Scenery of snow

The news echoing from the Divine Weapon Pavilion sent shockwaves rippling through the entire Royal Capital. Most cultivators were engrossed in their relentless pursuits of breakthroughs and self-improvement. The intricacies of Divine Imprints and their inscription processes often seemed like a distant, unattainable realm, reserved for the seasoned and elderly grandmaster weaponsmiths.

Even those fortunate enough to possess Forging-type Astral Souls, which inherently granted them an edge in comprehending Divine Imprints, would typically require decades of relentless study to inscribe a mere 3rd level Divine Imprint. So, when word of a grandmaster weaponsmith, barely in their twenties, capable of such a feat surfaced, it was nothing short of astonishing.

This revelation held profound significance within the world of weaponsmiths, casting the Chu Country into the global spotlight. Crafting a 3rd level Divine Weapon demanded masterful expertise, extensive experience, and access to rare, precious materials for the weapon's foundation.

The scarcity of 3rd level weaponsmiths was largely attributed to the sheer rarity of those who could inscribe 3rd level Divine Imprints. These imprints were the culmination of the weapon-forging process, the most crucial step in crafting a Divine Weapon.

As influential factions commenced their relentless investigations to unveil the identity of this young genius grandmaster, the Divine Weapon Pavilion went to great lengths to safeguard this information. The initial leak, which spread like wildfire, was accidentally disclosed by a weaponsmith apprentice, leading to the apprentice's seclusion in a secure location within the Pavilion.

Qin Wentian found himself under strict guard, and Yang Cheng, in particular, never seemed to leave his side. The relentless propositions and offers never ceased.

"Grandmaster Qin, should you decide to join the Divine Weapon Pavilion, we shall ensure you receive an abundance of Yuan Meteor Stones for your cultivation," Yang Cheng ardently proposed. The discovery of Qin Wentian's ability to inscribe 3rd level Divine Imprints had left him resolute in his pursuit. He hadn't left Qin Wentian's vicinity since.

A seventeen-year-old with the prowess to inscribe 3rd level Divine Imprints? Such a phenomenon had never graced the history of the Chu Country. Yang Cheng was acutely aware of the unique opportunity that stood before him.

"I have no need for Yuan Meteor Stones at this moment," Qin Wentian replied. "What I currently lack isn't tied to Yuan Meteor Stones."

"I understand," Yang Cheng said with a sly smile. "You mean beautiful women, don't you? Rest assured, Grandmaster Qin, I'll do my utmost to fulfill your desires."

Following this, Yang Chen even winked at Qin Wentian with a lewd grin, prompting an exasperated look to spread across Qin Wentian's face.

"Mr. Yang, you can just call me Wentian," Qin Wentian said, offering a somewhat pained smile. The title "Grandmaster Qin" felt somewhat overblown.

"Yang Chen, how's your chat with Grandmaster Qin?" A melodious voice interjected, drawing their attention. Yang Chen's expression turned serious at the sound. He glanced at Qin Wentian before saying, "Grandmaster Qin, the vice pavilion master of the Divine Weapon Pavilion wishes to meet you in person."

Qin Wentian was equally taken aback. The Divine Weapon Pavilion held immense prestige, so the vice pavilion master must be an extraordinary figure.

In no time, a captivating lady entered the room. She appeared to be around 25 years old, her features exquisitely delicate and her skin as fair as milk. Her figure exuded an enchanting allure, enough to make hearts flutter.

"What a handsome young man," she exclaimed, shortening the gap between them with her warm demeanor. "You can call me Sister Yan if you don't mind."

"Sister Yan," Qin Wentian replied, returning her smile.

"Yang Cheng is a bit crude in receiving guests, but please don't hold it against him," she continued. "I'm here to inform you that you're welcome to utilize all of the Divine Weapon Pavilion's resources for cultivation, including cultivation arts, innate techniques, and even high-level Divine Imprints. We'll also provide you with all the Yuan Meteor Stones you need for cultivation. Furthermore, we're opening our vault of secrets to you, and if you ever require assistance, the Divine Weapon Pavilion will dispatch Yuanfu Realm cultivators to aid you."

An Liuyan's smile radiated warmth as she spoke, leaving Yang Chen and Francis speechless. The terms of this arrangement were...

"What do I need to do?" Qin Wentian knew that nothing in life came without a price.

"We have no demands of you," An Liuyan replied with a blossoming smile. She handed Qin Wentian a medallion. "This medallion bestows upon you the authority and benefits of a vice pavilion master, just like me."

Qin Wentian hesitated to take it, but An Liuyan walked up, gently lifted his hand, and pressed the medallion into his palm.

"Young fellow, let's see if you can swallow this 'free lunch' with a straight face," she teased, her beautiful eyes sparkling with mischief. She laughed and departed, leaving Qin Wentian dumbfounded.

Though the Divine Weapon Pavilion had no demands, as An Liuyan had stated, could he truly accept this "free lunch"?

The Divine Weapon Pavilion's decision was made after a thorough analysis of Qin Wentian's background, personality, and experiences. They spared no expense to decisively recruit him.

"Brother Wentian, don't hesitate to seek me out if you need anything in the future," Yang Chen said with a deep glance at Qin Wentian, clearly impressed by the vice pavilion master's charms. Her approach left no room for refusal.

"Damn, it looks like I've walked straight into their trap," Qin Wentian muttered to himself after Yang Chen left. Only now did he realize that from the moment An Liuyan entered the room, he had hardly spoken a word, let alone declined their offers. Everything had unfolded so smoothly.

