The silhouette that lighted up the starry skies

The silhouette that lighted up the starry skies

Qin Wentian stood his ground on the platform, showing no intention of leaving. On the platform directly opposite him, Sikong Mingyue stood, his gaze fixed squarely on Qin Wentian.

While Sikong Mingyue didn't utter a word, the palpable killing intent he exuded sent a clear message. His intentions were crystal clear without the need for words.

"Where are Qin Zhi and Qin Shang?" Qin Wentian inquired, his eyes locked onto Sikong Mingyue. Given that Sikong Mingyue had singled him out so deliberately after just a casual comment from Xiao Lǜ, it indicated a close relationship between them. In that case, Sikong Mingyue should also have knowledge of Qin Zhi and Qin Shang.

"Qin Zhi, Qin Shang," Sikong Mingyue replied after a moment of contemplation. "Once they heard about their father being besieged, they most likely rushed to the front lines. Regardless, they are merely relatives of a candidate for the Crown Prince's consort. Snowcloud Country wouldn't bother with such minor figures."

Sikong Mingyue clearly held no regard for Qin Shang and Qin Zhi. To him and to Snowcloud, these two were of no significance.

"Allow me to correct you," Qin Wentian retorted sharply, challenging Sikong Mingyue's assertion. "My sister, Qin Yao, has no ties to Snowcloud's crown prince. Furthermore, she has no intention of returning there."

"Everyone in Snowcloud already knows that she's one of the candidates to be selected as the Crown Prince's consort. So, no matter where she is, she must return to Snowcloud. Otherwise, how could Snowcloud save face?" Sikong Mingyue responded, his back now facing Qin Wentian.

"You should worry about yourself," he continued. "For the battle tomorrow, if Qin Yao apologizes to the Crown Prince, I might still show mercy." Sikong Mingyue's words referred to the issue of Qin Yao's presence in Chu, her reluctance to return to Snowcloud.

"Truly arrogant," muttered Qin Wentian as he watched Sikong Mingyue's departing figure. He couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. Xiao Lǜ had used Qin Yao to make some clandestine deals with Chu Tianjiao, and now Sikong Mingyue had the audacity to shift the blame onto Qin Yao for not returning to Snowcloud?

Sikong Mingyue's motives were transparent. He wanted Qin Yao back in Snowcloud to save Xiao Lǜ's face. After all, Qin Yao's presence in Chu had become a thorn in Snowcloud's side. But if, back then, Chu Tianjiao had succeeded in making Qin Yao a sacrifice, Snowcloud would probably have reacted differently.

"This opponent is truly formidable. If you can't handle him, consider giving up on contending for the top three positions," advised Luo Huan in a hushed voice. She had faced Sikong Mingyue in battle before and knew firsthand how overwhelming his attacks could be.

"Give up?" Qin Wentian cast his gaze into the distance. He had already reached the grandest stage in Chu; giving up wasn't an option.

Raising his head, he scanned the spectators' stands and recognized many familiar faces in the crowd.

Mo Qingcheng sat in the Mo Clan's designated area, her face radiant with a supportive smile. She clenched her dainty fist and pumped it in the air, signaling her unwavering support for Qin Wentian.

In the Divine Weapon Pavilion's seating area, An Liuyan, Yang Chen, and Francis nodded their heads, indicating their solidarity.

In the Emperor Star Academy's section, Mustang wore a wide grin, clearly proud of his protege. Qin Wentian also noticed a figure with a conical bamboo hat sitting behind Mustang. He knew this person was none other than Ren Qianxing.

The anticipation in the gazes of those who looked at him was palpable. They awaited Qin Wentian's moment of glory in the final round of the Jun Lin Banquet.

Though Luo Qianqiu was also an Emperor Star Academy student, he wasn't the academy's true representative. The academy had attempted to obstruct his path. The genuine representative of the Emperor Star Academy was Qin Wentian, while Luo Qianqiu stood for the Nine Mystical Palace.

Orchon, although a student at the Emperor Star Academy, was more often seen as representing the noble Ou Clan due to his high birth. Among the contestants, only Luo Huan and Qin Wentian could be considered the 'pure' representatives of the academy. As a result, the Emperor Star Academy was eager to witness their outstanding performances.

Seeing that the spectators from the Emperor Star Academy had yet to leave, Qin Wentian walked over to them.

"What's on your mind?" Mustang greeted Qin Wentian with a smile.

"Teacher, I wish to go to the Astral River Hall, but I lack the necessary authority to enter," Qin Wentian explained.

"I'll take you there," Ren Qianxing, wearing his conical bamboo hat, chimed in from behind Mustang. He opened a backdoor for Qin Wentian.

"Thank you," Qin Wentian expressed his gratitude with a nod and a smile as he left with Ren Qianxing, heading back to the Emperor Star Academy.

Today, the gambling establishment known as Heaven's Wonder had gone into a frenzy. Every branch, especially Drunken Wonder, was inundated with crowds of people. It was so crowded that no one could even get in.

The groupings for the third round had already been determined, and the odds for the nine battles had been calculated.

In the first group were Luo Qianqiu, 2nd Sword, and Luo Huan. The one who received the most recognition was undoubtedly Luo Qianqiu, followed by 2nd Sword and then Luo Huan.

