Life

life...

The news of the Emperor Star Academy's dissolution spread rapidly throughout the Royal Capital, igniting a whirlwind of commotion. The sudden disbandment of an institution that had proudly stood at the pinnacle of Chu for 3,000 years left many silently mourning its passing.

Most people understood that the academy had been pushed to this decision by relentless pressure from the Royal Clan, bolstered by the support of the Nine Mystical Palace. The tyrannical actions of Headmaster Diyi, who had slain their experts without hesitation, left no room for negotiation. Dissolution was, unfortunately, the only option left.

Within the academy, an air of profound sorrow hung heavily. Countless students bid tearful farewells as they prepared to depart.

Qin Wentian stood on a distant pavilion, his gaze fixed on the departing students, his heart filled with indescribable emotions.

"Why do you look so sad?" Luo Huan approached Qin Wentian, her eyes also following the students' exodus. A faint bitterness touched her lips, and a sense of helplessness wafted from her.

"Sister Luo Huan, what are your plans now?" Qin Wentian turned to her, managing a small smile despite his heavy heart.

Luo Huan sighed. "I intend to visit the Azure Continent. Rumor has it that the Nine Mystical Palace is located there, and I want to see just how formidable it truly is. How about you? Where do you plan to go? Would you like to accompany me?"

"No, I still have some unfinished business," Qin Wentian replied softly. Luo Huan studied him, her beautiful eyes meeting his clear gaze. She couldn't quite decipher what was going on in her junior brother's mind. He had truly grown.

Stepping forward, Luo Huan extended her arms and embraced Qin Wentian. His surprise was evident on his face. With her eyes only inches away, her curvaceous figure pressed against him, causing a blush to creep up his cheeks. He felt a warm sensation on his forehead as her lustrous lips brushed against it.

"It seems you're still quite the young boy. Come on, don't be shy," Luo Huan laughed, her laughter as melodious as a songbird's.

"Sister, do you know how captivating you are?" Qin Wentian smiled wryly.

Luo Huan giggled as she released the embrace. "Junior Brother, thank you for everything. Make sure to grow into a reliable person."

With those words, she turned and walked away, leaving Qin Wentian with a mix of emotions and a growing determination to face his future challenges.

"I definitely will," Qin Wentian affirmed with a resolute nod. The loss of such an important place had left a deep impression on him, and he was determined not to repeat that experience.

But before the conversation could continue, Mustang appeared, approaching them with a smile. "Enough, Luo Huan, stop flirting with your Junior Brother. Wentian, Elder Ren is looking for you."

Qin Wentian chuckled, "Sister Luo Huan just wanted to make sure I don't forget her in the future."

"You and your dastardly ideas," Mustang teased Luo Huan. However, he couldn't hide his happiness. Since Mountain's death, the students closest to him had become Luo Huan, Qin Wentian, Yu Fei, and Fan Le. He wished them all a bright future.

But there was still a lingering concern in his heart. Ye Wuque, Wu Chong, and Wang Teng were still alive. Mountain's death had yet to be avenged.

...

Following Ren Qianxing, Qin Wentian arrived at a temporary residence in the mountains. Here, he met Diyi.

Diyi smiled, gesturing for Qin Wentian to take a seat. As he sat down beside him, Diyi signaled for Ren Qianxing to leave. In this remote mountain peak, towering above the entire Emperor Star Academy, only Qin Wentian and Diyi remained.

"I've asked the teachers and elders to copy the cultivation arts and innate techniques from the Heavenly Star Pavilion and pass them on to our departing students. I've also chosen and prepared the original versions of these innate techniques for you to cultivate. As for cultivation arts, I didn't select any. In any case, you should know best which ones are most suitable for you, so go ahead and choose for yourself," Diyi said, handing over several innate technique manuals to Qin Wentian.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Qin Wentian replied genuinely as he accepted the manuals. He knew he didn't have the luxury of time to explore the sixth level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion for top-tier Earth-Grade innate techniques.

Diyi then asked, "How many Yuanfus do you currently have?" A flicker of admiration crossed his face, and Qin Wentian realized that Diyi already knew the answer.

"I have three Yuanfus," Qin Wentian replied. Diyi drew in a long breath, patting Qin Wentian heavily on the shoulders. "Good, good. The Azure Emperor finally has a successor."

Curiosity brimming, Qin Wentian asked, "Headmaster, have you always been the guardian of the academy?"

Diyi nodded, confirming, "Yes. You must already be aware of the Azure Emperor Palace. After the Azure Emperor's death, external powers infiltrated the palace, seeking his inheritance. To protect the legacy, several babies, including you, were sent away, away from the chaos and influence of the crumbling Azure Emperor Palace. Over the millennia, those infiltrators became the dominant force, oppressing the Azure Faction, those of Dicang's bloodline."

"Fortunately, sending the babies away was a wise decision. They grew up to become the 'hidden' Azure Faction, their existence a well-kept secret. However, this secret gradually came to light over the years, thanks to Luo Tianya, who incited the conflict between the Emperor Star Academy and the Nine Mystical Palace."

"Wait, are you suggesting that the ones who supported the Emperor Star Academy were members of the 'hidden' Azure Faction?" Qin Wentian asked, astonished.

