Making A Move . . .
Li Yu's departure had a noticeable impact on Xiao Lengyue's demeanor. While the Xiao Sect was undoubtedly powerful, its strength lay in the collection of experts she had managed to gather in the City of Ancient Emperors. Li Yu, a prominent figure among the top hundred Immortal Ascension Rankings, possessed the potential to establish his own formidable power. He had chosen to align himself with Xiao Lengyue, a decision of great significance. It was the presence of individuals like him that had contributed to the Xiao Sect's current strength. Yet, Li Yu had decided to leave.
In Li Yu's eyes, Xiao Lengyue detected a trace of disappointment. She understood his character well. Li Yu was inherently optimistic and cheerful, driven by a sense of justice. His initial motivation for joining the Xiao Sect had been his pursuit of her. However, it seemed that her beauty no longer held sway over him.
Xiao Lengyue was an intelligent woman, and she knew that her recent actions, primarily targeting Qin Wentian, might have made Li Yu unhappy, leading to his departure. Nonetheless, she did not consider herself in the wrong. She was determined to obtain the Ancient Emperor Yi's inheritance.
For her, learning the secret art of God's Hand was not just a temporary power boost. It would elevate her combat prowess permanently, placing her consistently ahead of others at her level throughout her life.
In the cultivation ground of Qin Wentian's courtyard, Jun Mengchen opened his eyes, a sharp glint within them. Qin Wentian congratulated his junior brother with a warm smile. Jun Mengchen rose to his feet, having successfully consolidated his foundation. He remarked on being only at the seventh level of Celestial Phenomenon.
Qin Wentian encouraged him to take his time and not rush in cultivation. He acknowledged that they were now at the same level and suggested going for a walk to relax.
Zi Qingxuan and Jun Mengchen exchanged glances, sensing that Qin Wentian's proposal might not be as simple as it sounded. There were only two days left before the deadline set by the Xiao Sect. Qin Wentian's desire to go for a relaxing walk at this juncture raised suspicions.
However, Qin Wentian transmitted his intentions to them, and they silently nodded, understanding his plan.
As Qin Wentian prepared to leave, the experts of the Xiao Sect appeared before him, blocking his path and asking, "Where are you going?"
Qin Wentian's irritation was palpable as he encountered the blockade set up by the Xiao Sect. He questioned the lack of freedom he had despite being a member of the sect and expressed his desire to go for a walk.
A stern response came from one of the Xiao Sect members, reminding Qin Wentian of the looming deadline. They suggested he wait until then to leave the sect. However, Qin Wentian's determination to go out immediately was clear, and he even hinted at leaving the Xiao Sect if his freedom was restricted further.
Xiao Lengyue's intervention added complexity to the situation. She allowed Qin Wentian to go for his walk but cautioned him about the Twin Stars Alliance's pursuit and the threat posed by Xuan Xing. Qin Wentian, however, asserted that his safety was his own concern.
As Qin Wentian and his companions took flight, the Xiao Sect experts remained behind, watching them coldly. It was evident that this departure wouldn't be as simple as it seemed.
Jun Mengchen had sensed the Xiao Sect's presence and expressed his dissatisfaction, particularly with Greedwolf, who had been rude and threatening to them during their time in the underground palace.
Zi Qingxuan explained the significance of Greedwolf and the tense situation. She also noted that many experts were stuck at the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, struggling to break through to immortality.
Jun Mengchen harbored a strong desire to defeat Greedwolf once he reached the ninth level, given his past behavior. However, he understood that this breakthrough wasn't an easy task, even for talented individuals like themselves.
Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, and Zi Qingxuan maintained a swift pace, but the Xiao Sect pursued them closely, making it impossible to shake them off.
Observers in the City of Ancient Emperors were intrigued by this chase, with Xiao Lengyue, one of the city's top beauties, leading the pursuit. They couldn't help but wonder about the identities of the three individuals being chased by such a formidable group.
As Qin Wentian and his companions continued to be pursued, the crowd in the City of Ancient Emperors couldn't help but discuss their situation. Qin Wentian's name had been making waves lately, especially after the incident in the ancient emperor palace, where his efforts had played a significant role. His fame was on the rise in the city.
