Comprehension Completed

Comprehension Completed . . .

Qin Wentian's cold gaze swept over the assembled group, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. His would-be attacker exuded a palpable violence, wearing a twisted smile. "Even in death, I'll make sure to take your life first."

Qin Wentian responded with a scoff, his expression dripping with disdain. "While you all sit here, awaiting your demise, I'm endeavoring to unlock the secrets of this place. It's laughable that you, who do nothing, seek to vent your anger and frustrations on me. If I die here, based on your current trajectory, you'll join me in death soon enough."

"Enough boasting," the assailant retorted coldly, stepping forward.

"Stay your hand," a melodious voice intervened. Xiao Lengyue moved forward, her eyes fixed on Qin Wentian. "Qin Wentian, have you made any discoveries?"

"I've been trying to decipher the enigmatic mysteries from the start. But what are these people doing?" Qin Wentian cast a cold glance at the others.

"Xiao Lengyue, do you truly believe his claims?" Xuan Xing approached, his gaze locked onto Qin Wentian. "Do you think you can unravel these runic diagrams comprehensively, Qin Wentian? The divine inscriptions here possess limitless transformations. Even with my Mystic Eyes, I can only decipher them one by one. There's no way to grasp the overarching mystery. What makes you so confident?"

Qin Wentian glanced at Xuan Xing, a palm glowing with runic light. With a powerful blast, an enormous and menacing giant palm materialized, brimming with divine inscriptions that struck a chord of familiarity in Xuan Xing.

"Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't either," Qin Wentian mocked. Xiao Lengyue's eyes shimmered with curiosity. Though she lacked proficiency in divine inscriptions, the massive palm conjured by Qin Wentian held an uncanny familiarity.

Xuan Xing's face darkened, his sinister gaze locked on Qin Wentian. He declared, "I wondered why you were quietly cultivating. It appears that the scroll you obtained is directly tied to this underground palace's mystery."

As the weight of Xuan Xing's words hung in the air, the crowd's expressions shifted. Their attention now focused squarely on Qin Wentian. Did the map he acquired hold the key to the enigma surrounding this place?

Qin Wentian paused momentarily before a cryptic smile graced his lips. Xuan Xing's arrogance was ingrained, firmly convinced of his unrivaled mastery. Regardless of what evidence or argument Qin Wentian presented, Xuan Xing would dismiss it, attributing everything to the "map."

Qin Wentian, undeterred, simply remarked, "Let's assume you're right. But as it stands, you are all awaiting death here, while I have a chance to find the exit. What do you intend to do?"

"Admitting it at last," Xuan Xing sneered, his killing intent palpable as he advanced. "Hand it over."

"Excellent. It seems you've made your choice," Qin Wentian retorted, shifting his gaze to the others. He noticed Xiao Lengyue's eyes flickering with uncertainty, as though she were deliberating.

"Xuan Xing, Qin Wentian is correct," Xiao Lengyue chimed in. "You've become complacent, wallowing in despair and scheming against him, instead of trying to find a way out. He's the only one seeking an exit. I won't allow you to harm him."

Xiao Lengyue had made her stance clear. Xuan Xing glared at her, his voice cold, "Are you sure you want to oppose me?"

"If you want to believe that, feel free," Xiao Lengyue replied, her tone cool and composed. Behind her, the members of the Xiao Sect had gathered, while those aligned with the Twin Stars Alliance stood behind Xuan Xing. The tension between the two groups was palpable, ready to erupt into a clash at any moment.

"Let's hold off on settling this until we find the exit," another voice chimed in, belonging to a person unaffiliated with the powerful sects.

"Yeah, we're all trapped here. There's no point in fighting. Do you want us all to perish together?" Another expert joined the conversation. It seemed like those who remained neutral were firmly against Xuan Xing.

"Fine, if everyone insists, I'll give him more time," the genius who had previously attacked Qin Wentian conceded. His gaze remained cold as he looked at Qin Wentian, but his words piqued Qin Wentian's interest.

A mocking smile played on Qin Wentian's lips as he processed the situation. Were these people speaking up now for his benefit? Not quite. Once he found the exit, they would likely follow Xuan Xing's lead and aggressively interrogate him about the contents of the scroll he had obtained earlier.

In reality, it didn't take much thought to see the truth. Even immortal kings had perished in this place, so if the map truly held the key to solving the mystery, why did so many still die? Could the map really contain the secret of the underground palace? Clearly, it did not. But human greed often ignored reason, clinging to hopeful beliefs. Just like Xuan Xing, who had convinced himself that Qin Wentian had acquired a treasure. Otherwise, how could Qin Wentian achieve what others could not?

"Is that all?" Qin Wentian laughed mockingly. "I'm doing my utmost to find the exit, and someone here wanted to kill me. After some discussion, you all decided not to kill me, and that's the extent of it?"

"What are you suggesting, then?" the attacker retorted icily.

