The Murderous Urges of Yan Kong...
As the melodious voice hung in the air, it felt as though time itself had come to a halt.
The voice belonged to none other than Bailu Yi, and to everyone's amazement, she not only didn't reject Qin Wentian's invitation, but she also agreed to it wholeheartedly.
Yan Kong, on the other hand, stood frozen in place, looking utterly dumbfounded, while Leng Ning's expression was an intriguing blend of surprise and amusement.
After the initial shock wore off, a mischievous glint sparkled in Leng Ning's eyes as she turned to Yan Kong. "You know, what's impossible for you might not be impossible for others. You've clearly overestimated yourself; what a laugh."
Leng Ning was, of course, referring to Yan Kong's failed attempt to court Bailu Yi. Back then, he hadn't felt humiliated because Bailu Yi's rejection had been entirely expected. How could someone as cool and aloof as Miss Bailu be easily won over? Yet now, seeing Qin Wentian's success, Yan Kong couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
Yan Kong slowly turned his head, fixing his gaze on Bailu Yi and Qin Wentian, his eyes flickering with an indiscernible emotion. Perhaps it was because today marked the last day of Bailu Yi's lectures, and she was in a more affable mood than usual. If he were the one to ask, he might have succeeded as well. After all, he was the most skilled Divine Inscriptionist among the students.
With that thought in mind, Yan Kong flashed a charming smile, showcasing his handsomeness. He called out to Bailu Yi, "Teacher Bailu, I also have some questions about Divine Inscriptions that I'd like to discuss with you. Would you honor me with your company?"
Bailu Yi was already on her way out with Qin Wentian. Upon hearing Yan Kong's request, she found it rather amusing. She clearly understood why Yan Kong wanted to take her out. Did he view her as some sort of trophy to flaunt?
"I've already promised him," Bailu Yi replied politely, not wanting to embarrass Yan Kong too much.
"How about dinner, then?" Yan Kong's smile remained warm and friendly. However, Bailu Yi furrowed her brows. This guy just didn't know when to give up.
"I'm not available," she replied icily and briskly walked out of the Institute, leaving Yan Kong standing there in stunned silence. As the eyes of the onlookers bore into him, his complexion turned a sickly shade of green.
"This is what they call digging one's own grave," Leng Ning chuckled, relishing Yan Kong's predicament. It was a truly satisfying feeling.
Yan Kong glared at the departing Qin Wentian, his lips pressed together in a thin line, his eyes filled with unmistakable murderous intent. Since he couldn't take out his frustration on Bailu Yi, he would have to find another target for his rage.
Qin Wentian had little time to concern himself with Yan Kong's thoughts. He left the Institute alongside Bailu Yi, her beautiful eyes fixed on him as she inquired, "Where shall we go?"
"I'm not familiar with the places around here. How about you show me around instead?" Qin Wentian replied somewhat awkwardly. Bailu Yi's gaze remained steady on him as she remarked, "Is this how you usually take girls out for a meal?"
"After arriving in the Moon Continent, we enrolled in the White Deer Institute right away. We've been staying at the Leng Clan's place all this time. I'm not really acquainted with the Moon Continent yet," Qin Wentian admitted with a hint of embarrassment.
"Very well, follow me then," Bailu Yi said plainly. Qin Wentian smiled and followed her lead. However, his smile quickly turned to a look of surprise. Bailu Yi brought him to an inn called the 'Immortal Palate.' The inn's design was opulent, and she chose a seat behind a lavish screen with man-made streams flowing on either side.
As the dishes were served, the sweet scent of fine wine filled the air. The dishes were made from the meat of valuable demonic beasts and brewed to top-quality perfection. The cost of the meal was equivalent to what Qin Wentian paid for an entire month's worth of lessons at the White Deer Institute.
Bailu Yi couldn't help but laugh when she saw Qin Wentian staring at her in amazement. Her laughter was as enchanting as a snow lotus blooming on an icy peak, radiating beauty like the setting sun.
"The 'Immortal Palate' is the most renowned inn in the entire Moon Continent. They have branches all over and are famous for dishes that can nourish a cultivator's body. The only downside is their exorbitant prices. Regretting our choice?" Bailu Yi asked with a smile, looking incredibly beautiful.
But as she noticed Qin Wentian's unwavering gaze, she felt slightly uncomfortable. Was this guy being overly sensitive? Couldn't she joke around with him?
"It's all worth it just to see you smile like that," Qin Wentian finally broke into a smile, momentarily stunning Bailu Yi before she regained her composed demeanor. Wait, did this guy just tease her?
"Bold move," Bailu Yi acknowledged, realizing that Qin Wentian's actions were deliberate. "Tell me, how skilled are you in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions?"
"I'm already a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, even before joining the White Deer Institute," Qin Wentian confessed. After all, he needed sufficient strength to control the White Deer Institute effectively.
"Then why are you here to learn?" Bailu Yi arched an eyebrow at Qin Wentian.
"Because my knowledge of the basics is seriously lacking. For instance, I didn't even know about the four classifications of Divine Inscriptions until I learned them from you. Before this, I was only skilled at engraving Divine Inscriptions onto weapons and forging third-grade Divine Weapons," Qin Wentian explained.
"Do you have anything you've inscribed yourself with you?" Bailu Yu inquired.
"Yes." Qin Wentian nodded and, after a quick gesture, a scroll painting appeared in his hands, which he handed over to Bailu Yi.
"An innate technique concealed within a Divine Inscription?" With a single glance, Bailu Yi could discern the profoundness of the painting. She stared at Qin Wentian in astonishment, her thoughts racing. Was this guy's proficiency in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions really this high?
