The Most Dangerous Place

The Most Dangerous Place . . .

The Thousand-Jue Alliance Leader lay dead.

He had harbored a flicker of hope when the Star River Association dispatched an immortal foundation expert. In his mind, the heavens had come to his aid, and salvation was within reach for his beleaguered Thousand-Jue Alliance. Yet, in the mere span of a breath, Qin Wentian had slain the second-level immortal foundation expert, shattering his illusions.

"You cannot escape the repercussions of your own malevolence. What has heaven got to do with this?" Qin Wentian turned his gaze to the turncoats of the Thousand-Jue Alliance. He commanded with an icy tone, "Execute all traitors. Spare none."

As his voice trailed off, he extended a finger, unleashing a supreme surge of sword energy. Wherever his finger pointed, radiant beams surged forth, piercing the throats of the traitorous Thousand-Jue Alliance experts. In mere seconds, a major power had been utterly eradicated.

The moment they became turncoats, the instant they raised arms against their brethren, they had sealed their fate.

—BOOM BOOM BOOM!—

The enemy swiftly divided their remaining forces, scrambling to escape the battlefield. Their hearts trembled with disbelief and shock. They had just witnessed the slaying of an immortal before their very eyes. Death was their sole remaining path if they remained.

Qin Wentian turned slowly and observed the fleeing experts, a frigid glint in his eyes. "Do you believe you can flee?"

In an instant, boundless immortal power radiated from his immortal foundation, transforming into a sweeping tide of annihilating brilliance. In the blink of an eye, the light enveloped all those attempting to escape. Their faces drained of color, and they felt their souls quiver to their core.

"Monarch, we admit our wrongs," one individual's heart trembled so violently it felt as though it would shatter into pieces. Terror was the sole emotion etched across his face.

They had never in their wildest imaginations envisioned that Qin Wentian would return at this precise moment.

And not only had he returned, but he had returned as an immortal, reemerging in a commanding manner. Now, his strength was such that he could dispatch an immortal with a single blow. To what heights had his power ascended?

Qin Wentian's countenance remained tranquil. Admit their wrongs? Weren't they feeling quite smug when the second-level immortal foundation expert had arrived earlier? Utterly preposterous.

—BOOM!— Immortal might surged from his immortal foundation in a relentless torrent. How formidable was Qin Wentian now? His immortal foundation had been forged from the amalgamation of six perfect immortal foundations. In an instant, those attempting to flee simply crumbled to the ground, their hearts pulverized by the force of destruction. Qin Wentian didn't need to strike them down individually.

This was the essence of immortal might—a force exclusive to those who had ascended to immortality. When enveloped by such power, the act of killing became intangible, a force of nature.

And just like that, a large-scale battle had concluded. From the beginning to the end, it was only Qin Wentian who had unleashed his attacks. The opposing forces didn't possess the strength to resist; they were swiftly obliterated. Even the second-level immortal foundation expert couldn't withstand a single blow. This was the awe-inspiring might of the newly returned Qin Wentian.

Fairy Qingmei, Luo Huan, Fan Le, and the others wore expressions of profound astonishment. No words could capture the depth of their amazement. It was utterly beyond their imagination that the same Qin Wentian who had once unified Grand Xia would return with such an overwhelmingly dominant power. He dispatched immortals with the ease of flicking his hand. It had been over two decades since he'd left, yet he had achieved something that no one in this particle world had ever accomplished.

Waves of astonishment surged within their hearts, but, of course, they were overjoyed. He had returned, this person who could perform miracles.

Qin Wentian had also received some reassuring news. The immortal foundation expert had not yet located the Medicine Sovereign and Mo Qingcheng. This indicated that, for the time being, they were safe.

At this moment, all eyes were fixed on Qin Wentian. Observing this, he merely shrugged and smiled, "I know I'm exceptionally good-looking, but there's no need to stare at me like that, is there?"

"Brother, I'm almost afraid to reintroduce myself to you! Are you still our boss? You're simply too ferocious!" Fatty Fan Le's corpulence quivered with emotion, and he seemed eager to rush over for a bear hug. Goosebumps prickled Qin Wentian's skin at the sight of Fan Le's jiggling fat, prompting him to say, "Damn fatty, back off!"

