Ancient Godly Monarch - Chapter 285

Chapter 285: Qing`er’s words

Not long ago, they once said that having the ancient scroll in Qin Wentian’s hands was the equivalent to wasting a great gift on a piece of trash. If Qin Wentian didn’t hand over that scroll, he would be slaughtered.

But now, Qin Wentian was returning those words right back. The tornado devoured the body of the black-faced, middle-aged man, after which Qin Wentian made a grasping motion and then the interspatial ring and shadow lance flew into his hands.

The treasures of a fourth-ranked Grandmaster should be extremely valuable, he had made a killing this time.

Shifting his ice-cold gaze onto Eccentric Song and Old Liang, the countenances of both were as white as a sheet. Eccentric Song mustered a smile as he stated to Qin Wentian, “Brother Qin’s talent in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions is truly heaven-defying. Now that you’ve stepped into the level of fourth-ranked Grandmasters, and before the age of twenty, it will only be a matter of time before your name rocks the Moon Continent. This old man was foolish and made the wrong decision out of greed. If I have offended you with my earlier words or actions, I hope that you won’t take it to heart. Let that fourth-ranked Puppet of mine be compensation to Brother Qin for my earlier transgression.”

Concluding his speech, Eccentric Song bowed low to Qin Wentian to convey his sincerity.

However, Qin Wentian’s gaze was still as cold as ever, and felt even sharper than the edge of a blade. The terrifying sword-intent whistled past, as the sword keening further increased the terror in Eccentric Song’s heart.

“This old man does not have a mortal grudge with Brother Qin, why must we end this with death?” Eccentric Song knew that it would be useless to convince Qin Wentian with words like background and status, and hence decided to use benefits instead. He continued, “As long as Brother Qin pardons this, this old man will definitely compensate with even better items.”

Just minutes before, this Eccentric Song was shouting for Qin Wentian’s death, yet now he had the gall to claim he held no grudge between them. How ridiculous, Eccentric Song’s words didn’t have the slightest hint of regret in them.

In front of Qin Wentian, the tornado of sword Qi dissipated to be replaced by a terrifying gigantic sword. With a flick of his finger, the gigantic sword released a sword beam that penetrated through space, causing Eccentric Song’s countenance to sink even further as his face became cloaked in a mask of despair.

“Chi.”

As the sword beam swept out, Eccentric Song’s body was cleaved directly into two. The only survivor remaining was the sunken eyes man. Old Liang was involuntarily trembling, he knew he would be next if he stayed. In the next moment, he grabbed his umbrella-type Divine Weapon and rapidly ran away.

Qin Wentian had no intentions to pardon any of them. This young brat wanted to consign the whole lot of them to death.

But how could he still escape? As the sword beam flashed, his movements stopped. A gaping hole could be seen in the centre of his forehead.

Qin Wentian floated downwards, and began to collect the spoils of his victory. In short time, he had gained the treasures of three four-ranked Grandmasters, their total value was worth more than his entire fortune.

However, just as he was in the midst of gathering them up, the earth around him started to tremble violently. Qin Wentian’s eyes turned sharp and as he turned his head, he realised that the silent spectator Grandmaster Penga had finally made his move. Penga had taken his time in observation before he acted, this strike of his contained a might sufficient enough to break the earth and shatter the heavens.

A Heavenly Dipper Sovereign who was also a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, was truly incomparable to a Yuanfu fourth-ranked Grandmaster. The difference in power further emphasized the importance of personal cultivation.

Now that Penga made his move, he completely disregarded the attacks of Qin Wentian’s prearranged traps. An Astral Nova in the shape of an immense spear appeared, and as Astral Light inundated the area, each sweep of it caused Qin Wentian’s traps to explode. Throughout this, the sword Qi tornado grew increasingly weaker.

After observing for so long, Penga had already calculated the steps of breaking this formation. His sudden attack was like a thunderbolt from out of the blue.

The might of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign wasn’t something a Yuanfu cultivator could match, even if he was paired up with a fourth-ranked Divine Weapon. Qin Wentian’s silhouette flickered as he rapidly retreated, while simultaneously placing the bladed fourth-ranked Puppet in his interspatial ring and summoning his golden-armored Puppet to his side.

“BOOM!” Yet another Divine Inscription was destroyed. With a flick of his sleeves, the Astral Nova Spear penetrated through space, flying straight towards Qin Wentian. He felt his body shuddering, as though he were about to be pierced through. This was the will of a Mandate.

The Mandate of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign was nothing to joke about.

“Go!” Qin Wentian commanded, the golden Puppet flew forwards in his place, colliding with the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign’s attack. However, the Astral Nova seemed to have a mind of its own, as it increased the might of each stab, trying to break out of the golden-armored Puppet’s grip. The impact resulting from the collision of the two forces caused the entire space to rumble.

Penga smiled, he didn’t mind the interruption. The sharpness of his gaze seemed intent on drilling through Qin Wentian, and abruptly his silhouette flickered as he dashed forwards with an unbelievable speed.

A nineteen years old fourth-ranked Grandmaster did indeed have heaven-shocking potential. There would also be countless powers wanting to recruit him. Nevertheless, a dead genius was no longer a genius, but rather, was just a corpse.

Now, Penga wanted nothing more than to kill Qin Wentian and plunder the ancient scroll away.

“Qin Wentian, you still have a chance.”

Qin Wentian’s pupils narrowed upon hearing Bailu You’s words; it seemed he still thought to take advantage of Qin Wentian’s current peril by coercing him into handing the ancient scroll over to his father, Bailu Tong.

“Great Elder.” A pleading look for help appeared in Bailu Yi’s eyes as she stared at the large-eyed elder.

“Great Elder, don’t you wish for the birth of a fifth-ranked Grandmaster in our White Deer Institute? I have to obtain that ancient scroll at all costs,” Bailu Tong coldly remarked at the side. The battle had already attracted the attention of many experts in the White Deer Institute. When they arrived by the side of Bailu Yi and the rest, they couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going on?”

“Qin Wentian, a nineteen years old fourth-ranked Grandmaster. He’s my good friend, yet Elder Bailu Tong wants to kill him just to plunder the ancient scroll he obtained from the secret realm of the Gold-Element Ascendant,” Bailu Yi explained, her words caused the eyes of those nearby to widen in shock. A fourth-ranked Grandmaster at the age of nineteen?

“What about the other fourth-ranked Grandmasters?” someone asked.

“They were all killed by Qin Wentian from his Inscriptions and formation,” Bailu You coldly replied. Because of Qin Wentian, he was at opposing standpoints with Bailu Yi.

“Father.” Bailu Yi turned her gaze onto Bailu Shan. Bailu Shan’s eyes shone with a strange glow as he watched Qin Wentian making use of several defensive third-ranked Inscriptions to block his opponent’s attack. Yet, they only managed to slow down the Astral Nova slightly.

“Grandmaster Penga, enough.”

Bailu Shan called out as he stepped forth, blasting out his aura.

“Brother Shan, what are you trying to do?” In the next moment, Bailu You’s silhouette flickered as he appeared in front of Bailu Shan, blocking his path.

Bailu Yi grew pale with worry as she frantically stared at the large-eyed elder. The large-eyed elder appeared to be contemplating something as he soon replied in a calm tone, “Relax, don’t be so nervous.”

Yet how could Bailu Yi not be nervous? Penga was raising the tempo of his attacks, he must be determined to kill Qin Wentian immediately. He used his Astral Nova to tie down the fourth-ranked Puppet, while the flame-inscribed long spear in his hands tore apart the defensive third-ranked Inscriptions Qin Wentian threw at him like a hot knife through butter. Penga plunged out the long spear as it transformed into a beam of cold light, shooting straight towards Qin Wentian.

“Bzzz.” The raging speed of the spear broke the sound barrier as a sonic boom burst out. However at the last moment, a lotus bloomed in front of Qin Wentian, disrupting the trajectory and negating the force behind the spear.

All of a sudden, a female silhouette appeared in front of Qin Wentian. This female’s figure was flawless, clad in white and her features were obscured by a veil. She gave off an otherworldly aura, resembling that of an immortal maiden.

Traces of a gentle smile appeared in his eyes as Qin Wentian noticed the appearance of this figure. She always showed up at the most crucial moment, silently protecting him from the shadows.

“I’ll send the Puppet to help you, let’s kill this person together.” Qin Wentian’s eyes turned ice-cold the moment he shifted his gaze back onto Penga.

“It’s okay… This man is not very strong, I can do it…” Although the tone of her words was cold, Qing`er’s voice was extremely melodious and gave Qin Wentian feelings of great comfort as he listened.
Penga’s countenance stiffened, becoming incredibly ugly to behold.

Those from the White Deer Institute also had dumbfounded expressions on their faces. There was actually a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign protecting Qin Wentain.

Not only that, even with her features obscured, they could tell that this Sovereign was actually quite the transcendent beauty, akin to a celestial in a portrait. Their gazes involuntarily fixated onto Bailu Yi, only to see her in a similarly stunned state.

Qin Wentian had said before that Mo Qingcheng was his girlfriend. In that case, who was this ephemeral beauty right in front of their eyes?

If she remembered correctly, this maiden seemed to have appeared once before.

Penga glanced at Qing`er, and then swept his gaze to the supreme experts of the White Deer Institute. He knew that his objective today was no longer possible.

“Farewell.” His Astral Nova revolved protectively around him, as he snorted and leisurely walked away, his face a loathsome mask of unsatisfied greed.

Qinger stood there quietly, allowing him to leave. She didn’t actively act to pursue him.<br/>Qin Wentian smilingly glanced at Qinger. He refrained from saying a word.

However, Qing`er’s beautiful lashes fluttered as though she knew of Qin Wentian’s intentions. After which, her lips gently moved as the sound waves of her voice joined together into a single thread, drifting into Qin Wentian’s ear.

“He won’t escape, the people of my Celestial Lake Palace are already waiting outside. Nobody will dare to touch you today.”

Qing`er’s words caused Qin Wentian to start. The people from the Celestial Lake Palace had arrived here?
An expression of astonishment crossed Qin Wentian’s face. When had the people from the Celestial Lake Palace appeared?

Sweeping his gaze across to the crowd within the White Deer Institute, he saw Di Cheng, as well as a young man with an extraordinary demeanor. The man could only be Di Feng.

In that moment, Qin Wentian suddenly understood. So it turned out that Fairy Qingmei had always been monitoring his actions. As the Azure Emperor’s love, Fairy Qingmei should be in possession of many secrets that no one else knew.

Everything that happened in the White Deer Institute, including the arrival of Di Feng, as well as the problems he faced, were perhaps all already known by Fairy Qingmei.

As he had once guessed, the relationship between Fairy Qingmei and the Azure Emperor had never broken off at all. It was totally different from what had been spread outside. There was no one else who cared more for the Azure Emperor other than Fairy Qingmei. And as he was the Azure Emperor’s true successor, Fairy Qingmei supported him unconditionally, for no other reason than because he was the one that possessed his authority token.

“They are here? What great timing.” Qin Wentian smiled. He had just revealed that he was a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, and now he had Fairy Qingmei’s support.

In that case, regardless of who the power behind Di Feng was, Qin Wentian didn’t lose out in the slightest.

“I will take my leave as well.” Grandmaster Fenrir laughed. He knew that this wasn’t the time for him to remain behind. Clasping his hands, he then bid his farewell to the crowd and soared through the air.

As for the followers of the other fourth-ranked Grandmasters, they had long sneaked away after witnessing the deaths of their masters. It was as though they feared they’d be killed by Qin Wentian if they were to retreat half a step slower.

Hence, in this location, other than the members of the White Deer Institute, the only outsiders remaining were Qin Wentian and Qing`er.

“Fourth-ranked Grandmaster.” Bailu You suddenly laughed, as he turned to those from the Institute. “Everyone, this suspicious young man infiltrated our White Deer Institute to ‘study’ Divine Inscriptions, despite already having such a high level of attainment in it. Not only that, he also has the protection of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign. I wonder, what unfathomable motives might he be harbouring in his heart?”

“What is this guy’s problem?” With a silent sigh of resignation, Qin Wentian dragged his gaze over to the persistent Bailu You.

Chapter 286: Revealing the Token

A cold smile was reflected on Qin Wentian’s face. “Ever since I, Qin, joined the White Deer Institute to cultivate the Dao of Divine Inscriptions, I have never done a single thing that went against the Institute’s code of honor. How ridiculous, if you want to steal the ancient scroll from me, you can just say so. Why is there a need to be so hypocritical?”

Bailu You narrowed his eyes. He knew that if he allowed Qin Wentian to leave the White Deer Institute today, there would never be another chance to acquire the ancient scroll of the Ascendant.

More and more experts from the White Deer Institute arrived, and when about six to seven of the nine elders came, only then did Bailu Tong suddenly speak out, “Everyone, can I hear your opinions on how we should handle this matter? I, Bailu Tong have immersed myself in studying and researching the Dao of Divine Inscriptions for so many years, and my attainment in it cannot be said to be weak. There’s a chance for me to break through to become a fifth-ranked Grandmaster if I can obtain the ancient scroll of the Ascendant. All of you should be extremely clear of the value and prestige a fifth-ranked Grandmaster would bring to our Institute.”

“Qin Wentian is only nineteen and has already broken through to the fourth-ranked. Not only that, he is also a good friend of mine. Why must the Institute do such a vile and filthy thing, robbing him of the inheritance he rightfully earned? Obviously, he would have a much greater chance to break through to being a fifth-ranked Grandmaster compared to Elder Bailu Tong,” Bailu Yi countered.

“Impudent. Little Yi, the elders may hold you in high regard but you do not have the right to speak about an elder this way!” Bailu You roared. “And so what if he has a greater chance? Ultimately, he is still an outsider.”

“There are some words that must be said, no matter how inappropriate they may sound now.” Bailu Yi knew that Qin Wentian was the inheritor of the Azure Emperor Token. She wondered what would happen if the elders from the Institute blindly continued to offend him like this.

“Uncle Yu, could you lead them down and guard the back mountains, not allowing others to enter?” Bailu Yi instructed an elderly looking figure, this person was someone extremely loyal to the White Deer Institute.

