Hua Xiaoyun

Hua Xiaoyun...

An hour after the turbulent events had subsided in the Chu Emperor District, the rebel forces of Qin initiated an organized withdrawal.

This confrontation served two purposes: firstly, it played into Qin Wentian's grand scheme, and secondly, it served as a probing maneuver to gauge the actual defensive might of the Royal Capital.

From the perspective of the Qin Clan, a swift end to the conflict was their fervent desire. News had reached them that the Royal Clan was rallying all available forces to ensnare the rebels within an encirclement. Although their reinforcements were en route, prolonging the war would undeniably heighten the challenge of capturing Chu.

Chu Tianjiao, perched atop the city gates, gazed at the sun's rays that resembled blood, while the countless lifeless bodies strewn across the ground bore witness to the savagery of the earlier clash. Among the fallen lay several formidable experts.

Decades had passed since the demise of the Wu King, yet who could have foreseen that Chu would once again confront the true military might of the Qin Clan? Regrettably, this time, the spearhead of Qin's military prowess was aimed squarely at the Royal Capital.

Observing the retreating rebel forces, whose friends and comrades had fallen, their eyes remained as cold and piercing as ever. Their morale remained unshaken, as though their pent-up fury could only be unleashed through this war. Chu Tianjiao then cast a glance at Chu's own troops. The Royal Army appeared despondent and grief-stricken, their martial spirit withered away. Was this the consequence of years of inactivity? The sharpness of the Royal troops had been dulled by the prolonged peace, a stark contrast to their adversaries.

"Chu Kuo," Chu Tianjiao addressed a middle-aged man by his side.

"Your Majesty." Chu Kuo, the uncle of Chu Tianjiao and his staunchest supporter during his princely days, held the title of the Han King and commanded the elite crack troops stationed in the Royal Capital.

Chu Tianjiao fixed his gaze on Chu Kuo as he issued his command, "Uncle, I entrust this region to you."

"Your Majesty," determination gleamed in Chu Kuo's steely eyes as he vowed, "If the city's defenses are breached, I will lay down my life."

"Excellent. You have full authority here. Do not disappoint me," Chu Tianjiao delegated authority to Chu Kuo, his confidence in his abilities unwavering.

With that, Chu Tianjiao departed. He was already aware of the abduction of the young Princess and the daring rescue mission undertaken by Qin Wentian. However, the identity of the mysterious maiden who had appeared intrigued him.

It appeared that he had grievously underestimated the brewing tempest within Chu.

As for that assembly of Yuanfu experts aligned with Qin Wentian, Chu Tianjiao had already discerned their origins. Yuanfu experts were a rare breed within the Royal Capital. After methodically eliminating the possibilities, it seemed exceedingly likely that these Yuanfu experts hailed from none other than the Divine Weapon Pavilion or the Mo Clan.

The mere mention of the Mo Clan's leader had the power to send ripples through Chu. However, the man disdained power struggles, choosing instead to channel his energy into cultivation, fervently pursuing an early breakthrough. He frequently journeyed the world, amassing vast knowledge and experience. Chu was but a tiny speck in his grand scheme, and given his lofty pride, there was no way he would involve his clan in Chu's power struggles. Consequently, the only plausible suspect left was the Divine Weapon Pavilion.

Yet, Chu found himself in a precarious position, unable to act against the Divine Weapon Pavilion without facing dire repercussions.

Today, everything had veered off course from his meticulously crafted plans. To the Royal Clan, this was nothing short of a disgrace. He had already cast aside the dignity of an Emperor when he had captured Mustang and Luo Huan to coerce Qin Wentian, but in an unexpected twist, the other party had turned the tables using the same tactic against him.

"Take this emblem of authority and make your way to the Dark Forest. Summon all the troops from the Military Palace currently in training for reinforcement," Chu Tianjiao instructed a trusted subordinate. The subordinate accepted the emblem in silence and, like a phantom, vanished from sight.

Although the Qin Clan's forces were expanding, this didn't imply that the Royal Clan's forces had stagnated.

Chu Tianjiao held suspicions. Beyond the traditional training grounds of the Godly General Military Palace, there likely existed another enigmatic force concealed within the Dark Forest. The reason he had set a trap for Qin Chuan and Qin Yao back then was precisely to lure this clandestine power into the open.

"Arrange a meeting with the Jiang Clan," Chu Tianjiao continued. The Jiang Clan in the Royal Capital held a position of influence surpassing even that of the Ye Clan. However, akin to the Mo Clan, the Jiang Clan could be regarded as an entity beyond the control of the Royal Clan. Apart from these two clans, a handful of others also resisted easy submission to the Royal Clan's commands. It seemed that, on this occasion, personal visits would be necessary.

Meanwhile, rumors of all sorts permeated the atmosphere of Chu. The prevalent speculation revolved around the imminent end of the Chu Dynasty and the dawn of a new era.

...

The Mo Clan was nestled in the western reaches of Chu, its presence looming large.

In a moment, Mo Qingcheng led Qin Wentian into the heart of the Mo Clan.

Even though Chu Tianjiao's spies had witnessed this, Qin Wentian had unwavering confidence in Qinger, dismissing any concern about them. However, Qinger had once again vanished from his sight. Even if he wanted to locate her, he had no clue where she might have disappeared to. It seemed that she would only reappear if his life was in peril. Why did such a powerful maiden have to be so enigmatic and adorable at the same time? Qin Wentian couldn't help but shake his head in bemusement.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but wonder how Qinger would react if she understood the concept of being "adorable."

