Fine Line between Life and Death

Qin Wentian had devoured the last of the Blood Ember Fruits. If Mustang wanted him to visit Luo Qianqiu, he would comply. But surrendering the Blood Ember Fruits that held the potential to boost his strength? Not a chance.

With each gulp of the fruits, Qin Wentian felt his body ablaze. His face flushed red as his blood surged and boiled. Soon, a potent energy flooded his channels and pathways, permeating every inch of his being.

Gritting his teeth, Qin Wentian endured. The wild Divine Energy and Astral Energy, amplified by the fruits' effects, surged within his channels like a tempestuous sea. His body emitted a relentless symphony of roars, akin to tumultuous waves crashing against the shore. Fan Le sprinted away and slammed the door, inwardly dubbing Qin Wentian a lunatic.

Sounds of popping resonated incessantly as the once-tame energy within him transformed into a roaring ocean. For nearly half a day, the tremendous Divine Energy coursed relentlessly, until his 4th circular arterial path was fully forged. A flood of boundless energy surged through the fresh pathway, filling every cell.

"4th level of Arterial Circulation?" Fan Le, sprawled on his bed, sensed the aura emanating from Qin Wentian. His eyes glinted, realizing the effects of the Blood Ember Fruits hadn't subsided.

"Monster," Fan Le muttered under his breath before burrowing back into his covers. When he later woke, Qin Wentian was fast asleep. Astral Light bathed Qin Wentian's form, streaming through the window. This monster was cultivating even in slumber, capitalizing on the residual essence left after his breakthrough with the fruits.

Now at the 4th level, Qin Wentian could store even more energy. Following the techniques from the Spirit Refinement Method, he opted to condense more Astral Energy into Divine Energy. This time, he sensed the conversion rate was swifter than before.

Upon awakening, Qin Wentian wasted no time, plunging right back into his practice. With the surge of energy in his body, his mood lightened.

His immediate aim was to heighten his strength as swiftly as possible. Regardless of his prowess, it was still insufficient.

Luo Huan's arrival found Qin Wentian immersed in cultivation. "Oi!" Fan Le's shout jolted Qin Wentian awake. He saw Luo Huan grinning at him. "Little Junior Brother, you're quite the diligent one."

"Senior Sister, don't tease me. My strength is still feeble. If I don't work hard and get stronger, I might die without even having a chance to regret it," Qin Wentian sighed.

"Your cultivation progress is nothing to scoff at. Remember, you've only been on this path for less than a year," Luo Huan winked, her laughter chiming. "I've looked into what you asked about. Qin Yao is indeed a candidate to marry Snowcloud Country's crown prince. However, based on my sources, her chances of becoming the main wife are slim. She might end up a concubine."

Qin Wentian's expression froze. A concubine? As a descendant of Chu Country's Wu King, it was indeed a daunting prospect for Qin Yao to become the main wife of the Snowcloud Country's crown prince.

"I must personally ask Sister Yao whether this was her choice or if someone forced her into it," Qin Wentian muttered, taking a deep breath.

"Why is she here in Chu Country?" Qin Wentian pressed for more information.

"She and several youths from the Snowcloud Martial Palace are here to exchange pointers with the Royal Academy's students. But based on my deductions, your sister Qin Yao likely has another motive. Her true purpose may be to rescue Grandpa Qin and Father, using Snowcloud Country's name to pressure Chu Country."

Qin Wentian nodded. Qin Yao would undoubtedly want to rescue Grandpa Qin and Father.

"And I have one more piece of bad news for you," Luo Huan added. "Orchon has reached the 9th level of Arterial Circulation, so he's significantly stronger than before."

"Understood," Qin Wentian replied, sighing inwardly. Everyone was diligently cultivating. If he didn't work harder than them, he'd soon find himself left behind.

"Okay, let's go meet Luo Qianqiu now."

"Right," Qin Wentian agreed. He left with Luo Huan and Fan Le.

In the Emperor Star Academy's arena, two figures were locked in fierce combat. Although it was a sparring match, their techniques were deadly. Each strike carried the potential to end a life, leaving the spectators in awe.

"This time, Luo Qianqiu's power has greatly surpassed what it was before he entered the Dark Forest. Even Southern-Skies couldn't block his attacks."

"Indeed, it's almost certain that Young Master Luo will become a true leader of our Asura Faction."

People in the crowd nodded and smiled as they watched the figures on the arena. Luo Qianqiu was a prodigy of his generation, and his rapid growth was nothing short of astonishing. It was only his second year at the academy, yet his strength had already reached remarkable heights.

On the arena, a voice filled with power echoed as the two figures stepped back. Southern-Skies grinned, "Qianqiu, your strength has grown once again. I fear that soon, even I won't be a match for you."

Dressed in a blue robe, Luo Qianqiu looked composed and unruffled. With a handsome face and hair billowing in the wind, he exuded an aura that made him appear like an idol admired by many.

He was Luo Qianqiu, the top-ranked student from the previous batch of newcomers. His cultivation had already reached the peak of the 7th level of Arterial Circulation, and his combat prowess was terrifying, allowing him to defeat opponents with higher cultivation levels.

