Surnamed Ouyang

Surnamed Ouyang...

The High Princes each selected a stone platform and settled down, ceasing to disturb Qin Wentian. Their bodyguards stood on the platforms chosen by their respective High Princes. The atmosphere had taken on an eerie tension.

Spectators exchanged bewildered looks, unable to fathom what they had just witnessed.

'Sleeping God,' the perennial dozer, shameless Fatty, and the aspiring madman, Axe Demon; their true strength was astonishing.

Moreover, their audacity was striking. They had brazenly taken the life of King Yi's second son, showing no fear in the presence of the three High Princes.

The audacity of their actions prompted onlookers to marvel at their fearlessness. What's more, it was evident that they acted in defense of Ye Xi. Their motive was clear: they gained nothing from assisting her, yet they unhesitatingly took on the risk of offending the Qiyun Royal Clan.

For the long-standing members of the Gazing-Dragon Hall, the simple bond between Ye Xi and the trio was well-known. Their connection originated from chance encounters and evolved into genuine camaraderie. The young woman often prepared delectable pastries for them, sharing laughter and camaraderie after their training sessions. A straightforward and sincere relationship motivated them to defy the Royal Clan for her sake.

"They're truly an eccentric bunch," murmured many in the crowd. Yet, their ponderings shifted to the inevitable confrontation with the formidable experts from King Yi's Mansion.

The gentle sunlight bathed the Gazing-Dragon Mountain in warmth, yet the gathered individuals felt a chill in their hearts. In the distance, a strong wind stirred, heralding the approach of a group of figures. The leading figure, a commanding middle-aged man, wore a visage distorted by rage. His emanating killing intent left no doubt about his identity – King Yi.

Moments later, King Yi's guards descended before the mountain rampart, casting an imposing pressure upon the surroundings. King Yi's face bore an expression of wrath as he coldly demanded, "Who?"

"The three of them." The guard who had been spared by Chu Mang pointed toward Qin Wentian and his companions.

"BOOM!" King Yi materialized his Astral Soul – a formidable eagle – radiating a potent demonic aura. His gaze swept over Ye Xi and her father, then turned to the second High Prince. "Your highness, Ye Xi is responsible for the death of my son. Today, I shall execute her and her father. I will seek your highness's clemency afterward."

A sidelong glance from the second prince landed on Ye Zheng. Currently, Ye Zheng's value to him had waned, and Ye Xi's death held no concern for him. His aim was to manipulate Ye Xi to control Ye Zheng, but now that Ye Zheng had lost his utility...

"Very well, I won't hinder your retribution," the second High Prince declared, showing no intention of intervening.

A resounding "BUZZ!" filled the air as a fierce gust of wind swept through. King Yi took matters into his own hands, launching himself forward like an eagle targeting its prey. However, in a blink, Chu Mang materialized before Fan Le, his massive axe descending with cataclysmic force. The overwhelming Mandate of Axe surged forth from him, akin to a torrential dragon bursting from the depths of the sea.

King Yi's fingers transformed into razor-sharp claws, clashing directly with Chu Mang's attack. The collision generated such power that both combatants staggered back involuntarily.

"How formidable," the onlookers marveled at the potency of Chu Mang's Mandate. He had attained the Transformation Boundary for the first level insight of the Mandate of Axe, "Beheader." This level of mastery allowed him to directly confront King Yi.

"Seize the others, but Ye Zheng must die. Remember, Ye Xi must survive—I shall make her suffer a fate worse than death!" King Yi's roar signaled his renewed assault on Chu Mang. His Valiant Eagle Astral Soul bolstered his attacks and agility, providing an advantage over Chu Mang's brute strength.

Another figure stepped forward, his aura indicating his cultivation at the eighth level of Yuanfu. Ye Xi's complexion paled; this man was the mightiest guest elder in King Yi's Mansion, a warrior of fearsome skill.

"I will engage him," Ye Zheng offered, recognizing he was the only one with a fighting chance against this foe.

"No need," Qin Wentian responded calmly. With those words, he stomped upon the stone platform, triggering an immediate illumination. The ground's surface came alive with the radiance of Divine Inscriptions.

For an entire day and night, Qin Wentian had dedicated himself to inscribing Divine Inscriptions, well aware of the imminent arrival of their adversaries. This small country wasn't one he could take lightly, and he understood the necessity of proper preparation before confronting them.

The surge of formidable sword qi converged into a tempest, fracturing into several miniature windstorms. While the sword qi tempest was inherently a combat-oriented, fourth-tier Divine Inscription, the miniature windstorms it generated were all third-tier peak-tier combat Inscriptions.

"Wait, this is…" The guest elder at the eighth level of Yuanfu froze when he saw one of the windstorms bearing down on him. Hastily, he soared into the air, intending to flee. Yet, to his astonishment, a barrage of formidable swords manifested within the heart of the windstorm. The gales transformed into white lightning, piercing through the air with an eerie, sharp sound.

Puchi...

A crisp, resonant sound followed, signifying the complete consumption of the eighth-level Yuanfu cultivator by the windstorm. The guards who rushed toward Qin Wentian and Ye Xi fared no better; they were effortlessly dispatched within seconds.

King Yi and Chu Mang temporarily halted their combat. King Yi found himself overwhelmed with shock and horror at the unfolding scene. His body quivered involuntarily as he sensed the approaching sword qi. He realized that, if he didn't exercise extreme caution, he could be the next one to fall.

"How is this even possible?" The three High Princes and their guards mirrored expressions of incredulity. The array of Divine Inscriptions not only encompassed King Yi and his entourage but also illuminated the stone platforms on which the princes stood. This revelation meant that, at this very moment, the fate of all present rested in the hands of Qin Wentian.

