Engraved Names

Engraved Names

Lin Xianer's voice, like a gentle caress, wafted through the air. Her rosy cheeks, tinged by the wine she had imbibed, only served to enhance her innate shyness. Her emotions lay plain for all to see, and the allure emanating from her gentle, soul-stirring countenance bore down on Qin Wentian with a force to rival the threats of Gu Liufeng and Hua Taixu. Lin Xianer had a captivating aura that could hold the world captive without her even trying. And now, intentionally deploying her charm, she could lead nations to war over her favor. People found themselves ensnared by her beauty, unable to break free.

Lou Bingyu cast a sidelong glance at Lin Xianer. Despite the sense of impropriety she felt, she sensed that Lin Xianer's character was not malevolent. Otherwise, she wouldn't have shielded Di Shi's attack aimed at Ye Lingshuang and the others earlier. Right now, Lin Xianer showed no inclination to reveal what had transpired between her and Qin Wentian. Despite her 'reputation,' Lou Bingyu could discern that Lin Xianer had a kind heart.

Of course, the issue of 'reputation' was primarily based on rumors Lou Bingyu had heard. Her worldly experience was limited, and her understanding of the disciples of the Celestial Maiden Sect had led her to these conclusions. In reality, Lin Xianer's actions greatly diverged from the rumors. Speaking in such a flirtatious manner was actually pushing the boundaries of Lin Xianer's comfort zone.

"Cough cough..." Qin Wentian coughed, avoiding Lin Xianer's gaze. The emotions in her eyes, a mixture of desire and shyness, threatened to steal his very soul. It was no wonder people in the Royal Sacred Region deemed Lin Xianer, the Holy Maiden of the Celestial Maiden Sect, as the number one beauty under the heavens—a true femme fatale. If Lin Xian`er set her sights on charming someone, very few could resist her allure.

"Teehee, Junior Brother Qin, you've not only secured the top rank but also the favor of Fairy Lin. This is bound to make those around you green with envy and admiration," Ji Feixue laughed, lowering his head to avoid Lin Xianer's gaze as well. His heart trembled slightly, silently cursing Lin Xianer as a true temptress. Her earlier words had ignited a passion within him, despite not being directed at him. Qin Wentian's feelings at this moment were undoubtedly tumultuous.

"Fairy Lin, please, don't tease me any further," Qin Wentian implored with a smile, shaking his head to regain his composure.

"Xianer was merely speaking from the heart," Lin Xianer giggled. The shyness in her eyes held everyone captive. If only Lin Xian`er treated them with the same charm, they would gladly indulge in some licentious fun with this enchantress.

Qin Wentian found himself at a loss for words in the face of her playful banter. As he met her gaze, a peculiar glint sparkled in Lin Xian`er's eyes. They raised their wine cups and clinked them together, both downing the contents in a single gulp. The fiery sensation coursed through their bodies once more, the astral energy in their Yuanfu surging to its peak, circulating frenetically and echoing like thunder within them.

A resounding BOOM echoed through the air, breaking the lingering silence that followed Qin Wentian's shocking ascent to the top of the Immortal Martial Realm rankings. But before the crowd could fully process this revelation, a palpable wave of intense killing intent descended upon them.

"So, what if you're ranked first in the Immortal Martial Realm? It merely signifies your untapped potential. But potential alone won't save you from death," a cold voice sliced through the air, drawing the attention of everyone present. All eyes turned toward Di Shi, and a collective understanding swept through the crowd.

The longstanding animosity between Qin Wentian and Di Shi was no secret. Among those gathered, Di Shi was undoubtedly the most displeased upon discovering that Qin Wentian had claimed the top spot in this batch of Immortal Martial Realm participants. Not only did he harbor a deep grudge against Qin Wentian for the death of his younger brother, but he also found himself outside the top ten rankings, a position that Qin Wentian had snatched away from him. Naturally, Di Shi had no intention of acknowledging Qin Wentian's supremacy.

Ji Feixue, Duan Han, Lou Bingyu, and Lin Xian`er exchanged worried glances. They had previously clashed with Di Shi, who had recently broken through to the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper, making him a formidable adversary. Had they not intervened, Ye Lingshuang and the others would have surely met a dire fate. However, Qin Wentian remained unaware of these events.

