Beauty like that of a Portrait

Beauty like that of a Portrait . . .

"Skymist Zhu."

The name echoed across the battleground as Skymist Jiang summoned a young man with finely arched brows and piercing eyes. His presence exuded an aura as sharp as the deadliest sword.

"Step onto the platform," Skymist Jiang ordered. With measured strides, Skymist Zhu ascended the platform, positioning himself squarely before Qin Wentian.

"Prepare for this spar with utmost dedication, for life and death hang in the balance, determined solely by one's own prowess," Skymist Jiang declared, no longer concealing the deep-seated animosity he harbored. The gathering spectators could feel the intensity of Skymist Jiang's desire to eliminate Qin Wentian.

In an alternative scenario without Qin Wentian's intervention, Skymist Jiang's scheme would have unfolded as planned. He would have made the Evergreen Immortal Empire's juniors meet their demise within the palace, imparting a severe lesson and further tarnishing the empire's prestige. However, Qin Wentian's unexpected arrival had reversed the narrative, casting a shadow on the Skymist Immortal Empire's reputation. Skymist Jiang, unable to bear this humiliation, saw Qin Wentian's death as the only resolution. Moreover, Qin Wentian's interference, which led to the crippling of certain young Skymist royals' immortal foundations, was an affront that Skymist Jiang could not let stand without retaliation.

Qin Wentian, exuding an air of calm authority, clasped his hands behind his back. He addressed Skymist Zhu while maintaining unwavering eye contact. Skymist Zhu, in response, unleashed his formidable aura, conjuring the ethereal silhouette of a divine elephant behind him. It seemed that many core members of the Skymist Immortal Empire had chosen to establish their immortal foundations in the likeness of this majestic beast.

Skymist Zhu's divine elephant foundation radiated with a powerful luminosity, unleashing waves of immortal energy that painted the sky crimson. The atmosphere took on the appearance of a fiery hell, with phantom elephant forms emerging from the blazing inferno. These divine elephants exuded a scorching heat and overwhelming power that dominated the heavens.

Witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle, onlookers craned their necks to gaze skyward. The hellish demon elephant's ferocity was palpable, and its overwhelming might was undeniable. Skymist Zhu's immortal foundation was undoubtedly of king-grade caliber, evident from the brilliance and purity of its emanating light. Observers were certain of its formidable offensive capabilities.

In response, Qin Wentian's aura surged. A radiant halo enveloped him as his own immortal foundation underwent a transformation, gradually assuming the likeness of a divine elephant.

"BOOM!" Skymist Zhu advanced with a resounding step, causing the entire arena to tremble. Qin Wentian's heart, too, reverberated in response. His immortal foundation quivered faintly, succumbing to an invisible pressure of immense magnitude. This unyielding pressure emanated from Qin Wentian, causing Skymist Zhu's immortal foundation to waver and his heart to quail, sensing the impending battle that loomed large.

A resounding "RUMBLE!" echoed as Qin Wentian advanced. In mere moments, Skymist Zhu felt his immortal foundation quiver with even greater intensity, his heart pounding like a thunderous drum. His expression contorted dramatically as he let out a deafening roar, summoning the full might of the hellish elephant energy that cloaked his body, its destructive force ominously palpable. As Qin Wentian drew nearer, his own divine elephant resonated with a triumphant trumpet, accompanying a palm strike poised to obliterate everything in its path, casting a shroud of malevolent qi over the arena.

Simultaneously, Skymist Zhu launched his own assault. The two titanic forces collided head-on, each bearing the attributes of their respective divine elephants: Skymist Zhu's emanated the infernal flames of hell, while Qin Wentian's exuded a formidable aura of destruction and suppression. The resultant clash resounded like thunder, sending shockwaves rippling across the entire battleground. With each step forward, Qin Wentian's inexorable advance pressed upon Skymist Zhu's heart like a relentless vice.

Skymist Zhu found himself besieged by a relentless surge of violent energies. Qin Wentian's palm, radiating a boundless, godly light, bore down with the authority of a celestial force, crashing squarely into Skymist Zhu's defenseless body.

Amidst a cacophony of anguished cries, the molten lava-like layers shrouding Skymist Zhu were mercilessly torn asunder. Panic filled his eyes, and his face contorted in terror as he gazed upon Qin Wentian. With a resounding "BANG!" Skymist Zhu's defenses crumbled entirely, his body sent hurtling through the air, traces of blood staining his lips. His once-vibrant immortal foundation lay shattered, and he lay sprawled on the ground, now a pitiful cripple.

A collective shudder coursed through the hearts of all those who bore witness. Qin Wentian had utterly dominated Skymist Zhu, leaving no doubt that the combat prowess between the two was staggeringly disparate.

Skymist Jiang's countenance contorted with a mixture of anger and disbelief. Skymist Zhu had been considered one of the most formidable individuals in their empire within his cultivation level. Moreover, his cultivation surpassed that of Qin Wentian. Skymist Jiang had hoped for Skymist Zhu to vanquish Qin Wentian, but the outcome had been a crippling defeat for Skymist Zhu, with Qin Wentian emerging unscathed.

Turning to face Skymist Jiang, Qin Wentian spoke with deliberate emphasis, "I've said it before: challenging me? The warriors you dispatched were unworthy."

