Top-Tiered Heaven Chosen
Top-Tiered Heaven Chosen
The luminous radiance emanating from the stone tablet engulfed Qin Wentian entirely, creating a mystifying spectacle. Around him, an array of illusory battle drums materialized, forming a mesmerizing tableau.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
Thunderous reverberations echoed incessantly as an immense force suddenly surged from the stone tablet, moving at such incredible speed that Qin Wentian had no opportunity to react. This formidable force struck him with relentless intensity, spreading throughout his entire body and causing him to wince in agony. A gush of fresh blood erupted from his lips as he was forcibly propelled backward.
Standing nearby, Ye Lingshuang, Qin Zheng, and the others who had been with Qin Wentian remained unscathed. It became evident that the radiant energy from the stone tablet had specifically targeted Qin Wentian.
Qin Wentian's long, tousled hair fluttered in the wind as he inwardly cursed the ox demon. Wasn't he supposed to receive a splendid reward for being the sole survivor? Instead, he found himself being battered and bruised.
"Damn ox," Qin Wentian roared in frustration when he noticed the stone tablet charging up, as if preparing to unleash another burst of energy. Gathering all his strength, he pounded on his battle drum.
BOOOOM!
A colossal palm imprint materialized and hurtled toward the stone tablet.
Yet, upon contact, the palm imprint's force was wholly absorbed by the tablet, its radiant glow continuing to envelop Qin Wentian, causing his countenance to darken with displeasure.
RUMBLE!
A malevolent, destructive energy permeated the atmosphere as a Grand Nihility Palm Imprint rebounded toward him. Qin Wentian's eyes widened in shock. What kind of bizarre stone tablet could reflect his attacks like this?
Qin Wentian remained speechless, his only recourse being to unleash another attack. However, the rebounded force thwarted his efforts yet again, striking him with such ferocity that he coughed up even more blood. The urge to unleash a string of profanities gnawed at him.
"I'LL DESTROY YOU!" Qin Wentian roared, invoking the Stellar Transposition as he charged toward the stone tablet. In his hand, a blood-red halberd materialized, crashing down upon the tablet with unyielding determination.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
The radiant light from the stone tablet intensified, and the resonating sounds of illusory drums echoed relentlessly through the space. Streams of energy inundated Qin Wentian's body, causing him to pale further and spew forth blood. Yet, the defiance remained in his eyes as he relentlessly unleashed a barrage of attacks upon the stone tablet. He endured the injuries stoically, pushing himself to the brink of his limits. The only sounds that persisted were the echoing and rebounding drumbeats. Eventually, every iota of light entered Qin Wentian.
RUMBLE!!
The massive stone tablet vibrated intensely before transforming into a streak of multicolored light, shooting upward into the sky. Dumbfounded, Qin Wentian stared at its departure, an expression of disbelief crossing his face.
Was it finally over?
"No, something's amiss," Qin Wentian muttered, his perception turning inward. Within his body, a miniature battle drum had taken residence, merging seamlessly with his physical form.
"What...?" Qin Wentian was left momentarily speechless. Was this the incredible reward the ox demon had spoken of?
Conducting a thorough examination of himself, he realized that despite the injuries he had sustained, his circulation of astral energy and blood seemed to flow much smoother than before. Not only that, his comprehension of his mandates appeared to have deepened further.
This battle drum seemed to be of the same caliber as the miniature axe embedded within his foster father's body—a treasure capable of merging with its host. Qin Wentian quietly speculated that this was the case. With a mere intention, radiant streams of light from illusory battle drums encased his body, making it seem as though he had become one with the drum itself.
"Wentian, try attacking and see if there's an augmentation effect," Ye Lingshuang suggested, astonished by what she was witnessing. She was aware of the miniature axe her father possessed, which enhanced his attacks. Qin Wentian's miniature battle drum appeared to offer a similar capability.
"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. Since the battle drum had integrated into his body, the suppression and enhancement effects had vanished, returning him to his original cultivation base at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper. However, it was peculiar that Ye Lingshuang and the others still felt the suppression on their cultivation bases. Perhaps it was due to his status as the sole survivor on the battlefield or because he had passed certain tests within the Immortal Martial Realm, resulting in this unique outcome.
Qin Wentian raised his palms, launching a fierce assault. Drum reverberations echoed through the air as formidable palm imprints shattered the spatial boundaries. His heart trembled with excitement as he cast a glance at Ye Lingshuang, nodding in affirmation. "Indeed, there's an augmentation effect on my attacks. But I can also sense that this battle drum has the ability to weaken the attacks of others. It's a divine artifact that combines both offense and defense."
