Attitude

Attitude...

Zong Qian found himself just as stunned by the spectacle. He stood there, mouth agape, and before he could fully process what had occurred, Qin Wentian was already striding away.

"That's... that's incredible," Zong Qian muttered, his face reflecting a mixture of awe and amazement. He wasn't alone in his astonishment; everyone from the younger generation who had witnessed the scene shared his shock.

The sheer power on display was staggering. Qin Wentian hadn't even fully unsheathed his sword, yet just a few steps forward had left Zong Hong and the others in a pitiful state. They couldn't put up even the slightest resistance, helpless against their impending fate. If Qin Wentian had advanced just one more step, nudging his sword out of its sheath by another half an inch, they would have met their end.

It was like comparing a firefly to the blazing sun.

Qin Wentian's sword talent was monstrously beyond measure. Could he truly have comprehended the Perfection Boundary of the first level of insight in just three months?

Zong Qian finally grasped why the clan lord held Qin Wentian in such high regard and why he had directly chosen him as the Sword Son of this generation.

Taking a deep breath, Zong Qian directed his gaze at Zong Hong. "Now, do you understand why Brother Qin declined your challenge? It's not that he's a coward; it's just that you two are simply not on the same level."

With those words, Zong Qian turned and followed in Qin Wentian's wake.

A wry smile played on his lips. As he recalled Li Nian's provocation toward Qin Wentian and his own attempt to stand in front of Qin Wentian, insisting that he leave first, it all seemed utterly unnecessary now that he had witnessed Qin Wentian's true prowess.

In fact, he couldn't help but wonder what might have occurred if Qin Wentian had indeed clashed with the Heavenly Dipper-level Sword Son of the Li Clan back then.

One thing was certain: Qin Wentian must have already comprehended a second level insight in the Mandate of Swords. Otherwise, the sword intent he had unleashed earlier could never have manifested such overwhelming might. However, puzzlingly, Qin Wentian's cultivation level still appeared to be at the Yuanfu Realm.

"Yuan Meteor Stones," Zong Qian suddenly recalled how Qin Wentian had requested cultivation resources from the clan lord earlier. The clan lord had handed over an astronomical number of Yuan Meteor Stones without a word of protest. Could it be...

With his heart pounding, Zong Qian couldn't help but wonder if Qin Wentian was on the verge of condensing an Astral Nova!

The clash between Qin Wentian and Zong Hong couldn't truly be labeled a battle; it was more of a lesson, a vivid demonstration of what it meant to hold the title 'Sword Son.'

Qin Wentian had asserted that they weren't worthy of the path of the sword, and under those circumstances, their Dao hearts had indeed been shaken. However, if they were truly so fragile in spirit, they wouldn't even be suitable contenders for the Sword Son position. Now, the question remained whether they could untangle the knots that had formed in their hearts and advance in their swordsmanship.

People were already drawing comparisons between Qin Wentian and the Zong Clan's 'nominee' Sword Son, Zong Peng, who was at the Heavenly Dipper Level. Speculations abounded regarding the potential outcome if Qin Wentian were to spar with Zong Peng.

Zong Peng was a formidable figure, a rare Heavenly Dipper Sovereign among the younger generations of the Zong Clan. His exceptional sword skills had earned him a reputation as one of the strongest. He had even declared that he would strip Qin Wentian of his Sword Son title after the ranking battle.

However, now that Qin Wentian's true strength had been unveiled, no one could confidently predict the victor in a showdown between them.

Those who had witnessed Qin Wentian's prowess firsthand knew that he was undeniably worthy of the title 'Sword Son.'

On the other hand, some who hadn't witnessed Qin Wentian's abilities hoped for Zong Peng to reclaim the title, believing that such a prestigious position should remain within their clan.

In Zong Peng's courtyard, Zong Hong faced him, his expression still marked by the heavy sense of defeat he had experienced during the battle. It was as though the humiliation still lingered in his heart.

