The Names On The Stone Monument

The Names On The Stone Monument

Li Hanyou's bloodshot eyes remained fixed on Qin Wentian, who had completely ignored her. She gingerly touched her burning cheek, still feeling the lingering heat from the harsh slap. Her usually beautiful countenance began to radiate malevolence. As a Heaven Chosen of the Li Clan, she had never experienced such humiliation as she did today when Qin Wentian brutally struck her. That slap not only targeted her face but also wounded her pride.

However, Qin Wentian gave no further thought to the incident and continued to forge ahead. Upon reaching the very end of the converging point, he gazed out at the vast expanse before him.

After receiving the oracular chant, an opening had appeared in the sealed space. The three of them had rested there for a few days, allowing their conditions to fully recover before embarking on their journey back to the floating bridges. By then, all the floating bridges had converged, and they had followed the path that led them to their current location.

Lin Xian`er's relationship with Qin Wentian had never been hostile, so she naturally followed him. She felt a growing sense of anticipation for this young man whom she had previously underestimated. How far would he be able to go?

Qin Wentian's words from that day had also deeply affected Lou Bingyu. He had spared her life and didn't even attempt to retrieve the treasure within her, recognizing the spirit of the Battle Sword Sect in her. Although she had been knocked down from the pagoda's path, she couldn't muster any hatred toward him. Her mind was in turmoil as she contemplated how to navigate her complex thoughts.

Ultimately, her heart provided an answer. She wouldn't harbor resentment towards Qin Wentian. Instead, she resolved to work diligently to improve herself, growing stronger and regaining her pride by defeating Qin Wentian. While the Battle Sword Sect maintained unity against external foes, they encouraged competition among their disciples to foster improvement. Therefore, internal conflicts were not forbidden.

Their journey in the Immortal Martial Realm was far from over, and Lou Bingyu still had opportunities to shine. If Qin Wentian could rise in this realm, there was no reason why she couldn't do the same.

As Qin Wentian and the two maidens, the focus of countless gazes, continued to advance, they left behind three dazzling back views that deeply impressed the onlookers. Many years later, when people recalled the legendary figures of the Royal Sacred Region, this scene would inevitably come to mind. The handsome young man striding forward with the number one beauty under the heavens, Lin Xian`er, and the icy beauty Lou Bingyu following behind him, exuded a loftiness akin to an insurmountable and colossal mountain.

"Hanyou," a fellow disciple who had a close relationship with Li Hanyou tried to console her. However, Li Hanyou's bloodshot eyes only contained a frigid and murderous intent that sent shivers down one's spine. "Once my elder brother Li Hantian arrives, I will ensure that he tears Qin Wentian into pieces."

Little did Li Hanyou know that Li Hantian had already fallen in battle on the pagoda's path days ago.

Qin Wentian and the two maidens touched down, their gaze fixated on what lay ahead. A series of massive stone monuments stretched before them, resembling an imposing stone rampart rather than mere markers. Each of these ancient monoliths emitted a dazzling and intense light, a testament to their timeless presence, having borne witness to the ascent of countless talented individuals.

In front of these monumental stones stood a group of individuals clad in pristine white attire. Their countenances exuded an air of serene detachment, as though they were reclusive sages removed from the strife of the outside world. These were none other than the envoys of the Immortal Martial Realm.

In the vast expanse before these stone monuments, numerous geniuses who had successfully passed the floating bridge trials now stood, their suppression effects fully lifted. Among this assembly of elite talents, not a hint of contention or rivalry could be discerned at this moment.

Qin Wentian spotted several familiar faces, including two fellow Heaven Chosen from the Battle Sword Sect. One of them was the resplendent Ji Feixue, while the other turned out to be Duan Han. The sight of Duan Han among this gathering brought a sense of elation to Qin Wentian. Duan Han, a disciple of Sword Sovereign Ling Tian, was known for his composed demeanor, but when his fury was unleashed, he surpassed all in his madness. Regardless of where he found himself, Duan Han always managed to shine with a unique brilliance.

Among the familiar faces were also Di Shi, his bitter adversary, and Shang Tong from Grand Shang. Both of them emitted a chilling aura upon noticing Qin Wentian, with Di Shi harboring the most intense animosity. He made no effort to conceal his murderous intent, as his hostility surged unreservedly toward Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian, the man who had slain his brother, still owed him a debt of vengeance.

However, before Di Shi could take action, Ji Feixue and Duan Han moved to Qin Wentian's side, effectively dispelling any thoughts Di Shi might have had about attacking him.

At this moment, the Battle Sword Sect boasted a total of four Heaven Chosen who had reached this stage. Among them was the era-suppressing genius, Ji Feixue. The pride that welled within Ji Feixue's heart was unmistakable.

Duan Han, on the other hand, regarded Lou Bingyu with keen interest, particularly noting that she followed closely behind Qin Wentian. His eyes gleamed with curiosity, especially when he observed that, apart from Lou Bingyu, the renowned "number one beauty under the heavens" in the Royal Sacred Region, Lin Xianer, also accompanied Qin Wentian. Recollections of Mo Qingcheng and Qinger rekindled within him, and even he couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy regarding Qin Wentian's seemingly remarkable luck with women.

Setting aside Lin Xian`er, Duan Han was well aware of Lou Bingyu's character and temperament. She was the favored disciple of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, renowned for her icy beauty within the Battle Sword Sect. It was often joked within their sect that Ji Feixue and Lou Bingyu were a match made in heaven. Even Sword Sovereign Ling Tian had once playfully commented on their perfect compatibility, even musing about playing matchmaker for them. Unfortunately, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness maintained a frigid demeanor toward such suggestions, her sole aspiration being for Lou Bingyu to surpass Ji Feixue.

