Leaving the Safety Area

Leaving the Safety Area...

In the heart of the Royal Capital, where the excitement of a fierce battle gripped the populace, there was one exception - the Mo Clan.

While the rest of the city's residents were captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them, the Mo Clan had their eyes fixed on a single figure - Mo Qingcheng. She was the focus of their attention, not just because she was a member of their clan, but because she held a special place in the heart of Luo He, the daughter of the Pill Emperor. Luo He's fondness for Mo Qingcheng had spurred Bai Fei and others to expedite her return to the Pill Emperor Hall.

Hua Xiaoyun, on the other hand, was wrestling with a myriad of thoughts. His elder brother had entrusted him with a peculiar task the previous day - to establish a strong rapport with Mo Qingcheng. The reason was crystal clear: Luo He, the Pill Emperor's daughter, held Mo Qingcheng's talent in high esteem. If Mo Qingcheng could prove herself within the Pill Emperor Hall, Luo He would personally introduce her to her father, the Pill Emperor himself.

Becoming the Pill Emperor's disciple was no ordinary feat. It would elevate Mo Qingcheng's status within the Pill Emperor Hall to unprecedented heights. She would become a prominent figure, and her future in the Grand Xia Empire would be secured. Hua Xiaoyun realized that his own achievements, no matter how 'grand' they might have seemed within the confines of the Mo Residence, would pale in comparison. The gap would only widen.

So, in his conversations with old man Mo, Hua Xiaoyun frequently extolled Mo Qingcheng's beauty and subtly hinted at his affection for her. Given his status and the remarkable mentor he had brought to Mo Qingcheng, how could old man Mo possibly object? However, Hua Xiaoyun knew that this was not the time to force Mo Qingcheng into a relationship. His only course of action was to create opportunities for them to spend more time together.

Mo Qingcheng, though, was simmering with frustration beneath her composed facade. She couldn't help but feel exasperated. Her thoughts were preoccupied with the state of affairs in the Royal Capital, particularly the well-being of a certain someone she cared deeply for. She couldn't bear the thought of anything untoward happening to him.

"Miss, the battle is nearing its climax. The representatives of the Nine Mystical Palace have finally made their entrance. Luo Qianqiu is among them, and he's determined to take down Qin Wentian," one of Mo Qingcheng's attendants informed her, urgency in their voice.

Mo Qingcheng shot to her feet, her heart pounding as she clenched her tiny fist. The news sent a surge of anxiety coursing through her veins. She couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at her, fearing for the safety of the one person who occupied her thoughts - Qin Wentian.

As Hua Xiaoyun observed this unfolding drama, a subtle but unmistakable chill flickered in his eyes. Why did Mo Qingcheng react so passionately and nervously at the mere mention of Qin Wentian's name? To the extent that she seemed to disregard him, Hua Xiaoyun, as if he were invisible. How could he, a refined gentleman, be eclipsed by this rustic from Chu? Just how deeply was Qin Wentian entrenched in Mo Qingcheng's heart? The sensation of being brushed aside because of that clumsy fellow was maddening; it churned discomfort within him.

"Junior Sister, it's a lost cause between you two. Just forget about him," Bai Fei remarked, her expression displaying a hint of concern.

"Qingcheng, your future holds boundless promise. Why are you letting this bother you? Qin Wentian? He's utterly unworthy of your affections," Hua Xiaoyun chimed in.

Mo Qingcheng's patience wore thin as she shot Hua Xiaoyun a withering glare. She was already in a foul mood, and these sarcastic comments were like salt in the wound. At that moment, Mo Qingcheng reverted to the cold and aloof persona she had before crossing paths with Qin Wentian. This was the facade she presented to the world, reserving her mischievous and endearing side exclusively for Qin Wentian.

The sharpness in Mo Qingcheng's tone caused Hua Xiaoyun's posture to stiffen, and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

"Hehehe," Hua Xiaoyun chuckled wickedly to himself. Mo Qingcheng had the audacity to treat him like this? Had it not been for him, would the Mo Clan have seized this opportunity? Would Mo Qingcheng have earned a coveted spot as a disciple of the Pill Emperor Hall?

"I extended an olive branch, but you chose to spurn it. Soon, you'll learn the extent of my influence," Hua Xiaoyun mused, fixating his gaze on the captivating countenance of Mo Qingcheng. In his fantasies, he wondered just how icy she'd remain in the heat of passion.

With a dramatic flick of his robes, Hua Xiaoyun departed, leaving Jing Yu and Yan Qi in fits of laughter. This pampered young master had quite the temper. They couldn't help but revel in the spectacle of Hua Xiaoyun's failed attempts to court Mo Qingcheng.