Uncle Yu understood Bailu Yi’s intention. With a wave of his hands, he gathered the non-core members as he led them down, following Bailu Yi’s instructions.

“Do the two of you want to go and take a break as well?” Bailu Yi stared at Di Feng and Di Cheng.

“Little Yi, Di Feng is a valuable guest of our Institute, there’s nothing to hide from him,” Bailu Tong cut in.

“I, Di Feng, can guarantee that Miss Yi’s words will definitely remain behind closed-doors.” Di Feng laughed.

Bailu Yi glanced at him, and turned her gaze onto those from the White Deer Institute. “Elder Tong, humor me. In terms of the Dao of Inscriptions, which of the two of us has the higher attainment and talent?”

Bailu Tong stared at Bailu Yi, but he didn’t reply. Another elder added, “Naturally, elder Tong’s attainment is higher. But with regards to talent, Little Yi may still be slightly better.”

“In that case, if the White Deer Institute acquires the ancient scroll of the Ascendant, who do you all think the inheritance should belong to? Who would have the greater hope of breaking through to being a fifth-ranked Grandmaster?” Bailu Yi asked again, causing a myriad of expressions to flicker on the countenances of the crowd.

Bailu Shan’s eyes lighted up. By that logic, the inheritance would be given to his daughter instead.

Yes, that was right, his daughter had a deep relationship with Qin Wentian.

“We will all share it,” Bailu Tong icily replied, traces of unhappiness could be seen flickering in his eyes.

“How laughable. If Qin Wentian acquired the ancient scroll, then it clearly belongs to him. But you want to have a share in it?” Bailu Yi coldly laughed. “Let me tell all the elders this, Qin Wentian did indeed obtain the inheritance of the Ascendant and he will definitely become a fifth-ranked Grandmaster in the future. And just to be clear, he has already given the ancient scroll to me.”

Everyone who heard the words were left flabbergasted. Qin Wentian actually gave the ancient scroll of the Ascendant to Bailu Yi?

It seemed like the relationship between them was really that of lovers. And Qin Wentian truly loved Bailu Yi.

Laughter appeared on Bailu Shan’s face. In that case, his choice was already extremely clear. He would undoubtedly choose to stand on the side of Qin Wentian.

Bailu Yi’s grandfather, one of the nine grand elders of the Institute also stroked his beard and laughed. His impression of Qin Wentian was improving by the minute.

“Consider this carefully before making any decision. If Elder Bailu Tong makes a move against Qin Wentian, I, Bailu Yi will be too ashamed to remain in the White Deer Institute. Does the Institute really wish to lose two potential fifth-ranked Grandmasters?” Bailu Yi’s powerful words resounded in the air.

Momentarily, Bailu Tong’s countenance became exceptionally unsightly to behold.

Even if Bailu Yi was one of their own members, there was no way he would give up the ancient scroll.

“Little Yi, are you threatening our Institute?” Bailu Tong coldly remarked, “Not only that, as a junior, since you’ve acquired the ancient scroll, why haven’t you passed it to the elders? Is this something a junior should do?”

“Today, I have really seen the true face of Elder Tong. Even when coveting the possession of others, you can still sound as though you are in the right. Why should I give it to you?” Bailu Yi mocked. Turning her gaze onto the other elders, Bailu Yi continued, “Would the other elders please make their decision.”

“Elder Tong, you’ve gone overboard.” Bailu Yi’s grandfather naturally stood on the side of his granddaughter.

“Enough of this internal conflict, this is so embarrassing.”

The large-eyed elder couldn’t help but berate them upon seeing such a happening occurring. After which, he turned his gaze onto Qin Wentian and spoke, “Little Brother Qin is a guest of Little Yi. Our White Deer Institute apologizes for the matters here today, please pardon our transgressions. When the other fourth-ranked Grandmasters came over to plunder the inheritance, it was one thing for our elders not to stop them, but to think that one of the elders actually aided and abetted the other fourth-ranked Grandmasters because of his own selfish desires. Please accept our apologies. I, as the Great Elder, have failed in my duties indeed. This was my mistake.”

The Great Elder personally acknowledged that he made a mistake, his actions causing the others to shut up without further comment. The core members that arrived late already understood what happened today.

As a Divine Inscriptionist, this Bailu Tong was filled with greed for wanting to possess the Ascendant’s ancient scroll. And because of Qin Wentian’s relationship with Bailu Yi, he wasn’t thick-skinned enough to act directly against Qin Wentian. But rather, he spread the news to outsider fourth-ranked Grandmasters in order to borrow their influence to coerce Qin Wentian into caving in. Then the next step would be to make him surrender the ancient scroll to himself, an elder of the White Deer Institute, for protection.

These outsider fourth-ranked Grandmasters naturally also understood Bailu Tong’s scheme. But the lure of the ancient scroll was too great. Hence, they weren’t willing to give this chance up, and acted according to Bailu Tong’s machinations.
Yet no one would have anticipated the ending. Qin Wentian had too many cards up his sleeves. He could inscribe fourth-ranked, combat-type Divine Inscriptions, had a fourth-ranked Puppet, and also the protection of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign.

Those greedy fourth-ranked Grandmasters had all been slaughtered, causing Bailu Tong’s plan to transform into mist and shadows. Hence, he chose to no longer mask his intentions, and instead decided to use the entire White Deer Institute to pressure Qin Wentian, ignoring the fact that he might be offending Bailu Yi.

All this led to the situation happening right now.

Bailu Tong was still unwilling to give up, yet the large-eyed elder didn’t agree with him.

Qin Wentian could see that the large-eyed elder was a sincere and honest man. He also knew that the elder always had a good impression of him since the beginning. Hence, Qin Wentian added, “This matter occurs only because of Bailu Tong, and has nothing to do with the White Deer Institute. I, Qin, understand this clearly.”

Since the large-eyed elder intended to form good relations with him, Qin Wentian naturally wouldn’t create tension of his own volition. After all, he would take charge of the entire White Deer Institute sooner or later.

“Excellent, excellent, it’s good that your heart is so magnanimous.” The large-eyed elder nodded as he laughed. In fact, he hadn’t acted before this because he wanted to see if Qin Wentian had the capability to settle things on his own terms. If Qin Wentian really couldn’t handle it, the large-eyed elder would definitely have stepped in.

“Great Elder, I’m afraid this matter isn’t up to your decision. I will report this to the supreme elders, and will let them decide instead.” It was then that the silent Bailu Tong spoke out once again, causing the countenance of the crowd to sink as they smiled wryly in their hearts. This matter was getting more and more out of control, escalating the internal conflict in the White Deer Institute.
Bailu Tong dared to behave this way because his father was one of the four supreme elders. Not only that, Bailu Tong’s father was well known as someone who blindly shielded his shortcomings.

The large-eyed elder’s countenance turned exceptionally unsightly once he heard Bailu Tong’s words. How shameful.

Because of greed, Bailu Tong had initiated this internal conflict, something the large-eyed elder was unhappy to witness.

“Since you have the ancient scroll, just take it out and share it with everyone.” A voice drifted over from afar. Many among the crowd couldn’t help but shudder slightly once they heard this voice.

One of the supreme elders had spoken.

The crowd speculated that this supreme elder definitely wanted Qin Wentian to hand over the inheritance so as to share the ancient scroll with everyone. This would be an overall boost in the standards of the Divine Inscriptionists from the White Deer Institute. This kind of thinking wasn’t wrong.

Qin Wentian cast his gaze into the horizon. It seemed like one of the supreme elders supported Bailu Tong.

Even after he had become a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, the White Deer Institute’s attitude still hadn’t changed. Evidently, they still treated him like an outsider.

Luckily he hadn’t revealed that he held the Azure Emperor Token back then. If not, he didn’t know what attitude the Institute might have now.

“As an impartial observer not involved in the matter, I too, think that Qin Wentian should share the ancient scroll. Of course, the White Deer Institute could repay him by offering protection for his safety,” Di Feng stated, causing a smile to appear on Bailu Tong’s countenance.

Qin Wentian cast a glance at Di Feng as he coldly smiled. “How fair. Who are you to butt your nose into my affairs?”

“Someone you can’t afford to offend,” Di Cheng who was beside Di Feng, icily replied. “You are just a mere fourth-ranked Grandmaster, even a finger would be enough to crush you to death.”
“How arrogant. Are you not a descendant of the Azure Emperor? Main bloodline of the Di Clan?”

As the sound of Qin Wentian’s voice faded, everyone in the crowd was thunderstruck, as they turned gazes filed with incomparable sharpness onto Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian actually knew of the White Deer Institute’s greatest secret.

The crowd then gazed contemptuously at Bailu Yi, with even a few elders looking at her in disappointment. Didn’t Bailu Yi know what was important? How could she divulge this secret to Qin Wentian?

“Traitorous slut.” Bailu You snorted in disdain. After which, he took a step closer to Qin Wentian. “In that case, you should die even more.”

Qin Wentian had given him the perfect excuse to act, Qin Wentian was courting death.

Yet, Bailu Yi was staring in amazement at Qin Wentian.
Was he preparing to lay all his cards out on the table?

“Yup, he deserves death.” Di Cheng coldly grinned. Qin Wentian would definitely die today.

“You’ve all heard it directly, even the descendants of the Di Clan want him to die.” Bailu You turned his gaze towards the crowd. Upon hearing his words, Qin Wentian softly commented, “All of you respect the Azure Emperor that much?”

“Obviously. Everyone in our White Deer Institute can basically be said to be the descendants of the Azure Emperor. Didn’t Bailu Yi tell you this?” Bailu You coldly laughed.

“If the successor of the Azure Emperor Token wanted you to die, would you die?” Qin Wentian glanced at Bailu You with amusement.

“Sure, if he appears, why not?” Bailu You smiled. He had to grab this chance to show his support for Di Feng. Di Feng would surely stand on his side in future.

“Oh?” Qin Wentian nodded his head with amusement. “Okay, you can go ahead and die then.”

After that, Qin Wentian gazed into the horizon as he channeled his voice, causing it to erupt forth, “Qin Wentian seeks an audience with the supreme elders of the White Deer Institute.”

His voice was filled with power, travelling a far distance while resonating in the air.

“Who do you think you are? Do you think you can meet the supreme elders just because you want to?” Bailu You sneered.

“You, are unqualified.” Di Cheng had hated Qin Wentian ever since his recent bout of humiliation. Today, his date of death had finally arrived

Qin Wentian laughed coldly as he stretched out a hand, he was holding something in between his fingers. “What about now?”

“Huh?” The gazes of everyone riveted to the object Qin Wentian held in his hands, and then they felt as though explosions had gone off in their minds. Shaking their heads, the crowd narrowed their eyes for a clearer look.

In the next instant, it was if they had all turned to ice, their hearts pounding madly with a myriad of emotions.

That word on the token… that word, was the word Azure!

Di Feng’s eyes turned sharp, feeling as though a huge wave had rocked his heart. Qin Wentian held in his hands the Azure Emperor Token!

Qin Wentian swept his gaze over to Bailu Tong, Di Feng and Di Cheng, speaking slowly and clearly, enunciating each word. “I, Qin Wentian, am the true successor of the Azure Emperor!”

As the sound of his voice faded, the crowd exchanged glances with each other in dumbfounded amazement.

The Azure Emperor Token, that was the Azure Emperor Token.

Di Feng had a linage belonging to the Di Clan.

But Qin Wentian, with the Azure Emperor Token in his hands, was the Azure Emperor’s true successor!

Chapter 287: Subordinates Offending their Superior, Shall All be killed without Mercy!

The Azure Emperor Token.

Qin Wentian actually possessed the Azure Emperor Token.

This undoubtedly meant that Qin Wentian was the true successor of the Azure Emperor.

Those from the Di Clan, as well as the core members of the White Deer Institute naturally understood the meaning behind the Azure Emperor Token.

“Does everyone now understand the purpose of why I came to the White Deer Institute?” Qin Wentian stared at Bailu You, laughing coldly.

Harbouring unfathomable motives? With the authority token in his hands, he could do anything he wanted in the White Deer Institute. How unfathomable could those motives be?

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze onto Di Cheng only to see a sinister light shining in his eyes. How could this be possible? Why would the Azure Emperor Token be in Qin Wentian’s hands?

“A finger is enough to crush me? I would like to see you try. A mere descendant of the Di Clan daring to talk to me in this manner? Even the current head of your Di Clan wouldn’t dare speak to me like this. A lowly being offending your superiors, tell me, what punishment do you deserve?” Qin Wentian coldly rebuked, as his eyes bored into Di Cheng. Di Cheng felt only overwhelming pressure crushing him from where he stood, the feeling so heavy his face became contorted.

A lowly being offending your superiors, tell me what punishment do you deserve?

Indeed, as a descendant of the Di Clan, failing to pay respect to the successor of the Azure Emperor could be said that Di Cheng was a lowly being offending his superior.

Even the experts and elders of the main bloodline would have to pay their respects and obey the holder of the Azure Emperor Token, let alone a mere Di Cheng.

The large-eyed elder drew in a deep breath. When Di Feng arrived at the White Deer Institute and showcased his outstanding abilities, they had all thought that Di Feng, as the successor groomed by the main bloodline, would definitely be the future leader of the Azure Faction.

Yet they had never expected that the holder of the token, the true successor of the Azure Emperor, would actually be Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian, a nineteen years old fourth-ranked Grandmaster, he had come to the White Deer Institute for no reason other than because he was the true successor to the Azure Emperor.

Back then, he patiently waited for the right moment because he was unsure of the White Deer Institute’s attitude. But at this moment, there were members of the Institute, as well as descendants of the Di Clan, who wanted to band together to kill the successor of the Azure Emperor? How could he still continue to endure?

Although this sounded dramatic, such was the reality.

The gazes of the crowd shifted to Bailu Yi, who was the only one not shocked. Apparently, Qin Wentian had already revealed the truth of this matter to her. And considering the closeness of their relationship, Bailu Yi would definitely never betray Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian had absolute trust in Bailu Yi.

After all, all things considered, the secret of his confidential identity was too sensitive a matter.

