Francis’s Visit

The excruciating pain tore through Qin Wentian's being like a relentless storm. The brutal image of Qin Rao's head being crushed by Ye Lang, that sinister smile etched into Ye Lang's face, was seared into his mind, an indelible scar.

"Ye Lang!" His hands balled into fists. Qin Wentian lowered himself onto the training ground, took a deep breath, and tried to regain his composure. He knew that a blood debt had to be settled with blood.

The night had descended, and in that moment, Qin Wentian seemed to detach from the outside world. He raised his gaze to the darkened skies, and a brilliant astral light radiated from him. A faint outline of the Heavenly Hammer materialized above him. In the fifth Heavenly Layer, the Constellation of the Heavenly Hammer began to emit a dazzling astral light, merging with the radiance of his astral soul, creating intricate patterns in the night sky.

Two Yuan Meteor Stones, placed on top of the released Astral Soul, were drawn towards the cascading astral light. The energy within them merged with the luminous patterns of light before being absorbed by the Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul. It transformed into Heavenly Hammer Astral Energy, coursing through Qin Wentian's limbs, bones, organs, energy channels, and meridians.

A Stellar Martial Cultivator with an Astral Soul could only absorb Astral Qi from the constellation they were innately linked to. Ye Lang's Astral Soul belonged to the Demonic Wolf Constellation, imbuing his Astral Qi with a wild and untamed beastly aura. In contrast, Qin Wentian's Astral Soul was born from the Heavenly Hammer Constellation, granting him formidable attacking power and exceptional forging abilities.

Previously, when Qin Wentian had directly absorbed the Astral Energy from the Yuan Meteor Stone, it paled in comparison to the Astral Energy he now drew from the Heavenly Hammer Constellation. To maximize the efficiency of this energy absorption, Qin Wentian allowed his Astral Soul to first absorb the Astral Energy within the Yuan Meteor Stones. Then, he let the Astral Energy from the Heavenly Hammer Constellation on the fifth Heavenly Layer "purify" the absorbed energy before it entered his body. Although he was aware that this process caused some Astral Energy to disperse, it was a necessary sacrifice for enhanced power.

After a brief pause, Qin Wentian sensed that his entire body brimmed with Astral Energy. He began to circulate this energy, activating the Tempered Thousand Hammers Refinement Technique. Suddenly, a cacophony of cracks and rumbles echoed, accompanied by violent vibrations that reverberated through his being. His Qi and blood surged, resembling the relentless crashing waves of the ocean. His muscles convulsed as the overwhelming energy pushed him to break his limits repeatedly. Each trial made his fleshly body stronger and more refined.

On the second day, news of the Qin Residence's encirclement spread like wildfire throughout Sky Harmony City. Many who gathered outside the Qin Residence sighed deeply. The once-majestic Qin Clan was now on the brink of becoming a historical relic.

Outside the Qin Residence stood the Chu Dragon Guards of Sky Harmony City, the Silver Feather Legion led by Icehawk, and Asura Wu's troops. These three formidable forces had ensnared the Qin Residence so tightly that not even a drop of water could escape. Periodically, they sent troops to test the defenses of the Qin Residence. The Qin Clan members, determined and resolute, dispatched their strongest Martial Cultivators and Defenders to guard the main entrances.

Onlookers and outsiders couldn't help but feel that the Qin Clan's resistance wouldn't last much longer, and their annihilation seemed inevitable.

"Only two days until Annual Offerings Day. I wonder if the Qin Clan will survive to see next year," whispered the crowd. Annual Offerings Day, the day before the end of the year, was a time for people to honor their ancestors with sacrifices.

Within the Qin Residence, an oppressive tension hung in the air. Qin Chuan and the clan's key figures convened in the war hall to discuss tactics and strategies.

"The three great legions. If our enemies give the command, we'll be forced into a direct confrontation, and given our current strength, victory seems impossible," Qin Chuan admitted, his gaze sweeping the room.

