Strange Old Man

Strange Old Man...

Qin Wentian persisted in his halberd arts practice, relentlessly executing a single move hundreds, if not thousands, of times. He adjusted his stance with each repetition, tirelessly striving for improvement.

Little Rascal, with a distinctly disinterested air, lounged on the ground while observing Qin Wentian's ceaseless dedication. On the snowy peak, Qing`er remained silent. She hadn't joined the practice, but she sensed that something significant had occurred, stirring his emotions.

For Qin Wentian, his love and his grudges were transformed into motivation, driving him to seek every avenue for self-improvement. He was the type of person who channeled his experiences into growth. In this world, apart from Qin Yao and Qin Chuan, who had been his constant companions during his pre-cultivation years, the one who had been by his side the longest was none other than Qing`er. Although she didn't always reveal herself, he knew she had always been there, lurking in the shadows.

Qing`er was a figure of innocence, untutored in many aspects of life. Nonetheless, she understood Qin Wentian deeply. She knew his habits and understood his unwavering determination.

Lowering her gaze to the Space Mandate Fruits in her hands, her beautiful eyes betrayed a subtle twitch as warmth surged through her heart. She had limited experience with such emotions, but this time, she felt it. Everything she had done for him seemed worthwhile.

Under the relentless repetition of his practice, Qin Wentian's halberd arts grew increasingly flawless, and the power he could unleash became more formidable. If there were a sparring partner with him now, they would find themselves besieged by illusions whenever he struck.

After several days of tireless practice, Qin Wentian finally ceased his halberd work. He sat on the snowy ground and produced a dark-red constellation fruit. This fruit could influence others' heartbeats and allowed him to sense the cellular activity within their bodies. The energy it exuded likely stemmed from an exceedingly rare Mandate – the Mandate of the Heart.

"If I can somehow infuse this energy into my Heartbreak Echo, the killing power of my technique would undoubtedly skyrocket," Qin Wentian pondered. With that, he closed his eyes, silently contemplating the energy fluctuations emanating from the Heart Mandate Fruit.

In the depths of the Grand Xia royal tomb, Di Tian was also diligently cultivating. His two true selves worked tirelessly, and Qin Wentian's progress was nothing short of astonishing.

As night descended, the snow continued to fall from the heavens. A white-robed young man lay silently on the snowy ground as brilliant astral light poured down from the skies. It flowed continuously into his body, nurturing and strengthening his astral novas as he cultivated within his dreamscape.

Every morning, Qin Wentian would rise and continue his cultivation. He devoted his days and nights to this endeavor, as if the word 'fatigue' didn't exist in his dictionary.

Meanwhile, in a distant location, several silhouettes were rushing towards a specific destination. Leading the way was an unassuming elderly man dressed in simple robes, appearing to be around fifty years old. Despite not emanating any discernible aura, his eyes were filled with vitality. His snowy-white hair was a perfect match for the wintry landscape.

"What's this? There's a little boy cultivating here?" The elderly man mumbled to himself. His gaze seemed capable of piercing through space as it landed on Qin Wentian, who sat on the snowy ground.

Chuckling to himself, the elderly man continued on his path. However, a short while later, he abruptly halted, a look of seriousness crossing his face.

"How interesting. His Mandates have all reached the Transformation Boundary of the second level, yet his cultivation base is only at the third level of Heavenly Dipper." For some inexplicable reason, the old man could see through Qin Wentian with just a glance, yet Qin Wentian remained unaware of his presence.

"Judging by his appearance, he can't be more than twenty-five years old. It's already remarkable that he could reach such a level. What's more, he's even more formidable than those useless fellows in my sect." The old man shook his head, feeling a touch of frustration as he continued on his way.

He moved with the grace of the wind, carrying his companions along as they passed near Qin Wentian's location.

At that very moment, Qin Wentian's brow furrowed suddenly. He ceased his practice and brandished his halberd, his eyes focusing on the direction of the old man as he coldly questioned, "Who's lurking in the shadows, monitoring my movements?"

"Hmm?" The old man blinked, his gaze seeming to penetrate through space as a smile crept onto his face. "Truly intriguing, a young boy with a cultivation base at the third level of Heavenly Dipper can actually sense me?"

Stepping forward, the old man instantly appeared before Qin Wentian, intently studying him with great interest.

Qin Wentian's expression faltered slightly. After his recent encounters, he had become extremely cautious. Yet, he had been completely unaware of this old man's presence.

As he stared at the old man, a sense of dread welled up within him. He couldn't discern the old man's cultivation base at all.

Moreover, the old man's appearance seemed entirely ordinary, accompanied by two formidable youths at his side.

Faced with such a profound expert, Qin Wentian had no means of resistance. He could only hope that this old man wasn't an emissary of the six chosen.

Without hesitation, Qin Wentian summoned an ancient scroll into his hands.

"Such a cautious young man, afraid that I might devour you?" The old man chuckled, but Qin Wentian didn't let his guard down. Little Rascal had moved closer to him, and Qing`er was on her way.

