The Guest Pressuring the Host

The Guest Pressuring the Host...

In the midst of the Spirit Beast Testing Ground, Qin Wentian had already felled numerous demonic beasts, claiming their demonic cores. His eyes sparkled with determination.

Before him loomed a colossal creature, radiant and towering at a height of four meters. Its golden fur shimmered, its massive palms capable of easily ending a human's life with a single swipe.

This was the Golden Primal Ape from the Golden Primal Ape Constellation, ranking 3rd in the Warbeast Index. Known for its unrivaled speed and impenetrable defense, its fearsome agility set it apart.

Yet, at this moment, the golden ape was in agony, spewing mouthfuls of blood. The figure before it, though diminutive in comparison, had inflicted wounds upon it.

Qin Wentian's blood surged within him, his long hair dancing in the wind. Brandishing the ancient halberd, he resembled an indomitable war god, unrivaled on the battlefield.

After breaking through to the 9th level of Arterial Circulation and harnessing the Fiend Transformation Technique, his strength had increased manifold compared to when he first entered this place.

Boom! The golden ape thundered forward, causing the earth to quake. Its colossal palms swiped at Qin Wentian with a pressure akin to mountains.

With a swish, illusory Garuda Wings materialized on Qin Wentian's back, granting him lightning-fast speed. Instead of retreating, he shot forward, closing the gap between him and the enraged primal ape. With a furious roar, he soared upward, his ancient halberd's power surging.

RARRRRRRRRRRRR. The primal ape bellowed in madness, its deafening roar pounding Qin Wentian's eardrums, causing agonizing headaches. Qin Wentian countered with a howl of his own, launching a barrage of palm strikes aimed at the golden ape's gaping maw. Simultaneously, his ancient halberd clashed with the creature's colossal palm.

The earth quaked and shattered, bearing witness to the fierce combat between man and beast. The surrounding demonic beasts scattered, fleeing for their lives. After an hour of relentless clashes, both Qin Wentian and the golden ape bore grievous wounds. Despite employing the Garuda Movement Technique to avoid direct confrontation with the Golden Primal Ape, Qin Wentian's internal organs trembled violently.

Puchi~ Opportunity struck. Qin Wentian's ancient halberd punctured the golden ape's eye just as it roared, shaking the heavens. With a decisive choice, the Golden Primal Ape thrust both palms forward, using its explosive momentum to retreat. Qin Wentian initiated a game of cat and mouse, relentlessly pursuing his foe. After the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, the Golden Primal Ape could endure no more, succumbing to Qin Wentian's relentless onslaught.

Without ceremony, Qin Wentian absorbed the beast spirit. He felt a surge of joy and continued his hunt within the Spirit Beast Testing Grounds. After a while, he encountered the #5 ranked Crimsonblood Thunder Hawk. Qin Wentian, feigning injury, retreated repeatedly upon contact. This clever ruse lured the lightning-fast Crimsonblood Thunder Hawk into a trap. After absorbing its beast spirit, Qin Wentian exited the Testing Grounds.

With each additional beast spirit he absorbed, the demonic aura surrounding him grew stronger, especially when he activated the Fiend Transformation Art.

Outside the academy, the Emperor Star Academy welcomed the guests from the Azure Emperor Palace, giving them a tour. However, they were unaware that the Azure Emperor Palace visitors were not interested in sightseeing. They were here to meticulously examine every corner of the Emperor Star Academy, searching for the place where the Azure Emperor might have hidden his secret.

In the expansive blue skies, a white crane descended. Mo Qingcheng had come to deliver medicinal herbs for Qin Wentian. While he was recovering and had regained his normal complexion, she remained concerned. After all, his heart had been pierced, and it was best to provide external aid through herbs and pills to nourish his body after recovery.

"Grandpa," the white crane landed, and Mo Qingcheng expressed her confusion at seeing her grandfather accompanying a group of strangers.