While the terms offered to him were nothing short of ideal, Qin Wentian couldn't help but appreciate her rather persuasive technique.

"I'm going for a walk outside," Qin Wentian informed Francis before stepping out. The sky still held a blanket of snowflakes drifting gently down. He raised his head, gazing at the skies and wondering when this wintry snowfall would cease.

Over the past few days, Qin Wentian had been feeling a tremendous amount of tension, so he decided it was time to take a walk and unwind.

His footsteps led him to the main hall of the Divine Weapon Pavilion. Despite the snowfall outside, it was comfortably warm within the hall. He glanced around, observing many individuals selecting Divine Weapons that suited them.

As he entered the main hall, his eyes inadvertently landed on someone familiar, someone he hadn't seen in a long while.

Star River Association's Grandmaster Murin.

A cultivator's senses were naturally sharp, and Murin sensed someone watching him. As he turned his head and locked eyes with Qin Wentian, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, swiftly replaced by a disdainful smile.

"I heard you instructed Gretchen to give me a warning. And I've heard about the commotions you've caused in the academy. Your luck seems to be holding, appearing in front of me, alive and well," Murin sneered. His expression mirrored the one in Sky Harmony City: venomous, ruthless, with arrogance running deep in his veins. Back then, before Qin Wentian agreed to be his disciple, Murin had schemed and plotted, enticing members of the Qin Clan to seek refuge with the Star River Association, many of whom lost their lives as a result.

From the very beginning, Murin had never regarded the Qin Clan as people, but rather as tools to exploit at his whim.

In the past, Qin Wentian would've likely erupted in anger, but now, although smoldering embers of rage flickered within him, his outward demeanor remained calm and unruffled, as though Murin's words couldn't touch him.

"I've heard that Grandmaster Murin is a weaponsmith from the Star River Association. What brings you here? Don't tell me you're shopping for Divine Weapons?"

Murin sarcastically replied, "When did you ever have the right to pry into my affairs?" He certainly wasn't here to purchase Divine Weapons. His visit aimed to glean any information regarding the genius grandmaster who could inscribe 3rd level Divine Imprints.

Back then, Qin Wentian could already inscribe simple 2nd level Divine Imprints, but Murin didn't dare to conflate Qin Wentian with the person he was trying to investigate.

After all, less than a year had passed. As a weaponsmith, he understood how difficult it was to break through in comprehending Divine Imprints. Even he had remained stuck at the level of a 2nd level weaponsmith for a long time, with no hope in sight for a breakthrough in understanding 3rd level Divine Imprints.

"Regarding Grandmaster Murin," Qin Wentian began, his voice steady, "to be frank, I couldn't care less about his matters either. I simply hope that Grandmaster Murin remembers the despicable act he committed in Sky Harmony City. Revenge will come for you, sooner or later."

A sardonic smile curled on Qin Wentian's lips, and Murin responded with a cold snort. "Let's hope you live long enough to see that day."

With that, Murin flicked his sleeves and departed. He openly proclaimed his status as a Star River Association weaponsmith, but he couldn't bear to continue the argument with a junior of the younger generation. So, he chose to leave.

"What a killjoy," Qin Wentian muttered as he, too, exited the Divine Weapon Pavilion, leisurely strolling while enjoying the falling snow.

As he wandered without direction, Qin Wentian suddenly noticed a small, white figure darting through the snow towards him. As it neared, the little creature transformed into a blur of shadows, leaping into Qin Wentian's arms.

"Little Rascal," Qin Wentian exclaimed, taken aback, before hugging the small creature. A joyful smile spread across his face. "What are you doing here, little fellow?"

Shortly after, Qin Wentian lifted his gaze and spotted an elegant figure approaching. She stopped in front of him.

Under the falling snow, she wore clothing as pure and white as the snow itself, accentuating her perfect figure. Her face was a masterpiece, capable of toppling empires.

Mo Qingcheng halted in front of Qin Wentian and lowered her head, offering a shy smile.

Then, she raised her head, revealing her exquisite features once more. "Let's introduce ourselves again. I'm Mo Qingcheng."

"I'm Qin Wentian."

Qin Wentian smiled gently as he admired Mo Qingcheng's beauty. "Thank you for saving me outside Sky Harmony City."

"Don't mention it. It was this adorable fellow that brought me here," Mo Qingcheng replied, smiling. "Shall we sit over there?"

"Sure," Qin Wentian agreed. The two of them walked to the front of an ancient tree. Qin Wentian laid down his beast-skin outer clothing, using it as a makeshift carpet for them to sit on, their backs against the tree.

Mo Qingcheng glanced at Qin Wentian but didn't know what to say. She extended her hand, allowing snowflakes to fall and accumulate in her palm. With a light smile, she remarked, "The snow is so beautiful."

"Yes," Qin Wentian nodded, enjoying the enchanting sight of falling snow in silence.

Little Rascal lay on the ground between them, appearing as if it were asleep. A handsome young man and a beautiful young woman admiring the snow together created a picturesque scene that drew exclamations of admiration from passersby.

This tranquil moment persisted for a while before Mo Qingcheng turned her head to look at Qin Wentian. Qin Wentian also turned to gaze at her, captivated by her enchanting beauty.

"You're quite dense, you know?" Mo Qingcheng smiled, then stood up and walked away. Her graceful figure gradually vanished in the falling snow.

"Dense?" Qin Wentian was bewildered.

"Am I dense?" Qin Wentian asked himself while looking at Little Rascal, who had leaped back into his arms. Little Rascal nodded in agreement, leaving Qin Wentian with a face full of frustration. This Little Rascal was truly mischievous!