Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord . . .
Previously, Princess Glaze had inquired about Qin Wentian's relationship with Qing'er, to which he had cryptically replied that she would soon find out. However, the unfolding events were about to shed light on the deep bond between him and Qing'er.
In a bold revelation, Qin Wentian disclosed that Qing'er, his dear companion, had enlisted the support of her father, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, to implore the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor to accept him as a disciple. The implications were clear: the connection between him and Qing'er was profound, and their story likely had roots in the distant past, possibly as lovers.
Princess Glaze, well-versed in the history of the Evergreen Immortal Empire and Qing'er's exile to a particle world, deduced the intricate ties that must have formed between Qin Wentian and Qing'er during their time in that realm. She couldn't help but marvel at the twists of fate that had led her to the person her father had foreseen. Given Qin Wentian's unique relationship with Qing'er and his extraordinary talent, it was increasingly likely that he was the one destined to shape the Evergreen Immortal Empire's future.
However, the situation had taken an unexpected turn. Qin Wentian's bold rejection of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's offer had placed him in a precarious position. By publicly refusing the tutelage of the esteemed immortal emperor, he had not only defied a god-like figure within the thirteen prefectures but had also drawn the ire of ordinary immortal kings who wouldn't tolerate such insolence.
The unspoken expectation of the immortal banquet was that the top three participants would become disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. Although this expectation was not explicitly stated, it was an unwritten rule. Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen's open conflict with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect puzzled Princess Glaze. Did they genuinely believe they could part ways with the sect without repercussions?
Even if the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor allowed them to leave the banquet, escaping Eastern Immortal City unscathed was an entirely different challenge. A single immortal-foundation expert could easily end their lives, and an immortal king's involvement would result in an even swifter demise.
The Dream Demon King, known for his mastery of infiltrating dreams and reaping lives, posed an additional threat to Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen. Their fate hung by the thinnest thread.
Amidst the heavy silence, Qin Wentian's actions were perceived as an audacious provocation against the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, an act tantamount to courting death.
"Truly courting death," thought Zuyu and the experts from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor. Their initial concerns about Qin Wentian's ascension to greater heights now seemed misplaced. His audacity surpassed even that of Jun Mengchen, blinding him to the dangers ahead.
The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, however, responded with a measured tone. He disavowed any intention to kill them, as he believed their talents should suffice to secure their survival. Instead, he sought to discover the strength of their master, questioning whether their mentor could protect them.
Qin Wentian met the penetrating gaze of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, sensing that this immortal emperor possessed the ability to delve deep into their souls.
The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's judgment was astute. Both Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen understood the gravity of their actions. Their course was not one they would have chosen without a compelling reason, and that reason lay within their mission from the Heavenly Talisman Realm.
Their reliance had a name, the Heavenly Talisman Realm. With such a powerful backer, they were assured of protection from the repercussions of their actions. Among the spectators, Bai Wuya, who sat alongside the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, concealed his true identity well. To the immortal emperor, he remained a mystery, unsuspected as a senior apprentice brother to Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Zi Qingxuan.
Reassurance washed over them as a voice resonated in their minds, none other than Bai Wuya's. The Heavenly Talisman Realm, having issued their mission, would undoubtedly ensure their safety. With this knowledge, their fears abated.
With a sense of ironic amusement, Qin Wentian fixed his gaze on the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation.
"This Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, renowned for hosting this once-in-a-century grand event, has proven to be quite tarnished. My junior brother, Jun Mengchen, and I claimed two of the top three positions, yet because we declined your offer of apprenticeship, you refuse to let us go. I wonder how the world would view your 'magnanimous' heart if news of this were to spread," Qin Wentian quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"You are too impudent," the Deepflame Immortal King retorted, his eyes akin to an abyss, radiating danger. He exerted an oppressive force on Qin Wentian, attempting to force him to kneel.
Undeterred, Qin Wentian withstood the pressure, his aura flaring as he confronted the Deepflame Immortal King with cold resolve.
"Deepflame, you've persistently sought to demean me. Yet, in the end, not only did your disciple, Blackpeak, fall by my hand, but I also emerged as the top-ranking participant in this immortal banquet. Do you have no sense of shame? You've allowed your shame to fester into anger, and now you aim to vent it on me. How absurd," Qin Wentian declared.
A tremendous pressure bore down upon him, but he refused to yield. The Deepflame Immortal King's actions, however, went unchecked by the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, who remained an impassive observer.
The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's voice resounded with a mixture of curiosity and authority as he addressed Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen. His desire to uncover the source of their audacity was palpable.
