Path of Life and Death
Path of Life and Death
"BOOM!" A deafening sound reverberated through the air, causing Qin Wentian's heart to clench with pain.
Fan Le had vanished. In an instant, he was gone, leaving no trace behind.
Qin Wentian's eyes turned a fiery shade of red, his fury reaching a boiling point. He stared at the empty space where Fan Le had stood, his mind flooded with memories.
"This chubby genius of mine..."
"I'm not a pervert, I just have a lot of love to give..."
Images of Fan Le's cheeky face flashed before Qin Wentian's eyes, but now, everything had been extinguished with a single stomp. Fan Le, his shameless, lovable friend, one of Qin Wentian's closest companions, was gone. The pain in Qin Wentian's heart was unbearable.
Could it be that he was really dead?
Qin Wentian struggled to accept this reality. Despite knowing the Immortal Martial Realm was perilous, with only a 10% chance of survival for those who entered, witnessing Fan Le's disappearance right in front of him was agonizing.
Ye Lingshuang's eyes also welled up with tears. Ouyang Kuangsheng and Chu Mang roared in anger, directing their fury towards the person who had awakened the gargantuan ox demon. The culprit was a young man, cloaked in lightning, radiating arrogance and provocation. His eyes blazed with the intent to kill as he met Ouyang Kuangsheng's and Fan Le's furious gazes.
"The leader of that group is Qin Wentian, originally from Grand Xia. You must have noticed their unique and immensely powerful movement technique," the young man stated matter-of-factly. He hailed from the Violet Thunder Sect and had recognized Qin Wentian. Their mission, handed down by the sect's elders, was clear: if they encountered individuals from the Battle Sword Sect and had an opportunity to lead them to their deaths, they were to seize it without hesitation, particularly focusing on a person named Qin Wentian.
This directive had been issued by one of the Seven Supremacies of the Violet Thunder Sect. Rumors suggested that Qin Wentian, along with the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley, had thwarted the Supremacy's plans, curing the Human Emperor of Ye and leading to the demise of the Supremacy's disciple, Ye Kongfan. It was the same battle in which the Human Emperor had triumphed against all odds, tarnishing the Violet Thunder Sect's reputation. Unable to act directly against Qin Wentian, the Supremacy had delegated this task to the sect's disciples.
Additionally, when the Violet Thunder Sect disciples had witnessed the rhythmic stomping of the ox's hoof, they realized the pressing need for a superior movement technique. While their sect possessed a decent technique, it fell short compared to Stellar Transposition, leading to the earlier events.
Stellar Transposition was considered one of Grand Xia's nine ultimate arts, and it was often regarded as the easiest among them to cultivate. Despite having delved into various ultimate arts such as the bloodcurse imprint and the Thundergod Slash, Qin Wentian and his companions could only be described as "cultivating" in these techniques. While their power wasn't insignificant, they were far from reaching their full potential.
In the past, the Grand Xia Empire held equal status with the Grand Shang Empire, both considered first-tier powers alongside the Nine Great Sects within the Royal Sacred Region. These influential sects and clans possessed their own supreme movement techniques, including ones akin to Stellar Transposition. Naturally, these techniques were closely guarded secrets, not readily shared with outsiders. Seeing that Qin Zheng and the others had mastered the same movement technique, coupled with the Violet Thunder Sect disciple's comments, ignited a spark of greed in the eyes of many participants.
The enormous ox demon had awakened, but it didn't immediately move to attack. Instead, it gazed at the participants with a malevolent grin, continuing its erratic stomping pattern. The participants understood that, like the Black Jiao Python, this ox demon was a guardian created by the Immortal Martial Realm. It wouldn't easily break the rules to harm them. If they successfully navigated the barrage of stomping hooves, it would pose no threat.
However, after its awakening, the stomping tempo became increasingly chaotic, devoid of any predictable rhythm. At times, the gigantic hoof would hover in the air, presenting a challenge that none of the participants dared to attempt.
"Hand over the movement technique," demanded Shi Kuang from the Heaven Crippling Sect as he and his comrades surrounded Ouyang Kuangsheng and the others. Cold determination flickered in their eyes. Within the Heaven Crippling Sect, Shi Kuang was considered a Heaven Chosen figure. However, a single intimidating gaze from Qin Wentian had planted fear in his heart, a humiliation he couldn't tolerate.
