Commotion in the City of Ancient Emperors

Commotion in the City of Ancient Emperors . . .

"Sacred Luminance!" Qin Wentian's eyes sparkled with excitement as he successfully drew the ethereal radiance into the massive cauldron, merging the two forces seamlessly. It was becoming clear why only ancient sacred treasures could contain the elusive Sacred Luminance. This divine light from ancient times was something ethereal and formless, eluding the grasp of ordinary vessels. Only true ancient sacred treasures possessed the unique ability to harmonize with the Sacred Luminance, allowing it to become an intrinsic part of their being.

This revelation held incredible potential. Qin Wentian realized he could use the Sacred Luminance to aid those around him in their evolution. However, it came with a significant caveat—the recipient must possess a formidable will, or else their body would be consumed by the baptism process.

Nanfeng Yunxi had described the Sacred Luminance as a coveted dream of ancient immortal emperors. Yet, Qin Wentian knew he could never reveal this secret. In the future, after his own development reached a certain zenith, he could discreetly employ this incredible resource to recruit immortal kings and emperors, and perhaps even nurture talents of unprecedented prowess.

The radiant runes of the Sacred Luminance flowed steadily into the cauldron. Qin Wentian, fearing that he might collect too little, lingered to ensure every trace was gathered. Eventually, the black dragon interjected, "Alright, that's enough. The cauldron is brimming with Sacred Luminance."

A sheepish grin spread across Qin Wentian's face. With a casual wave, the cauldron returned to its diminutive size and found its place in his possession. This ancient sacred treasure held not only the immense power of the Sacred Luminance but also a peerless offensive innate technique. After their escape from this place, he resolved to dedicate time to mastering its capabilities.

Surprisingly, their relentless pursuit by the disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect had turned into a blessing, leading them to the Antiquity City and unveiling its long-guarded secrets. In hindsight, they had all profited from this chase and stumbled upon an unexpected stroke of fortune. It seemed that, in a twisted way, their gratitude was owed to the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. Without his relentless pursuit, they might never have uncovered this incredible opportunity.

"It's time to depart," Qin Wentian declared. An enchanting energy enveloped him, transporting him back to the entrance of the Antiquity City, where Qing'er, Nanfeng Yunxi, and the others awaited. Their expressions held a mix of curiosity and wonder as they gazed upon Qin Wentian, who had returned with newfound power.

Qin Wentian glanced at his companions, puzzled by their curious expressions. "What's going on?" he inquired, arching an inquisitive brow.

Nanfeng Yunxi couldn't help but smile as she regarded Qin Wentian, her usual air of aloofness momentarily replaced by warmth. "We were all transported out simultaneously," she explained. "Even Mo Xie was with us. However, that rascal and his Eastern Sage Immortal Sect cohorts joined forces and used their immortal weapons to make a quick escape. We would have kept them here if we could."

Jun Mengchen chimed in, "Indeed, Senior Brother. You're the last one to return. Did you experience something extraordinary in there?"

Qin Wentian decided to share a portion of his experience, omitting the mention of the Sacred Luminance. It wasn't a matter of trust; it was simply too risky to reveal such a coveted secret in the presence of so many people. Nanfeng Yunxi, as a Southern Phoenix Clan princess, might inadvertently let it slip to her clan's Matriarch. Hua Taixu, who had his own sect, would likely share it with his Immortal King. The revelation of the Sacred Luminance would surely lead to his demise, as immortal kings and emperors across the realms hunted him down for it. It was safer if only he knew the secret.

Qin Wentian explained, "Upon completing the final trial, I entered a divine estate and encountered a divine statue. The guardian of the City of Ancient Emperors, the black dragon, informed me that my cultivation was insufficient and sent me back here. That's why I returned later."

Nanfeng Yunxi's eyes sparkled with interest as she looked toward the imposing Antiquity City. "You entered a divine estate after completing the Ancient Path of Stars trials. It's highly likely that you'll be the sole person able to enter it now. This is a significant stroke of fortune for you."

"Perhaps, but that's a matter for the future," Qin Wentian replied with a hint of humility. "Let's move on. It's time to return to the City of Ancient Emperors."

"Mhm," Qing'er acknowledged, taking out her spatial leaf boat. They all boarded it, ready to depart. As they sailed away, they couldn't help but turn and cast their gazes toward the Antiquity City, which was slowly fading into the horizon.

During their journey back, Qin Wentian spotted a group of figures heading in the same direction. It was none other than the experts from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. They also noticed Qin Wentian and his companions, their faces contorted with cold determination as they brandished their immortal weapons, causing waves of formidable immortal energy to surge through the sky.

Jun Mengchen's eyes gleamed with a sharp intensity as he asked, "Should we take them on?"

Qin Wentian considered the situation. Despite their transformation from the Sacred Luminance baptism, the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect still had over three hundred experts. If they all unleashed their immortal weapons, Qin Wentian and his group would be at a significant disadvantage.

"No need to engage with them," Qin Wentian decided. "Qing'er, let's continue our journey." Confronting such overwhelming numbers would be unwise.

Qing'er nodded, and their leaf boat continued its course through the skies, bypassing the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect without any confrontation. The Eastern Sage experts glared at them with hostility but ultimately refrained from taking action.

"After we return, we'll rebuild the Qin Sect and expand our ranks," Qin Wentian declared. "Whether it's a battle with or without immortal weapons, we won't be at a disadvantage."

Jun Mengchen agreed, knowing that their newfound strength at the ninth level, combined with more members, would make them a formidable force. "We'll let them flaunt their power for a little while longer," he added with a cold smile.

