Gathering of Experts

Gathering of Experts . . .

Amidst the mystical aura of the Nine Immortality Bells, an awe-inspiring figure emerged, a colossus that left no room for doubt—this was, without question, the legendary Driftsnow Master.

The sheer scale of his body stretched over an astonishing 30,000 meters, truly a living legend incarnate. The depths of his cultivation base remained a subject of wild speculation, sending shivers down the spines of all who beheld him.

Before this moment, Qin Wentian had often heard the enigmatic tales of the Driftsnow Master from Pei Yu. While he had an unwavering belief in the boundless nature of love and the fervent obsession that surrounded Immortal Jade, his skepticism lingered when he encountered accounts of the Driftsnow Master. Stories spoke of him constructing an entire city with his very flesh and blood, infusing his soul into the Nine Bells of Immortality. However, all doubts were banished in the face of reality as he gazed upon the towering presence of the Driftsnow Master within the confines of the Nine Immortality Bells. It became apparent that the Driftsnow Master's cultivation base transcended the ordinary, likely soaring beyond even the immortal-foundation level. Such remarkable feats, once thought impossible, now seemed perfectly feasible in the presence of an expert of the Driftsnow Master's caliber.

As Qin Wentian's eyes slowly fluttered open in the realm of the waking world, his gaze remained fixed upon the Nine Immortality Bell, lost in a reverie. The bell emitted a radiant display of runic lights, harboring a mysterious energy that held the key to unlocking its secrets. Yet, something elusive continued to elude his grasp.

"Tianwen," came Cheron's voice, drawing near. He regarded Qin Wentian with an inquisitive gaze and asked, "What revelations have you unearthed this time?"

With a wistful look, Qin Wentian met Cheron's gaze and responded, "The vision has grown clearer. I witnessed the towering figure of the Driftsnow Master, seated in contemplation as though awaiting the inevitability of his own demise. It was a scene post-Immortal Jade's passing, her obsession with weaponsmithing surpassing her love for him. But the Driftsnow Master was a man of unparalleled passion.

Despite his formidable strength and arresting appearance, he could have had any woman he desired. Yet, he chose to sacrifice his life to fulfill Immortal Jade's dream."

"The Driftsnow Master... I long to see him in person," Pei Yu murmured, her voice tinged with envy as she regarded Qin Wentian. He had been privy to a glimpse of the enigmatic legend, and she couldn't help but wonder what the Driftsnow Master truly looked like.

"The Driftsnow Master is a living legend. I hope that the people of Driftsnow City will someday have the privilege of witnessing his magnificence," Qin Wentian mused. If the Driftsnow Master were to appear now, the name of Driftsnow City would resonate throughout Cloud Prefecture, surpassing even the mighty King City of Jiangling Country in renown.

In the current moment, a multitude of experts had assembled, each making their attempt to connect with the Nine Immortality Bells. While some managed to establish a faint connection, none had stirred the bells as profoundly as Qin Wentian. As for whether anyone else had glimpsed the visions contained within the ancient bells, it remained a mystery, shrouded in uncertainty.

Then, in a breathtaking display, beams of immortal light pierced the sky, causing all heads to turn upwards. Awe etched across their faces as a new chapter of wonder unfurled before them.

Amidst the hushed anticipation of the gathered crowd, a revelation coursed through their ranks like wildfire—the arrival of immortal-foundation experts, emissaries of the heavens themselves, had finally graced the scene. This momentous development was no mere coincidence; it marked the arrival of the elite practitioners from the various major powers, culminating in an assembly of true immortals.

Whispers swept through the assembly, conjectures woven in the tapestry of the unspoken. Prior to this, the experts who had journeyed here constituted just a fraction of the whole. But now, the pinnacle figures of the major powers had undoubtedly converged on this enigmatic location.

A commanding voice, imbued with authority, resonated across the expanse. "Spread the King's decree! In three days' time, access to the sacred precinct of the ancient bells shall be restricted to those representing the major powers alone. For those who have failed to establish a connection, no sanctuary shall they find within these boundaries; they must content themselves with witnessing from beyond its limits."

The utterance reverberated in the air, leaving no room for dissent. This proclamation effectively set the stage for what lay ahead—a privileged gathering exclusively for the chosen delegates of the great powers.

Amidst the crowd, a murmur of speculation could be heard. Pei Yu, inquisitive and thoughtful, mumbled aloud, "Are the prodigies and chosen ones from the major powers about to commence their weapon-forging endeavors?" Qin Wentian, his gaze locked on her, inquired, "Why must they forge weapons in the presence of the bells?"

