Three Years

Three Years . . . 

Qin Wentian bore the brunt of severe injuries this time, his body grappling with the overwhelming power of his bloodline. This incredible force, when harnessed, made him a formidable opponent. Yet, it came at a price—once his reserves were depleted, he'd find himself in a state of profound vulnerability.

His demonic bloodline had awakened far sooner than expected, a process fraught with peril. It should have remained dormant, but his encounter within the academy's blood sea, coupled with his exceptional physique, triggered its premature emergence. That awakening nearly cost him his life. 

During his flight from pursuers, he'd summoned this newfound power, dispatching Huang Dangtian and his henchmen. However, this victory exacted a heavy toll, rendering him weaker than ever. The situation had grown more dire after his clash with Huang Shatian. Were it not for the presence of a second formidable bloodline, he might have perished. 

In his weakened state, he lacked the immortal energy required to heal his injuries and recuperate. He had no choice but to rely on the meager astral energy stored within his body for recovery.

The celestial academy, hovering above, vanished after three months. In the wake of its disappearance, numerous geniuses, each nursing their own vendettas, seized the opportunity to seek out their rivals and engage in fierce confrontations. Surprisingly, Qin Wentian's faction and Huang Shatian's forces declared a ceasefire, putting a halt to their hostilities. The previous conflict had inflicted heavy casualties on both sides, leaving an uncertain outcome if it were to resume.

With time ticking away, everyone immersed themselves in intensive cultivation, leaving no room for delay. After all, they had only been granted a three-year reprieve.

Two years slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Throughout this period, Qin Wentian focused on recovering from his debilitating injuries while diligently advancing his cultivation. He frequently embarked on meditative sessions to harness his immortal energy, striving to deepen his understanding of the laws. Despite the toll exacted by his battle with Huang Shatian, it had also bestowed invaluable insights. Confrontations against peak experts like Huang Shatian, who possessed a fragment of immortal-king might, enabled him to glean a clearer comprehension of these esoteric forces.

Over the course of these two years, Qing'er ascended to the sixth level of cultivation. Her innate abilities, once sealed, now unfurled at an accelerated pace. She acquired a trace of immortal-king might, amplifying her capacity to grasp spatial laws. This newfound expertise would expedite her journey toward the immortal king realm in the future.

Currently, atop a colossal boulder nestled within a distant mountain range, Qin Wentian stood with a sense of serenity. The tranquil embrace of nature's essence enveloped him, suffusing him with an exquisite tranquility.

"Feeling better?" A melodious voice chimed in Qin Wentian's ears. He turned to see a vision of grace and beauty—none other than Mo Qingcheng.

"Yes, much better. I believe I can venture out now," Qin Wentian replied with a warm smile.

"I've heard that Huang Shatian has also made a full recovery, but your injuries haven't completely healed. It might be best for you to refrain from going out," Qing'er interjected as she materialized, her control over a trace of immortal-king might growing ever more remarkable.

"Qing'er, your mastery of this power is becoming quite formidable," Qin Wentian observed, his admiration evident.

"I can now extend my grasp of spatial laws to a certain distance. Within that boundary, I can appear at any location instantly," Qing'er explained with a nonchalant air.

"The intricacies of space laws truly are mystical. I was incredibly fortunate during our battle with Huang Shatian. Had he not grown overconfident, that fusion attack might never have found its mark," Qin Wentian reminisced.

"You endured so many injuries before unleashing that ultimate strike. Even if time were reversed, he wouldn't have escaped," Qing'er assured him.

Qin Wentian grinned. "Qing'er, just from your control of that trace of immortal-king might, I can tell that those who are proficient in spatial law among the immortal kings must be exceptionally formidable. They can seemingly appear at will within the range of their law energy—an ability akin to teleportation."

"Indeed," Qing'er confirmed. "For immortal kings skilled in spatial law, teleportation is within their grasp. When contending with such experts, unless you possess the strength to obliterate their entire teleportation area in a single strike, you won't stand a chance."

"In that case, it would be extremely perilous if Huang Shatian were to enter the immortal king realm," Qin Wentian mused. "I need to return to my cultivation. Huang Shatian is different from Huang Youdi; he's even more arrogant. After our last encounter, he won't act against me within the sacred academy."

"I'll accompany you," Mo Qingcheng said, gently taking Qin Wentian's hand. Qin Wentian nodded, and without a word, Qing'er silently joined them.

"Let's go," Qin Wentian said with a smile. After all, having two lovely companions by his side was a source of joy.

Meanwhile, Huang Shatian's injuries had indeed recovered. He stood before the Sky Connecting Immortal Rock, his loyal subjects from the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire, including Huang Wudi, behind him.

"Are you truly planning to seclude yourself for a year? Two years ago, in that battle... If you hadn't underestimated him, you could have defeated him. Don't you wish to avenge that loss?" Huang Wudi inquired in hushed tones.

