The Treacherous Human Heart

The thunderous galloping of warhorses filled the air as they charged toward Qin Wentian and the Emperor Star Academy students. Ye Mo remained motionless, his eyes locked onto Mustang. Since Mustang's interference was a personal decision, there was no need for pleasantries.

Qin Wentian surveyed his surroundings. Ye Mo's forces continued to swell in number, while there were just over ten Emperor Star Academy students. It was becoming clear that this battle wouldn't be a walk in the park.

"Mountain," the enchanting lady beside Qin Wentian called out. In an instant, the imposing silhouette of a tall, robust figure sprinted forward, unleashing his Astral Souls. Two Astral Souls materialized on his forehead, the first resembling a fearsome, domineering demonic ape exuding a deadly killing aura, while the second took the form of a stoneman.

"These Astral Souls provide him with incredible defense," Qin Wentian marveled. The combination of the Demonic Ape and Stoneman Astral Souls clearly aimed to create an impenetrable defense. Moreover, they didn't skimp on offensive power either. Most cultivators carefully considered the synergy of their Astral Souls.

"Tremor!" The youth known as "Mountain" slammed his fists into the ground with force. Instantly, a terrifying shockwave surged toward the platoon of soldiers, causing the ground to erupt with explosions and massive craters. The warhorses, terror-stricken, let out panicked cries.

However, one rider managed to evade the tremors caused by the mini-earthquake. Skillfully guiding his warhorse, he charged at Mountain from the side, only to witness Mountain's feet sinking deep into the earth, making him appear as immovable as a real mountain.

A long spear whizzed through the air, aimed at Mountain's head. Unfazed, Mountain seized the spear with both hands and collided forcefully with the charging warhorse. The impact was so powerful that it failed to budge him even the slightest bit.

"What an astonishing defense," Qin Wentian marveled silently as Mountain crushed both the spear and its wielder to the ground, causing blood to spray in all directions. The terrified warhorse bolted away in panic, sowing confusion among the nearby soldiers, creating the illusion that this one man could withstand an army of ten thousand.

Battles erupted in other directions as well. Qin Wentian observed a figure wielding two sword-type Astral Souls, seamlessly blending them into one and unleashing a terrifying sword Qi. Wherever he went, a shower of blood rained down.

All of these warriors had opened two Astral Gates and belonged to the Arterial Circulation Realm. The Emperor Star Academy truly selected the cream of the crop among geniuses.

Yet, Ye Mo enjoyed a clear advantage in numbers, and despite everything, some escapees remained. They thundered toward Qin Wentian, only to be met with a serene smile from the enchanting woman beside him. Her palms struck out fiercely, and in a blink of an eye, the figures atop their warhorses were whipped into the air, lifeless before they even hit the ground. That whip was as sharp as a sword—one strike was fatal.

"Junior apprentice brother, it's time for you to go," the woman said, her arms coiled around Qin Wentian's neck. As their faces drew closer, his heart raced uncontrollably. He silently cursed her bewitching allure.

"Go. Your presence here would only hinder us in battle," Luo Huan insisted. Qin Wentian nodded in understanding. With his current strength, he would be nothing more than a burden.

"Go," he replied firmly, choosing a path with fewer enemies and setting off.

"Elder sister will protect you," Luo Huan assured as she wielded her deadly whip, carving a path through the soldiers blocking the direction Qin Wentian had taken.

"Yu Fei, cover our rear," she ordered.

"Understood." The youth with the sword leaped into the air and landed behind Luo Huan. His sword flashed, cutting down their pursuers.

Qin Wentian sprinted desperately, not daring to look back at the battlefield. Witnessing the strength of the Emperor Star Academy's students, he felt his own insignificance. Whether compared to Mountain or Yu Fei, he knew that they could easily massacre their opponents in combat, no matter how many Body Refinement Cultivators they faced. Only those at the Arterial Circulation Realm stood a chance against them.

"Junior apprentice brother, where are we headed?" Luo Huan asked, keeping pace with Qin Wentian effortlessly, as if they were taking a leisurely stroll in a courtyard. She showed no signs of exertion.

"Elder Mustang and the other seniors, are they capable of dealing with the enemies?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"No, among us, only Teacher Mustang is at the Yuanfu Realm. The strongest of the rest is just at the 7th level of the Arterial Circulation Realm. Our opponent, Ye Mo, not only is a Yuanfu Realm cultivator but also has numerous Arterial Circulation experts under his command. And that's not all! If even one more Yuanfu Realm cultivator joins the fray, the situation will turn dire for us. In such a scenario, the members of our Emperor Star Academy will prioritize escape," Luo Huan explained, her words clear despite their frantic sprint.

Qin Wentian nodded in appreciation. He understood the immense risks these people had taken to come to Sky Harmony City for his sake.

Luo Huan chuckled and asked, "So, where are we heading?"

"The Star River Association," Qin Wentian replied, causing a change in Luo Huan's expression. She pressed further, "You're a member of the Star River Association?"

"No, but I have a connection with a master weaponsmith there who promised us refuge," Qin Wentian clarified.

Luo Huan seemed to ponder this for a moment before suggesting, "Is there any other place we can go?"

