A Long Journey

Observing the departure of the three allied garrisons bound for the Royal Capital, where Qin Wu and Qin Chuan languished, Qin Wentian discerned their indirect pressure on the Emperor. These actions were a calculated move to temporarily ensure the safety of the imprisoned Qin Wu and Qin Chuan.

Regarding his expulsion from the Qin Clan, Qin Wentian understood that it had been done to protect him. During his absence, there might have been communication between Mustang and the Qin Clan.

"In a world driven by cultivation, the stronger one becomes, the more absolute their authority. If the day comes when I can ascend to the heavens and reach the pinnacle of my strength, I will crush the so-called 'imperial authority.'" Qin Wentian drew in a deep breath, his heart ablaze with determination. Having condensed his first Astral Soul from the 5th Heavenly Layer, he knew he could do the same for his 2nd and 3rd Astral Soul condensations. All he needed now was time.

Under the cover of night, Qin Wentian reached the Qin Residence without drawing attention. In the distance, he spotted figures on horseback, laden with luggage, seemingly prepared for a long journey.

"Sister Yao." The mounted figures approached, and after a brief moment, Qin Yao and the others reached Qin Wentian's location. Seeing him, Qin Yao's expression shifted from surprise to joy.

"Wentian." She dismounted and rushed toward him with a radiant smile.

"Sister, where are Qin Shang and Qin Zhi going?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Wentian, Grandpa and Father were taken to the Royal Capital. In response, the Qin Clan mobilized their troops and planned an assault on the Royal Capital. If we lose, death is our only fate. Second Uncle decided that we should go to Snow Cloud Country for our cultivation," Qin Yao explained. Qin Wentian now comprehended the situation. "The battle is inevitable, but victory and defeat are already predetermined. Sending the younger members of the Qin Clan out of Chu Country is the best choice."

"To avoid attracting attention, we're leaving at night. The younger members of the clan will depart in groups. Wentian, when you reach Emperor Star Academy, focus on your cultivation and don't concern yourself with the battle," Qin Yao said, her eyes reddening as she tried to remain composed.

"I understand. The same goes for all of you," Qin Wentian responded, nodding heavily. Attempting to overthrow the Royal Capital with their limited power was a futile endeavor. Despite knowing this, Qin He had no choice but to proceed with this plan.

"Oh, Uncle Black has disappeared, and we can't find him. Second and Third Uncle are outside the city, so you don't need to go to the Qin Residence anymore. Head to Emperor Star Academy as soon as possible," Qin Yao added.

"Uncle Black disappeared?" Qin Wentian wore a puzzled expression. He had wanted to inquire about the demonic ape from Uncle Black, but now that seemed impossible. Uncle Black had been a person of great knowledge and had likely held a remarkable status in the past. Yet, despite this, he had refused to reveal anything about Qin Wentian's parentage. Given the strength displayed by the demonic ape and the enigmatic astral left by his father, Qin Wentian was eager to uncover the truth about his birth parents.

"Qin Yao, we should leave to avoid any spies from the Ye Clan," Qin Shang urged. He approached Qin Wentian and continued, "Wentian, you possess the greatest talent in the Qin Clan. In the future, you will achieve great feats. You must become a formidable presence, someone capable of toppling empires with a single word."

"Big Brother, I understand. I will seek revenge for Second Uncle and make the Ye Clan pay for their actions with blood," Qin Wentian vowed solemnly. Qin Shang's father was Qin He, and Qin Wentian's actions had led to him losing a leg. Despite his injury, Qin He was leading the Qin troops toward the Royal Capital for the sake of the Qin Clan.

"Once you arrive in the Royal Capital, remember to stay vigilant in all matters," Qin Shang emphasized, giving Qin Wentian a heavy pat on the shoulder.

"Wentian, we'll take our leave now." Qin Yao's eyes welled up with tears, and she extended her arms slightly as she approached Qin Wentian. Seeing her gesture, Qin Wentian smiled gently, embracing Qin Yao and patting her back before saying, "Sister, don't worry. Father will be fine. I will work hard at Emperor Star Academy. And you, be cautious in all matters when you reach Snow Cloud Country."

"Yes." Qin Yao lingered in his embrace, reluctant to let go. Only after Qin Shang and Qin Zhi mounted their warhorses did Qin Yao finally release him. With tears in her eyes, she added, trying to smile through her emotions, "You little rascal, the next time we meet, you better be strong enough to protect me, alright?"

After speaking, Qin Yao turned away, gracefully leaped off the ground, somersaulted in the air, and landed elegantly on her horse.

"Cha!" Qin Yao's voice rang out as her warhorse surged forward, moving like a hurricane. She didn't look back for one last glimpse of Qin Wentian. Qin Shang and Qin Zhi followed suit, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

"Hu..." Qin Wentian clenched his fist tightly, his gaze fixed on the sky. He was filled with an unwavering determination – he had to become stronger.

"Aren't you supposed to be on your way?" A voice broke through his thoughts. Qin Wentian turned to see a figure approaching – it was Francis.

"I had a feeling you'd return. I've been waiting for you these past few days," Francis said as he led two horses toward Qin Wentian.

"Hmph," Qin Wentian snorted coldly, his face hardening. He couldn't forget Murin's arrogance.

