Nanfeng Yunxi’s Joining

Nanfeng Yunxi's Joining . . .

Xuan Yang's countenance darkened as he fixated his gaze on Zi Daoyang, suspended in the air. The seemingly nonchalant tone Zi Daoyang employed grated on Xuan Yang's nerves. How could this matter be so inconsequential when his brother, Xuan Xing, had been brutally slain in public by Qin Wentian, and the Twin Stars Alliance had been dealt a humiliating blow? This enmity ran deep, a festering grudge that could not be brushed aside with a mere request for peace. Telling him to refrain from causing further trouble in the future felt like a cruel jest.

Zi Daoyang displayed an utter disregard for Xuan Yang's feelings, his aloof arrogance laid bare in his casual demeanor. In his eyes, Xuan Yang, despite his fourth-place ranking, was nothing more than a minor irritant, unworthy of serious consideration. It was a deep-seated loathing that Xuan Yang harbored for Zi Daoyang, a burning desire for vengeance that he would not easily forget.

But Zi Daoyang was impervious to Xuan Yang's animosity, immune to the weight of his enmity. In his world, Xuan Yang's significance was negligible.

Zi Daoyang, the scion of the Violet Emperor, held a status unrivaled within the City of Ancient Emperors. While the Xuan Emperor relied on his Heavenly Mystic Mirror Art to forge an impenetrable defense, it limited his capacity to overpower his adversaries. The Xuan Emperor could not ascend to the same heights as the true luminaries who commanded respect throughout the realms. As a result, Xuan Yang's unbeatable status stemmed solely from his reliance on his mirror art. From Zi Daoyang's vantage point, Xuan Yang was inconsequential.

Only a figure of Zi Daoyang's stature could afford to be so dismissive. Lesser individuals would cower in awe before Xuan Yang's formidable mirror art. Their perspectives were shaped by their disparate standings in the hierarchy of the Immortal Ascension Rankings.

The onlookers keenly sensed Xuan Yang's silent humiliation, recognizing the depth of his inner turmoil. However, his next move surprised them all. A sardonic smile played on his lips as he responded, "Very well, since you put it that way, I shall refrain from causing trouble for Qing'er any longer. I've long heard of the close ties between the Violet Emperor and the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, but I never imagined they were as intimate as brothers. Perhaps, Brother Zi and Princess Qing'er might even become a couple one day."

As he spoke those words, Xuan Yang withdrew, making his way toward the Twin Stars Alliance. The final sentence he uttered was calculated to stoke the fires of conflict between Qin Wentian and Zi Daoyang. It was evident that Xuan Yang intended to deepen their enmity, raising the specter of a future clash between the two.

Qin Wentian, no longer needing to speculate, regarded Zi Daoyang with increased suspicion. The spectators, too, grasped Zi Daoyang's intentions as he sought a closer relationship with Princess Qing'er. While his true motives remained shrouded in mystery, two facts were clear to Qin Wentian: Zi Daoyang had requested Xuan Yang's pledge of non-interference and had demanded an apology from him. With Xuan Yang's prodding, the rift between Qin Wentian and Zi Daoyang threatened to widen, setting the stage for a future confrontation.

"Do you still have the audacity to incite conflict?" Qin Wentian taunted, his words laced with bitterness. Xuan Yang's expression grew colder, though the spectators had already witnessed the Twin Stars Alliance's disadvantageous position. Although Qin Wentian and Qing'er's duel remained unresolved, Qin Wentian had already vanquished Xiao Lengyue. Even after merging into the newly formed Qin Sect, the Twin Stars Alliance had found itself defeated.

"Lengyue," Zi Daoyang addressed her, prompting her to look up at him. "You and I are also acquainted. However, Qing'er is my uncle, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's daughter. When one faces defeat, it should be regarded as a valuable lesson. Let us conclude this matter here."

Although Xiao Lengyue harbored disappointment, she had little recourse. Zi Daoyang's unequivocal statements left her with no choice but to acquiesce, nodding in reluctant agreement.

"This chapter in our drama ends here," Zi Daoyang declared calmly, his words resonating through the hushed crowd. He continued, his voice carrying a sense of purpose, "The cream of the crop from the immortal realms gathered in the City of Ancient Emperors for one purpose: to ascend the echelons of power. Naturally, our foremost concern should be the legacies left behind by the ancients. I urge all of you to test your luck in the Underworld Mountains."

His words struck a chord with the audience, freezing them in a moment of contemplation. As he had suggested, the periodic emergence of ancient emperors' legacies would incite fierce competition among the geniuses of the City of Ancient Emperors. It was indeed a rare and fortunate occurrence for two potent legacies, Ancient Emperor Yi's God's Hand and the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's legacy, to surface in such close succession.

Perhaps, for this generation, more legacies would reveal themselves in quick succession, making it imperative for them to vie for these extraordinary opportunities.

Zi Daoyang, his involvement concluded, turned his attention to Qing'er. A warm smile graced his face as he addressed her, "Qing'er, now that this matter is resolved, I shall take my leave. If you ever require my assistance, do not hesitate to seek me out."

Qing'er's visage remained cool and distant. She clarified her stance to Qin Wentian, "I'm not acquainted with him."

Qin Wentian's response was a tender smile. He took Qing'er's hand, a silent declaration of their bond. In that moment, their connection became undeniable. The spectators couldn't help but infer that the relationship between Qin Wentian and Princess Qing'er was one of deep affection.

Yet, the audience remained perplexed by Zi Daoyang's intentions. If his aim was to pursue Princess Qing'er, Qin Wentian posed a formidable romantic rival. However, in every aspect, Zi Daoyang outshone Qin Wentian. Even in the eyes of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, it seemed more likely he would choose Zi Daoyang, the heir of the Violet Emperor, as his ideal suitor.