"Why? Is a single defeat enough to bring you to this state?" Zong Peng looked at Zong Hong with a faint smile.

Zong Hong shook his head in helplessness, saying, "You don't understand, that battle... it was an overwhelming humiliation."

The memory of Qin Wentian's dominance was etched into his mind. As Qin Wentian advanced step by step, Zong Hong had felt immobilized under the mounting pressure. If Qin Wentian had truly intended to kill him, he would have perished on the spot. His sword hadn't even needed to be fully unsheathed; a mere thought from Qin Wentian would have sufficed.

That battle had left him utterly demoralized.

"He must have grasped a second-level insight in the Mandate of Swords, and quite a powerful one at that. It's only natural that his first-level insights were suppressed. There's no need to feel ashamed," Zong Peng tried to console Zong Hong with a smile.

"But the chasm between us is insurmountably vast," Zong Hong replied, unable to shake the memory of Qin Wentian's overwhelming prowess.

"I'll demonstrate it to you," Zong Peng declared, rising to his feet. His actions ignited a spark of curiosity in Zong Hong's eyes.

Ever since Zong Peng had attained the Heavenly Dipper level, the gap between them had become insurmountable, and Zong Hong hadn't been able to spar with him. Now, he was genuinely eager to gauge the extent of that disparity.

"Watch closely," Zong Peng instructed, his figure flickering out of sight. Zong Hong's gaze froze, and he quickly retreated. In that instant, he witnessed a deluge of sword shadows blanketing the entire sky. He couldn't distinguish which ones were real, leaving him rooted in place, awaiting his fate.

The sword shadows dissipated, revealing Zong Peng standing before him. He inquired, "Do you comprehend now?"

"The gulf between the second and first levels is indeed enormous," Zong Hong admitted with a nod.

"Naturally. When facing someone like you, my second level of insight in the Mandate of the Sword can easily overwhelm you. Qin Wentian is no different. Since he has already grasped a second level insight, it's not surprising that he could dominate you so effortlessly. You were merely unnerved by his presence and aura. If I were the one facing him, do you think he could defeat me?"

Zong Peng chuckled, and Zong Hong found himself nodding in agreement. He sensed the unwavering confidence radiating from Zong Peng. In that moment, Zong Hong's determination surged. He, too, aspired to comprehend a second level insight, and perhaps even break through to the Heavenly Dipper realm. Only then could he rise to greater heights, seize the title from Qin Wentian, and challenge the heavens.

"Here's a suggestion for you. You've already experienced my second level insight. Now, pay a visit to Qin Wentian, ask him to display his Mandate, and then use your perception to directly sense his second level insight. Afterward, come to me, and we can discuss your findings. This will expand your understanding and increase your chances of breaking through."

Zong Peng offered guidance with a warm smile, sparking gratitude in Zong Hong's heart. However, a wave of dejection washed over him as he shook his head. "I've provoked him repeatedly. Why would he help me?"

"Simply admit that you were wrong before. Since he holds the title of 'Sword Son,' he can be considered part of our Zong Clan. With such a significant role, it's only natural for him to feel responsible for guiding his juniors. If you admit your past mistakes and treat him with respect, how could he refuse to assist you? If he declines, then he isn't truly worthy of being a Sword Son of our Zong Clan." Zong Peng continued, "If you can't let go of your pride, I'll be genuinely disappointed in you."

With those words, Zong Hong bid his farewell and departed.

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian sat cross-legged in a courtyard, preparing to condense his fourth Astral Nova as darkness settled around him. However, in that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. When he opened his eyes and directed his gaze toward the courtyard entrance, a voice called out, "Zong Hong humbly requests an audience with Senior."

"Come in," Qin Wentian said quietly. Moments later, Zong Hong entered the courtyard, and Qin Wentian regarded him with a puzzled expression.