The second group consisted of Sikong Mingyue, Qin Wentian, and Chu Chen. Sikong Mingyue naturally garnered the most recognition, while Qin Wentian and Chu Chen had equal odds. This meant that for the battle between Qin Wentian and Chu Chen, regardless of the winner, the payout rate would remain at 1:2. Gamblers would have to rely on their judgment.

The last group included Orchon, Gu Xing, and Hou Tie. Orchon was the most recognized, followed by Gu Xing, and finally, Hou Tie.

Comparing the three groups, the contestants with the highest recognition were Luo Qianqiu, Sikong Mingyue, and Orchon. Consequently, the payout rates for these three contestants, should they secure the top three positions, were the lowest.

The payout rate for Qin Wentian obtaining the top ranking remained unchanged at 1:400. However, there were some adjustments for Qin Wentian obtaining a position in the top three, which was now lowered to 1:80. This indicated that some gamblers were beginning to trust Qin Wentian's abilities.

Slaying his way into the top three positions was a daunting task for Qin Wentian. His first challenge was to defeat Sikong Mingyue, or alternatively, secure the 4th or 7th position and then climb his way up the rankings. However, the odds were stacked against him, making this task almost impossible.

The grounds of the Emperor Star Academy remained relatively empty, as the academy's students held a particular fascination with the Jun Lin Banquet. After all, the contestants in the banquet often hailed from their own academy, and every student dreamed of one day standing on that stage, their name echoing through the halls of Chu.

In the 5th Level of the Astral River Hall, Qin Wentian sat cross-legged. This time, he didn't linger on the lower levels; instead, he surged through the restrictions and reached the 5th level in one continuous ascent.

Looking up at the stunning starlit skies above, he observed the intricate interweaving of runic lines. They coalesced into a fearsome barrage of fist lights, creating a multitude of fist shadows that rocketed towards his consciousness.

Boom! The impact sent shockwaves reverberating through his mind, but Qin Wentian stood firm as a boulder despite the relentless onslaught.

Even on the 5th level, he possessed the sensory acuity to discern the intricate patterns of the runic lines. Many other cultivators wouldn't even perceive the complexities of this level and would merely endure the pressure blindly. His exceptional sensory abilities and immense affinity granted him this unique advantage.

As he continued enduring the astral pressure, he gradually grew accustomed to its depth and intensity. Rather than rushing to break through the 5th level's restrictions, he remembered the overwhelming astral pressure he had sensed on the 6th level.

The skies darkened, and the 5th level of the Astral River Hall shone brightly, its radiance like a beacon in the night. However, except for the elderly guardian, no one else was near the Astral River Hall. Thus, no one noticed the second starlit sky's brilliance.

As night deepened, the academy seemed to exude an air of solitude. In this quiet moment, a returning female student lay on the ground, her gaze fixed on the beautiful starry sky, a gentle smile on her face.

The female student had heard rumors about the four academy participants in the Jun Lin Banquet. Their brilliance was undeniable. When would it be her turn to shine so brightly?

Suddenly, a brilliant, blinding light burst forth, leaving the female student utterly flabbergasted. It was as though a second starlit sky had appeared on the dome of heaven, casting a radiant glow over the Emperor Star Academy's darkness.

Startled, she jumped to her feet and directed her gaze towards the source of the light. There, in a particular direction, a dazzling radiance exploded forth, rivalling the brilliance of the constellations in the night sky.

"It's the Astral River Hall. That same radiant flash from the other day," she murmured to herself.

Trembling with excitement, she hurried towards the Astral River Hall. Upon arrival, her heart raced as she witnessed the source of the light—it was the 6th level.

Someone had actually stepped onto the 6th level! But who could it be among the illustrious seniors and elders of the Emperor Star Academy?

She had heard the legends before. To reach the 6th level meant having a chance to form innate connections with constellations from the 6th Heavenly Layer and condense an Astral Soul from there. Even Heavenly Dipper Level sovereigns could typically only condense an Astral Soul from the 4th Heavenly Layer. What level of sensory abilities and affinity would be required to condense an Astral Soul from the 6th Heavenly Layer?

Moreover, a tremendous sensory ability would merely allow one to sense the Astral River of the 6th Heavenly Layer, but the astral pressure there could easily shatter a person's will and consciousness.

The brilliance in the Emperor Star Academy's night sky continued for a significant duration. The students who remained in the academy were abuzz with speculation. Which powerful senior possessed such monstrous affinity? Were their sensory abilities truly this astonishing?

As the night grew darker, the radiant glow persisted. Seated in a remote corner, far from the Astral River Hall, the female student closed her eyes, appearing as if she were taking a peaceful nap.

As the female student lay there, she suddenly sensed a gentle stir in the surroundings. Opening her eyes, she was met with the sight of a young man emerging from the Astral River Hall. Their gazes locked for a moment, and then he turned and walked away.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, and she couldn't help but gasp in amazement. Quickly covering her mouth with her hands, her face displayed a mixture of shock and awe.

Who had she just seen?

It was none other than Qin Wentian!

She looked up, and the second starlit sky disappeared as the Astral River Hall's radiance faded. Yet, her heart continued to race, and she couldn't shake off the overwhelming excitement that coursed through her.