Iron Bond between Father and Son

Talon assumed that Mustang's reason for visiting the Qin Clan was the same as his, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of pressure. Turning to Qin Yao, he asked, "Yao'er, who is the fortunate man engaged to Autumn Snow?"

A hesitant look crossed Qin Yao's face, and she glanced towards Qin Wentian before replying, "Teacher, there's something unexpected regarding this matter."

"Unexpected?" Talon froze in surprise.

Qin Wentian shot a glance at his father, seeking assistance as Qin Yao stood there awkwardly. She had heard rumors but hadn't confirmed the truth yet, so she didn't dare to misinform her esteemed teacher.

"Wentian, come here," Qin Chuan beckoned. As Qin Wentian approached, Qin Chuan addressed the two academy representatives, "Brother Mustang, Brother Talon, this is my son, Qin Wentian. He's the one who was engaged to Bai Autumn Snow. However, there have been complications. Despite his exceptional talent, he was unable to cultivate. Do you, as experienced experts, see any way to help my son?"

"Big brother, he was born with crippled meridians, not some godsent talent," Qin He interjected.

"Quiet," Qin Chuan scolded him. "Wentian wasn't born with crippled meridians; it was an accident. He possesses remarkable talent and an extraordinary affinity for Astral Constellations."

Upon hearing this, both Mustang and Talon extended their hands and placed them on Qin Wentian's wrists.

"It's indeed a human with broken meridians," Talon said with a hint of disappointment. He withdrew his hand, a disdainful look on his face. "What a waste of my time. I expected a dragon to be matched with a phoenix, but it turns out the dragon is just a snake."

Qin Chuan's eyes narrowed, his countenance growing cold. "Your words are inappropriate. Be careful what you say."

Talon's expression darkened. "How insolent. The Qin Clan's authority has dwindled with each generation. If it weren't for Autumn Snow and Qin Yao's talents, I would never have set foot in this place. A has-been like you should watch your tone when addressing me."

Suppressing his anger, Talon let out a sarcastic laugh. "Qin Chuan, you're living in a fantasy world. Face reality."

"If you have nothing else to add, leave," Qin Chuan retorted coldly, leaving Qin Yao caught between her father and her esteemed teacher. "Teacher, my father can be impulsive at times. Please don't take it to heart."

"Talon, Qin Yao's father lacks an understanding of the current situation," Talon said icily.

"Yao'er, in the future, do not acknowledge this person as your teacher," Qin Chuan declared, causing Qin Yao to pale in shock. Talon sneered in response, "Excellent. Very good!"

Watching this unfold, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel guilty. For his sake, Qin Chuan had knowingly offended many people. Now, he had caused a rift between Qin Chuan and Qin Yao's esteemed teacher.

However, Mustang's thoughts veered in a different direction than Talon's. Glancing at Qin Wentian, Mustang smiled slightly and asked, "Brother Qin, when did his meridians become crippled?"

"When he was six," Qin Chuan replied. "Initially, we believed it was a one-time accident. Little did we know that it had intermittent effects, gradually worsening over time until all his meridians were destroyed."

"Six years old," Mustang breathed. He stared intently at Qin Wentian before withdrawing his hand. If his hunch was correct... "What remarkable tenacity and willpower."

Thinking back to Talon's behavior, Mustang couldn't help but sneer in disdain. What a fool.

As the conversation continued, a thunderous sound of hooves pounding the ground resonated through the air, causing the earth to tremble beneath their feet. All eyes turned in the direction of the approaching rider. It was clear that someone had dared to ride into the Qin Clan without permission.

Soon, a warrior on horseback, clad in armor and a long black cloak that shimmered dimly, galloped toward them. His gaze was as sharp as a sword, and he exuded a chilling aura.

"Icehawk," Qin Chuan muttered through clenched teeth, his eyes filled with loathing. His Qin Residence had unexpectedly become the center of attention today. Icehawk had once been his father's vice-general during their military days, a man with a sinister and ruthless personality who frequently clashed with Qin Wu. Eventually, he had defected to the Ye Clan, using his insider knowledge to relentlessly undermine the Qin Clan.

"Young Master, it's been a while," Icehawk replied, fixing a hawk-like gaze on Qin Chuan. His eyes resembled those of a hawk stalking its prey.

"Icehawk, you've got some nerve to storm the Qin Residence with so many people. It seems you're getting bolder," Qin Chuan said, anger bubbling within him.

