Scheme

Scheme...

In the midst of a deafening silence, Qin Wentian and the Holy Maiden found solace in each other's embrace, their hearts intertwined by a deep and profound love that transcended the words that hung in the air.

Rumors whispered through the hushed crowd, tales of the Holy Maiden's perilous journey to the Medicine Sovereign Valley on the brink of death. The specific circumstances that had led to this fateful pilgrimage were shrouded in mystery, known only to the young man from the Battle Sword Sect.

Liu Yun, with a theatrical sigh, couldn't help but comment on the appropriateness of the Holy Maiden's name, Qingcheng. "What an apt name for a woman of such remarkable beauty. Such a pity, how lamentable..." His dramatic musings filled the air, drawing amused glances from his sect members who couldn't help but roll their eyes at his extravagant antics. Liu Yun, ever the romantic, allowed his fantasies to run wild, imagining himself as the chosen one. His companions could only chuckle at his eccentricities.

Yet, amid the whimsical thoughts and playful banter, a different notion stirred within Ye Lingshuang. She realized that the Holy Maiden was more than just a figure of reverence; she was Qin Wentian's companion. This realization held the promise of hope. If Qin Wentian was willing to aid the Holy Maiden, it might pave the way for her to seek help in healing her father. Perhaps even the most reclusive and powerful healers in the Medicine Sovereign Valley could be called upon for assistance. It was a glimmer of hope that danced on the horizon.

Finally, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng released their tight embrace. Mo Qingcheng's eyes were fixed on Qin Wentian's face, her delicate fingers caressing his features, as if she feared he might vanish like a dream.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the trials Qin Wentian had endured in the Pill Emperor Hall, and they flowed freely once more. There was so much she wanted to convey, so many words unspoken. She found refuge in his embrace once more, feeling the warmth and security it offered.

The members of the Medicine Sovereign Valley observed this display with mixed emotions. Their Holy Maiden, typically a figure of aloofness and grace, now revealed her vulnerability and tenderness, touching the hearts of those who watched. The depth of her feelings and the story she shared with the young man from the Battle Sword Sect remained a mystery, leaving them intrigued and curious.

"I never imagined we would both survive the trials of the Pill Emperor Hall," Mo Qingcheng confessed with a quivering voice, her tear-stained face adorned with a radiant smile. The sheer joy of their reunion had rekindled a long-forgotten happiness within her. Every breath, every ray of sunlight, seemed more vibrant and precious than ever before. Life, in that moment, felt truly beautiful.

Qin Wentian's eyes blazed with determination as he vowed, "It's all over now, but the Pill Emperor Hall's debts to you will not go unpaid. Sooner or later, I will make them pay for the torment they inflicted upon you." The Pill Emperor Hall had become a festering thorn in his heart, and he was resolved to eradicate it, erasing its existence from the world.

Mo Qingcheng met his gaze with equal intensity, as if she couldn't get enough of him. Her laughter, a melodious and heartwarming sound, echoed in his soul, prompting an involuntary smile to grace his lips.

"Holy Maiden," the maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley called out, and Mo Qingcheng, with a graceful turn, reverted to her usual regal demeanor. Her beauty radiated an unattainable aura, but the faint traces of happiness in her eyes did not escape their notice.

Witnessing their Holy Maiden in this state, the maidens could only sigh silently. It appeared that nothing could hinder the love between the Holy Maiden and the young man. And with the Medicine Sovereign's favor, it was a union they could only approve of.

In the midst of this extraordinary moment, the emotions of the other maidens in the Medicine Sovereign Valley were a complex tapestry of sentiments. They couldn't deny that Qin Wentian possessed a certain undeniable charm, even though he was merely an ordinary disciple of the Battle Sword Sect. His presence exuded an aura that hinted at greatness, but they couldn't ignore the stark reality that his cultivation base was not on par with the grandeur they had envisioned for the one who would capture the heart of the illustrious Holy Maiden, Mo Qingcheng.

In their dreams, the Holy Maiden's destined love would be a paragon of martial prowess, a name that would reverberate throughout the world as the hero of their generation. He would stand as a supreme genius, eclipsing all others. However, as they glanced at Qin Wentian, they couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret on behalf of Mo Qingcheng. These sentiments, of course, remained locked away in the chambers of their hearts, unsung and unspoken in public.

Since their arrival in Ye, the intentions of Ye Kongfan, a figure of high status in the Violet Thunder Sect, were crystal clear—he aspired to win the heart of the Holy Maiden. Ye Kongfan possessed the rare and formidable Calamity Lightning Bloodline, coupled with a Heavenly Lightning Physique. His cultivation had already reached the impressive seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper, a remarkable achievement for someone of his age. Yet, even in the eyes of the maidens, he fell short of the celestial standards they had in mind for Mo Qingcheng.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng, these unspoken judgments and comparisons swirled in the minds of the Medicine Sovereign Valley maidens. Yet, such musings mattered little to the two lovers.

"Junior Brother Qin, I must say, I truly admire your fortune," remarked Liu Yun, approaching with a wide grin on his face. "Now that the Holy Maiden is your girlfriend, how about introducing a few fair maidens to your Senior Brother?"

"Your shamelessness knows no bounds," Qiao Yu retorted, her incredulity evident. Qin Wentian couldn't help but laugh. "Isn't Senior Sister Lingshuang equally beautiful? Why seek distant stars when you already have a radiant sun beside you?"

"But Junior Sister isn't interested in me," Liu Yun lamented dramatically, eliciting bewildered stares from the members of the royal clan, silently thanking their lucky stars that the princess had not fallen for this particular senior.