Luo Qianqiu didn't dispute Southern-Skies' words. Truthfully, if they were to fight to the death now, he didn't believe he would lose.

"Young Master Luo," Franklin called from below the arena. He had spotted three figures approaching: Luo Huan, Qin Wentian, and Fan Le.

"The two beside Luo Huan are Qin Wentian and Fan Le. They were the masterminds behind the Blood Ember Fruits theft," Franklin declared. Luo Qianqiu's gaze drifted towards Luo Huan and the duo. As his eyes landed on Qin Wentian, he found himself scrutinizing him. Was this the number one student among the newcomers?

Qin Wentian and his companions halted near the arena. The figure on top of it had an aura that drew attention like a magnet.

While Orchon was undeniably formidable, when compared to Luo Qianqiu, he appeared as inconsequential as a summer breeze before a cyclone.

Luo Qianqiu stood calmly, his gaze fixed on Qin Wentian. "Did you snatch my Blood Ember Fruits?"

"Yours?" Qin Wentian and Fan Le exchanged silent shakes of their heads, but they understood that in this situation, if Luo Qianqiu claimed the fruits were his, they were indeed his.

"That day, we had no idea Senior Brother Luo was interested in the Blood Ember Fruits. I hope you won't hold it against us," Qin Wentian replied.

"Enough talk. Where are the Blood Ember Fruits now? Hand them over," Luo Qianqiu's voice remained emotionless.

The onlookers observed the exchange between Qin Wentian and Luo Qianqiu in silence. Although Qin Wentian was a legendary figure at Emperor Star Academy, he was still far from Luo Qianqiu's level.

Members of the Asura Faction looked intrigued. This young man had dared to snatch Blood Ember Fruits from Luo Qianqiu, showing he was no coward.

"All the Blood Ember Fruits have been consumed by me. I seek Senior Brother Luo's forgiveness," Qin Wentian replied politely. Interest deepened on the faces of the Asura Faction members. With the fruits gone, Qin Wentian's visit had lost its purpose.

Luo Qianqiu stepped off the arena and moved closer to Qin Wentian. "You even dared to swallow what belonged to me?"

As he spoke, an immense surge of terrifying pressure, tinged with crackling lightning, surged towards Qin Wentian.

"Boom!" Qin Wentian braced himself, meeting Luo Qianqiu's gaze. He had come as requested, but the Blood Ember Fruits were gone. He had no intention of giving any to Luo Qianqiu. Whatever consequences Luo Qianqiu had in mind, Qin Wentian was prepared.

Luo Huan, watching, couldn't help but smile wryly. Qin Wentian had actually consumed all the Blood Ember Fruits on his own.

"Boom!" Luo Qianqiu took another step, his aura growing denser. It was like a hurricane combined with a tidal wave, crashing towards Qin Wentian. The lightning within the aura intensified.

The spectators marveled at Luo Qianqiu's overwhelming power. Qin Wentian was indeed unlucky, but there was little sympathy. This world respected strength above all else.

"Boom!" On his third step, Luo Qianqiu's pressure reached an incredible level. He appeared before Qin Wentian, his fist cloaked in violent, dominating lightning energy that threatened to obliterate everything. Qin Wentian felt his body go numb as he strained against the immense pressure.

To everyone's astonishment, Qin Wentian's expression remained calm. He took a step back, gathering all his energy before unleashing a Revolving Sea Imprint to clash with Luo Qianqiu's fist. A thunderous collision rang out, and immediately, the formidable fist overcame the palm imprint. The residual energy slammed into Qin Wentian, causing him to stagger back, coughing up blood.

Luo Huan's eyes flickered with concern, but she refrained from intervening. Some challenges, Qin Wentian had to face alone.

"Brutal," spectators muttered as their eyes locked onto Luo Qianqiu, who advanced like a tempest, unrestrained killing intent surging around him.

Qin Wentian lifted his head, an icy glint in his calm eyes. His gaze grew colder with each step Luo Qianqiu took.

"Hold your hand!" A voice echoed through the air. A figure descended from the heavens, causing Luo Qianqiu to halt his fist just an inch from Qin Wentian's face. But the force behind that attack still sent Qin Wentian's hair billowing in the wind.

Luo Qianqiu, though, didn't spare Qin Wentian another glance. Instead, he turned his attention to the figure in white.

"Lin Hua," he acknowledged.

"How about you consider this a favor for me?" Lin Hua proposed, his gaze briefly flickering towards Qin Wentian. Luo Qianqiu's expression remained unchanged. He had seemingly never considered Qin Wentian an enemy, merely an ant underfoot.

"Fine," Luo Qianqiu agreed, turning away and departing. The Asura Faction members, puzzled, left with him. They had expected an academy elder to intervene at the crucial moment, not the leader of the Greencloud Association, Lin Hua. Their eyes held newfound reverence for Luo Qianqiu, the academy's demon.

In contrast, Qin Wentian stood his ground, concealing a golden short sword within his sleeve. This weapon, the 3rd-level Divine Sword gifted by Ren Qianxing, was his secret weapon.

Did Qin Wentian survive purely by luck today?

If Lin Hua hadn't intervened, it might not have been Qin Wentian facing death on that arena.