The Complex Feelings of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness
Since a tender age, Qin Wentian had been under the care of Uncle Black, growing up within the walls of the Qin Residence in Sky Harmony City. He had never entertained the thought of an extraordinary origin or imagined the dazzling nature of his parents. The man with an indomitable spirit, a figure who had unleashed destruction on such a scale that even immortals and demons quaked; and the divine celestial maiden from the heavens – these were the remarkable beings who had given him life. For Qin Wentian, there was immense pride in having such exceptional parents.
"In this lifetime, if I can't stand up against your adversaries, I won't have the courage to face you both. No matter what you've endured, I will uncover the truth sooner or later," Qin Wentian declared, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His pursuit of power had always been clouded by uncertainty about his path. But now, with newfound purpose, he understood what lay ahead. He had the opportunity to unlock these memories using the ranking monument's power. If he relied solely on his own strength, he might have to reach the legendary immortal realm before accessing the full spectrum of his father's memories.
With determination gleaming in his eyes, Qin Wentian wasn't burdened by sadness or despair. He bore an unyielding resolve.
"Time has flown by," he reflected silently. Turning his attention to the sumptuous spread of food and wine brought by Lin Xian'er, he indulged his appetite without restraint.
After the hearty meal, Qin Wentian approached the banquet table. Lin Xian'er watched him, sensing a subtle change in him. There was a transformation in his presence, a newfound depth that made him seem even more enigmatic than before. His resolute gaze hinted at a burning desire to conquer both immortals and demons alike. Lin Xian'er couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart.
"Could I have misjudged him?" she wondered. As his cultivation advanced, it was natural for his aura and presence to evolve. But why had he shed tears yesterday? What had moved him to such an extent? Was it possible that the ranking monument's energy had ensnared him in an illusion?
"Let me pour you some wine," Lin Xian'er offered, offering a sweet smile to Qin Wentian. He didn't bother with formalities, simply extending his wine cup to her.
Lin Xian'er gracefully held the cup and a wine flask, carefully pouring wine for Qin Wentian, drawing the attention of those around them.
"Thank you, Xian'er," Qin Wentian expressed his gratitude. Lin Xian'er smiled in return, her delicate hands passing the wine cup to him. A subtle flutter in her brows and an even more radiant smile on her lips revealed her joy at the moment.
"If you enjoy it, Xian'er wouldn't mind pouring wine for you every day," Lin Xian'er playfully teased, her cheeks flushed with shyness, making her even more breathtaking.
Qin Wentian smiled as he settled into his seat, savoring the wine. He knew exactly what Lin Xian'er was referring to—the condition she had set that night. She had declared that she would only marry a man whose heart belonged solely to her in this lifetime. If she couldn't find such a person, she would remain unmarried.
Lin Xian'er pouted in a charming manner and added, "What if Xian'er is willing to share Sir Qin with others?"
Qin Wentian almost choked on his wine, surprised by Lin Xian'er's bold words. He could feel the intense scrutiny of countless eyes on him. Lin Xian'er's audacious statement, delivered with a mix of allure and shyness, had the power to drive any man wild.
"Hehe," Lin Xian'er couldn't help but giggle upon seeing Qin Wentian's embarrassed expression. He knew he had been teased and could only smile wryly and shake his head. Lin Xian'er had a natural magnetism that drew people in, and if she ever decided to intentionally charm someone, her allure would be irresistible. She was like a fairy in the mortal world, and it was a mystery who would be fortunate enough to have her as a wife in the future.
Amid their lighthearted banter, Realmlord Wu Mu interrupted with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. He glanced at Qin Wentian before shifting his gaze to the Monument Realm's entrance.
"You two are enjoying your time here while the others in the Immortal Martial Realm have been shut in there for seven days, waiting miserably," he remarked. "It's time I let them out too, hahaha."
Duan Han added, "Yes, Junior Sister Lingshuang and the others must be incredibly anxious." He watched as the barrier blocking the exit was lifted, and participants from the Immortal Martial Realm rushed out, clearly relieved to be free after their week-long confinement. The top three rankings remained a mystery to them, and they were eager to find out who had earned those coveted positions.
Qin Wentian turned his attention back to the transparent ranking monument. As the suppression effect lifted, the Heaven Chosen were overjoyed to reunite with their clans and sects. However, their excitement turned into astonishment as they saw the names in the top three positions. Despite having witnessed Qin Wentian's strength firsthand, seeing his name at the very top left many of them trembling with awe.