More and more people gathered to witness this unfolding drama, curious about the events about to transpire. However, Qin Wentian and his group suddenly came to a halt, prompting Xiao Lengyue and her followers to do the same.
Xiao Lengyue's interest was piqued as she recognized a group of familiar figures ahead. It was none other than the experts from the God Extermination Palace, the same faction that had clashed with Qin Wentian earlier. Ji Lanshan and his followers were present, and the tension in the air was palpable.
Ji Lanshan, with a cold smile on his lips, commented on the coincidence. He mentioned the Twin Stars Alliance's pursuit of Qin Wentian and the apparent weakening of the Xiao Sect's protection. Qin Wentian, however, wasn't in the mood for Ji Lanshan's arrogance and asked why it concerned him.
Ji Lanshan, unyielding, referred to their past conflict and inquired if the Xiao Sect would interfere this time. Xiao Lengyue, with a frosty smile, approached with her experts, effectively trapping Qin Wentian and his companions between the two factions. She then proposed that Qin Wentian agree to her earlier offer.
Confusion filled Qin Wentian's voice as he claimed not to understand her intentions. Greedwolf, growing impatient, shouted at Qin Wentian, accusing him of wanting to enjoy the benefits without sharing them with the Xiao Sect. He demanded a clear answer to Xiao Lengyue's proposal.
Qin Wentian, however, remained defiant and asked what would happen if he refused. Xiao Lengyue's response was severe: expulsion from the Xiao Sect, leaving them with no protection or affiliation. She seemed determined to strike a heavy blow to Qin Wentian, especially in the presence of the God Extermination Palace members. As if in response to her words, the experts from the God Extermination Palace closed in, surrounding Qin Wentian and his companions, with Ji Lanshan already activating his constellation.
In the face of Xiao Lengyue's proposition and Greedwolf's fearsome aura, Qin Wentian didn't back down. Instead, a cold smile graced his lips as he addressed the Xiao Sect's questionable methods. He accused them of unscrupulously seizing the treasures of their own sect member and challenged their attempt to expel him and his companions. With confidence, he declared their disassociation from the Xiao Sect.
Greedwolf's anger flared, but Xiao Lengyue intervened, allowing Qin Wentian and his companions to continue their standoff. Ji Lanshan, from the God Extermination Palace, unleashed his fury, reminding Qin Wentian of their past confrontation when he had hidden in the Xiao Sect. Ji Lanshan believed that this moment had been a long time coming.
Qin Wentian, however, was unyielding and openly ridiculed Ji Lanshan for his arrogance. He dismissed Ji Lanshan's rank on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, labeling him as nothing more than trash who couldn't even compare to Qin Wentian, despite being two cultivation levels higher. His words were drenched in arrogance, and he made it clear that Ji Lanshan was not worthy of being called a genius or an immortal emperor's descendant.
This newfound confidence and arrogance emanated from Qin Wentian, who was no longer the low-profiled individual he had been in the Xiao Sect. His boldness sent shockwaves through the crowd, and even the experts of the Xiao Sect couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. What had emboldened him to be so disrespectful to the Xiao Sect's experts and challenge a ranker like Ji Lanshan?
Ji Lanshan, undeterred by Qin Wentian's words, unleashed his Thousand Talisman Constellation and prepared to engage in combat. Qin Wentian, however, scoffed at the need for divine inscriptions, and his transformation left everyone in awe. His body expanded to ten meters in height, radiating an aura of war and divinity that seemed unparalleled.
The experts from the God Extermination Palace released their constellations, creating immense pressure on Qin Wentian. But he, too, summoned his constellation, a violet-golden light illuminating the sky. His palm glowed with runic light, and the transformation continued as his palm became a divine weapon of incredible might.
As Qin Wentian chanted, his entire being radiated a brilliant light, resembling a transformation into a deity. Xiao Lengyue was frozen in awe, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian's transformed palm. Qin Wentian explained that God's Hand wasn't limited to a palm technique but could enhance any attack using the secret art's principles. He demonstrated this by shattering an opponent's saber strike with a single divine palm strike, sending the enemy flying.
Xiao Lengyue watched in amazement, her sharp gaze focused on Qin Wentian's extraordinary power. The glow of divine light emanating from his palm marked a terrifying and undeniable display of might.