Berate

Berate...

The transformation was staggering, a mere six months rendering Bai Fei almost unable to recognize Qin Wentian. His evolution was so profound that it seemed like he had become an entirely different person.

While her memories of him from their encounters in Chu were somewhat faint, they had exchanged words and crossed paths a few times. The impressions of Stellar Martial Cultivators were typically strong and positive, making her inability to recognize him a testament to the magnitude of his change.

She could still vaguely recall the youth who exuded impulsiveness, coupled with an air of immaturity and a hint of that 'pride' inherent to geniuses from humble origins. Back then, she had dismissed him with a condescending attitude and even advised him to abandon his fantasies of being with Mo Qingcheng. The irony wasn't lost on Bai Fei now, realizing that the very same youth stood before her in such dire circumstances.

The transformation he had undergone was extraordinary. The boyish features he once bore were now replaced with chiseled, intense features. Confidence emanated from his eyes, but now a cold determination also flickered within, instilling fear in those who met his gaze. This stark contrast was a far cry from the subtle arrogance he used to project.

However, what baffled her the most was his growth from his former 'insignificant' self to a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist at the peak of his prowess today—a force capable of eliminating tens of peak-level Yuanfu cultivators with uncanny ease.

Such a radical shift in character and power left Bai Fei momentarily in disbelief. The realization that the once-familiar youth had ventured to the Moon Continent, despite the insurmountable obstacles it presented, was difficult to fathom.

"It's really you," Bai Fei uttered, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian. "Are you pretending not to know me on purpose?"

Qin Wentian's gaze met hers, his response laced with detachment. "Should I be familiar with you?"

Bai Fei's expression froze momentarily, her chest heaving slightly as she took an uneasy breath. Her subtle movement was not lost on observers, eliciting a surge of reactions from those with a predisposition for attraction.

"Hmm?" The sinister young man displayed evident interest, his gaze focused on the interaction.

Although Bai Fei and Qin Wentian were acquainted, it appeared that Qin Wentian harbored some resentment toward her.

Meanwhile, Bailu Yi, the captive of the Star-Seizing Manor elder, was the very person Qin Wentian was aiming to rescue.

The elder's eyes gleamed with a cold light, visibly irritated by Qin Wentian's defiance.

"I think you fail to comprehend the gravity of the situation," the old man snorted, his palm surging with power as though it could shatter even the celestial bodies.

"Hey, hey, let's not break the serenity here." The young man stepped forward, his palm extending to block the elder's attack, creating a sonic boom that echoed through the air.

"What's your angle?" The black-robed elder's gaze sharpened, his stare fixed on the sinister-looking youth.

"We're all just aiming for a safe exit from this maze, why resort to in-fighting?" The young man chuckled. "Qin, my friend, this place is a labyrinth of danger. If you can ensure our safe escape, I can guarantee the release of his captive and even throw in this stunning beauty for you to handle. Isn't that a perfect arrangement? Plus, our Star-Seizing Manor friend here has a bit of a short fuse. Why provoke him unnecessarily? Cooperation is a much better approach."

Bai Fei's face stiffened upon hearing this. She was to be 'gifted' to Qin Wentian?

Seeing the veiled threat in the young man's words, Qin Wentian couldn't help but retort, "I'm sorry, trust is hard to come by in situations like this."

"Hmph," the black-robed elder sneered, his grip tightening on Bailu Yi's shoulders. "Do you really believe you have a choice?"

"Qin, I urge you to think twice. Miss Bailu is as innocent as a lily and possesses the beauty that could make the moon envious and the flowers blush." The sinister young man chuckled wickedly. The black-robed elder's grin widened as his hand began tracing a path down Bailu Yi's back, leaving her visibly shaken.

"Cross that line again, and you'll find yourself staying here permanently," Qin Wentian shot back. He continued, "The traps that lie ahead are far deadlier than before. Even a strong expert like you would struggle to barge through. I personally witnessed a Hua Clan expert attempting that feat, and now all that remains of him is ashes. That's why I'm staying put to study the formation further. Of course, if you're looking for death, I won't stand in your way."

The elder's hand hesitated, realizing that attempting another move wasn't wise. "So, is this your way of agreeing to cooperate?"

"Release her first," Qin Wentian's tone was frosty.

"Hehe, no worries. I'll personally ensure her safety. Just lead the way," the black-robed elder scoffed, his intent clear: he wouldn't relinquish his bargaining chip—Bailu Yi.

Qin Wentian's brow furrowed. "I have zero confidence in your ability to care for anyone of the female persuasion."

"Haha, looks like you have feelings for this girl," the elder chortled, narrowing his eyes. "And since I'm aware of that, there's even more reason not to let her go."

Qin Wentian's expression turned icier. "In that case, go ahead and kill me now. Test your luck against the traps."

Steel determination radiated from Qin Wentian's eyes, his resolve unwavering. The old man's expression twisted; he hadn't anticipated Qin Wentian's audacious response, his emotions clearly running rampant.