The large-eyed elder had a blinding headache as he glanced at Di Feng and the rest. Everything that had happened today was out of his expectations, and now, this matter was no longer about the ancient scroll of the Ascendant but rather, an issue that would affect the future of their White Deer Institute.

Will the White Deer Institute obey the commands of the Azure Emperor’s successor?

If yes, then who? Di Feng from the main lineage, or Qin Wentian, the holder of the Azure Emperor Token?

The level of difficulty for this question was absurdly high.

Di Feng, someone ranked #5 in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. If it was before, Qin Wentian couldn’t even be compared to him. But now, Qin Wentian was a nineteen years old, fourth-ranked Grandmaster! In terms of talent, both of them were exceedingly outstanding.

Di Feng’s advantage was that he had the support of the main bloodline. As for Qin Wentian, he was still young and still had room for advancement in terms of both cultivation and the Dao of Divine Inscriptions. His potential was monstrous.

If not, how could Qin Wentian possess the Azure Emperor Token?

This indicated that Qin Wentian may be the one that passed the tests the Azure Emperor left behind.

“Allow me to inspect this token. How else would we know if it’s real or fake?” Di Cheng countered, he had no way to accept this reality, no way to accept that Qin Wentian was the true successor.

“Who the hell are you? Do you have the qualifications to even touch the Azure Emperor Token?” Qin Wentian coldly replied.

“Di Yi of my Di Clan was captured by the Nine Mystical Palace, subsequently the Azure Emperor Token has gone missing, and yet today it appears in your hand. How could we not suspect its origin? Or are you someone from the Nine Mystical Palace wanting to control our Faction? We have to investigate this clearly today.”

Although Di Cheng was far from the level of Di Feng, he was still quite intelligent, full of little cunning schemes.

He naturally knew that his clan’s future plans included taking full control over the Azure Emperor Palace. This was why they had spent so much time in the White Deer Institute, setting up their preparations and groundwork. But now, who would have thought that the Azure Emperor Token would appear in the hands of Qin Wentian? How could they allow this sudden variable to totally ruin their plans. It was impossible.

Just Qin Wentian and a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign? They were far from enough.

Yet Qin Wentian laughed as he put away the Azure Emperor Token. “Do the supreme elders of the White Deer Institute still wish to watch the drama? Isn’t it about time for you all to show yourselves?”

Yet as the sound of his voice faded, not one of the supreme elders made their appearances. Through this, Qin Wentian understood the difficulty of controlling a power that was allowed to grow unsupervised for thousands of years.

Evidently, the supreme elders were acting this way to show Qin Wentian their own inclinations on the matter. First, leaving aside the ambiguity of the current situation, even if matters were to stabilize and the White Deer Institute recognised him as the true successor, what of it? If they refused to heed his commands, what could he do?

A ‘hidden’ branch of the Azure Faction had grown in power and matured on their own for over thousands of years. By handing over control of the White Deer Institute to such a young man, wouldn’t this be the equivalent of taking an extremely huge risk? How could the White Deer Institute so easily accept this? Even Di Feng from Di Clan’s main bloodline had not completely gained the recognition and approval of the Institute’s elders. At most, it could only be said that Di Feng had gained their respect.

And now, even with all that had happened, the supreme elders of the White Deer Institute still chose not to show themselves, all because they wanted to see how Qin Wentian and Di Feng would handle this.

“You better explain your identity to us first,” Bailu Tong coldly stated.

“Yup, the Azure Emperor Token? Pass it to me so I can take a better look to see if it’s real or fake,” Bailu You added, as he coldly laughed.

“You guys… How dare you.” Bailu Yi didn’t expect that Bailu Tong and his son would be this tough to handle. They totally disregarded the fact that Qin Wentian had already taken out the Azure Emperor Token.

And the attitude of the supreme elders also made it clear that even now, they still didn’t have enough confidence in Qin Wentian.

Even if Qin Wentian had monstrous talent, it didn’t necessarily mean that the White Deer Institute would grant him absolute authority. This decision would affect the future of their Institute, Bailu Yi could understand that, even if it did leave a bitter taste in her mouth.

Because at the very least, they should still show Qin Wentian a modicum of respect.

“Don’t forget what you said earlier, that you would die if the successor of the token tells you to do so. In that case, I want you to die now.” Qin Wentian’s eyes bore into Bailu You’s as he stated this, yet his words caused Bailu You to howl in laughter. “Ridiculous, you haven’t even proven your identity and you want me to die? It seems we won’t be able to move forwards unless we carefully inspect the secrets you are hiding inside your interspatial ring.”

Qing`er stepped forwards, standing in front of Qin Wentian, while Bailu Yi mirrored her movements.

“Haha, I really wish to see the contents inside his interspatial ring as well.” Di Cheng coldly laughed. An elderly protector, also at the Heavenly Dipper level, silently appeared at his side. The elderly protector took a step forward, standing in front of Di Cheng.

At this exact moment, in skies far away from the White Deer Institute, there were quite a number of fearsome-looking demonic beasts soaring through the air.

And on the back of one of these fearsome flying beasts, there was a silhouette belonging to a demonic middle-aged man. The eyes of this man shone with a fiendish light, as golden beams penetrating through space, observing the current happenings in the White Deer Institute. The scenes were then channeled from his vision and projected onto a screen created from Astral Light, showing it to the others on the back of these fearsome beasts.

“What audacity! Have they forgotten how to show the respect due to the holder of the Azure Emperor Token?”

As they observed, a terrible, terrible baleful aura emerged from an old woman equipped with a snake staff.

Trampled beneath the foot of this old woman, was a dead man. If Qin Wentian was here, he would surely have recognised that this dead man was none other than the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign that had escaped earlier, the fourth-ranked Inscriptionist named Grandmaster Penga. Now, he was nothing but a corpse.

“How audacious, indeed. Not just this show of disrespect, how dare they go as far as to threaten him even to the point of acting against him.” An extremely withered-looking, skinny old man icily stated. The demonic light shining in his eyes was as cold as that of the old woman.

“Geh geh geh!” Weird laughter resounded, as an extremely alluring enchantress giggled evilly. This woman’s figure was exceedingly sexy and the clothes she wore were designed to rouse the blood of males; they were revealing and served to further accentuate her racy figure. “Not only that, these old fogeys still pretend to be ignorant, do they want to shirk their responsibilities and make Young Master Qin handle this himself?”

“Since those old fellows still don’t want to come out, you guys go handle this on their behalf then.” In that moment, the middle-aged woman leading the group exuded an aura akin to the deadly chill of winter. As her command echoed in the air, these demon-like humans all began to cackle madly.

The golden screen of Astral Light vanished as the middle-aged man from earlier retracted his demonic vision. The whole lot of them began to rush forwards with astounding speed.

At this instant, on the lush green grass, several silhouettes advanced threateningly in the direction of Qin Wentian. Even now, the supreme elders of the Institute hadn’t appeared, choosing to adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude instead. Even though they wouldn’t let Qin Wentian die, their actions didn’t have the slightest modicum of respect to the successor of the Azure Emperor.

Di Cheng, his protector, Bailu You and Bailu Tong slowly advanced forwards, while Qing`er and the fourth-ranked golden armored Puppet stood protectively in front of Qin Wentian.

“The successor of the Azure Emperor? I really want to see how powerful you are.” Di Cheng coldly laughed.

“All of you will no longer have the chance to see ‘anything’.”

At this moment, a voice drifted across the air, alarming everyone in the crowd.

Lifting their heads and shifting their gaze into the horizon, they could sense terrifying waves of demonic Qi gushing over.

“Who?” At this moment, a few old-looking cultivators flew through the air, entering the area.

These three old men were none other than the supreme elders of the White Deer Institute. Only now did they realise that there had been people spying on what was currently happening in this location. Because the distance was too far apart, they hadn’t sensed anything previously.

The wind whistled as many fearsome-looking demonic beasts hovered in the airspace above the back mountains. Several pairs of demonic-like, emotionless eyes riveted onto the supreme elders of the White Deer Institute, as one among them icily commented. “You’re only coming out now? It’s already too late. The matter here will be handled by us on behalf of the White Deer Institute.”

“Who might you be? And what do you mean?” The countenance of one of the supreme elders stiffened, as he coldly asked.

Just as coldly, the old woman wielding a snake staff shot back, “It is unnecessary for you to know who I am. And as to what I mean, these four have forgotten the ancestral laws to the point where they’re even acting against the successor. Initially with disrespect and now foolishness. No matter, they shall all be killed without mercy, to serve as a warning to others.”

After the sound of her words faded away, an ice-cold intent radiated from her, enveloping Bailu You, Bailu Tong, Di Cheng and Di Cheng’s protector. The frigid stare of that old woman caused a gut-wrenching terror to blossom in their hearts.

These people were here to protect Qin Wentian.

These people wanted to kill them!

“YOU DARE?!” That supreme elder madly roared in anger, his progeny was among these people whom the old woman outlined as targets to be slaughtered.

Only to see that old woman’s demonic eyes staring icily at him, akin to the stare of a poisonous serpent. “The White Deer Institute actually has the audacity to shield those who offend the successor of the Azure Emperor? In that case, there’s no longer a need for this ‘hidden’ branch of the Azure Faction to exist any longer!”

Chapter 288: Dominance

“In that case, there’s no longer a need for this ‘hidden’ branch of the Azure Faction to exist!”

These words caused a chill to bloom in the hearts of those from the White Deer Institute.

This old woman was threatening them, threatening to eradicate the entire White Deer Institute.

“Since you’ve dared to become a sinner that can even disrespect the Azure Emperor’s successor, then why should the Azure Faction still need a ‘hidden’ branch like yours?”

“Who the hell are you guys?” That supreme elder stared at the old woman and her party. Each of their auras felt as towering as the Heavens, so incomparably terrifying it was sufficient to cause foul wind and bloody rain in the White Deer Institute, completely annihilating it. There was no need for doubts, this group of people had the power to back up their words.

“We are the protectors of the Azure Emperor’s successor,” the old woman coldly stated, sweeping her gaze downwards. Di Cheng and the other aggressors all paled. The four of them were already surrounded and that terrifying aura was enveloping them with the threat of death. This feeling was extremely intense.

“We are merely spectating, but we definitely won’t allow any harm to come to the Azure Emperor’s successor. Could madam please show mercy?” Another supreme elder beseeched.

With the appearance of these people, there was no mistaking Qin Wentian’s identity.

“Oh we trust you, but while we were peacefully spectating, there were actually quite a few people not knowing their places to the extent of even wanting to make a move against the successor. This group of people, there is no longer a need for them to remain alive.”

As the sound of the old woman’s voice faded, a corpse fell down from the skies. The hearts of the crowd couldn’t help but to go cold when they saw the face of the corpse. This was none other than Grandmaster Penga, the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign that made a move against Qin Wentian. He had already fallen.

While the supreme elders of the Institute were observing the happenings, so were these group of people.

Yet seeing how disrespectful they all were, how could they not kill this whole lot of insolent fools to establish dominance? If not, then after a few thousand years, would all the ‘hidden’ branches of the Azure Faction forget the awe that the name Azure Emperor once inspired? Losing even the most basic form of respect for the Azure Emperor’s successor?

“I’m a descendant of the Di Clan, direct line of descent of the Azure Emperor’s main bloodline!” Di Cheng involuntarily screamed as he glanced upwards at the old woman, feeling the ice-cold intent she radiated twisting his heart.

The old woman shifted her gaze onto Di Cheng, her demeanor as icy as before as she stated, “As a descendant of the Di Clan, you should abide by the last orders of the Azure Emperor even more. You broke the law while knowing the rules, you deserve death even more.”

After speaking, she wielded her snake staff, stabbing out a manifestation of a demonic serpent howling in anger. It wrenched its maw open, flying in the direction of Di Cheng with the intent to devour him.

“NOOOOOOOOO!” Di Cheng’s countenance turned pale-white, he didn’t think that these people really wanted to kill him, he didn’t want to die.

A terrifying suction force drifted over, Di Cheng wanted to evade it, but to no avail, he was drawn within the maw of the demonic serpent and disappeared totally, dying a miserable death.

The whole scenario was an extremely ghastly sight to behold; the protector of Di Cheng wanted to escape, but he saw a withered-looking old man standing ahead, blocking his path. That old man blasted forth with his palms as a surge of ominous-feeling qi enveloped the protector. In an instant, and in only an instant, the body of the protector corroded away completely.

“What a fearsome Mandate.” Qin Wentian involuntarily trembled in his heart as he felt the might of that Mandate. He knew that if he were the one fighting against this, he would die too, without a doubt.

Qin Wentian finally understood why Di Yi was the one in charge of keeping the hidden map, while only Fairy Qingmei’s Celestial Lake Palace’s Refinement Grounds could unravel the secret of the map.

The Azure Emperor must have long predicted that after his death, the remnants of his Azure Faction wouldn’t be so easily controlled by his successor. This was why he left this task to the person he trusted most—Fairy Qingmei. She was the one in charge of silently guarding his successor.

Di Cheng and his protector were killed without ceremony. Di Feng watched silently as a brilliant light flashed in his eyes. He had already guessed the origins of these protectors.

He didn’t expect that the shadow of Fairy Qingmei was perpetually there. In that case, the difficulty of him becoming the future leader of the Azure Faction had just skyrocketed.

As for Bailu Tong and Bailu You, the father-and-son duo’s countenances turned ashen when they saw the death of Di Cheng. They could feel the intent of death surrounding them.

Why had it happened like this? Never would they have expected that in their quest to plunder the ancient scroll, it would lead to them feeling the threat of death.

“Since you guys are the protectors of the Azure Emperor’s successor, why is there a need to be so ruthless?” Bailu Tong’s father stepped forwards, how could he watch his progeny die just like that in front of his eyes.

“Kill.” That middle-aged woman standing in the air gave the command, her baleful aura hadn’t diminished at the supreme elder’s words. In fact, it grew even stronger. Just from her gaze alone, the supreme elder could sense his heart palpitating in fear, the strength of this woman was something far beyond him, he didn’t dare to act blindly without thinking.

“Geh, geh.” The alluring enchantress giggled as she swooped downwards, while the palm of that withered old man wavered, causing the foul qi of corrosion to gush forward. It enveloped the entire space where Bailu Tong and Bailu You stood.

