Expulsion

Expulsion . . .

Within the hallowed halls of the Wondergate Immortal Manor, geniuses abounded. In fact, more prodigies sought to join its ranks than the Jiang Clan's.

The Jiang Clan, after all, operated as a familial power. Only those bearing the prestigious Jiang bloodline had access to its most coveted resources, top-tier techniques, and arts. The Wondergate Immortal Manor, on the other hand, welcomed talent regardless of lineage. Once you proved your mettle, a trove of high-grade resources and world-class mentorship awaited you.

The meteoric rise of the Wondergate Immortal Manor left the sacred dominion of the Jiang Clan diminished in comparison. These two mighty powers vied relentlessly in both overt and covert contests, especially among their younger generations. Encounters between them often erupted in fiery challenges and exchanged provocations.

Yet, the rivalry was not limited to just these two factions. Across the Cloud Prefecture, supreme powers regularly clashed. In this world dominated by strength, such skirmishes were the crucible that forged unyielding power.

Jiang Yan, on the receiving end of Cheron's provocation, wore an increasingly grim expression. Cheron had indeed succeeded in commanding the ancient bell to toll with greater resonance, establishing a tenuous connection to its weapon spirit. It was as if he had grasped a fragment of the grand tapestry of heaven and earth.

Jiang Yan, his face now a mask of seriousness, responded with measured words, "Cheron, don't overestimate yourself. The true communicator with the Nine Immortality Bell remains uncertain."

His words echoed through the air, resonating far and wide. They reached the ears of all those within a radius of several hundred miles, sending shivers down their spines. Could Jiang Yan of the Jiang Clan and Cheron from the Wondergate Immortal Manor be poised for confrontation right from the start?

Cheron's laughter, robust and untamed, pierced the heavens once more. "Haha! Jiang Yan, spare me your self-delusions. If I cannot establish full communion with the Nine Immortality Bell, unlock its weapon spirit, and ascend to immortality with a single step, rest assured that you, Jiang Yan, will never bridge the chasm between us. You've already fallen one step behind, and that gap, my friend, is unbridgeable."

Jiang Yan's anger seethed as he retorted icily, "You're nothing but a boastful charlatan. It's said that in communicating with the Nine Immortality Bell, one's art of weaponsmithing holds sway, influencing the weapon spirit's recognition. I'm eager to see how you'll compete with me on this front."

"Enough of your empty words. Achieve the same feat as me first—ring the bell's chimes to the eight directions—before you talk about vying in the realm of weaponsmithing. Until then, the weapon spirit won't even recognize your existence," Cheron taunted with glee, his voice echoing into the distance. With each word, Jiang Yan's scowl deepened.

"The two of you are like dragons among humankind, destined to be the shining stars of your generation. When you eventually clash, the very fabric of fate will ripple with your power, creating a spectacle of magnificent proportions." These words rang out like a herald, pulling the attention of many in the vicinity toward the newcomers.

In the midst of this audience, a middle-aged man emerged as their spokesperson, his visage adorned with an amiable smile. "A few days hence, I, Pei Tianyuan, King of the Jiangling Country, shall graciously host a banquet to welcome all the prodigies gathered here in the Driftsnow City. What say you, my friends?"

Beside him stood another figure, who identified himself with equal enthusiasm. "I, Ji Kong, shall accompany my esteemed King in issuing this heartfelt invitation to all the remarkable talents among us." His laughter resonated through the city, sending shivers down the spines of the local populace. Could that middle-aged man be the King of their very own Jiangling Country? It was only natural for him to arrive on this momentous occasion—the awakening of the weapon spirit of the Nine Immortality Bells. This event had drawn geniuses from across the Cloud Prefecture, and although Pei Tianyuan reigned as the Jiangling Country's monarch, in the grand scheme of the Cloud Prefecture's politics, his background and influence paled in comparison to these brilliant talents. Naturally, he sought to bolster relations through this opportunity.

But there was no need for Pei Tianyuan to grovel for their favor. As one of the Cloud Prefecture's eighty-one kings, he possessed his own weighty connections. Furthermore, he held the esteemed position of subordinate to a figure within the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's Sect.

And Ji Kong? He was no ordinary individual either, hailing from the prestigious Cloud Tower Sage Sect, a revered institution within the Cloud Prefecture. He oversaw the Cloud Towers in the cities within Jiangling Country.

"With an invitation from both of you esteemed gentlemen, I, Jiang Yan, shall certainly grace your banquet with my presence." Jiang Yan's acceptance was inevitable, given that Pei Tianyuan and Ji Kong had assisted in circulating the arrest orders for Qin Wentian. The Jiang Clan owed them a debt of gratitude, and both men boasted influential backgrounds. Refusing would be unwise.

"The gracious invitations from King Pei Tianyuan and Master Ji Kong—how could I decline?" Cheron of the Wondergate offered his concurrence.

"For all who wish to attend, your presence is most welcome. The gathering shall take place seven days from today at the Driftsnow Inn." Pei Tianyuan beamed as many voices chimed in agreement. However, those with less impressive talents or lacking influential connections remained reticent. They knew the King's words held a polite veneer—everyone ought to gauge their own worth. To sit among these titans, one had to excel in some capacity. Otherwise, they risked scorn and ridicule, for they wouldn't be seen as equals.

"Thank you for your enthusiastic response," Pei Tianyuan acknowledged the crowd's consent with a grateful nod. His gaze then shifted to a figure below—Pei Xiao.

