Epiphany

Epiphany

Upon the hallowed grounds of the Sacred Battle Platform, the relentless duels between the combatants raged on, unyielding in the face of time's march. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the battlefield into shadows, night stealthily claimed dominion over the realm.

Throughout this eventful day, Qin Wentian had been thrust into three fierce battles. First, the confrontation with Di Shi, followed by an electrifying clash against Liu Lan, and then the heated engagement with the Radiant Gold crown prince. In all these encounters, he bore the mantle of the underdog, yet he refused to bow to defeat. Despite the odds stacked against him, he managed to hold his ground, avoiding total submission. Di Shi, driven by an unquenchable thirst for victory, repeatedly sought to challenge him, only to be met with Qin Wentian's resolute refusal. His rationale for doing so lay in the structure of the grand battle—nine participants in a round-robin format. As long as one combatant had yet to step onto the battlefield, others had the prerogative to temporarily decline challenges.

Qin Wentian's decision to hold back stemmed from his desire for contemplation. The three battles had bestowed upon him invaluable insights, allowing him to glean the true essence of the Mandate of Lightning from Liu Lan and the profound mysteries of the Mandate of Gold from the Radiant Gold crown prince.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Li Tian confronted Dongyue Hanjiang. Though Li Tian boasted an edge in power, he found himself unable to coerce his opponent into submission, their strengths not differing significantly.

Fan Miaoyu, representing the Heaven Cleaving Manor, faced off against Wu Teng, the Chosen of the War Country. Initially, onlookers expected Fan Miaoyu, a ninth-level Heavenly Dipper expert, to dominate the battle. To their astonishment, Wu Teng proved an equally formidable adversary, even appearing to hold the upper hand. The sheer ferocity of his attacks, combined with his broad strides and great axe, seemed to unnerve Fan Miaoyu, leaving the audience astounded. Wu Teng's astounding strength had far exceeded their expectations.

Fan Miaoyu didn't stop at Wu Teng; she also engaged the crown prince of Radiant Gold and Liu Lan in combat. Her resilience and prowess hinted at her proximity to grasping the true intent of her Mandates. Much like Qin Wentian, she seized this exceptional opportunity to forge ahead on her path to becoming even stronger.

With a day's worth of battles behind them, all nine combatants remained steadfast upon the Sacred Battle Platform. Although discernible disparities existed in their strength levels, none had yet demonstrated overwhelming dominance to force their rivals into submission.

"Rest for the night, and we shall resume our battles with the dawn," a voice resounded, announcing the temporary cessation of hostilities. However, the Sacred Battle Platform remained sealed, its contenders confined within until the morrow.

The spectators, though relieved by the respite, struggled to shake off their lingering awe and amazement. The day's battles had been so awe-inspiring that many still felt numb from the shock of witnessing such incredible displays of martial prowess.

"Father," Ye Lingshuang approached Human Emperor Ye Qingyun, seeking his insight. As the Emperor, his discerning eye might pierce through the layers of the spectacle.

"All nine of them harbor their own designs and motives," Ye Qingyun mused, his gaze unwavering. "Several could have compelled their opponents to concede, but they refrained from doing so. Notably, Wu Teng and Fan Miaoyu concealed the true extent of their capabilities. In Fan Miaoyu's case, as one of the eight era-suppressing geniuses at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper realm, it's inconceivable that she has yet to grasp even a single true intent of her Mandates. As for Wu Teng, his might exceeds the rumors that precede him."

Ye Qingyun's revelation left Ye Lingshuang's captivating eyes wide with astonishment.

"Father, are you implying that Fan Miaoyu deliberately held back? But what could be her motive behind such a strategy?" Ye Lingshuang inquired, a hint of curiosity coloring her voice.

Ye Qingyun, the Human Emperor, responded with sagely wisdom, "Even for someone of Fan Miaoyu's caliber, it's no easy task to find eight other opponents of equal standing in ordinary circumstances. In my estimation, Fan Miaoyu might have already grasped the true essence of a Mandate, but she seeks refinement. She wants to harness this unique opportunity to perfect her control. If I were in her shoes, facing such exceptional adversaries, I would relish the chance for more rounds of combat."

Concern crept into Ye Lingshuang's voice as she considered Qin Wentian. "In that case, what about Wentian's situation?"

