Extraordinary Character

Extraordinary Character...

Bailu You huffed and pushed his way past Bailu Yi, making his ascent up the mountain. Qin Wentian, upon spotting Bailu You's arrival, respectfully rose to his feet and offered a courteous bow. "Does Senior have any specific requests for me?"

Bailu You deliberately enunciated each word as he retorted, "Grandmaster Qin, quite the challenge just to secure a meeting with you." His tone dripped with mockery, making it clear that he didn't consider Qin Wentian worthy of the title 'Grandmaster.'

Qin Wentian maintained his smile, seemingly unaffected by the sarcasm. "Senior jests. I've been in closed-door seclusion, and Little Yi merely sought to prevent any disruptions. If I've unknowingly caused offense, I apologize."

Unyielding, Bailu You pressed on, "Closed-door seclusion, you say? Are you implying you've advanced to the fourth rank?"

Qin Wentian's smile persisted, but he didn't reply verbally.

Frustration boiled within Bailu You, realizing that Qin Wentian wouldn't be easily provoked. "Today, distinguished guests have arrived at my White Deer Institute, hoping to meet with you. All of them are fourth-ranked Grandmasters. Would Grandmaster Qin be willing to oblige?"

Qin Wentian adopted a curious expression. "I'm unfamiliar with individuals in the Moon Continent. Why would they wish to visit me?"

Bailu You's face darkened. Qin Wentian's naivety irked him. How dare he use the term 'visit' when the guests were all fourth-ranked Grandmasters?

"It's not a mere 'visit,' but a summons," emphasized Bailu You.

Qin Wentian nodded nonchalantly, but his silence spoke volumes. Exchanging a quick glance with Bailu Yi, he detected her anxiety. The purpose of the fourth-ranked Grandmasters was crystal clear—the ancient scroll of the Ascendant.

Although Qin Wentian ceased responding, Bailu You kept jabbing. "'Grandmaster' Qin, aren't you going to prepare to meet them?"

A puzzled look graced Qin Wentian's face as he met Bailu You's gaze. "Why would I need to prepare to move?"

"You…" Bailu You's glare turned frosty. "Numerous fourth-ranked Grandmasters want to see you. Do you expect them all to seek you out? Are you avoiding them?"

Bailu You's tone was frigid, but Bailu Yi interjected, "Uncle You, you're fully aware of their intentions. Why are you serving as their mouthpiece?"

Bailu You's intention was transparent: he wanted the Grandmasters to pressure Qin Wentian. Only then would Qin Wentian, for the sake of his safety, submit to Bailu Tong, his father.

"Senior jests. Why would I avoid them?" Qin Wentian responded calmly, but his smile slowly faded as his tone sharpened like the edge of a blade. "I choose not to meet them, not because I'm avoiding anything. What do you mean by using the term 'avoid'?"

Bailu You's cold grin stiffened as he locked eyes with Qin Wentian. Just as he was about to retort, Qin Wentian continued, his voice as piercing as his gaze. "If they wish to see me, they can come. I'll be waiting right here."

"You... you expect fourth-ranked Grandmasters to personally come to you?" Bailu You's disbelief was palpable.

"Why not? Weren't they the ones who wanted to meet me?" Qin Wentian shrugged casually. His tone hardened as he continued, "I don't owe them any favors, and they've shown me no courtesy thus far. If they think a single word is enough to summon me, doesn't that mean I'm lowering myself? Perhaps Senior enjoys debasing yourself?"

Bailu You's eyes narrowed as his forced smile wavered. "Sharp words. In that case, I'll go inform the fourth-ranked Inscriptionists that they are to visit 'Grandmaster' Qin."

With a flourish of his robes, Bailu You departed. The young men trailing behind him shot daggers at Qin Wentian with their eyes.

After the trio had vanished from sight, Bailu Yi's expression was a mix of apprehension and concern. She explained, "While you were in seclusion, news of your Ascendant's inheritance spread. Bailu You is Bailu Tong's son. You're surely aware of their intentions. These fourth-ranked Inscriptionists have united against you, aiming to pressure you."

Qin Wentian stood and smiled reassuringly as he observed Bailu Yi's worry. "Don't worry, I'll handle things if they push me too far."

Bailu Yi's eyes brightened as she caught the unspoken message in Qin Wentian's words. "Did you succeed?"

Qin Wentian's smile grew. "Yes."

"Really?" Bailu Yi pressed further.

"Yes, indeed," Qin Wentian affirmed.

"Fourth rank? You're not lying?" Bailu Yi queried for a third time, her amazement growing with each repetition. A fourth-ranked Grandmaster at nineteen was almost unbelievable.

Rolling his eyes playfully, Qin Wentian approached and lightly tapped Bailu Yi's head. "It's true, I'm not lying."