Nevertheless, within the Battle Sword Sect, many had long regarded Ji Feixue and Lou Bingyu as a destined couple.

As Qin Wentian led the way, Lou Bingyu cast a fleeting glance at Ji Feixue. Her cold, beautiful eyes revealed little of her inner thoughts. However, her gaze inevitably shifted towards Qin Wentian, as she couldn't help but compare the two in her mind.

In the past, Ji Feixue had been her sole focus, and she had monitored his every move closely. She was aware of the rumors surrounding her and Ji Feixue, and at times, peculiar emotions stirred within her that she couldn't quite decipher. Her own feelings towards Ji Feixue remained a mystery, but one thing was clear: she regarded him as an outstanding figure and aimed to surpass him.

Lou Bingyu swiftly organized her thoughts, scolding herself for overthinking. She could see Ji Feixue's growing curiosity, and although Qin Wentian was remarkable, there was still a gap between him and Ji Feixue. She couldn't predict which of the two would ultimately carry the banner of the younger generation in the Battle Sword Sect.

"Senior." Qin Wentian spoke with deep admiration for Ji Feixue. Ji Feixue was the pride of the younger generation in the Battle Sword Sect, always wearing a genuine smile. He never put on airs and had even come to Qin Wentian's aid when Di Shi had plotted against him. Such a character deserved genuine respect.

"Junior brother, reaching this point already showcases your exceptional abilities. However, the real challenge lies ahead on the path of the monument. Strive to progress as far as you can. The farther you go, the greater the benefits you'll reap, and your ranking on the Immortal Martial Realm's monument will reflect your accomplishments," Ji Feixue advised with a smile. "This marks the final confrontation in the Immortal Martial Realm. Once we step onto the path of the monument, our names will be engraved on the massive ranking monument at the realm's entrance. Soon, your name will be displayed before an audience of millions, becoming the center of attention. As your ranking climbs, I wonder how many hearts will be stirred when they see it."

"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded, his gaze scanning the area, taking in the assembly of elite talents. These were the cream of the crop, the most exceptional individuals among the participants in the Immortal Martial Realm. Among them were the eight era-suppressing geniuses, who were destined to draw attention. Soon, all of them gravitated towards the stone monuments, which contained records of the unique techniques of the Immortal Martial Realm.

A gust of wind swept through, causing hair and robes to flutter. Some participants closed their eyes and stood still, while others settled into a cross-legged position. Qin Wentian and Ji Feixue, in agreement, took a seat on the ground to begin their cultivation.

The envoys observed silently, offering no instructions, indicating that they were waiting for something or someone. Perhaps there were still individuals who hadn't arrived yet.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed, and several figures converged at the bridge's meeting point. Among them were Ye Lingshuang, Fan Le, and Ouyang Kuangsheng, who had ventured into numerous secret realms and faced multiple tests. However, they had been unable to lift the suppression on their cultivation bases. Strangely, the barrier that had obstructed their path had vanished after some time, allowing them to continue their journey and reach this location.

"We won't be able to fight alongside you anymore," Fatty remarked with a faint smile, a proud glint in his eyes as he addressed his best friend. There was no trace of his usual shamelessness; instead, his eyes sparkled with admiration. He couldn't forget how they had met during their entrance test for the Emperor Star Academy in Chu, their adventures in the Dark Forest, and how this young man had achieved such remarkable feats.

Ouyang Kuangsheng, on the other hand, felt a complex mix of emotions. While he couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy, he was primarily proud to have a friend like Qin Wentian. He hoped that Qin Wentian would continue to ascend to even greater heights.

Li Hanyou anxiously awaited Li Hantian's arrival, but as the envoys opened their eyes and revealed the path to the monuments, Li Hantian had not yet appeared. Panic washed over her as she realized that he might never arrive.

Simultaneously, the crowd was stunned to discover that the Supreme Demon Sect's Saint Child, Poison Scorpion from the Sky Poison Valley, and several other Heaven Chosen from reclusive sects and ancient regions had disappeared. They were now destined to remain buried in the Immortal Martial Realm forever.

"This accursed burial ground for geniuses! It was always meant to be a stage for the select few," someone cursed, voicing the sentiments of many. They had hoped to find their place in the Immortal Martial Realm, only to realize that they were not the main characters but merely supporting cast members.

As they watched the figures proceeding toward the stone monuments, disappointment filled the eyes of many spectators. They understood that these individuals were now destined to shape the future of the Royal Sacred Region.

Outside the Immortal Martial Realm, countless onlookers had gathered within a hundred-mile radius, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Immortal Martial Realm's dazzling stone monument. Whose names would grace it?

Gu Liufeng, Ji Feixue, Di Shi... One by one, these familiar names began to appear on the stone monument, radiating brilliance. The crowd watched with bated breath as more names appeared, increasing the monument's luminosity.

Members of major sects and powerful ancient clans and countries stood among the spectators, their fists clenched in anticipation. When the names stopped appearing, a sense of dread overcame many as they realized that the Saint Child's name was conspicuously absent. Anxiety gripped their hearts.

However, there were also those with smiles on their faces, having seen the names of their Heaven Chosen on the monument. This was especially true for the Battle Sword Sect, as four of their members' names shone brilliantly on the stone monument.

The maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley congregated around Mo Qingcheng, and when they saw the three words 'Qin Wentian' floating on the monument, an indescribably beautiful and radiant smile illuminated Mo Qingcheng's face.