Threat from the Nine Mystical Palace

Threat from the Nine Mystical Palace

A radiant smile lit up Qin Wentian's face, the only ones privy to his mission of securing a top-three position on the Heavenly Fate Rankings were those affiliated with the White Deer Institute.

"It's been a while," Qin Wentian greeted, his gaze shifting to Bailu Jing and Bailu Yi. A year had passed, yet neither had undergone significant change. The only distinction was that Bailu Yi had grown slightly stronger compared to her state a year prior.

"Looks like you're thriving," Bailu Jing remarked with a smile, his eyes sweeping over the companions by Qin Wentian's side.

With a graceful landing, Qin Wentian approached Mustang. "Teacher, allow me to introduce you. This is Ouyang Kuangsheng, a scion of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, and his betrothed, Jiang Ting. And here we have Bailu Jing and Bailu Yi, both from the White Deer Institute on the Moon Continent."

A glint of appreciation flickered in Mustang's eyes. Despite Qin Wentian's advanced level, he still considered Mustang's feelings, ensuring he wasn't excluded from the introductions.

Observing the friends beside Qin Wentian, it was evident that he had transformed from the naive youth of Chu into a formidable figure with his own realm of influence. He had crafted his own path, ascending higher and farther than anyone could have predicted.

Each member greeted Mustang respectfully, his nods of acknowledgement heartfelt. Though all were younger, their strength had long surpassed Mustang's. Even Fan Le, once known for his laziness, now emitted stronger Astral Energy vibrations than Mustang himself.

"The new generation surpassing the old. Indeed, the cycle continues," Mustang mused inwardly. Simultaneously, he rejoiced in his students' achievements and lamented his own aging.

"Only the two of you are present?" Qin Wentian inquired, turning his attention towards Bailu Yi.

"Of course not. Remember, we're here to assess whether someone meets the criteria. Plus, my brother is participating in the ranking battle," Bailu Yi replied with a smile. "Several Institute members have joined us as well. Would you like to accompany us to meet them?"

While the others puzzled over Bailu Yi's words, Qin Wentian grasped their meaning. This ranking battle was vital; it would determine whether the White Deer Institute would pledge allegiance to Qin Wentian. Even if Bailu Jing opted out of competing, they would still support him from the sidelines.

"Absolutely," Qin Wentian agreed without hesitation. Unlike the intricate web of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, he had limited connections there. With Ouyang Kuangsheng being an exception, White Deer Institute was destined to be his ally, a vassal under his control. Additionally, given the contingent of cultivators dispatched by Fairy Qingmei, they would uphold a strong bond even if he failed to secure a top-three ranking.

Yet, this path came with a trade-off; full control over the White Deer Institute wouldn't be possible unless he triumphed in the ranking battle.

Having parted ways with Ouyang Kuangsheng, Qin Wentian and his companions set off on their journey.

Bailu Yi's captivating gaze remained fixed on Qin Wentian, her curiosity evident. "What's your current cultivation level?" she inquired along the way.

"I've reached the seventh level of Yuanfu. I'm confident I can break through to the eighth level before the year-end ranking battle," Qin Wentian replied. With the aid of the limit-break pellet, even if he didn't naturally reach the eighth level in time, he could still utilize the pellet's power to elevate his cultivation. With such advancement, he'd be well-equipped to challenge other formidable cultivators vying for the Heavenly Fate Rankings' top three positions.

Nevertheless, Qin Wentian sensed that this ranking battle would be far more treacherous than those of previous years. Thus, he needed to augment his strength rapidly to improve his odds.

"You're as remarkable as ever," Bailu Yi remarked, her face lit up with admiration and astonishment. Before Qin Wentian's arrival, she was considered a prodigy in her clan, capable of conjuring storms with her talent. However, after interacting with Qin Wentian, she'd been disheartened to discover that her abilities were merely above average.