Meanwhile, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Yun Mengyi, Chu Mang, and Mu Feng remained trapped on the other side, encircled by their enemies.
"ALL OF YOU GO TO HELL!" Ouyang Kuangsheng's voice erupted in a furious roar. Thunder and fire surged around him as he released his astral souls. With determination, he charged toward Que Cheng, the young man from the Violet Thunder Sect. A colossal palm imprint materialized and crashed toward his foe.
"Lightning and thunder energies? How can the disciples of my Violet Thunder Sect fear such feeble attacks?" Que Cheng's arrogance swelled even further. He had always resented not being among the eighty-one individuals selected to enter the Immortal Martial Realm. Now, an unknown figure dared to challenge him? It was as if they were seeking their own demise.
"Wrath of the Thunder God!" Que Cheng bellowed, causing the entire space to quake. Towering lightning beams broke through the fabric of space, obliterating Ouyang Kuangsheng's attack as if it were nothing.
"THUNDERGOD SLASH!" Ouyang Kuangsheng's roar echoed through the air as a brilliant beam of light cleaved down from the heavens. The sheer intensity of lightning energy and thunderous might within the attack left Que Cheng stunned, marveling at the power contained in this technique. Although Ouyang Kuangsheng couldn't unleash its full potential, being a practitioner of lightning-attributed arts, Que Cheng could discern the profoundness of this technique.
A dazzling exchange of power unfolded as Que Cheng released his own astral souls, summoning a pair of wings forged from lightning-element energy. Terrifying runic lightning surged upward, meeting the Thundergod Slash head-on. The collision resounded throughout the entire space, creating a tumultuous spectacle.
The Violet Thunder Sect's other members remained passive, refraining from assisting Que Cheng. To join forces with an outsider, especially for someone as accomplished as Que Cheng, would be a grave affront to his status.
Que Cheng, the personal disciple of one of the Seven Supremacies, held a higher rank within the Violet Thunder Sect than Ye Kongfan, boasting greater talent as well. However, he had not been among the eighty-one chosen participants to enter the Immortal Martial Realm. Despite receiving a visit from the envoys, the medallion ultimately went to another disciple. This decision by the sect leader of the Violet Thunder Sect had led to his personal visit to ancient Ye.
Ouyang Kuangsheng was forced backward, narrowly avoiding a direct hit from the runic lightning. The aftershock, however, left a bloody wound on his chest.
"If they refuse to hand over the movement technique, cripple them one by one. And as for that woman, strip her of her clothes. I want to see if they remain obstinate and unyielding after that," a venomous voice rang out. The speaker was a young man from a different alliance.
Ouyang Kuangsheng's gaze shifted, and his countenance stiffened. The floating bridge was crowded with participants, and he hadn't noticed this person's presence until now. Upon closer inspection, he recognized someone he had encountered before.
The Great Solar Chen Clan had three Heaven Chosen individuals, and Chen Yin was the third among them. He had managed to escape Grand Xia after the clan's downfall. Chen Yin was already famous in Grand Xia before Chen Fan and Chen Wang. He was a figure who could command the winds and clouds.
Following the destruction of the Great Solar Chen Clan, Chen Yin had been consumed by a desire for revenge. He took the Sacred Royal Medallion and eventually joined one of the Nine Great Sects, the Great Earth Sect.
Qin Wentian had never met Chen Yin before, and it wasn't until the Great Earth Sect extended an invitation to him in Xuan King City that he became aware of Chen Yin's existence. Chen Yin's claim that Qin Wentian possessed knowledge of an Immortal Art had piqued the sect's interest and prompted their fervent recruitment efforts.
Since entering the Immortal Martial Realm, Chen Yin had been eager to confront Qin Wentian. Now that someone was launching an attack against Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chen Yin saw an opportunity to intervene and offer some unsavory suggestions.
"Chen Yin, I was just a teenager when you competed in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. I admired your achievements back then. Who would have thought you had such a personality?" Ouyang Kuangsheng locked eyes with Chen Yin, causing the latter to furrow his brows. He hadn't expected Ouyang Kuangsheng to recognize him.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingshuang called out to Qin Wentian, who was walking back. "Wentian!"
