Yan Tie’s decision

Yan Tie's decision...

Leng Ning's father and cousin persisted in pressuring her day after day. Every time she resisted going to the Yan Clan, it only added more burden to her father within the Clan. Due to his relatively mediocre cultivation, her father's position in the Clan hierarchy was quite low. This was precisely why the Leng Clan saw fit to sacrifice his daughter.

In this world, power determined one's status, and status dictated how people treated you.

As for Leng Lin, if Leng Ning continued to refuse, her own concerns would remain unresolved. After all, she had initially been the chosen candidate.

When Leng Ning saw her father and Leng Lin approaching, she put on a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. While Qin Wentian had come across as boastful, being by his side somehow made her feel secure. Maybe it was because of his confidence, which seemed as carefree and unpredictable as the wind and clouds.

However, once provoked, he could become a fearsome storm that brought nothing but fear and regret to those who provoked him. The incident with Yan Kong was a prime example.

Leng Lin commented in a sarcastic tone, "What a 'lovely' couple you two make."

Leng Lin's words continued, "Leng Ning, you better think this through. If Yan Tie becomes truly angered, even if your little lover had ten lives, it wouldn't be enough to save him."

Leng Ning shot back, her tone laced with defiance, "And why should you care? This is none of your business."

Leng Ning's words seemed to catch Leng Lin off guard. Leng Ning appeared to have grown a backbone, showing that she couldn't be easily manipulated anymore.

Leng Lin continued in a patronizing tone, "Of course, it concerns me. I'm simply thinking about your well-being. Marrying into the Yan Clan would undoubtedly bring you good fortune."

Leng Ning's eyes flashed with an almost hidden irritation.

"Are you absolutely certain that marrying Yan Tie is such an amazing stroke of luck?" Qin Wentian asked Leng Lin, his expression remarkably serious.

Leng Ning's brows knitted together. "Certainly."

"In that case, I'm truly relieved," Qin Wentian replied with a chuckle. He added with a glint of mischief in his eyes, "I was worried that you might not be happy, but since you regard becoming Yan Tie's spouse as such an incredible opportunity, then congratulations are in order."

Leng Lin's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness as she retorted, "I'm not the one marrying into the Yan Clan. Leng Ning is the candidate."

"Oh, I see. So I won't be the lucky recipient of such a wonderful destiny. I'll have to pass on this golden opportunity and leave it to my cousin," Leng Ning nodded, a sunny smile gracing her lips. Observing Leng Lin's expression, she could discern that her cousin's persistent pressure stemmed from her own internal anxieties.

Standing by Leng Lin's side, a young man scowled, exuding a palpable sense of hostility. The attitudes of Qin Wentian and Leng Ning were rubbing him the wrong way. Were they suggesting that his beloved woman should marry into the Yan Clan? Wasn't that a blatant insult to him?

"Ever heard of the saying, 'Loose lips sink ships'?" The young man fixed a cold smile on Qin Wentian, his gaze piercing.

Qin Wentian returned the young man's gaze with an amiable smile, but his response carried the weight of unyielding determination. "Given that Leng Lin believes this is a great match, we'll simply request the Yan Clan to change their candidate back. I believe she's more suited for it anyway. By the way, could you both leave now? You're causing quite a disturbance."

Leng Lin's laughter turned icy as she leaned against the young man's arm. In her mind, Qin Wentian was simply courting disaster.

A chilling grin stretched across the young man's lips. He turned to Leng Lin and swept her away, regarding Qin Wentian with disdain. "Remember your words today. I'll be sure to relay them to the Leng Clan."

As the pair reached the entrance of Leng Ning's courtyard, the young man's footprints left runic patterns on the ground. With each step, the runic outlines coalesced into a long lance. Then, with a powerful swing of his stride, he materialized a sharp lance and propelled it towards Qin Wentian with a forceful kick, sending the projectile hurtling through the air with deadly speed.

"Hu..." Leng Ning's father exhaled, the embodiment of a peak-tier second-ranked Divine Inscription. The intricate runic patterns etched into his work were nearly flawless.