Pei Yu embarked on an explanation, delving into the realm of legends. "This is intricately linked to the folklore surrounding these ancient relics. The Driftsnow Master's essence is said to reside within the bells, and perhaps, it was the shared passion of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade for weapon forging that sealed this connection. Consequently, when the weapon spirits manifest, those who have bonded with the bells might acquire a trace of the immortal spirit. This, in turn, could deepen their connection with the bells, unveiling their concealed secrets. Throughout history, generations of skilled weaponsmiths have gleaned powerful techniques and arts from the Nine Immortality Bells."

She continued with a hint of awe, "As the saying goes, 'The Nine Immortality Bells do not question immortals, and for mortals, once they establish a connection with all nine bells through weapon forging, they may take a single step toward immortality.' This legend has persisted through the ages, tantalizing minds but remaining an unsolved mystery."

"Ascending to immortality in a single step?" Qin Wentian shook his head, his thoughts on the matter. He understood that the path of cultivation unfolded gradually, akin to collecting droplets to form a canal. Only when one's cultivation reached a certain stage could they break through to the next level. The laws of heaven and earth dictated this process as an unalterable truth.

Therefore, Qin Wentian harbored skepticism toward such a rumor. Nevertheless, where there was smoke, there had to be fire. Hidden beneath the surface, there might be a deeper truth waiting to be unveiled, one yet eluding the grasp of the masses.

"Three days remain. In that case, I shall proceed to connect with the next Immortality Bell." With resolute determination, Qin Wentian rose to his feet, joined by the steadfast companionship of Cheron and Mu Yan. For days, they had remained vigilant at Qin Wentian's side, serving as protectors and witnesses to his extraordinary journey. Their shared goal was to ascertain whether Qin Wentian could establish connections with all nine ancient bells, and in doing so, potentially unlock the secrets concealed within.

Should the enigmatic revelations of the Nine Immortality Bells ever come to light, it would be none other than Qin Wentian himself who stood at the epicenter of this epochal discovery.

As time continued its relentless march forward, an influx of individuals representing the major powers descended upon the scene. Immortals now dotted the landscape, their luminous auras casting a shimmering corona of celestial radiance.

The three-day countdown sped by like a fleeting dream.

In the heart of the Nine Immortality Bell's hallowed precinct, a grand plaza unfolded. Standing at the forefront were the Jiangling King, his retinue of loyal attendants, and a formidable phalanx of immortal-foundation experts, emanating an overwhelming aura that left all onlookers feeling the weight of their presence. The stage was set, and the unfolding drama of destiny stood ready to commence.

Amidst the eager throng, Pei Tianyuan ascended to a celestial podium, his commanding presence casting a hush over the gathering. With resounding authority, he addressed the assembly, his voice echoing through the very fabric of the heavens.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today, the manifestation of the Nine Immortality Bells' spiritual essence is clearer than ever before. It falls upon the collective brilliance of the extraordinary talents assembled here to unravel the cryptic secrets concealed within these ancient relics."

His words held an air of gravitas, and his gaze swept across the expectant faces of the crowd, their collective aspirations palpable in the charged atmosphere.

"To those who find themselves without a stake in this endeavor," Pei Tianyuan continued, his tone resolute, "I extend an offer for you to withdraw and assume a vantage point at the established boundaries, where you may partake in the spectacle as a spectator."

In response to his proclamation, a number of individuals reluctantly acquiesced, yielding to the wisdom of retreating to the periphery, their anticipation lingering on the edges of the unfolding drama.

Meanwhile, in the vicinity of each Immortality Bell, representatives from the zenith of major powers had congregated. Immortal-foundation experts occupied the airspace above the central domain of Driftsnow City, their heightened senses affording them a panoramic view of the proceedings, regardless of their location within the city's boundaries.

At that very moment, the focus of attention gravitated towards the eighth Immortality Bell, where Qin Wentian stood, poised to embark on the next stage of his extraordinary odyssey. With a determined gaze, he cast his eyes skyward, an air of anticipation infusing his demeanor. It was not long before his heightened senses detected an icy stare, heavy with an aura of impending hostility.

This formidable presence belonged to none other than Zurius, a distinguished figure from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor. His earlier departure had been laden with reluctance, and today, he returned at the helm of a formidable entourage, a living testament to his augmented stature.

Beside Zurius stood another man, who regarded Qin Wentian with piercing scrutiny before inquiring, "This individual harnesses runic inscriptions to vanquish adversaries? The very same power that surpassed the collective might of your group?"

Zurius' brows knitted in response, a tinge of discontent coloring his tone as he affirmed, "Indeed, that is him. His mastery of divine inscriptions is peerless, and his prowess in combat, when channeling the power of these runes, borders on the unimaginable."