"What is the meaning of this?" One of the High Princes inquired.

"Starting now, no one should make a single move. If you do, don't expect me to show mercy," the chilling tone of Qin Wentian's voice sent shivers down the spines of everyone. The audaciousness of this young man was staggering, and he now held their lives within his grasp.

"King Yi," Qin Wentian's gaze bore into him.

"I will ask you only once. I want to know the truth about the death of Ye Xi's mother. You have a single chance to speak," Qin Wentian's voice remained composed, yet the entire assembly recognized the gravity of his words.

King Yi's thoughts churned, the memories of Ye Xi's mother's demise flooding his mind.

A glint of intense sharpness flickered in the second prince's eyes as he too focused his gaze on King Yi.

"If there's a single lie in your words, I won't hesitate to exterminate each and every one of you. If you claim innocence, I'll still wipe out every last one of you," Qin Wentian's voice echoed again, each phrase striking King Yi's heart like a dagger.

Initially, King Yi had entertained the idea of negotiating, but Qin Wentian was devoid of pretense. His statement left them with no ambiguity; any falsehood or denial would inevitably lead to death.

The intensity of fear emanating from the young man's eyes was unlike anything King Yi had ever experienced before. Among the onlookers, a consensus formed: this young man was not only resolute but also merciless to the extreme.

King Yi had only one chance—an all-or-nothing opportunity.

"I won't waste time on you. You have three breaths to talk, or your life ends," Qin Wentian declared.

King Yi's complexion turned pallid in an instant. "It was the second prince, His Highness. He commanded Ye Zheng to decipher the engravings on the Gazing-Dragon Mountain Rampart and transmit the insights to him. Ye Zheng refused once, and in consequence, I sacrificed my wife's elder brother. The order came from him. I had no choice."

"NONSENSE!" the second prince bellowed.

"Uncle Ye," Qin Wentian's gaze shifted to Ye Zheng, finding confirmation in his nod. "No mistake," Ye Zheng affirmed.

Qin Wentian nodded in response, his attention then fixing on the second prince.

"That's a one-sided account," the second prince retorted, his face taking on a greenish hue.

"An intricate power play, political machinations?" Qin Wentian's eyes grew colder; he was well-acquainted with such schemes from his experiences in Chu.

With a swift movement of his fingers, sword qi danced around him. A strangled cry escaped the second prince as the sword qi converged. "THIS IS QIYUN!" he shouted desperately.

"Perish," Qin Wentian spat out, and in an instant, a beam of slashing light pierced through the second prince's throat. The swift decisiveness of his action sent shivers through the crowd.

The second prince had fallen.

Ye Zheng and Ye Xi stood frozen in disbelief. Could it be true? Had the once imposing second prince really met his end so abruptly?

"Phew..." Ye Zheng exhaled heavily, a surreal feeling washing over him. Revenge had always been on his mind, but the opportunity to act on it had eluded him.

"Uncle Ye, take Ye Xi and go far away. The world out there is vast, and you'll undoubtedly find a new place to call home," Qin Wentian's voice broke the silence. His eyes fixed on Ye Zheng, causing the older man to start, then slowly nod in agreement.

"Brother Wentian," Ye Xi's eyes welled with tears, reluctance evident in her voice. Qin Wentian tousled her hair and grinned, "Even in the future, when you're alone, remember to find joy in life, just like when you were with us."

"I'll miss all of you," Ye Xi's voice wavered as she embraced Qin Wentian.

"We'll meet again," Qin Wentian assured her, his touch comforting. He gave her a gentle smile, expressing both hope and assurance.

"We can never repay this kindness," Ye Zheng acknowledged with a deep bow of gratitude to Qin Wentian. With that, he flew skyward without hesitation, vanishing into the horizon.

"Brother Wentian, Brother Fan Le, Big Bro Chu Mang, don't forget to stay happy!" Ye Xi's tearful voice resonated in the air as her form faded from sight. She waved her farewell to her three beloved companions.

"Huh, she finally calls me Brother Fan Le," Fatty chuckled, a radiant smile lighting up his face. This young girl had been a ray of sunshine during their dull days. Truthfully, he felt a hint of reluctance as they parted ways.

Chu Mang also waved, acknowledging Ye Xi's farewell. As Ye Zheng and Ye Xi disappeared from view, they understood that returning to Qiyun was no longer an option for them.

Qin Wentian turned to Chu Mang and Fan Le. His plan had been to continue cultivating here for a while, but circumstances were shifting. It was nearly time to depart, but they'd linger a bit longer to ensure Ye Zheng and Ye Xi's safety against any possible assassins from the Royal Clan.

Then, an unexpected sight astonished Qin Wentian. A few hours later, a group of individuals approached, led by an elderly man. Two young figures, a male and a female, radiating an air of distinction, followed closely.

The appearance of this group brought elation to the two remaining princes. They both bowed respectfully to the elderly man, addressing him as "Senior."

The old man inclined his head slightly, his gaze locking onto Qin Wentian. In that single look, an immense pressure bore down on him, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

This aged figure was no ordinary individual; he emanated the aura of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign. Qin Wentian hadn't anticipated encountering someone of this caliber from Qiyun so quickly. In his understanding, individuals at the level of Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns were typically Ancestor-level figures, rarely appearing in the open.

"We extend our respectful greetings to Young Master Ouyang and Miss Ouyang," the two High Princes bowed with courtesy, their words leaving Qin Wentian utterly surprised. The name 'Ouyang' struck a chord, illuminating his realization.

It seemed he could now piece together their background. The presence of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign made sense - they were clearly not ordinary inhabitants of Qiyun.