I Really Feel Like Kissing You
In the heart of the Immortal Martial Realm, a profound silence draped like a heavy veil. It was so hushed that a pin dropping to the ground would have echoed like thunder.
Countless eyes remained fixed on the trio. Despite their burning curiosity about the victor, the crowd remained strangely quiet. They yearned to decipher the outcome from the expressions of Qin Wentian and the other two contenders.
Yet, they were met with disappointment. Qin Wentian, Gu Liufeng, and Hua Taixu stood still, their faces devoid of emotion. There was no interaction among them; they simply stood in silence, as if still processing the intense battle that had unfolded within the stone monuments.
A moment stretched into what felt like an eternity. Finally, a subtle shift in their expressions broke the tension. A faint smile graced their lips, and they exchanged nods of mutual respect. This unexpected display of camaraderie only fueled the crowd's frustration. They silently cursed, craving for any of the three to break the silence. Who claimed the first and second spots?
Gu Liufeng, always a lone wolf, had few acquaintances, and no one dared to approach him for answers. Even if they did, he likely wouldn't respond. Hua Taixu, shrouded in mystery, left most people with more questions than answers. That left only Qin Wentian. Though he had many friends among the spectators, they suppressed their eagerness. They told themselves to be patient, to wait for Qin Wentian to reveal the truth in his own time.
Yet, the itch of curiosity grew unbearable with each passing second. But on such a solemn occasion, if the revelation was that Qin Wentian didn't secure the first place, the awkwardness would be palpable. It was better to endure a little longer.
In that moment, a group of figures emerged from the shimmering bronze gate near the stone monuments. Cloaked in white attire, they were the envoys of the Immortal Martial Realm. Positioned below the stairway, one of them spoke, "The Realmlord of the Immortal Martial Realm invites all participants who have walked the path of the stone monuments."
"Realmlord of the Immortal Martial Realm?" The spectators' hearts raced. The envoys waved their hands, parting the path of monuments before them, revealing a way that led to the bronze gate's stairway.
"Senior, is the Realmlord also the master of the Immortal Martial Realm?" Gu Liufeng inquired. He had personally seen the master of the Immortal Realm earlier, a true immortal who, by rights, shouldn't be in the Royal Sacred Region.
"No, he is not. After the master created the Immortal Martial Realm, he appointed Realmlords through the generations to administer it," an envoy clarified. Gu Liufeng nodded, that explanation made sense. The master of the Immortal Martial Realm was a legendary immortal who likely had more significant matters to attend to. Thus, the task of management fell to the Realmlords and envoys.
Among the crowd, Di Shi and the core disciples of other major powers wore puzzled expressions. Their elders had never mentioned the Monument Realm Gate, nor had they heard of the Realmlord's existence. It appeared that this expedition differed from those of the past.
Seventy-five individuals, having had the suppression on their cultivation bases lifted, now possessed the qualification to partake in the trial of the stone monuments. With synchronized steps, they advanced toward the bronze gate.
Leading the way were Qin Wentian, Hua Taixu, and Gu Liufeng. As they ascended the stairway, they entered the bronze gate, marking the next chapter of their journey.
Within the enchanting confines of an ancient palace, a mesmerizing radiance bathed everything in its luminous embrace. Astral light danced and shimmered throughout the dimension, and at this very moment, a figure sat cross-legged on a stone platform, placed gracefully amidst a tranquil lake filled with astral water. His eyes gradually fluttered open, emanating a brilliant inner light as he acknowledged the participants.
"That's our Realmlord," one of the envoys introduced. Instantly, Qin Wentian and the others wasted no time in showing their respect, bowing low and addressing him, "Junior greets the Realmlord."
"Since the Monument Realm Gate has opened on this rare occasion, I, Wu, consider it a great honor to meet so many talented young heroes. Is there anyone here from the War Country?" The Realmlord's eyes twinkled with a warm smile as he gazed at the participants. The group searched among themselves, but not a single representative from the War Country was among those qualified for the trial of the stone monuments.
