Chapter 37: Celestial Steeds
In simple terms, they are horses with wings, but much larger than any horses he had ever imagined.
Each one was magnificently imposing and extraordinarily divine, with terrifying flames blazing from their hooves, causing the void to collapse inch by inch, disintegrating, and shattering.
This spectacle was quite horrifying, making Wang Heng involuntarily consider the disastrous consequences if these hooves were to tread upon him—he would likely be torn asunder, incinerated into ashes in mere moments.
Beyond their fiery hooves, these colossal creatures possessed extraordinarily mystical bodies. Not only were they robust and sinewy with steel-like bones, but their skin was also covered with dragon scales, imparting an invincible aura.
Moreover, the scales on different ancient beasts varied in form and hue—some were azure, others a blood-like crimson...standing like mythical dragons touching the sky, or resembling true phoenixes spreading their wings in sovereign majesty.
They stood tall and mighty, like towering sacred mountains piercing the clouds, emanating an overwhelming sense of pressure.
As for the realms of these beings, Wang Heng couldn't discern them at all, only sensing an ocean-like depth and vastness.
"These are... Celestial Steeds?"
Wang Heng tentatively spoke the words that came to his mind.
Unexpectedly, Wang Mian nodded directly.
“You guessed right, my young master. These ancient beasts are indeed Celestial Steeds, very rare purebreds at that.
Even in the entire Primal Ancient Realm, there aren't many pure Celestial Steeds. Their kind is considered one of the best mounts. This time, we shall ride the Celestial Steeds to the gathering at the South Sea,” Wang Mian said with a smile.
As he spoke, he called out, and the Celestial Steeds, leisurely roaming the clouds in the distance, immediately raised their heads as though summoned, their eyes sharpening instantly.
The steeds then neighed, a deafening sound that shattered the surrounding clouds.
With massive flaming hooves, they stood aloft in the air and galloped toward Wang Mian and Wang Heng at an astonishing speed, like a bolt of lightning streaking across the sky.
In the blink of an eye, nine Celestial Steeds arrived in a single file, standing majestically before Wang Heng and Wang Mian.
Their robust necks, dense with dragon scales, and powerful limbs gave off a sense of awe, like towering mountains.
Their massive eyes blinked and swiveled, observing the beings before them.
Wang Mian and the others were naturally familiar with them, while Wang Heng had seldom seen them. Many Celestial Steeds encountered him for the first time, knowing well his noble background, they were both curious and reverent towards him.
“Each Celestial Steed here possesses supreme cultivation. Though their realms are not as powerful as that of the soon-to-be immortal Azure Luan, within the realm of Supreme, they are indeed rare finds.” Wang Mian surveyed the surroundings and remarked.
Upon hearing this, Wang Heng felt a small shock in his heart. Is this the spectacle of the Celestial King family? Nine Supreme-level Celestial Steeds serving as chariot beasts, unrivaled wherever they go, nothing could stand in their way.
In the chaotic ancient era of the future, a Supreme being is the top master within a realm, yet now, in the mid-immortal ancient era, they have been reduced to chariot beasts. The disparity is truly unimaginable.
"This is the Immortal King's own offspring; you must have long heard. The young master is about to attend a gathering at the South Sea, requiring you all to pull the ancient chariot as an honor." Wang Mian spoke to the nine Celestial Steeds.
With Supreme-being-level cultivation and high intelligence, they could transform into human form if they wished.
At this moment, as they heard Wang Mian's words, the nine Celestial Steeds all nodded in agreement, and their gaze towards Wang Heng grew even softer.
It was up to Wang Heng to choose, and soon he selected a bronze ancient war chariot covered in arrow holes and axe marks.
The reason for choosing this particular chariot was because Wang Mian had introduced its past glory in battle, where it had charged through enemy lines, invincible, crushing enemies in all directions under the command of the Wang Family's Celestial King.
One could say that this ancient war chariot is a venerable chronicle etched with the trials and triumphs of an invincible Immortal King, a witness to his unrivaled supremacy and brilliance across the lands.
Layer upon layer of celestial formations overlays the chariot, each exhibiting varying degrees of damage, condensed into myriad intricate ancient runes. These runes are inscribed on the walls of the chariot, emanating an unparalleled killing intent.
Seated within this chariot, the deafening sounds of battle ring clearly in one’s ears, echoing through the endless passage of time, a testament to ages long past that leaves the spirit shaken.
Choosing this bronze ancient war chariot represented Wang Heng's attitude—blatant and eager for battle.
Then, he and Wang Mian boarded the chariot, and one after another, celestial symbols were activated, unleashing a daunting force. Every arrow slit and axe mark glowed, traces left by peerless adversaries in times unreachable, marks that have yet to fade even today.
Infused by the chariot’s aura, they were overcome with a fervent fighting spirit, an urge to drive the war chariot headlong against their foes.
“Neighhhh…”
The celestial steeds neighed, transforming into streams of light that surged into the celestial formation, taking their positions. Instinctively, harnesses draped over their bodies, imprinting on the celestial steeds.
In the next instant, the nine celestial steeds reared up, their inner bloodlines awakening and boiling. Generations of towing chariots for mighty warriors had etched something deep within them, now erupting forth, resonating harmoniously with the celestial formations on the bronze ancient war chariot.
"Boom!"
The void trembled, emitting a thunderous roar as celestial steeds dragged a war chariot, tearing through the space, racing swiftly towards their destination.
Inside the Wang Family's immortal estate, many powerful figures sensed this phenomenon, turning their gazes in a particular direction.
"Nine supreme celestial steeds pulling a chariot for a long journey—this level of grandeur is reserved only for the Immortal King or perhaps a prince of the Immortal King," someone speculated, sighing at the formidable might of the Immortal King's lineage.
In a residence for collateral branches, a young man with an extraordinary presence gazed up at the scene, his eyes flickering slightly, face impassive, possessing great depth of thought.
This was Wang Yue, who aspired to plant his path first and seize the supreme soul seed meant for Wang Heng.
Unfortunately, the disparity in status and position left his ambitions unfulfilled; after waiting in vain for half a year, he could only settle for an ancient cosmic archetype seed.
Now, he had perfectly integrated his path, fusing the ancient cosmic archetype seed into his flesh and blood, achieving a fundamental evolution and leap at the level of life.
Although this significantly boosted Wang Yue's confidence, he still felt apprehensive facing Wang Heng, who had ascended to the top of the ancient monument's rankings with undeniable strength.
Wang Yue was acutely aware of the terrifying power of the Supreme Soul Seed.
Coupled with Wang Heng wielding the formidable Primordial Spirit Sword Technique, Wang Yue truly lacked the assurance to defeat him.