Glistening Teardrops

Glistening Teardrops

As Qin Wentian stood amidst the delegation from the Battle Sword Sect, he took a moment to silently appreciate the grandeur of this ancient country. A nation with a history spanning over ten thousand years exuded an aura of formidable power. During their journey, Liu Yun had explained to him that the Royal Sacred Region was a place where major powers faced a high rate of elimination. The conflicts here were on a grander scale, and every so often, extraordinary talents emerged—individuals capable of toppling established major powers once they matured.

Therefore, many powers faded into obscurity in the Royal Sacred Region, unable to withstand the test of time. Conversely, new powers rose to prominence. Only the truly mighty factions could continuously fortify their foundations and grow even stronger. Some powers hadn't even reached the ten thousand-year mark in terms of their heritage, yet they still stood as formidable entities. However, they paled in comparison to the Ye Country, with its millennia-old history.

Observing the group of young cultivators from the Violet Thunder Sect, the members of the Battle Sword Sect noticed that they were being observed in return. Leading the Violet Thunder Sect's group was none other than Ye Kongfan, the son of the Qi King and a demon-level genius. He possessed an extraordinarily high innate talent and boasted the Calamity Lightning Bloodline, coupled with an innate Heavenly Lightning Physique. He was exceptionally suited to cultivate the profound arts of the Violet Thunder Sect. At this moment, his cultivation had reached the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he possessed formidable combat prowess.

Ye Kongfan, dressed in resplendent golden imperial robes, exuded an air of regal authority. His piercing eyes held a daunting aura that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment.

Ye Kongfan's gaze focused on Duan Han. With an emotionless tone, he remarked, "Duan Han, the ninth personal disciple under Sword Sovereign Ling Tian."

"Duan Han," echoed Duan Han, his pitch-black eyes gleaming brightly as he stared back.

A wry smile appeared in Ye Kongfan's eyes as they scanned the other members of the Battle Sword Sect. "I never expected the Battle Sword Sect to have the leisure to visit my Ye Country. I must extend a warm welcome. However, I heard that members of the Battle Sword Sect only pursue the martial path and have no interest in worldly affairs. By coincidence, I've already invited the Holy Maiden to our Ye Country's battle arena so she can witness the strength of our nation. Since the members of the Battle Sword Sect have also graced us with their presence, why don't we visit the battle arena together once the Holy Maiden completes her treatment?"

Competition in the Royal Sacred Region was intense, and the emphasis was placed squarely on the martial path. The Ye Country was no exception, and their battle arena served as a venue for recruiting talent into their ranks.

"Since the prince has extended a personal invitation, how can we refuse?" Ye Kongfan, as King Qi's son and a chosen of the Violet Thunder Sect, held a prestigious position in the Ye Country, especially now that they were on Ye Country's soil.

"I've heard that the personal disciples under Sword Sovereign Ling Tian are known for their exceptional combat prowess. If Brother Duan Han were to display his strength in the battle arena, it would surely be an exciting spectacle for all of Ye," one of the Violet Thunder Sect members added, his words causing the members of the Battle Sword Sect to bristle with indignation. This individual was truly impolite.

The proposal of a combat display in the arena for the Ye citizens' entertainment didn't sit well with the members of the Battle Sword Sect. To them, it felt like a demeaning act that could lower their status.

"If the members from the Violet Thunder Sect are participating, we will gladly step into the arena to exchange pointers with you," Jiang Huai replied with a cold edge to his voice. His words elicited a scornful sneer from the young man representing the Violet Thunder Sect. The atmosphere bristled with hostility as the two groups seemed ready to clash at any moment.

The competition between the nine great sects was intense and often led to confrontations when they traversed the Royal Sacred Region. The Battle Sword Sect, although having fewer experts compared to the other eight sects, boasted the strongest individual combat prowess. They were frequently provoked by members of the other sects, and today's situation was no different.

An elderly man from the Ye Country approached the members of the Battle Sword Sect, expressing his gratitude, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for safeguarding the princess on her journey back home."

This elderly man was a loyal subject of the Human Emperor of the Ye Country. He appreciated the goodwill of the Battle Sword Sect in escorting Ye Lingshuang.