Mo Qingcheng knew her grandfather's stature within the Emperor Star Academy. What kind of guests warranted his personal guidance?

"Qingcheng, come and greet the elders from the Azure Emperor Palace," Old Gu smiled, offering a subtle reminder to avoid any inappropriate comments.

"Azure Emperor Palace?" Mo Qingcheng's heart fluttered slightly. She had heard of this name before; it was one of the transcendent powers of the Nine States.

"Mo Qingcheng of the younger generation pays her respects to the elders." Mo Qingcheng bowed. The members of the Azure Emperor Palace scrutinized her, particularly the younger cultivators. Their gazes burned with desire as they surveyed Mo Qingcheng's form. They marveled at finding a beauty of her caliber in a small nation like Chu; even in their Azure State Capital, few females could rival her in beauty.

"What a lovely young lady. Is she already promised to someone?" A middle-aged man from the Azure Emperor Palace asked, his eyes filled with a smile.

"Qingcheng is not yet 18; she's not engaged to anyone," Old Gu replied with courtesy.

"Haha, it's about time to discuss marriage and betrothal, isn't it? Mo Qingcheng, what's your cultivation level?" the middle-aged man inquired.

"I'm at the 1st level of Yuanfu," Mo Qingcheng responded, though her heart wasn't particularly joyful.

The middle-aged man's eyes sparkled. Not yet 18 years old and already at the Yuanfu level, along with her striking beauty, she was truly remarkable. He glanced at Yue Qingfeng, who stood beside him.

Yue Qingfeng understood his father's intentions perfectly. He, too, was intrigued by Mo Qingcheng's exquisite countenance.

"Miss Mo, my name is Yue Qingfeng," he introduced himself with a charming smile.

Mo Qingcheng smiled politely in response. This scene left many in the Emperor Star Academy astonished. Old Gu had initially hoped to match Mo Qingcheng with Qin Wentian, but it was now clear to even the blind that Yue Qingfeng had different intentions.

In Chu, many secretly admired Mo Qingcheng, but given her status and background, no one dared to voice their affections without her consent. However, Yue Qingfeng was different; he hailed from a transcendent power—the Azure Emperor Palace.

Mo Qingcheng nodded to Yue Qingfeng but remained silent, berating herself for coming at the wrong time.

"Hahaha, you two young folks should get to know each other better. It must be dull accompanying us old folks," Yue Qingfeng's father chuckled. Taking the hint, Yue Qingfeng stepped closer to Mo Qingcheng, wearing a friendly smile. "Miss Mo, would you care to take a stroll?"

Mo Qingcheng was reluctant but said nothing.

"Qingcheng," a figure approached. Mo Qingcheng turned and greeted the newcomer with a warm smile. It was none other than Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian had already observed the situation from afar. He had encountered Yue Qingfeng in the Spirit Beasts Testing Grounds and knew he was from the Azure Emperor Palace. Seeing Yue Qingfeng's evident interest in Mo Qingcheng made Qin Wentian feel extraordinarily uncomfortable—a sensation he had never experienced before.

"What brings you here?" Qin Wentian reached Mo Qingcheng's side and took her delicate hand, gently pulling her along. Mo Qingcheng's hand trembled slightly, and a shy expression flickered in her eyes. She understood Qin Wentian's intentions, so she smiled and replied, "I came to deliver medicine to you."

Witnessing this scene, members of the Emperor Star Academy grew increasingly anxious. The bond between Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng appeared to have deepened significantly. They wondered whether the Azure Emperor Palace would take offense.

Yue Qingfeng's eyes narrowed as he recognized Qin Wentian.

"Wentian, come and pay your respects to the elders of the Azure Emperor Palace," Old Gu called out. Qin Wentian nodded and bowed, saying, "Qin Wentian of the junior generation pays his respects to the elders."

