A Character from the Heavenly Talisman Realm

A Character from the Heavenly Talisman Realm . . .

"Unbelievable power." The spectators, though far from the fray, marveled at the colossal figure of Qin Wentian. Standing at over 30,000 meters, his imposing presence alone could shake the world. Even at such a distance, when his colossal divine spear thrust forth, it sent shivers down their spines, a testament to its terrifying might and razor-sharp aura.

The Seven Sword Elders, formidable in their own right, launched relentless attacks of monstrous force. Despite their minuscule stature compared to Qin Wentian, their strikes held devastating power. The shockwaves from their previous clash had extended over a hundred miles, enough to obliterate anyone in their path.

"This city is astonishingly potent. It not only granted Qin Wentian immense stature but also a martial attire. At this size, he can stand toe-to-toe with the seven elders of the Seven Sword Sect," whispered the onlookers, including the immortal-foundation experts accompanying Pei Tianyuan. Witnessing Qin Wentian's effortless annihilation of the Seven Sword Sect disciples sent shivers down their spines. They vowed never to set foot inside the weaponized city, fearing the absolute control Qin Wentian seemed to have over life and death within.

A brief interlude of calm ensued after the skirmish. The Seven Sword Elders exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with cold determination.

"Do you find it amusing to sacrifice your sect's disciples?" Qin Wentian taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. The elders' expressions remained stoic, but they couldn't deny that the majority of their disciples had perished. While they fought Qin Wentian, he had seized control of the weaponized city, swiftly eliminating the others. The Seven Sword Elders were at a loss, unable to fathom how Qin Wentian had mastered the city's power.

Qin Wentian's words stung like a harsh rebuke, causing their faces to pale. The Seven Sword Sect had dispatched a substantial number of disciples, most of whom now lay dead. Only a handful survived, and one of the elders had been wounded by Qin Wentian's attack. Without his formidable strength, he might have met his end under Qin Wentian's foot, like a bug crushed beneath a giant's sole.

Though they loathed Qin Wentian, they acknowledged the near impossibility of defeating him. His warrior attire, fortified by the city's energy, proved impervious to their assaults. Boundless golden light enveloped him, radiating with an aura akin to divine light.

"Your reckoning will come," the elder who'd suffered Qin Wentian's stomp growled, his voice icy. Then, in a flash, the Seven Sword Elders transformed into seven beams of light, disappearing into the horizon. In no time, they reached the city's outskirts, casting a cold glance at Pei Tianyuan. A hint of resentment flickered in their eyes as they looked at him.

Pei Tianyuan had agreed to let them handle Qin Wentian without hesitation, evidently aware of the city's formidable defenses. With their strength alone, breaching them was impossible. Bound by their earlier decisions, they couldn't blame Pei Tianyuan for the dire situation they now faced.

In a bid to recuperate, the Seven Sword Elders shut their eyes, positioning themselves just beyond the city's boundaries. They harnessed their internal energy, mending their weary bodies and gathering their strength for the impending showdown.

Within the ancient city, Qin Wentian, divested of his formidable armor, melded with the earth beneath the Driftsnow City, vanishing from sight. This act left the immortal-foundation experts spying on him dumbfounded. Regardless of where Qin Wentian hid within the city, they cared not, as long as he remained within its confines. None dared to act recklessly now, for they understood the gravity of the situation and chose to wait in expectant silence.

Days stretched into eternity until, at last, the reinforcements from various major powers arrived on the scene.

Surprisingly, the first to make their entrance was not one of the powers embroiled in conflict with Qin Wentian. Instead, it was a superpower hailing from Cloud Prefecture, situated quite close to the Jiangling Country.

True Dragon Mountain was an illustrious sect, their symbol a mighty dragon. Legend had it that they were the descendants of divine dragons, their veins coursing with dragon blood. Initially a small clan, they expanded over time, recruiting external disciples and transforming into a formidable force. With several hundred thousand disciples and over a thousand immortals, True Dragon Mountain now stood as an indomitable entity.

Their arrival outside the Driftsnow City eclipsed even the Seven Sword Sect in grandeur.

"True Dragon Mountain is also seeking a piece of the action? But they aren't known for their prowess in weaponsmithing. Once the secret of the Nine Immortality Bells was exposed, these superpowers couldn't contain their avarice," murmured the onlookers. True Dragon Mountain's standing in Cloud Prefecture exceeded even that of the Seven Sword Sect, and they were undeniably more formidable.

The Seven Sword Elders cast sidelong glances at True Dragon Mountain's experts, concealing their inner frustrations. They knew that with the arrival of this formidable faction, their chances of capturing the city dwindled significantly. Despite being the first to arrive, their inability to swiftly eliminate Qin Wentian had diminished their hopes considerably.

"Reverend True Dragon has an interest in this weaponized city as well?" Pei Tianyuan inquired, eyeing an elderly figure on a war chariot. This senior was renowned and exceptionally powerful, known to all as Reverend True Dragon.

