AGM 412 – Path of Retreat
A year ago, in the ancient kingdom of Grand Xia in Ginkou, those from the Sword Reverence City hadn’t participated in the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle. Yet they were still very clear on the end results, due to the news and rumors circulating around Grand Xia.
Qin Wentian, a genius with monstrous talent, shocked the entire world by defeating the strongest genius from the younger generation of the Chen Clan, Chen Wang, as well as the dark horse, Si Qiong. He tyrannically slayed the Heaven’s Chosen from the Pill Emperor Hall, Zhan Chen, solidifying his first ranker position. He offended several of the transcendent powers and even used the fame and prestige of his results in the ranking battle, announcing to the world his relationship with Mo Qingcheng.
The Heavenly Fate Rankings contenders of the past year were proclaimed as the strongest batch in a thousand years.
Wang Jue, who ranked sixth in the Heavenly Fate Rankings a batch ago, couldn’t even get in the top ten for the recent one. Yet, that didn’t mean Wang Jue was weak, but rather… the contestants were all just too powerful.
After the Heavenly Fate Rankings were concluded, those who were ranked in the top few positions all stepped into Heavenly Dipper. Naturally, Wang Jue of the War Continent did so as well. As a chosen of the Wang Clan, there was no need to doubt his combat prowess, and he would certainly be able to sweep through the Sword Reverence City unrivalled in comparison to cultivators of the same cultivation level as him.
And what more, as a transcendent power, how powerful was the Wang Clan? Even if Wang Jue wasn’t the one selected, how could any of their other Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns at the first level of Heavenly Dipper be weak?
And now, Zong Yi, the clan lord of the Zong Clan was actually challenging the Wang Clan of the War Continent to gamble the outcome of this next battle, with an additional stake of ten thousand fourth-layer Yuan Meteor Stones.
“Wang Jue.” The middle-aged man in luxurious robe glanced towards a young man standing in the air.
“Wang Jue, it’s really him!” The countenances of those from the Zong Clan all turned incredibly unsightly. As for those from the Heavenly Sword Sect, all of them had cold smiles on their faces.
“The Zong Clan of the Sword Reverence City has immense confidence in their Sword Son and actually dares to propose a bet with our Wang Clan, with a stake of ten thousand Yuan Meteor Stones. Wang Jue, go and show him the meaning of there will always be a sky beyond a sky, a mountain beyond a mountain,” the middle-aged man faintly spoke. Wang Jue’s countenance was serene as he walked forwards. He heard the legends of the demon sword, and with his interest piqued, he joined this trip to the Sword Reverence City.
He engraved his failure and experiences of the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle deep inside his heart, constantly reminding himself that he had to keep getting stronger.
And now, in this pathetic city, there was actually someone daring to challenge him. The audacity of this act caused a cold light to flash past his eyes.
“With Wang Jue present, I think Brother Zong would fare better if you just relinquished your claim on the sword range and leave here after handing over the Yuan Meteor Stones.” Jian Wuyou grinned maliciously. Yet Zong Yi seemed as calm as ever, he wasn’t worried about the results of this battle but rather, he was thinking that even if their Zong Clan won, would a transcendent power like the Wang Clan really give up the control rights of the sword range?
Most probably, it was impossible.
Looking at the forceful stance of the middle-aged man, it seemed that the Wang Clan wouldn’t give up until they obtained those control rights.
“I, Zong, am willing to take a step back. Let’s forget about this battle, and we will share the control rights together with the Wang Clan. In addition, for the Yuan Meteor Stones agreement, I’m willing to pay half of it to the Wang Clan. How about it?” Zong Yi contemplated for a moment before stating his terms, showing his willingness to compromise.
However, the middle-aged man evidently didn’t feel the same. He coldly laughed, and said, “Knowing your Zong Clan is no match for us and only choosing to give in now? How laughable. WHERE is the Sword Son of your Zong Clan?”
Qin Wentian was mingled in with the Zong Clan’s members. After he departed the ancient kingdom, he came to the Sword Reverence City in secret because he wasn’t willing to leak traces of his whereabouts. Who would have imagined that he would meet people from the Wang Clan here.
But matters had come to this, and it was useless even if he wished to avoid it now.
Qin Wentian stepped out, his silhouette flickered and appeared an instant later on the platform. Upon seeing his figure up on the stage, the members of the Zong Clan couldn’t help but sigh in their hearts.
Although Qin Wentian defeated the Sword Son of the Heavenly Sword Sect, it wouldn’t be so easy if he fought against Wang Jue of the Wang Clan. It was basically impossible for him to win.
At this moment, Qin Wentian had his arms crossed behind his back as he slowly raised his head to look at Wang Jue who was in front of him. Instantly, an aura of incredible sharpness radiated out from Wang Jue, as well as Wang Xiao who was standing behind him.