"Heh heh, it appears that you're still the same. Boss, you've actually become an immortal. Please impart some guidance and let me taste the sensation of immortality too." Fan Le narrowed his eyes, adopting a cheeky expression.

"For someone with your modest talent, you might find hope after a few thousand years of cultivation," Qin Wentian quipped, eliciting laughter from those nearby. Even though Qin Wentian had attained immortality, he didn't adopt any airs. He remained the same friend they had known in the past.

"Wentian, to think we used to fight side by side. But now, I can only gaze at your back from afar," Ouyang Kuangsheng said nostalgically as he observed Qin Wentian.

"Ouyang, this doesn't sound like you," Qin Wentian smiled. "Ouyang Kuangsheng is someone who exudes heroism. He is driven by immense self-confidence and always sets lofty goals for himself."

"Haha, your strength shocked me. It was simply astonishing. Is that the power of immortals?" Ouyang Kuangsheng laughed, his anticipation evident. With a single immortal, the Royal Sacred Sect had managed to dominate this world. Beneath immortals, all were mere mortals.

"You seem to be doing quite well for yourself. When are you going to whisk your senior sister away to enjoy the immortal realms?" Luo Huan beamed, her arm affectionately draped over Qin Wentian's shoulders, her beauty as captivating as ever.

"If Senior Sister desires to visit the immortal realms, you can accompany me once we've settled matters in our particle world," Qin Wentian replied with a smile.

"Really?" Luo Huan's enchanting eyes sparkled with excitement. The immortal realms—ever since the revelation that their world was merely a particle in a vast cosmos, the inhabitants had yearned for the limitless expanse of the immortal realms.

"Why would I dare to lie to Senior Sister?" Qin Wentian chuckled.

"Alright, in the future, your senior sister will follow you and savor life to the fullest," Luo Huan declared with laughter. Among the familiar faces gathered here, Fairy Qingmei also chimed in, "Have you met Qing'er in the immortal realms yet?"

"Yes," Qin Wentian nodded. "Qing'er is doing well. She's currently in seclusion, preparing to attempt her breakthrough into the immortal foundation realm. There shouldn't be any issues."

"In that case, I can rest easy," Fairy Qingmei said, giving Qin Wentian a meaningful look. Since he was so well-informed about Qing'er's situation, it was evident that the two of them had spent considerable time together.

"Senior Qingmei, would you like to visit the immortal realms? You were Qing'er's former mentor, and in the immortal realms, Qing'er holds the esteemed position of a royal princess in an immortal empire. Her status is exalted, and I believe that if you were to accompany her, life would be quite comfortable," Qin Wentian suggested.

"It's alright. With my meager level of cultivation, I'd only embarrass that little girl," Fairy Qingmei shook her head. A royal princess of an immortal empire—her presence as a Celestial Phenomenon Realm cultivator would be met with disdain by all.

Qin Wentian didn't press the matter. Instead, he turned his attention to Bailu Yi. Her pure, innocent eyes were fixed on him, yet she remained silent. This prompted Qin Wentian to jest, "Why are you gazing at me like that? Am I more handsome than before?"

Bailu Yi's response was unchanged from the past. She nodded shyly, and a faint blush tinged her cheeks. The others burst into laughter at the sight.

"Mu Feng and Yun Mengyi, you've both reached the Celestial Phenomenon Realm. Impressive," Qin Wentian commended. Even after many years, and despite his current status as an immortal, the bonds he had forged with his friends in the past remained deeply cherished.

A prolonged, eerie screech echoed through the air as a majestic vermilion bird descended from the heavens. Onlookers wore expressions ranging from anxiety to thoughtful contemplation as they beheld the grand creature's descent.

In a burst of brilliance, the vermilion bird transformed into a captivating young lady who gracefully positioned herself behind Qin Wentian. A flicker of recognition crossed the gazes of many as they observed her.

"This is Purgatory," Qin Wentian announced, drawing collective acknowledgment from those present.

"Waaa, little Purgatory has blossomed into such a beauty," Fan Le exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with delight. Standing beside him, Xuan Xin playfully pinched his ear, prompting Fan Le to hastily declare, "Naturally, my Xuan Xin is the most beautiful of all!"

"Hmph, you lecher," Xuan Xin retorted with a wry smile, inciting laughter from their companions.

