Continuing Moving Forward

Continuing Moving Forward . . . 

Qin Wentian's colossal form strode back, sending tremors through the earth beneath him. His icy gaze remained fixed on the trapped white tigers.

Despite their dire situation, these white tigers continued to struggle with the desperation of creatures fighting for their lives. Even among Greater Demons, survival instincts ran deep.

But could their struggles truly make a difference?

Qin Wentian's palm descended on another part of the battlefield. As it bore down, despair filled the eyes of a white tiger who knew the weight of impending doom. With a deafening impact, the white tiger suffered severe injuries. Following that, a holy maiden stepped forward, her finger conjuring spheres of phoenix flames that seared the white tiger's flesh, filling the air with agonized roars. The white tiger's gaze swept over the scene, revealing nothing but sorrow and pain as he witnessed several of his brethren reduced to sustenance for the humans.

In this moment, vengeance and hatred welled up within the hearts of the white tigers. Why had they crossed paths with such a formidable adversary? Why had they lusted after the holy maidens? If only they had exercised restraint from the start, they might have avoided this tragic fate. These white tigers were elite members of their race, and their deaths in this place would represent a significant loss for the White Tiger Race in the external world.

Inside the boundaries of the sacred academy, no one could activate their immortal senses. Although they possessed protective immortal senses, they were rendered useless within the Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy. No matter what transpired here, it would remain concealed from the outside world. In other words, their elders waited outside, oblivious to the white tigers' massacre unfolding within.

The combat gradually subsided, and those unfortunate enough to be trapped met their demise without exception. In death, the white tigers reverted to their original forms, their bodies being roasted by phoenix flames. Another feast was on the horizon.

Before long, the scene appeared to stagnate. Qin Wentian and his comrades continued their banquet, the aroma of white tiger meat wafting through the air, prompting many spectators to yearn for a taste.

"Oh no, we arrived too late..." A voice rang out, and a golden light flashed as the monk Bujie materialized before Qin Wentian and his comrades. His eyes widened in apparent distress at the sight before him. Saliva glistened at the corners of his mouth, and without the slightest decorum, he promptly shoved a piece of white tiger flesh into his mouth, savoring the taste.

"Monk, I didn't invite you to join us," Qin Wentian chided as he observed Bujie's audacious actions.

"Brother, why be so particular? This is merely some ordinary meat with negligible properties. It's a trifling matter," the shameless monk Bujie responded, his face stuffed with meat. His voracious appetite had a comical quality, as if he regretted not eating more white tiger meat sooner, fearing it might run out.

Qin Wentian regarded the monk with a mixture of disdain and amusement. White tiger meat was a rare delicacy, teeming with nutritional value that far surpassed medicinal pills and herbs. In a different context, it could be considered a divine-tier ingredient. Mortals who consumed it could potentially enhance their bloodline, boost their talents and potential, and overall improve their cultivation.

"Junior Brother, what are you doing...?" A voice interrupted, and Buyu, his hands pressed together, stood there in utter disbelief at Bujie's behavior.

"Senior Brother, I vowed not to peek at bathing females, but I never pledged to forsake meat. If we renounce everything, where's the joy in being a monk?" Bujie murmured between mouthfuls of meat, casting an impish glance at Buchen. "What do you say, Senior Buchen?"

Buchen, appearing anything but a traditional monk with his pristine robes and striking handsomeness, responded solemnly. "Junior Brother, as monks, our actions serve the purpose of cultivating our temperament and religious practice. There is little room for indulgence. While our path is far from the realm of 'fun,' it is essential for our spiritual growth. Yet, concerning this meat…" Buchen hesitated, understanding Bujie's carnivorous cravings.

Buchen moved closer to the roasted white tiger meat and continued, "What takes precedence in the immortal realms is our cultivation. As disciples of the Askheart Temple, our every action should ultimately contribute to our spiritual growth. Though consuming meat contradicts our rules, when done to enhance our cultivation, it aligns with the greater purpose. At times, we must set aside rules and beliefs in pursuit of the Buddha path. It's akin to the saying, 'If I do not enter hell, who would?'"

"And?" Bujie inquired, blinking in curiosity.

"It means we're allowed to eat the white tiger meat," Buchen concluded, matter-of-factly. With graceful precision, he sliced a piece of meat and savored it, leaving a trail of mesmerized onlookers.

"Senior Brother, you're truly brilliant," Bujie marveled. Buchen's logic and composed demeanor were awe-inspiring. His every action was infused with wisdom, even the way he indulged in the forbidden meat. To Bujie, this senior brother was a paragon of awesomeness.

"Amitabha," Buyu uttered, closing his eyes in resigned acceptance, choosing not to interfere further.

Spectators couldn't help but admire the two monks from the Askheart Temple, acknowledging their unconventional wisdom.

All three monks were gaining renown.

"If I do not enter hell, who would?" Qin Wentian contemplated this maxim, struggling to find a response to such unwavering logic. Bujie and Buchen's contrasting eating styles—the gluttony and elegance—left him astounded. The speed at which they devoured the meat seemed to drain his heart of blood.