Of course, Mo Qingcheng remained oblivious to Hua Xiaoyun's inner turmoil and had no inkling of the offense she had caused. In her heart, there was room for only one person - Qin Wentian.

...

Amidst the mounting tension, Qin Wentian fixed a composed gaze upon Luo Qianqiu and Chu Tianjiao. The intensity of their glares left no doubt about their fervent desire to see him meet his demise.

The Nine Mystical Palace, a shadowy force, had been the unseen hand behind Chu's Royal Clan. They orchestrated the relentless pursuit of Emperor Star Academy's students, showing no mercy even after the academy's disbandment. Moreover, it was their schemes that led to Diyi's severe injury and subsequent capture. Just the thought of Diyi, bound by chains that pierced his body as he was taken away, filled Qin Wentian with a profound sorrow. The old man had sacrificed himself to pave a future path for Qin Wentian, an act of selflessness that transcended life itself.

Every fiber of Qin Wentian's being cried out for retribution. The Nine Mystical Palace had to be brought to ruin.

This wasn't the first time Luo Qianqiu had sought to end his life. When Qin Wentian was still a weakling at the Arterial Circulation Realm, he had spared Luo Qianqiu, enduring humiliation at the hands of Luo Tianya. But now, after Luo Qianqiu's repeated attempts on his life, he knew that Luo Qianqiu deserved nothing less than death.

Chu Tianjiao, meanwhile, had shown callous disregard for the lives of his own citizens. He had ordered the abduction of young women from his country to be used as nourishment for the four blood puppets. With a ruler like him, it was no wonder the nation was in dire straits.

Chu Tianjiao, too, deserved nothing less than death.

"Wow, wow, wow! The Nine Mystical Palace is truly awe-inspiring and imposing," a voice, dripping with arrogance, echoed from a distance as two groups of figures soared through the air.

Ouyang Kuangsheng arrived with several of his followers from the Ouyang Clan and those from the transcendent Jiang Clan. While this was expected, what caught Qin Wentian's attention was the second group of figures – members of the Greencloud Pavilion.

"Qian Mengyu?" Luo Qianqiu's expression soured. "Is the Greencloud Pavilion joining the fray as well?"

"Luo Qianqiu, seeking vengeance for your past defeat, you've enlisted the help of the Nine Mystical Palace? Have you no shame? Can't you face him alone?" Qian Mengyu scoffed with disdain.

"Hmph, do you think I need the aid of Nine Mystical Palace members to kill him? It's just that he's only good at hiding, so I've brought more people to flush him out," Luo Qianqiu retorted icily, pointing in Qin Wentian's direction. The memory of his loss to Qin Wentian at the Jun Lin Banquet still stung in his heart like a festering wound.

"Bravo," Ouyang Kuangsheng quipped, his arms folded defiantly across his chest. His grin widened as he continued, "Now that the Nine Mystical Palace has decided to grace us with their presence, let's indulge in some playtime. But a word of caution: once today's little show is over, Chu will no longer be under the thumb of the Nine Mystical Palace. So, if you win, you can consider yourselves the victors. However, if you lose, well, let's just say you won't be around to cause any more trouble. And no chickening out by calling in reinforcements!"

A formidable presence emanated from behind Luo Qianqiu, as one of their supreme experts locked eyes with Ouyang Kuangsheng, exuding an oppressive aura.

"Don't give me that look. So what if you're a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign? If I, yours truly, were to stand before you, I doubt you'd even dare touch a hair on my head," Ouyang Kuangsheng retorted, his gaze unwavering as he stared down the elderly man. "For your enlightenment, I'm Ouyang Kuangsheng from the Ouyang Clan on the Azure Continent. Since your Nine Mystical Palace wants to play, my Ouyang Aristocrat Clan is more than ready to join in the fun."

The Heavenly Dipper Sovereign's face froze in shock. The Ouyang Clan? What were they doing in Chu?

"We at the Greencloud Pavilion share a similar sentiment," Qian Mengyu chimed in. "If the Nine Mystical Palace wishes to resolve matters, let's put an end to it today. If Luo Qianqiu meets his demise, so be it. And if the Nine Mystical Palace intends to continue their games in the future, rest assured, my Greencloud Pavilion will be more than happy to join in."

Qin Wentian was baffled by Qian Mengyu's sudden stance, while the members of the Nine Mystical Palace turned ashen-faced. They had never expected both the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Greencloud Pavilion to be so audacious.

Chu Tianjiao's brows furrowed as he watched his plans unravel. Ouyang Kuangsheng's audacity in the presence of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign left him with the distinct impression that the Ouyang Clan was a force even the Nine Mystical Palace hesitated to provoke.