The sounds of merriment and the clinking of wine glasses came to an abrupt halt as Di Shi's words hung heavy in the air.

"How can you even compare yourself to Di Shi? He's ranked eleventh in the Immortal Martial Realm, defeated by junior brother Qin under entirely fair conditions. And then, he took his frustration out on Wentian's friends, whose cultivation bases were suppressed. Your capabilities are quite limited after all. Your actions and words will be known far and wide. As for your reputation as one of the eight era-suppressing geniuses, from today onward, everyone will see that you've utterly failed to live up to that title. Junior brother Qin is destined to replace you," Ji Feixue retorted coldly.

Qin Wentian's expression stiffened as he questioned, "Senior brother, did you say he attacked my friends?"

"I've been meaning to tell you about this. After you defeated him and he was ousted from the stone monument trial, he immediately targeted Ye Lingshuang and your other friends, thanks to his breakthrough to the eighth level of Heavenly Dipper. If it weren't for Fairy Lin intervening to shield them, the consequences would have been dire. In fact, she was injured in the process. You should take this opportunity to express your gratitude to her for her selflessness," Ji Feixue explained, wanting to alert Qin Wentian to the danger posed by Di Shi. He revealed Di Shi's current level of cultivation to prepare Qin Wentian for any future confrontations.

A surge of icy fury emanated from Qin Wentian, directed squarely at Di Shi. Di Shi met his gaze with an icy demeanor, his eyes ablaze with murderous intent. Downing a cup of wine in one gulp, he pointed his finger provocatively at Qin Wentian, his intentions crystal clear.

Though Qin Wentian chose not to respond directly to Di Shi's provocation, a tempest of killing intent raged within him. In that moment, Di Shi had earned a spot on the list of individuals whom Qin Wentian was determined to vanquish.

Qin Wentian took a harsh swig of wine, ignoring the fiery burn that coursed through his throat. His gaze remained fixed on Lin Xianer, gratitude welling up within him. Although Ji Feixue had mentioned it casually, Qin Wentian understood the gravity of the situation. Without Lin Xianer's intervention, Di Shi, with his formidable strength, could have effortlessly slaughtered Ye Lingshuang and the others. Lin Xian`er had selflessly disregarded her own well-being, shielding them from Di Shi's assault, and for that, Qin Wentian felt an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

Furthermore, had Ji Feixue not revealed this information, Lin Xianer might never have disclosed it, leaving Qin Wentian in the dark indefinitely. The sense of appreciation he harbored for Ji Feixue and Lin Xianer was profound and heartfelt.

"Xianer acted because I couldn't condone his actions. There's no need to dwell on it, Sir Qin. We're already friends; no thanks are necessary," Lin Xianer replied with a gentle smile.

Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. "Please, Xian`er, don't call me Sir Qin anymore. Just call me Wentian from now on."

Lin Xian`er regarded Qin Wentian with a subtle smile playing on her lips. She said softly, "Wentian, that does sound smoother. Very well, I shall call you Wentian from now on."

Meanwhile, Wu Mu, who stood on the stone platform in the center of the astral lake, observed the participants with a friendly smile. He then proposed, "I assume you're all eager to see the situation outside? Since we've already prepared the banquet, let's enhance the atmosphere a bit. It's time to engrave your names on the ranking monument."

Wu Mu's words left many momentarily stunned. The participants redirected their gazes behind Wu Mu to a colossal astral monument, where their names were already inscribed on the front.

"Is this the ranking monument at the entrance of the Immortal Martial Realm? Are our rankings being engraved on it?" someone exclaimed in astonishment.

"In that case, this dimension we're in right now is within the space inside the ranking monument at the entrance itself?" another speculated.

"Haha, you're absolutely right. This astral monument is precisely the one at the entrance. Did you think your names would magically appear there? Of course, it's our handiwork," Wu Mu chuckled, dispelling any misconceptions.

"So, this place serves as both the entrance and the exit? After enduring countless trials, we've essentially come full circle, returning to our initial location. The only change is the situation outside," Li Tian mused.

"Indeed," Wu Mu affirmed, and understanding dawned on everyone.

