Suffering a Violent Beating

Suffering a Violent Beating...

Seeing Qin Wentian take the lead in defending her, Bailu Yi smiled and consented. This situation only made Yan Kong's face grow colder. The rumors must be true; Bailu Yi was indeed infatuated with Qin Wentian. Otherwise, there was no way the usually reserved beauty of the White Deer Institute would display such emotions in public.

Yan Kong was consumed by hatred and jealousy.

Qin Wentian stepped forward to position himself in front of Bailu Yi and gazed at Yan Kong. "Do you truly believe that among this entire group, your proficiency in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions is the highest?"

Yan Kong glared at Qin Wentian, a sneer playing on his lips. "What? You want to challenge me?"

"Please, enlighten me," Qin Wentian replied coolly, taking a few steps forward. At this moment, he shed his casual demeanor and attitude. His focused expression gave off the impression that he was surrounded by an aura of radiance, exuding self-confidence and the belief in youthful invincibility.

This transformation left Leng Ning astonished. Was this the same boastful person she knew? Qin Wentian projected an air of unwavering self-assuredness and youthful arrogance.

"He seems confident, but does his proficiency truly surpass Yan Kong's?" Leng Ning was concerned, yet she couldn't help feeling a trace of anticipation at the sight of Qin Wentian in this state.

"Hehe," Yan Kong coldly chuckled as his aura surged. The onlookers instinctively retreated, providing Qin Wentian and Yan Kong with a clear space for their duel.

At that moment, a golden Astral Soul materialized above Yan Kong, taking the form of a palm-shaped forging-type Astral Soul.

Simultaneously, Yan Kong's palm began to radiate golden light as runic imprints appeared and intertwined, emitting a brilliant radiance. Over time, the runic imprints continued to weave, gradually forming the faint outline of a dragon. Although the dragon shape was somewhat simplistic, it was still a dragon-type Divine Inscription—a remarkably rare and extraordinary one.

"Observe closely," Yan Kong taunted as he slammed his palm into the ground. In an instant, the Dragon Divine Inscription symbol vanished from his hand and appeared on the surface of the ground.

A resounding draconic roar reverberated through the air, shattering the silence as a magnificent golden dragon burst forth, hurtling toward Qin Wentian with thunderous force. The ground trembled beneath the weight of the approaching force, and the dragon crashed into Qin Wentian, ripping his robes but curiously leaving him unscathed.

"Did you see that? That's Yan Kong's power, just a step away from becoming a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist!" murmured the awed spectators, their hearts fluttering at the spectacle of Yan Kong's prowess. In less than six months, he'd surely ascend to the ranks of the third-ranked elite.

With his arms crossed, Yan Kong wore a smug grin as he savored the sight of Qin Wentian's inevitable defeat. Oh, how sweet it would be to see Bailu Yi explain herself then.

"Done showing off?" Qin Wentian brushed the dust from his robes, his voice dripping with nonchalance. Yan Kong's confidence wavered at his words. "Now, it's my turn."

KABOOM!

Qin Wentian stomped the ground, and within moments, a white Roc-shaped Divine Inscription etched itself onto the earth's surface. A spectral Roc emerged, hurtling toward Yan Kong.

"Is that all? I thought you'd give me a challenge!" Yan Kong laughed heartily as the faint Roc-shadow approached him.

But before his laughter could fade, Qin Wentian stomped again, and this time, the Roc's form solidified.

Thud, thud, thud! Qin Wentian's feet tapped out a rhythm on the ground, causing the once-faint Roc shadow to gain substance, materializing into a tangible creature. With each step, more Rocs emerged, a squadron soaring toward Yan Kong. Frantically, he danced and scribbled, trying to fend off the onslaught.

"Hold on, what's happening?" Spectators gaped in disbelief, jaws hanging low, as the runic lines of the Roc Inscription beneath Qin Wentian's feet began to rearrange themselves.

Leng Ning's fist clenched, heart racing, as she stared at Qin Wentian in awe and wonder.

As the reorganization concluded, the Inscription on the ground expanded, forming the image of a colossal Roc. Its wings spanned the sky, emanating an aura of menace, though Qin Wentian's face remained as serene as ever, untouched by the brewing storm.

In an instant, the manifested Rocs dissolved into streaks of white light, converging into the massive Roc's form. With a furious screech, the air quivered as the Roc's claws reached for Yan Kong's head, intent on pulverizing it.

Panic engulfed Yan Kong, his face contorting as he scrambled backward. His hands weaved intricate seals, conjuring a formidable palm imprint that clashed head-on with the colossal Roc. The impact echoed like thunder.

The Roc's corporeal shape wavered, yet Yan Kong appeared worse for wear, his countenance awash with distress.

A heavy silence enveloped the surroundings, all eyes locked onto Qin Wentian. Even Bailu Yi, renowned for her discernment, was taken aback. His mastery of the Divine Inscriptions surpassed her expectations, revealing abilities she'd never witnessed before. Was Qin Wentian truly a monstrous genius in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions?

"A third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, capable of suppressing a Yuanfu expert. He's undeniably at the third-level mastery," murmured someone, awe dripping from their voice.

"Did you catch that? He's a third-ranked Divine Inscriptions Grandmaster."

The realization dawned on the crowd, melting away their misconceptions. What foolish assumptions they'd made! Bailu Yi had seen his potential all along; their colored speculations were simply products of their own biases. Regret now tinged their faces, shame flooding their hearts.

As the truth settled in about Qin Wentian's rank, their jealousy evaporated into thin air.

