Mysterious Character

Mysterious Character . . .

The geniuses present were met with a startling revelation—the eerie, misty landscape before them was indeed the fabled Underworld Mountains. However, they quickly realized that their vitality and strength were gradually diminishing in this otherworldly place.

Hua Taixu, his samsara eyes filled with curiosity and determination, tried to pierce the shroud of illusion surrounding the Underworld Mountains. Yet, even his formidable vision was thwarted, as an impenetrable fog obscured the mountain's secrets.

"Demonic presence. This man is a demon," Qin Wentian muttered, sensing an otherworldly aura emanating from the stranger. This individual had features that set him apart from ordinary humans, with a peculiar gleam in his eyes that hinted at his otherworldly origins. His sharp, baleful gaze swept over the assembly, making it abundantly clear that he was no ordinary visitor.

"Demonic aura... This person is of demon lineage," Qin Wentian discerned, realizing that the stranger was originally a demonic beast. Most people would hesitate to approach Nanfeng Yunxi, but Qin Wentian's recollections provided a name for this enigmatic figure.

Zhan Peng, ranked #7 in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, hailed from a species of demonic avian beasts.

"What's the matter?" Nanfeng Yunxi inquired, her gaze fixed on Zhan Peng.

"Why are you mingling with these ordinary folks? Come with me, and we'll explore the Underworld Mountains together. We're a perfect match for each other," Zhan Peng proclaimed confidently. His words stunned those present. Could it be that he was oblivious to Princess Qing'er's higher ranking? Qin Wentian had also bested the #6-ranked Xiao Lengyue, who outranked him by one.

Yet, Zhan Peng had always exuded pride and aloofness, heedless of others' opinions.

Zhan Peng, a demonic bird of a lesser breed, coveted the purity and superiority of the Southern Phoenix bloodline. His aspirations knew no bounds, as he yearned to overthrow the sky sovereign divine roc and claim dominion of the skies. He believed that only Nanfeng Yunxi's Southern Phoenix bloodline was a worthy match for him, and she should mate with him.

There was a time when someone jokingly referred to Zhan Peng as a mere chicken courting a phoenix, underestimating the vastness of the world. However, that jester paid for their jest with their life. Ever since, no one dared to mock him openly, recognizing Zhan Peng's undeniable strength.

"Get lost," Nanfeng Yunxi's voice dripped with disdain as she dismissed Zhan Peng. Her eyes bore into him with contempt. This arrogant and delusional individual disgusted her to no end.

"Zhan Peng, don't delude yourself into thinking Princess Nanfeng would have any interest in you. It would be wise to join my alliance, or you may find yourself at a disadvantage later on," a voice spoke from a distance. All eyes turned to the speaker—a gaunt figure known as Bone Demon, the #8-ranked individual in the Immortal Ascension Rankings.

Standing beside Bone Demon was a plain-looking woman, her presence far from ordinary. Her sharp gaze bore into Nanfeng Yunxi and Qing'er, acknowledging the supreme beauties who also held high rankings in the Immortal Ascension Rankings. Zhan Peng, it seemed, had little understanding of the word 'peril.' Unbeknownst to him, he had provoked individuals he could ill afford to antagonize.

"Bone Demon and Xu Ruxue have formed an alliance. Kun Nu is with them too. What a formidable alliance," the crowd whispered as they observed the trio. Xu Ruxue, flanked by Kun Nu, formed a formidable group.

Amidst the gathering of top-tier talents, these three figures held rankings #8, #9, and #10 on the Immortal Ascension Rankings. The allure of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's potential inheritance had drawn them together, forming a formidable trio.

It was a union of peak geniuses with peak geniuses, and for those not among their ranks, sheer numbers would have to compensate.

"Enough," Zhan Peng snapped at Bone Demon, his icy gaze shifting back to Nanfeng Yunxi. "I am an exceptional being destined to rule the skies of the immortal realms. Nanfeng Yunxi, with your ancient phoenix bloodline, we are a match made in heaven."

Onlookers felt the urge to burst into laughter, but none dared, knowing Zhan Peng's penchant for stubborn prejudice. This trait was an inheritance from his demonic lineage, as his father, a once-ordinary bird, had ascended to become a demon emperor, ruling a specific immortal realm. Few dared to provoke him, and he was something of a legend in his own right.

Demonic beasts differed significantly from humans. While human stellar martial cultivators relied on effort and serendipity to continue their growth, as well as the potential for stronger comprehension abilities depending on their encounters, demonic beasts' abilities and insights were determined at birth. A divine bird was forever a divine bird, and ordinary birds, regardless of their efforts, could never become a roc or phoenix.

Qin Wentian found the exchange peculiar but was impressed by Zhan Peng's unwavering persistence and self-confidence. Such traits often yielded results that surpassed the ordinary. Deep down, Zhan Peng genuinely believed that Nanfeng Yunxi was his ideal match.

"I told you to leave," Nanfeng Yunxi's countenance grew even colder as a chilling intent radiated from her. Zhan Peng's audacity in publicly suggesting they mate and claiming they were a match made in heaven was beyond exasperating.

"Nanfeng Yunxi, together, we could become legends," Zhan Peng persisted, his stubbornness bewildering Qin Wentian. The longer this continued, the more infuriating it became, especially in Nanfeng Yunxi's eyes. Her high-grade bloodline made her a sought-after individual, and Zhan Peng's relentless pursuit was both unsettling and inappropriate.