"Oh, by the way, since the Holy Maiden is your girlfriend, that means you have no claims on Qing'er, right?" Liu Yan suddenly cut to the chase, revealing his true intentions. He had set his sights on Qing'er, adopting a somewhat audacious perspective. In his reasoning, if Qin Wentian had already won the heart of this breathtaking beauty, it would be greedy beyond measure for him to pursue yet another stunning maiden.

"Let me offer a word of caution. Qing'er is at the peak of the sixth level in cultivation, and her Mandate of Space has already reached the Perfection Boundary. If Senior Brother still wishes to try his luck and court her, be my guest," Qin Wentian replied with a knowing smile, already imagining the predicament Liu Yun would find himself in if he dared to pursue Qing'er.

"Eh..." Liu Yun involuntarily shivered, while the other members of the Battle Sword Sect exchanged intrigued glances. They had underestimated Qing'er, the reserved maiden who seldom spoke but possessed formidable power.

"Everyone, the battle arena awaits us. Shall we proceed there together for a closer look?" Ye Kongfan's voice interjected, though an undercurrent of unhappiness simmered beneath his affable facade. Mo Qingcheng, still holding Qin Wentian's hand, turned to him with a questioning look.

"Let's go and have a look," Qin Wentian suggested with a warm smile. Mo Qingcheng nodded in agreement, and the entire group made their way toward the Ye Country's bustling battle arena.

The Royal Sacred Region was a crucible of intense competition among powerhouses, and martial prowess held a paramount position in its hierarchy. The Ye Country was no exception, and its grand battle arena served as a testament to its dedication to martial excellence. As they approached, the vastness of the arena stretched before them, seemingly endless in scope and grandeur.

Upon the sprawling expanse of the battle arena, twelve combat stages loomed like sentinels of competition, their surfaces ceaselessly witnessing clashes of will and skill. Each day, a multitude of warriors engaged in fierce combat, driven by the singular pursuit of victory. Those who emerged triumphant were rewarded by the Ye Country, and the truly exceptional among them might even be recruited by various prestigious factions.

The Ye Country, alongside smaller kingdoms and mighty powers, converged here frequently, seeking to identify and enlist the most outstanding victors. Yet, the arena was not merely a venue for honing martial prowess; it also served as an impartial ground for resolving disputes and conflicts.

At the heart of the vast arena stood a corridor, reserved exclusively for the use of the royal clan. This corridor led to the arena's grandest spectator stand, guarded by vigilant sentinels who barred entry to anyone lacking the privilege of royal lineage.

In this moment, a procession of figures materialized in the airspace above the royal corridor. Instantly, the attention of all fighters on the arena was drawn upwards, their collective gaze fixated on the unexpected visitors. A hush descended, and the silence rippled outward, capturing the entire arena.

The news had already spread like wildfire: today, Ye Kongfan, the scion of King Qi and a chosen of the Violet Thunder Sect, had extended an invitation to the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley. As the figures in the sky became clearer, one woman among them stood out like a radiant star amidst a sea of darkness. She was unmistakably the Holy Maiden herself, her beauty unparalleled and living up to the legendary tales that had circulated far and wide.

Before the illustrious maidens of the Medicine Sovereign Valley, a group of young men led the way, with one at the center, resplendent in luxurious golden imperial robes—none other than Ye Kongfan, the son of King Qi.

The armored guards flanking the corridor, without exception, respectfully knelt before the distinguished arrivals and intoned, "We pay our respects to the crown prince and the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley."

Their voices resonated like thunder, a potent declaration of reverence that rippled through the air, drawing the unwavering attention of the assembled multitude. In the minds of the onlookers, these two figures were undoubtedly a couple destined for greatness. As the chosen representatives of their respective generations, their union seemed perfect.

"Rise," commanded Ye Kongfan, his voice carrying a regal weight that pervaded the arena. His words elicited a glint of sharpness in the eyes of those from the royal clan, particularly Ye Lingshuang, who could not help but furrow her brows. These guards had addressed Ye Kongfan as the crown prince but seemingly ignored her, the direct descendant princess?

Standing by Mo Qingcheng's side, Qin Wentian observed the grandeur unfolding ahead. Two magnificent thrones stood prominently in the distance, reserved for Ye Kongfan and the Holy Maiden. This was Ye Kongfan's calculated move, the culmination of his earlier maneuvering to create the impression that he and Mo Qingcheng were an item, thereby paving the way for his intentions.

A veil of tension hung over the scene as Qin Wentian's brows knitted together, a glint of frostiness shimmering in his eyes. The deviousness of Ye Kongfan's ploy was not lost on him. Not content with merely misleading the crowd about Mo Qingcheng's status, Ye Kongfan sought to overshadow the rightful host, Ye Lingshuang, by thrusting his own prominence into the spotlight.

The throngs of onlookers, too, had their collective gaze fixed upon Qin Wentian, standing steadfastly beside Mo Qingcheng. While it was not uncommon for the Holy Maiden to have guards for her protection, the presence of a young man by her side raised more than a few eyebrows. Whispers of curiosity rippled through the crowd as they silently pondered his identity.

In this charged atmosphere, all eyes were riveted on the unfolding drama, anticipating how this power play would unfold. Everyone waited with bated breath to see how Ye Kongfan would arrange the seating, eager to decipher the intricacies of this political chess match.

"Holy Maiden, if you would be so kind," Ye Kongfan gallantly extended his hand in a graceful invitation, urging Mo Qingcheng to occupy one of the two magnificent thrones. The unspoken implication hung heavy in the air: should Mo Qingcheng take her seat, the one seated next to her would undoubtedly be Ye Kongfan himself.

Mo Qingcheng's brow furrowed, her insight transcending her lack of expertise in political machinations. She understood Ye Kongfan's ulterior motives all too well. If she acquiesced and took her place with Ye Kongfan at her side, what fate would befall Qin Wentian? Such a predicament was utterly unacceptable to her.