Seeing no response, a touch of disappointment flickered across the Realmlord's face.
"Senior, are you the son of the Martial Emperor of the War Country from three hundred years ago?" A voice broke the silence, belonging to none other than Li Tian of the Barbarian Tribe from the Southern Domain. He stared at the Realmlord with sharp, piercing eyes.
"To think there would be someone who remembers me." The Realmlord mused to himself before regaining his warm smile, his words causing the hearts of everyone present to race.
The Realmlord was none other than Wu Mu, the son of the Martial Emperor. His talents were exceptional, a true Heaven Chosen of the Royal Sacred Region. Three hundred years ago, he had held the top position on the Immortal Martial Realm ranking monument and had even broken through to the Celestial Phenomenon realm three years later before disappearing from the Royal Sacred Region. The crowd's minds raced as they recalled various stories and historical accounts stored in their clans or sects. The realization dawned on them; the tales were true, and the Immortal Martial Realm was indeed seeking talent.
With this revelation, questions arose. Would the top three of this batch, namely Qin Wentian, Gu Liufeng, and Hua Taixu, also receive an invitation?
All eyes turned toward the trio, envy simmering in their hearts. Wu Mu exuded an unfathomable aura, making it impossible to gauge his true strength. Perhaps he had already reached the pinnacle of the Celestial Phenomenon realm, poised for a breakthrough into the legendary domain beyond.
"Today, I, Wu Mu, am delighted to meet the brilliant young talents of the next generation. I will host a banquet lasting seven days, and before this journey into the Immortal Martial Realm concludes, I shall tour the Royal Sacred Region to witness the changes since my departure," Wu Mu declared with a hearty laugh. He waved his hand, prompting the envoys to swiftly prepare the banquet. A lavish feast awaited the seventy-plus participants, featuring exquisite wines and delectable dishes displayed on tables crafted from Yuan Meteor Stones.
"Duan Han, junior brother Qin, junior sister Lou, let's sit together," Ji Feixue proposed, and Qin Wentian nodded in agreement.
"May I join as well...?" Lin Xian'er approached with a smile, her captivating eyes fixed on Qin Wentian. She was eager to learn the outcome of the fierce battle between Qin Wentian, Hua Taixu, and Gu Liufeng, and who among them emerged as the victor.
"If Fairy Lin is willing, it would be our honor," Ji Feixue responded with a laugh. The five of them gathered at one table, while not far away, Princess Jiao Yang selected a spot to join them, her gaze occasionally drifting toward their group.
Di Shi's piercing, murderous gaze locked onto Qin Wentian, brimming with an intensity that seemed ready to pierce through time itself. The air around them crackled with the palpable tension, and Di Shi harbored an insatiable desire to rush forward and put an end to Qin Wentian's existence.
Realmlord Wu Mu, a figure of profound importance, intervened with a cheerful disposition. His presence diffused the brewing conflict as he addressed the gathering, "Ladies and gentlemen, no need for formalities here. Feel free to choose your seats as you wish. This banquet will span seven days and nights, so indulge yourselves in the feast, eat and drink to your heart's content." Wu Mu's laughter rang through the hall, setting the tone for a joyous celebration. Nods of approval rippled through the assembly, and many had already begun to partake in the sumptuous offerings and exquisite wine.
But then, a sudden exclamation of astonishment disrupted the jovial atmosphere. All eyes turned to Li Tian, who had drained his wine cup in one gulp. His face had flushed a deep crimson hue, and within him, astral energy surged like a tempest.
"Remarkable!" Li Tian exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of awe. He felt as though his entire body was aflame.
"The cuisine here is comprised of rare and precious ingredients, more valuable than high-grade pills. It has significantly enhanced my affinity with astral energy in such a short time," another participant marveled. The faces of the onlookers stiffened as they gazed at the delectable dishes gracing the tables. Only now did they comprehend the true meaning behind Realmlord Wu Mu's words.