“Bzzz.”

A pair of feathered wings appeared at the back of Bailu Tong, he soared skywards seeking to escape. However, he was soon forced downwards by a herculean man, stomping down at him from the air. That stomp of the herculean man had the power to fissure the earth. Bailu Tong’s body was pitifully repelled, slamming into the ground with such might, a mini-crater had been formed from the impact.

The surrounding space around their targets was locked down by gravity. There was no way their prey could escape.

“YOU ARE GOING TOO FAR.” Bailu Tong’s father exuded a terrifying aura.

“You guys better stop him.” The middle-aged woman swept her eyes over to the other supreme elders. “If not, don’t blame me when the White Deer Institute loses a supreme elder.”

“ARGHHH…” A foreboding cry echoed in the air. Bailu You’s body was withering away at an unbelievable pace. An instant later, he was reduced into nothing more than a puddle of blood.

Never would Bailu You have imagined that he would die in this place he called home, and the reason for his death was none other than fuel for these protectors to establish their dominance.

“When the Azure Emperor created the ‘hidden’ branches of the Azure Faction, it wasn’t so you could all enjoy peace and happiness. Have you all forgotten your ancestral teachings? Your one and only purpose for surviving is to wait for the appearance of the Azure Emperor’s successor, following him to rise up once more, returning to glory. As the descendents of one of the hidden branches, although you have the right to ‘test’ the successor, not the slightest bit of respect was shown at all. In that case, for such a small branch like yours, there’s no need for it to exist any longer.”

The voice of the middle-aged woman was colder than ice, “The White Deer Institute isn’t the only branch of the ‘hidden’ Azure Faction. But today, since Young Master Qin has arrived here, you can decide right here and now if you wish to serve him. But remember this, even without the support of your White Deer Institute, the rise of the Azure Faction will not be affected. And at that time, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If the Azure Faction rises to the peak once more, they would naturally need to restructure the various branches. At that time, the power of choice will no longer lie in your hands. Think this through clearly, even if you wish to be independent, first consider the fact if you have sufficient power.”
Her words faintly held the hint of a threat, but her meaning was clear—At present, your White Deer Institute still has the right to make a choice, but you better think carefully about your decision. In the future when Qin Wentian has amassed enough power to control the other ‘hidden’ branches of the Azure Faction, leading them to the pinnacle of Grand Xia, the only fate for the White Deer Institute is to be left behind in their dust.
At that time, even if the White Deer Institute wished to declare their allegiance, the choice of acceptance would then lie solely in the hands of Qin Wentian.

Currently, the four supreme elders and the Headmaster of the White Deer Institute had all fully gathered.

Bailu Yi’s great-grandfather stepped forth and looked to the middle-aged woman. “I’ve already heard of the matter, and our White Deer Institute has no objections to your handling of the matter. They’ve shown disrespect to the successor of our ancestor, and as you’ve said, they deserved death.”

As the Headmaster, he understood what he should do. Regardless of the White Deer Institute pledging their full support to QIn Wentian or not, they couldn’t afford to offend him. After all, with the support of this level of power, it would be difficult even if Qin Wentian didn’t want to rise up.

Qin Wentian also silently lamented in his heart, it appeared that talent alone was insufficient to move the hearts of the core members in the White Deer Institute. He knew that if it weren’t for the overwhelming support given to him by the Celestial Lake Palace, there was probably no way for this to proceed as smoothly as it had today.

“Puchi!” A crisp sound rang out. As the crowd turned their gaze in the direction of Bailu Tong, several of the core members shuddered involuntarily as they drew in a deep breath.

Just like that, an elder of the White Deer Institute had fallen here today.

How could he, with all his machinations, ever have calculated that the outcome of today would be his own death? And it all stemmed forth from his initial plan to bring in those fourth-ranked Grandmasters to pressure Qin Wentian.
All in all, too many experts had fallen here this day.

“Young Master Qin, for the matter today, is there anyone else you wish to punish?” the Headmaster politely inquired.

“Senior can just refer to me as Wentian.” Qin Wentian smiled, “If Senior doesn’t mind, you may think of me as Little Yi? It would please me to refer to you as Great-Grandfather.”

“Great, in that case, this old man will shamelessly accept.” The Headmaster’s heart warmed after seeing Qin Wentian’s courteous attitude. This young man’s character wasn’t bad indeed, he didn’t have the temperament of an overbearing bully.
“Great-Grandfather don’t say that, nobody could have anticipated today’s events. I still have to apologize for what has happened.” Qin Wentian dipped into a bow, only to see the Headmaster of the White Deer Institute nonchalantly waving it away.

“This has nothing to do with you, but rather, the mistake was because of this old man’s inability to instill the right values in my members.”

“As the Great Elder, I too, cannot escape from censure.” The large-eyed elder spoke, such an incident was something everyone hadn’t wished to see, causing the relationship between the Institute and Qin Wentian to be strained. If they could mend that gap today, it would naturally be all for the best.

“Great Elder has always been kind to me. Wentian has never forgotten your fairness. The matter today has nothing to do with Great Elder.”

Today, in order to establish their dominance, the experts from the Celestial Lake Palace had already killed the main instigators, the Bailu Tong and Bailu You father-and-son duo. Also, seeing that the Great Elder was an honorable man, Qin Wentian didn’t wish for this matter to create internal unrest from the White Deer Institute. Naturally, it would be good to mend their relationship as soon as possible.

Plainly speaking, although the White Deer Institute’s actions did show a lack of respect for him today, he could understand things from their perspective and thus did not hold it against them.

The eyes of the middle-aged woman flashed with traces of gentleness. She was extremely satisfied and happy with Qin Wentian’s decision.

In order to shield away bad feelings towards Qin Wentian, she had taken the role of executioner to drive a point in the hearts of the core members of the White Deer Institute. Let her Celestial Lake Palace be the villains instead.

Qin Wentian still had to become the leader of the Azure Faction, it wouldn’t be too good for him to strain the relationship between him and the ‘hidden’ branches that would be his vassals.

Shifting her gaze onto Di Feng, that middle-aged woman stated, “Inform your elders, and tell them to remember it clearly, Azure Emperor’s last orders.”

Di Feng’s countenance remained unperturbed. He bowed to the middle-aged woman as he replied, “Junior understands and will definitely inform my elders.”
The middle-aged woman’s eyes flickered with a sharp glint of light when she saw Di Feng’s reaction. Di Feng was the nominated successor of those from the Di Clan, and in the future, he would definitely become Qin Wentian’s strongest competitor in his quest to control the Azure Faction.

However, this was also a challenge for Qin Wentian, who had to do what the Azure Emperor once did; face all challenges that may cross his path and surpass them, emerging as the ultimate victor.

“Junior shall leave now to inform my clan elders that the Azure Emperor’s successor has appeared. Farewell.” Di Feng clasped his hand towards the crowd, giving a bow in the direction of the supreme elders, then turned and departed without another word!

Chapter 289: Very Adorable

 

After Di Feng left, his group of followers all rose in the air and followed after him.

They could already guess where this group of protectors came from, the incident today had already surpassed what they could have predicted.

The reveal of the Azure Emperor Token as well as the appearance of those from the Celestial Lake Palace had forced them to accept that their mission here at the White Deer Institute, was effectively futile. They could only choose to leave for now.

Not only that, with the way things were developing, it was a disastrous blow to the plans that they had been making.

The Azure Emperor Token already had an owner, and to think that that owner also had the support of Fairy Qingmei. In this case, it would be almost impossible for them to control the remaining ‘hidden’ branches of the Azure Faction. Because Qin Wentian, this successor of the Azure Emperor, would also carry out what they planned to do—to unite all the hidden branches and eventually become the leader of the Azure Faction.

Now, the only recourse left to Di Feng was that he had to mature even faster. Only by having heaven-defying combat prowess and a sufficiently domineering power would he be strong enough to disregard even the Azure Emperor Token.

Only after killing the four transgressors did those from the Celestial Lake Palace quiet down. Each of them descended onto the ground and turned their gazes onto Qin Wentian as well as the silhouette standing beside him—Qing`er.

“Young Master Qin, Princess Qing`er.” All of them bowed low in greeting. Qin Wentian was the Azure Emperor’s successor, while Qing`er was the favourite disciple of Fairy Qingmei. In the Celestial Lake Palace, Qing`er’s status was comparable to that of the Palace Mistress.

Qing`er lightly nodded her head as she quietly stood there. Yet the gazes of those from the White Deer Institute were filled with extreme shock when they looked at Qing`er. So it turned out that this celestial-like beauty beside Qin Wentian actually had such a terrifying identity. That group of supreme powerhouses still had to refer to her deferentially as ‘Princess Qing`er’.

“Go contain this news. No external people can know of this.”

The headmaster waved his hands, instructing the various elders of the White Deer Institute. The matters here today would definitely attract the attention of the other powers, and so they needed to prepare measures to deal with any sort of aftermath.

“Don’t worry, we flew down straight from the skies. Other than the members of your White Deer Institute, there should be no other powers that knew of our presence. Granted, you should still take all the appropriate measures, we don’t want any accidents to happen.” The middle-aged woman directed her sentence to the headmaster. The only people remaining here today belonged to either the Celestial Lake Palace or the White Deer Institute. Even though their agendas might not be the same, there was one thing both sides would never compromise—the security of the secret of the Azure Emperor’s ‘hidden’ branches.

“Noted, I will make the arrangements.” The headmaster nodded. However, he knew that the deaths of the fourth-ranked Grandmasters couldn’t be totally concealed. After all, at the time when they died, Fenrir and some others were present as well.

The middle-aged woman came to face Qin Wentian and Qing`er, a smile appearing on her face. Her smile wiped away all traces of the fearsome facade she wore as a mask, revealing the aged beauty of her features.

“Did you bully our Qing`er?” the middle-aged woman teased.

“Erm…” Qin Wentian blinked rapidly, did he bully Qing`er?

He didn’t even know where Qing`er was half the time, she always appeared and disappeared with the same elusiveness as an apparition, so how could he bully her?

“Senior Sister, why must he bully me?”

This girl was still as innocent and adorable as before.

The middle-aged woman involuntarily laughed when she heard Qing`er’s words. Smiling, she gently pulled on Qing`er’s arms and led her to the side.

“Qing`er, Master wants us to ask you something,” the middle-aged woman spoke in a low voice, her secretive tone causing Qing`er to blink. “What does Master want to ask?”

“Master asks…do you like him?”

A crafty and astute light flashed in the eyes of the middle-aged woman. Although this was something Fairy Qingmei wanted her to ask Qing`er, she also wanted to take this chance to tease this emotionless junior sister of hers.

Yet how could poor Qing`er understand matters of the heart? An expression of contemplation appeared on her face as she seriously replied, “I… don’t know.”

“Ehhh…” Qin Wentian, who stood at the side, rolled his eyes. Even though the volume of their words was low, it wasn’t so low that Qin Wentian couldn’t hear them.

“Then, what do you think of his character?” The middle-aged woman laughed as she continued her questions.

Qing`er’s eyelashes fluttered, turning her head to glance at Qin Wentian, before replying, “He’s very adorable!”

“Cough, cough…” Qin Wentian’s face was immediately covered with black lines when he heard Qing`er’s words. His heart was filled with melancholy, ‘very adorable’… these words were used by himself on Qing`er back then, to think that she still remembered the definition of these two words! [1]

The middle-aged woman involuntarily let out peals of laughter, the image unbefitting of someone her age. She turned her head to glance at Qin Wentian with a knowing smile in her eyes, causing his face to burn from the embarrassment.

“To Fairy Qingmei, Little Sister Qing`er is the apple to her eye. You have to take good care of our Qing`er, okay?”

The middle-aged woman laughed heartily, yet her imposing aura unconsciously exuded again. Evidently, her status in the Celestial Lake Palace was exceptionally high as well.

This time around, she had personally led her sect members over here, and with her actions she established a domineering might on behalf of Qin Wentian. It was also a form of deterrence to the White Deer Institute. She wanted them to carve this memory into their hearts.

“Senior, actually Qing`er has always been the one taking care of me.” Qin Wentian felt terribly ashamed. After being acquainted with Qing`er, she had constantly stayed in the shadows protecting him.

“It’s good that you know this. If I’ve learned that you bullied her, I will definitely not spare you.”

Apparently, the middle-aged woman was truly concerned about Qing`er. She repeatedly reminded Qin Wentian of this in a teasing tone, but her manner of speaking didn’t seem to be a joke. She truly cared for Qing`er.

At the side, those from the White Deer Institute had long fallen silent. They were all thinking, if this middle-aged woman was already so terrifying, who might her master be?

As for the four supreme elders and the headmaster, they already guessed the origins of this group of protectors and had a clearer understanding of Qing`er’s position.

“Enough. Qing`er, we will return first.”

The middle-aged woman spoke, and Qing`er responded by lightly nodding her head, with no other hint of emotions. Their group naturally wouldn’t fault Qing`er for this, they were already long used to this celestial-like junior sister of theirs.

“Take good care of Qing`er,” the middle-aged woman reiterated. Qin Wentian nodded, as he asked, “Seniors are leaving so soon?”

“Yes. We have already completed the things we came here to accomplish. For the other challenges which you might face, you have no one to depend on but yourself, don’t expect us to help you again. As the successor of the Azure Emperor, you have to rely on your own strength to walk to the top.”

After speaking, her silhouette flickered as she instantly appeared high up in the skies. Waves of demonic qi surged, as a pair of gigantic wings appeared on her back. The other members of the Celestial Lake Palace similarly soared skywards, and moments later, all of their silhouettes disappeared as they flew through the clouds, vanishing from the eyes of the crowd below.

They appeared in a grandiose manner, and departed in such a low-key manner.

The people from the Celestial Lake Palace only had a single objective today. They were here to help Qin Wentian establish dominance and to let those from the White Deer Institute know of Fairy Qingmei’s stance.

Only after those from the Celestial Lake Palace left did the members of the White Deer Institute heave a sigh of relief. The headmaster cast his gaze to the horizon, as a pondering expression appeared on his face.