From her earliest memories, Qinger had followed Fairy Qingmei's guidance and had an unwavering loyalty to her teachings and words. Fairy Qingmei had tasked her with protecting Qin Wentian, so that was what she did. But when it came to matters of the world and human emotions, she was utterly clueless. That's why before departing, Fairy Qingmei had cautioned her not to be swayed by Qin Wentian's sweet words. Qinger would likely ponder whether "adorable" counted as one of those sweet words.

"Dear girl, do you realize how long you've been gone?" Mo Qingcheng's father, Mo Tianlin, emerged from a nearby building and cast a stern gaze upon her.

Mo Qingcheng tilted her head slightly, a mischievous smile forming on her lips as she greeted, "Father."

It seemed that only in the presence of her father and a certain someone did she reveal this side of her personality.

"Do you still remember your father?" Mo Tianlin continued, his tone icy. Mo Qingcheng's smile widened as she pouted, "Father, I'm back now. Don't be angry anymore, okay?"

"Hmph," Mo Tianlin huffed, then shifted his gaze to Qin Wentian, who stood beside Mo Qingcheng. This young man had truly stirred up a storm in the Royal Capital.

At this moment, the unspoken meaning behind Mo Qingcheng bringing Qin Wentian into the Mo Clan didn't need to be voiced.

Mo Tianlin sighed inwardly. Indeed, when a girl came of age, her heart would no longer solely belong to her clan but would be entwined with the one she loved. This young woman was growing up.

Naturally, in his heart, Mo Tianlin also had a fondness for Qin Wentian, especially after witnessing his potential during the Jun Lin Banquet. He had even considered playing matchmaker between Qin Wentian and his daughter.

However, the clan leader had just returned to the Mo Clan, and it appeared that he had his own plans for Mo Qingcheng's future.

This left Mo Tianlin in a somewhat awkward position, as the clan leader's authority surpassed his own.

"Hey, hey, hey!" A vivacious girl leaped up with excitement when she spotted Mo Qingcheng. "Qingcheng, you brought him home already? Wow, your relationship is developing at lightning speed."

"Pfft." Mo Qingcheng rolled her eyes playfully, sneaking a glance at her father. She was curious about Mo Tianlin's reaction, but his expression remained as composed as ever, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

"Let's go and visit your granddad," Mo Tianlin said to Mo Qingcheng.

"Granddad is back?"

"Yes." Mo Tianlin nodded, leading the way. A radiant smile graced Mo Qingcheng's face as she playfully poked Qin Wentian's hand with her fingers.

Qin Wentian smiled and nodded, and the two of them followed Mo Tianlin.

Mo Tianlin guided them to a pavilion where two people were engaged in a game of chess.

"Haha, well done! Who knew your chess skills were so profound," hearty laughter echoed. Qin Wentian studied the man who spoke. He appeared to be around 50 years old but was brimming with vitality. This person was likely the clan leader of the Mo Clan, the most powerful cultivator in Chu below the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

Seated across from the old man was a young man, exuding an extraordinary aura, who seemed to be in his twenties.

"Life is like a game of chess. Old Mo's chess skills are truly deep and forceful," the young man chuckled.

"I'm already old; how can I compare to you?" Old Mo humbly deflected the praise, leaving Mo Tianlin in awe. Since the clan leader's return, he had been spending all his time with this young man.

What was more surprising, the usually prideful clan leader was now exceptionally humble before this junior. This young man must be truly extraordinary.

However, when the old man Mo shifted his gaze to Qin Wentian, he furrowed his brows involuntarily, noticing how closely Qin Wentian stood beside Mo Qingcheng.

"Father, this is Qingcheng's good friend, Qin Wentian," Mo Tianlin introduced.

"Hmm." Old Mo nodded. He had heard of Qin Wentian, the most talented genius in Chu and the champion of the Junlin Banquet.

But no matter how outstanding Qin Wentian might be, Chu was ultimately just a small speck compared to the vast Grand Xia Empire.

"Hua Xiaoyun, Young Master Hua," Old Mo introduced the young man sitting across from him. With a smile, he added, "Qingcheng, Granddad has asked Young Master Hua to find a suitable teacher for you, and he's agreed. I intend to send you to the Grand Xia Empire for your cultivation. Staying here would only limit your potential."

Mo Qingcheng's expression wavered as panic crept into her heart. Her grandfather wanted to send her away for her cultivation. Did this mean she would have to part with Qin Wentian?

Seeing Mo Qingcheng's expression, Hua Xiaoyun couldn't help but be moved. Her beauty was almost unrivaled in the Grand Xia Empire. When Old Mo had described his granddaughter to him, Hua Xiaoyun had thought he was exaggerating. Yet here she was, just as beautiful as he'd been told. He was starting to take an interest.

However, several supreme experts had recently arrived in Chu, heading toward the Dark Forest. Hua Xiaoyun had a close relationship with some of them, so it wouldn't be difficult for him to find a teacher for Mo Qingcheng. For the sake of her beauty alone, he would make sure she had the best teacher available.

As Hua Xiaoyun had imagined, several cultivators were currently flying toward Chu on the backs of demonic beasts. In the sky above Chu, Ouyang Kuangsheng and Jiang Ting were flying together. Gazing down at the country, they both smiled.

"This Chu Country is really in the middle of nowhere. It's hard to believe that our friend, Qin Wentian, grew up here," Ouyang Kuangsheng remarked.

Not only Ouyang Kuangsheng, but also members of the Greencloud Pavilion had arrived. Qian Mengyu had already reached the Yuanfu realm. As she looked at this tiny and inconspicuous country, she couldn't help but sigh.

A place as small as Chu had produced a genius capable of easily suppressing Mu Baifei, the Swallow Swordsman. She wondered how Qin Wentian was doing now.

Ever since their time at the celestial lake, many cultivators couldn't forget Qin Wentian. Qian Mengyu was just one of them.