"Qin, come on now, dying won't really solve anything. After all, it would be quite a waste to let Bailu Yi fall into the clutches of that black-robed devil. Your afterlife might not be as peaceful with that on your conscience," the young man continued, his wicked smile refusing to waver. The standoff persisted, neither side yielding an inch.

Qin Wentian's expression soured with each passing moment. After a brief silence, he finally spoke, "Fine, take me instead. We'll walk ahead, and you two can trail behind us like a pair of bodyguards."

A glint passed through the black-robed elder's eyes. A silent agreement was reached as they exchanged a knowing look. They were willing to accept these terms.

"Step forward then," the elder chuckled, his sinister grin still in place.

Without hesitation, Qin Wentian moved closer until he was standing directly in front of the elder, releasing his hold on Bailu Yi.

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he said softly, "I'll protect you."

A blush crept across Bailu Yi's cheeks at the intimate touch. She hadn't anticipated such a gesture from Qin Wentian.

However, before she could react, his grip tightened, and in a split second, she was pushed away with force. A terrifying glint flickered in Qin Wentian's eyes as his strength surged, leveraging the Inscriptions he had prepared while awaiting Bailu Yi's arrival. The ground beneath the elder's feet cracked open, pulling him downward due to a suction force. Concurrently, harnessing the gravitational influence of the Ascendant statue, Qin Wentian's Inscriptions surged to life. A scream of agony pierced the air as the black-robed elder's legs were shredded by a hidden sword-type Inscription beneath the earth.

Bai Fei watched in astonishment, her thoughts in disarray. Abruptly, she was struck by an unseen force, catapulting her out of the formation.

Dust-covered and disgruntled, Bai Fei muttered under her breath, "What a jerk."

Nevertheless, relief settled within her. She was able to witness the sheer potency of Qin Wentian's trap.

Qin Wentian had long been prepared for this moment, orchestrating a multi-layered formation with cunning precision.

"SPARE ME!" The elder's agonized cry filled the air, but compassion had no place here. Being kind to enemies often meant cruelty to oneself. Ignoring the pleas, Qin Wentian intensified the onslaught, his sword slashes quickening until the elder's body was reduced to nothing more than a gory mess.

As for the sinister young man, he too was ensnared by Qin Wentian's trap the moment he triggered the formation with his foot. The multi-layered design incorporated both entrapment and execution Inscriptions. Qin Wentian's plan was set in motion when he expected only Bailu Yi's arrival, never anticipating that Bai Fei and her captor would also become part of this deadly symphony.

A golden glow enveloped the young man, shielding him from the onslaught of the trap's attacks. Despite his attempts to break free by charging in different directions, he found himself ensnared in a bewildering maze with no way out.

Eventually, the young man ceased his futile struggle, opting to stay put. While unfamiliar with Divine Inscriptions and formations, he recognized that heedless movement would only lead to a dire end. He decided to be cautious, avoiding the fate that befell the black-robed elder.

Amid the clamor of sword strikes, the sinister young man summoned a solid golden sculpture, using it to deflect the attacks.

"Qin, we can't defeat each other. If you release me now, I promise we won't cross paths again," the young man proposed.

Qin Wentian's expression remained unyielding. He knew that sparing this man would likely result in negative consequences.

But he was also aware that taking down a wary opponent using third-level Inscriptions, as he had done with the unprepared peak-level Yuanfu cultivator, was worlds apart from accomplishing the same feat with someone on guard.

With silence as his response, the sinister young man's visage darkened. His eyes gleamed with murderous intent as he conjured a golden lance exuding an aura of imminent annihilation.

"Be cautious," Qin Wentian warned. Suddenly, a beam of golden light pierced through the formation, creating a minor breach in the Inscription. The beam surged toward Qin Wentian and his companions.

"Move!" Qin Wentian grabbed Bailu Yi and sprinted away. He realized that facing an opponent with a formidable Divine Weapon, the chances of his formation enduring were slim.

His decision was swift and resolute – escape now, dragging Bailu Yi along. Bai Fei's expression tightened, and without hesitation, she trailed after Qin Wentian. She was well aware of her vulnerability within this environment; her only salvation lay with him.

"Get out of here!" Qin Wentian suddenly turned back, his gaze ice-cold as it settled on Bai Fei.

Caught off guard, Bai Fei stuttered, "You…"

"I, Qin, am naught but a humble and rustic individual, scarcely fit to engage in discourse with the likes of Miss Bai Fei," Qin Wentian stated with detached aplomb, his words striking Bai Fei like a thunderbolt. The tables had turned; she who had once scorned him was now virtually beseeching to be part of his company.

"Even now, you... you... remain undeserving of Qingcheng's companionship!" Bai Fei couldn't stomach this insolence. She spat disdainfully at Qin Wentian, her voice dripping with venom. "You and her seem a match made in heaven, though."

"Worthiness is not yours to arbitrate. My intervention today was solely because you share a sect with Qingcheng. As for Bailu Yi and me, our relationship is one of friendship only. Convey this message to Qingcheng on my behalf: I, Qin Wentian, shall one day venture into the Pill Emperor Hall to retrieve her."

With this resolute declaration, Qin Wentian turned away and strode off, leaving Bai Fei flabbergasted and motionless in his wake.