Surprised by her question, Qin Wentian glanced at Luo Huan and replied, "My other family members might be there, and besides, with Sky Harmony City sealed, the Star River Association is the only safe haven left."

Luo Huan didn't continue the conversation and kept pace with Qin Wentian as they sprinted toward the Star River Association. As soon as they reached their destination, the effects of the potential-igniting needle technique faded. Fatigue from their mad dash flooded Qin Wentian's body, making him wish for nothing more than to collapse into the welcoming embrace of darkness. But he couldn't afford to do so at this critical moment.

Inside the Star River Association, Qin Ye, Qin Yao, and the others had arrived. However, their numbers had dwindled, with only half surviving. Most of the casualties had occurred as the defenders sacrificed themselves to ensure the safety of the Qin Clan members. Although they had made it out alive, their bodies bore the scars of battle.

"Wentian!" Qin Ye and the others rushed over upon spotting Qin Wentian's arrival.

"Do you have any news about your second uncle?" Qin Ye asked anxiously.

Qin Wentian shook his head, and the expressions of Qin Ye and Qing Shang turned grim.

"It appears my predictions were accurate. The Qin Residence has indeed been destroyed," a sarcastic voice with a high-pitched tone chimed in from the side.

Lin Yue had come to collect her divine weapon, and upon seeing the pitiful state of the Qin Clan members, she couldn't resist adding insult to injury.

The sound of footsteps echoed. Step by step, Qin Wentian walked slowly toward Lin Yue, his eyes cold and sharp as a sword. Lin Yue's face stiffened as she questioned, "Your clan's destruction wasn't my doing, so why take your anger out on me?"

"Leave," Qin Wentian spat out, causing Lin Yue to be momentarily stunned. Leave? This member of a defeated clan dared to tell her to leave? Despite her irritation, the pressure emanating from Qin Wentian was enough to make her heart tremble.

"Grandmaster Francis," Francis arrived at that moment. Lin Yue's face lit up with joy as she ran towards him.

"Get lost," before Lin Yue could even reach Francis, his cold voice interrupted her. Lin Yue froze in her tracks, her face turning pale.

Clearly displeased, Francis was in a foul mood and had no patience for Lin Yue. Ignoring her, he approached Qin Wentian, extending his welcome, "Young Master Wentian, you have arrived."

"Grandmaster Murin is in closed-door seclusion for weapon crafting. He'll be out soon. Please, all of you, follow me to the grand hall for a rest," Francis said politely, causing Lin Yue's eyes to widen in shock as she stood to the side. Qin Wentian and the others nodded in agreement and went aside to rest, but the atmosphere remained heavy. They had no idea what had happened to Qin Chuan and the others still fighting at the Qin Residence.

"Why are you still here? Leave. Don't come here looking for me again," Francis said harshly, ignoring the humiliation in Lin Yue's eyes.

Many in the Star River Association watched the Qin Clan members with sympathy. The once-mighty Qin Clan was now on the brink of collapse, barely holding on in their darkest hours.

Time passed, but Murin had yet to emerge. Thunderous hoofbeats resounded from outside as a platoon of soldiers stopped within 100 meters of the Star River Association. Ye Mo and his troops had arrived, dismounted, and approached the Association's entrance, locking eyes with the Qin Clan members. As their gazes met, a powerful pressure filled the air.

The thunderous sounds of more approaching horses echoed. All of Ye Mo's men, including Asura Wu, had arrived.

The members of the Qin Clan felt a heavy weight in their hearts.

"Everyone, sorry for the delay," a clear, straightforward voice rang out. Murin, one of the division leaders of the Star River Association, had arrived, accompanied by the arrogant lady who was always by his side.

"Qin Wentian, have you made a decision regarding my previous proposal?" Murin smiled, his expression gentle and reassuring, making people feel at ease.

"Proposal?" Qin Wentian was taken aback.

"About joining our Star River Association and becoming my disciple."

"Grandmaster Murin, I thought you said we would be guests of the Star River Association?" Qin Wentian's face displayed his confusion.

"No, no... The Chairman has decided not to accept guests. It would be wise for you to reconsider my previous proposal," Murin continued to smile as he explained.

Luo Huan, standing beside Qin Wentian, narrowed her eyes as she began to grasp the situation. She leaned close to Qin Wentian's ear and whispered, "Do you have something they want in your possession? As a guest, they have no real control over you, but if you join the Star River Association, you'll be at their mercy."

Qin Wentian wasn't naive, and neither were the members of the Qin Clan. At this moment, their hearts grew cold as they observed the gentle smile on Murin's face. That smile was akin to a venomous serpent, striking terror into their hearts.

It was clear that Murin had deliberately delayed his appearance, waiting for Ye Mo's soldiers to arrive and push the Qin Clan members into a corner. Once he emerged, they would have no choice but to acquiesce to his demands.

"What a cunning individual," Francis silently rebuked in his heart, his eyes burning with anger. He had always believed himself to be far from virtuous, but compared to Murin, he seemed like an innocent child. The reason for his foul mood was that the second-level divine imprint Qin Wentian had given him had been "borrowed" by Murin. When Francis asked Murin to return the divine imprint today, Murin had refused, causing Francis deep humiliation.