A disheartened "Kacha" emanated from Skymist Jiang's tightly clenched fist. Today, in the confrontation with Qin Wentian, the Skymist Immortal Empire had suffered a humiliating loss, failing to secure a single victory.

"Well played," Skymist Jiang remarked icily. "However, your victory here doesn't change the reality of the situation. Even if you emerge victorious, you cannot prevent the peak powers from proceeding with the adjudication process. According to the agreement, the princesses of the Evergreen Immortal Empire are fated to wed into the Skymist Immortal Empire."

Qin Wentian turned his unwavering gaze to Skymist Jiang, jabbing a finger toward Skymist Hai. "Look at that failure. Is he even worthy? Qing'er is my woman, and no one can dictate her future."

"Is that truly your stance?" Skymist Jiang's eyes gleamed with undisguised malice as he locked his gaze onto Qin Wentian. With a dismissive flick of his robes, he declared, "The adjudication shall proceed as planned. If the Evergreen Immortal Empire chooses to reject the outcome, it would be tantamount to declaring war against the paramount powers of the Eastern Regions. I'm genuinely curious to see if they will forsake their princesses or watch their immortal empire crumble."

Qin Wentian met Skymist Jiang's challenge with unyielding resolve. "We shall indeed see," he retorted.

With that, Skymist Jiang turned and made his exit. Today, his carefully laid schemes had been thoroughly dismantled by Qin Wentian, leaving him with no reason to remain.

"I had come as a guest, hoping to foster goodwill. But if the Evergreen Immortal Empire refuses to honor our agreement, and even the Evergreen Immortal Emperor refuses to meet with us in person, then we have no choice but to proceed with the adjudication," Skymist Jiang announced in a resounding voice, his words echoing through the imperial palace, resonating in every corner.

The Skymist Immortal Empire's entourage followed their leader as they departed. They had arrived with intentions of exerting dominance over the Evergreen Immortal Empire, yet they found themselves enduring a humiliating defeat at the hands of Qin Wentian instead.

"Farewell," the members of the Paragon Sword Sect bid their adieus, departing in the wake of the Skymist Immortal Empire's exit.

As the representatives of the Sky Demon Palace and Taihua Immortal Dynasty turned their attention to Qin Wentian, their expressions were marked by contemplation. Today, Qin Wentian's name had resounded throughout the Eastern Regions of the immortal realms. A second-level immortal foundation cultivator had dared to challenge the might of the Skymist Immortal Empire. Furthermore, he boldly asserted his claim to Princess Qing'er, rejecting the so-called 'agreement.'

With courteous nods, the experts from other factions also rose to their feet and took their leave. Before long, nearly all had departed, leaving only the members of the Evergreen Immortal Empire and the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect still present.

Qin Wentian had gracefully descended from the platform, returning to Qing'er's side where he continued to hold her hand. Together, they cast their unwavering gazes upon Evergreen Longhao and the nobility of the Evergreen Immortal Empire.

Simultaneously, the nobles were also regarding them, and the atmosphere hung in an odd limbo. Many kings and marquises had once regarded Qin Wentian and Qing'er's relationship with disdain, even stooping to make things challenging for him. However, today's events had completely reshaped their perceptions of Qin Wentian, and the atmosphere now bore a strange, unspoken tension.

Evergreen Longhao broke the silence with a courteous gesture. "Ladies and gentlemen, please consider the imperial palace your temporary residence." His words carried an underlying message, but he chose not to elaborate further, departing swiftly from the scene.

The nobles exchanged cryptic glances with Qin Wentian and Qing'er before they, too, took their leave.

Princess Changping, observing the unfolding events, made her way over to the young couple. A smile adorned her face as she addressed them, "You two certainly arrived at an opportune moment."

Qing'er responded, "Upon learning of the situation here, my master immediately sent me back."

Princess Changping nodded in understanding, then turned her attention to Qin Wentian. "And you? Are you here for Qing'er?"

"Yes," Qin Wentian replied. "As soon as the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect received the news, I rushed here. Little did I expect that the Skymist Immortal Empire would be so eager to stir up trouble."

"Very well done," Princess Changping commented, acknowledging the couple's commitment. She added, "It seems that the two of you have also made progress in your cultivation."

Qin Wentian and Qing'er exchanged knowing glances, recognizing that the events of the day might have improved their chances of gaining the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's approval for their relationship.

Princess Changping continued, "Wentian, why don't you stay in my residence for the time being? Given the deep-seated grudge the Skymist Immortal Empire holds against you, who knows what treacherous schemes they might attempt?"

Qin Wentian agreed readily. Being reunited with Qing'er after so many years was a rare and precious opportunity, one he wouldn't reject.

The group from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect followed Princess Changping to her residence, where they were graciously hosted by Princess Changping and the Crimson-eyed Marquis. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian and Qing'er found themselves in the courtyard they once shared. As they sat by the tranquil lake, a thousand and one thoughts swirled in their minds, yet neither knew where to begin.

Qin Wentian gazed deeply into Qing'er's eyes, and though she affected an air of indifference, her beautiful eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. In a voice tinged with warmth and humor, he said, "Qing'er, you've grown even more beautiful. I'm tempted to steal a kiss."

Without looking at him, Qing'er held his hand tightly, but she made no move to stop him. Her heart raced with anticipation.

Qin Wentian leaned in, and although Qing'er appeared stoic, a rosy blush bloomed across her fair cheeks, creating a breathtaking contrast with her icy demeanor.