Enraged for Her Sake

Enraged for Her Sake . . . . 

As the nine elite experts from the Skymist Immortal Empire were thrashed into a pitiful state, a palpable shock rippled through the hearts of onlookers. These nine immortals, hailed as elites among the immortal-foundation experts, had easily defeated the nine chosen champions of the Evergreen Immortal Empire sent to spar with them. Among them was a prodigy proficient in surrealism law energy, unmistakably a genius meticulously nurtured by the Skymist Immortal Empire.

However, the tide had turned dramatically. Under the onslaught of relentless attacks, many among them had their immortal foundations shattered, leaving them crippled. Had it not been for the eighth-level immortal who briefly staved off the onslaught, all nine from the Skymist Immortal Empire might have perished on the platform.

This battle was no longer a contest on an equal footing; the disparity was staggering. Qin Wentian's unwavering confidence in his chosen champions was not mere bravado; it was grounded in their true, formidable strength.

Curiosity and bewilderment gripped the crowd. What race or tribe could these enigmatic champions hail from? The concept of immortal foundations shaped in the likeness of divine apes, coupled with such fearsome combat prowess, was unheard of in the Eastern Regions of the Immortal Realms. Speculations abounded, but the truth eluded them. The last appearance of the Battle Saint Tribe in the immortal realms had occurred during the era of Ancient Emperor Yi, rendering their identity a mere fragment of historical memory.

All eyes turned to Qin Wentian, his countenance as frosty as ever. His words cut through the tension like a blade, "Now, do you believe?"

The humiliation etched on Skymist Jiang's face burned hotter than ever. His earlier arrogance, which had dismissed the Evergreen Immortal Empire with disdain, had now backfired spectacularly. Never in his wildest dreams had he envisioned that the Skymist Immortal Empire would suffer such a humiliating defeat at the hands of a group of immortal-foundation characters from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect.

Evergreen Longhao and the others from the Evergreen Immortal Empire regarded Qin Wentian with complex emotions. Their shared history with him was one of hostility and opposition. Yet, here he stood, defending their honor and achieving what none of their descendants had managed.

Irony dripped from the situation.

"You have truly vexed me," Skymist Jiang declared icily. The princes who had been crippled were all prominent figures within the Skymist Immortal Empire, each boasting a lofty status. Their immortal foundations lay in ruins, a crushing blow.

"Qi Da, step down," Qin Wentian commanded. The eight experts from the Battle Saint Tribe followed suit, descending from the platform. Qin Wentian then requested, "I respectfully ask for Prince Skymist's permission to field another nine middle-tier immortal-foundation experts."

"I hear and comply," Qi Da replied. In short order, nine more experts from the Battle Saint Tribe ascended the platform.

"I humbly request Prince Skymist's indulgence to provide us with further guidance. You are free to select any nine experts from your ranks who possess middle-tier immortal foundations," Qin Wentian stated nonchalantly. The appearance of another nine experts from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect reignited a sense of anticipation and wonder among the crowd. Were these new arrivals of the same race or tribe as the previous nine?

If they possessed the same overwhelming combat prowess, there was a good chance that no combination of nine immortal-foundation experts from any of the present powers could prevail against them.

Skymist Jiang's fists clenched, radiating an icy, murderous intent. His eyes bore into Qin Wentian like sharp, honed blades.

"Why do you consistently insist on dictating the rules of engagement?" Skymist Jiang questioned, his arrogance undiminished.

Qin Wentian responded with a sardonic smile. "You were quite arrogant earlier. Are you now looking for excuses to withdraw? Very well, how would you like the rules to be?"

"I want you to step onto the battle platform," Skymist Jiang demanded.

"As I've stated previously, none of your subordinates are worthy of facing me. If you have Skymist Hai as my opponent, I might consider it," Qin Wentian retorted.

"Are you afraid?" Skymist Jiang taunted.

"Very well, since you're so insistent, I agree to it. Provide me with another second-level immortal-foundation expert, and have Skymist Hai fight alongside a third-level immortal-foundation expert. That way, both sides will be evenly matched in cultivation," Qin Wentian replied.

"You dare not face the challenge alone and require others to protect you?" Skymist Jiang sneered.

"The one who displayed arrogance earlier was none other than you. You proposed the sparring rules, yet now you lack the courage to step up," Qin Wentian retorted with unwavering composure. He cast a sweeping gaze over the Skymist Immortal Empire's assembled experts, his tone laced with authority. "You suggested fighting me instead, and I specified that Skymist Hai should be my opponent. Yet here you stand, attempting to evade the challenge. If you lack the spine for a battle, simply leave the Evergreen Immortal Empire. None of us have the time for your endless bluster."

Qin Wentian's dominant stance made it seem as though the conflict were no longer between the Evergreen and Skymist Immortal Empires, but rather a clash between the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect and the Skymist Immortal Empire. The audacious prowess displayed by the group from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect had instilled fear and trepidation, leaving no one eager to face them.

Evergreen Longhao seized the opportunity to strike back, venting the pent-up anger from earlier. "Skymist Jiang, given your current attitude, I'm considering whether to 'escort' you away," he coldly remarked.

Tension hung heavy in the air. Initially, the Skymist Immortal Empire had aimed to join forces with the Paragon Sword Sect to subdue the Evergreen Immortal Empire. Little did they anticipate the emergence of Qin Wentian, who single-handedly disrupted their plans.

The leader of this expedition, an immortal king, directed his attention to Qin Wentian. "You hail from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Why involve your sect in this matter? The agreement pertains solely to the Skymist and Evergreen Immortal Empires. Have you considered the consequences of your actions?"