For seven days, the banquet would be endless—a continuous celebration of gastronomic delights and spirited camaraderie.
"HAHA, savor every moment. These ingredients are not only exquisite in flavor but also brimming with nourishing properties." Wu Mu's laughter echoed merrily. Lou Bingyu, too, took a sip of wine, and her complexion instantly transformed. The once-ice-cold beauty now exuded a mesmerizing allure, her radiance captivating all who beheld her. Lou Bingyu's newfound beauty left Ji Feixue and Duan Han momentarily stupefied.
Lin Xianer delicately sipped her wine, and her cheeks bloomed with the rosy hues of red clouds. The two absolute beauties—Lou Bingyu and Lin Xianer—captivated the gaze of the entire assembly.
"Sir Qin," Lin Xianer softly called out to Qin Wentian. His gaze met hers, drawn to the irresistible allure that emanated from her ethereal beauty. Fortunately, Qin Wentian was well-acquainted with the presence of enchanting women in his life. Lin Xianer, known as the "number one beauty under the heavens," now wore an expression flushed with innocence, her eyes exuding a gentle warmth capable of melting even the stoniest of hearts. Her beauty held a bewitching power, undeniable in its might.
"Could you share the outcome of the battle with Xianer secretly?" Lin Xianer asked with a coquettish blink, her innocent charm radiating irresistibly. Her request piqued the curiosity of the vast majority of spectators, who eagerly turned their attention to Qin Wentian. They, too, yearned to learn the battle's outcome. In the presence of such breathtaking beauty, few could resist her entreaty.
For a moment, Qin Wentian found himself entranced by Lin Xianer's allure. He had taken a sip of the wine, and the surge of astral energy within him had ignited a fiery passion throughout his body. As he gazed at Lin Xianer, he marveled at her breathtaking beauty.
Lou Bingyu also fixed her eyes on him, her gaze filled with an intensity that mirrored her desire to know the result of the battle.
Inwardly chastising his wavering willpower, Qin Wentian offered a wry smile.
A hushed murmur enveloped the assembly, curiosity sparking in every heart. The anticipation in the air was electric. Then, a voice, as melodious as a breeze through the leaves, drifted over, sending shockwaves through the crowd.
"Don't be curious anymore. The one who stands atop this batch of participants is none other than Qin Wentian," the voice proclaimed. It was as if a thunderclap had resounded in the hearts of all present. If these words had been uttered by anyone else, doubt would have hung in the air like a stubborn fog. But the speaker carried an undeniable authority—the voice belonged to Gu Liufeng.
Qin Wentian had clinched the coveted number one position on the Immortal Martial Realm's ranking monument!
Gu Liufeng's statement was a seismic revelation. It was no longer a question of whether Qin Wentian had bested his peers; he had outshone them all, securing the top spot.
The weight of Gu Liufeng's words bore down on the multitude. Qin Wentian wasn't third, nor was he second—he was number one!
A young contender, not among the famed eight era-suppressing geniuses, had soared to heights unimaginable. He had defeated Gu Liufeng and Hua Taixu, solidifying his position as an unparalleled force.
The spectators' hearts surged with a tumultuous mix of emotions. They were unable to contain their excitement. From this moment forward, Qin Wentian's name would echo throughout the Royal Sacred Region, held in the same reverence as the era-suppressing geniuses. He had etched his legacy in the annals of history.
Ji Feixue's heart pounded wildly. He drew in a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he regarded the young man who had outshone them all.
Lou Bingyu's eyes bore into Qin Wentian with unwavering intensity. Her normally serene heart now churned with tempestuous waves.
Lin Xian`er's eyes, like twin torches, burned with a radiant intensity as she fixated on Qin Wentian. Her lips curled into a bewitching smile, her voice a sultry whisper, "I'm tempted to steal a kiss from you!"