She couldn't help but wonder whether she should be blaming this person who unwittingly shattered her self-assurance.

When Qin Wentian had departed the Moon Continent, he'd slain Hua Xiaoyun and even captured Shu Ruanyu. If he progressed to the eighth level of Yuanfu, wouldn't his combat prowess become even more formidable?

"Brother, you're about to be outmatched," Bailu Yi laughed. Bailu Jing shook his head with a wry smile, patting his sister's shoulder. "Your brother is about to be surpassed, and yet you're still so cheerful?"

Seeing the peculiar expression on Bailu Jing's face, Bailu Yi couldn't resist delivering a playful punch to her brother.

Upon reaching their destination, the White Deer Institute had secured an entire inn for their lodging. Familiar faces from the Institute greeted Qin Wentian respectfully upon seeing him. Given that he held the Azure Emperor Token, they recognized him as someone who held authority over them, whether or not they chose to accept it. At the very least, they needed to afford Qin Wentian the respect he deserved.

Bailu Yi swiftly arranged accommodations for Qin Wentian before he and Mustang retired to a private courtyard. Qin Wentian was aware that Mustang had something confidential to discuss, a topic he'd deliberately postponed during their journey.

"Teacher, what brings you to Ginkou?" Only Qin Wentian and Mustang occupied the courtyard. Qin Wentian couldn't suppress his curiosity; Mustang's presence here was unexpected. Given his dedication to guiding new students at the Emperor Star Academy, it seemed unlikely that he would traverse such a vast distance solely to witness the Heavenly Fate Rankings battle. Besides, the concept of the Heavenly Fate Rankings would be unfamiliar to the people of the small and remote Chu country.

"The Nine Mystical Palace," Mustang said gravely, catching Qin Wentian's attention. "Something has happened to the Headmaster."

Qin Wentian's expression instantly turned icy. Over the years, the matter had weighed heavily on his mind. For his sake, Senior Di Yi, the headmaster of the Emperor Star Academy, had been captured by the Nine Mystical Palace. Qin Wentian had always planned to capture and interrogate a disciple of the Nine Mystical Palace during the ranking battle to ascertain Di Yi's condition. But little did he know that the Nine Mystical Palace would take the initiative.

"Luo Tianya from the Nine Mystical Palace paid a visit to our Emperor Star Academy, looking for me to reveal your whereabouts. Since I had no knowledge, they took me along and continued their investigation. Eventually, they received word that you were in Ginkou. Just as they intended to capture you, they discovered your association with the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. Fearing to provoke the Ouyang Clan, they sent me to find you first and deliver a message. They warn that unless you seek them out, you should be prepared for dire consequences."

Mustang's expression was grim. The Nine Mystical Palace demanded that Qin Wentian surrender himself willingly, or else Di Yi and the Emperor Star Academy would both face annihilation. Their tactics weren't above employing darkness to achieve their goals.

Qin Wentian understood that though he had killed Luo Qianqiu in the past, the grudge was primarily between him and Luo Tianya. Then, Qian Mengyu and Ouyang Kuangsheng's presence had deterred the Nine Mystical Palace from pursuing vengeance for Luo Qianqiu's death, as they would've had to battle two powers stronger than them. But now, the dynamics had shifted.

The Nine Mystical Palace might have used some covert means to acquire the Azure Emperor's Secret from Di Yi.

Their relentless pursuit of Qin Wentian was likely tied to the Azure Emperor's inheritance. Obtaining the Azure Emperor's Token would enable them to find someone to impersonate the successor. The allure of harnessing the remnants of the Azure Faction's hidden power was too great to ignore.

"Senior Di Yi must have endured unimaginable suffering all these years to protect this secret," Qin Wentian murmured.

Qin Wentian's heart was heavy. It was no wonder the Nine Mystical Palace hesitated to provoke the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. With a secret of such magnitude, the Nine Mystical Palace naturally wanted exclusive control of it, all tied to their desire for the Azure Emperor Token.

