Crisis

Qin Wentian found himself in a whirlwind of time over the past two days. He had been single-mindedly focused on cultivating and unraveling the enigma of 2nd level divine imprints. Two Yuan Meteor Stones had been depleted in this fervent pursuit, leading him to ascend to the 7th level of the Body Refinement Realm. The Astral Energy coursing through his body seemed to infuse every fiber of his being. His breath grew stronger, each inhalation charged with a potent blend of energy, spirit, and qi. A casual strike of his fist now possessed the brute force equivalent to about 50 raging bulls. Yet, he couldn't help but feel unsatisfied. Time was a scarce commodity, and he yearned for more to further enhance his strength.

Within the confines of the Qin Clan, it was as if each day dragged on for an eternity. The unrelenting assaults from external forces had grown increasingly savage, exacting a grim toll in casualties and death. Tensions soared, and the flames of resentment burned hotter with each passing moment. Some among the Qin Clan proposed a reckless, all-out assault, a kamikaze charge against their adversaries. They were willing to trade their lives for a chance to exact vengeance.

Qin Wu dissented. He gathered the Qin Clan's members within the memorial hall, where they paid their solemn tributes to their esteemed ancestor, Qin Wu, on this Annual Offerings Day.

After the rituals, the clan members filed out of the memorial hall and returned to the heart of the Qin Residence. As they entered, a clansman approached, bearing a lifeless body. The sight prompted many to cry out in desperation, "Patriarch, we mustn't delay any longer! If we persist like this, we'll all meet our demise."

Qin Wu's calm demeanor countered the mounting panic. He reassured them, "Fear not. I am the one they seek. I've already reached out to our loyal allies, those who have supported the Qin Clan through thick and thin. Once I'm ensnared within the Royal Capital, they will swiftly mobilize their forces to secure my release. As long as I'm in their hands, they'll be confident that our allies will act."

His son, Qin Chuan, protested vehemently, "Father, no! We cannot allow you to risk your life like this."

Qin Wu's intent was crystal clear; he contemplated offering himself as a sacrificial pawn in this dangerous gambit.

"The prosperity of the Qin Clan, which your grandfather fought so hard to establish, may have waned in my generation, but I cannot bear to witness its obliteration in my own hands," Qin Wu ruefully smiled. He approached where Qin Wentian and others stood, affectionately ruffling his grandson's hair. He then turned to Qin Chuan and imparted with gravity, "Protect Wentian and the others diligently. Ensure no harm befalls them."

With eyes brimming with tears, Qin Chuan bowed deeply in acknowledgment of his father's charge.

"Grandpa Qin!" A heavy cloud of despair cast its shadow over Qin Wentian's heart. Was there truly no solution to this dire crisis?

"Patriarch, Clan Leader! The Star River Association has arrived!" A clansman's urgent report ignited a spark of hope in Qin Wentian's eyes. Perhaps, this was the lifeline they had been praying for.

"Invite them in immediately," Qin Chuan ordered, and before long, several figures emerged on the horizon, bearing hefty burdens.

"Patriarch Qin, I am Murin, and I've come to seek Young Master Wentian," announced the man who Qin Wentian had encountered at the Star River Association that fateful day - Murin. He was accompanied by the haughty girl from their previous encounter and, of course, Francis.

With a nod from Qin Wu, Qin Wentian stepped forward and greeted, "Greetings, Grandmaster Murin."

"Qin Wentian, I've examined the divine imprints you crafted. They are not only incredibly intricate but also exude an extraordinary aura. You possess the qualifications to join my Star River Association and become my disciple," Murin declared, his gaze fixed on Qin Wentian.

"Grandmaster, please take a look." Qin Wentian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he handed over the iron sheets bearing the divine imprints he had created. Murin's eyes lit up with admiration. This young man had managed to inscribe 2nd level divine imprints, and their design and runic lines were exquisite. Moreover, the types of divine imprints he had crafted were unlike anything Murin had ever seen.

"In the event that I agree to become Grandmaster Murin's disciple and join the Star River Association, would you be willing to protect my Qin Clan?" Qin Wentian inquired, his gaze earnest and imploring.