Ye Qingyun offered a frank assessment. "Frankly, Wentian is one of the weaker contenders on that stage. His lower cultivation level places him at a disadvantage. However, his extensive repertoire of techniques may well give him the edge. In terms of overall combat ability, he may even surpass Chi Lian, Dongyue Hanjiang, and Li Tian. But let's not overlook the formidable techniques at Di Shi's disposal, nor the daunting challenge posed by Liu Lan, who has unraveled the true intent of Lightning. While both Di Shi and Liu Lan harbor intentions to eliminate Wentian, their task won't be a walk in the park. As for Fan Miaoyu and Wu Teng, they possess the potential to pose a genuine threat to Wentian, yet their intent isn't lethal."

Ye Qingyun's insightful analysis garnered a nod of agreement from Ye Lingshuang, who listened intently.

Meanwhile, spectators in the arena whispered among themselves, dissecting the grand battle unfolding before their eyes. Who among these nine extraordinary individuals would eventually earn the coveted title of "Unrivaled in Heavenly Dipper"?

With the break of dawn, Dongyue Hanjiang stepped forward, his eyes locked on Wu Teng of the War Country. "Wu Teng, care to engage in this round of combat with me?"

Wu Teng's eyelids lifted, revealing an air of unshakable self-assuredness as he calmly responded, "You don't possess the strength to face me."

His words, though composed, exuded a confidence that rendered Dongyue Hanjiang indignant. Dongyue Hanjiang's face contorted as he retorted, "And what makes you so audacious?"

"Since you yearn for elimination, allow me to fulfill your wish," Wu Teng declared, rising from his seat. The platforms beneath them both began to rotate, transporting them to the center of the Sacred Battle Platform.

Dongyue Hanjiang, undeterred, advanced. With a raise of his palms, an overwhelming suppression energy emanated from above, pressing down with incredible force. Yet, Wu Teng responded with a simple and casual motion, conjuring the silhouette of a colossal great axe in the heavens. With a single sweep, Wu Teng effortlessly cleaved Dongyue Hanjiang's attack in two, hardly breaking a sweat.

"True intent of the Mandate of Axe," the crowd murmured in hushed astonishment, their voices laden with reverence. Wu Teng's great axe, it seemed, harbored an enigmatic sentience.

Dongyue Hanjiang persisted, unleashing another attack that sent his astral nova surging forth. An immense suppression energy surged wildly, yet Wu Teng remained composed. With a flick of his hand, he summoned his axe once more. His movements, though plain, conveyed a sense of going back to basics. Each swing seemed capable of turning the sturdiest materials to decayed wood, effortlessly severing Dongyue Hanjiang's strikes.

Fury ignited within Dongyue Hanjiang, driving him to launch a frenzied onslaught. Wu Teng, however, appeared unperturbed, continuing to cleave with ease. His motions, seemingly ordinary and unhurried, deftly countered every one of Dongyue Hanjiang's attacks. As Wu Teng's axe-light intensified, spectators marveled at the colossal silhouette of a great-axe-wielding figure that had materialized behind him, mimicking his every move. Each cleave resounded with power, severing Dongyue Hanjiang's efforts with unwavering precision. Before Dongyue Hanjiang could concede defeat, one of his arms had already fallen victim to the ruthless efficiency of Wu Teng's axe.

"I admit defeat!" Dongyue Hanjiang, drenched in cold sweat, conceded, his voice trembling. With but a thought from Wu Teng, that menacing axe could have ended his life.

"Remarkable," the audience murmured, their hearts aflutter with awe. Wu Teng had finally unveiled the true extent of his prowess. He had the means to end Dongyue Hanjiang, yet chose instead to show restraint.

What an enigmatic, hermit-like figure Wu Teng was. Despite his relatively advanced age compared to the others, he was a talent that had matured gradually over time, a slow-burning flame of combat prowess that sent shivers down people's spines.

"The true essence of martial mandates. Perhaps it's a journey of returning to simplicity from complexity," mused Qin Wentian. Wu Teng's display of axe mastery served as a poignant reminder. Previously, Qin Wentian had encountered the true intents of Lightning and Gold, their attacks brimming with complexity and intricacy. Liu Lan's true intent of Lightning, despite its multifaceted insights into the Mandate of Lightning, seemed somehow lacking compared to Wu Teng.

It was akin to the varying depths of comprehension when it came to a Mandate. The depth of understanding directly correlated with one's strength.

Clearly, Wu Teng's grasp of his true intent ran much deeper.