"Pei Xiao," he called.

"My King?" Pei Tianyuan responded with a respectful tone.

Pei Tianyuan proceeded to offer Pei Xiao a sage piece of advice. "Take this opportunity to learn from these exceptional talents," he instructed, prompting a nod from Pei Xiao. "I understand," he acknowledged dutifully.

Pei Tianyuan then directed his attention to Pei Yu. "Return home earlier and refrain from wandering the streets," he advised gently.

Pei Yu, along with Pei Xiao, regarded Pei Tianyuan as their senior. As the Jiangling King, he held an esteemed position and wielded considerable authority. While Pei Yu might have disagreed with some of his decisions, she understood the power dynamics at play. Her inquiries about Qin Wentian's arrest had been swiftly curtailed by an immortal-foundation guard. In the eyes of the Pei Clan, Pei Tianyuan was a towering figure, and his actions were not to be questioned.

With a graceful bow, Pei Yu acquiesced. After Pei Tianyuan and Ji Kong vanished from view, Qin Wentian marveled at their departure. He couldn't fathom the level of power that the Jiangling King, Pei Tianyuan, commanded. It was increasingly clear that Pei Tianyuan must be an expert of the immortal-foundation realm.

Even after their departure, the throngs of people remained dedicated to their quest to communicate with the Nine Immortality Bell. The crowd grew larger as word of the events at the Driftsnow City spread, drawing even more participants. In this vast expanse surrounding the Nine Immortality Bell, experts had become as common as clouds, and the limited space forced participants to squeeze in.

However, not everyone held high hopes for the participants. A woman beneath the ancient bell, her visage as cold and pristine as ice and snow, radiated an aura of chill that caused onlookers to instinctively retreat.

"Most of them are just trying their luck," she remarked disdainfully. "I doubt many can even inscribe a low-level divine inscription, let alone make the ancient bell resonate."

A young man by her side joined in with a chuckle. These individuals hailed from outside the Jiangling Country and belonged to the formidable Seven Sword Sect, renowned for its mastery of swordplay. Many of their disciples possessed astral souls attuned to swords, making them formidable combatants. The woman speaking, along with the young man, both sported ancient swords strapped to their backs. Those with keen eyes could instantly recognize the emblem of their sect—a pattern of seven swords etched onto the hilt, signifying their prestigious background.

The disciples of the Purple Flame Sect were well-versed in their craft, and it showed in their demeanor. The young man who had previously taunted Qin Wentian stepped forward, a veneer of politeness in his tone. "You two must be disciples of the Seven Sword Sect, correct?"

The woman from the Seven Sword Sect gave him an indifferent glance. "Who are you?" she inquired, her demeanor as chilly as ever.

"I am Xuan Zhu from the Purple Flame Sect. It's a great honor to witness the chosen ones of the Seven Sword Sect in person," Xuan Zhu replied with respect. One of his junior apprentice sisters joined him, a stark contrast to her earlier arrogance. "It appears that many elites have gathered in the Driftsnow City. Even the illustrious Seven Sword Sect has graced us with their presence."

Despite the courtesies extended by the Purple Flame Sect disciples, the haughty woman from the Seven Sword Sect remained as cold as ice. "The Purple Flame Sect specializes in weapon smithing, correct? This place is crowded and noisy. Can you truly focus on your communication with such distractions?"

Xuan Zhu couldn't help but retort, "The crowd can be somewhat distracting, it's true. Unfortunately, some people tend to overestimate themselves, coming here to act mysterious when they have nothing better to do. Take him, for example." Xuan Zhu pointed disdainfully at Qin Wentian, who had been silently seated there from the beginning, fully immersed in his quest to unlock the Nine Immortality Bell's mysteries. However, in the eyes of onlookers, he appeared merely enigmatic and aloof.

"Why don't you just drive him away then?" the woman quipped, her words causing Xuan Zhu to hesitate. He glanced at the other Seven Sword Sect experts who were exuding an intimidating aura, then turned to the bystanders and issued a cold ultimatum. "Those who can't contribute, step aside now, or don't blame me for being merciless."

His words hung heavy in the air, backed by the formidable sword energy emanating from the Seven Sword Sect disciples. Those in the vicinity began to retreat, whispering about the Seven Sword Sect's prestige in the Cloud Prefecture. They reluctantly accepted being forced to leave, aware that strength was the ultimate arbiter in such situations.

The Seven Sword Sect's members were unapologetically arrogant. Swirling streams of sword qi whizzed perilously close to those who remained.

"What are you all waiting for? Do you want to be expelled as well?" The cold, haughty woman cast a pointed glance at Xuan Zhu from the Purple Flame Sect, who quickly snapped to attention and roared, "Anyone who can't communicate with the bell should leave immediately."

As he barked his orders, Xuan Zhu's gaze scanned the crowd and landed on a familiar figure—Qin Wentian. A malevolent glint flickered in Xuan Zhu's eyes as he stepped forward, releasing a surging burst of qi. A sly grin crept across his face.

Unbeknownst to them all, Qin Wentian had reached a critical juncture in his quest. He had already discerned the elusive law energy and witnessed the countless formless runes weaving an intricate pattern around him. Had a supremely skilled expert been present, they would have observed the runic glow moving to a unique rhythm, hovering in a delicate dance above the Nine Immortality Bell.