Autumn Snow’s Attitude

Inside the Clear Wind Inn, Mustang sat at a window seat, sipping on his liquor in solitude. The atmosphere in the inn was lively, with patrons at other tables engaged in conversations. The topic of discussion revolved around Bai Qingsong's upcoming 50th birthday celebration, which was just three days away. Rumors had it that the Bai Clan had sent invitations far and wide, and many influential figures from the royal capital of Chu Country were expected to attend.

"That's what I heard too. Bai Qingsong is using his daughter's breakthrough to boost his own status. But her talent is truly astonishing. Condensing an Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer is remarkable. Her future potential is immeasurable. When she opens her second and third Astral Gates, she could condense at least two more Astral Souls, likely of the 3rd Heavenly Layer or higher. Such talent is rare, even in Chu Country; she's like a future powerhouse," one patron commented.

"Absolutely. I heard the Bai Clan wants to annul her previous engagement, but who can blame them? That Qin Wentian from the Qin Clan is just a worthless piece of trash. What right does he have to be mentioned alongside Autumn Snow? Anyone with half a brain would push him aside. I also heard that the young master wasted a considerable amount of the Qin Clan's Yuan Meteor Stones. I don't understand why Qin Chuan still treasures this foster child so much," another person chimed in, expressing their bewilderment.

As these discussions carried on, all conversation abruptly halted when a graceful figure in a long dress ascended the inn's stairs. The patrons were captivated by her beauty, and it was evident that she hailed from a prestigious clan.

"That's Autumn Snow, the genius from the Bai Clan," someone whispered in hushed tones. Mustang, who was nearby, glanced at Bai Autumn Snow and silently acknowledged her talents and beauty. Clearly, the Ye Clan's interest in proposing a marriage engagement with her was not unwarranted.

However, Mustang soon shifted his attention away, his gaze fixated on the direction of the Bai Clan. He pondered, "The Bai Clan was once exiled from the royal capital, but it seems their status is about to skyrocket. The upcoming birthday celebration is sure to be a grand affair."

Suddenly, Mustang froze in place. Due to the unique characteristics of his Astral Soul, his sensory abilities were highly sensitive to Astral Energy. He sensed a surge of immensely powerful Astral Energy descending from the heavens, focusing on a location near the Bai Clan.

Mustang's eyes underwent a transformation, and faint shadows of constellations appeared in his pupils, making it seem as if he could see through everything.

"Hu..." Mustang's heart raced. The fluctuation of Astral Energy he detected was likely from a layer higher than the 3rd Heavenly Layer. Could there be another hidden talent in the Bai Clan? Why had they only publicized Autumn Snow's achievements?

Mustang found himself puzzled by the Bai Clan's actions. "It seems I need to pay a visit to the Bai Clan tonight," he mused to himself.

Qin Wentian had been completely focused on his cultivation, unaware of Mustang's existence or the events occurring outside his training grounds. He diligently endured the excruciating pain of the Tempered Thousand Hammer Refinement Technique, and his perseverance paid off. With a satisfying "Ka Cha" sound, he successfully broke through to the 4th level of the Body Refinement Realm. This phase of cultivation focused on refining his inner organs, completing the final stage of the Body Refinement Realm.

When he finished his cultivation practice, night had fallen. Qin Wentian's thoughts revolved around the situation with the Bai Clan. He believed that if he were to reveal his true cultivation progress to Bai Qingsong, the Bai Clan would likely change their stance on annulling the marriage engagement. However, he didn't want to appear too eager. He wanted to gauge Autumn Snow's attitude personally at Bai Qingsong's birthday celebration in three days.

As Qin Wentian walked toward the front yard, he encountered the two guards stationed there. These guards were assigned to prevent him from leaving, as Bai Qingsong didn't want to allocate more manpower to his care, considering Qin Wentian's broken meridians.

The guard in his path rudely told him to "f*ck off." Qin Wentian's response was cold, and this seemed to surprise the guard momentarily. However, the guard soon adopted a threatening demeanor and raised his fist to strike Qin Wentian. The attack was aimed at Qin Wentian's head, a critical area.

To Qin Wentian, who had reached the level of a Stellar Martial Cultivator, the guard's movements seemed painfully slow. He easily dodged the strike and swiftly countered with a knee to the guard's chest, causing the guard's internal organs to shatter. The guard was sent flying and collapsed on the ground, lifeless.

The other guard, witnessing this display of power, attacked with the Ferocious Tiger Fist, a basic fist technique. Qin Wentian chose not to dodge this time and clashed directly with the guard's fist. With a single punch, Qin Wentian shattered the guard's hand before landing a knockout blow on his head, rendering him unconscious rather than causing severe harm.

Qin Wentian disposed of their bodies inside a small house used for his imprisonment, switched clothes with one of the guards, and made his way to the Bai Residence's main gate. His escape route had been carefully planned to avoid the Bai Clan's night patrols, and after an hour, he arrived at the main gate.

As he approached the gate, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. Being caught by the Bai Clan at this moment would likely have dire consequences.

As Qin Wentian stepped out of the main gate of the Bai Residence, he was surprised to hear familiar footsteps approaching. Autumn Snow, the young lady from the Bai Clan, was walking toward him. The encounter was unexpected, and there was a moment of silence as they locked eyes.

Autumn Snow, feeling slightly nervous, hesitated but then moved closer and spoke. She explained that she didn't have a choice and expressed regret for her actions.

Qin Wentian looked at her, disappointment filling his heart. He had hoped for a different outcome but now realized that Autumn Snow had been insincere in their relationship.

He questioned whether this was the reason the Bai Clan had turned against him despite his previous help. Autumn Snow didn't directly answer but pointed out the vast difference between him and Ye WuQue, indicating that Ye WuQue was likely the chosen candidate for their marriage proposal.

Autumn Snow told Qin Wentian to leave, saying that she wouldn't make things difficult for him. She walked away, and Qin Wentian interrupted her, expressing his frustration with the situation. He reminded her of the support his foster father had given to the Bai Clan and how they had considered them as kin. He felt that Autumn Snow's offer to let him leave without harm was merely sarcasm.

With a final statement, Qin Wentian acknowledged that their destinies were now different, and he turned away, leaving Autumn Snow behind. Their encounter was marked by disappointment and a sense of betrayal.