"Any of you have information on the whereabouts of the Medicine Sovereign and Qingcheng?" Qin Wentian inquired suddenly, casting a solemn atmosphere upon the gathering. A hush fell over the assembly, and Fairy Qingmei was the first to respond.

"I've heard that Senior Medicine Sovereign is severely injured, and the members of the Medicine Sovereign Valley have suffered a devastating calamity. He took Mo Qingcheng with him, and they vanished without a trace. The Star River Association attaches immense importance to them and might even dispatch immortal foundation experts to pursue them, just as they did with the one sent to eliminate you earlier," she disclosed.

"Mhm, I'll have Purgatory escort you to Chu Country. I'm concerned about the situation there, so I'll proceed ahead," Qin Wentian decided. His companions nodded in agreement.

"Purgatory, there are several flying-type treasures here. Infuse them with your immortal might and transport everyone to Chu. I'll make my departure first," Qin Wentian instructed as he passed an interspatial ring to Purgatory. He now possessed an abundance of ordinary immortal-ranked treasures.

"Yes, master," Purgatory affirmed.

"Take me with you. I want to reach Chu as soon as possible to assess the situation," Luo Huan requested.

"Of course," Qin Wentian agreed. With Luo Huan in tow, he seized her hand and together they ascended into the sky.

...

In Chu Country, within Sky Harmony City, was the Wu King Manor.

Once the epicenter of attention and power, the Wu King Manor now found itself in dire straits, its authority usurped by an external force. In the vicinity surrounding the Wu King Manor, also known as the Qin Residence, a vigilant cadre of experts kept a close watch on their surroundings.

Since the Star River Association had asserted its dominance over this realm, even the Wu King Manor in the remote Chu Country felt the ripples of change. As Qin Wentian's ancestral home, it naturally attracted attention. Sky Harmony City's other prominent clans had begun to exploit the fallen Qin Residence, some even going so far as to establish a branch of the Star River Association within its walls. Their motives were clear: curry favor with the association, send their own kin to join its ranks, and ascend to the status of new major powers in Sky Harmony City.

Within the Qin Residence, the echo of an argument reverberated through the halls. A young man, accompanied by his followers, stood facing Qin Yao. "Qin Yao, you've known of my admiration for you for a long time. Why do you persistently reject me?"

"Admire me? Are you even worthy of such an emotion?" Qin Yao retorted, her gaze dripping with disdain.

"Heh, you're still as arrogant as ever. Do you think the current Wu King Manor is the same as it once was?" The young man replied with a cold edge to his tone. "I am now a disciple of the Star River Association. If you join me, I'll ensure you're treated well. Especially now, with your Qin Residence's fate firmly in the grasp of the Star River Association. Follow me, and if the higher-ups order this place's destruction, I'll plead for your mercy."

"Get lost!" Qin Yao spat out the words.

The young man's expression darkened as he glared at her. "Rejecting a friendly offer will only lead to an unpleasant outcome, Qin Yao. Just you wait. I will make you mine one day, and when that time comes, I'll take my time enjoying and abusing you."

With his final words, the young man burst into laughter, casting an indecent glance at the maid beside Qin Yao. "Your servant may not be much to look at, but she possesses silky-smooth skin and a splendid figure. Given the opportunity, I wouldn't mind savoring both of you at once."

"You…" Qin Yao's eyes glinted with a murderous rage as she took a menacing step forward. The young man retreated, his cold smile unwavering. "Anticipate the day when I can shower you with my affection."

With those parting words, he flipped his sleeves and led his entourage away. The maid by Qin Yao's side gently tugged at her arm. Qin Yao turned to glance at her; despite her impeccable skin and figure, her looks were marred by an unfortunate, undeniable plainness.

"He dared to insult you. I'll make sure he pays for it," Qin Yao declared, her tone ice-cold.

"For now, let's not draw attention to ourselves," the maid urged softly, her voice like a captivating melody.

"Mm, I'll bear with it. But this place is becoming increasingly perilous," Qin Yao remarked, her brow furrowed with worry. The old adage that the safest place is often the most dangerous was proving true, and if the Star River Association decided to deploy formidable experts to crush the Qin Residence, all their secrets would be laid bare.