With a casual sweep of his hand, Qin Wentian deflected the incoming lance. A peak-tier second-ranked Divine Inscriptionist was roughly on par with someone at the peak of the Arterial Circulation realm. There was no way their attack could harm him.

The realm of third-ranked Divine Inscriptionists corresponded to the Yuanfu Realm in terms of cultivation.

"Hmph, not bad strength you've got there. But do you even comprehend the level of that Divine Inscription?" The young man folded his arms, oozing arrogance, while Leng Lin stood at his side, her laughter frigid. To have reached the second level of attainment in Divine Inscriptions at such a tender age was a testament to the young man's boundless potential. His talent was immeasurable, and once he achieved the status of a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, his standing within the Leng Clan would inevitably skyrocket.

With a dismissive snort, the young man brushed his sleeves and started to turn away, intending to leave. However, before he could take a single step, the rhythmic thud of approaching footsteps resounded, causing him to halt in astonishment. The sound was accompanied by a sharp slicing noise and a sense of impending danger. He hastily spun around just in time to catch sight of a colossal Roc hurtling toward him. The collision produced a resounding boom, sending him reeling backward. His robes were torn, leaving behind a bloody gash on his body.

The young man finally managed to dispel the looming projection of the Roc. He raised his head to glare at Qin Wentian, only to find that another Divine Inscription had already materialized on the ground. A second Roc, even larger than the previous one, materialized as well.

"Did you genuinely think that laughable scribble you attempted earlier qualified as a Divine Inscription?" Qin Wentian's gaze bore into the young man, causing his expression to shift dramatically. Staring at Qin Wentian with wide-eyed disbelief, he struggled to accept the reality before him. How was this possible? He knew the depth of his own expertise in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions. His appearance in the Leng Clan wasn't driven by Leng Lin at all. His true purpose was securing a spot in the upcoming Divine Inscriptionist exchange.

Leng Lin's face turned ashen, her body shivering uncontrollably as she grasped the situation. A third-ranked Inscriptionist was now Leng Ning's boyfriend. The implications were staggering – the Clan would be hard-pressed to give her away to Yan Tie. Qin Wentian was young and brimming with untapped potential. If they persisted with their previous choice, they would be clashing with someone they couldn't afford to offend.

Suddenly, Leng Lin comprehended the true meaning behind Qin Wentian's earlier conversation with her. Her hands trembled as she realized the gravity of the situation.

"Beat it," Qin Wentian grumbled, disdain dripping from the single word. The young man could only usher the speechless Leng Lin away.

Leng Ning's father remained rooted, his expression one of sheer astonishment. He gaped at the young man before him, his daughter's boyfriend? Drawing a deep breath, a hesitant smile curved his lips as he addressed Leng Ning, "Ning'er, you must understand that I had my reasons for my actions. I hold little sway within the Clan. Objecting to the decisions of the higher-ups is beyond my power."

"Could you just leave?" Leng Ning's patience with her father was clearly wearing thin.

Leng Ning's father's face twitched before he gave a nod in Qin Wentian's direction, then departed.

"Power? Status? What pitiful excuses. He couldn't even stand up for his own daughter. Clan pressure may play a role, but even if his talent is limited, he could have grown stronger with the resources available to him. Blaming everything except himself, what a pathetic display," Qin Wentian commented, patting Leng Ning's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.

Leng Ning turned her teary eyes to him. As she met Qin Wentian's gaze, a smile broke through the sadness.

"Thank you for being here," Leng Ning expressed, her heart warming at the sense of protection he provided.

"No problem, after all, I'm a master of the arts," Qin Wentian retorted playfully, provoking another eye roll from Leng Ning. "You really know how to puff up your chest, don't you, you little rascal?"

"Oh, by the way, now that you've showcased your prowess as a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, I have a feeling my clan might want to recruit you for the upcoming trial," Leng Ning suddenly mentioned, her thoughts shifting to the impending exchange.

"The exchange," Qin Wentian mused aloud. Bailu Yi had mentioned it before. However, he couldn't agree to participate under the Leng Clan's banner; he had already promised Bailu Yi.

