Imperial Edict

On the day of Bai Qingsong's birthday celebration, the grandeur of the event had attracted guests from the Royal Capital, including representatives from the four prestigious academies. However, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted from the Bai Clan and Autumn Snow to a new star, Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian had received an invitation to join the renowned Emperor Star Academy, while Autumn Snow was destined for the Royal Academy. This outcome disappointed many, except for the Qin Clan and Mustang, who found reason to celebrate. The other attendees, especially those from the Ye Clan and the Royal Capital, were left in frustration and bewilderment.

Old Master Ye, who had come to offer his congratulations, was particularly displeased with the turn of events. He had intended to use Autumn Snow's talent to humiliate the Qin Clan and discuss a marriage engagement between the Bai and Ye Clans. However, things had not gone according to plan.

Old Master Ye's frustration was evident as he addressed Bai Qingsong, "Are you so easily shaken?"

Bai Qingsong's expression trembled. He couldn't deny that Qin Wentian's talent had shaken him. If not for recent events, today's celebration could have showcased the brilliance of the Bai Clan and solidified the marriage between Autumn Snow and Ye WuQue.

"Father," Autumn Snow approached Bai Qingsong, her eyes filled with desolation.

Old Master Ye interrupted, "The Ye Clan will temporarily delay the announcement of our marriage engagement."

Bai Qingsong and Autumn Snow were taken aback. This delay was not part of their plan. If the Ye Clan withdrew their support, the Bai Clan's future in the Sky Harmony City would be precarious.

"But..." Bai Qingsong started to protest, but Old Master Ye silenced him with a stern gaze. Today's events had left a stain on Autumn Snow's reputation, and pursuing the marriage engagement now would only bring more shame.

"Autumn Snow, focus on your cultivation," Bai Qingsong whispered to his daughter. Autumn Snow clenched her fists, vowing to make the Ye Clan regret their actions.

The discussion then turned to Qin Wentian's talent. Old Master Ye praised Ye WuQue's accomplishments, making it clear that Qin Wentian's talent paled in comparison. Qin Chuan, however, defended his son, arguing that the Qin Clan's decline was orchestrated by the emperor.

Old Master Ye countered, claiming that Qin Wentian should join the Godly General Military Palace—a prestigious institution that only trained elite soldiers. This suggestion shocked the crowd. The Godly General Military Palace was exclusive to those with exceptional military potential. Qin Wentian, however, was on a different path.

But Old Master Ye had more to reveal. He produced an imperial edict, stating that exceptional talents from the Qin Clan would be sent to the Godly General Military Palace, and the Qin Clan's private army would be integrated into the Silver Feather Legion. Those who resisted would face execution.

This revelation left the Qin Clan in a precarious situation. The imperial edict was a cunning move that praised the Qin Clan's ancestor while effectively dismantling their future. The crowd was dismayed by this cold and calculated strategy.

Qin Chuan, resigned to his fate, made a sarcastic remark, "If my ancestor knew of this, he would surely thank His Majesty for his love."

The Qin Clan, now under the emperor's scrutiny, faced a grim future. Qin Wentian, standing beside his father, felt a sense of despair. The Ye Clan and Icehawk had come prepared, and they had witnessed his exceptional talent earlier, making him a prime target for their plans.

As Qin Wentian pondered the situation, he realized that the Ye Clan intended to use the imperial edict to seize control of the Qin Clan. The imperial order left the Qin Clan with little room to resist, as defiance would be seen as an act of rebellion.

The tension in the air was palpable as the fate of the Qin Clan hung in the balance.