"How powerful are our Defenders?" Someone inquired, looking to Qin Chuan. Even within the Qin Clan, the actual strength of their Defenders remained a mystery.

"The Defenders are among the elite of our Qin Clan, stronger than most of the troops out there. But when you consider the bigger picture, the disparity in strength is still too great," Qin Chuan explained.

"What about those who were loyal to the Wu King in the past? Will they lead their troops to help us?" someone inquired.

"The old patriarch should have his own plans, but it's hard to get help from afar when the fire is so close. Besides, the troops of the three powers seem confident and in no hurry to attack – that's what worries me," Qin Chuan sighed. The war council remained silent, with no alternative strategies proposed.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Chuan issued a command, "When the battle begins, I will mobilize a division of troops and place them under the command of Qin He and Qin Ye. Your primary duty is to ensure the safety of Wentian, Qin Yao, and the younger generation. Let me be clear: you are not to engage the enemy directly; your only task is to ensure their escape."

"Big Brother, I'm not a coward!" Qin Ye protested angrily.

"Our cultivation levels have already reached their limits. The younger generation represents the hope of the Qin Clan. I've entrusted them to your care not to make you cowards but to safeguard their future. Do you understand?" Qin Chuan's palm slammed against the table as he raised his voice, causing Qin Ye's expression to tighten.

"This matter isn't up for debate. Those who defy my orders are not worthy of being members of the Qin Clan."

Qin Chuan's words left everyone speechless. The younger generation, including Qin Wentian, was unhappy with the decision. They harbored anger and a strong desire to confront their enemies.

"Clan Leader," a voice from outside interrupted. A man entered the hall and spoke, "Clan Leader, Grandmaster Francis from the Star River Association requests an audience with you."

"Star River Association?" Qin Chuan's eyes flickered with surprise. He replied, "Invite him in."

Moments later, Francis entered the great hall. His presence elicited a strange expression from Qin Wentian.

"Francis greets Master Qin Chuan," Francis said respectfully.

"Grandmaster Francis, please, there's no need for formalities. May I ask the reason for your visit?" Qin Chuan was exceedingly courteous. The status of a weaponsmith was indeed extraordinary.

"I've come to find Young Master Wentian," Francis said with a bitter smile, casting a sidelong glance at Qin Wentian. The day Murin had announced his choice of Francis to accompany him to the Royal City, greed had gotten the best of Francis. He had falsely claimed to be the creator of the divine weapon that Murin inspected. He never expected Murin to demand the creation process be duplicated, sending him into a spiral of depression. Eventually, he had no choice but to question Lin Yue, leading him to discover that the young man aspiring to be an apprentice was none other than Qin Wentian. Despite the dire situation surrounding the Qin Clan, Francis had to visit.

Thankfully, being a member of the Star River Association granted him some respect from those outside, and he concocted a reason for his visit on the spot.

The Qin Clan members wore puzzled expressions. Why would a grandmaster seek out Qin Wentian?

"Is there something you need?" Qin Wentian asked indifferently.

"I'd like to collaborate with you, Little Brother Wentian, to forge a divine weapon together. Would you be willing to grant me that opportunity?" Francis sensed Qin Wentian's chilly attitude and had no choice but to smile, requesting assistance with a pitiful tone.

Qin Wentian's heart trembled lightly. Francis wanted to forge a divine weapon with him? Could it be that the random divine weapon he had created earlier had already surpassed Francis's standards? If not, there was no reason for Francis to seek him out.

"It seems the divine imprint I gained insights into from the memory fragment is extraordinary," Qin Wentian thought silently. He let out a cold laugh as he responded, "Currently, my Qin Residence is in crisis. I don't have time to collaborate with Grandmaster Francis on forging divine weapons. Also, I can't afford the materials I used previously for the embryonic cast and metallic liquid. Please leave."

Francis smiled bitterly and lowered his voice as he implored, "Young Master Wentian, please let me know if you have any conditions."