Jun Mengchen, witnessing Qin Wentian's forced prostration, couldn't contain his anger. He vented his frustration with a fiery outburst. "Is this how the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect treats its top rankers? What a disgraceful sect!"
But his fiery words only drew another surge of crushing pressure, sending him sprawling to the ground alongside Qin Wentian.
The Deepflame Immortal King, his voice dripping with murderous intent, declared their impending doom. "His Highness honored you both, yet you spurned his goodwill and dared to challenge His Majesty's authority. That alone warrants your deaths."
Amid this tense confrontation, Princess Glace, her demeanor devoid of emotion, interjected with a question that left the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor puzzled. She questioned the appropriateness of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's actions, a query that drew a sharp response from Dongsheng Ting, who accused Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen of causing trouble intentionally.
Princess Glace, undeterred by the pressure of the situation, continued, "Refusing to accept someone as a master equates to causing trouble? Forgive my inability to comprehend such logic. While I am a guest here today and should not speak out of turn, I feel compelled to express my concern that the sect's actions might tarnish your Majesty's reputation."
The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor signaled for the Deepflame Immortal King to retract his aura, allowing Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen to stand once more. The two men fixed their icy gazes on the Deepflame Immortal King.
Qin Wentian didn't mince words as he addressed the Deepflame Immortal King. "Deepflame, like father, like disciple. Your disciple, Blackpeak, lacked both manners and talent, falling swiftly to my blade. It seems he inherited those traits from you. If I reach the immortal king realm in the future, I may find myself facing you as my next adversary."
Jun Mengchen chimed in with equal determination. "Indeed, Deepflame, a disciple takes after his master. Your actions and attitude are equally repulsive. My junior and I may have rejected your sect's offer, but we earned the top two positions in this immortal banquet. Despite your humiliations, we will remember this experience."
Their unwavering resolve garnered a faint trace of admiration from Bai Wuya, recognizing them as truly deserving of the Heavenly Talisman Realm's investment.
But the Deepflame Immortal King scoffed at their determination, believing they were blind to their imminent doom.
Suddenly, he raised his head and stared at the sky, his eyes sharp and focused. Without a word, he ascended into the heavens.
"Is their master finally arriving?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor pondered, intrigued by the imminent appearance of a formidable figure who had lent Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen such audacity.
"Who might this friend be, gracing us with their presence at the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect?" The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's voice reverberated across the crowd, signaling the arrival of a powerful individual.
The spectators held their breath, anticipating the appearance of this mysterious ally who emboldened Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen to provoke the sect.
"Eastern Sage, don't you recognize this old friend of yours?"
In the midst of this tense standoff, a commanding voice reverberated throughout the vicinity, abruptly breaking the silence.
The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's brows furrowed, his regal demeanor momentarily eclipsed by an expression of unease. As if summoned by this mysterious voice, thousands of ethereal figures materialized in the skies above. These apparitions exuded an uncanny unity, unmistakably created by a singular individual.
This enigmatic figure, draped in an imposing black robe, sported flowing, ebony locks and bore a mischievous grin. His arrival triggered a swift and palpable transformation in the atmosphere. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's countenance turned frigid, emanating an invisible force that enshrouded the entire space.
Qin Wentian, observing the unfolding drama, couldn't help but think, "He's here." The Heavenly Talisman Realm had dispatched this individual to aid them.
"Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord!" The Undying Immortal King couldn't conceal his shock, his countenance registering a rare expression of astonishment. Having existed for countless centuries, the Undying Immortal King possessed a wealth of knowledge and experiences. He earned his 'Undying' moniker through his enduring lifespan. This mysterious figure in black, he had encountered once before during the tumultuous era when the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor vied for dominion over the thirteen prefectures.
"Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord," murmured the members of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in awed disbelief. The reappearance of this ancient and formidable character was entirely unexpected. Legend had it that the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord had been the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's most formidable rival in days gone by. In the distant past, prior to this region being known as the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures, it had been ruled by several immortal emperors. Among them, the two mightiest had been Thousand Transformations and Eastern Sage. Yet, during their final confrontation, Thousand Transformations had suffered defeat and subsequently vanished into obscurity. Nobody could have foreseen his reappearance in this momentous juncture.
Consequently, all eyes shifted back to Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen, the once-inconspicuous duo who had now taken the center stage. Their extraordinary prowess suddenly made sense; they were the direct disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's most formidable adversary.
The realization dawned that their top rankings in the immortal banquet were not just happenstance. If the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had lavishly nurtured his own disciples, they could have achieved similar results.