"Lingshuang is my junior sister; it's our duty to protect her. Old man, no need for thanks," Duan Han responded politely.

The old man's face radiated gratitude as he spoke, "Currently, our Ye Country is in turmoil. I don't wish to presume, but should anything untoward happen, I hope that you heroes can protect the princess and prevent her from making any rash decisions."

"We will," Duan Han affirmed. "Old man, please don't worry too much. With the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Sect here, I'm sure the Human Emperor will make a full recovery."

Despite Duan Han's reassurances, the old man's worry remained evident. It appeared he wasn't as optimistic about the situation as they were.

"The Human Emperor has been battling this illness for a long time," he sighed. His words exchanged glances among Duan Han and the others, deepening their concerns. It seemed the Human Emperor's condition was dire, to the point where even the presence of the Holy Maiden couldn't guarantee a cure.

The Ye Country, being an ancient nation, possessed significant resources and power. They had undoubtedly sought the aid of many experienced healers and alchemists before resorting to inviting the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Such a move must have come at a considerable cost.

After a while, Ye Lingshuang emerged from the hall, her eyes red from recent tears. Accompanying her were palace maids and two young men who bore a striking resemblance to her—the legitimate princes of the Ye Country.

"Ye Tan expresses his gratitude to the members of the Battle Sword Sect," the crown prince Ye Tan said as he approached the members of the sect, bowing in appreciation.

"You are welcome," Duan Han replied with a nod. He then shifted his attention to Ye Lingshuang and inquired, "Lingshuang, how's the situation?"

Ye Lingshuang's voice trembled as she replied, "My father has fallen victim to a slow-acting poison. It seems this poison has been working insidiously in his body for a prolonged period. It remained hidden, biding its time until a deadly battle brought it to the surface. Now, his life is hanging by a thread." Her voice quivered with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes once more.

"Do the experts from the Sovereign Medicine Sect have any means to cure him?" Qiao Yu asked with concern.

Ye Lingshuang sighed deeply before responding, "The Holy Maiden mentioned that she can only temporarily suppress the poison's effects. But when it comes to a full recovery..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the unspoken fear hung heavy in the air. The fact that this poison could threaten the life of the formidable Human Emperor left everyone in awe of its deadly potency.

At that moment, a procession of figures emerged from the Human Emperor Hall. These individuals were all dressed in pristine white garments, resembling ethereal fairies in their demeanor and appearance.

All eyes turned towards them, including Ye Kongfan and his companions, who approached with a welcoming smile. "You've all worked hard," he greeted them warmly.

Qin Wentian's gaze, like the others, was drawn to the white-robed maidens. They appeared to be the guards assigned by the Medicine Sovereign Valley to protect the Holy Maiden.

Among the three maidens leading the group, the one in the center stood out as exceptionally beautiful. Her presence seemed to diminish the radiance of everything around her.

"So incredibly beautiful, she could conquer kingdoms," remarked Liu Yun, his eyes sparkling with admiration. His sentiments were shared by the other members of the Battle Sword Sect, who were equally captivated by her extraordinary beauty.

These were individuals from the Battle Sword Sect, known for their firm hearts and unwavering wills. Yet now, they found themselves momentarily entranced.

However, amidst the enchantment, Qin Wentian experienced a profound mix of emotions. An intense pain gripped his heart, making it difficult to breathe. But as that anguish gave way, a warmth blossomed within him, followed by a radiant smile that broke through the darkness within his heart.

"Qingcheng..."

Qin Wentian felt an overwhelming desire to shout to the heavens. Without hesitation, he moved with lightning speed, racing toward the Holy Maiden. It was a shocking revelation—the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Sect was none other than Mo Qingcheng!

"Mhm?" The sudden rush of Qin Wentian startled the others from the Battle Sword Sect out of their stupor. On the other hand, the members of the Violet Thunder Sect directed fierce glares at him, their eyes filled with ominous intent. How dare he act so boldly?

"IMPUDENT!"

