Luo Qianqiu’s Background

Qin Wentian stood up, his gaze fixed intently on Mustang. Even Fan Le, known for his carefree demeanor, was paying rapt attention. In a society driven by cultivation, the world was far more complex than they had imagined. Their past experiences were just the tip of a colossal iceberg.

In this moment, Mustang clearly aimed to broaden their horizons and expand their understanding.

Mustang waved his hand, conjuring a massive circle on the ground. With precision, he placed a small stone inside the circle.

"This stone represents Chu Country," Mustang explained. Qin Wentian and Fan Le's eyes narrowed. If that tiny stone symbolized Chu Country, then what did the colossal circle represent?

"Here is Snowcloud Country, Yan Country, Ice Country..." Mustang placed several more small stones within the circle. Even with these additions, the stones took up only a fraction of the space.

Mustang then drew small circles around each stone, connecting them. While this network seemed substantial, it still appeared minuscule in comparison to the massive circle.

Finally, Mustang placed a slightly larger stone inside the circle.

"Chu Country is just one of over ten nations, but they all answer to this larger stone—the Nine Mystical Palace," Mustang declared calmly, yet his words sent shivers through Qin Wentian and Fan Le.

The Nine Mystical Palace was supposed to be a sect, but it wielded control over more than ten nations.

"A mere decree from the Nine Mystical Palace can make Chu Country the ruler of the others," Mustang continued, "but conversely, their word can also spell the destruction of Chu Country. Despite their immense influence, as a transcendent power, the Nine Mystical Palace usually refrains from meddling too deeply in the internal affairs of each nation. Occasionally, they scout talented individuals from these countries, luring them into becoming disciples of the Nine Mystical Palace."

Mustang dropped a bombshell, saying, "Luo Qianqiu hails from there."

Qin Wentian's fists clenched tightly, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. So this was the reason behind Luo Qianqiu's unrivaled status in Chu Country. He was a scion of the Nine Mystical Palace.

In addition, he had a growing suspicion that the Emperor Star Academy held some reservations about Luo Qianqiu.

Now, Qin Wentian understood why Mustang had urged him to make amends with Luo Qianqiu over the Blood Ember Fruits.

"Luo Qianqiu's father was once a student of the Emperor Star Academy. His talent was extraordinary, earning him the academy's recognition. Old man Ren even took him under his wing, nurturing him with great care."

Mustang continued, "But, in the end, his father joined the Nine Mystical Palace. The Emperor Star Academy, of course, doesn't hinder students from climbing to greater heights. On the contrary, they would feel proud. However, Luo Qianqiu's father harbored deep envy for the treasures in the Heavenly Star Pavilion. Unable to meet the requirements through his own abilities, he resorted to theft, taking a valuable item and presenting it to the Nine Mystical Palace. This act nearly caused a catastrophe for the Emperor Star Academy."

Both Qin Wentian and Fan Le were taken aback. The history behind the facts they thought they knew was far more intricate than they had ever imagined.

Fan Le asked, "If Luo Qianqiu's father had the Nine Mystical Palace's backing, why didn't something happen to the Emperor Star Academy in the end?"

Mustang explained, "The Emperor Star Academy has nurtured countless talented students, not all of whom are like Luo Qianqiu's father. Some have made a name for themselves and achieved remarkable feats beyond the reach of the Nine Mystical Palace and its controlled territories." Mustang gestured beyond the boundaries of the Nine Mystical Palace and the ten-plus nations under its influence. "One individual, upon learning of the situation, directly pressured the Nine Mystical Palace. This person was someone even the Nine Mystical Palace had reason to fear. In the end, the issue was resolved without bloodshed."

Hearing this, Qin Wentian felt a surge of gratitude. Over the academy's several thousand-year history, there were graduates who never forgot the place that had nurtured their talents.

"In the vicinity of the Nine Mystical Palace's control, there are several other countries backed by powers of similar magnitude. Examples include Misty Peak and Sunset Mountains. Each of these formidable entities governs a region encompassing more than ten nations." Mustang sketched out several circles, each of them as large as the Nine Mystical Palace's, and quickly, a significant portion of the map was covered by these imposing symbols.

As they gazed at the intricate web of power, Qin Wentian and Fan Le realized that the world was far more complex and perilous than they had ever imagined.

Qin Wentian and Fan Le found Mustang's explanation remarkably straightforward, making it crystal clear that, amidst these colossal powers, Chu Country was but a tiny pebble. Despite this, they persevered on their paths within the confines of this small pebble called Chu Country.

"Since the Nine Mystical Palace doesn't meddle in Chu Country's governance, how can they effortlessly control over ten nations and, with a single command, raise up or obliterate a kingdom?" Mustang inquired, scrutinizing Qin Wentian and Fan Le.

"It's because of their strength," Qin Wentian replied.

"Exactly," Mustang concurred. "If a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign were to emerge within Chu Country, how could the nation's laws ever bind them? Furthermore, the Nine Mystical Palace boasts several cultivators at the Sovereign level. We've also received news that Luo Qianqiu's father is attempting a breakthrough, although we're unsure if he succeeded or failed."

