Return In A Domineering Fashion

Return In A Domineering Fashion . . .

In the heart of the Azure Continent, the morning sun stretched its golden fingers across the land, bestowing vitality upon all beneath its warm gaze.

On this extraordinary day, the Azure Continent buzzed with vibrant life. Crowds thronged to various locations, converging like tributaries into a mighty river. One such gathering was at the illustrious estate of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan.

Today was a momentous occasion—the day of union between the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Jiang Clan. Ouyang Zicheng, the shining star of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, was set to marry Jiang Ting, cementing the bonds between the two families. Invitations had been dispatched far and wide to summon guests from distant realms.

A resplendent crimson carpet unfurled from the distance, leading toward the ancient castle of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, creating a pathway to the entrance. Guards stood sentinel, flanking both sides, as dignitaries from various corners of Grand Xia descended upon the scene, treading the scarlet path with their footsteps echoing in the air.

"Hearty congratulations! The union of Ouyang Zicheng and Jiang Ting is like a match made in heaven, a harmonious blend of grace and elegance," proclaimed the esteemed members of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan stationed outside the castle. Invitations were meticulously examined, granting access only to the fortunate holders. Those without the precious invite could only gaze from beyond the castle walls.

"The Extinction Sword Sect has dispatched their experts, led by Grand Elder Jian Sang. He's one of the thirty-six Starlords of Grand Xia, renowned for his formidable swordsmanship as the Swordking," whispered an informed observer, eliciting awe from the crowd. Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants represented the pinnacle of their factions, rarely making public appearances. Instead, they delegated their most significant representatives to attend such grand celebrations.

"The Multidirectional Windthunder Sect's experts have also arrived."

"Our very own Azure Emperor Palace's experts were among the first to grace the occasion."

The spectators watched as the dignitaries filed in, each accorded a designated seating area according to their status. Those without invitations occupied the lowest tier outside the castle, offering ample space.

Ascending the nine flights of stairs led to the next tier, reserved for core members of transcendent powers and aristocratic clans, reflecting their esteemed status.

Continuing upward, the seating became increasingly limited. Those fortunate enough to reach this tier were the elite disciples of transcendent powers, attended to by prominent figures of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. Above them stood the wedding stage, reserved for the most distinguished guests, closest to the heart of the celebration.

The meticulous arrangement ensured that every spectator enjoyed a splendid view of the wedding, regardless of their location. Cultivators boasted impeccable eyesight, rendering distance insignificant. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan had orchestrated a flawless experience for all attendees.

"Representatives from transcendent powers in other regions of Grand Xia have graced us with their presence."

"They may have varied intentions, but on the surface, they maintain politeness," murmured the crowd. In that very moment, a youth dressed in white emerged from the crowd. Despite his youthful appearance, he exuded an air of confidence. Stepping onto the crimson carpet, he made his way toward the castle's entrance, invitation in hand.

The official in charge of checking invitations didn't bother to inspect the document. Instead, he fixed his gaze intently on the young man in white, scrutinizing him with unwavering attention.

"It's really him?" The old man's heart trembled. Qin Wentian had visited the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan before, but he had been much weaker at the time. His presence had even sparked a conflict with Ouyang Ting, stirring waves of turmoil within the clan. As a result, many members of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan had laid eyes on Qin Wentian. Although Qin Wentian's aura had since transformed, the old man recognized him with a single glance.

"Is there an issue with my invitation?" Qin Wentian inquired with a genial smile, extending the invitation from the Mystic Moon Hall.

"What brings you here?" The old man locked eyes with Qin Wentian, attempting to decipher his intentions. He was well aware of Qin Wentian's close relationship with Ouyang Kuangsheng. In the past, Ouyang Kuangsheng had clashed directly with Ouyang Ting due to Qin Wentian. Now, with Ouyang Kuangsheng not being the groom, but Ouyang Zicheng instead, it was clear why Qin Wentian had made his appearance.

Furthermore, after disappearing from Grand Xia for several years, Qin Wentian's return was shrouded in uncertainty. No one knew what storms he might unleash, given his history, which included dividing the Pill Emperor Hall and vanquishing the Great Solar Chen Clan.

"I'm here to offer my congratulations to the couple," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. Those accompanying him, including Fan Le and the others, had hostile expressions.

"Please proceed," the old man responded, his countenance betraying a hint of sharpness as he extended a welcoming hand. Qin Wentian stepped forward, guided by the old man, and they ascended to the top tier. Upon arrival, the cold gazes of numerous individuals fixated on Qin Wentian, and several even rose from their seats to glare fiercely at him.

This spectacle bewildered those guests who were unfamiliar with Qin Wentian. They engaged in whispered speculations, pondering the identity of the young man who had stirred such commotion. Although high-ranking members of transcendent powers held considerable sway, it was rare for their presence to cause such a stir.

"It appears to be Qin Wentian, the Heavenly Fate Ranking contender from the past."

"Yes, I recognize him. I've seen him before!" One person's exclamation sent ripples of shock through the gathering.

It was indeed Qin Wentian, the young man whose exploits had achieved near-legendary status, and he had finally returned to Grand Xia.