The middle-aged man gave Qin Wentian a sharp look and said nothing more. He led the group away, passing by Qin Wentian as if he didn't exist. The man who had earlier acted as a matchmaker between Yue Qingfeng and Mo Qingcheng now seemed completely disinterested in Qin Wentian. To him, Qin Wentian, the champion of a mere Jun Lin Banquet, was beneath notice.

"Brother Qin, nice to see you again," Yue Qingfeng greeted Qin Wentian, sweeping his gaze impolitely over Mo Qingcheng's figure before leaving. Qin Wentian frowned, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

After the members of the Azure Emperor Palace departed, Qin Wentian still held onto Mo Qingcheng's hand. She rolled her eyes at him and whispered, "Hey, are you planning to never let go?"

Feeling the soft touch of Mo Qingcheng's hand, Qin Wentian was reluctant to release it. He smiled awkwardly as he pinched her palm gently, causing her to blush before finally letting go.

"Lecherous fellow," Mo Qingcheng scolded in a low voice but wore a faint smile. She quickly walked ahead, her face a mix of faux annoyance and shyness, like a young girl experiencing her first taste of love.

"I couldn't help it," Qin Wentian mumbled with a grin, rubbing his head. He caught up to Mo Qingcheng and noticed her beautiful face still arranged in a pretend frown, with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. This was the first time he had experienced such an emotion—an exquisite blend of nervousness and warmth.

Meanwhile, those from the Azure Emperor Palace entered a grand hall. Yue Qingfeng's father assumed the position of host, while the rest of his group stood by his side.

The members of the Emperor Star Academy felt helpless. They had previously contacted the Azure Emperor Palace, which had helped resolve the issue of Luo Tianya. However, the Azure Emperor Palace was divided into factions, namely the Azure Faction and the Fei Faction. Currently, the Azure Faction's influence was waning, and they had lost authority within the Azure Emperor Palace. The group from the Azure Emperor Palace visiting now belonged to the Fei Faction.

Yue Hanshan, seated at the head of the table, scrutinized the members of the Emperor Star Academy with a sharp gaze. "From today onwards, my Azure Emperor Palace will directly oversee the Heavenly Star Pavilion and Astral River Hall of the Emperor Star Academy. Qingfeng, accompany me to the Dreamsky Forest later."

The members of the Emperor Star Academy wore frozen expressions, their faces unsightly. Old Gu sighed inwardly; they couldn't afford to offend the powerful Azure Emperor Palace.

"Is there a problem?" Yue Hanshan asked coldly, noticing the frowns on their faces.

"No, there are no problems. We only hope that the Azure Emperor Palace won't disrupt our students' cultivation," Old Gu replied, concealing his true feelings.

"Good. In addition, send some of your elders to guide my people to other secret places within the Emperor Star Academy," Yue Hanshan commanded. The members of the Emperor Star Academy reluctantly agreed. It seemed that the Azure Emperor Palace was searching for something.

"Move out," Yue Hanshan ordered, and the others left. Soon, only he and his son, Yue Qingfeng, remained in the great hall.

"Father, do you think the Azure Emperor's secret is really hidden here?" Yue Qingfeng inquired.

Yue Hanshan frowned and closed his eyes before responding in a low voice, "The Azure Faction discovered some of the Azure Emperor's notes. He visited Chu several times in the past, so there's a high probability that his secret is hidden here. Qingfeng, if we truly find his secret, your future will be incredibly bright."

Yue Qingfeng trembled at the thought. The secret behind the Azure Emperor's top rank among the 36 starlords, his unparalleled combat prowess—defeating countless foes with ease—would finally be revealed. The Azure Emperor had broken the unshakable rule of having only one Yuanfu. Stellar Martial Cultivators typically had only one Yuanfu within their bodies, formed as their arterial pathways transformed into a spiral to create their Yuan Reservoir. But the Azure Emperor had multiple Yuanfus within his body, allowing him to store an exceptional amount of Astral Energy and nourish different Astral Novas. His combat prowess was naturally unmatched.