"Yes, the Divine Inscriptionist exchange is hosted by a transcendent power known as the 'Star-Seizing Manor' within our Moon Continent. The top three participants will earn the right to enter a secret realm and undergo a trial. Those who qualify are allowed to bring others into the secret realm as well. The first place winner gets ten slots, the second place gets eight, and the third place gets three," Leng Ning elaborated.

"Not just in Eastern City, major cities across the Moon Continent will hold similar exchanges. This allows transcendent powers to pick followers to enter the secret realm. That's why the Leng Clan hoped the Yan Clan could allocate a few slots to them. Being one of the most influential clans in Eastern City, the Yan Clan will either secure a top rank or get selected by someone who does," Leng Ning elaborated. Matching this with the information he received from Bailu Yi, Qin Wentian started to piece together the puzzle.

The Leng Clan, eyeing the slim chance to acquire secret realm slots, had chosen to barter Leng Ning to the Yan Clan. It should be feasible to help Bailu Yi secure a victory and then offer some slots to the Leng Clan.

As he anticipated, several Leng Clan members visited Qin Wentian in the following days. This encounter unveiled the stark contrasts in human emotions—coldness and warmth—experienced by Leng Ning.

"Wentian, our Leng Ning has always been obedient since young. She's not just beautiful, she's found someone as remarkable as you. I can entrust her to you without worry," Leng Ning's grandfather smiled, his demeanor friendly. But Leng Ning had previously informed Qin Wentian that this grandfather had never smiled at her; his attention was reserved only for the most talented grandchildren, leaving Leng Ning sidelined.

When the Leng Clan proposed that Leng Ning marry Yan Tie, this very grandfather had vehemently supported the notion. In his eyes, Leng Ning was but a pawn.

"Indeed," Qin Wentian replied, masking his irritation.

"I've dispatched representatives to negotiate with the Yan Clan. No need to fret," Leng Ning's grandfather declared. Just then, a person arrived, visibly flustered. This disruption led to a displeased frown from Leng Ning's grandfather. "What's going on?"

The newcomer glanced at Qin Wentian and Leng Ning before staying mum.

"They're not outsiders. Speak your mind," Leng Ning's grandfather insisted.

"Yes, sir." The individual nodded. "Yan Tie has refused the candidate exchange. He insists on having Leng Ning and warns that the Leng Clan should disassociate from Qin Wentian completely. Otherwise, Yan Tie won't hesitate to retaliate."

Leng Ning's grandfather's expression shifted abruptly. The benevolent look in his eyes faded, replaced by a calculated glint. His thoughts remained a mystery.

What was Yan Tie up to? The Leng Clan had extended many benefits; why the reluctance now?

"Can we negotiate?" Leng Ning's grandfather inquired coldly.

"No, sir. Yan Tie was furious upon hearing this. He demanded we send Miss Leng Ning immediately; otherwise, we'll face dire consequences. Moreover, he said someone should be ready to meet death," the servant confessed, bowing. A tense silence followed, and Leng Ning's grandfather's face soured considerably. Yan Tie's response was characteristic of him. And the 'someone' mentioned was unmistakably Qin Wentian.

There was more to the feud between Yan Tie and Qin Wentian. The Leng Clan was compelled to choose between the two.

Qin Wentian, a young third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, had a promising future.

Yan Tie, a seasoned, third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist with substantial experience, was undoubtedly ahead of Qin Wentian in terms of current skill. Opting for Qin Wentian meant foregoing their chance at the trial. Plus, they'd need to safeguard him against Yan Tie's fury. Yan Tie's words left little ambiguity—Qin Wentian's life would be in jeopardy.

"I'll take my leave now," Leng Ning's grandfather said, forcing a smile as he bid his farewell. Qin Wentian inferred the predicament from Old Leng's behavior. And Yan Tie's ominous suggestion for Qin Wentian to brace for death? Was that old man really capable of such an act? Qin Wentian was eager to ascertain Yan Tie's true strength!