Celestial Phenomenon Realm . . .
Qin Wentian assumed a cross-legged position on the training grounds, located within the vast expanse of Mo Residence's backyard. A veritable sea of Yuan Meteor Stones encircled him, forming miniature mountains that radiated an intense astral energy, thickening the very air he breathed.
With deliberate intent, Qin Wentian summoned forth his Great Dream astral soul and the accompanying Great Dream astral nova.
Astral souls served as the foundation for Celestial Phenomena (constellations), representing the evolved state of astral souls. Naturally, one had to evolve their astral souls before they could begin condensing constellations.
For Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, they possessed four astral souls in total. Upon reaching the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, they could establish a connection with their fifth astral soul, signifying that Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants could have a maximum of five constellations.
These constellations varied in strength and type, depending on the martial cultivator's comprehension abilities. Theoretically, condensing five constellations was possible, but in practice, most ascendants condensed only one or two. The reasons varied: some were limited by their innate talent, while others prioritized cultivating their strongest astral soul.
The speed of one's cultivation also played a role. Although some ascendants could use their most potent astral soul to condense a constellation upon entering the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, their fifth astral soul would always be stronger. Consequently, their second constellation, usually derived from their fifth astral soul, outshone their first. Investing time in condensing a weaker second constellation held little appeal when they could focus on honing their strength.
However, exceptional individuals like Qin Wentian defied convention. His astral souls were all exceptionally powerful, and his mastery of true intent fusion set him apart. Such martial cultivators pursued multiple constellations to further augment their combat prowess.
Qin Wentian's first choice was to enhance his Great Dream astral soul.
Radiating a resplendent golden corona, the Great Dream astral soul ascended to the apex of his Great Dream astral nova. The surrounding astral energy surged, absorbed by the astral nova, causing it to grow increasingly corporeal. It shimmered with brilliance as it expanded, preparing for evolution.
To condense a constellation, an astral nova had to be shattered first, allowing its fragments to be reabsorbed into the astral soul for evolution. If the Celestial Phenomenon breakthrough attempt failed, the astral nova used would be shattered, making it challenging to employ the same astral soul for future constellations. Hence, caution was paramount during such attempts, as failure could condemn one to the Heavenly Dipper Realm for life.
Qin Wentian's dreamforce enveloped his surroundings, transforming the world into a dreamscape. Within this ethereal realm, he sat cross-legged, bathed in starlight, absorbing its essence to nourish his Great Dream astral nova.
To ascend to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, one had to first reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Only then could they choose to intentionally shatter their astral novas, allowing them to reabsorb the fragments into their astral souls.
Recent injuries had drained Qin Wentian's Yuanfu of astral energy. Only thanks to the restorative effects of Mo Qingcheng's miraculous medicinal pills had his body healed and his cultivation steadied, approaching the Heavenly Dipper pinnacle. Sensing this opportunity, he decided to attempt the Celestial Phenomenon breakthrough.
Time flowed like a river as Qin Wentian sank deeper into the dream. Only after an extended period did he stir. Inhaling deeply, a resounding boom echoed, signifying the shattering of his astral nova. A radiant beam shot skyward as his astral soul voraciously absorbed it. Expanding rapidly, it soared higher, a nascent constellation taking form in the starry heavens.
"Hu…"
Qin Wentian could sense the impending climax, a pivotal moment on the horizon. Within the boundless expanse of starry space, particles of true intent began to manifest. Each particle bore a unique hue, gradually coalescing into a swirling vortex. The amalgamation radiated an unsettling, destructive energy.
The escalating destructive force saturated the entire space. With a mere thought, this power could erupt with overwhelming ferocity.
"Bzz!"
Seated cross-legged, Qin Wentian waved his hands. Instantly, the air bore laceration scars, etched by the surging destructive power. A sword-like shape began to form, representing his embryonic constellation, suffused with a devastating sword-like aura.
"No, this isn't right," Qin Wentian pondered, "I should let it continue evolving. Dreams can be both real and illusory."
He mulled over this as the astral energy from the Yuan Meteor Stones was funneled into the constellation, promoting its continued evolution. Within the starry expanse, discrete dimensions of pure destruction materialized, each exuding an unparalleled aura of terror.
"Wrong!" Qin Wentian sensed that something was amiss; this wasn't the constellation he sought to create. The dimensions of destruction eventually collided and merged, birthing another embryonic constellation.
"If I use the Great Dream astral soul as the foundation, the constellation I condense should embody the essence of dreams—a fine line between illusion and reality, ubiquitous." Qin Wentian's palms moved again. The constellation vanished into the void, but the destructive energy lingered. Finally, a smile graced Qin Wentian's lips. This was the sensation he had been seeking, reminiscent of the epiphany he experienced.
"This is it. Form, embryonic constellation!" Qin Wentian's energy surged madly, intensifying the astral energy in the atmosphere. It coalesced into a fearsome whirlpool as Qin Wentian's unique constellation began to take shape.
