Gongyang Hong

Qin Wentian made his way towards the exit with Little Rascal sauntering lazily behind him. As he moved, a cluster of figures encircled him, and among them was Lu Feng, the guest weaponsmith from the Divine Weapon Pavilion. Given his connection to the Divine Weapon Pavilion, Qin Wentian felt a certain affinity with him.

"Senior Lu Feng, do you happen to know who that old man was?" Qin Wentian inquired curiously.

The old man had a remarkably unremarkable appearance, yet he had boldly secured the coveted painting with just a promise. Furthermore, no one had dared to challenge him. This strange turn of events had undoubtedly piqued Qin Wentian's interest.

"Have you heard of the Jun Lin Banquet?" Lu Feng responded with another question.

"Yes, it's a grand banquet held annually at the end of each year in Chu Country," Qin Wentian replied.

"Exactly. In Chu Country, this banquet is an event of paramount importance. It provides a platform to assess the talents of all participating youths. What's more, the champion of this grand event is destined for a bright future, and many champions have chosen to leave Chu Country," Lu Feng explained. "That old man is named Gongyang Hong. Nowadays, the younger generation might not recognize his name. Over thirty years ago, he was the most exceptional talent among the elite. If I recall correctly, Gongyang Hong claimed the title of champion in the Jun Lin Banquet thirty-four years ago."

Qin Wentian's heart raced. The old man had once been a Jun Lin Banquet champion?

"Why does he appear so frail and elderly now?" Qin Wentian asked, perplexed. Cultivators typically exuded vitality, with their life forces brimming, often looking much younger than their actual age. Gongyang Hong should be nearing sixty, but he appeared as though he was in his forties. This stark contrast left Qin Wentian puzzled.

"No one knows for sure," Lu Feng responded. "Gongyang Hong was a legendary figure. The year he emerged as champion, the Nine Mystical Palace tried to recruit him, but he refused." Lu Feng lowered his voice, glancing around cautiously. "Gongyang Hong valued his freedom. After becoming the champion, he vanished from Chu."

"This matter should have concluded at that point. When someone leaves Chu, news about them typically fades away. However, a few years ago, Gongyang Hong suddenly returned to Chu. What's more, he had become an exceptionally skilled top-tier weaponsmith, despite having no experience with Divine Inscriptions during his youth. There have only been three occasions when he collaborated with others to craft weapons, but each time, the final product was a peak-level, 3rd tier divine weapon."

"In those days, it sent shockwaves through the entire realm. Gongyang Hong was a legend, not only for his extraordinary accomplishments in Divine Inscriptions but also for his personal strength, which he never displayed openly, but it was rumored to have reached an unfathomable level," Lu Feng continued, his voice filled with reverence for the enigmatic Gongyang Hong. Qin Wentian was gradually beginning to understand why a promise from this old man held such immense value.

Mu Rou's father had promptly convinced her to accept the offer. In the future, if the Mu Clan ever encountered an issue they couldn't resolve, Gongyang Hong's promise could be their lifeline.

"Wentian, if you have the chance, you should really visit Gongyang Hong and exchange insights on your understanding of Divine Imprints," Lu Feng suggested with a smile, subtly expressing his high regard for Qin Wentian.

"Where does Senior Gongyang reside?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"At the Bamboo Lodge," Lu Feng replied with a laugh. There was only one place in the entire Chu Country named Bamboo Lodge. It was Gongyang Hong's residence, and this was no secret. Those who knew of Gongyang Hong's identity often ventured into the bamboo forest surrounding the lodge in the hopes of meeting him, but only a select few were privileged enough to do so.

"Could you take me there?" Qin Wentian asked, causing Lu Feng to freeze momentarily. "You mean, you want to go there right now?"

"Since I'm planning to pay my respects sooner or later, why not familiarize myself with the path?" Qin Wentian replied with a grin. Lu Feng had no reason to decline this request. As they exited the Royal Academy, Qin Wentian bid farewell to the crowd and left with Lu Feng.

...

Qin Wentian's painting had stirred up a storm not only in the Royal Capital but also in the world of weaponsmiths. Weaponsmiths had always been a sought-after talent in the Royal Capital, and the Royal Academy incident had been closely monitored by many.

No one could have foreseen the surprising turn of events. Once again, Qin Wentian found himself in the spotlight.

Since those days when Qin Wentian stood amidst the falling snow, the major powers had been increasingly curious about him. Now, with the mystifying painting, Qin Wentian had caused a massive uproar, drawing an immense amount of attention from the various major powers. They all launched thorough investigations into Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's background seemed deceptively simple. How had he become a genius in the world of inscriptions? What was his secret?

Mu Clan.

Behind a desk, an old man read through a recently compiled report. "Qin Wentian, the adopted son of Qin Chuan, with unknown origins. Brought to the Qin Clan by a disabled housekeeper as a child. Diagnosed with meridian issues at the age of 6. Engaged to Autumn Snow from the Bai Clan at 13, but the engagement was annulled when he was 16. Started cultivating and condensed a 3rd Heavenly Layer Astral Soul."

The report contained limited details but encapsulated Qin Wentian's entire life, which seemed fairly unremarkable until he entered the Royal Capital.

The old man put down his pen and noticed a servant waiting outside. "What is it?" he inquired.

"Young Miss Mu Rou has returned," the servant respectfully reported.

"Her birthday was yesterday, correct?" the old man asked.

"Yes, that's right," the servant confirmed.

"Prepare a grand celebration," the old man instructed, "Involve the whole clan and make it a warm family gathering."

"Understood," the servant replied before leaving to make the arrangements.

...

In a room at the Ou Clan's residence, a middle-aged man stood before a desk, studying a compiled report. His eyes revealed traces of contemplation.

The report bore the name 'Qin Wentian.' There was a time when he saw no reason to pay attention to this name. Now, however, he wished that the owner of the name had met his end long ago.

This youth from Sky Harmony City, although possessing above-average talent, was considered insignificant by the middle-aged man. He believed that with Orchon and Yanaro in the Emperor Star Academy, they should have had no trouble extinguishing this genius before he matured.

Yet, Qin Wentian had matured far more rapidly than anticipated, swiftly gaining attention and protection from the academy's will.

Now, it wouldn't be so simple to eliminate him.

"What's the success rate if we hire someone to kill him?" the middle-aged man inquired.

"100%," replied a figure behind him, exuding confidence that Qin Wentian would meet his end.

"What are the chances that the Emperor Star Academy would find out if we proceed with the assassination?" the middle-aged man continued.

"If we were to directly assassinate him now, about 90%," the figure replied with unwavering assurance.

"Then, we'll wait until the probability drops to 10% before we proceed. Of course, it would be ideal if we could hire someone else to do it," the middle-aged man instructed. He had no intention of risking his own life with a 90% probability; that would be suicidal.

If it weren't for Qin Wentian's extraordinary rate of growth, he would never have entertained this idea. The Ye Clan should be even more desperate than him.

"Yes," the figure behind him replied.

"If we use others as instruments, this matter will have no connection to my Ou Clan whatsoever. Not a shred of suspicion will fall on us," the middle-aged man mused.

No one dared to test the limits of the Emperor Star Academy's power or challenge its authority. Even the Royal Clan had to tread carefully and show respect. The Ou Clan was in no position to act recklessly.

However, the middle-aged man had full confidence that the figure behind him would execute the task flawlessly. This mysterious figure had never failed in any mission over the years, always delivering outstanding results.

"The date of the Jun Lin Banquet is approaching. Let's hope that Orchon can achieve something remarkable for the Ou Clan," he added.