“It’s him.” Wang Jue stiffened, he would never have expected to encounter Qin Wentian here. Hiding under the title of Sword Son of Zong Clan was a marvelous plan indeed.
A few months ago, news had spread that Ouyang Kuangsheng returned to the Ouyang Clan and Bai Qing returned to the Mystic Moon Sect, causing an immense stir to the other transcendent powers. People from the Chen Clan were still standing guard around the ancient kingdom, yet somehow Qin Wentian and the others had all already escaped in secret. This news was like a resounding slap on the faces of the Chen Clan. Hence, in a fit of fury, the Chen Clan sent out a missive to capture Qin Wentian, yet they could find no traces of him anywhere.
Wang Jue stood in his original position, he didn’t step up onto the platform. Although he had confidence in himself, he wasn’t so confident that he was strong enough to obtain a victory when facing against a monster like Qin Wentian. After all, Qin Wentian had been unrivalled in the Heavenly Fate Rankings, sweeping through the other demon-level geniuses with ease.
He had personally witnessed the battle of Qin Wentian fighting against Chen Wang and Si Qiong. Qin Wentian had no weaknesses, and how strong had he became now that he’d stepped into Heavenly Dipper? Most probably, just the astral warbeasts he summoned would already be sufficient to wipe out opponents at the same level as him.
“Wang Jue.” The middle-aged man called out again, glancing impatiently at Wang Jue, who was still standing in the air.
Those from the Heavenly Sword Sect and Zong Clan all had looks of puzzlement on their faces. Wang Jue stood there unmoving and in his eyes, it was as though they could see an intense sense of fear and terror.
“Just a mere Zong Clan from a lousy sword city, do they even have the qualifications to negotiate conditions with our Wang Clan? Let alone even wanting to challenge Wang Jue in a battle. Uncle, just tell them to scram.” To cover up for Wang Jue’s awkwardness, Wang Xiao immediately stepped up and spoke. The middle-aged man frowned as a lack of understanding appeared on his face. “A free gift of ten thousand Yuan Meteor Stones, why do you want to give up on it?”
“That’s right, just take the free gift. The Zong Clan doesn’t understand how high up the Heavens are, why not let noble nephew Wang Jue help teach clan lord Zong Yi and those from the Zong Clan a lesson?” Jian Wuyou coldly laughed. Yet, he only saw Wang Jue icily shooting a glance at him, causing him to involuntarily take a step back. Had he said something wrong?
Wang Jue spoke coldly as he turned his gaze onto Qin Wentian. “The Chen Clan are looking for you everywhere. What do you think they would do if they were to find out that you’ve been hiding here?”
“Huh?” The expressions of the crowd all faltered when they heard Wang Jue’s words. Was Wang Jue acquainted with the Sword Son of Zong Clan?
“Do we fight or not?” Qin Wentian inclined his head, his gaze akin to a sharp sword landing on Wang Jue. Just that simple gaze made Wang Jue’s heart tremble uncontrollably. Back then on the Vermilion Bird arena platform, Qin Wentian had this precise look in his eyes when he killed Zhan Chen and defeated both Si Qiong and Chen Wang.
Wang Jue didn’t reply. That middle-aged man frowned even deeper as he asked Wang Jue, “Who is this person exactly?”
“Qin Wentian!” Wang Jue glared at Qin Wentian as he spat the words out. Momentarily, a terrifying light gleamed in the eyes of the middle-aged man as the expression on his face stiffened for a moment.
The first ranker on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, Qin Wentian.
“Qin Wentian?” The countenances of members from the Zong Clan faltered. Wasn’t their Sword Son named Qin Wen? He was Qin Wentian?
Among them, one of the more knowledgeable ones involuntarily exclaimed—“In the ancient kingdom last year, the contestant that defeated Chen Wang to obtain the position of the first ranker on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, was Qin Wentian.”
As the sound of that voice faded, the surrounding crowd all focused their attention onto the young man standing on the platform. Is this Qin Wentian, that Qin Wentian?
He was crowned king of the Heavenly Fate Rankings?
Wang Jue, at the instant he noticed Qin Wentian, didn’t even dare to take half a step forward.
Those from the Li Clan and Heavenly Sword Sect were all frozen in shock. No wonder Zong Yi was so confident, the Sword Son of his clan was none other than Qin Wentian! This young man dominated the Heavenly Fate Rankings and was unmatched when compared to cultivators of the same level.
The eyes of the Zong Clan members from the younger generation were all filled with blazing fervor as they stared at Qin Wentian’s silhouette. He casually stood there on the platform, yet the chosen from a transcendent power didn’t even dare to advance an inch forward.
So what if you are a Heaven’s Chosen? You don’t even have the courage to put up a fight.
“What? The top ranker on the Heavenly Fate Rankings has actually been hiding in my clan? I had absolutely no idea about this.” A young cultivator from the Zong Clan sighed, his face was filled with emotions. He found it unbelievable that he’d interacted with such a legend—the crowned king of the Heavenly Fate Rankings, Qin Wentian.
