Man in Black

Man in Black

Mo Qingcheng was encircled by an ethereal aura, exuding a sacred and divine essence. As a bearer of the Seven Apertures Mystical Heart, her perception was extraordinarily keen, allowing her to detect Qin Wentian's heart sense probing her.

Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng had a shared similarity—their perceptions extended through the heart.

The moment Mo Qingcheng turned her gaze back, her features materialized in Qin Wentian's perception. Warmth surged within him, witnessing her divine radiance now embellished with an added elegance compared to their past encounters. Her unparalleled countenance bore a hint of unwavering strength—a testament to her growth.

Mo Qingcheng quivered; this was not the prying of a stranger but the perception of someone intimately known. She couldn't help but whisper, "Wentian, is that you?"

Her gentle voice echoed with traces of longing, and Qin Wentian's heart soared. He was there, outside the Chen Clan. His heart yearned to shout to the heavens in affirmation.

"Qingcheng, is something amiss?"

A silhouette entered Mo Qingcheng's room. It was none other than her mentor, Luo He. Her brow was furrowed, as if Luo He too had sensed an intrusion on Mo Qingcheng's senses. However, by the time Luo He arrived, Qin Wentian had already fully retracted his heart sense, leaving no trace behind.

Doubts lingered in Luo He's mind, yet comprehension also found its way. In the Chen Clan, a gathering of experts, curiosity's grasp wasn't an anomaly. Such incidents were common in a place like this.

"Mentor." Mo Qingcheng felt a pang of loss when the heart sense dissipated.

"Are you imagining things again? With his current strength, infiltrating the Chen Clan is beyond his capability. Can he even make it to Ginkou?" Luo He commented nonchalantly, referring to Qin Wentian as 'he.'

"He'll come. I'm certain," Mo Qingcheng asserted, her tone unwavering. "Moreover, I can sense it. He's close."

Luo He sighed, her patience slightly frayed. "I don't understand your thinking. It's been years; why cling to a past romance? With your status, countless gifted talents would vie for your affection."

"No one can replace him," Mo Qingcheng countered, her head shaking. This conversation with her mentor was a recurring one, always concluding in a stalemate.

"Mentor, do you still remember our agreement?" Mo Qingcheng looked earnestly at Luo He. The gravity of the matter was evident in her gaze.

"Of course, I do. Back then, you wished to search for him, and I intervened, even considering making him vanish. We reached a compromise—you refrained from seeking him, focusing on your cultivation instead. In return, I agreed not to act against him," Luo He replied softly. She wished to safeguard Mo Qingcheng's undisturbed cultivation.

"No. I promised you, until this year's end, I wouldn't cross paths with him. Even if I do, he'll be a stranger to me," Mo Qingcheng firmly declared.

"Are you that certain about him?" Luo He persisted. "Time is running out, and with Zhan Chen's current power level, he could easily secure a top-three spot in the Heavenly Fate Rankings. If Qin Wentian can defeat Zhan Chen during the ranking competition, I'll release you from this restraint. But if he falters, you'll have to heed my wishes and focus solely on cultivation."

"I'm glad you remember, Master." Mo Qingcheng's smile concealed her resolve. Giving in to Luo He's pressure was her only recourse. Firstly, she had to agree to prevent the Pill Emperor Hall from acting against Qin Wentian. Secondly, her faith in him was unwavering.

Even if Qin Wentian were to fall, she'd wait for him, even if it meant an eternity. She'd wait until he could rise above the Pill Emperor Palace, sweeping her away. No force would be strong enough to hinder them.

Her paramount wish was Qin Wentian's safety.

Luo He's gaze shifted to the floating cauldron in the room, and her anger surged. "Why are you still concocting such a pill?"

"Master, this matter shouldn't concern you," Mo Qingcheng replied lightly.

Outside the pavilion, sounds of movement drew their attention. Luo He approached the window and looked down. "Jing Yu, what's happening?"