Diyi nodded, chuckling. "Yes, indeed. At that time, I was still guarding the Heavenly Star Pavilion. I didn't want to reveal myself until the Azure Emperor's final secret was secured by a successor. The 'outsider' faction of the Azure Emperor Palace partially discovered this, but they only knew fragments of the truth. In reality, members of the 'hidden' Azure Faction have always cultivated within the Emperor Star Academy, including myself. We concealed our true background, and none of us succeeded in the Azure Emperor's tests. Eventually, the inheritance fell into your hands."

Understanding dawned on Qin Wentian's face as he realized the depth of the situation.

Diyi produced a token engraved with the word 'Azure' and handed it to Qin Wentian. "I've been the guardian of this token, but I lacked the authority to use it. From this moment, as the successor, it's yours."

As their hands touched, a drop of blood from Qin Wentian's finger fell onto the token, causing it to radiate a brilliant glow. To Qin Wentian's amazement, a map materialized in the space above the token.

"This belongs to you now. The map reveals the location of the 'hidden' Azure Faction. I hope that one day, when your power is sufficient, you'll lead them back to the Azure Emperor Palace, restoring their rightful place, free from the threats of the transcendent powers of the nine continents," Diyi declared solemnly, stirring profound emotions in Qin Wentian's heart.

"How strong are they?" Qin Wentian inquired.

Diyi wore a knowing smile. "I can't provide an exact measure of their strength, but they should at least surpass the Xiao Faction of the Nine Mystical Palace. Keep in mind that the 'hidden' Azure Faction places great importance on maintaining a low profile. Many transcendent powers once united to eliminate the Azure Emperor, and they won't easily allow the Azure Emperor Palace to regain its power."

"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded, taking the information seriously.

"And one more thing, you're not a direct bloodline descendant, so gaining complete control over the 'hidden' Azure Faction won't be easy," Diyi explained. Understanding dawned on Qin Wentian. With his current strength, how could he command Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns of the 'hidden' Azure Faction? It was indeed a formidable task.

"But don't worry," Diyi continued, "even if you can't control them outright, they won't oppose you. They'll wait for you to grow and earn their recognition."

"I'll work hard for it," Qin Wentian declared with determination. Learning such a significant secret had undoubtedly stirred his emotions. The responsibility of reviving the Azure Emperor Palace now rested heavily on his shoulders.

Diyi then switched to a more lighthearted topic. "I've heard that you and that young lady from the Mo Clan have a mutual fondness for each other. She's remarkably talented in herbs and alchemy, but her talents are somewhat stifled in the small confines of Chu. Before I depart, would you like me to play matchmaker?"

Blushing, Qin Wentian chuckled nervously. "It's a bit early for that."

"Haha, you're right. I won't meddle in your affairs any further," Diyi laughed, casting his gaze toward the ethereal figure standing nearby. She remained silent, almost as if she were invisible. Diyi refrained from giving Qin Wentian further advice regarding safety, knowing that Fairy Qingmei had already made arrangements to protect him.

Qin Wentian had noticed the enigmatic beauty by his side. Her presence was somewhat mysterious, and although he found it intriguing, she hadn't spoken a word, merely standing there in silence.

The news of the Emperor Star Academy's dissolution secretly delighted the Royal Clan of Chu. While they were intimidated by Diyi's actions, they were relieved that the academy, which had opposed the Royal Clan for over 3,000 years, was no more. The power that had stood against them had vanished, and they could now relax.

In recent months, thanks to Qin Wentian, the Emperor Star Academy had been in direct opposition to the Royal Clan. Now that the academy's students had dispersed, some even leaving Chu, the Royal Clan didn't interfere. They welcomed this change with open arms.

However, on this particular day, outside the residence of one of the factions supporting the Royal Clan, the Ye Clan, a Life-and-Death Contract was delivered, challenging Ye Wuque. The location chosen for the challenge was the towering platforms of the Chu Emperor District, the very place where the Jun Lin Banquet had taken place. The sender of this bold challenge was none other than Qin Wentian.

News of this challenge quickly spread throughout the Royal Capital. Despite Diyi's remarkable appearance, many had forgotten that Qin Wentian, the Jun Lin Banquet champion who had recently reached the Yuanfu realm, had effortlessly defeated the second-ranked Sikong Minyue. The most dazzling genius of the banquet had issued a challenge to Ye Wuque, who had only just entered the 2nd level of Yuanfu. This piece of news ignited curiosity and excitement among the people.

How powerful had Qin Wentian become after reaching Yuanfu? The words "Life-and-Death Contract" left no doubt about his self-confidence.

But that wasn't all. More news followed. Wang Teng and Wu Chong, who were also at the 2nd level of Yuanfu, received their own Life-and-Death Contracts from Qin Wentian.

Ye Wuque, Wu Chong, and Wang Teng, all formidable cultivators at the 2nd level of Yuanfu, had previously defeated the Emperor Star Academy's geniuses of similar cultivation levels when they challenged the academy alongside Xiao Lan. Now, the Chu Emperor District was once again the center of attention in the Royal Capital.

Could Qin Wentian replicate his past feats? Could he shine just as brightly as before, disregarding differences in cultivation bases and defeating those so-called 'geniuses'? The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable.