Mo Xie . . .
The golden body, an enigma from the annals of time, remained eternal, its ethereal presence suspended in perpetuity. None could predict who among the gifted would emerge victorious in forging a supreme physique. The assembly of prodigies relentlessly tested their limits, only to encounter failure time and again.
Even the illustrious #3 ranked Nanfeng Yunxi and the formidable #4 ranked Xuan Yang strained themselves to the utmost, yet the elusive pinnacle of physique-building eluded their grasp. They couldn't bridge the chasm that separated them from this seemingly everlasting enigma.
As time inexorably flowed on, despair gnawed at the hearts of some geniuses, reducing their once-fiery spirits to smoldering embers. Hope and confidence in achieving a supreme physique dwindled, replaced by the bitter taste of reality. Their once-blazing ardor had been doused by a cascade of cold water, and many had surrendered to despair.
For those who had truly mastered their craft, capitulation was never an option. Even though they knew their endeavors would forever remain futile, they persisted in their ceaseless attempts, challenging the boundaries of their own limitations. This was a creed by which they lived—a life marked by trials, failures, and an unyielding resolve to press on.
Qin Wentian had endured countless trials, marked by failure and injury inflicted by the relentless repulsive force. If anyone were to inquire who had suffered the most wretched fate, it would undeniably be Qin Wentian.
Yet, despite the grievous toll exacted by each attempt, Qin Wentian continued his relentless pursuit. With each endeavor, he perceived incremental improvements, drawing nearer to his elusive objective.
In the peculiar expanse of this realm, Qin Wentian's body emitted a cacophonous rumble, reminiscent of the relentless assault of ocean waves upon the shore. Energy surged within him in rhythmic waves, enveloping him in radiant luminosity. He keenly sensed the flowing currents of energy within the golden body, forging an eerie resonance with his own.
"Indestructible..." A profound realization washed over Qin Wentian. The golden body appeared impervious to harm, an eternal paragon of invincibility. His body pulsed with a dazzling radiance as the energy within him cycled autonomously. The aura he exuded grew even more resplendent, catching the attention of onlookers.
The countenances of Xuan Yang and Xiao Lengyue, once mocking and derisive, transformed to a pallor of unease. They had watched Qin Wentian suffer grievous injuries at the hands of the repulsive force earlier, privately scoffing at his misfortune. However, now they observed something altogether different. Qin Wentian's form radiated a profound celestial authority, an eerie harmony with the golden body. As the moments passed, if this resonance reached fruition, it would signify Qin Wentian's triumph in establishing a supreme physique.
Inexplicably, their erstwhile adversary, Qin Wentian, appeared poised to claim the highest likelihood of success.
Xuan Yang's eyes ignited with a blazing determination that pierced through the ether. With unparalleled resolve, he stepped forward, no longer employing his Heavenly Mystic Mirror Art to deflect the surging energy. He had come to a profound realization—the power couldn't be repelled. Instead, it had to be endured with one's very body, a quest to fathom its hidden truths.
...
In the hallowed cavern of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor, silence had settled in, as most had departed, leaving only the inheritors behind. Four figures remained, each ensconced in their own thoughts: Mo Xie, Zi Daoyang, Zhan Peng, and Little Rascal. They sat in contemplative silence, delving deep into the inheritance bestowed upon them. Suddenly, Mo Xie, the one who had spent the longest time immersed in this legacy, snapped his eyes open. A cold, penetrating gleam emanated from his gaze, sending shivers down the spines of those who beheld it.
Mo Xie's intense scrutiny shifted from Zi Daoyang to Zhan Peng and then to Little Rascal. He etched their visages into his memory with an unrelenting determination. Two humans and one formidable demonic beast would serve as his offerings, stepping stones on his path to further ascension. Even when he focused on Zi Daoyang, Mo Xie's confidence remained unwavering. In fact, the malevolence in his eyes intensified.
Should the Immortal Ascension Rankings' top-ranked contender, Zi Daoyang, dare to seize his inheritance, he would meet the same grim fate as those who dared oppose Mo Xie.
Mo Xie rose calmly, dismounting from the mystic diagram upon which he sat. His gaze settled on the nine-headed statue of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor, devoid of any emotion. Even after gaining the Emperor's inheritance, he harbored no gratitude. Mo Xie believed in one thing—strength. He knew that only through strength could he have acquired this inheritance, and only through strength could he retain it. Power was his currency, and he intended to employ it relentlessly to shape his destiny.
Mo Xie suspected that the Brahma Heavenly Emperor shared his ruthless disposition. Otherwise, why would the Emperor have divided his inheritance into nine portions, forcing the inheritors to vie for comprehension at the cost of each other's lives? It was a brutal and arduous ordeal. Those who secured a fragment of the legacy were exceptional beings, yet once they stepped upon the mystic diagram, they had to contend with eight others for the slimmest chance of survival.
With unwavering resolve, Mo Xie strode towards the cavern's exit, paying no heed to the eight ancient coffins. He had already memorized the three individuals before him; there was no need to tarry any longer.
Outside the cavern, Mo Xie advanced, his heart resolute. However, his path was interrupted by a stunning silhouette, bereft of any discernible aura. She resembled an ethereal apparition, her gaze fixed intently on Mo Xie.
In an instant, the alluring figure darted towards Mo Xie. Reacting swiftly, Mo Xie unleashed a fearsome black vortex from his palm, seeking to engulf the spectral female entirely. But the enigmatic figure deftly retreated, returning to her original position as though she had never moved.