“Wentian, you can be at ease and remain in the Institute for your cultivation in the future. If you have any demands or requirements, you can let Little Yi know, or just directly come to me,” the headmaster stated.

“Right.” Qin Wentian smiled as he nodded his head.

“From today onwards, how you treat Wentian should be the equivalent of your treatment of me. But keep this matter a secret from the non-core members,” the headmaster added to the crowd. “Wentian, I hope you understand why we must still maintain a low profile.”

“Don’t worry, Great-Grandfather. Wentian understands.” Qin Wentian smiled. “Oh, and one more thing, I once told Little Yi before, even if the White Deer Institute is willing to submit to my control, I wouldn’t casually use the Institute to do things, or place it in danger. Before I have absolute confidence in my own power, I will not reveal the fact that the White Deer Institute is a branch of the Azure Faction.”

“Understood, it is only that this decision is too major. There are some decisions I cannot make alone. I will organise an elder-level meeting and inform you once we have come to a decision.”

Undoubtedly the reason behind the headmaster organising an elder-level meeting was solely for him, the Azure Emperor’s successor.

“Everyone, help to spread the information to the other elders not present today,” the headmaster instructed. As a power with a solid background of over thousands of years, the White Deer Institute didn’t merely have the four supreme elders and nine grand elders, there were other elder-level figures of the previous generations in the Institute as well. These group of elders were known as the doyens, and they were all extremely powerful cultivators at the peak of Yuanfu. They were currently in seclusion to focus on their cultivation and didn’t participate in matters of administration for the White Deer Institute. If the current matter wasn’t of such magnitude, these elders wouldn’t have been disturbed.

The crowd respectively nodded. It had been far too long since the White Deer Institute mobilised the doyens.

“Let us leave as well,” the headmaster stated to a supreme elder, only to see that the supreme elder had been fixedly staring at Qin Wentian, with a sharp light in his eyes. This supreme elder was none other than the father of Bailu Tong.

Qin Wentian knew that this supreme elder would definitely harbour hatred for him for the death of his son and grandson. But he believed that the headmaster would have a method to resolve this conflict peacefully.

After the headmaster and the supreme elders left, the large-eyed elder smiled and stepped forth, patting Qin Wentian on his shoulders. “Don’t take to heart what happened today. With you acquiring the Azure Emperor Token and the approval of the Celestial Lake Palace, there was no need for us to doubt your talent in terms of cultivation. Moreover, as a nineteen-year-old fourth-ranked Grandmaster, your achievements are too illustrious. I believe that even without our White Deer Institute, your name would still be able to rock the whole of Grand Xia.”

“Great Elder thinks too highly of me, but the matter today may be a blessing in disguise.” Qin Wentian smiled.

The news that Qin Wentian became a fourth-ranked Grandmaster soon circulated around the Moon Continent, easily creating waves of commotion and even attracting the attention of the Star-Seizing Manor.

A nineteen-year-old fourth-ranked Grandmaster? This was unprecedented in the history of the Moon Continent.

Regretfully, the Moon Continent had no transcendent powers that strongly emphasized on the importance of Divine Inscriptionists. It would be a different matter if Qin Wentian was in the War Continent, there would surely be people fighting over themselves to recruit him for his talent in forging Divine Weapons.

But naturally, even though they were in the Moon Continent, there would still be people from the transcendent powers out scouting to see if it were possible to recruit Qin Wentian into their ranks.

And when the Leng Clan of Moon Continent’s Eastern Region received this news, they thought of the lasting enmity between themselves with Qin Wentian. The thought of what might have been, angered them so much they almost coughed out blood!

Translator Note:

[1] Qin Wentian explained the definition of adorable to Qing`er back in Ch 208:

Chapter 290: ThousandJue Alliance

Initially, Qin Wentian’s name in the higher echelons of the Leng Clan was extremely obscure. Those who knew of him were only a few elder-level figures. Back then, the incident of Leng Ning’s death created a grudge between the Leng Clan and Qin Wentian. The death of Yan Tie further exacerbated their animosity, as it resulted in the Leng Clan losing their qualification to even enter the secret realm. All of this was negatively implicated to one person—Qin Wentian. Hence, the disciplinary elder, Leng Mao, chose to suppress this news, not allowing the upper echelons of the Leng Clan to catch wind of it.

But now, when the news of Qin Wentian stepping into the level of fourth-ranked Grandmaster circulated to the Leng Clan, there was no way to hide what had happened any longer.

Very swiftly, the entire events concerning the Leng Ning – Yan Tie saga were quickly revealed and spread throughout the entire Leng Clan.

Now, in the great hall of the Leng Clan, the majority of the elder-level figures—and those above—had gathered. Other than that, Leng Ning’s uncle, Leng Jian, and her cousin, Leng Lin, as well as those that had a direct connection with Leng Ning’s death were all present.

A solemn atmosphere permeated the air, as the overwhelming pressure within it could be palpably felt.

“We once had the chance to become excellent friends with a nineteen-year-old fourth-ranked Grandmaster, yet because of the actions of you people, he is now our irreconcilable enemy. Hehehe, LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE?!” A sturdy old man shouted, his gaze directed at Leng Jian and the rest. The targets of his gaze could only lower their heads, not even daring to speak out.

During the exchange organized by the Star-Seizing Manor, Qin Wentian spared nothing in his quest to kill Yan Tie. From this, one could see that Qin Wentian would definitely seek revenge for Leng Ning. How could he forget the main culprits behind this incident? Back then, he hadn’t carried out his revenge because he wasn’t strong enough yet. But now as a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, so long as he joined a transcendent power, or if he were to turtle up his cultivation further, the Leng Clan would definitely suffer the flames of his wrath.

The potential of a nineteen-year-old fourth-ranked Grandmaster was impossible to ignore.

“Originally, our Leng Clan decided to gift Leng Lin over to Yan Tie. Was this the case?” the sturdy-looking old man indifferently added.

Leng Mao nodded, “Indeed that was so, but then Leng Lin found a companion, a young man that was a peak-level, second-ranked Grandmaster. And in addition to Leng Jian’s pleading, we eventually decided to change the ‘gift’ from Leng Lin to Leng Ning.”

“Oh? In any case, I heard that our forging division needs a maid or two,” the sturdy-looking old man continued. Instantly, Leng Lin’s countenance turned ashen, her voice quavering as she weakly replied, “N..no… please…”

The Leng Clan could be considered to be a major clan in the Moon Continent that focused more on Divine Inscriptions. In the Leng Clan, there was a forging division where Divine Inscriptionists gathered. The Divine Inscriptionists over there were either Leng Clan members or guest Inscriptionists that had been invited over for a high price by the Leng Clan.

Divine Inscriptionists all had an extremely revered status in the Leng Clan, and they would naturally need maids to serve them. Occasionally, some of the Inscriptionists would unleash their primal urges, to rid their body of the flame of lust’s desire. Usually, their first choice would be to look for their maids, hence the Leng Clan’s maids were all selected from extremely beautiful commoners. These maids were actually very pitiful people; if they met a nice Inscriptionist, all was well but if they met an abusive one, they could only blame it on their own luck.

“No? Then who will bear the responsibility?” The sturdy-looking old man swept his cold gaze onto Leng Lin, as he continued, “Tell the one in charge of the forging division that this woman is from our Leng Clan, and will be given to any Inscriptionists that show their worth.”

“Father! Save me!!” Leng Lin screamed, yet Leng Jian couldn’t do anything. His face was already red from his suppressed emotions, but he now understood that it would be difficult for him to save even himself.

“Leng Jian, you will be banished to the forging division, where you will do odd-jobs for them as a collateral worker for ten years.” The old man spoke again, his words like the cross of damnation, causing Leng Jian to turn pale-white.

Being a collateral worker meant that he would be the one filling up the embryonic weapon casts for the Divine Inscriptionists, living the life of a slave under the command of others.

“Leng Mao, as the disciplinary elder, you can’t escape from censure. I want you to prepare generous gifts and personally send it to the White Deer Institute to convey our apologies. Try to dissolve this grudge between Qin Wentian and our Leng Clan.” Leng Mao nodded as he sighed in his heart. He hadn’t expected Qin Wentian’s talent to be so brilliant. If he had, he would have distanced himself from those who forced Leng Ning to her death.

……….

By now, Qin Wentian’s name had already rocked the entire Eastern Region and news of his achievements had even spread throughout the whole of Moon Continent. However, he acted like nothing remarkable had happened and continued cultivating within the White Deer Institute.

After the fourth-ranked Grandmasters died, their possessions all belonged to Qin Wentian, each item exceedingly abundant in value.

Putting aside the vast number of Yuan Meteor Stones in their keeping, Qin Wentian was so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of third-ranked Divine Weapons left behind that he began to view them as excess junk. He also found a number of valuable and rare forging materials that could be purely converted into Yuan Meteor Stones, further ensuring that Qin Wentian’s cultivation would last for quite a while. With this additional means of support, he could retire from the Hell Arena since he no longer needed to earn Yuan Meteor Stones anymore.

Naturally, the most valuable spoils he’d obtained were still the fourth-ranked bladed Puppet, as well as a few other fourth-ranked Divine Weapons. Regretfully, the attainment of those fourth-ranked Grandmasters he killed weren’t that high yet; the fourth-ranked Divine Weapons all belonged to the lower-tier category. If not for this, the value of his victory spoils this time around would be far superior.

“Seems like I need to find a place to sell all these unwanted items, or at least trade them into cultivation resources for my own use,” Qin Wentian mused.

“Boss, are there any interesting items in the stash? Give me some to play with.” Fan Le who was standing by his side, was fiddling with a few third-ranked Divine Weapons. His eyes brightened as he tried to teasingly provoke Qin Wentian.

“You? Forget it, these third-ranked Divine Weapons are already sufficient for your level.” Qin Wentian rolled his eyes, this Fatty had already palmed off five peak-tier, third-ranked Divine Weapons from him.

“Hehe, it would be so so much better if I could play around with a fourth-ranked Divine Weapon.” Fan Le grinned. Qin Wentian was speechless; with their current cultivation bases, they had totally no way to unleash the power within fourth-ranked Divine Weapons. And it would only be detrimental to their growth if they kept depending on such powerful weapons.

“Fine, wait till you step into the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign level. At that time, it won’t be too late then,” Qin Wentian replied in a half-mocking tone. Fan Le winked, flashing a thumbs-up gesture in response.

Chu Mang who was by their side, remained quiet all the while, his hands fiddling with the great axe Qin Wentian had given to him. He had only chosen two Divine Weapons; an attack-type Great Axe and a defensive-type Divine Armor. Since the two pieces of equipment augmented both his attack and defense, he was already sufficiently satisfied with his gains.

Sadly, there weren’t any fourth-ranked defensive-type armor in the spoils he had obtained. Otherwise, he would be able to give Qing`er a present. Fourth-ranked defensive-type Divine Armors were just too difficult to forge.

“Are you guys still not done yet with the distribution of your victory spoils?” From afar, Bailu Yi approached, smiling at the three of them.

“Are there people looking for me again?” Qin Wentian smiled back. During this period of time, there had been many people requesting an audience with Qin Wentian, but they had all been turned away.

Not only was he an unaffiliated fourth-ranked Grandmaster, he possessed the ancient scroll of the Ascendant. As to these unknown, unfamiliar major powers that were trying to recruit him, Qin Wentian wouldn’t even put them to mind.

Even the White Deer Institute had people like Bailu Tong, wanting to murder him to plunder the Ascendant’s scroll away.
“Yeah, at first I didn’t want to bother you with their requests, but there are a few powers that are pretty unique in their own rights, which was why I thought it would be better in the end to let you know of them.” Bailu Yi withdrew a book and passed it over to Qin Wentian. “This is a summary of the various powers currently within Grand Xia, take a look.”

“Right.” Qin Wentian flipped the book open as he studied it. After he came to the Moon Continent, he only knew that there were four transcendent powers residing here. Other than those four, he wasn’t that clear regarding the other major powers.

“Currently, there are three different powers that came to pay you a visit. First, the Star River Association. I believe you should have heard of this organization before.” Bailu Yi’s words caused Qin Wentian’s countenance to falter slightly. Of course he had heard of the Star River Association, they had a branch set up within Chu.

In his memories, the Star River Association was extremely mysterious and powerful. Although they could be considered a major power in their own right, they weren’t embroiled in any political disputes or struggles for power. They were a power that stood on their own. And despite having no allies, no transcendent powers would willingly make an enemy out of the Star River Association. This was a testament to how powerful they were.

“I’ve heard of it, there’s a branch in my hometown,” Qin Wentian stated. Not only did they have a branch in Chu, they even had one based in the Sky Harmony City.

“The Star River Association is a unique power that covers the entire Grand Xia. Although they keep a low-profile and rarely interfere with the disputes of other powers, their accumulated resources and overall strength are fearsome to behold. Not only that, they’ve made it a point to secretly recruit several extremely talented elites in the fields of alchemy, divine Inscriptions and even stellar martial cultivators. Nobody knows what they’re planning.”

Bailu Yi continued, “Many in Grand Xia have guessed that the Star River Association’s organization structure is like a pyramid. An extremely strict top-down structure where information is tightly controlled. Those at the bottom belong to the lower tiers, but as long as they can prove themselves as worthy, even they have a chance at climbing up to the higher levels. The higher one climbs, the greater the authority one wields. There were also rumors saying that the Star River Association originates from an empire outside of Grand Xia, and the countless branches spread out across Grand Xia have all been a bid to consolidate their foundations prior to activating their plans. But of course, these are only rumors.”

“The Star River Association is actually this powerful?” Qin Wentian was somewhat stunned. Back in Chu he had heard that the Star River Association set up branches around the major cities of Chu. Now he was receiving information that the Star River Association actually had branches spread out across the entire Grand Xia. This was a different scale altogether. This degree of infiltration, was beyond shocking.

From Bailu Yi’s words, he also understood that the branches in the Sky Harmony City and Royal Capital of Chu belonged to the lower tiers of the pyramid structure. If those two branches had that much power and were still considered low level, then how much authority and power would a higher level authority wield?