"Underestimate him?" Huang Shatian scoffed. "There's no need to sugarcoat it. In that battle, my intention was clear—I aimed to kill him. Yet, the outcome was both of us sustaining grievous injuries. Given the gap in our cultivation, it's a clear defeat on my part. Since I've been defeated, what right do I have to confront him again here? For now, I'll grant him and the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's daughter the gift of continued existence."

With those words, Huang Shatian entered the Sky Connecting Immortal Rock, advancing to the second level of the Sky Connecting Realm.

Huang Wudi sighed softly, untroubled by the prospect of Qin Wentian seeking vengeance. As long as Huang Shatian remained, Qin Wentian would understand that challenging him directly was an exercise in futility. In fact, if Huang Shatian truly desired someone's demise, even Qin Wentian might not be able to thwart him.

Therefore, Qin Wentian wouldn't take action unless he was absolutely confident in his ability to defeat Huang Shatian decisively. 

Furthermore, Huang Shatian had shown no intention of initiating another battle. This implied that their inevitable clash would have to wait until they both returned to the immortal realms.

In this final year of their studies at the sacred academy, all the geniuses chose to let go of their animosities, focusing solely on their cultivation. The realization of how precious time was struck them when faced with a time limit. They were determined to make the most of every second, wasting no time in frivolous pursuits.

For the past year, Qin Wentian had ventured into the secret realms of the four sacred academies, diligently advancing his cultivation. He believed he would have no trouble reaching the seventh level before leaving the academy. This would put him on par with most opponents, perhaps only those at Huang Shatian's level could pose a challenge.

Time flowed steadily, and as the days passed, many longed for time to slow down, realizing how quickly it slipped away.

Three years came to an end, and within the academy, the resonant chimes of a bell rang throughout its grounds. Then, a solemn voice reverberated in the minds of all.

For the final lecture, the four separate academies would convene in one location. All 20,000 geniuses would gather for this last lesson, and the chosen venue was the Sky Connecting Realm.

The Sky Connecting Realm underwent a stunning transformation. In its central region, every sky-connecting pillar emitted a radiant immortal light that soared into the heavens. It created the illusion of an immense starry sky above, with each stone pillar serving as an immortal seat for the attending geniuses. 

These pillars now symbolized the immortal seats of the various academies where the geniuses would listen to their academy's final lecture. Countless figures flew towards this extraordinary sight. When they gazed upwards, they saw an expansive starry sky, its brilliance cascading down in astral beams. The constellation below absorbed this astral light, emitting an awe-inspiring radiance.

The Sky Connecting Realm, in that moment, truly seemed to bridge the mortal realm with the celestial one.

Among those who arrived at this awe-inspiring venue were Qin Wentian, Qing'er, Mo Qingcheng, and their companions. Purgatory carried Little Rascal, who appeared thoroughly delighted, while Purgatory herself wore an expression of disdain. This incorrigible little dog.

Numerous figures alighted beside Qin Wentian—experts from the Battle Saint Tribe.

"Wentian." Nanfeng Yunxi and Nanfeng Shengge arrived as well, followed by the other maidens of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

"Yunxi, Shengge," Qin Wentian greeted them with a smile. "Let's proceed."

"Yes," they replied, and together they advanced toward the Sky Connecting Rock. In the distance, they spotted a solitary figure standing there, hands clasped behind their back.

Qin Wentian's gaze sharpened as it fell upon this figure. As it turned out, it was none other than Huang Shatian. Huang Shatian slowly turned to face them, his demeanor as calm as ever. With a fluid motion, he repositioned himself on one of the sky-connecting pillars at the forefront.

At the same time, the experts of the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire, the White Tiger Race, the Thundergod Hall, and the Skymist Immortal Empire glared icily in their direction, their murderous intent palpable.

"After this final lecture, we will all return to the immortal realms. On that day, your death is assured!" White-eye declared with a surge of intense baleful energy. In the Sky Connecting Realm, the White Tiger Race had never suffered such humiliation before.

"I'm eager to see whose doomsday it will truly be," a holy maiden retorted coldly, her eyes gleaming with ruthlessness. The Southern Phoenix Clan had never backed down from a challenge.

"Let's go up," Qin Wentian said dismissively, paying no heed to these threats. Words were futile at this point. He knew that the other side was equally eager to see him torn to shreds.

The group ascended, landing on a stone pillar while bathed in astral light.

From all corners of the sacred academy, countless experts converged on the scene. When everyone had gathered, they realized that the diagram on the surface was radiating an intense light. After a moment, the entire space seemed to shift, and they found themselves among the starry skies. The four sacred academies had vanished, leaving only the Sky Connecting Realm. It was no mere rumor—the Sky Connecting Realm truly connected to the heavens.