Murin's expression froze, a hint of regret flickering across his features. "The predicament facing the Qin Clan is exceedingly complex, riddled with numerous unknown variables. While I am a member of the Star River Association, my ability to intervene is limited. Nevertheless, I can assure you that if you agree to my proposal, I can ensure your immediate safety."

"Wentian, consider his offer," Qin Wu and Qin Chuan chimed in, their voices filled with urgency. But Qin Wentian's disappointment was palpable. If he were to accept and seek safety for himself while leaving his clan in peril, what would that make him?

With a heavy heart, Qin Wentian shook his head. "Grandmaster Murin, I cannot accept your proposal."

"Please reconsider. Given your exceptional talent, agreeing to this could grant you whatever you desire, even the opportunity for vengeance on behalf of your Qin Clan," Murin urged.

"Wentian!" Qin Chuan and the others stared at him, perplexed by his decision.

Still, Qin Wentian stood firm. "If you can guarantee the safety of my Qin Clan, I will wholeheartedly accept."

Murin gazed at Qin Wentian, his expression a mix of resignation and admiration. "My abilities are limited, but I am unwilling to let go of a talent like you. How about you become a temporary guest of the Star River Association while you contemplate my offer? While I may not be able to directly intervene in the Qin Clan's current troubles, I believe that once you arrive at our association as a guest, no one would dare harm you with ill intent."

A glint of hope lit up Qin Wentian's eyes as he nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Grandmaster Murin. I am willing to become a temporary guest of the Star River Association."

"Excellent! I hope for your safe arrival at our association. I will be waiting," Murin said, patting Qin Wentian on the shoulder as he departed. Behind him, Francis gestured for the servants to reveal the contents of the heavy bags they had carried, unveiling a treasure trove of divine weapons scattered across the ground.

"These are the fruits of my labor. Eight top-grade 1st level divine weapons and 37 mid-grade 1st level divine weapons," Francis announced breathlessly, presenting the results of his frantic two-day crafting spree.

"Thank you," Qin Wentian replied, handing Francis an iron sheet inscribed with a 2nd level divine imprint. Francis's reaction bordered on manic joy and admiration as he accepted it, then swiftly departed from the Qin Clan.

"These divine weapons will bolster the strength of our Qin Residence. Wentian, choose what you need, and Qin Chuan, you'll be responsible for distributing the rest," Qin Wu commanded. Qin Wentian nodded after a brief consideration and opted for a long spear. A spear embodied the spirit of a dragon, fierce and tyrannical, a weapon that suited him.

But suddenly, a voice filled with terror pierced the momentary peace. From all directions, a rain of fiery arrows descended from the skies, and within moments, the Qin Residence was engulfed in flames. It was evident that the combined forces of the three factions had decided to launch their full-scale assault.

Qin Wu's figure flickered as he rushed out of the Qin Residence.

"Father!" Qin Chuan followed his father's silhouette without hesitation. Chaos erupted throughout the Qin Residence. Those capable of combat joined the ranks of the Qin Clan's troops, while defenders held their positions.

As soon as Qin Wu appeared, Asura Wu raised his hand, and his forces ceased their attacks. However, the blaze now ravaging the Qin Residence had reached such intensity that it seemed to touch the heavens. Enemy troops had infiltrated, engaging in fierce battles with the defenders.

Watching this unfolding tragedy, onlookers sighed in their hearts. It was as though they were witnessing the Qin Clan's downfall.

"Asura Wu, I'll leave with you, but you must spare the rest of my clan," Qin Wu declared, walking towards Asura Wu and the enemy forces.

"Since you're so forthright, I will spare your clan members," Asura Wu replied, smiling. "However, the condition is that I must be certain you have no tricks up your sleeve and will depart peacefully with me."

With these words, two knights advanced towards Qin Wu, their spears ready. In unison, they thrust with immense force. Two resounding "pop" sounds echoed as their spears cleanly pierced both of Qin Wu's thighs, causing blood to spurt out and leaving gaping, bloody wounds.