"Qin Wen, I apologize for our past misunderstandings. I'm here today to humbly request your guidance in the way of the sword and to learn from your second level insight. I hope to draw inspiration from it to comprehend my own," Zong Hong explained, his words warming Qin Wentian's demeanor. It seemed that this guy wasn't all that bad after all. He had recognized his past mistakes, had the courage to apologize, and was genuinely trying to make amends. Past grievances could indeed be forgiven.

"First level insights are the foundation upon which all cultivators stand, providing equal benefits to everyone. Second level insights, however, depend on individual paths. My journey may not align with yours," Qin Wentian replied calmly. "You should consult the ancient scrolls to explore the different types of second level insights. This will give you a better understanding and help you develop your own insights. There's no need to 'experience' someone else's insight since it's a unique path formed through their personal comprehension."

Zong Hong furrowed his brows, puzzled by the divergence between Qin Wentian's advice and what Zong Peng had told him. Was Qin Wentian really so selfish? Was he unwilling to guide him in any way?

"I understand, but I still wish to 'experience' your second level insight," Zong Hong insisted, his brows furrowing deeper. But Qin Wentian couldn't be deceived. He had seen the fleeting expressions on Zong Hong's face. With a sigh in his heart, he lamented the fact that Zong Hong hadn't truly let go of his grudge and hadn't come to him with genuine intentions.

"I've said what I needed to say. You may leave now, but I genuinely hope you can overcome this eventually," Qin Wentian said before closing his eyes. If he hadn't noticed Zong Hong's true intentions, he might have allowed him to 'experience' his second level insight. But now, he could only hope that Zong Hong wouldn't be consumed by his grudge. Qin Wentian wasn't magnanimous enough to invest time trying to change Zong Hong's mindset.

After hearing Qin Wentian's response, Zong Hong's brows furrowed deeply, and a displeased look flashed across his eyes. He coldly stated, "As a Sword Son, your actions truly disappoint me. Despite your strength, I'm saddened by the fact that my Zong Clan has chosen you."

With those words, Zong Hong flicked his sleeves and walked away. Qin Wentian watched him leave, shaking his head slightly, and let go of the matter, clearing his heart of any lingering frustration. Such a minor issue wouldn't affect his state of mind.

As the night deepened, Qin Wentian inscribed a Divine Inscriptions Formation, causing his body to flicker in and out of existence. Then, he closed his eyes as an enormous pile of Yuan Meteor Stones materialized beside him.

He already possessed three Astral Novas. Whether he absorbed astral energy from the Nine Heavenly Layers or from Yuan Meteor Stones, his absorption rate was significantly faster than before.

...

An agitated Zong Hong returned to Zong Peng's residence and recounted the events. Zong Peng's eyes momentarily flashed with a cold glint, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Zong Hong, Qin Wentian's character leaves much to be desired, but don't let it bother you. What matters most is your cultivation."

"Unfortunately, Qin Wentian already holds the title of Sword Son. Such a character, sigh..." Zong Peng sighed. Zong Hong snorted coldly. "Zong Peng, you should find a way to remove him as soon as possible."

With that, Zong Hong turned and left. Soon, rumors began to circulate within the Zong Clan. Most of these rumors disparaged Qin Wentian's character, suggesting that Zong Hong had genuinely approached him for guidance but was met with insincere indifference. Qin Wentian had brushed him off, while Zong Peng had done the opposite. To many, Qin Wentian holding the title of Sword Son was a tragedy for the Zong Clan.

That night, the starlight over the Zong Clan's territory shone brilliantly.

Clan lord Zong Yi's eyes locked onto Qin Wentian, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Should this young man prove himself capable of ascending, there's a glimmer of hope that the Azure Emperor's ancient brilliance could resurface in Grand Xia."

As the younger members of the Zong Clan indulged in gossip about Qin Wentian, their clan lord remained steadfast in his faith. Zong Yi believed that Qin Wentian would be the torchbearer of their Zong Clan, ushering in a renaissance of their waning splendor!