it from its slumber.
Qin Wentian saw the despair in Fan Le's eyes as they widened in response to the hoof descending at an accelerated pace.
"NOOOO!" A furious roar escaped Qin Wentian's lips.
"They possess a unique and incredibly powerful movement technique. Don't allow any more of them to cross," Qin Wentian yelled, drawing the attention of everyone to Ouyang Kuangsheng and the remaining members of their group who had yet to attempt the dangerous passage.