“There’s also been news through the grapevine that several powerful rankers in the Heavenly Fate and Heavenly Dipper Rankings have already been bought over and recruited by the Star River Association. Some of them have even openly announced this fact. Seeing as how they’ve come to pay you a visit, it’s obvious what their intentions are. They wish to recruit you, a nineteen-year-old fourth-ranked Grandmaster, into the Star River Association.”

Bailu Yi’s words left Qin Wentian stunned. Right from the beginning, he’d never had a good impression of the Star River Association. Back in the Sky Harmony City, Murin had indirectly caused the death of many members from his Qin Residence.
“The second power interested in you, is also an extraordinary one. Have you heard of the ‘Thousand-Jue Alliance’?” Bailu Yi asked, then continued to explain, “The Thousand-Jue Alliance is the largest organization of unaffiliated individuals. Usually unaffiliated cultivators are at a disadvantage when facing off against the major powers, even to the extent of losing their lives. Therefore, a few thousand years ago, a group of unfathomably powerful unaffiliated cultivators came together to form the Thousand-Jue Alliance, in order to provide support to those who needed it. Now, after thousands of years, the foundations of their organization have become even more deeply entrenched. Within the Alliance, as long as you have made sufficient contributions in its name, you will be granted a certain level of power and authority.

“They’re considered a transcendent power. Although their headquarters aren’t located in the Moon Continent, you can still find people who work for them here. And now, the purpose of their visit is also undoubtedly to recruit you within their ranks.”

Bailu Yi continued, “As for the third power, it’s none other than the Leng Clan. The disciplinary elder, Leng Mao, has personally paid a visit hoping to dissolve the grudge between you and the Leng Clan!”

Abruptly, a glacial-like light flashed past Qin Wentian’s eyes. To think, the Leng Clan actually dared send Leng Mao to apologize? Did they really believe that everything would be resolved, just like that? How utterly ridiculous!

Chapter 291: Invitation, once again

 

Fan Le was the one that personally witnessed Leng Ning being forced step by step to her death by those from the Leng Clan and Yan Tie. It was a scene that he would remember for eternity.

“Boss. You’ve told me before, this Leng Mao was the person in charge that gave the order?” Fan Le’s eyes looked straight towards Qin Wentian, and in that moment, all traces of fun and laughter had completely faded from his countenance, leaving behind only determination and a terrifying madness.

“I’ve also received news that the Leng Clan has already punished Leng Jian and Leng Lin,” Bailu Yi continued, “The upper echelons of the Leng Clan must have known that Leng Mao was the one that gave that order, which is why they wanted to personally pay a visit to apologize.”

“Apologize?” Fan Le coldly laughed, “Back then when Leng Mao gave the order, he didn’t just want to force Leng Ning to her death, he also wanted to kill you, as well as me and Chu Mang, completely removing the roots of the matter. Back then you weren’t at the Leng Clan, which was why you managed to avoid that calamity. Whereas for me, if it weren’t for Leng Ning’s arrangements to sneak me out earlier, I would have already died there.”

“Not only that, despite already knowing you were a third-ranked Grandmaster, Leng Mao spared nothing in his efforts to get you killed, all to please Yan Tie. If it weren’t for Leng Ning saying that you had a connection to the White Deer Institute, causing them to be apprehensive, Leng Mao would definitely have made a move and sent people after your lives. After which, Leng Ning… committed suicide.”

Fan Le’s voice had grown hoarse, “Apologize? What good would apologizing do now? What can they give in return? Can they revive Leng Ning from the dead?”

“Hu…” Qin Wentian drew in a deep breath, the coldness that radiated forth from him became more intense by several degrees. The memories of Leng Ning were still fresh in his mind, how could she have died just like that? He might not have the qualifications to control the Leng Clan’s decisions, but Leng Ning was more than an acquaintance, she was a friend. Regardless, Qin Wentian would definitely make sure the ones responsible for her death, paid with death.

Moreover, Qin Wentian and his friends had no pre-existing grievances with the Leng Clan. The Leng Clan did all of this for one reason only—they wanted to gain Yan Tie’s favour. Now, did they really think that they could resolve this matter so easily with apologies and some gifts?

“What’s Leng Mao’s level of strength?” Qin Wentian asked Bailu Yi.

“Leng Mao is a disciplinary elder, his strength should have already broken through to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. The Leng Clan banished Leng Jian and Leng Lin because these two were not important in the grand scheme of things. But they still have use for a Heavenly Dipper-level elder. They won’t be sacrificing Leng Mao so easily, hence he was only made to pay a visit and personally apologize,” Bailu Yi stated.

“Mhm.” Qin Wentian nodded his head.

“I will wait here for them. Let the Leng Clan people gather together,” Qin Wentian replied, but it was unknown what he was thinking. Bailu Yi glanced at him for a moment before nodding and departed to carry out his instructions.

Several moments later, Leng Mao and a few other members of the Leng Clan were moving towards Qin Wentian. When Leng Mao noticed Qin Wentian, he smiled and stated, “Grandmaster Qin is already so capable despite such a young age, stepping into the level of a fourth-ranked Inscriptionist before the age of twenty. Grandmaster Qin’s future appears to be boundless.”

“Sit,” Qin Wentian stated as he stretched out his hands and pointed to a patch of grass nearby.

Leng Mao walked towards a pavilion near Qin Wentian as he shook his head, “Today, I, Leng Mao, am here to apologise for the matter regarding Leng Ning. Our Leng Clan is filled with regret and sincerely hopes to resolve the grudge between us. We have already taken steps to severely punish the masterminds, Leng Jian and Leng Lin.”

“In that case, I, Qin, really have to ‘thank’ Elder Leng Mao.” Qin Wentian coldly laughed.

Qin Wentian’s sarcasm was thick in the air, Leng Mao bitterly smiled, “Back then, we were forced by the circumstances, and we truly hope to seek Grandmaster’s forgiveness and understanding for our previous actions. The contents within this interspatial ring represent us, the Leng Clan’s sincerity. Would Grandmaster Qin please accept this?”

Qin Wentian remained motionless, as the atmosphere grew more and more awkward, Leng Mao then added, “If Grandmaster Qin isn’t satisfied with this, you can let us know if you have any other requests and we will try our best to fulfil them. And other than Leng Ning, our Leng Clan has a few other females who are all just as attractive. If they are to Grandmaster Qin’s liking, we will immediately send them over for Grandmaster Qin’s pleasure.”

They were trying this abominable method again, sacrificing one of the Leng Clan’s pitiable females. The females born in the Leng Clan were just tools used in exchange for benefits.

After all in this world, for the majority of females, their status wasn’t comparable to that of males. Generally, the talent of males were higher, and they would eventually end up in leadership positions inside their clan or sect, while females were mostly used for marriage alliances. The only exception was when a female truly had exceedingly outstanding talent. In that case, their sect or clan would then arrange for the male party to be married into their clan, instead of the female marrying out.

Within the major powers, many women belonged to the former category, sacrificial tools to be used for marriage. And in the perspective of such a talented and young fourth-ranked Grandmaster like Qin Wentian, almost any of the major powers in Grand Xia would be happy to make the trade—forming a relationship with him through marriage. It was extremely worth it.

“I have but one request, I wonder if Elder Leng Mao would agree?” Qin Wentian coldly laughed. Leng Mao smiled, “Of course, Grandmaster Qin, anything.”

“I want your death.” As the sound of Qin Wentian’s voice faded, the entire ground lighted up as the terrifying glow from the Divine Inscriptions he had inscribed all burst into resplendent brilliance. Qin Wentian floated up in the air, the boundless gushing Sword Qi from the ‘Tempest of Sword Qi’ Divine Inscription enveloped him.

Those standing behind Leng Mao immediately turned ashen. Leng Mao icily glanced at Qin Wentian, “You have really reached the level of a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, this Divine Inscription is truly powerful indeed. But if the White Deer Institute truly wants to kill me, Leng Mao, wouldn’t this be a little inappropriate?”

A fourth-ranked Divine Inscription would be extremely troublesome to deal with, but Leng Mao was using reverse psychology. He was bringing the White Deer Institute into the picture only because he was confident that as long as the White Deer Institute didn’t make a move, he wouldn’t have any trouble handling Qin Wentian.

With a wave of Qin Wentian’s hands, two of his fourth-ranked Puppets, and five peak-tier third-ranked Puppets, all appeared in front of him, floating in the air. In an instant, they moved to the space above Leng Mao, their eyes glancing at him so coldly that they made the onlookers’ scalps tingle.

“Don’t worry, this matter has nothing to do with the White Deer Institute. In any case, the people you brought here will report back as such.” The killing intent in Qin Wentian’s voice intensified. “You were the one who gave that order. Do you think I would spare you? DIE!”

As Qin Wentian’s roar resounded, his Puppets all simultaneously smashed downwards. These Puppets were from his spoils of victory, and he had already refined them and branded his consciousness within.

With a flick of his fingers, the tornado of Sword Qi gushed towards Leng Mao.

Leng Mao turned pale, he didn’t expect that even without the assistance of the White Deer Institute, Qin Wentian’s combat prowess would be at such a high level. In fact, just two fourth-ranked Puppets were more than enough to render Leng Mao defenseless, allowing Qin Wentian to attack at his leisure.

“Grandmaster Qin, let’s end this peacefully,” Leng Mao frantically called out when he saw that his Astral Nova was being totally suppressed after colliding directly with the fourth-ranked bladed Puppet. After all, he had only condensed a single Astral Nova.

A golden beam of light erupted forth from the golden-armored Puppet, blasting towards Leng Mao, while the other peak-tier, third-ranked Puppets also began their own attacks. In addition to the Sword Qi tornado, Leng Mao was practically dead meat.

Fan Le raged, he was standing outside the formation, as the flame in his eyes flickered incessantly. “Leng Mao, maybe back when you made that decision, you didn’t even care whether Leng Ning lived or died. An order was just an order, her life had no value. But I care. You shall accompany her in death.”

A bloodcurdling scream rang out. In order to defend against the attacks of the Puppets, Leng Mao could only allow what he believed was the lesser of two evils—the Sword Qi tornado—to blast into him. His body was directly pierced through as he roared in agony, “SPARE ME PLEASE!”

Yet how could Qin Wentian show mercy? Did anyone even show the slightest bit of mercy to Leng Ning back then?

The golden-armored Puppet slammed its palm right onto Leng Mao’s chest, the power of that strike causing his internal organs to rupture and collapse, while the terrifying Sword Qi coalesced into a gigantic sword that cleaved downwards, splitting Leng Mao into two. The Heavenly Dipper Sovereign, Leng Mao, was no more.

The Leng Clan’s members trembled where they stood as they watched with trepidation. A Heavenly Dipper Sovereign had fallen to a Yuanfu cultivator? The disciplinary elder Leng Mao had died!

This terrifying fourth-ranked Grandmaster was too powerful, he could probably kill them all with a thought.

And just at this moment, Qin Wentian’s Puppets appeared right on top of the space above them, causing the hearts of the Leng Clan’s members to palpitate in terror.

Only to see Qin Wentian leisurely walking over before stopping in front of them. With a wave of his hands, a list of names appeared in their hands.

“Leng Ning was from the Leng Clan, maybe you guys are acquainted with her. She was forced to her death because of Leng Mao’s order. Since the Leng Clan refused to slay the true culprit behind her death, I’ve taken matters into my own hands. As for the list of names in your hands, other than Leng Jian and Leng Lin, these are the names of the others that caused Leng Ning’s death. If the Leng Clan truly wishes to resolve this grudge, they should know what to do.”

Qin Wentian indifferently added, “You guys can live. Go and relay my words.”

The Leng Clan members reacted as though they were suddenly released from a state of paralysis, frenziedly retreating as they rushed back towards the Leng Clan.

After they left, Qin Wentian sighed as he lifted his heads and stared at the drifting clouds. “Leng Ning, I believe that you, who were filled with so much kindness, definitely wouldn’t have wanted to witness the death of these innocents. Every wrong has a source, every debt has a creditor, I will definitely make those responsible for your death pay with their lives. But if the Leng Clan still wants to blindly obstruct my path, don’t blame me then, I shall become the instrument of their annihilation.” A terrifying glint of coldness flashed past Qin Wentian’s eyes as he murmured softly.

Fan Le also stared at the skies, praying for Leng Ning to be at peace.

“Let’s go, I’ll meet with the representatives from the Star River Association next,” Qin Wentian spoke to Bailu Yi. How mysterious was the Star River Association exactly? How deep and far have their power infiltrated? Qin Wentian totally had no idea, hence he was interested to see what the Star River Association wanted with him

“Right.” Bailu Yi nodded and led Qin Wentian away. After which, they soon came to another courtyard which was the arranged resting place for the representatives from the Star River Association.

“Junior was held up because of some matters, and humbly seeks forgiveness.” When Qin Wentian arrived at the courtyard, he saw several people within it. Very quickly, he soon noticed a middle-aged man who sat upon one of the stone benches. The air exuded by this middle-aged man was calm and unflustered, yet his eyes flashed with an instant of sharpness before quickly fading back to normal the moment he noticed Qin Wentian’s probing gaze. Qin Wentian knew then, this must be the main representative sent by the Star River Association. Knowing that Qin Wentian had already discovered his identity, the middle-aged man smiled and replied, “Grandmaster Qin is too courteous, and you are indeed as young as the rumors have stated. Stepping into the fourth-ranked so young? You are a genius, most definitely a monstrous genius.”

“Senior thinks too highly of me.” Qin Wentian smiled as he too sat on a stone bench. “Is there anything Senior needs my help with?”

“Since Grandmaster Qin is so direct, I shall not beat around the bush then.” The middle-aged man laughed, “I am the Moon Continent’s Star River Association Branch’s president for the forging division. Our Star River Association has long heard of Grandmaster Qin’s great name and have come here to sincerely extend our invitation to Grandmaster Qin to join our forging division. If you agree to our offer, it is within my power to immediately confer upon you the position of vice-president of the forging division.”

Qin Wentian immediately knew that the designation of power around the various branches of the Star River Association was all the same. The Star River Association here had a forging division as well and this position of vice-president was undoubtedly because of his potential.

“Junior is truly thankful for Senior’s gracious invitation. However, Junior doesn’t really have much interest regarding the forging of Divine Weapons. Hence, Junior can only apologize.” Qin Wentian smiled. The Star River Association had an unknown origin and was cloaked in so many layers of mystery, he naturally didn’t want to be bound to them.