Ye Lingshuang's eyes widened in surprise. "Your cultivation base has already been restored?"
Qin Wentian nodded. "Yes, the suppression is gone. However, the fifth level isn't enough here. I have a feeling I'm about to break through to the sixth level soon."
"In that case, focus on your cultivation first. We'll protect you," Chu Mang advised. Qin Wentian agreed, finding a suitable spot to sit down. With a wave of his hand, countless Yuan Meteor Stones materialized as he began his cultivation. Meanwhile, the others took the opportunity to clean the battlefield, collecting the interspatial rings of the fallen participants. Some of these individuals were Heaven Chosen from powerful factions, so the wealth within their rings was considerable. They might also possess formidable innate techniques.
As Qin Wentian immersed himself in cultivation, he entered a mental state where nothing could disturb him. The Yuanfu within him thrummed, and the echoes resembled the roaring waves of an ocean. Chu Mang and the others exchanged knowing glances, amused by the fact that even in cultivation, Qin Wentian caused a ruckus.
"Breaking through to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm marks a significant increase in strength. Some absolute geniuses manifest incredibly powerful constellations, creating a substantial gap between them and ordinary Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants as soon as they break through. I wonder what constellation he will manifest when he reaches that realm," Ye Lingshuang pondered quietly. Her anticipation for Qin Wentian's growth knew no bounds. After spending so much time with him, she had come to believe that he was a demonic talent destined to surpass even the Human Emperor in the future.
Qin Wentian remained oblivious to the passage of time. In the blink of an eye, three days had elapsed. During this period, numerous participants arrived at the battlefield, only to return shortly afterward after attempting to advance to the next area. The reason for their abrupt retreat remained a mystery.
Even Fan Le and Ouyang Kuangsheng made an appearance. Clearly, those who had only just arrived had been either trapped in the Cavern of Life and Death or engaged in trials within other secret areas of the Immortal Martial Realm. There was even a young man adorned in silver robes who exuded a formidable aura. Shockingly, he was at the seventh level of Heavenly Dipper.
This development alarmed Ye Lingshuang and the others. They knew the floating bridge was vast and contained peculiar places that could be explored at will. However, only a select few returned from such ventures. One of the rewards for those who did was the lifting of the suppression, allowing their cultivation bases to be restored to their original levels. It appeared that extraordinary trials were required to achieve this effect.
Qin Wentian opened his eyes after his breakthrough and was relieved to see Fan Le and Ouyang Kuangsheng unharmed. A smile crossed his face as they greeted each other.
"You've already reached the sixth level of Heavenly Dipper?" Ouyang Kuangsheng exclaimed. "In the Cavern of Life and Death, there's only a 10% survival rate, and I barely made it to the fifth level!"
Fan Le chimed in, "I felt the pressure was too much for me, too."
Qin Wentian laughed, not pressing them for details about their experiences. Instead, he suggested, "Let's move on and see what other challenges lie ahead in this realm."
The group agreed and proceeded along the pathway to the next area. After a short journey, they reached a gate, and Fan Le stepped forward to enter. However, an invisible force blocked him, preventing him from passing.
"What's going on?" Fan Le wondered aloud.
Chu Mang attempted to enter as well but encountered the same resistance. Ye Lingshuang observed the situation and deduced, "It seems only those with their cultivation bases restored can enter."
Qin Wentian stepped forward and, to their surprise, entered without any hindrance. He could sense the spatial energy transporting him to another area.
Frustrated, Fan Le exclaimed, "It looks like we have to go back and find another way to lift the suppression. We don't even qualify to enter and observe."
The group agreed that they needed to return and find a method to lift the suppression before they could proceed. Yun Mengyi didn't say anything and quickly left the area, with the others following her.
Meanwhile, Qin Wentian found himself in a different area after passing through the gate. It was a large square-shaped field with several other cultivators present. Among them, he recognized eleven individuals, including Lin Xian'er. They were all gathered around a pagoda at the center of the field, radiating a dazzling light from its pointed top.
A familiar voice greeted him, and Qin Wentian turned to see Lin Xian'er smiling at him. Their eyes met, and his heart skipped a beat.
"Xian'er," Qin Wentian said with a nod. It became evident that this was the final destination for the other bridges as well. The eleven individuals here were likely part of the eighty-one selected participants who had received Immortal Martial Medallions.
A cold gaze from Lou Bingyu caught his attention, but her expression remained unchanged.
A voice filled with arrogance echoed in the air, drawing Qin Wentian's attention to a figure radiating demonic qi. It was the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect. All those who had reached this place were top-tier Heaven Chosen. The stage was set for a confrontation of extraordinary talents.