While astral souls among cultivators might bear similarities, no two constellations were identical. Even if individuals comprehended the same Mandate's true intent and used identical astral souls as the foundation, the fusion process varied, resulting in distinctive constellations. Similarities might exist, but each person had a unique constellation.
...
Qin Wentian finally opened his eyes. A streak of white stretched across the eastern horizon, startling him. The process of evolving his astral soul had seemingly transpired in an instant, yet the daylight suggested that a new day had dawned. Had several days passed?
As he contemplated this, Qin Wentian extended his senses, relieved to realize that Mo Residence was bustling with wedding preparations. Today marked only the second day, as he had predicted. Breaking through to Celestial Phenomenon had proceeded without any bottlenecks or dangers, resulting in a remarkably smooth process.
"What is Celestial Phenomenon, really? It doesn't seem all that different, nor is it particularly challenging to attain," Qin Wentian mused, a bemused smile gracing his face. Despite not sensing any extraordinary changes, his previous weakness had vanished completely. He felt invigorated and stronger than the day before, brimming with boundless energy.
Furthermore, he noticed that one of his Yuanfu had undergone a transformation. It was no longer a simple reservoir of energy but now existed as a vast dimension teeming with potent astral energy. This dimension surpassed its previous size by several orders of magnitude.
However, Qin Wentian's ease in reaching the Celestial Phenomenon Realm could be attributed to his well-defined path. Coupled with his epiphany, mastery of true intent fusion, and his cultivation base reaching the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he had indeed reached a limit. To others, Celestial Phenomenon was a formidable tribulation, but to Qin Wentian, it felt like a natural progression, devoid of difficulty.
"Next, it's time to establish a connection with a fifth constellation in the heavenly layers, condense my fifth astral soul, and birth my fifth Yuanfu," Qin Wentian chuckled. The transformed Yuanfu corresponded with his Great Dream astral soul, while his other Yuanfu remained unchanged. His unique case was likely linked to the Art of Nine Astrariums he practiced. To achieve full transformation of all his Yuanfu, he needed to condense numerous constellations.
"I was so focused on breaking through that I didn't even consider the nature of my fifth astral soul," Qin Wentian murmured. He understood that once he had successfully broken through, Di Tian would follow suit, and they could diverge in their cultivation paths. Qin Wentian didn't want Di Tian to follow his exact path. To maximize the benefits of the Great Nirvana Immortal Art, they needed to explore different routes.
"Mhm?" Suddenly, Qin Wentian sensed something unusual. Upon further investigation, he chuckled ruefully, discovering that the mountains of Yuan Meteor Stones surrounding him had been entirely depleted.
A cold sweat formed on his brow as he contemplated the close call. Why had the consumption rate been so terrifying? He had prepared extensively, amassing several times the required amount of Yuan Meteor Stones as a precaution. Yet, he hadn't expected them to be completely exhausted. The rate of consumption was astonishing and beyond the means of the majority of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns.
As the sun's golden rays heralded the dawn, Qin Wentian rose to his feet and ventured outdoors. The training ground was still under vigilant watch, and all eyes turned toward him, assessing the man who had generated such fervent commotion the previous night. Qin Wentian, appearing utterly ordinary, wore a faint smile upon his handsome countenance. His presence exuded an enigmatic calmness that defied measurement. Had he, indeed, achieved the long-anticipated breakthrough?
"Thank you all for your assistance," Qin Wentian gently acknowledged the guards, who nodded in acknowledgment.
"Today marks the grand wedding of the Holy Maiden and Young Master Wentian. Allow us to extend our heartfelt congratulations," chuckled the maidens of the Medicine Sovereign Valley. This couple, an epitome of envy, was finally uniting in matrimony.
"Thank you. I am on my way to find Qingcheng now," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. In the blink of an eye, he materialized in front of the room where Mo Qingcheng was located. Mo Qingcheng had hardly slept; she sat in her courtyard. Upon seeing Qin Wentian, a radiant, blessed smile graced her face.
Today had finally arrived.
"Aren't you going to start preparing your makeup?" Qin Wentian inquired, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"I don't like wearing makeup," Mo Qingcheng confessed with gentleness. Qin Wentian nodded in understanding. "That's perfectly fine. After all, my wife is flawless. The truest you is the most perfect you."
Mo Qingcheng moved beside Qin Wentian, intertwining her fingers with his. Gazing in the direction of the rising sun, she pointed toward it. "From today onwards, I want to hold your hand, watching the sunrise every morning, and never letting go!"
Qin Wentian's heart brimmed with warmth. He gently squeezed Mo Qingcheng's delicate hand, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Did you just steal my line...?"
"Fine, I'll pretend you said it. Qin Wentian, you're not allowed to let go of my hand, okay!" Mo Qingcheng blushed, her eyes locked onto those of her soon-to-be husband. At this moment, she was no longer the aloof and icy figure, nor the ethereal and saintly being. She was simply a young woman, pursuing love with all her heart!