Mo Xie's steely gaze pierced through the spectral female as he fired a barrage of questions. He had a shrewd inkling of her purpose here, seeking to gauge her level of inheritance and her position among the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's successors.
The enigmatic woman remained silent, her gaze unyielding. Her flawless visage emanated a regal aura, akin to that of a revered dowager, compelling all who beheld her to instinctively show reverence and awe. Though she existed in a spectral form, bereft of a corporeal aura, her mere presence commanded respect and fear.
"Judging by your silence, you must have reached at least the immortal king level. The Brahma Heavenly Emperor employed a sinister method to pass on his inheritance, indeed. Facing adversaries like you, who pursue me with murderous intent, promises to be an excruciating ordeal. Regrettably, your true form can't enter the City of Ancient Emperors, or else death would be my only escape," Mo Xie mused with calculated composure, continuing his departure without casting another glance in her direction.
The mysterious female stood motionless, observing Mo Xie's retreat in silence. Her mind, however, fixated on another figure: Qin Wentian. It was his interference that had thwarted her plans. She had originally taken control of Nanfeng Yunxi to seize the inheritance with ease, but Qin Wentian's intervention had derailed her schemes.
As Mo Xie made his exit, he ventured toward an adjacent cavern, radiating a starkly contrasting aura of purity and righteousness. A sardonic smile graced his lips. Did the Brahma Heavenly Emperor intend for his inheritor to compete against the inheritor of this opposing ancient emperor? Nevertheless, Mo Xie harbored aspirations beyond the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's legacy alone.
"Mo Xie, it's Mo Xie!"
As Mo Xie entered the cavern, the geniuses' eyes fixed upon him, trepidation flickering in their gazes. Mo Xie, renowned for his unrelenting cruelty and fearlessness even in the presence of Zi Daoyang, was an infamous figure. His arrival, having already comprehended a portion of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's inheritance, struck unease into the hearts of those present.
Mo Xie surveyed his surroundings, his intentions clear. Without hesitation, he strode into the region of golden light, advancing resolutely toward the golden body. He had no intention of squandering even a moment.
In an instant, the radiant beams of light surged into him, imbuing his body with an immense energy. A shroud of onyx enveloped him like a devil's armor, while countless arcane runes etched themselves upon his skin. Mo Xie expertly converted and devoured the energy, assimilating it into his growing might.
Mo Xie's countenance grew razor-sharp as he harnessed the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's inheritance to seize the legacy within this realm. He pressed on, advancing with an ease that left the other geniuses astounded. While they struggled to take a single step, Mo Xie's progress seemed effortless and terrifyingly swift.
However, as he ventured deeper, his advance slowed, and a thunderous resonance emanated from his body. Tremors wracked him as he closed his eyes, absorbing the energy while contemplating the enigmatic golden body.
Mo Xie's voice resounded with a mixture of awe and bewilderment as he contemplated the concept of the "Will of Indestructibility" associated with the golden body. He muttered his thoughts aloud, pondering whether this enigmatic figure could aid him in achieving the fabled indestructible body.
However, his introspection was fleeting, soon replaced by a haughty proclamation directed at the surroundings. In his domineering tone, he declared, "With me here, the inheritance of this ancient emperor belongs to me."
His words dripped with tyranny and arrogance, making it clear that, in his presence, there was no room for discussion or dispute. The inheritance was his and his alone, a decree that no one dared to challenge.
Xuan Yang's eyes narrowed, and he fixed Mo Xie with an intense gaze. "Mo Xie, you've already obtained the inheritance of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor. Are you here to vie for this one as well?"
Mo Xie's response was swift and cutting, devoid of any trace of humility. "And why shouldn't I? Xuan Yang, you are unworthy of this inheritance. Leave."
Xuan Yang's expression contorted with indignation, his face flush with anger. Mo Xie's audacity knew no bounds.
Mo Xie's icy glare never wavered. He extended his finger, aiming it unerringly at Xuan Yang. A malevolent, black beam of energy surged through the air, closing in on its target with deadly intent.
Xuan Yang summoned an ancient mirror using his Heavenly Mystic Mirror Art in a desperate attempt to defend himself. Yet, Mo Xie remained unrelenting, launching a relentless barrage of dark energy at the mirror. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, until it shattered, leaving Xuan Yang with no choice but to retreat, battered and defeated.
The other geniuses observed in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of fear and trepidation. Mo Xie's ruthless display had left an indelible mark on their psyches. His ruthless determination and overwhelming power made him a formidable adversary.
Mo Xie's gaze shifted to Qin Wentian, his voice laced with a sinister edge. "You, with the highest likelihood of success in establishing a physique, should have seized this opportunity while you had the chance. But now, I've arrived."
Qin Wentian remained under immense pressure, his focus undeterred as he replied, "Who says only one person can succeed in establishing their physique? If you believe you have a chance, you're free to attempt it."
Mo Xie chuckled coldly. "I won't take that risk. I've already made it clear: with me here, this inheritance belongs to me. You'll stay where you are and wait until I've achieved the same level of success as you."
Qin Wentian's countenance darkened. "And if I refuse to wait for you?"
Mo Xie's cold laughter filled the cavern. "As I said before, in my presence, this inheritance is mine." His resolve was unshakable; he would not allow anyone to usurp what he deemed rightfully his.