"I've made many enemies, and I have no choice but to be vigilant. May I ask who you are, senior?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Haha, interesting, young lad. If I were your enemy, do you think you'd have a chance to use that spatial transference scroll in your hands?" The old man laughed and extended his hand, freezing Qin Wentian in place with an invisible force, rendering him immobile and lifting him into the air.

"Release him," Qing`er stepped forward, her gaze icy as she confronted the old man with a palpable chill.

"You... little rascal!" Little Rascal's figure flickered as he shielded Qin Wentian, glaring at the old man with a ferocious expression that contrasted oddly with his baby-like voice.

Qin Wentian was deeply shocked. This old man was incredibly powerful. If he were affiliated with one of the six major powers, his life would undoubtedly end here today. There was simply no opportunity for him to use the spatial transference scroll.

"Did you just call me a bastard?" The old man scowled at Little Rascal, his face filled with murderous intent. "It's been many years since anyone dared to insult me. Today, a little demon dared to do so. You even dared to obstruct my path. Are you not afraid that I will kill both of you?"

"Release him," Qing`er's voice remained as cold as ever, seemingly unaware of the old man's formidable strength.

The old man scrutinized Qing`er before chuckling softly. "Yet another interesting individual. Little one, you are exceptionally beautiful and skilled in a rare Mandate. I can sense your strength as well. How about becoming my disciple?"

"You're not worthy," Qin Wentian spat out coldly, his words causing the old man to glance at him before laughing.

"Not worthy? Why not?" The old man asked.

"As a senior, you are openly bullying the younger generation. How can you qualify to be someone's master?" Qin Wentian retorted bitterly. He was cultivating peacefully here, and now, an unknown, overwhelmingly powerful old man had randomly appeared.

"Don't you know that strength rules this world?" The old man grinned. "If I'm powerful enough, that's sufficient."

"If a master chooses a disciple based solely on talent and strength, how can a master with such a narrow heart bear to see his disciple surpass him? And if a disciple merely notes his master's criticisms and not his kindness, how can he not harbor resentment? It's only a matter of time before the disciple and master turn against each other. In that case, why acknowledge a master at all?" Qin Wentian continued coldly. "As a junior, I was quietly cultivating in this place and have never offended you, senior. Why must you subject me to such humiliation just because you're stronger?"

"What a sharp-tongued young man. Are you trying to use reverse psychology to shame me into releasing you?" The old man's grin widened, and his words made Qin Wentian's expression darken. It appeared that this old man was even more shameless than he had initially thought.

"Alright, alright, I'll release you," the old man said with a wave of his hand, causing the force holding Qin Wentian to vanish. Little Rascal and Qing`er rushed to his side, their wariness toward the old man evident.

This old man had a peculiar temperament. He clearly recognized that Qin Wentian was using reverse psychology, yet he still let him go.

"Since you can have such a powerful demon and a beautiful maiden accompany you, your character can't be too bad. I'll give you a chance – join my sect and become my disciple. What do you say?" The old man chuckled, eyeing Qin Wentian with interest.

"If I refuse, will you make things difficult for me, senior?" Qin Wentian asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Of course not. I won't say a word and will leave immediately. But you should know that countless people would beg for the opportunity I'm offering you now," the old man replied, projecting an air of wisdom while looking like nothing more than an old trickster.

"No, thank you," Qin Wentian replied flatly, rejecting the offer. This surprised the old man, and the smile disappeared from his face, replaced by a look of astonishment.

Staring at Qin Wentian in disbelief, the old man's countenance grew heavy. He wanted to accept a disciple but was instantly rejected. If word of this got out, he'd have no face left.

His mouth opened and closed several times, but he didn't say a word. He had earlier promised not to say anything and to leave immediately if Qin Wentian refused. True to his word, he turned and walked away. However, after a short distance, he stopped, and one of the young men accompanying him turned back to speak to Qin Wentian. "The old man would like to know the reason for your rejection."

Although the words came from the young man, Qin Wentian knew that he was merely a messenger for the old man. This old man was really concerned about his image. He had agreed not to say anything, so he didn't utter a word when Qin Wentian rejected him. But his pride couldn't bear it, so he transmitted his question through the young man.

"No particular reason. I don't need a master; I can cultivate on my own," Qin Wentian replied.

"Is that even a reason? This opportunity is highly sought after by so many others," the old man's voice transmitted through the young man, sounding dejected.

"Senior, you seem to only be concerned with your own interests. I know nothing about your background. How can I simply accept you as my master just because you're strong?" Qin Wentian's voice remained devoid of emotion as he continued, "In such a case, wouldn't you be underestimating the talents in the world a little too much? Even though you are immensely powerful, I've only been cultivating for less than ten years and yet I've reached my current level, with all four of my Mandates at the Transformation Boundary of the second level. I wouldn't dare to say I'm outstanding, but I wouldn't underestimate myself either. If I were to live as long as you have, I couldn't settle for a cultivation level like yours."

"Impudent!" The old man couldn't help himself this time, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he swirled his robes and abruptly left the area.