And as the Star River Association was such a major power, it wouldn’t be too appropriate if he didn’t even show face when they personally came all this way. Hence, he could only meet them first before diplomatically rejecting them.

“Would Grandmaster Qin please consider? The position of vice-president is something that many fourth-ranked Grandmasters wouldn’t be able to obtain even if they wished to. Considering the fact that Grandmaster Qin just stepped into the level of the fourth-ranked, our Star River Association is offering you such a high position to show how much we value you,” persuaded another old-looking Inscriptionist standing by the side.

“I, Qin, would never force myself to do something I don’t want to do, I can only thank the Star River Association profusely for this trust they’ve placed in me,” Qin Wentian continued to tactfully decline.

The middle-aged man could only laugh helplessly when he saw how Qin Wentian directly rejected them with no further consideration. “Then, would Grandmaster Qin consider being a guest elder of our Association? There would also be substantial benefits to enjoy if Grandmaster Qin agrees.”

“Guest elder again!” Qin Wentian was involuntarily reminded of Murin’s lies back then. This position of guest elder held no meaning to him and he didn’t want to entangle himself with the Star River Association if he could help it. He could only reply, “Junior’s character prefers freedom, the freedom to do as I want, without being bound by other obligations. I have to thank Senior profusely for this amazing offer, but I will have to reject it once again.”

After receiving so many rejections, how could those from the Star River Association still be unaware of Qin Wentian’s meaning? The middle-aged man could only sigh, “If that’s the case, we thank Grandmaster Qin for the meeting. Farewell.”

“Seniors, please take care.” Qin Wentian smiled as he stood up to clasp his hands together, bidding goodbye to the representatives of the Star River Association.

Chapter 292: FifthJue Guest Elder

 

After those from the Star River Association left, Bailu Yi stared at Qin Wentian with a smile that was not a smile on her lips. Qin Wentian was puzzled as he asked, “Am I that handsome?”

“The people that the Star River Association invites are always those with an extremely high amount of potential. This time around, the president of their forging division himself personally invited you. It could be considered that they did you a huge honor.” Bailu Yi’s eyes flickered with a brilliant light as hints of laughter sparkled within her eyes.

When this fellow was ‘infiltrating’ the White Deer Institute to learn about the Dao of Divine Inscriptions from her, she didn’t expect that in such a short amount of time, he would already have reached such a level.

The president of the forging division had come himself, and he was even rejected.

“Aren’t you worried that the president would feel that he lost too much face seeing how you rejected his offer so decisively?” Bailu Yi smiled wryly as she shook her head. Although Qin Wentian might have been slightly diplomatic in his rejection, it was still too direct.

“I don’t wish to be entangled with the Star River Association.” Qin Wentian casually shrugged.

In life, one could not worry about so many things, it would be too tiring to be so concerned for every small decision.

Why let worries tie you down? Qin Wentian did things in a manner that always followed his heart. If he wanted to do it, he would do it, if not, then don’t do it. From the beginning, the Star River Association hadn’t left a good impression on him. Perhaps it wasn’t proper to make his decision based on his past experience with them, but life was basically just that, there was often no other reason why you liked or disliked something.

“Fine fine, let’s go meet the representatives from the Thousand-Jue Alliance instead. I was only wondering why you would feel so strongly against the Star River Association.” Bailu Yi smiled as she led Qin Wentian to yet another courtyard. The representatives from the Thousand-Jue Alliance were already waiting there.

After exchanging a round of pleasantries, they cut right to the chase.

“Grandmaster Qin, I’m sure you must have already guessed the purpose of my visit. Our Thousand-Jue Alliance can be categorised into the inner sanctum and outer sanctum. The inner sanctum consists of our core members while the outer sanctums are made up of the guest elders. But even the guest elders in the outer sanctum would all have to be exceedingly talented people before receiving an invite from my Thousand-Jue Alliance.”

Standing in front of Qin Wentian was a middle-aged woman, with looks that could still be considered attractive. She exuded charisma and charm, appearing extremely capable and experienced. Even when speaking, she would allow others to feel a sense of closeness to her.

Qin Wentian nodded his head upon hearing her words, the differences between the inner and outer sanctum were simple and easy to understand. The inner sanctum was akin to the structure of a sect, an extremely rigid structure where the juniors have to listen to the commands of the elders. It wouldn’t be so easy to rise up in ranks there. And for the guest elders in the outer sanctum, the Thousand-Jue Alliance wouldn’t intentionally nurture you, but they also couldn’t command you to do things that you were unwilling to do. The degree of freedom was high and the guest elders they invited were usually unaffiliated stellar martial cultivators of extreme power, or those with exceedingly high attainments in their respective fields.

Evidently, the Thousand-Jue Alliance had already investigated and determined Qin Wentian to be an unaffiliated individual. Their reports showed that he didn’t belong to the White Deer Institute but rather, he was here only because of his feelings for Bailu Yi.

“Grandmaster Qin, if you are willing to join the inner sanctum, you would immediately be treated as a core disciple, and we would nurture you unconditionally. If you choose to join the outer sanctum instead, you would directly be conferred the rank of a Five-Jue guest elder, enjoying the privileges of the rank, with no other commitments needed.” That woman smiled at Qin Wentian. Her smile appeared without artifice, causing those who saw it to feel comfort. Sending her for recruitment purposes was an extremely suitable choice made by the alliance.

Bailu Yi’s heart stopped for a moment when she heard her offer. Qin Wentian’s status shot up exponentially after he stepped into the level of a fourth-ranked Grandmaster, and now his current status was such that he was eligible for the Thousand-Jue Alliance’s recruitment, to the point of conferring the rank of a Fifth-Jue Elder. The Thousand-Jue Alliance’s total power was still weaker compared to the other transcendent powers, hence they usually had very strict criteria for recruitment. Who would have thought that they would immediately confer the rank of a Fifth-Jue to Qin Wentian should he agree to join the outer sanctum.

Bailu Yi knew that the outer sanctum of the Thousand-Jue Alliance had a total of nine rankings. First-Jue was the lowest while Ninth-Jue was the highest.

Those of the First-Jue were juniors that had some potential; the Second-Jue were juniors who had outstanding talents; the Third-Jue were characters that had some fame to their name; the Fourth-Jue were restricted to cultivators that ranked in the Heavenly Fate Rankings; and those of the Fifth Jue were all guest elders who had the qualifications to be at the Heavenly Dipper level. Their statuses were equivalent to the Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns in the inner sanctum and enjoyed a certain amount of authority.

As for the Sixth-Jue, it was useless no matter how much talent one had. One could only reach this ranking if they had made large contributions to the Thousand-Jue Alliance as a whole, and as for guest elders of the Sixth-Jue ranking, they even had the power to mobilise the inner sanctum’s Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns for aid.

For the Seventh-Jue, this was already an extremely high ranking.

The Ninth-Jue ranking was the limit, and had another title also known as the Thousand-Jue guest elder. This ranking confers you the same status as the top echelons in the inner sanctum, where one can speak equally with the Alliance Head. It grants you so much power that you can almost command the entire Thousand-Jue Alliance.

Now, the Thousand-Jue Alliance wanted to directly confer a Fifth-Jue ranking to Qin Wentian should he join. This was already the maximum authority they could bestow upon him.

“There would be no other commitments?” Qin Wentian smiled, as his eyes lighted up.

“None.” The woman shook her head, “Our Thousand-Jue Alliance was a group formed from unaffiliated individuals, and our total power is slightly weaker compared to those transcendent powers. This is why we highly prioritise the recruitment of extremely talented individuals, only then would we be able to stand toe to toe against the transcendent powers. For extremely talented individuals, our Alliance will not aid in their development but at the same time, they would have no restrictions placed on them.”

Qin Wentian smiled as he nodded thoughtfully. Their conditions were truly tempting indeed.

“It goes without saying that I should mention this first. For guest elders ranked at the Fifth-Jue and below, our Alliance will provide support such as information reports, buying and selling of items and the lending of powerful resources. However, because the Alliance requires no other commitments, then it has no obligation to be involved in your personal disputes.”

“Naturally.” Qin Wentian nodded in agreement, how could there be free lunch in the world? No commitments, enjoying some power and to even expect the Alliance to protect them in their time of need?

“Yes, but the benefits are different for guest elders ranked at the Sixth-Jue. Because Sixth-Jue guest elders would have contributed immensely to our Alliance before they are promoted. Hence, the Sixth-Jue guest elders could request for protection from our Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns. If the guest elder is at the Seventh-Jue ranking instead, he can directly mobilise our Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns for whatever purpose he needs them for.” The middle-aged woman smiled.

“I accept,” Qin Wentian decisively agreed. With such good conditions, he couldn’t find any reason to reject this recruitment.

“Grandmaster Qin is really straightforward.” The woman laughed. After which, she withdrew a medallion with the words ‘Fifth-Jue’ engraved upon it and passed it over to Qin Wentian.

“I have to remind you that this medallion can only be used by you alone. If it were discovered that someone else faked your name and used your medallion, our Thousand-Jue Alliance would act accordingly to the circumstances, and may even slay the culprit directly.”

“I understand.” Qin Wentian nodded. This rule must have been implemented in case the guest elders died or were killed by their enemies. The whole organization would turn to chaos if there were impersonators freely using the medallions.

“In that case, I shall return and bring back these joyous tidings. My superiors will definitely be happy to hear that Grandmaster Qin has agreed to become a guest elder of our Thousand-Jue Alliance.” The words spoken were extremely pleasant to the ear. Afterwards, Qin Wentian and Bailu Yi personally escorted both representatives of the Thousand-Jue Alliance outside.

A smile appeared on Qin Wentian’s face as he clutched the Fifth-Jue medallion. It was time to complete what he had come to the Moon Continent to do.

To kill Hua Xiaoyun!

Back then, at the Mo Clan in the Chu Country, Hua Xiaoyun dared to plan out such a despicable act and caused Mo Qingcheng to attempt suicide, eventually narrowly avoiding death. This matter was always like a sharp thorn piercing into Qin Wentian’s heart.

And after the matter, he didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye to Mo Qingcheng. She was directly taken away by her master to the Pill Emperor Hall in the Moon Continent. The chances of Qin Wentian meeting her again were almost nil considering the distance from the Moon Continent to Chu.

Mo Qingcheng must have also suffered a psychological impact from this incident. And now, he didn’t even know how she was faring.

He would never be at ease if Hua Xiaoyun didn’t die. He would be too ashamed to face Qingcheng.

But just as Qin Wentian was thinking about killing Hua Xiaoyun, wasn’t Hua Xiaoyun also thinking about killing Qin Wentian?

Within a tavern, the wine cup in Hua Xiaoyun’s hand was shattered into pieces, a direct result from hearing a hated name in the midst of his drinking. Qin Wentian.

The sound of these three characters, Qin Wentian, was exceptionally piercing to his ears. Killing intent cloaked in a deathly chill gushed out from Hua Xiaoyun’s body, causing the customers near him to retreat far away.

Of course Hua Xiaoyun hated him, he had good reason to.

Once, as the second young master of the Hua Clan, he could do everything his heart desired, but because of a single trip to Chu, he had almost met his doom.

Back then, Qin Wentian had broken off one of his arms, and news of this matter had been constantly kept simmering ever since. Eventually as the status of Mo Qingcheng in the Pill Emperor Hall grew higher and higher, he was almost imprisoned when the elders of the Hua Clan learned of that wretched thing he had nearly committed. They even intended to send him to the Pill Emperor Hall to give Mo Qingcheng the right to decide his punishment.

Because the Hua Clan wanted his elder brother Hua Taixu to marry Mo Qingcheng. But because of Hua Xiaoyun’s actions, this matter was not proceeding as smoothly as they had hoped. And if Hua Xiaoyun wasn’t Hua Taixu’s younger brother, his fate would definitely be even more miserable.

But even so, now he was also in dire straights; the position he had within his clan had plummeted a thousand feet. He no longer had any authority, and everyone who knew of this matter, despised him and broke off all contact with him. His only remaining piece of security was a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign which his parents had assigned to protect him.

How could all these negative changes have happened to him if not for Qin Wentian? Only the word ‘miserable’ could describe his current situation.

Hence, the murderous urges in his heart erupted forth the moment he heard Qin Wentian’s name.

At this moment, Qin Wentian and Hua Xiaoyun, both separated by a long distance, were similarly directing killing intent to the other.

“Qin Wentian, a fourth-ranked Grandmaster? I really want to see if this Qin Wentian is that same Qin Wentian from Chu.” An ice-cold light flickered in Hua Xiaoyun’s eyes as he left the tavern.

“Young Master, where are we going?” his protector questioned.

“Shadow Pavilion,” Hua Xiaoyun coldly replied, his tone causing his protector’s countenance to falter.

“Why are we going there?” the protector asked as bewilderment painted his face.

“To seek information on one person. If the information shows that it is him indeed, I’m going to kill him,” Hua Xiaoyun spat. Even Qin Wentian wouldn’t have imagined that at the same exact moment where he wanted to kill Hua Xiaoyun, Hua Xiaoyun also wanted his death.

……………….

Presently, Qin Wentian arrived at the exterior of the Pill Emperor Hall.

He was currently clad completely in white. He inclined his head and observed the tight security of this place, as well as the sky-high buildings and pavilions that made up the Pill Emperor Hall.

When the gentle breeze gusted past, billowing his robes, it also set his heartstrings aflutter.

The one he loved, was right inside.

But when would he be able to meet her again?

Within the Pill Emperor Hall, as two youthful silhouettes leisurely walked out, their steps couldn’t help but falter when they unintentionally noticed the presence of Qin Wentian. After which, traces of confusion could be seen in their eyes.

These two young men were none other than the two male disciples, Yan Qi and Jing Yu that went to Chu together with Bai Fei. They couldn’t believe their eyes, this ‘genius’ from that little country actually overestimated himself that much and chased Mo Qingcheng all the way over here to the Moon Continent?

As for their confusion, it was because the current Mo Qingcheng was already high up in the skies, far beyond their reach. They could only gaze admiringly from afar.