"This is incredible!" Bailu Yi exclaimed with unbridled excitement. She couldn't contain herself and hugged Qin Wentian tightly. "Oh my goodness, I've witnessed a nineteen-year-old become a fourth-ranked Grandmaster. This is historical! You're unbelievable, Qin Wentian!"

"Eh..." Caught off guard by Bailu Yi's exuberance, Qin Wentian was at a loss. As he felt the soft pressure against his body, he awkwardly averted his gaze to avoid embarrassment.

Bailu Yi's enthusiasm stemmed from her innocence and pure joy. Realizing that Qin Wentian was watching her, she blinked and stopped her exuberant movements. A blush tinted her cheeks, making her look even more innocent. This combination of bashfulness and innocence left Qin Wentian somewhat flustered.

Though he was accustomed to beauty, at that moment, the Bailu Yi before him seemed exceptionally radiant.

"I'll be right back; I'm going to stir up some trouble," Bailu Yi declared with a glint in her eyes. As she jogged away, a pained expression crossed her face, and she rubbed her head. She shot a glare at Qin Wentian and scolded, "Seriously, you used way too much force!"

"... you're just realizing that now?" Qin Wentian responded, bemused. He watched as Bailu Yi smiled sweetly at him before darting off.

"Stirring up trouble?" Qin Wentian mused, observing her retreating figure. If given the chance, she could probably turn the entire world into chaos.

He didn't have to wait long before a line of figures appeared on the mountain path. Among them were individuals with snow-white hair, some so aged that they seemed on the brink of the grave, while others wore kindly expressions. Regardless of their appearances, their auras held a common thread—a subtle air of arrogance.

Experienced Inscriptionists often commanded respect. Even mighty sects hesitated to offend fourth-ranked Grandmasters, preferring to offer vast wealth or even sway them to their side. These approaches worked, given the Inscriptionists' influence and willingness.

Fourth-ranked Inscriptionists never lacked wealth or fame. They shone like moons in the night sky, drawing attention wherever they went. Their entourage, composed of Yuanfu cultivators ranging from the seventh to ninth level, functioned as bodyguards to safeguard their esteemed status.

For those less successful in cultivation, a talent for Divine Inscriptions became their focus. Investing immense time into studying and researching the art, they could attain significant status as fourth-ranked Grandmasters at the Yuanfu level. This unconscious arrogance was an inevitable byproduct of their elevated status.

As they faced Qin Wentian, he keenly sensed the tense atmosphere surrounding these fourth-ranked Grandmasters.

"Two Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, and the rest are at the Yuanfu level. The weakest among them is at the fifth level of Yuanfu," Qin Wentian accurately assessed their cultivation bases with a sweep of his gaze.

Furthermore, he recognized one of the Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns—someone he was acquainted with.

"Respectful greetings, Grandmaster Fenrir," Qin Wentian bowed politely. He vividly remembered the Star-Seizing Manor's event where Grandmaster Fenrir had officiated as a judge. Known for his impartiality, Fenrir had earned Qin Wentian's admiration.

Grandmaster Fenrir chuckled, a gleam in his eyes as he studied Qin Wentian closely, as if witnessing something astonishing. "When we crossed paths at the Star-Seizing Manor, I sensed that you were no ordinary individual. It seems my intuition was right—fate has smiled upon you. Of course, you must have worked diligently for it as well. Congratulations." His composed tone exuded a camaraderie that treated Qin Wentian as an equal, devoid of any condescension.

Qin Wentian sensed Fenrir's affability, understanding the unspoken message behind his words. He responded with a laugh, "Luck has been on my side, and the experiences from the exchange at the Star-Seizing Manor greatly aided my growth. Now, reuniting with Grandmaster Fenrir, I must express my gratitude."

As he spoke, Qin Wentian bowed again, his gestures sincere and reverent.

"Very well," Grandmaster Fenrir replied with a smile, nodding approvingly. Subtly, he shifted his stance, positioning himself apart from the other fourth-ranked Inscriptionists. He recognized an opportunity—this young man wasn't an ordinary fish in a small pond; he was destined to transform into a soaring dragon reaching the heavens.

Grandmaster Fenrir realized the importance of establishing a rapport, or at the very least, not offending Qin Wentian.

Unbeknownst to the others, they failed to discern Grandmaster Fenrir's subtle movements or grasp the nuanced significance of his interaction with Qin Wentian. They had no inkling that Fenrir wasn't merely complimenting Qin Wentian's inheritance of the Ascendant's legacy; their exchange held deeper implications.

Instead, they mistakenly interpreted Fenrir's words as confirmation that Qin Wentian possessed the Ascendant's inheritance—something he hadn't actually admitted. Consequently, greed sparkled in their eyes as they regarded Qin Wentian as their prey.

The Ascendant's inheritance? They were resolved to wrest it from this audacious upstart today!