"Master, it seems the Chen Clan caught individuals spying on their Estate," Jing Yu replied.

"Mhm?" Luo He's brows furrowed. She soared into the sky, directing her gaze to the horizon. Her gaze froze when it settled on a certain direction outside the Chen Clan.

At the estate's perimeter, two factions faced off—one comprised of Chen Clan members, and the other, two young men. One of them was recognizable even from this distance.

That youth had undergone a profound transformation. Was the earlier perception truly from him?

Mo Qingcheng joined Luo He by the window, casting her gaze on the scene below. Her heart raced and then abruptly stopped for a second. Over there, amidst the commotion, she saw someone—someone she had yearned for. Their gazes met, slicing through all else to lock onto each other.

In this singular moment, regardless of future uncertainties, their hearts converged.

He smiled, a radiant smile like the sun.

She smiled back, a smile infused with tenderness and warmth.

He had come for her.

Time and distance hadn't dulled their emotions.

Just as Mo Qingcheng was about to approach, Luo He's cold voice interjected, "Have you forgotten our pact?"

Her words struck Mo Qingcheng like a blow, her countenance falling as she forcibly halted herself.

Observing Mo Qingcheng's changing expression, a hint of confusion flickered in Qin Wentian's eyes. What was happening? Was there more to her hesitancy than met the eye?

Why did her smile wane, replaced by concern?

Soon after, he noticed that both Luo He and Mo Qingcheng had vanished from his sight. They hadn't moved in his direction—instead, they had disappeared entirely.

A pang of disappointment threatened to engulf Qin Wentian, but he quickly rallied and quipped with a smile, "As long as you're safe, the skies will remain cloudless. The day stays as bright as ever."

Seeing that sweet smile grace Mo Qingcheng's face, Qin Wentian's heart eased. Even if they couldn't meet now, knowing that she was aware of his presence was enough.

"In the younger generation, Ouyang Kuangsheng pays his respects to the esteemed elders of the Chen Clan," Ouyang Kuangsheng spoke, his tone a balance between humility and self-assuredness.

The elder from the Chen Clan's eyes narrowed, replying with a smile, "Ah, Nephew Ouyang. If you intended to visit us, why didn't you notify us beforehand? Why act so suspiciously around our premises?"

"While I wanted to come and express our intentions, I also didn't want to disturb my good friend here meeting his old friend. So, I delayed our greetings a bit. I apologize if our actions seemed dubious," Ouyang Kuangsheng explained, his grin amiable.

"Oh, your friend has an old friend within our Chen Clan?" The middle-aged elder turned his gaze to Qin Wentian.

"To be truthful with the esteemed elders, my friend's girlfriend, Mo Qingcheng, is currently residing in the Chen Clan," Ouyang Kuangsheng straightforwardly revealed, leaving Qin Wentian momentarily speechless. This buddy of his had no fear of stirring things up and creating a ruckus.

Indeed, the expressions of the Chen Clan members shifted. The middle-aged man then casually remarked, "If that were true, why hasn't Mo Qingcheng stepped forward to clarify? I'd advise Nephew Ouyang not to jest about such matters."

"Believe it or not, it's of no concern to me. Also, there's another reason for my visit today. On my second uncle's orders, I've come to deliver a message. Our Ouyang Aristocrat Clan holds the Great Solar Universe Art of the Chen Clan in the highest regard. If the opportunity arises, it would be a great honor for the younger generation to engage in mutual exchange. Would that be feasible?" Ouyang Kuangsheng asked. His forthrightness left Qin Wentian shaking his head in amazement—this friend of his had a way of making things interesting.

Ouyang Kuangsheng deftly redirected the conversation, completely sidestepping the earlier incident. What did he mean by acting on his second uncle's orders? It was clear that this was his spontaneous idea.

However, now that they had been discovered, Ouyang Kuangsheng needed a plausible reason for their presence. Despite his polite tone, a hint of challenge still colored his words.