Suddenly, the back of the astral monument turned transparent, revealing the world outside. Countless individuals from various factions had gathered, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the rankings.

As they observed the external scene, a profound sense of astonishment washed over the participants. Only now did they realize the sheer number of people outside who awaited the results with bated breath.

"Master has arrived," Lou Bingyu exclaimed, her beautiful eyes widening as she spotted an extraordinary figure standing atop a stone pillar. It was none other than the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.

A thought crossed Lou Bingyu's mind, and she stole a glance at Qin Wentian, her eyes filled with complex emotions. If her master learned that not only had she failed to surpass Ji Feixue but had also become friends with Qin Wentian, and that Qin Wentian was ranked number one in the Immortal Martial Realm, what would the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness think?

Di Shi's narrowed eyes revealed his growing displeasure. Outside the Immortal Martial Realm, numerous experts from his mighty Di Clan had gathered, all eagerly awaiting the announcement of the rankings.

In the midst of this momentous occasion, Qin Wentian's gaze was singularly fixed upon an exquisite and peerless silhouette, Mo Qingcheng. She stood there, a vision of empire-toppling beauty, with a hint of nervousness in her eyes. Mo Qingcheng's flawless countenance radiated anticipation as her delicate hands clenched into fists. As he observed her, a warm sensation enveloped Qin Wentian's heart. He understood that only matters concerning him could evoke such a heartfelt reaction from Mo Qingcheng.

"Hmm, who's that?" Qin Wentian shifted his attention to the elderly man standing beside Mo Qingcheng. This man exuded an extraordinary aura, and the experts from the Medicine Sovereign Valley respectfully stood behind him. Occasionally, Mo Qingcheng would steal nervous glances in his direction. All of this led Qin Wentian to speculate whether this elderly gentleman might be none other than the Medicine Sovereign himself.

Many formidable figures had gathered outside the Immortal Martial Realm, and the possibility of the Medicine Sovereign making a personal appearance was not inconceivable.

Separated by the ancient monument, the people inside harbored various thoughts, while outside, the crowd was in a state of heightened anxiety. The floating names on the ranking monument had all disappeared, signaling the impending revelation of the rankings.

A brilliant light flashed as the first name was engraved onto the ranking monument. It happened to be the name of a participant ranked at the bottom, hailing from the Divine Dragon Castle. The fact that their name appeared first left those from the Divine Dragon Castle crestfallen.

Following this, the second and third names materialized, gradually ascending from the lowest ranks to the top.

"Princess Jiao Yang's name has appeared too. Surprisingly, she didn't even make it into the top twenty!" Many people expressed their astonishment. Those floating names represented numerous renowned individuals in the Royal Sacred Region, yet how many of them would secure a spot in the top ten?

"Bingyu's name hasn't come up yet," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness murmured anxiously. She hoped that Lou Bingyu's name would appear as late as possible.

"Di Shi, it's all up to you now," the members of the supreme Di Clan watched with bated breath, eagerly anticipating Di Shi's ranking among the top three.

With each newly engraved name, the hearts of the onlookers pounded with apprehension. This continued until the top twenty names were revealed.

"None of the names of the eight era-suppressing geniuses has appeared yet. It seems they all secured spots within the top ten," the crowd speculated. Although Qin Wentian's name had yet to surface, most had already forgotten about him. But one person could never forget him—Mo Qingcheng. Her face flushed with a slight shade of red, a testament to her anxiety. Qin Wentian's name had yet to be called; he must have secured a high ranking.

As the participant's name ranked at #12 finally appeared, many drew in deep breaths. The moment of truth had arrived. It appeared that all eight of the era-suppressing geniuses indeed held positions within the top ten.

"Di Shi won't disappoint our supreme Di Clan," the Di Clan members asserted with unwavering confidence and mounting excitement.

Then, at that precise moment, the name of the participant who ranked #11 was etched onto the stone monument. Two colossal characters, 'Di Shi,' boldly entered the collective consciousness of the spectators.

In an instant, colossal waves of shock surged through the crowd, leaving those from the supreme Di Clan utterly stunned. Di Shi, one of the eight era-suppressing geniuses, had been ranked at #11. He hadn't even made it into the top ten!