Chapter 1038: Holy Successor
Translator: Lordbluefire Editor: Lordbluefire
Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian inclined their heads and stared up at the sky. Jun Mengchen then laughed, "This feels similar to our time in the City of Ancient Emperors. The people here should all be from major powers."
"I guess so as well." Qin Wentian nodded slightly. In the air, there was a carriage driven by eight powerful white tiger immortal beasts that exuded an overwhelming deadly aura. A person rode on the back of a Pixiu (fortune beast) cub, and there were also experts who sat on pure golden battle chariots that soared through the sky with thunderous might, heading into the depths of the Southern Phoenix Clan.
"Such grandeur and imposingness," Jun Mengchen stated in a low voice. "If we knew earlier, we could have acted more commanding. Senior Brother, we seem to be lacking in grandeur compared to the other groups of people."
Qin Wentian smiled; he didn't seem to mind. The immortal realms were boundless. Even the southern region alone was inconceivably vast with many immortal emperors. Among the major powers here, the Southern Phoenix Clan was one of the strongest. Since these major powers had sent over their people, they naturally wanted to do so in style.
Immortal emperors also had differences in strength. Matriarch Southern Phoenix was one of the immortal emperors with an immeasurably deep foundation. Naturally, given the length of Southern Phoenix Clan's existence, they had more than one immortal emperor.
And not just the Southern Phoenix Clan. The Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord once said that several immortal emperors served under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. And without a doubt, the Evergreen Immortal Empire clearly had the White and the Evergreen Immortal Emperors at the helm.
During his time in the City of Ancient Emperors, Qin Wentian had been acquainted with numerous heirs and descendants of immortal emperors. This included the Xuan Emperor, the father of Xuan Yang and Xuan Xing; the Xiao Emperor, father of Xiao Lengyue; and many others. These immortal emperors didn't have as deep a foundations as Matriarch Southern Phoenix . Many of them established their own power, and there were some who chose to freely roam the immortal realms.
Right now, Qin Wentian could see many heaven's chosen among the immortal-emperor-ranked powers here. Several of them were even direct descendants of immortal emperors themselves.
The two people they met that day in the inn were in attendance as well. The first was Shen Yi of the Shen Clan. It was rumored that the Shen Clan had an immortal emperor, and their clan was located within Southern Phoenix Immortal City. The Shen Clan always had a good relationship with the Southern Phoenix Clan. And as for the person clad in golden robes, he was also a prince from an immortal empire.
"This time everyone invited seems to be at the immortal foundation level." Qin Wentian glanced at the cultivation realms of the experts gathered here. Ignoring the guards accompanying them, the characters of the younger generations were all at immortal foundation. The weakest characters were similar to him—at the first-level of immortal foundation. As for the strongest ones, they were at the fourth-level. The fourth-level could already be considered as middle-tier. Those fourth-level immortals had a more mature look to them; their ages were most likely the oldest among the other invited guests here.
In the air, the various experts studied each other, their eyes gleaming sharply as they exuded a faint aura of hostility.
"Big Brother, should I transform into my original form and accompany you inside instead?" Purgatory asked in a low voice from the side. Staring at the powerful experts in the surroundings, she faintly sensed that their group lacked imposingness in comparison. She wanted Qin Wentian to ride on her true form—that of a vermillion bird—when he entered to gain some face.
"It's fine." Qin Wentian smiled as he shook his head. This little lass was always concerned for him. She didn't mind the loss of face to herself at all.
Right now, they were already at the entrance of the Southern Phoenix Clan. All the experts present promptly declared their clan names and identities before the guards allowed them in. When Qin Wentian tried to enter, he was stopped by a guard. With a wave of Qin Wentian's hand, the invitation card appeared and the guard immediately ushered Qin Wentian and his companions inside.
Within the Southern Phoenix Clan, there were numerous pretty maids in the surroundings. These maids all possessed an extraordinary demeanor. When they saw the guests streaming in, they instantly made themselves useful by going over to lead them inside, their manner extremely attentive. When Qin Wentian and his companions arrived, there was a maid who instantly walked over with a smile on her face. "Sirs and miss, please follow me. I will lead you to the gathering place."
"Many thanks." Qin Wentian smiled as he inclined his head. He continued on the ancient pathway and entered into the depths of the Southern Phoenix Clan.
"Sir, might I know your surname?" The maid smiled at Qin Wentian.
"Qin."
"Sir Qin's demeanor is so graceful and extraordinary. I wonder which of the holy maidens invited you over?" That maid smiled, chatting casually with Qin Wentian. Her voice was very melodious and extremely pleasant to the ears.
"Nanfeng Yunxi," Qin Wentian replied.
The maid was evidently stunned. Her beautiful eyes contemplated Qin Wentian before she laughed. "Sir Qin is truly an extraordinary individual."
"Why? Is it strange that Nanfeng Yunxi invited me?" Qin Wentian asked, he was somewhat astonished by her reaction.
"Holy Maiden Yunxi is someone heavily favored in our Southern Phoenix Clan. And the main reason they organized this banquet was to celebrate the establishment of her immortal foundation. She can be considered the main character of this immortal banquet, and hence, everyone has wished to know who she would invite. Who would have thought that this slave would have such good luck in meeting with young master Qin so early?" the maid said in a light voice with a smile on her face.