Mustang's words shed light on the significant position Luo Qianqiu held within the Emperor Star Academy. Undoubtedly, the academy's higher-ups had initially hesitated to accept Luo Qianqiu due to his background but were ultimately left with no choice but to do so.

"I have one more question," Qin Wentian respectfully interjected.

"Please, go ahead," Mustang nodded.

"Considering Chu Tianjiao's exceptional talent, shouldn't his future extend beyond Chu Country?" Qin Wentian asked pointedly. With such talent, Chu Tianjiao would undoubtedly be a favored candidate for the Nine Mystical Palace. In that case, why was he still vying for the throne? Regardless of which nation's throne he aimed for, he would need formidable power to secure it. Strength was paramount.

Mustang, recognizing the intent behind Qin Wentian's question, responded with a smile. "Wentian, cultivation demands an immense amount of resources. If Chu Tianjiao ascended to the throne, where do you think Chu Country's resources would flow?"

Qin Wentian appeared to be pondering the question rather slowly, but then enlightenment dawned in his eyes. Mustang continued, "An Emperor doesn't need to remain confined within their country. They can appoint a few groups, such as the Ye Clan, to govern the nation on their behalf while focusing on their cultivation."

"Enough of that for now," Mustang interrupted himself. "Let's get to the main purpose of our meeting today." He regarded Qin Wentian with admiration. "I initially planned to discuss this with you next year, but your rapid growth has convinced me to share it with you now."

Qin Wentian's curiosity piqued. What exactly did Mustang want to discuss with him?

Mustang began to explain the significance of the Jun Lin Banquet, and Qin Wentian's anticipation grew. This was undoubtedly the banquet Luo Qianqiu had mentioned, the Jun Lin Banquet. Jun, meaning Emperor, signified that the Emperor of Chu would attend. Lin, Lead, meant that the victor of the competition held at the banquet would potentially lead the world in the future.

Listening intently, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel his heart quicken.

"The Jun Lin Banquet is no ordinary gathering," Mustang continued. "It takes place where the Chu Dynasty was originally founded, inviting the young elites from all nations under one roof. There, talented youths below the Yuanfu Realm spar and exchange pointers. Those who excel become the talk of the Chu Dynasty, bringing glory to Chu Country."

"The top nine participants receive favor from their respective countries. Elite talents from other nations also regard this event with great importance. Furthermore, the Jun Lin Banquet is a platform for the Nine Mystical Palace to select their disciples."

"In addition, those in the top nine not only receive great rewards from Chu Country but also their respective academies. However, to be eligible for Emperor Star Academy's reward, a student must secure the top spot. Do you know what the Emperor Star Academy's reward is? It grants access to the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion."

"The 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion?" Qin Wentian was frozen, intrigued about the mysteries hidden in the higher levels.

Everyone at the Emperor Star Academy knew that the 6th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion contained peak Yuanfu Realm cultivation arts and top-tier, earth-grade innate techniques. But what secrets lay beyond the 6th level, in the 7th, 8th, and 9th?

"That's correct, the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. The banquet offers the quickest path to entry. Other methods are far too time-consuming or involve astronomical efforts. Luo Qianqiu has no other way to access it, making the Jun Lin Banquet his sole opportunity. He must secure the top spot among all the elites. Then, like his father, he can enter the 7th level."

"The 7th level serves as a gateway to the 8th and 9th levels, although what lies within them remains a mystery even to me. I do know that Luo Qianqiu's father ranked first in the Jun Lin Banquet and was chosen by the Nine Mystical Palace. After entering the 7th level, he couldn't pass the test for the 8th level through his own abilities, instead relying on something granted by the Nine Mystical Palace to force his way in. Could the Emperor Star Academy tolerate such blatant treachery?"

Mustang's revelations painted a vivid picture of the complex history involving Luo Qianqiu's father and the academy.

"The appearance of Luo Qianqiu at the Emperor Star Academy represents the ongoing contest between him and the academy. The academy doesn't want Luo Qianqiu to win the banquet, but now that he has reached the 8th level of Arterial Circulation, he has a legitimate chance at the top spot. Even if he fails, there's always next year's Jun Lin Banquet, by which time he'll be at the peak of Arterial Circulation. Who can stop him then?"

Mustang shifted his gaze to Qin Wentian and continued, "Now that you've gained recognition from the Emperor Star Academy, the academy's top brass hopes you can snatch the top rank in next year's Jun Lin Banquet, thwarting Luo Qianqiu's plans."

"Next year? What if Luo Qianqiu secures the top rank this year?" Qin Wentian asked. "Are you saying the academy will truly allow him access to the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion?"

"If that happens, it means the Emperor Star Academy has indeed lost," Mustang replied, looking at the falling snowflakes. "Since we would have lost the contest, there's no choice but to accept it. Every year at the grand banquet, numerous exceptional talents from around the world gather. Among them, quite a few have already reached the peak of Arterial Circulation. Our only hope is that one of them can defeat Luo Qianqiu."

Mustang couldn't dare to imagine that Qin Wentian would be able to outshine Luo Qianqiu this year. After all, the grand banquet was just two months away. For Qin Wentian, this event should be viewed as an opportunity to temper himself and increase his strength.