Recollections of the moments in the grass hut came flooding back to Qin Wentian's mind. From the 15th to the 21st sword strike, the true intents behind those seven strikes had all stripped away layers of complexity, returning to a pure simplicity. When the true intent of Wind was infused, it concealed any trace of the wind within the swordplay. The true intents encapsulated within the path of the grass hut operated on a level even beyond Wu Teng's.

Liu Lan and the Radiant Gold crown prince, by contrast, appeared among the weakest in the supreme-tier category. In their attacks, traces of their respective Mandates remained evident and discernible.

In this moment, Qin Wentian experienced a sudden epiphany.

Yesterday, he had been deeply engrossed in contemplation but couldn't quite grasp it. However, now, as he beheld Wu Teng's radiant axe light and harkened back to his experiences on the path of the grass hut, a spark of insight ignited within him.

Yet, this spark of insight didn't imply that he had truly comprehended his own true intent. That remained contingent on his own innate perception.

The fact that he could glean enlightenment from observing others' battles attested to the extraordinary caliber of his perception. Countless disciples in the major powers had likely grasped true intents, but how many could claim to achieve epiphanies through mere observation? And of those who did, how many could follow through and unlock their own true intents?

It all boiled down to the individual. In this moment, it hinged on Qin Wentian's ability to harness this flicker of insight, this sudden epiphany, and use it as a stepping stone to further understanding.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Qin Wentian closed his eyes once more, immersing himself in self-reflection.

"Each of us has now completed a round. You can't evade me any longer; it's time for your demise," declared Di Shi.

Qin Wentian inhaled deeply, determined to rise above the thunderous cacophony of Di Shi's voice that reverberated in his mind, threatening to disrupt his focus. The intensity of Di Shi's desire for his life was palpable.

As Qin Wentian reopened his eyes, a glint of icy resolve gleamed within. He rose to his feet, his blood surging with newfound strength, his body aglow with radiant light. The Yuanfus within him hummed with vitality, resonating with power.

BOOM!

Around Di Shi, several fierce bird-like manifestations swooped into existence, their predatory presence palpable. Meanwhile, an ethereal image of an azure roc materialized behind him, not an astral soul or nova, but a manifestation of raw power. As azure light enveloped Di Shi's entire form, an eerie runic glow bathed the surroundings in an ominous radiance.

A fierce gust of wind howled, and in the blink of an eye, Di Shi vanished from sight. The azure roc's image let out a furious cry as an overwhelming binding force ensnared Qin Wentian. To the watching spectators, it seemed as though countless runic symbols were inscribed upon Qin Wentian, giving birth to minuscule azure rocs that clawed at him.

"Do you entertain thoughts of survival?" Di Shi's voice reverberated, his arms outstretched. The runic inscriptions on Qin Wentian erupted, and each explosion punctured his defenses, leaving behind a trail of crimson wounds.

Qin Wentian muttered, "Harnessing the might of the azure roc?" Di Shi must have utilized some secret art to forge a connection with a true azure roc or induced a transformation within himself to tap into the azure roc's power.

"The power, it's everywhere," Qin Wentian whispered. Di Shi loomed high above, his murderous gaze directed downward.

"I will relish in your demise, savoring every moment of your torment," a malevolent smirk flickered across Di Shi's face. It appeared that he had to resort to his ultimate trump card to vanquish Qin Wentian.

Another assault was unleashed, and an awe-inspiring azure roc manifestation descended, slashing a path toward its target. Runic lights painted the sky as the assault found its mark.

Qin Wentian seemed devoid of any aura. Spectators observed as he raised his palms, delivering a retaliatory strike.

BOOM!

A deafening blast echoed through the air. Though Di Shi's attack propelled Qin Wentian backward, it failed to achieve its intended outcome. Strangely, it appeared that Qin Wentian was no longer confined. He ascended into the heavens, fixing his gaze upon Di Shi with a remarkable expression in his eyes.

"Hmm?" Di Shi furrowed his brows, his murderous intent surging. "Futile resistance."

With those words, an invisible force surged, and he suddenly felt an overpowering energy enveloping his body. Qin Wentian had not even initiated an attack, yet a formidable force capable of toppling mountains and stirring seas bore down on him. With a resounding impact, his attempted assault was shattered as the overwhelming might crashed into him.

BANG!

Di Shi was forcibly driven backward, emitting a pained groan. His face contorted in bewilderment as he stared at Qin Wentian before him. Yet in Qin Wentian's eyes, that expression of astonishment still flickered. What's more, when he locked eyes with Di Shi, a hint of playful mockery danced within his gaze.