Qin Wentian's smile turned glacial as he pointed directly at the assailant. "Kill this man. Or else, find your own way out. Don't expect to depend on me."

In an instant, an icy wave emanated from him. Did the others think that Qin Wentian had no temper?

"BOOM!" The attacker roared, advancing with a terrifying aura that exerted immense pressure on Qin Wentian.

However, Qin Wentian closed his eyes as if he cared little about what the attacker intended to do.

"HOLD YOUR HANDS!" Someone shouted, and numerous figures rushed over, surrounding the attacker.

"What do you all want?" the attacker bellowed.

"Qin Wentian, we don't typically resort to killing in the City of Ancient Emperors. Why are you taking things to such extremes?" someone interjected.

"Have you lost your sight? When he tried to kill me earlier, why didn't you say this to him?" Qin Wentian retorted, his voice cold. The aura of the surrounded attacker grew increasingly intense, as if he were on the verge of eruption.

"Execute it," a cold, resolute voice commanded, unleashing a powerful surge of freezing energy. Surprisingly, it was Xiao Lengyue who took the lead in the attack. Members of the Xiao Sect swiftly joined her, and golden chains materialized from a runic diagram on the ground, ensnaring Qin Wentian's assailant. A divine inscriptionist had acted to immobilize the attacker, preventing any unexpected incidents that could lead to further casualties.

In this critical moment, the auras of all those present surged. Even those who had initially held back now joined the assault. Their actions were swift and merciless, leaving the trapped attacker howling in futile rage. He desperately attempted to retrieve his immortal weapon, but it was too late. The combined attacks of the group overwhelmed him, leaving death as his only escape.

"NO!" He cried out in despair, but it was in vain. Within moments, the combined might of the group claimed the life of a once-powerful genius.

Qin Wentian observed the scene with a cold detachment. When it came to real benefits, the rules prohibiting killing in this place meant nothing. These individuals, once they bared their fangs, became exceedingly terrifying. Qin Wentian couldn't help but wonder about his own situation. These people believed he had acquired a treasure earlier, so what would happen to him once they exited this place?

"Qin Wentian, rest assured and help us find the exit. Since you are a member of my Xiao Sect, I will naturally ensure your safety," Xiao Lengyue declared. Her words carried layered intentions, hinting at something deeper.

"Of course," Qin Wentian replied with a smile, understanding Xiao Lengyue's unspoken message.

He moved to another spot and, after casting a meaningful glance at the others, resumed his cross-legged position, sinking into deep concentration. He believed that after this incident, no one would dare to harm him. At least not until they had safely exited the underground palace; no one would be foolish enough to dig their own grave.

Xiao Lengyue and the others watched Qin Wentian closely, each harboring their own plans. Xuan Xing exchanged a knowing glance with Xiao Lengyue, understanding her intentions. It was likely that Xiao Lengyue intended to protect Qin Wentian even after they left this place.

For a month, Qin Wentian and Di Tian had been striving to comprehend the giant palm's mysteries simultaneously. However, something left behind by an Ancient Emperor was not easily unraveled. As time passed, another month elapsed. Today, Qin Wentian finally experienced a breakthrough. The God's Hand, or rather, he had begun to grasp the true essence of God's Hand.

Nevertheless, he chose to remain in a state of deep concentration for several more days. Then, one day, Qin Wentian's eyes snapped open, and he murmured, "I understand now."

Instantly, the gazes of everyone present shifted to Qin Wentian.

"Has Qin Wentian unraveled the secret of the underground palace?" Xiao Lengyue rushed over and stood before him. Her beautiful eyes flickered uncontrollably. They had been trapped here for half a year, and their emotions were simmering beneath the surface. Their frustrations and hopes had been pent up, and finally, they glimpsed a ray of hope in Qin Wentian.

A single statement from Qin Wentian stirred the hearts of all those present.

"Are you certain?" Xiao Lengyue's voice quivered involuntarily.

"Perhaps, but I need to attempt it first before I can confirm," Qin Wentian replied, his words sparking a glint of determination in everyone's eyes.

"Then go ahead," Xiao Lengyue encouraged.

Qin Wentian rose to his feet and surveyed the others. "It's a monumental task, and I can't do it alone. I implore all the divine inscriptionists here to assist me in activating every runic diagram in this place."

"You're suggesting that we activate all the divine inscriptions in this underground palace?" Xuan Xing approached, fixing his gaze on Qin Wentian. "Are you certain this won't bring disaster upon us?"

"I've said it before, you're in the dark about this," Qin Wentian retorted coldly, locking eyes with Xuan Xing. "You can choose to trust me or not. If no one is willing to help, I regret that I won't be of any assistance either. You'll have to find your own way out of this place."

"You..." Xuan Xing pointed a trembling finger at Qin Wentian. Rage radiated from him as he reluctantly conceded, "Very well, we'll follow your lead."