In the past, he had transformed into a primordial great roc, joining forces with allies like Fairy Qingmei to wage war against the Great Solar Chen Clan. Employing an extraordinary sword technique, he had slain the Great Solar Chen Clan's most formidable ascendant, albeit at the cost of grievous injuries that had nearly claimed his life. Nevertheless, the battle's outcome had been the downfall of all three ascendants of the Great Solar Chen Clan and the removal of their name from the ranks of transcendent powers. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian's reputation had soared throughout Grand Xia.

Now, the legendary young man had returned.

"Fascinating! Ouyang Kuangsheng and Qin Wentian are as close as true brothers. The rift between Ouyang Kuangsheng and his clan originated from his association with Qin Wentian. He disregarded his clan's decrees and joined forces with Qin Wentian to employ the Seven Slaughters puppet formation. With the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's remarkable growth and the impending marriage to Jiang Clan, the groom being Ouyang Zicheng rather than Ouyang Kuangsheng, Qin Wentian's motives for appearing here are indeed intriguing."

"Moreover, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan had initially agreed to ally with Qin Wentian to confront the Great Solar Chen Clan. However, due to the intervention of Jun Yu, they reneged on the agreement. This ultimately compelled Qin Wentian to employ a self-destructive sword technique. And now, he has returned."

Many guests, familiar with the history, bore expressions of keen interest. Indeed, the steely gazes of several experts remained fixed on Qin Wentian, unsure of how to proceed.

"Well, what's the matter? Don't you welcome me?" Qin Wentian surveyed the crowd, prompting several individuals with hostile intentions to lock onto him. For instance, experts from the Multidirectional Thunderwind Sect, Extinction Sword Sect, and Wang Clan, all of whom had past grievances with Qin Wentian. Whether in the Azure Continent, Sword Reverence City, or Ginkou, Qin Wentian had offended numerous powers and slain their Heaven Chosen. Furthermore, it was no secret that he was the successor of the Azure Emperor, a figure with many adversaries in the past.

In the annals of Grand Xia, Qin Wentian's disappearance was shrouded in mystery. Fairy Qingmei, too, had opted for the safety of obscurity. It was a stark testament to the perils lurking for those who dared to cross Qin Wentian's path. His possession of immortal-level arts and techniques rendered him a prime target for countless individuals who coveted his life.

"Today, our esteemed guests are welcomed with open arms. Please take your seats," extended a courteous invitation from an Ouyang Aristocrat Clan expert.

"Isn't the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan being overly generous to him? This man has blood on his hands, having slain disciples from numerous transcendent powers. How can we permit his presence?" A voice suddenly interjected, laden with an air of unyielding sharpness. The speaker none other than a representative of the Wang Clan, hailing from the War Continent. Qin Wentian, backed by the reunited Azure Faction, had previously initiated a brutal assault on the Wang Clan to hinder Hua Clan's reinforcements. This clash had culminated in the deaths of several Wang Clan experts, in addition to their deep-seated grudge stemming from events at Sword Reverence City.

"That's Wang Zhan from the Wang Clan, one of the thirty-six Starlords, renowned as the War King," murmured the crowd. His name carried weight and came with a title of unparalleled strength, known for being not only formidable but also possessing untapped potential. He stood on the cusp of ascending into the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.

Qin Wentian turned his gaze toward Wang Zhan, amusement dancing in his eyes as he jeered, "The Wang Clan's still not fearful enough after I wiped the floor with so many of you before? Surprising that you still dare to bark so arrogantly in my presence."

"RUMBLE!" Wang Zhan surged to his feet, exuding an overwhelming battle intent that permeated the surroundings. His true intent emanated in torrents. As one of Grand Xia's thirty-six Starlords, he had long mastered a type of true intent. While Qin Wentian may have united the Azure Faction, the audacity of such a young upstart to speak so insolently before him stoked Wang Zhan's anger.

Surveying the crowd, Wang Zhan noted the absence of experts accompanying Qin Wentian, save for Fan Le and his companions. Fan Le and the others exchanged glances, their gazes fraught with hostility. Wang Zhan's voice grew icier as he warned, "Don't overstep your bounds, brat. While your reputation precedes you, your arrogance before me could prove your undoing, as easy as slaying a common beast."

Qin Wentian's countenance contorted with sarcasm as he retorted, "Oh? Why don't you try and find out?"

"Since you seek your own demise, I shall oblige," Wang Zhan declared, his tone frosty. Stepping forward, he unleashed a torrent of sharpness that soared heavenward. As one of the thirty-six Starlords of Grand Xia, he had already mastered a form of true intent. However, despite Qin Wentian's leadership in reuniting the Azure Faction, how could an upstart junior dare to challenge him so brazenly?

Wang Zhan eyed the crowd, gauging their reactions. With the exception of Fan Le and his group, no one else had accompanied Qin Wentian. Intent on making a statement, Wang Zhan issued a chilling threat. "Youngster, curb your insolence. Despite your notoriety, should you persist in your arrogance, ending your life would be child's play for me."

Qin Wentian's expression remained impassive as he taunted, "Why not give it a try then?"