"Teacher, I won't willingly surrender to their trap by walking right into it," Qin Wentian declared firmly.

Agony clouded Mustang's eyes, but he understood Qin Wentian's resolve. His own heart was as murky as muddy water, uncertain about the right course of action.

"If I go to the Nine Mystical Palace, I'll meet my end. At that time, Senior Di Yi and you, Teacher, would likely be eliminated to ensure the secret doesn't leak," Qin Wentian foresaw. The Nine Mystical Palace, once they had the Azure Emperor's Token, would eradicate any potential witnesses.

"What should we do?" Mustang asked in a state of panic.

Furrowing his brows, Qin Wentian contemplated his options. There was only one power that could aid him now.

Fairy Qingmei of the Celestial Lake Palace.

"Qing'er!" Qin Wentian whispered, missing the presence of that elusive figure. Qing'er had silently shielded him, remaining by his side, but after the Moon Continent incident, she had vanished from his sight.

However, his expression changed abruptly. "Who?"

As his voice echoed, a figure drifted through the air—beauty untouched by the mundane, an enigmatic aura surrounding her. Her features were devoid of any emotions, leaving everyone in the dark about her thoughts.

"I'm here," Qing'er's melodious voice resounded, leaving Qin Wentian utterly astounded. Her presence, an unexpected surprise.

"Have you just arrived?" Qin Wentian asked, taken aback by her sudden appearance.

"I've always been here. You simply haven't faced a life-threatening situation," Qing'er explained. Fairy Qingmei's instructions were clear: she need not appear unless Qin Wentian's life was at stake. Lesser injuries, even ones that nearly killed him, he was expected to manage on his own.

"Why are you here all of a sudden?" Qin Wentian couldn't help but smile, his worries easing in the presence of Qing'er once more.

"Aren't you the one who called my name?" Qing'er's gaze met Qin Wentian's, his disbelief drawing a smile from him. He inquired further, "How did you manage to conceal yourself so effectively? My perception couldn't even detect your presence."

In Qing'er's eyes, it seemed as though he could hold no secrets from her.

Qing'er remained silent, her celestial appearance leaving Qin Wentian resignedly smiling again.

"Qing'er, I have something of utmost importance that I need your assistance with," Qin Wentian said earnestly.

"Share it, and I'll relay your message to the Celestial Lake Palace," Qing'er responded in her usual soft tone.

"Yes, inform them that the Nine Mystical Palace is aware of the Azure Emperor's secret. They intend to leverage the Emperor Star Academy and Senior Di Yi's safety to threaten me. During this time, I need the Celestial Lake Palace to ensure that the Nine Mystical Palace refrains from any rash actions," Qin Wentian believed the Celestial Lake Palace would certainly support him in this endeavor.

"Of course. I'll convey the message," Qing'er agreed confidently.

Gratitude filled Qin Wentian's eyes as he looked at Qing'er. "Thank you, Qing'er."

"My master wishes for you to secure a favorable ranking on the Heavenly Fate Rankings this year," Qing'er said, her gaze steady. After a moment, she added, "I, too, hope for a good outcome for you."

Qin Wentian nodded with determination. "Very well, I promise you, I won't disappoint."

With a nod, Qing'er's figure flickered and disappeared from sight. Qin Wentian shook his head helplessly. She had always been like this—appearing and vanishing without a trace.

At that moment, Mustang stood utterly flabbergasted. This young man seemed to be surrounded by peerless beauties. Bailu Yi, Mo Qingcheng, and now, the ethereal Qing'er.

"Teacher, I'm going to enter seclusion to prepare for the ranking battle at the end of the year," Qin Wentian announced, his smile unwavering. He had complete faith in Qing'er; if she made a promise, she would fulfill it. He would wait until the ranking battle concluded before addressing the matter with the Nine Mystical Palace once and for all.