Qin Wentian couldn't help but notice the presence of Fan Le, Ye Lingshuang, and the others in the crowd. Ye Lingshuang's face was lit up with undisguised joy as she stared at the names, while Fan Le was practically bouncing with excitement, as if he wanted to impress someone. Even the typically ice-cold Yun Mengyi couldn't conceal a fleeting smile, though it disappeared in an instant.
Qin Wentian observed these scenes, and despite the natural distance created by their cultivation, these people remained his closest friends, their bond unbreakable by time.
However, his brow furrowed when he saw a confrontation brewing between Fan Le's group and another group of participants from the Immortal Martial Realm. Behind them, even more experts had arrived, hailing from the powerful Di Clan and the troops led by Ye Qingyun. Tensions ran high, and battle intent hung in the air, but a full-blown conflict was averted for the moment.
Qin Wentian's eyes narrowed, recalling Ji Feixue's words about how Lin Xian'er had prevented Di Shi from killing Fan Le and the others in the Immortal Martial Realm.
"It's time for you all to leave," Realmlord Wu Mu declared, leaving many puzzled. But Qin Wentian, Gu Liufeng, and Hua Taixu understood that these words were meant for them. They had received an invitation from the realm's master, granting them the privilege to return to the Immortal Martial Realm at any time.
With thunderous rumbles, the floating monuments descended once more. The envoys swiftly cleared the banquet and withdrew, and Wu Mu departed, leaving only the participants behind.
The Realm Monument split in two, revealing a stairway leading out of the Immortal Martial Realm. Countless gazes fixed upon the participants, their eyes filled with anticipation.
The ten-year cycle had come to an end, concluding the journey for this group of participants.
"It's over," Qin Wentian breathed deeply as the Realm Monument Gate swung open. Instantly, his eyes locked onto a silhouette, a figure that had waited with bated breath for his return. She stood there, her eyes filled with deep emotions, teeth clenched, and an unwavering gaze. For months, she had stood there, unwavering in her determination to see him again.
As the silhouettes from the Immortal Martial Realm emerged, Qin Wentian, wearing a gentle smile, moved toward Mo Qingcheng. The sun's rays caressed him, casting a warm glow, and even among the crowd, he shone brilliantly.
"He's Qin Wentian, the top-ranked in the Immortal Martial Realm."
"So young, not even thirty, and he's the number one in the Immortal Martial Realm? This is unbelievable," murmured some, their hearts quivering in awe.
"Sis, do you believe in love at first sight? I think I've fallen for him, what should I do?" a young girl in red asked her sister.
"I used to be skeptical, but now I'm a firm believer," replied her elder sister, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian, a dreamy look in her eyes that surprised her younger sibling.
"Sis, you're already too old, don't compete with me, okay? I've decided, I want to be the mother of his children."
"Get lost. I'm only twenty-four. You're just sixteen, and you're already thinking about having children? Can you even have them?" Their playful banter left the elders behind them speechless.
Countless eyes were now fixed on Qin Wentian. While many had heard his name before, only a handful had seen his face. Until now, he had been a mystery, and nobody had imagined he would be such a strikingly handsome young man. His radiant smile, filled with unwavering determination, made him even more captivating. It was clear that he had an irresistible charm for teenage girls and young women.
Of course, all this attention was due to his status as the top-ranked participant in the Immortal Martial Realm. If he had been mediocre, no matter how handsome he was, he wouldn't have attracted so much attention from outstanding women. Ultimately, there were differences between men and women.
"I can feel the pressure," some women muttered as they noticed Lin Xian`er and Lou Bingyu walking beside Qin Wentian, both considered heavenly beauties.
The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness furrowed her brow at the sight. Then, she saw Lou Bingyu approaching with her head lowered, her voice trembling as she said, "I've disappointed Master."
Seeing Lou Bingyu's expression, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness felt something was amiss. Her stern demeanor softened as she gently ruffled Lou Bingyu's hair. "Bingyu, your progress has been remarkable."
Lou Bingyu's body trembled slightly as she looked up at her master. When she saw the gentleness in her master's eyes, her own filled with tears. She suddenly had an overwhelming urge to cry, leaving the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness silently sighing. After all, Lou Bingyu was still just a child.
Stretching out her arms, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness embraced Lou Bingyu, offering soothing words. "Your talent in cultivation is exceptional. You are younger than all the eight era-suppressing geniuses. I have been too strict with you."
Lou Bingyu's tears flowed, and she spoke softly as she cuddled in her master's embrace. "Master, I fought against him and lost. But he didn't humiliate me, he didn't force me to reveal the treasure within me, and he treated me as his friend."
The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness stood there, stunned, understanding exactly who her disciple was referring to. She turned her gaze to the young man, illuminated by the sunlight, and a complex mix of emotions flickered in her eyes.