"First, tell me why you want to forge a divine weapon with me," Qin Wentian said, fixing his gaze on Francis. The previous weapon he created was just a first-level divine weapon, so Francis should be capable of forging it as well. Although the divine imprint he carved couldn't compare to Qin Wentian's, there was no need for Francis to stoop to this level and beg for help.

Francis wore an awkward expression.

"If Grandmaster doesn't wish to reveal the reason, then there's nothing more to discuss," Qin Wentian stated firmly.

Francis exchanged a glance with Qin Chuan, who understood his unspoken request and waved his hand, signaling for most of the Qin Clan members to leave the hall.

"Grandmaster, you can speak now," Qin Wentian prompted, causing Francis's face to tighten. He sighed internally, realizing he had no other choice. He then began to recount the events that occurred after Qin Wentian's departure. As the reason unfolded, Qin Chuan and the others listened with astonishment and admiration. Qin Wentian could inscribe divine imprints!

"Wentian, I can send you to the Star River Association. Murin would undoubtedly ensure your safety," Qin Chuan suggested, his eyes sharp. Murin was the division leader of the Star River Association's weaponsmith division and held a prestigious position due to his exceptional forging abilities. If Murin were to assist, the Qin Clan might have a chance of survival.

Grandmaster Francis, standing nearby, appeared anxious. He felt caught in a dilemma.

"Grandmaster Francis," Qin Wentian addressed him, "I won't forge a divine weapon with you. However, your reason for wanting to accompany Murin was solely to enhance your forging skills. I've gained insights into numerous divine imprints and could share some with you to help explain them to Grandmaster Murin."

Francis's expression froze. It seemed impossible to convince Qin Wentian to collaborate on forging a divine weapon. However, if Qin Wentian was willing to pass on the divine imprints, it wouldn't be so bad. At most, he would apologize to Murin and hand over the divine imprints.

"In that case, I must thank Young Master Wentian," Francis responded courteously.

"Wait a moment," Qin Wentian said and left the grand hall, leaving everyone puzzled.

"Big brother, did you teach Wentian about inscribing divine imprints?" Qin He asked curiously.

"Divine imprints are incredibly complex and mysterious. I haven't gained enough insights into them myself to teach Wentian," Qin Chuan replied with a shake of his head, puzzled. "Strange... Qin Yao, Wentian has always been close to you. Do you know anything about this?"

"That little rascal still keeps many secrets from me," Qin Yao pouted. Nevertheless, she hoped that Qin Wentian would accept the lifeline offered by the Star River Association. This would ensure his safety and extend protection to the Qin Clan, resolving the crisis.

After a while, Qin Wentian returned with several sheets of iron, further perplexing Francis and the other Qin Clan members. As Francis inspected the iron sheets passed to him by Qin Wentian, his heart raced with excitement. These were divine imprints, intricately and exquisitely inscribed. How had Qin Wentian managed to inscribe such perfect imprints?

"A Forging-type Astral Soul," Francis realized, staring at Qin Wentian.

"Yes, my Astral Soul is a Forging-type, condensed from a 3rd Heavenly Layer constellation. I can gift you these iron sheets. Furthermore, if Grandmaster Francis is willing to supply us with some divine weapons, I'm willing to exchange divine imprints for them," Qin Wentian offered. His words nearly sent Francis into a frenzy. Qin Wentian's divine imprints were exceptionally exquisite. Gaining insight into even one of them would make crafting a top-grade 1st level divine weapon a breeze for him.

"Very well, I bid you farewell for now," Francis nodded, deciding to confess upon his return. He believed that with these imprints, Grandmaster Murin wouldn't be too harsh on him.

As he watched Francis depart, Qin Wentian's expression shifted. He had deliberately showcased his forging talents, hoping to use Francis as a conduit to relay the news to Grandmaster Murin. With Murin's strength and status, there might be a chance to resolve the Qin Clan's crisis.

"Father, I'll take my leave now," Qin Wentian announced, preparing to delve into the enigmatic and mysterious 2nd level divine imprints.