Xuan Yang and Xiao Lengyue, accompanied by the members of the Twin Stars Alliance, gathered together. Xuan Yang shot Qin Wentian a frosty glare and remarked, "Qin Wentian, you're content to cower behind that woman forever."

With a swish of his sleeves, he prepared to depart, emanating an unmistakable sense of reluctance. His parting words hung heavily in the air, revealing his discontent.

"A defeated hound, yet he barks so incessantly," Qin Wentian retorted impassively. His words halted Xuan Yang, who had been on the verge of leaving, causing him to pivot around with a surge of animosity.

Zi Daoyang's arrogance had clearly irked him, and he struggled to suppress his indignation.

"That Zi Daoyang is insufferably arrogant. Who does he think he is?" Jun Mengchen chimed in, voicing his disdain in a low growl. He loathed his own lack of power in the City of Ancient Emperors, wishing he could challenge Zi Daoyang to a spectacular showdown, oblivious to all other concerns.

"He's the undisputed champion of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, bearing the legacy of the mighty Violet Emperor himself. How can one of such prestige not be tainted with a hint of arrogance?" Zi Qingxuan chimed in, her words blending with the others in the discussion. They shared a sentiment that Zi Daoyang's demeanor was dripping with condescension. His presence seemed to carry an implicit demand for obedience, a sense that his word was law. From coercing Xuan Yang into submission to demanding Qin Wentian's apology, and finally relenting due to Qing'er, every action seemed to leave those around him indebted to his whims.

Jun Mengchen couldn't help but tease Zi Qingxuan, "Sister Qingxuan, you share a surname with him. Are you secretly part of his clan?" His playful remark earned him an irate glare from Zi Qingxuan.

"While Zi Daoyang's arrogance is evident, we cannot deny his formidable prowess," Hua Taixu interjected thoughtfully. "Though Xuan Yang holds the fourth rank, the chasm in their combat capabilities is immense. Xuan Yang lacked the audacity to dispute Zi Daoyang's demands."

Nanfeng Yunxi, the third-ranked genius on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, provided her analysis in a composed manner. She elaborated, "You're correct. Confidence in one's strength often begets arrogance. Zi Daoyang is a prime example. In truth, his strength surpasses Xuan Yang's by a significant margin. Xuan Yang couldn't mount a challenge even if he wanted to."

She continued, "It's not as simple as that, though. Zi Daoyang's claim that Qin Wentian, even after attaining the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, would remain outmatched is not an empty boast. The God's Hand, while formidable, isn't invincible. Its efficacy depends on the extent of your comprehension. Additionally, remember that it's not the sole legacy within the City of Ancient Emperors."

Qin Wentian pressed further, "Are you implying that Zi Daoyang has already obtained an ancient emperor's legacy?"

"Zi Daoyang's strength alone is prodigious. The Violet Emperor, his father, ranks among the apex immortal emperors, a testament to the incredible cultivation techniques and innate arts passed down through their lineage. One cannot simply assume victory against those at the same cultivation level simply by wielding the God's Hand," Nanfeng Yunxi warned.

She didn't stop there, continuing, "Furthermore, Zi Daoyang mentioned that the second-ranked contender has been within the Underworld Mountains for an extended period. It's highly plausible that he has harnessed the benefits of that place. If he survived, his current strength likely rivals Zi Daoyang's."

Qin Wentian was acutely aware of the exceptional talents scattered across the immortal realms. The City of Ancient Emperors was an ever-shifting stage, with many gifted individuals choosing not to partake. Additionally, numerous members of the younger generations were entrenched in the immortal-foundation realm. Generation after generation bore the weight of the immortal realms' supreme geniuses.

Zi Qingxuan, her patience waning, confronted Nanfeng Yunxi with a direct question. "Why have you sought us out to share this insight?" She regarded Nanfeng Yunxi with a probing gaze.

"I had initially planned to venture into the perilous realm of the Underworld Mountains. However, as you all may be aware, it's considered a forbidden ground within the City of Ancient Emperors. If your intentions align with mine, I propose that we become allies within the Qin Sect, ensuring our mutual protection and support. How do you feel about the idea of me joining the Qin Sect?" Nanfeng Yunxi's words hung in the air, a revelation that sent ripples through the gathered crowd.

Nanfeng Yunxi, a prominent figure ranked third among the Immortal Ascension Rankings, wished to align herself with the Qin Sect?

The spectators couldn't hide their astonishment. Nanfeng Yunxi had apparently been won over by the Qin Sect's impressive showing during their battle against Xiao Lengyue and Xuan Yang. With the impending dangers lurking within the Underworld Mountains, the Qin Sect seemed like the most logical choice for an alliance. Despite their small number, they boasted two peak-level geniuses leading the way. To Nanfeng Yunxi, the Qin Sect was the perfect match.

Qin Wentian, with a nod of agreement, welcomed her into their fold. Her inclusion undoubtedly bolstered the Qin Sect's power significantly, propelling them into the ranks of influential factions within the City of Ancient Emperors. Despite their modest number of six members, they now possessed a formidable strength. There was no reason for him to deny her request.

The spectators couldn't help but cast their gazes upon the two extraordinary women—the third-ranked genius Nanfeng Yunxi and the fifth-ranked Princess Qing'er. In addition, there was Qin Wentian, who had soundly defeated Xiao Lengyue. This trio formed an incredibly powerful core for the Qin Sect.

The audience stirred with excitement. It didn't take long for others to join the chorus. "I wish to join the Qin Sect as well," declared one individual, and soon others followed suit. Their numbers swelled as more and more geniuses expressed their desire to join. With two supreme beauties, combined with their recent victory in battle, it seemed inevitable that the Qin Sect's strength would soon eclipse that of the Twin Star Alliance.