"I know you harbor nothing but hatred for the Star River Association, but none of what happened was my doing. Murin has already returned to the Royal Capital after realizing he couldn't control you. I'm sure the Ye Clan's promises were too tempting, even after Ye Mo's death. He brought all the divine imprints you traded to him, including the ones you gave to me, to the Royal Capital. Not a single one remains," Francis explained, his voice icy.

"What's that got to do with me?" Qin Wentian replied coldly.

"I want to be your apprentice," Francis said, causing Qin Wentian to freeze. This proud and arrogant weaponsmith wanted to be his student?

"I know you doubt my character. Ten years ago, I became a Stellar Martial Cultivator, but due to my limited talent and weak affinity, I couldn't achieve much. During that time, a weaponsmith told me there were countless ways to make a name for myself. Besides being a Stellar Martial Cultivator, I could delve into understanding the profound insights of divine imprints and become a weaponsmith. So, I chose to follow him. It took ten long years before he finally granted me the simplest divine imprints."

Francis's anger still burned from those events a decade ago. "Ten years, he wasted a decade of my life. But even with those few basic divine imprints, I worked tirelessly and clawed my way into the Star River Association, constantly honing my skills and acquiring new imprints. There, I finally made some modest achievements. My knowledge of weapon forging has already reached a point where I'm on the cusp of becoming a 2nd-level weaponsmith. If I could gain insights into a 2nd-level divine imprint, I'd have a real chance at becoming a 2nd-level weaponsmith. However, all of this was shattered by Murin."

He had initially intended to savor every moment, meticulously crafting the 2nd-level divine imprints that Qin Wentian had generously provided to him. But Murin, in his audacious audacity, snatched them away by sheer force.

"I, Francis, may not be the poster child for virtue, but when it comes to crafting divine weapons, I assure you, I'm as reliable as a well-oiled machine. Even if the quality isn't top-notch, I'll ensure it's tailored to your wishes. I have my limits, a line I won't cross. But Murin? That guy doesn't even know what a line is! But what can I do? All I can do is watch from a distance, lament my inadequacies, and secretly fume."

Qin Wentian couldn't help but empathize with Francis. Everyone had their own story to tell. The journey Francis had endured, the relentless struggle to chase his ambitions, only to have them snatched away by Murin, was a heart-wrenching tale.

"And so what?" Qin Wentian replied nonchalantly. He couldn't let sympathy cloud his judgment.

"Qin Wentian, you're a prodigy, a master of understanding the enigmatic 2nd-level divine imprints that most of us can't fathom. If you dedicated your time to forging weapons, you'd reap unimaginable rewards. But I know you'd rather spend your time cultivating. For all the mundane tasks, consider me your unpaid assistant. No need for compensation. I'll support you on your martial path with everything I've got."

Francis's words stirred Qin Wentian's heart. He realized that crafting a weapon wasn't just about divine imprints; it involved gathering materials and much more. In the future, he wouldn't invest most of his time in such tasks. Yet, even if Francis had ulterior motives, Qin Wentian accepted his offer. In a world where few did anything for free, this act of generosity was rare.

"You're a renowned weaponsmith, and you want me to be your master? Wouldn't that lower your status?" Qin Wentian inquired, mindful that he had nothing but divine imprints to offer in return for Francis's help.

Francis responded earnestly, "It's easy to decorate something already beautiful, but it's tough to kindle a fire in a snowstorm. I'm not that shortsighted, Qin Wentian. Although you're in dire straits now, if you endure, I won't even be worthy of standing in your shadow in the future. Would you accept me as your apprentice then? To be your apprentice would be an honor, not a degradation."

"Moreover, I want to witness the rise of a genius, to see Murin crushed beneath your feet. I want to see if he can maintain his arrogance when you're the one putting him in his place." Rage burned in Francis's eyes. He was willing to stake his future on Qin Wentian, to use his strength to exact vengeance on Murin.

Qin Wentian glanced at Francis and then at the horses behind him.

"Is one of these horses for me?"

"Of course," Francis replied, nervously watching Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian approached a horse, and in an instant, a white blur darted forward, leaving shimmering after-images, and leaped onto the horse's back.

"This little one's got some speed," Qin Wentian remarked, looking at the snow-white pup that had joined him.

"Master, please wait for me!" Francis couldn't help but smile at the scene. He leaped onto his own horse and chased after Qin Wentian. Once he caught up, he nervously added, "Master, would it be possible to receive a token of appreciation for becoming your apprentice? A casual 2nd-level or 3rd-level divine imprint, perhaps? What do you say?"

Qin Wentian rolled his eyes at Francis's pleading smile. "Get lost."

Laughing, Qin Wentian spurred his horse, speeding ahead. He aimed to ride through the night straight to the Royal Capital.

"Murin, you scoundrel, just you wait," Francis exclaimed with laughter as he too increased his pace. In a matter of moments, the two had left Sky Harmony City, galloping down the moonlit main road, kicking up dust and dirt.

Qin Wentian glanced back at the city walls, his eyes filled with determination.

This was his first step on a long journey. As he left the past behind in the swirling dust and looked to the horizon, he declared, "In this world of cultivation, filled with kindness, revenge, emotions, and enmity, be ready for me. Here I come!"