"Qianqiu, things are getting complicated, and we can't guarantee a surefire victory," the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign from the Nine Mystical Palace muttered in a hushed tone.

Luo Qianqiu fell into contemplation for a moment, then took a deep breath. He couldn't afford to back down now, not after returning to Chu. How could he slink back to the Nine Mystical Palace with his tail between his legs? If he didn't seize this opportunity to eliminate Qin Wentian today, when would he ever find him again?

"I agree," Ouyang Kuangsheng chimed in, his arms still defiantly folded. He flashed a confident smile and continued, "Since the Nine Mystical Palace is up for a little game, let's play. But let's make one thing clear - after today, Chu will no longer be under the thumb of the Nine Mystical Palace. So, if you win, consider yourselves the victors. However, if you lose, well, let's just say it won't end well for you. And don't even think about calling for reinforcements, that's just plain cowardly!"

A formidable Heavenly Dipper Sovereign named Old Yan sighed deeply and nodded in reluctant agreement. Luo Qianqiu's status within the Nine Mystical Palace had undergone a dramatic shift, and Old Yan had no choice but to accompany him in this madness, with the caveat of not crossing paths with the Ouyang Clan's young master.

Old Yan sprang into action, and a deafening boom echoed through the air as a colossal leg-shaped Astral Nova descended from the heavens, crashing down onto the thunder dragon. The shockwaves rippled out as the thunder dragon shattered upon impact. The manifestation of the Leg-type Astral Nova continued its descent, exerting immense pressure that caused the white-robed men behind the thirty-six drums to cough up blood, their faces turning ghostly pale.

Amidst the chaos, a graceful figure floated upward, appearing as mysteriously and abruptly as before.

Raising her delicate jade hands, Qing`er emanated a radiant Astral Light. With intricate hand seals, she summoned a pure, vibrant lotus imbued with deadly energy. The lotus expanded relentlessly, its power pushing back the leg-shaped Astral Nova.

Two opposing figures dashed out simultaneously. Old Yan and Qing`er soared into the skies, engaging in a fierce battle as two Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns clashed.

"Is this Qinger's true strength?" Qin Wentian murmured, his eyes fixed on Qinger. Even in the midst of such a brutal conflict, her countenance remained as ethereal as ever, like a celestial maiden.

"What a beautiful girl. Damn that Qin Wentian," Ouyang Kuangsheng grumbled with a touch of envy. "Wait, isn't that the peerless beauty from the Celestial Lake Palace?"

"Ouyang, help me deal with the four blood puppets below," Qin Wentian instructed, pointing to the four figures in blood-colored robes.

"Got it. You guys, take them down," Ouyang ordered. Several experts followed his lead. Simultaneously, a few Vice-Headmasters from the Emperor Star Academy combined their efforts to trap the four blood puppets.

Chu Tianjiao signaled to his forces, and several Yuanfu experts on his side headed towards the balcony where Chu Wuwei and Qin Wentian stood. The entire area erupted into chaos, with overwhelming killing intent and destructive auras enveloping the heavens and earth. Even spectators watching from a distance felt stifled by the imposing presence.

Amidst the turmoil, Qin Wentian and Chu Wuwei remained relaxed, their eyes fixed on the battlefield.

Luo Qianqiu and Chu Tianjiao had yet to make their moves. Luo Qianqiu stared at Qin Wentian, his tone dripping with provocation, "I genuinely don't understand why so many people are willing to be cannon fodder for you. Are you only capable of hiding behind others like a coward?"

Luo Qianqiu was clearly trying to provoke Qin Wentian.

However, Qin Wentian responded with a calm smile, causing Luo Qianqiu to furrow his brows.

"During the Jun Lin Banquet, if it weren't for your father protecting you, you'd have met your end. It's absurd that you still dare to taunt me and seek your own death," Qin Wentian stated calmly before rising into the air. His actions garnered the attention of many. Qin Wentian's safety was paramount to those who cared about him. They would rather he remained on the balcony, free from danger.

Qin Wentian understood their concerns but knew he had to demonstrate to everyone that their support was well-placed. He couldn't disappoint them. So, he left the balcony and stood alone, without Chu Mang's protection, in full view of the crowd.

Qin Wentian's gaze locked onto Luo Qianqiu. He had never shied away from a battle. During the Jun Lin Banquet, he had faced overwhelming odds and emerged as the champion. Today, he wanted to show those who believed in him that he was worthy of their support.

"You'll meet your end within ten breaths," Qin Wentian declared calmly, his words ringing with arrogance. Ten breaths, that's all he needed to end the genius of the Nine Mystical Palace, Luo Qianqiu.