But of course, that was Mo Qingcheng. As for this small-time character from Chu, their eyes were still filled with the same contempt as before. This Qin Wentian was really a love-struck idiot! A plain crow lusting after a phoenix.

But…so what? Was it heavenly decreed that a crow was destined never to be together with a phoenix?

Chapter 293: Shadow Pavilion

Jing Yu and Yan Qi walked towards Qin Wentian, glancing at him carefully. Although they were looking right at Qin Wentian, because of the significant transformation he had undergone, they only felt some slight resemblance and couldn’t be sure if it was him.

But now, after standing right in front of him, they were sure that this young man right here was none other than the one from the Chu Country.

Because they were all men, they had been seized with admiration back then when they saw Mo Qingcheng. At the same time, they unconsciously felt a sense of enmity towards Qin Wentian. This was why Qin Wentian left a deeper impression on them compared to Qin Wentian’s impression on Baifei.

“It’s really you.” Hints of oppression flashed in both their eyes.

Naturally, Qin Wentian had already noticed their presence. He only casually glanced at them before returning his gaze back to the Pill Emperor Hall.

“Hey you, just return to Chu. This place isn’t somewhere you should be,” Jing Yu calmly stated, with no hints of anger or disdain. If it were in the past, maybe he would have humiliated and shamed Qin Wentian. But now, in front of Mo Qingcheng, he could only incline his head and stare up at her elusive presence. How then could he have the qualifications to humiliate Qin Wentian?

Qin Wentian didn’t even look at him. In this cultivation-oriented world, the hierarchy of powers here was absolute. A higher-level power would undoubtedly have the strength to quash and suppress lower-ranked ones. As a transcendent power, the Pill Emperor Hall could be said to be one of the supreme forces situated within the Moon Continent, and its entire structure—the many sky-high buildings—were akin to huge pillars pressing down on people, stifling their breath. How difficult would it be then, if one wanted to step over it?

Yet Qin Wentian’s gaze still remained calm. He knew that no matter how huge the pillars were, there would still be people powerful enough to trample it.

“Infatuation would also have to depend on who the other party is. If you clearly know it’s already impossible, why even harbor hope? The distance between you and her is just too far apart,” Jing Yu continued, his words were spoken to Qin Wentian but seemed to also be directed at himself.

Yan Qi couldn’t help but laugh coldly when he saw Qin Wentian ignoring Jing Yu’s advice. He walked to the front of Qin Wentian, his eyes filled with contempt as he added, “There are ninety-nine flights of stairs in the Pill Emperor Hall, and at your level, you’d look up to even those standing on the lowest floor. Stop indulging in your daydreams, the consequences of blaspheming her isn’t something you’d be able to bear.”

Qin Wentian slowly turned his gaze onto Yan Qi. A golden current of lightning flashed past his eyes as they instantly pierced into those of Yan Qi’s.

“BOOM!” Yan Qi only felt as though his mind was about to crumble into pieces. In that single glance, he felt a sense of terror so great that he involuntarily retreated tens of steps. He turned pale white with fright, with perspiration drenching his forehead.

His aura gushed forth, as he glared evilly at Qin Wentian. Yet, Qin Wentian had already shifted his gaze away, as though Yan Qi wasn’t important enough for him to look at directly.

Qin Wentian’s actions caused Yan Qi’s countenance to sink, but what had happened earlier? Why would he perspire cold sweat just because of a single glance?

Jing Yu had also noticed the charged look made on Yan Qi, but in the next moment, a sharp beam of light suddenly erupted forth from behind both of them. Yan Qi and Jing Yun turned back, looking at the new arrival with respect in their eyes. The figure moved with such speed, as though he had seemingly materialized behind them.

It was their senior brother, Zhan Chen, who was ranked #11. He was someone that they had always looked up to, or more accurately, he was their idol.

If one had to say who in the entire Pill Emperor Hall would be worthy of Mo Qingcheng, Zhan Chen was undoubtedly the only one that could match up to her radiance.

Jing Yu and Yan Qi immediately stood aside, allowing Zhan Chen to walk through. There gazes were filled with admiration as they respectfully greeted him, “Senior Brother.”

“Mhm.” Zhan Chen lightly nodded, yet his stare remained fixated onto Qin Wentian. Similarly, Qin Wentian was also observing Zhan Chen; he could sense that despite the passage of time, the killing intent Zhan Chen had for him hadn’t diminished in the slightest. That was understandable, given the events that had happened in the secret grounds.

Zhan Chen felt a little puzzled, he didn’t know why Qin Wentian would come to the Pill Emperor Hall of his own volition.

Back then Qin Wentian had discovered his secret, so now that Qin Wentian was suddenly here at the Pill Emperor Hall, how could he feel at ease?

But Zhan Chen wasn’t that afraid of Qin Wentian divulging his secret. If Qin Wentian dared to reveal what he knew, he would just deny it and use that as an excuse to kill Qin Wentian. After all, his character was still exemplary in the eyes of those from the Pill Emperor Hall, and considering his status, his words naturally carried plenty of weight.

Qin Wentian should have also understood this point, so he probably wouldn’t just reveal his secret so easily. Once Qin Wentian did so, then between them, one would definitely die. And the person that would be dead would undoubtedly be Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian quietly stood there, outwardly maintaining an unperturbed appearance, but internally he was secretly vigilant. This man may appear humble and elegant, but Qin Wentian already knew the true, manipulative face of Zhan Chen. His current level of power couldn’t compare to Zhan Chen; hence it was only natural for him to stay guarded.

“I’ve heard that you caused quite the commotion in the Eastern Region.” Zhan Chen smiled amicably, as though he and Qin Wentian were best friends that had not met up for a long time.

Qin Wentian merely looked at him, not replying.

At this moment, a terrifying aura emanated forth from Zhan Chen, as a fearsome sword intent pressed down onto Qin Wentian.

“But, what have you come to my Pill Emperor Hall for?” Zhan Chen took a step forward, as the pressure he was emitting intensified. It felt as though Zhan Chen could slay Qin Wentian with but a thought, if he so wished it.

“Take another step forward, I guarantee you will definitely regret it,” Qin Wentian softly commented, his attitude remained casual and indifferent. Yet the serenity in his tone caused the hearts of the nearby Jing Yu and Yan Qi to tremble.

Qin Wentian actually dared to say something so arrogant like this to their senior, Zhan Chen?

Not only that, Zhan Chen seemed to be acquainted with Qin Wentian and it appeared as though they shared some past conflict with each other.

Zhan Chen halted his steps, Qin Wentian didn’t seem intent on divulging his secret. Maybe because he knew that it would still be useless to do so, as it would definitely cause Zhan Chen to go all out and kill him. But Zhan Chen knew that if he pushed Qin Wentian too far, Qin Wentian wouldn’t hesitate to reveal his secret. Although not many people would believe it, it was enough to severely damage Zhan Chen’s stellar reputation.

Hence, unless he could finish Qin Wentian off before he could say anything, Zhan Chen wouldn’t take the risk. In any case, even if Qin Wentian died, there was still a Bailu Yi who knew of this.

Retracting his aura, Zhan Chen smiled. “Sorry, I’ve forgotten that you’ve already broken through to the fourth-ranked, becoming the youngest fourth-ranked Grandmaster in the entire Moon Continent. Even the aura you exude is different from before. But regardless, mastery in Divine Inscriptions is still just that—a mastery in Divine Inscriptions. Do you believe I only need five breaths worth of time to kill you? Please remember this point in the future.”

Such threatening words, yet Zhan Chen was still able to say them with a smile.

Jing Yu and Yan Qi’s hearts pounded madly, Qin Wentian was the youngest fourth-ranked Grandmaster in the Moon Continent? When did this happen? That small-time character from Chu could even make their senior Zhan Chen feel trepidation?

“I know that the jump from Yuanfu to Heavenly Dipper is a huge watershed, but I will be praying for your success,” Qin Wentian calmly replied. He then continued, “If you remain in this realm for too long a time, I’m afraid that you will be the one to avoid me, if we ever meet again.”

After speaking, Qin Wentian slowly turned, with his back facing Zhan Chen as he leisurely walked away.

The terrifying sword intent of Zhan Chen gushed out once more, yet Qin Wentian continued on calmly with no fear, showing an appearance of total disregard for him.

Zhan Chen could only tremble in impotent anger as his terrifying sword intent dissipated. The silhouette of Qin Wentian gradually disappeared from their vision.

Jing Yu and Yan Qi stood to the side, watching dumbfoundedly as their minds rumbled from the scene they just witnessed. Qin Wentian already dared to talk in such a manner to their senior brother, Zhan Chen?

And from the start till the end, it seemed as though that young man from that small country had never once looked at them directly.

“Are you guys acquainted with him?” Zhan Chen asked.

“We know of him, this person originated from Chu and used to have an extremely close relationship with Junior Sister Qingcheng. I think his purpose for coming here today, was definitely to meet with her.” Jing Yu didn’t say that they were lovers, but Zhan Chen clearly understood the unspoken meaning behind his words. The glint of light in his eyes became immeasurably sharper.

“Do not allow Qingcheng to know of this matter,” Zhan Chen calmly replied. Mo Qingcheng always secluded herself in the Pill Emperor Hall for cultivation, not bothering about matters of the outside word. Zhan Chen hoped that she wouldn’t know of Qin Wentian’s visit and would forever forget his existence, unless of course, Qin Wentian were to die.

After leaving the Pill Emperor Palace, Qin Wentian headed towards the branch of the Thousand-Jue Alliance situated in the Moon Continent. And when the guards saw the level of Qin Wentian’s medallion, they reported his arrival and swiftly after, that charming middle-aged representative from before personally came out to receive him.

“I didn’t expect Grandmaster Qin would drop by for a visit so fast.” A warm and gentle smile appeared in the eyes of the middle-aged woman.

“I need the help of the Thousand-Jue Alliance.” Qin Wentian smiled as the representative nodded, “As long as your authority level is high enough, the Thousand-Jue Alliance will definitely help you in your request, with no other conditions attached.”

Qin Wentian pulled out a list and passed it over as he spoke, “I need the items listed on it. I will reimburse the Alliance the amount of Yuan Meteor Stones needed for the purchase.”

“Alright, I’ll arrange for our men to help in this. Once the matter is over, I will get my men to send it over to you. You can pass them the Yuan Meteor Stones then.” The middle-aged woman glanced at the items on the list before tucking it away.

“In addition, I also require an information report for one person,” Qin Wentian added, as he moved forward and stood before the middle-aged woman. He then leaned forward and whispered into her ears, “…”

A strange glow flashed in the middle-aged woman’s eyes, as she nodded her head. “Don’t worry, the requests of our guest elders will all remain confidential. I shall handle this matter myself.”

“Many thanks then. If you require resources or expenses for this matter, I will gladly cover the cost myself.” Qin Wentian smiled. Seeking the help of others would require the effort of their manpower. For monetary costs, it would be more appropriate to bear it himself.

“There’s no need for Grandmaster Qin to reimburse us if the help required is merely that of gathering information. The Thousand-Jue Alliance will bear all costs.” The middle-aged woman smiled. Qin Wentian didn’t insist, he merely nodded in thanks and departed.

Meanwhile, the person Qin Wentian was searching for, Hua Xiaoyun, appeared within the mysterious Shadow Pavilion of the Moon Continent. He was deep in discussion with someone currently flipping through pages of information reports. Qin Wentian wasn’t from the Moon Continent, hence his information was a little troublesome to gather. Luckily, Hua Xiaoyun provided a lead to them—Origins: Chu Country.

“Sir, here.” Someone delivered a few scrolls of information over to the man flipping through the reports, whose eyes lighted up at the sight.

“Qin Wentian’s origins were from Chu, and the last time he revealed his cultivation level was inside that of the Secret Realms of Divine Inscriptions. Now after a period of time, it is estimated that his cultivation base should be at least the fourth-level of Yuanfu. He is also a fourth-ranked Divine Inscriptionist and has the protection of a female Heavenly Dipper Sovereign. At the same time, his trump cards consist of two fourth-ranked Puppets, and he has slaughtered a number of other fourth-ranked Grandmasters in the White Deer Institute. In addition to that, he has recently made a move and slain Leng Mao by borrowing the power from his Puppets and the Divine Inscriptions he inscribed.”

The information broker read out, his words causing Hua Xiaoyun’s countenance to sink.

Origins from Chu, with the protection of a female Heavenly Dipper Sovereign? There can be no mistake, it was him! But to think that Qin Wentian had already become a fourth-ranked Divine Inscriptionist and even possessed fourth-ranked Puppets.

“I want him to die,” Hua Xiaoyun venomously hissed.

The sinister-looking info-broker smiled, “Hold on.”

After leaving the area for a moment, he came back with a piece of paper, which he passed over to Hua Xiaoyun. “This mission is acceptable, this is the price needed to eliminate this target. Pre-payment of 10%, non-refundable. You can pay the 90% after the mission is accomplished.”

Hua Xiaoyun glanced at the piece of paper as he frowned, his expression becoming extremely ugly to behold. “Are you kidding me? Why is the price so high just for eliminating a Yuanfu realm cultivator?”

“Young Master Hua can try killing him on his own.” The broker laughed. Hua Xiaoyun crumbled the piece of paper in a fit of rage. His current standing in the Hua Clan had fallen tremendously, how could he still have the authority to lead people to kill Qin Wentian? The Clan would never agree to his request. After all, Qin Wentian could be considered Mo Qingcheng’s ex-lover, so they didn’t know what Mo Qingcheng’s attitude would be if she ever learned of this news.

Unless it was his elder brother, Hua Taixu, who wanted Qin Wentian dead.

“Fine, I accept.” Hua Xiaoyun gritted his teeth and threw out a substantial amount of Yuan Meteor Stones onto the table. This mission of killing Qin Wentian would definitely suck dry the wealth he had accumulated throughout the years.

After Hua Xiaoyun left, the sinister-looking broker burst into laughter, a sharp gleam in his eyes. “Qin Wentian had the balls to reject the Star River Association, directly to the forging division’s President himself! It was lucky that he did, otherwise, we wouldn’t even consider accepting this mission. He basically signed his own death warrant!”