Qin Wentian remained resolute, asserting, "I have no intention of meddling, and I care little for the enmity between these two empires. However, refrain from mentioning this so-called agreement or suggesting that the princesses should return to the Skymist Immortal Empire for marriage. Otherwise, this will indeed concern me."

Perplexed, the Paragon Sword Sect's expert inquired, "What do you mean?"

Qin Wentian fixed his gaze firmly on the interlocutor, determination flickering in his eyes. "Because Princess Qing'er of the Evergreen Immortal Empire is my betrothed." He declared his unwavering stance, refusing to allow Qing'er to be ensnared in this maelstrom. He deemed the agreement preposterous, a scheme to coerce Qing'er into marrying a prince of the Skymist Immortal Empire.

"Absurd! Princess Qing'er bound by some agreement? And you claim she's your woman? What a preposterous notion! Have we ever heard such nonsense before?" Skymist Jiang mocked, his laughter ringing with scorn. He cast a derisive glance at the Evergreen Immortal Empire's contingent. "Do you all endorse these outlandish claims?"

To this, a melodious voice resonated through the air, freezing everyone in place. All eyes turned to witness the emergence of a group of experts, their sudden appearance accompanied by spatial energy fluctuations that reverberated through the atmosphere. Leading them was a woman of ethereal beauty, akin to a pristine snow lotus that stirred hearts merely with her presence.

Whispers of recognition rippled through the crowd as they gazed upon her, correctly deducing her identity. "Could she be Princess Qing'er? Such breathtaking beauty..."

The woman gracefully approached, but instead of heading toward Evergreen Longhao, she walked straight toward Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian, his heart overwhelmed by years of yearning, stood to greet her. They hadn't seen each other in several years, and the reunion filled him with longing. Qing'er, now at the second level of the immortal foundation, radiated an aura of ethereal grace, her beauty transcendent.

Drawing her nearer, Qin Wentian held her hand gently, their fingers interlaced for all to see. Together, they stood side by side, a celestial couple, transcending mortal constraints.

"She is mine," Qin Wentian declared with unwavering dominance. Even the Evergreen Immortal Empire seemed to tacitly acknowledge their relationship. Perhaps Qin Wentian himself had never imagined such a turn of events.

The sight of them holding hands conveyed the reason for Qin Wentian's impassioned stance and his determination to confront the Skymist Immortal Empire: his profound love for Qing'er.

In a furious outburst, Skymist Jiang's hand struck the table, obliterating it into dust. He emanated an icy chill, his robes billowing without wind.

"With the agreement as proof, the Evergreen Immortal Empire has surprisingly allowed their princesses to form relationships with other men. How absurd! Are you not concerned about tarnishing the reputation of your princesses?" Skymist Jiang spoke with an icy tone. "Regardless of the nature of Princess Qing'er's relationship with this man, I hope the Evergreen Immortal Empire will address this matter appropriately. I will promptly invite the other powers of the Eastern Region to conduct an adjudication. Princess Qing'er will be wedded into my clan, regardless of the circumstances."

"A paper tiger making noise here. This so-called adjudication you propose is even more ludicrous. What if, in the future, my Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect and the Evergreen Immortal Empire initiate an adjudication against the Skymist Immortal Empire, seeking the relinquishment of your territories? Would you agree if the adjudication rules in our favor?" Qin Wentian retorted coldly, his resolve unshaken. "Today, at the battle platform of the Evergreen Immortal Sect's imperial palace, as long as you, Skymist Jiang, dare to send representatives here, I will accept all challenges until your Skymist Immortal Empire withdraws from the Evergreen Immortal Empire."

"Hahaha, Qin Wentian, you are one of the most audacious youngsters I've encountered in the immortal foundation realm," Skymist Jiang laughed uproariously. He fixed his gaze on Qin Wentian and continued, "Since we've reached this point, there's no need to continue the spar, as the Evergreen Immortal Empire refuses to honor the agreement. However, since you boldly claimed that you'd comply with all challenges if I dared to send representatives, I have a single request. I want you to personally step onto the platform. If you don't dare to, spare us your empty words."

Skymist Jiang knew that the experts from the Battle Saint Tribe under Qin Wentian were exceptionally formidable, putting him at a disadvantage in continuing the spar. Therefore, he directed the challenge specifically at Qin Wentian.

"Only one battle?" Qin Wentian released Qing'er's hand and smiled at her. "I'll finish it quickly and return."

"Indeed," Qing'er nodded lightly. With that, Qin Wentian confidently walked onto the battle platform.

Upon reaching the platform, he turned his gaze toward Skymist Jiang. "Since you're so eager for me to engage in a battle, I'll grant your wish. However, I fear you won't be able to accept the outcome."

"Can I select anyone from the first to third level of the immortal foundation?" Skymist Jiang asked.

"Despicable," Evergreen Longhao's voice turned icy. Since it was a one-on-one battle, it was only right to select someone with the same cultivation level as Qin Wentian, who was at the second level of immortal foundation. Yet Skymist Jiang intentionally suggested candidates ranging from the first to third level of immortal foundation. This included third-level immortal foundation elites from his empire. Skymist Jiang believed that given Qin Wentian's arrogance, he would surely accept this challenge. And if he did, Qin Wentian would undoubtedly meet his end today.

"Do as you wish," Qin Wentian accepted, confirming Skymist Jiang's cunning plan. At this moment, a cold smile played on Skymist Jiang's lips, and the gaze he fixed on Qin Wentian was that of someone already looking at a defeated opponent.