"Third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist," Leng Ning breathed, her words laced with incredulity. Her expression danced with fascination, her heart a wild drumbeat.

Third-ranked! That boastful man, he was a bona fide third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist Grandmaster…

A flush of embarrassment colored Leng Ning's cheeks as her realization hit. Qin Wentian had always been a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, not some braggart.

"That rascal!" She stamped her foot, vexed. No wonder he was always so composed; was it all intentional? Argh.

Then the memory struck—she'd promised to marry him if he were a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist. Her blush deepened as she stole furtive glances his way. How utterly mortifying…

Amidst the charged atmosphere, Qin Wentian locked eyes with Yan Kong. His tone dripped with indifference as he quipped, "Remember saying you were the pinnacle among us?"

A pallor crept onto Yan Kong's face as the biting sarcasm sliced through the air. Not long ago, he'd strutted with arrogance, boasting of his supremacy. Yet here he stood, publicly humiliated before a throng of onlookers.

"Thinking of ending me?" Yan Kong's tone shifted abruptly, an ominous aura radiating from him. A glint of coldness sparked in his eyes as he lunged at Qin Wentian.

"Yan Kong, you're beyond shameless." Leng Ning's expression soured, her voice heavy with disdain as she sensed Yan Kong's murderous intent. He was outrageously audacious, defeated by Qin Wentian's Divine Inscriptions and now seeking retribution just to salvage his tattered ego? But considering the clout of his Yan Clan, even if he harmed Qin Wentian, repercussions would likely be elusive.

"Golden Dragon Seal."

Yan Kong's palm shot forth, dragon-like energy surging from it. A razor-sharp aura bore down on Qin Wentian, a manifestation of the Metal Mandate he'd harnessed.

The Metal Mandate, representing the metal element among the Five Elements, held a fearsome reputation for its cutting power and domineering nature. At its foundational level, the Penetration Insight amplified the destructive might of Yan Kong's strikes.

When Qin Wentian caught wind of Yan Kong's sneak attack, a glimmer of terrifying resolve ignited in his eyes. Dark energy surged around them. As Astral Energy surged through his veins, his palms radiated a crimson hue, his blood seals resonating within.

"Falling Mountain Palms!" Qin Wentian's palms swept out, his mastery of the innate technique profound. He had reached its pinnacle, his strike bolstered by the Mountain-type Divine Energy within his Yuanfu and further empowered by his first-level understanding of the Mandate of Force: Strength.

The Golden Dragon Seal met the Falling Mountain Palms, shattering amidst a deafening explosion. In a heartbeat, a blur of movement followed.

BOOM! Yan Kong slammed into a towering stone pillar, his hand pressed against his chest. Qin Wentian stood beside him, exuding an aura of dominance, his eyes gleaming with authority.

Gasps rippled through the spectators, their hearts echoing the boom of impact. Even Leng Ning drew a sharp breath, her disbelief palpable. Was this truly the same Qin Wentian she once knew? The same one who boasted and smiled, seemingly unremarkable and well-mannered?

Yan Kong was hurled violently to the ground, the impact leaving him dazed. Struggling to rise, he met Qin Wentian's icy stare, and the latter's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Apologize to Teacher Bailu."

Yan Kong wiped blood from his lips, his eyes seething with loathing. He paid no heed to Qin Wentian, attempting to regain his footing.

Boom!

Qin Wentian's hand struck out, sending Yan Kong sprawling once more. The force of the blow coerced several mouthfuls of blood from him.

"Apologize," Qin Wentian's words hung in the air, simple yet laden with an imperious power.

From the outset, Qin Wentian had sensed Yan Kong's hostility, though he'd brushed it aside, focused on other priorities. In his view, Yan Kong was an inconsequential character, not worth his time. But now, Yan Kong had transgressed the limits of his patience.

And so, Qin Wentian would teach him a memorable lesson.

"DO YOU GRASP WHAT YOU'RE DOING?" Yan Kong's voice cracked, his efforts to rise futile.

Boom! Before the echoes of Yan Kong's scream faded, Qin Wentian's foot descended upon his back, crushing him into the earth.

If Yan Kong remained obstinate, Qin Wentian would break his spirit.

"Three breaths," Qin Wentian's voice remained impassive, unwavering.

"YOU DARE?!" Yan Kong's defiance faltered, pinned by Qin Wentian's force.

"First breath," Qin Wentian's monotone persisted, unmoved by Yan Kong's protests.

A veil of trepidation blanketed Yan Kong, his body trembling involuntarily.

"Second breath," Qin Wentian's voice deepened, a tide of killing intent radiating from him, the air thickening with tension.

Frozen, the spectators watched the scene unfold, the atmosphere stifling.

Yan Kong quivered, apprehending the frigid bloodlust reflected in those eyes. Eyes that held no warmth, only the chilling gaze of a merciless predator.

"Third brea..."

"I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The scream erupted from Yan Kong, submission lacing every syllable. Today, he'd swallow his pride.

"Teacher Bailu, I, Yan Kong, apologize for my insolence. I accept my punishment, I'm deeply sorry," he choked, the words a bitter pill. Humiliation gnawed at him, worse than the brink of death.

"Why endure this degradation when you knew you'd have to apologize sooner or later?" Qin Wentian lifted his foot, a slight smile dancing on his lips. The frigidity that had hung in the air receded. The terrifying youth of moments ago dissolved, replaced by the familiar, polite Qin Wentian. Yet the indelible image of this incident was etched in the minds of all who witnessed it, a memory that time couldn't erase.