—BOOM!— An overwhelming aura erupted. Nanfeng Yunxi had truly lost her patience, causing Zhan Peng's expression to stiffen. Stubborn as he was, he knew better than to challenge the #3-ranked talent on the Immortal Ascension Rankings. With a resigned tone, he said, "Since you're not ready to decide, take your time. I'll take my leave for now."

With those words, Zhan Peng's figure vanished into the distance. Nanfeng Yunxi's aura, though wild, gradually receded, leaving a lingering chill in her eyes.

"That man is truly unique," Jun Mengchen remarked in a hushed tone.

"His original form is that of a common bird demon, but he's exceedingly persistent. If I hadn't known that he's always been like this, I wouldn't have shown him any mercy," Nanfeng Yunxi explained coolly. Her words prompted an unexpected response from Qin Wentian, who smiled at her. "Who would have guessed that the cold and aloof Princess Nanfeng could possess such compassion?"

Nanfeng Yunxi was taken aback, gazing at Qin Wentian with a mix of surprise and confusion. No one had ever spoken to her in such a manner before. Perhaps her own aloofness had deterred people from approaching her, preventing them from truly understanding her.

"Let's move, many have already set out," Qin Wentian urged as he surveyed the horizon. Just ahead lay the mountain pass, its walls adorned with intricate blood runes. Standing there was none other than the reigning champion of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Zi Daoyang.

—Bzz!— A figure soared toward the passage, only to be violently repelled. It was Zhan Peng, crashing unceremoniously to the ground, his face drained of color.

"This passage is impassable," Zhan Peng declared. "There must be another route."

Zi Daoyang remained silent, his gaze locked on the blood runes as he pondered. Where was the second-ranked contender? Had he traversed this passage before? Could he have brazenly forced his way through with the might of his invulnerable physique?

Zi Daoyang wondered if the formidable contender had indeed taken such an audacious approach, caring little for the consequences.

The blood runes generated a repelling force, deadly to those unable to endure it. Ordinary individuals would not stand a chance at breaking through.

"Perhaps overcoming this is less about individual strength and more about collective effort," a lazy voice chimed in from the crowd, leaving all heads turning in search of its source. But the mysterious speaker remained unseen, casting an eerie aura over the scene.

Could there be others lurking in the Underworld Mountains?

"Alternatively, if someone could decipher all the runes by themselves, they might pass with ease," Zi Daoyang suggested, igniting a spark of ambition in the crowd. Had the second-ranked contender succeeded in doing so?

Yet, this approach would consume valuable time, and the Underworld Mountains drained their strength. For those unable to withstand the energy-sapping effects, such a strategy was pure folly.

"Feel free to try that path if you wish," the enigmatic voice coldly remarked once more. Zi Daoyang pressed, "Who are you? Are you only skilled in hiding your presence?"

Silence greeted his inquiry.

Zi Daoyang then addressed the gathered geniuses. "Let's each attempt to comprehend one of the energies. By working together, we can decipher the blood runes quickly and traverse this area."

"Agreed," the assembled talents nodded. Fortunately, a substantial number of individuals had ventured into the Underworld Mountains. With their combined efforts, understanding the blood runes should pose no insurmountable challenge.

"Let's make an effort to understand these runes as well," Qin Wentian whispered to his companions. He remained puzzled about how Little Rascal had successfully navigated this passageway.

Closing his eyes, Qin Wentian focused his perception on the stone walls adorned with blood runes. Instantly, various energies converged and surged toward him. Qin Wentian's will zeroed in on a particular type of energy, delving into its true essence.

All the geniuses present were deeply engrossed in their efforts to decipher the blood runes. Gradually, the radiance of the runes waned. Their collective strength proved formidable, and an hour later, the entire stone wall had been drained of its luminosity. Zi Daoyang opened his eyes and ventured onto the passageway. One by one, the other geniuses followed closely behind.

As Qin Wentian passed by the walls, his fingers couldn't resist tracing the runes, marveling at their craftsmanship. Who could have inscribed such intricate symbols on these walls?

Before them, they sensed an overwhelming vastness. Everyone's gaze fixated on two distinct areas ahead. One exuded darkness, eeriness, and coldness, akin to an underworld teeming with malevolent forces. It radiated an aura of dominance. In stark contrast, the other area emitted brilliant light, capable of dispelling all darkness. Its aura was profoundly pure, akin to the essence of justice, belonging to kings and emperors.

These two contrasting auras had coexisted for countless years.

—Bzz!— Suddenly, a figure clad in gray robes materialized before them. The figure stood casually, emanating an unparalleled aura.

"This isn't the correct path," a voice echoed from the figure. Opening his eyes, the figure fixed a gaze on Zi Daoyang, who led the group. The figure's eyes resembled bottomless, lifeless pits, their very sight capable of ensnaring one's soul. The pressure emanating from this figure felt like divine authority, as though he could extinguish them all with a mere glance.

—Bzz!— A gust of wind swept by, and the figure instantly appeared before Zi Daoyang. "You've all violated the rules."

"Senior..." Zi Daoyang attempted to speak, but the figure's hand shot out, moving too swiftly for the naked eye to track. He seized Zi Daoyang by the throat, hoisting him into the air. A chilling fear enveloped the hearts of those watching, their breaths stolen by the oppressive force in the atmosphere.