"FATHER!"

"PATRIARCH!"

Qin Chuan and the enraged clan members surged forward, but the thunderous voice of Qin Wu halted them in their tracks. "Don't move."

Qin Wu's body slumped to the ground, unable to stand any longer. The faces of the Qin Clan members darkened, filled with a seething mix of rage and hatred. Asura Wu's warhorse leisurely approached, a malicious glint in its eyes as it gazed down at Qin Wu. "Old Man Qin Wu, quite the resolute man. But I haven't finished my condition. I'll spare the Qin Clan only if they cease resistance, and those young ones I mentioned come with me."

With cold authority, Asura Wu commanded, "Escort Qin Wu away!"

Several warriors hesitated, their spears pointed at Qin Wu, as if torn between fear and reluctance. However, Qin Wu lacked the strength to resist any longer, and he was led away. As he departed, he summoned his last reserves of strength to shout one final sentence, "Qin Chuan, remember my words!"

"Big brother, kill them all!" Qin Ye's eyes burned with rage, teetering on the brink of madness.

"Qin He, Qin Ye, obey my orders. Escort Qin Yao, Qin Wentian, and the others out of here," Qin Chuan ordered, his gaze fixed on his father's retreating form. His voice took on a chilling tone, and Qin Ye, though initially defiant, yielded to the stern look from Qin Chuan. "Big brother, I'll do as you say. Let's go!"

Qin Ye led the younger generation members, retreating towards the Qin Residence. Qin Wentian turned away, his eyes locked onto the distant figure of Qin Wu and the malevolent gaze of Asura Wu, a relentless fire burning in his heart.

"For the rest, KILL THEM!" Qin Chuan's command reverberated, and in an instant, the Qin Clan's warriors unleashed their Astral Souls, advancing with a cacophony of clashing sounds, carrying the weight of bloodshed, solemnity, and tragedy.

Warhorses charged forward as the three enemy forces swept in like a tempest, colliding headlong with the Qin Clan's troops in a chaotic and brutal battle.

"We'll escape through the West Gate. Big Brother has arranged for defenders there who will escort us," Qin He directed the younger generation, their pace becoming a desperate sprint. In the chaos, Qin Yao and Qin Wentian sprinted separately toward their respective destinations.

"Second Uncle, I'll find mother. You go ahead to the West Gate," Qin Yao said, her eyes brimming with tears. She had witnessed her father plunged into battle, and now she was fleeing alone.

Within moments, in the midst of their frantic sprint, Qin Wentian and Qin Yao reached the courtyard where they had been staying. Qin Yao hurried to find her mother, while Qin Wentian sought out Uncle Black. Uncle Black sat calmly in the training grounds, looking serenely composed as he handed a star-shaped item to Qin Wentian. "Wentian, when your life is in dire jeopardy, infuse Astral Energy into this to activate it."

"Uncle Black, come with me," Qin Wentian implored, trying to lift Uncle Black onto his back. But Uncle Black firmly stuffed the star-shaped item into his hands and said, "Don't worry. Even if the Qin Clan loses, and the enemy kills all the loyal troops and descendants, no one will bother about an unrelated old man like me. After all, the Royal Clan still values its reputation."

"No, I can't," Qin Wentian protested, knowing that Uncle Black feared becoming a burden.

"Trust my judgment. Have I ever been wrong in all these years?" Uncle Black smiled and continued, "Remember, you're only allowed to use this when your life is truly at stake. Go now, don't weigh down the rest of the Qin Clan members."

Reluctantly, Qin Wentian stepped back, then knelt on the ground, kowtowing three times before leaving. Over the years, Uncle Black had been his mentor and guardian. He understood Uncle Black's nature well. Once Uncle Black made a decision, nothing could sway him. As Uncle Black had said, even if the Qin Clan were defeated, the enemy wouldn't indiscriminately massacre ordinary workers and unrelated individuals. Uncle Black held no significance in the clan and would be safer staying behind. In contrast, Qin Wentian was a wanted man, and if Uncle Black accompanied him, he might face even greater danger.