Meanwhile, while Qin Wentian and his companions were inside the Antiquity City, significant events had unfolded in the Underworld Mountains. Zi Daoyang, who had been recovering there, crossed paths with Zhan Peng, who had just completed his portion of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's inheritance.

Zhan Peng had managed to secure a fragment of the inheritance, but the tragic end he suffered had demonstrated that true powerful legacies were reserved for those at the pinnacle of strength. If one wasn't among the strongest, even obtaining an inheritance could be in vain, or worse, lead to their demise.

The tenth-ranked Zhan Peng met his end at the hands of Zi Daoyang, who devoured his inheritance fragment, thus becoming even more powerful. As the current top-ranked figure on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Zi Daoyang grew even stronger.

After absorbing Zhan Peng's inheritance and exploring deeper into the Underworld Mountains, Zi Daoyang eventually caught sight of the Antiquity City. Sadly, by the time he arrived, the passage leading to it had already sealed, and Qin Wentian and his group had departed. Gazing longingly at the Antiquity City, Zi Daoyang could only leave with a sense of regret.

Upon their return to the Qin Sect's headquarters, Qin Wentian and his companions discovered that only a few of their original members remained. Most of them had dispersed.

As they soared through the skies, a group of figures rose to meet them, their faces breaking into warm smiles as they saw Qin Wentian and his companions returning safely.

Li Yu, always quick with a jest, quipped, "You folks actually remembered the way back here? I was starting to wonder if you'd found a secret hideaway."

Qin Wentian couldn't help but chuckle at Li Yu's playful tone. "Of course, we remember our roots. After all, we're the ones who founded the Qin Sect."

Li Yu's eyes twinkled with curiosity as he observed the group. He couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in their demeanor. "Something tells me you didn't return empty-handed," he remarked.

Qin Wentian grinned, acknowledging the observation. "You could say that. We've had quite the adventure."

Xu Ruxue chimed in, providing context to the situation. "Don't blame the others. You see, while you guys were off on your adventure, things got a bit hectic here. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's army was hunting you down, and both the Evil Palace and the Violet Sect were lurking in the shadows, eyeing us like hungry wolves. Even Xiao Lengyue threatened us, telling our Qin Sect members to clear out. Many of our former comrades decided to leave..."

Qin Wentian waved off their concerns. "No need to blame anyone. If I were in their shoes, I'd probably have made the same choice. The Qin Sect was born out of necessity within the City of Ancient Emperors. It wouldn't be fair to expect everyone to risk their lives for our cause."

Li Yu nodded in agreement, understanding the practicality of Qin Wentian's words. "So, what's your plan now?" he asked.

Qin Wentian leaned in, sharing his vision. "We need to summon our comrades back and expand our recruitment efforts. Our ultimate goal is to prepare for the final showdown within the City of Ancient Emperors. For those willing to stand with us, they can join the Qin Sect. What do you both think?"

Li Yu's expression shifted, his surprise evident. "A final battle? Are you absolutely sure about this?"

Qin Wentian's gaze was resolute as he affirmed his decision. "Yes. Spread the word throughout the City of Ancient Emperors. Let it be known that once I, Qin Wentian, have dealt with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, I will issue a challenge to the top two individuals in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie."

Li Yu and Xu Ruxue exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Qin Wentian's determination to challenge the top two powerhouses in the city was a bold declaration.

Li Yu didn't hesitate to offer his support. "Consider it done. Leave the task to me."

Xu Ruxue, her excitement palpable, chimed in as well. "I'm with you all the way. History is about to be made, and we'll witness it together."

Qin Wentian expressed his gratitude with a nod as they stepped into their Qin Sect headquarters, ready to set their plans into motion.

Swiftly, a seismic piece of news rippled through the City of Ancient Emperors, igniting conversations in every corner. The city was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as rumors of Qin Wentian's bold declarations spread like wildfire. He was calling back the scattered members of the Qin Sect and actively recruiting new talents. But what really set the city abuzz was the challenge he had issued.

Qin Wentian had thrown down the gauntlet, proclaiming that once he had dealt with the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, he would formally invite Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie to a duel. It was to be a showdown to determine the ultimate supremacy in the City of Ancient Emperors.

News of this challenge sent shockwaves through the city's power structures. People wondered if this marked the beginning of a titanic clash between the city's top talents, a battle to decide once and for all who reigned supreme.

Rumors hinted that Qin Wentian had already achieved the ninth level of Celestial Phenomenon, a significant feat. Furthermore, despite the previous skirmishes in the Underworld Mountains involving the top powers, Qin Wentian and his companions had returned unscathed. Qin Wentian had previously declared his intention to fight Zi Daoyang one-on-one upon reaching the ninth level, and now he was adding Mo Xie to the mix.

The Qin Sect members, encouraged by their leader's confidence and undaunted spirit, began to return to their ranks. Word of Qin Wentian's safety served as a beacon, drawing them back. Additionally, a flood of talented individuals eager to join their cause surged in, fueling their ranks with new blood.

Many held a deep grudge against the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, appalled by their actions. They saw the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's deployment of an entire army to settle a feud that had originated within the City of Ancient Emperors as a shameless move. Their arrogance and humiliation of the Qin Sect had not been forgotten. The city's sentiment turned against the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, solidifying support for Qin Wentian's cause.

People flocked to the Qin Sect, determined to crush the haughty Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and personally bear witness to the ultimate showdown between Qin Wentian, Zi Daoyang, and Mo Xie. This was a battle of titans, a confrontation that no one would be allowed to interfere with—a battle that would determine who stood supreme at the peak of the City of Ancient Emperors.