"In that case, wouldn't that mean the others will pay close attention to us? That's not a good thing." Qin Wentian shrugged.
"Sir Qin is so humorous. There are many people who wished for the chance to receive Holy Maiden Yunxi's invitation, but they didn't get such an opportunity." The maid rolled her eyes at Qin Wentian's words. Because of her beauty and her status as a maid, her actions weren't as offensive. One would only feel that the maid was extremely cute. Qin Wentian couldn't help but silently praise the maids of the Southern Phoenix Clan. Even their maids had such charm.
"Are there many holy maidens in the Southern Phoenix Clan?" Qin Wentian asked curiously.
"There aren't that many. Every one hundred years, the Southern Phoenix Clan selects thirty-six of the most outstanding individuals to become the holy maidens. Within a hundred years, if a holy maiden fails to ascend to immortality, her qualifications as a holy maiden would then be stripped away." The maid hid nothing from Qin Wentian and spoke honestly. She continued, "And when the hundred-year-period comes to an end, the holy maidens need to undergo a test to determine who will become a core member. The selected core member will be protected by the other holy maidens and gain the title of Holy Successor, while the other holy maidens will be known as the Dao-Protector Holy Maidens. The Holy Successor will be the future successor of Matriarch Southern Phoenix."
"Understood." Qin Wentian nodded. This custom had been in place for countless eras and naturally had its own rules. There were too many excellent descendants, and only the most outstanding one could become the Holy Successor. In addition, the Holy Successor would have to compete against the other holy maidens, since there was only a single position for the Southern Phoenix Matriarch after all.
In the Southern Phoenix Clan, when one becomes the Holy Successor, her status would instantly be elevated to a level higher than everyone else. She would even have the authority to mobilize immortal king experts. For such glory, it was natural that the competition would be intense.
"Many are in support of Holy Maiden Yunxi." The maid smiled at Qin Wentian, casting a glance at him that was deep with meaning. It felt as though she wanted to see how extraordinary Qin Wentian really was, since even Nanfeng Yunxi had personally invited him. Clearly, Nanfeng Yunxi held this young man in extremely high regard.
Qin Wentian smiled, but didn't reply. After some time, they arrived at a spacious location. Many maids had led the guests to this place and were currently arranging the immortal banquet. Several heaven's chosen stood to the side while they chatted with each other. Those invited were all extraordinary individuals. A majority of them were outstanding elites from great powers in the southern region of the immortal realms.
Qin Wentian saw quite a number of familiar silhouettes. Rong Xiao, the young man who wanted to trade for Purgatory, Shen Yi, and the young man from the Gold Race; all were in attendance.
Shen Yi also saw Qin Wentian and his companions. His eyes landed on Purgatory, and he walked over, smiling at them. "So, the three of you are here for the immortal banquet. My name is Shen Yi from the Shen Clan. How should I address you all?"
"Qin Wentian. This is my junior brother, Jun Mengchen, and my younger sister, Purgatory," said Qin Wentian.
"Oh, isn't she your servant? Why is she your younger sister now?" The sounds of laughter drifted over. Rong Xiao walked over upon noticing Qin Wentian and his companions.
"When we met earlier, I thought this vermillion bird referred to you as her master? Is Brother Shen acquainted with them?" Rong Xiao asked.
"We've met." Shen Yi nodded lightly.
"So, this is the case. Does Brother Shen know that this young woman is a demonic beast? Her original form is that of a purgatory vermillion bird," said Rong Xiao as he glanced at Purgatory. After that, he turned his gaze back to Qin Wentian. "My offer still stands. If you are willing to trade, you can state any price you want."
"Is that so? I'm afraid you might not be able to afford it," Qin Wentian said coldly.
"Hehe, she's just a mere demonic beast. Even if she was a saint beast, how could I not be able to afford your price?" Rong Jiao arrogantly replied.
"Okay, then. You shall be the price of the trade. From now on, you will become my servant and obey my every command," Qin Wentian stated calmly. A moment later, Rong Xiao's smile froze in place. His gaze gradually turned sharp as he locked eyes with Qin Wentian.
"You want to use a servant demonic beast to trade for me? Are you insulting me?" Rong Xiao icily spat.
"You are the one courting humiliation for yourself. In fact, in my eyes, even if there were ten of you, you'd still be unworthy compared to Purgatory's value. Who the hell do you think you are?" Qin Wentian domineeringly spoke. Both their words were filled with sharpness, instantly attracting the attention of many. The heaven's chosen all had expressions of interest as they watched the scene.
"This young man seems unfamiliar, I don't recall anyone that matches his profile." The crowd mused when they stared at Qin Wentian. Nobody knew who invited him.
"Your words are too rude, and you show no respect at all. Were you really invited here by a holy maiden?" Rong Xiao coldly questioned.
"When people respect me, I will respect them. As to who invited me here? That's none of your business," Qin Wentian retorted.
Rong Xiao smiled. "Okay then, I shall wait and see."
After speaking, he walked to the side. At this moment, from different locations in the Southern Phoenix Clan, several silhouettes could be seen walking over. Each and every one of these figures were extremely beautiful as they floated in the air and exuding a presence akin to celestial maidens!