"I've heard that this city is quite fascinating, so I thought I'd pay it a visit," replied Reverend True Dragon, sitting within the dragon sedan, his gaze fixed on the ancient city. He was already aware of the clash between the Seven Sword Sect and Qin Wentian, as was the case with all the major powers. Regardless of his strength, he had no intention of acting recklessly. Failure in this venture would entail unbearable humiliation.

Besides, many of his subordinates, save for the most formidable, would perish the moment they set foot inside the city. Though Qin Wentian was just one person, within the weaponized city, he posed a threat equivalent to thousands of soldiers.

"Fascinating indeed," Pei Tianyuan chuckled but offered no further comment, maintaining his silent vigil.

Finally, the experts hailing from the Jiang Clan made their grand entrance. They were mounted on formidable war chariots, speeding towards the scene with breathtaking velocity. Beneath the blazing sun, these golden chariots gleamed with an awe-inspiring brilliance, emitting a resonant hum that hinted at the unimaginable power contained within.

"Are those the renowned immortal-ranked war chariots crafted by the Jiang Clan? I've heard that a single chariot is more than capable of obliterating a group of immortal-foundation experts, seamlessly merging offense and defense. It's truly fearsome," murmured onlookers, their eyes fixed on the Jiang Clan's experts. As expected of a pinnacle power specializing in weaponsmithing, they had dispatched tens of these chariots, which now hovered gracefully in the sky. At a mere command, they would swoop down upon the Driftsnow City, ready to confront Qin Wentian.

"This is promising; it seems the Jiang Clan is taking this matter seriously," Reverend True Dragon remarked, his gaze fixed on the war chariots. It was exceedingly rare for the Jiang Clan to deploy so many of these renowned war chariots simultaneously. To think that they would marshal such a level of strength to deal with a mere third-level ascendant this time—it was truly an unusual display.

Subsequent to the arrival of forces from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor and Myriad Sage Academy, the atmosphere was electric. The Battle Heavens Immortal Manor exuded an overwhelming battle intent that seemed to reach the heavens, while the Myriad Sage Academy, though fewer in number, radiated a serene and composed aura. After all, they weren't a sect but an academy focused on classical learning.

Other powers like the Flameblood Clan, Blazing Sun Divine Sect, and several middle-tier factions from the Cloud Prefecture also made their presence known. Additionally, numerous weaker factions sent their own contingents.

All eyes, not only from the Jiangling Country but also from across the Cloud Prefecture, were now riveted on the weaponized city.

Standing atop the ancient bells, Qin Wentian observed the unending procession of figures encircling the city with his hands clasped behind his back. The multitude of experts, both numerous and formidable, created a stark contrast with the solitary figure within the city's confines.

Spectators couldn't help but take note of this extraordinary sight. Here stood a lone figure, supremely confident and imposing, while the amassed experts maintained a cautious distance. Such a scenario was exceedingly rare.

A commanding voice disrupted the stillness as Reverend True Dragon turned his gaze toward the Jiang Clan's experts. "Are you not going to make your move yet?"

"Jiang Yi, I've heard that you're determined to claim this city at any cost. But mobilizing such a formidable force—aren't you being overly cautious?" Jiang Yi, positioned atop a war chariot, gazed down at Reverend True Dragon before casting his gaze around at the other experts. "Since we've all gathered here, let's discuss the fate of this weaponized city after we acquire it."

"What do you propose?" Reverend True Dragon inquired.

"This city shall belong to the one who kills that brat. No further debates will be entertained. How about it?" Jiang Yi suggested, pointing at Qin Wentian.

Reverend True Dragon's voice thundered through the skies, a proposal hanging in the air like an unspoken challenge. "Let's see what the other powers say," he continued, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "The Jiang Clan is willing to make a gentleman's agreement. Whoever kills Qin Wentian shall acquire this city. All other powers are not to contend for it any further. What do all of you think?"

His words, clear and resonant, echoed for thousands of miles, reaching even the ears of Qin Wentian within the city. Qin Wentian's demeanor remained unchanged, concealing his thoughts. Though his life was being wagered without his consent, his countenance remained placid, devoid of anger or fear.

"I agree," the Seven Sword Elders concurred. Acknowledging the disparity in strength between the True Dragon Mountain, the Jiang Clan, and their own forces, they found this amended proposition more equitable. Rather than competing directly, they now had a fighting chance.

"I agree as well," echoed another power, and soon, the various factions present unanimously assented to the revised terms. Their collective voices melded into a formidable wave of agreement, pressing upon the atmosphere. Yet within the city, Qin Wentian remained a figure of unshakable pride, unmoved by the clamor outside.

Far from the city, two figures stood together, one of whom was none other than Ghost Saber Mu Yan, a close friend of Cheron, someone Qin Wentian was familiar with. The other figure, shrouded in obscurity, emitted an eerie aura, rendering him almost imperceptible to those who glanced his way. Clad in black, he blended seamlessly into the shadows, his presence nearly nonexistent.

His gaze fixated on Qin Wentian, a sly smile dancing on his lips as he mused, "How intriguing, encountering a junior brother in such an unusual place. To create such a stir is no small feat. I wonder who had the audacity to invite him into our sect?"

This enigmatic figure shared a common bond with Qin Wentian; he, too, was a member of the Heavenly Talisman Realm!