A Promise

As the crowd watched Qin Wentian hand the painting to Mu Rou, silent sighs filled their hearts. This guy was actually willing to give such a valuable painting as a gift. Envy brewed among them, and they couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Mu Rou.

This act undeniably proved the authenticity of his earlier claims. He had indeed created this Divine Inscription painting. Why else would he part with it as a present?

"A fine young lady from the Mu Clan," an elderly figure remarked, eliciting a slight tremor in Mu Rou's heart. She recognized the immense prestige this person held in the Royal Capital.

Others who had come today also had notable backgrounds. Several 3rd level Divine Inscriptionists were among the crowd.

"Mu Rou, why not consider selling this painting to me?" the ordinary-looking old man in simple robes spoke again, his voice soft but possessing a compelling quality that silenced the hall.

Mu Rou glanced at the old man and, taking note of how the surrounding weaponsmiths treated him with respect, deduced that he not only had a distinguished background but also commanded immense respect. She glanced at Qin Wentian, seeking his guidance.

"Dear, you should understand the implications of keeping this painting," the old man continued. "Even the Elders from your academy are driven by greed, let alone others. If you retain possession of this painting, it will only bring you endless trouble."

Although his words were blunt, Mu Rou knew there was truth in them. The Elder from the Royal Academy had a bitter expression on his face. Today, he had completely lost face.

Mu Rou fell silent, torn by the decision. This painting was a birthday gift from Qin Wentian. It wouldn't be right to exchange it for wealth. However, keeping it was also not an option, as her clan would undoubtedly demand that she surrender it. In that case, how could she disobey?

In response to Mu Rou's unspoken query, Qin Wentian nodded slightly.

Qin Wentian had experienced the depths of human treachery, and he knew that keeping the painting in Mu Rou's possession now that it had caused such a commotion was a potential disaster.

Mu Rou grasped Qin Wentian's intent and asked, "What would you offer in exchange if I decide to sell it?"

The old man pondered for a moment before replying, "A promise from me. I will undertake any task you ask of me, no matter what it is."

If these words had come from anyone else, the crowd might have scoffed in disbelief. But when this old man uttered them, the gallery fell into silence. Those who recognized the old man's identity trembled involuntarily.

Sometimes, even wealth couldn't secure a promise, especially a promise from this old man.

No one in the gallery dared to compete with him for the painting at this moment.

Mu Rou hesitated, but a voice from behind her urged, "Mu Rou, agree to his terms."

She turned to see her father standing beside her, and her shock was evident. "Father."

He nodded solemnly. "Agree to him."

"Alright." Mu Rou shifted her gaze back to the old man. "Senior, I agree."

The old man nodded and said, "Your clan members should know where to find me."

Mu Rou approached and handed the painting to the old man. After receiving it, he glanced at Qin Wentian with a smile.

"The younger generation is truly remarkable. Keep working hard, young one. Your future is limitless. Whenever you have the time, feel free to seek me out for a chat."

With those parting words, the old man departed, causing a commotion among the remaining crowd.

His words were a mix of praise for Qin Wentian and an open invitation for him to visit. The spectators understood the significance. Even among the crowd, there were 3rd level Divine Inscriptionists who would never have the chance to meet the old man, no matter how they begged.

But before leaving, the old man had casually invited Qin Wentian for a chat if he ever had time.

The audience was in shock, and many felt a sense of pity. They knew they'd never get to see that extraordinary creation again unless Qin Wentian could reproduce it.

Mu Rou's father turned to her, saying, "You've been through a lot during this period. Come back home with me, alright?"

Mu Rou hesitated, feeling a twinge of reluctance.

"Don't worry. The clan will make up for all the cultivation resources they withheld from you," her father reassured her with a gentle smile. Mu Rou was taken aback. Was this all because of the promise the old man had made? If that was the case, it was all thanks to Qin Wentian.

"Alright," Mu Rou said, looking at Qin Wentian. "I'll head back first."

Qin Wentian smiled in response.

Mu Rou's father nodded at Qin Wentian before leaving the hall with his daughter.

With Mu Rou gone, Qin Wentian felt it was time for him to leave as well. The atmosphere in the hall was no longer welcoming.

Before departing, he turned his gaze back to the Elder who had insulted him earlier. Calmly, he asked, "I have a question for you. Are all the Elders in the Royal Academy as shameless as you?"

Qin Wentian's parting words were a direct response to the Elder's earlier humiliation. He was essentially asking if all the students at the Emperor Star Academy were as shameless as him.

These words were a loud slap in the face for that Elder. When Qin Wentian had initially claimed the Divine Inscription painting as his own, many had tried to discredit him, ridiculing and humiliating him.

The best way to respond to such people was to show them reality.

As Qin Wentian walked toward the exit, the crowd automatically made way for him. Many individuals with high social standing started to surround him, eager for a chance to chat.

Among them were several weaponsmiths who had been struggling to comprehend Divine Imprints. Establishing a friendship and having future interactions with the young man who had created the miraculous Divine Inscription would undoubtedly be invaluable to them.

The "clown" from earlier had suddenly gained significant status. Even without his inscription talent, his cultivation potential alone would command respect.

Ye Zhan and Liu Yan stood side by side, silently watching Qin Wentian as he passed by.

Qin Wentian was engaged in lively conversations with those around him, wearing a constant smile. He didn't even spare a glance in their direction. Perhaps, they no longer held the prestige to capture Qin Wentian's attention. The arrogance that Ye Zhan had displayed upon his arrival had now been thoroughly shattered.

Liu Yan, in particular, stood with her head bowed, afraid to utter a word. It was possible that they hailed from entirely different worlds.

Ye Zhan's face was a turbulent mix of anger and regret. Qin Wentian had never interacted with him before and had never belittled him. Yet, due to his own pride, Ye Zhan had chosen to confront him.

But what value did Ye Zhan truly possess? In the Ye Clan, there were countless youths far more talented than him. If it weren't for the support of his clan, he would be deemed utterly insignificant. Simply in terms of hard work and innate talent, Qin Wentian had left Ye Zhan far behind.

This comparison was like a dagger stabbing deeply into Ye Zhan's heart. However, he forcefully suppressed the feelings of self-pity that threatened to overwhelm him.

In truth, Qin Wentian had never deemed it necessary to compare himself to Ye Zhan because, in his eyes, Ye Zhan was an inconsequential figure.

Murin and Gretchen experienced similar feelings.

Gretchen had once held nothing but disdain for Qin Wentian. But today, she realized that the talent she had so arrogantly flaunted was nothing but trash in his presence. Whether in combat prowess or his ability to comprehend inscriptions, Qin Wentian effortlessly outshone her.

The representatives from the Sky Transport Network silently left the scene, and Xue Yuan stood there in silence, too afraid to utter a word.

The Elder from the Royal Academy shot a furious glare at Xue Yuan as he scolded, "Look at the mess you've created."

In this moment, the Elder wanted nothing more than to unleash his humiliation and rage upon Xue Yuan.

Xue Yuan lowered her head in silence. While she had made mistakes, the Elder had no right to berate her like this.

She had lent the painting to him under the authority of his position as an Elder. How could she have possibly refused? The subsequent events were a result of his arrogance and his unilateral decisions. They had nothing to do with her. Mu Rou might have the right to criticize her, but this Elder did not.

Yet, in this world, logic didn't always prevail. Faced with the Elder's harsh reprimands, Xue Yuan, an ordinary student of the Royal Academy, could only endure in silence. Was this not a form of tragedy as well?