Maidens from the Southern Phoenix Clan and the Battle Saint Tribe, along with other experts, blinked in disbelief. Then, an eruption of activity followed as everyone sped up, frantically grabbing their portions of meat. Onlookers watched, mouths agape, as this frenzy of consumption eclipsed the preceding battle in sheer fascination.

The meat from the white tigers was devoured entirely.

"Burp!" Bujie let out a hearty belch, still yearning for more. He licked his lips and suggested, "Remember me if there's more meat in the future, okay?"

Qin Wentian couldn't help but chuckle at the monk's shamelessness. "Of course, you're welcome to join us at other sacred academies. In the event of a large-scale battle, you'll have your share of white tiger meat."

Bujie, with a humble sixth-level immortal-foundation cultivation base, might have a mischievous streak, but his combat skills were nothing to scoff at. Add to that his two formidable senior brothers, and the trio formed a potent force. Qin Wentian saw no reason to shy away from asking for their assistance, especially given Bujie's unabashed demeanor.

Bujie, however, hesitated. "I can't agree. You and the white tigers have a deep-seated grudge. If we join, they'll loathe us too," he argued.

"But didn't you speak of sharing both joy and sorrow earlier? Plus, you've already indulged in the white tiger meat, isn't it only fair to reciprocate?" Qin Wentian countered.

Bujie's response was equally cheeky. "Brother, while loyalty and self-sacrifice are noble, life and death are paramount. Are you willing to witness my all-out effort, even if it costs me my life?" he asked, wearing a feigned expression of sorrow.

"I am," Qin Wentian affirmed.

"Since you're willing, it implies you don't value me. Under such circumstances, I'd rather not risk my life. Senior Brother, what are your thoughts?" Bujie turned to Buchen with an expectant gaze.

"Junior Brother makes a reasonable point," Buchen concurred. Qin Wentian couldn't help but contemplate slapping the audacious monks.

"But, since we've enjoyed Brother Qin's white tiger meat, we can accompany him to display our prowess. If we encounter formidable opponents, we can challenge them to friendly sparring matches. Monks are inherently merciful; there's no need to fight to the death during a spar," Buchen proposed, maintaining a straight face.

"Senior Brother, your wisdom is unparalleled!" Bujie extolled, admiring his senior brother anew. Qin Wentian chuckled, appreciating that, beneath his shamelessness, Buchen was a man of honor.

"The meat was undoubtedly delicious. If, one day, you obtain sky roc meat, remember me," Bujie remarked, his eyes locked on Jia Gu and the other sky rocs in the distance. Jia Gu, despite his injuries, heard every word and nearly coughed up blood. What had become of the world?

These creatures were peak powers from the Western Regions, a saint-grade Greater Demon race. Yet here they were, the very same white tigers that humans had feasted on, now eyeing the sky rocs for their next meal. Were the academy's inhabitants all insane?

Reflecting on his prior arrogance and the humiliation he suffered at Qin Wentian's hands, Jia Gu understood why Qin Wentian had opted for group combat. Qin Wentian likely couldn't be bothered to face him alone, choosing to subdue him with a collective effort instead.

Suddenly, a thunderous rumble erupted nearby. All eyes turned to a holy maiden from the Southern Phoenix Clan, whose sixth-level immortal-foundation cultivation base surged. Flames engulfed her, and it became evident that she was on the verge of a breakthrough. The onlookers watched in awe and anticipation.

Bujie's envy was palpable as he marveled at the incredible effects of consuming white tiger meat. The transformation it brought to those who partook was undeniable, but he understood that relying solely on consumption for cultivation breakthroughs was not the optimal path. The holy maiden's successful breakthrough was likely due to a combination of her existing insights and the energy boost provided by the white tiger meat.

White tiger meat, derived from saint beasts, condensed the essence of heaven and earth within it. It outshone even immortal pills and treasures in terms of effectiveness, leaving some lamenting that they had missed the chance to taste it.

With thoughts of their comrades heavy on their minds, Qin Wentian urged the group to move on to the next academy. Many of their friends and allies had yet to arrive, including Qing'er, and they couldn't rest easy until they were reunited.

Determination replaced the previous victorious atmosphere as they set off toward the Sky Connecting Realm, the gateway to the other academies. Qin Wentian, familiar with the layout of his original academy, hoped to find more of his comrades there.

Their journey did not go unnoticed. Numerous experts fixed their gazes on Qin Wentian as he led the way, their eyes gleaming with hostility. It was none other than Qin Wentian and the Southern Phoenix Alliance, returned with vengeance in their hearts.

In the midst of it all, Qin Wentian embraced Mo Qingcheng, his smile warm and reassuring. Then, in a spectacular display, he transformed into a colossal figure that darkened the sky. This awe-inspiring sight struck fear into the hearts of many academy experts.

Perched on his immense shoulder was the graceful figure of Mo Qingcheng, a scene that left onlookers both mesmerized and perturbed.

"Let's go," Qin Wentian's thunderous voice resonated, shaking the very foundation of the academy as he took resolute steps forward. The Southern Phoenix Alliance and their leader were back, and their presence reverberated with purpose and determination.