"You mean to tell me you've never studied under a grandmaster before? You reached this level through your own insights?" Bailu Yi was intensely curious.
"I have a forging-type Astral Soul, which gives me an unparalleled advantage when it comes to inscribing Divine Inscriptions. As for the rest, I comprehended them on my own," Qin Wentian explained. If he said this to Leng Ning, she would probably accuse him of bragging again. However, Bailu Yi had no doubts and looked at him with a strange glint in her eyes. While she examined him seriously, her normally cool demeanor seemed less reserved.
"It seems you're indeed a genius when it comes to Divine Inscriptions. So, what's your real reason for inviting me to lunch?" Bailu Yi asked.
"I thought you were going to choose me to continue studying Divine Inscriptions with you?" Qin Wentian chuckled, earning a glare from Bailu Yi. "What a narcissist."
"If not me, then do you mean Yan Kong?" Qin Wentian shrugged and continued, "Actually, even if you hadn't said that, I would still think of other ways to continue studying with you. After all, there are still many things that are unclear to me. I've truly benefitted immensely this month, but I still feel that what I learned was only the tip of the iceberg. Hence, I wanted to treat you to a meal to further our acquaintance with each other."
Bailu Yi glanced at Qin Wentian, surprise flickering in her eyes. Qin Wentian's eyes were exceptionally clear, radiating a gentle smile that exuded sincerity. It was different from the gazes of other men who looked at her. Not only that, he was very straightforward with his requests, hiding nothing at all.
"You don't have any lecherous thoughts directed at me, right?" Bailu Yi suddenly asked.
"Cough, cough." Qin Wentian choked on the wine he was drinking. Her words were simple but carried tremendous impact. Qin Wentian had never expected Bailu Yi to be so blunt, so he could only smile awkwardly and reply, "Miss Bailu, I already have someone in my heart."
"Oh?" Bailu Yi still seemed somewhat skeptical. "Is she beautiful?"
"Yes, exceedingly." Qin Wentian nodded earnestly.
"How does she compare to me?" Bailu Yi laughed, catching Qin Wentian off guard. He hadn't anticipated that Teacher Bailu had such a playful side.
"Well, I think she's even more beautiful," Qin Wentian replied with seriousness, momentarily causing Bailu Yi's expression to waver. However, she quickly regained her composure and said, "Really? Then I have to meet her sometime in the future."
"So, does this mean you believe me?" Qin Wentian began to relax.
"For now, yes. But if I find out you've lied to me, you'd better be careful," Bailu Yi threatened, smiling with a hint of mischief in her eyes. This "innocent and pure-looking" Bailu Yi was not only powerful but also highly skilled in the Dao of Puppet Creation. In this region of the Moon Continent, no one dared to challenge her.
Soon, their conversation shifted to Divine Inscriptions, and both of them became deeply engrossed in discussing the topic, gaining insights from each other's words. Qin Wentian was highly satisfied with his meeting with Bailu Yi that day. Since they were going to study and research Divine Inscriptions together, it meant he had already taken the first step into the inner echelons of the White Deer Institute. His plan to control the White Deer Institute had officially begun.
...
After returning to the Leng Clan, Leng Ning kept staring at Qin Wentian, her beautiful eyes flickering.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Qin Wentian perspired.
What did you and Bailu Yi talk about?" Leng Ning inquired curiously.
Qin Wentian leaned back in his chair, a playful grin on his face. "Oh, you know, just trying to build a strong connection. We'll be diving into the world of Divine Inscriptions together, after all," he replied casually, causing Leng Ning to break into a wide grin. "Wait, are you implying that Bailu Yi is going to choose you?"
"Yeah," Qin Wentian nodded.
Leng Ning couldn't resist the urge to tease him. She reached out and placed her hand on his forehead. They had become close friends over the past month, so her actions were more familiar and relaxed than before.
"What are you doing?" Qin Wentian asked as he felt her hand on his forehead, a bemused expression on his face.
"Just checking if you've come down with a fever and lost your mind," Leng Ning replied with a chuckle, withdrawing her hand. "But seriously, you're quite lucky. I can't believe Bailu Yi agreed to have a meal with you. It's rather strange."
With that, Leng Ning headed back to her room, her mind still buzzing with questions.
However, the next day, Leng Ning's eyes nearly popped out of her head. At the Hell Arena, while everyone else kept a respectful distance from Bailu Yi, Qin Wentian boldly walked up and stood shoulder to shoulder with her, engaged in lively conversation.
Leng Ning was utterly flabbergasted. Had the embodiment of innocence, Bailu Yi, been charmed by the smooth-talking braggart, Qin Wentian?
Yan Kong couldn't conceal his shame and anger, his fingers clenched tightly, his gaze locked onto Qin Wentian's back like a venomous snake.
Fan Le, on the other hand, looked at his boss with unadulterated admiration. Qin Wentian not only formed a close relationship with Leng Ning but also managed to get close to Bailu Yi. It was simply too incredible. But why did fate treat him so differently? Was it because he lacked in looks? Fan Le gloomily touched his face.
Everyone was pondering the same thing. While Bailu Yi was undoubtedly a genius in both cultivation and the Dao of Divine Inscriptions, she was still only eighteen. Could it be that she had genuinely fallen for Qin Wentian?
If that were the case, wouldn't Qin Wentian be the one chosen to study Divine Inscriptions with her?
As this idea circulated among the onlookers, many cast pitying glances toward Yan Kong. Yan Kong's face was burning with humiliation. It was clear that he had arrived at the same conclusion. He glared at Qin Wentian, his eyes growing colder by the moment. If that was how it was going to be, then Qin Wentian had only himself to blame for whatever consequences followed. He was truly courting death!