"Hehe." The elder's expression changed, his laughter carrying a touch of coldness. "Since Brother Ouyang wishes to witness our mastery, I would appreciate it if Nephew Ouyang could inform your second uncle. I'll make the arrangements and send word to him. We hope that the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan won't overlook this appointment."

"Of course, as I've conveyed my uncle's intentions, I shall take my leave now." Ouyang Kuangsheng bowed, sharing a glance with Qin Wentian. The two of them turned and walked away.

Witnessing the two juniors departing, those from the Chen Clan couldn't help but emit a disdainful snort. The Ouyang Clan wanted to witness the might of their Great Solar Universe Art? They were more than willing to demonstrate it up close.

They were eager to see how the young talents of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan would measure up to their own.

Suddenly, a figure shot out from the Chen Clan, swiftly chasing the path Ouyang Kuangsheng and Qin Wentian had taken.

"Zhan Chen?" A perplexed expression flitted across the faces of the Chen Clan members. Why was Zhan Chen pursuing them?

Qin Wentian and Ouyang Kuangsheng soon realized that someone was tailing them. They halted and turned, Qin Wentian's eyes narrowing when he saw their pursuer was none other than Zhan Chen.

Zhan Chen's eyes now gleamed with golden light, his presence suffused with a faint, radiant aura accompanied by a palpable sharpness.

"Zhan Chen, it appears you've been diligently practicing the Gold Element Art left by the Ascendant," Qin Wentian remarked, his gaze assessing Zhan Chen. The current Zhan Chen bore a striking resemblance to the golden puppets he had encountered within the secret realm.

"Since you're too feeble, it was only natural for that Art to fall into my possession," Zhan Chen's eyes emitted beams of light, aimed to pierce through Qin Wentian. "In the past, you tarnished my reputation, intentionally labeling a deer as a horse. You distorted the truth, accusing me of being responsible for my fiancee's death. If I don't end you now, how can I uphold my dignity? Where would my self-respect be?"

As his words faded, Zhan Chen took measured steps forward. With each stride, a sensation of cutting sharpness pervaded the air, pressing down on Qin Wentian and Ouyang Kuangsheng.

"First-level Perfection Boundary in both the Mandate of Gold and the Mandate of Swords," Ouyang Kuangsheng muttered, his expression darkening. Zhan Chen had previously held the 11th position on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. Now, with the cultivation of an Ascendant's Art, how much stronger had he become?

"We should withdraw," Ouyang Kuangsheng suggested.

Qin Wentian's eyes flickered in agreement. They quickly ascended into the air, retreating with utmost speed.

Zhan Chen, however, had no intention of letting Qin Wentian escape unscathed. He soared like the wind, his flight empowered by his sword technique, becoming a streak of golden lightning.

Three silhouettes raced through the sky.

But as they swept over a rooftop, a figure dressed in black suddenly descended upon it. The impact of their landing caused the entire building to shake violently.

"Hmm?" Zhan Chen, Qin Wentian, and Ouyang Kuangsheng were all puzzled by the presence of the black-robed figure. This person's movements were enigmatic, shrouded in black attire. Moreover, their aura carried an intense sense of impending doom that sent shivers down all three's spines.

An unsettling current of devilish energy swirled around this individual, radiating from them like a core. The surrounding light seemed to be absorbed by their presence, plunging the area into darkness.

Zhan Chen came to an abrupt halt, his gaze locked onto the figure before him. The figure's eyes bore a devilish quality, akin to something that might emerge from the Nine Spirits Purgatory. The primal fear these eyes instilled couldn't be put into words. Just a single glance was enough to make Zhan Chen quiver in dread, his skin breaking out in a clammy sweat.

"Devil Arts!" Zhan Chen's expression stiffened. This was a forbidden cultivation method. Grand Xia seemingly had no devil-oriented major factions, so who was this enigmatic figure in black?