Icehawk disregarded Qin Chuan's words. The current Qin Clan was a mere shadow of its former self. To him, it was a crippled tiger, and he held no fear. He had been working behind the scenes, manipulating major powers to suppress the Qin Clan. As long as Qin Wu was alive, he hesitated to confront the Qin Clan directly, but now, it no longer mattered who suppressed them, as long as they were suppressed.

"I'm here for two reasons," Icehawk declared. "First, to inquire about the health of my former respected commander. Second, to inform the Qin Clan that in two days, representatives from Chu Country will gather at the Bai Clan. Autumn Snow will join one of the prestigious academies from the Royal Capital. As for the marriage engagement between the Bai Clan and the Qin Clan, it can be settled then. I hope the Qin Clan will attend instead of hiding like cowardly rats. Otherwise... don't blame me for being ruthless."

With those ominous words, Icehawk mounted his warhorse and galloped toward the exit. As he rode away, his cold laughter echoed in the distance, and his eyes remained fixed on Qin Chuan.

The members of the Qin Clan stared at the departing figure, while Qin Chuan seethed with anger. If Autumn Snow joined the Emperor Star Academy, the Bai Clan could use it as an excuse to annul the marriage agreement. People would assume that Qin Wentian, a cultivator incapable of progress, was unworthy of marrying Autumn Snow. If they persisted, the Qin Clan would only face humiliation.

"The Bai Clan is so overbearing," Qin Chuan muttered, shocked by their betrayal. He was eager to see how the Bai Clan would handle the situation in two days.

"So, this is the reason," Talon said with a cold smile. "Qin Chuan, I'll eagerly await your humiliation at the Bai Clan. Farewell."

With those words, Talon leaped onto the back of his massive eagle. The eagle circled the Qin Residence mockingly before soaring into the sky.

Silence fell over the Qin Clan, and its members wore grim expressions. They had never experienced such humiliation.

"Big brother," Qin He began, "the situation is dire. The Bai Clan and the Ye Clan have joined forces against us. In two days, we shouldn't attend the gathering. If we do, it will only damage our reputation."

"So, you suggest I hide in the Qin Residence like a coward?" Qin Chuan retorted.

"Qin Wentian has squandered our clan's resources for years," Qin He argued. "He's wasted valuable Yuan Meteor Stones. It's time we kick him out. We've done more than enough for him."

Many members of the Qin Clan were opposed to Qin Wentian. They believed Qin Chuan had pampered him too much, considering he was a cultivator with broken meridians.

"Third Brother, what do you think?" Qin Chuan turned to Qin Ye, another elder.

Qin Ye agreed with Qin He. "Qin Wentian should lead an ordinary life."

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Chuan addressed the entire clan. "Our ancestor repaid a great debt to the former emperor. He participated in over 80 battles and faced mortal injuries 18 times. During the Alliance of the 10 countries' siege of the emperor, he used his own body as a shield to save the former emperor. He never sought a reward. Our clan leader, Qin Wu, wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice himself. The Qin Clan will live or die with Qin Wentian. In two days, we will gather our troops and go to the Bai Clan. If anyone speaks of abandoning Wentian, I will personally deal with them."

The declaration resounded across the training grounds, and Qin Chuan's determination left the clan members in awe.

"Wentian, don't worry about this matter. Your foster father will seek justice for you," Qin Chuan said gently.

Tears welled up in Qin Wentian's eyes. He had planned to inform Qin Chuan once he became a Stellar Martial Cultivator, but now the entire Qin Clan was affected.

Qin Wentian didn't know the full story behind his birth or the Qin Clan's debt to his parents. Still, he felt a deep sense of gratitude to Qin Chuan. He had to repay this kindness no matter how challenging it was.

Qin Chuan was moved to silence. On the training grounds, Qin Wentian knelt, gazing at Qin Chuan, and said, "Foster father, this matter is my responsibility. There's no need for the Qin Clan to be involved. Even if the Bai Clan humiliates me a thousand times, I can endure it. But if the Qin Clan's honor is at stake, I won't allow it. I will handle this alone."

"Father!" Qin Wentian shouted, kneeling heavily and kowtowing.

Qin Chuan approached and helped him to his feet. Their eyes met, and both wore smiles. This time, Qin Wentian referred to Qin Chuan as his father, not his foster father.

"I've always believed in you, my son. One day, you'll achieve remarkable things," Qin Chuan said with unwavering determination.

Mustang watched with a smile, favoring Qin Wentian over Autumn Snow. This youth, with his extraordinary talent, unwavering determination, and iron will, had captured his admiration.

It appeared that the gathering at the Bai Clan in two days would be quite the spectacle!