"In that case," the companion mused, his words tinged with a sense of resolve, "let us make our way to the ancient bell graced by his presence."

Zurius hesitated, his internal conflict evident as he shook his head. "Venturing there would only further diminish our chances of success. It is not a prudent course of action."

"Should you abstain, I shall proceed alone," the man declared, his resolve unwavering as he set his sights on the ancient bell where Qin Wentian stood. This declaration ruffled Zurius' composure, leaving him no choice but to relent.

As the pivotal moment approached, Zurius traversed a solitary path, veering towards another of the ancient bells, driven by a need to tread cautiously in this uncharted terrain.

Yet, Zurius was not alone in his strategy. Participants who had previously sought to subdue Qin Wentian now returned, bolstered by reinforcements from their respective sects. The stage was set for a multifaceted showdown, a convergence of talents and ambitions, with the mysterious secrets of the Nine Immortality Bells poised at the center of their pursuits.

In the bustling gathering of experts, a voice, like a clarion call, cut through the murmurs and speculation, reverberating with a mix of camaraderie and a hint of vengeance. It was directed at none other than Nion, a formidable figure in her own right.

"Nion, word has it that someone dared to harm you before. Do you wish for us to take matters into our own hands and exact vengeance on your behalf?" The speaker hailed from the Seven Sword Sect, and he exuded the aura of an immortal-foundation ranked expert, his presence as vast as the boundless heavens.

Nion, her countenance marked by a veil of determination, rebuffed the offer with an icy resolve. Her gaze, tinged with a flicker of cold intent, shifted to Qin Wentian, who stood as a symbol of her unfinished vendetta.

"I require no assistance. I shall handle this matter myself, and if he is to meet his demise, I shall be the one to deliver the judgment." Nion's response was unwavering, a testament to her fierce determination.

It was not lost on her that she could easily have called upon the formidable might of her sect's experts. Yet, the prospect of seeking aid from her sect came at a steep price—the risk of being forever branded as the individual who required assistance to deal with a mere third-level ascendant. To safeguard her pride and reputation, Nion was prepared to confront Qin Wentian on her own terms, regardless of the odds stacked against her.

Meanwhile, the Wondergate Immortal Manor's contingent also made their presence known. Hovering in the ethereal realm, their attention turned to Cheron, their expectations evident in their inquiries.

"Cheron, are you prepared for what lies ahead?" they asked, their voices a harmonious chorus of encouragement.

Cheron's response was filled with unwavering resolve. "Yes, I shall give it my all." His gaze, tinged with pride, fell upon the members of his sect, an unspoken promise etched in his eyes.

"Excellent, we eagerly await your triumphant unraveling of the secrets hidden within the immortality bells. Although your master did not accompany us on this journey, his concern for your success is paramount. Dedicate yourself to this task, and let not your master down," one among them affirmed, bearing a message from their absent master.

While the gathering did not attract the most powerful figures in the realm, it did amass a formidable array of experts. The Nine Immortality Bells, ancient and enigmatic, had stood for untold ages, their secrets an allure for generations of seekers. It was a spectacle that had drawn an assembly of immortal-ranked experts to bear witness.

As each Immortality Bell beckoned, a cluster of heaven-chosen talents and prodigies from every power had already assembled before them. Their resolute focus and unwavering spirits prepared them to engage in the craft of weaponsmithing before the enigmatic relics. They sought to forge a connection through their craftsmanship, in the hope of unlocking the profound mysteries concealed within.

Before the Immortality Bell that Qin Wentian had chosen, a congregation of equally determined experts had gathered. Positioned high above, they readied themselves to embark on the forging process. Only Qin Wentian seemed an outlier, a lone figure unperturbed by the fevered activity around him, his demeanor akin to a spectator at a grand event.

The voice of the Jiangling King, resonating from his elevated vantage point, announced the commencement of the proceedings. His gaze, a blend of curiosity and tempered optimism, descended upon the vast assembly below. While ten million geniuses filled the airspace above the ancient bells, Pei Tianyuan, the custodian of this enigmatic spectacle, harbored tempered expectations. Over the years, countless ambitious souls had aspired to unravel the secrets within these relics, yet success had remained ever elusive.

As the world watched with bated breath, the question lingered: Could this be the moment when history was made? Would one of these exceptional individuals defy the odds and decipher the ancient bells' inscrutable enigma, bringing an end to an age-old mystery? The eyes of the world bore witness to the unfolding drama, their collective hopes vested in the talents assembled before the Nine Immortality Bells.