"I need to return," Qin Wentian replied, his determination clear. This deadly hoof had the potential to claim his life. If he headed back, he would eventually have to face it again, risking death twice. Moreover, the fully awakened ox demon was no longer in a dormant state.
"I'll accompany you," Ye Lingshuang declared, gritting her teeth.
"No, Sister Lingshuang, you and Qin Zheng will stand guard here. If those who attack Ouyang come rushing in, retaliate with full force. I want them dead," Qin Wentian's expression was grave as he turned to glance at Ye Lingshuang. She understood that going back would only put her in greater danger, so she reluctantly nodded in agreement with Qin Wentian's suggestion.
Qin Wentian's words sent shockwaves through the faces of the other participants, whether they were from the Violet Thunder Sect or the Heaven Crippling Sect. They had overlooked the fact that Qin Wentian could return to this location and hinder their progress into the next area. However, their furrowed brows soon smoothed over. If they could hold Ouyang Kuangsheng and the others hostage, they wanted to see if Qin Wentian would dare to take any action against them. As long as a few of them made it to the next area, they believed they could control the situation entirely.
"Wentian, don't come over. Just stay there!" Ouyang Kuangsheng yelled, fearing for Qin Wentian's safety. It was far too perilous for him to join their fight. There were simply too many opponents, and even with Qin Wentian, their situation wouldn't improve.
"No," Qin Wentian's eyes brimmed with determination as he spoke, "I'm coming over to be with you all. Sister Lingshuang and Qin Zheng, if anything happens to us, spare no one. Eliminate them one by one as they attempt to cross over. Since they want to play, we will play with them. We'll all stay here."
Qin Wentian's voice resonated with unwavering resolve, causing the expressions of the other participants to turn ashen. This guy was clearly insane.
If anything happened to Qin Wentian and his group, everyone would die alongside them. All the participants would be trapped at this checkpoint indefinitely.
"Boom!" Astral light flashed, and in the same instant, the sound of the hoof hitting the ground reverberated. Qin Wentian executed Stellar Transposition, fully aware that he had two lives. Even if he died here, he would come back to life. He had to return, seek vengeance for Fan Le, and ensure Ouyang Kuangsheng and the others safely crossed over.
"Interesting," Qin Wentian didn't notice the wide grin that spread across the gargantuan ox's face, a glint of fascination in its eyes. At the moment when Qin Wentian rushed forward, the ox's hoof, which had not fully lifted, slammed down with crushing force.
"NOOO!" Ye Lingshuang turned pale as she witnessed this. Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, and even Yun Mengyi were all shouting in disbelief.
"RUMBLE!" A thunderous boom echoed out. No matter how strong Qin Wentian was, he would be crushed to death if that colossal hoof landed on him.
"VILE BEAST!" Ouyang Kuangsheng raised his head, his eyes turning red as he glared at the gargantuan demon. However, the demon merely grinned, shifting its attention to Ouyang Kuangsheng. "Little brat, are you seeking death?"
"FUCK YOU!" Ouyang Kuangsheng bellowed in a fit of rage, his lightning-infused aura seething around him as he defiantly charged toward the gargantuan ox demon.
The monstrous creature chuckled ominously, lifting its colossal hoof and astonishingly shifting it forward, sending shockwaves of terror rippling through everyone's hearts. Could this ox demon actually move from its designated position?
"RUN!" Panic gripped everyone as they frantically sprinted away, their hearts pounding in their chests. All eyes were fixed on the gigantic hoof descending with relentless force onto Ouyang Kuangsheng. It was an indomitable force. Within this realm, it reigned supreme.
......
Qin Wentian believed he had met his end, but to his astonishment, he was still alive. Instead of being crushed flat, that enormous hoof had transported him to another dimension.
His heart raced with excitement, unable to return to his previous state of calm. Closing his eyes momentarily, he drew in a deep breath, gazing at a cavern that loomed ahead.
"Path of Life and Death." Engraved on the exterior of the cavern were five imposing words, stirring a profound sense of relief within Qin Wentian. He hadn't perished. That meant Fan Le might still be alive as well!