Ye Kongfan's voice rang out, cold and commanding, as he unleashed a palm strike that sent a devastating bolt of calamitous lightning hurtling toward Qin Wentian. With swift reflexes, Qin Wentian raised his palm to meet the attack head-on. A deafening boom echoed through the area as the collision of their powers sent shockwaves rippling outward. The force of the impact forced Qin Wentian to stagger back several steps, his palm throbbing with pain as numbness radiated through his arm.

Amidst this confrontation, the maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Sect fixed their icy gazes on Qin Wentian, emanating an aura of chilling hostility that enveloped him. The pressure they exerted was suffocating, conveying a clear message—if Qin Wentian dared to make a single move, they wouldn't hesitate to strike him down.

"JUNIOR BROTHER!" The members of the Battle Sword Sect, sensing the danger, rushed forward, forming a protective barrier around Qin Wentian.

However, from the beginning to this very moment, Qin Wentian's attention remained solely on Mo Qingcheng. It was as though he had forgotten everything else.

Mo Qingcheng was alive—she hadn't perished! Was there anything more beautiful in the world than this moment? His smile, though radiant, masked the numbness in his arm and the oppressive pressure bearing down on him as he gazed at the familiar figure that haunted his dreams.

The Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley turned her gaze toward Qin Wentian. The instant her eyes landed on his silhouette, a sharp pang of pain shot through her heart. But this pain quickly subsided, replaced by her usual emotionless demeanor. She projected an aura of unapproachability, as though she were untouchable. The man standing before her seemed strangely familiar, yet a sense of unfamiliarity shrouded him.

"How dare you? Given your status as a member of the Battle Sword Sect, we will let this slide for now. But remember, if this happens again, we won't hesitate to show no mercy," Ye Kongfan coldly snorted. He then shifted his focus and asked, "Holy Maiden, shall we proceed to the battle arena?"

Mo Qingcheng hesitated for a moment, a fleeting trace of confusion flickering across her eyes. Then, she turned and started walking toward the Ye Country's battle arena, accompanied by her retinue of guards. The members of the Violet Thunder Sect cast disdainful glances at Qin Wentian, their faces twisted with resentment.

"You should control yourself better; she's the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley," admonished a young man from the Violet Thunder Sect. While the members of the Battle Sword Sect were unhappy with his tone, they chose to remain silent. They couldn't deny that Qin Wentian's actions had been impulsive.

Qin Wentian remained rooted in place, his radiant smile slowly fading like a distant star extinguishing. Mo Qingcheng hadn't recognized him?

What was happening?

Mo Qingcheng stood amidst the crowd, her expression distant and dazed. Two females flanked her, and they could see the bewilderment in her eyes.

"Holy Maiden, what's wrong?" one of the females asked softly.

"Why does his face look so familiar? My heart aches..." Mo Qingcheng whispered, her words causing the expressions of the two females to change abruptly. After all, Mo Qingcheng had suffered from amnesia after being saved by the Medicine Sovereign. She had awakened with gaps in her memories.

They didn't press further, but they had never seen such an expression on Mo Qingcheng's face. It was as though she had lost her sense of self, her countenance drained of color.

"Holy Maiden, are you okay?" the other female inquired, her voice filled with concern.

Mo Qingcheng's forehead was beaded with sweat, and she struggled to speak as the pain in her heart intensified. Everything felt so familiar, yet so distant. It was as though a deluge of memories was surging against a dam in her mind, threatening to burst through.

"My head... it's so painful." Mo Qingcheng closed her eyes, and unbidden tears began to flow down her cheeks, like a sudden thunderstorm on a clear day.

Amidst the tears, a vivid memory surfaced—the image of a snowy winter's day. A handsome youth and a young girl sat together beneath a tree, their innocent joy evident. Snowflakes danced around them, and the two shared a moment of pure delight.

The young girl playfully reached out her hand, allowing the snowflakes to land on her palm before darting away with laughter, leaving the youth behind with a teasing nickname.

The scene was so beautiful, so heartwarming, that it could melt the coldest of hearts.

"Holy Maiden!" The two females by her side were taken aback as they witnessed Mo Qingcheng's tear-streaked face, an expression they had never seen before.