At this moment, Qin Wentian’s physique seemed to grow even taller and formidable. He stood there, like a fabled legend.
He was just the same as Hua Taixu of that year, standing at the pinnacle of Yuanfu Realm throughout the entire Grand Xia.
This person actually appeared in the Zong Clan and became it’s Sword Son. Even so, he’d endured plenty of ridicule before this.
“Did you know of his identity from the start?” The middle-aged man stared at Zong Yi, his countenance ice-cold.
“Can I ask if we are still proceeding with the bet?” Zong Yi didn’t reply. Since Qin Wentian had already stepped out, there would be no difference even if he answered that he didn’t know of Qin Wentian’s true identity. At this moment, he would rather adopt a forceful stance, his eyes boring back into the middle-aged man clad in luxurious robes.
“If I say yes, do you even dare accept?” The middle-aged man glared at Zong Yi.
“Sure,” Zong Yi calmly replied with a single word.
“Are you serious?” The middle-aged man asked again, his tone containing a deadly chill within.
“Why not?” Zong Yi’s countenance was as calm as ever as he replied. In the next instant, the middle-aged man let out a laugh instead as he waved his hands. “Very well, since you dared to accept the bet, I shall give the control rights of the sword range to you. For the matter of the ten thousand Yuan Meteor Stones, I will command my men back in the War Continent to prepare the sum before handing it over to you. Just you wait.”
As the sound of his voice faded, the silhouette of the middle-aged man vanished from sight as he departed the region.
The silhouettes of the Wang Clan’s members all flickered as they left together with the middle-aged man. Jian Wuyou had a cold smile on his face as he turned and glanced at Zong Yi. “Brother Zong is truly decisive, but it seems that you’ve made a rather stupid decision. I truly hope the appetite of your Zong Clan is large enough to devour the control rights to the sword range.”
Following which, those from the Heavenly Sword Sect departed as well.
The members of the Li Clan rejoiced in the misfortunes that would soon befall the Zong Clan. It seems like there would soon be a good show to watch for the citizens of the Sword Reverence City.
Very quickly, the flatland in the bottom of the precipice was left with only those from the Zong Clan. The Heavenly Sword Sect had pulled out their guards stationed at the sword range, leaving it for the Zong Clan. However, everyone understood this was merely temporary—how could a transcendent power give up so easily like this?
First off, without mentioning the control rights to the sword range and the ten thousand Yuan Meteor Stones, their entire Zong Clan might even be in great danger.
Qin Wentian’s brows were tightly furrowed, the Wang Clan didn’t dare to make a move because the members that were on this trip weren’t powerful enough. Also, the Wang Clan knew that the Divine Stele Remnant of the Wang Clan was in his hands as well, how could they give up so easily?
With the completed Divine Stele in his hands, who wouldn’t be tempted by greed, not wanting to take it? That was the completed Divine Stele!
Yet, those from the Wang Clan directly departed without saying a word. Obviously, they were heading back to the War Continent to gather even stronger experts before making a trip back to the Sword Reverence City. This place wasn’t safe anymore.
Qin Wentian himself hadn’t expected that he would run into people from the Wang Clan over here.
Turning back, he walked to Zong Yi as he stated apologetically, “I’ve greatly implicated Uncle Zong.”
“My heart is already determined, so there’s nothing to fear,” Zong Yi lightly replied, patting Qin Wentian on his shoulders as he smiled and continued, “The blood in my veins is still running hot.”
Qin Wentian felt warm currents in his heart, as a smile appeared on his face. After which, Zong Yi turned and addressed the members of the Zong Clan, “Return to the clan immediately for an emergency meeting.”
The Zong Clan definitely needed to ensure that their preparations were done well in the face of what was coming.
The members of Zong Clan all nodded their heads as they stared intently at Qin Wentian, before their silhouettes flickered before departing from this place.
That day, the members of the younger generation of Zong Clan, as well as the weaker females and children, all left the Sword Reverence City by means of a Distance-Transference Array. Only now did the members of Zong Clan know that all this while, their clan had actually possessed such a powerful Array.
A crafty rabbit owns three burrows. As a hidden faction of the Azure Emperor, the Zong Clan would naturally leave a path of retreat for themselves. This Distance-Transference Array was obtained through spending an astronomical amount of wealth. They had to hire a Grandmaster that excelled in the concept of space to create this for them.
In the span of a day, only those with combat strength were left behind. At the same time, the Array was also destroyed for safety reasons. Following which, under cover of the night, they headed back to the flatland where the sword range was located.
Evidently, the Zong Clan had decided to forsake their status here in the Sword Reverence City—Qin Wentian observed their lightning quick actions, marveling at the decisiveness and spirit of Zong Yi!