Frog In The Well

Frog In The Well . . .

Throughout the vast expanse of the Azure Continent in Grand Xia, fire beacons blazed on the horizon, signaling the gathering of experts from all corners.

The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, rooted deep within the Azure Continent, was preparing for a momentous marriage alliance with the Jiang Clan from the Wind Continent. Besides extending invitations to the influential factions within the Azure Continent, they had also reached out to the transcendent powers scattered throughout Grand Xia, hoping to have their esteemed presence grace this auspicious occasion.

Beneath the surface, the true implications of this union were clear to all who understood the political undercurrents. Ostensibly, it was a wedding between Ouyang Zicheng and Jiang Ting. But beneath the veneer of matrimonial bliss lay a more profound message – this was a pact of unity. The marriage symbolized a commitment between the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Jiang Clan to stand together, be it in prosperity or adversity.

At present, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan boasted three Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants, while the Jiang Clan had two. This alliance, sealed through matrimony, would elevate their combined strength to five ascendants. Paired with the formidable foundation of both clans, this newfound power would make them the dominant force in Grand Xia, capable of sweeping away any obstacles in their path.

For Grand Xia, this union foreshadowed a tempestuous era. Consequently, numerous individuals chose to attend the event, converging upon the Azure Continent.

In the Azure Continent, five transcendent powers held sway: the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, Azure Emperor Palace, Mystic Maiden Palace, Multidirectional Windthunder Sect, and Sword Extinction Sect. Qin Wentian had crossed paths with the chosen disciples of these transcendent powers during his time in the Unmatched Realm, even engaging in confrontations with several of them.

Following a day's stay in the forest, Qin Wentian returned to the Azure Continent's Unmatched Realm. His purpose was to visit the venerable Unmatched Elders, who maintained a close relationship with him. Among them was the cunning old man who had nearly "killed" him. To Qin Wentian's astonishment, this elderly figure was revealed to be a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant who had chosen to reside within the Unmatched Realm. The Unmatched Realm's status was indeed comparable to that of transcendent powers, housing numerous experts who, rather than harboring ambitions of unrivaled supremacy, opted for a life of seclusion.

Accompanied by Fan Le and Old Xing, Qin Wentian made his way to the Mystic Maiden Palace as an honored guest. Old Xing, who now oversaw the Azure Emperor Palace's punishment branch, had ascended to the Celestial Phenomenon level. He, alongside Fairy Qingmei, represented the pillars of Qin Wentian's Azure Emperor Palace.

Fan Le and the Mystic Maiden Palace's young princess had confirmed their relationship some time ago. Xuan Xin, who had matured considerably since then, possessed an exceptional status. With ease, she led Qin Wentian and his companions into a grand hall, where numerous female experts awaited them. The gazes of these experts, who couldn't help but wonder about Qin Wentian and Old Xing, landed upon the duo. Old Xing, with his closed eyes and the appearance of a harmless elderly man, exuded a subtle but palpable aura of formless pressure.

It was highly likely that this elderly gentleman was a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant.

However, it was Qin Wentian who garnered the most attention. Once the source of a great upheaval in Grand Xia, he had torn the Pill Emperor Hall asunder and then vanished without a trace for several years. Now that he had returned, his carefree smile made him appear even more inscrutable than before.

This was the former top-ranking figure of the Heavenly Fate Rankings, the youth who had divided the Pill Emperor Hall in twain. Now, the question on everyone's mind was the extent of his current cultivation level.

Outside the grand hall, a procession of figures approached. The woman leading them appeared to be around thirty years old, radiating an air of maturity that only served to enhance her beauty. Her demeanor was refined and elegant, marking her as none other than the Palace Mistress of the Mystic Maiden Palace.

In the grand hall of the Mystic Maiden Palace, the Palace Mistress took her place at the central seat, her gaze locking onto the elderly man standing nearby. Her eyes held a glint of sharpness, and her words dripped with curiosity. "Is this Old Xing, the one responsible for punishment in the Azure Emperor Palace?"

"Your discernment is impressive, Palace Mistress," Old Xing responded as he opened his eyes. An overwhelming pressure swept through the great hall, causing the maidens of the Mystic Maiden Palace to feel their bodies stiffen in response.

The sharpness in the Palace Mistress's eyes intensified. She shifted her attention to Qin Wentian and inquired with a smile, "I've heard tales of your exploits from a few years ago. You are indeed a rising star among the younger generation. What brings you to our doorstep today?"

"I've come to offer an opportunity to your sect," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. However, the experts flanking the Palace Mistress couldn't help but laugh coldly. "While the Azure Factions may be on the brink of reunion, isn't it presumptuous to claim that you're here to offer us an opportunity?"

The Palace Mistress simply smiled, her silence speaking volumes.

"The implications of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan's marriage are evident, even without stating them explicitly. Even before this alliance, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan could already be considered one of the stronger transcendent powers in the Azure Continent. With their union, there's no need to spell out their intentions. Over the years, I, Qin, have traveled far and wide, witnessing many things. The two other grand empires, Grand Zhou and Grand Shang, flourish while Grand Xia languishes. Any major power from those empires could easily annihilate Grand Xia if they so desired. Even the Si Clan, a vassal of Grand Shang, dares to occupy the Royal Palace of Grand Xia. Their few clan members here represent but a fraction of their true strength. This is the extent of Grand Xia's desolation."

Qin Wentian continued with measured words, "Grand Xia lacks innate techniques and cultivation resources. Most of our talented experts have left to explore the world. If those remaining in this desolate land continue to vie for supremacy, proclaiming themselves as kings, it's only a matter of time before Grand Xia faces complete destruction."

"What grandiose statements," the previously outspoken female retorted with a sneer. Her glare pierced Qin Wentian as she continued, "You're nothing more than a junior, yet you dare to be so audacious? Where are your manners? Who do you think you are?"

When the Palace Mistress and her Mystic Maiden Sect experts arrived at the grand hall earlier, Qin Wentian had remained silent, seated. He hadn't even stood to show respect. This had irked them considerably. Old Xing, an Ascendant and senior, was an exception, but Qin Wentian's demeanor, despite his reputation in Grand Xia, seemed far too brazen. Did he truly regard himself as equal to their Palace Mistress?

"Palace Lord of the Azure Emperor Palace, Qin Wentian," Qin Wentian replied calmly, fixing his gaze on the woman who had interrupted him. He added icily, "When conversing with the Palace Mistress, when did it become your place to interrupt?"

"Impudent!" the woman exclaimed. "The true Azure Emperor Palace remains in the Azure Continent. Your self-proclaimed title of Palace Lord holds no weight."

Her words resonated for only a moment before Old Xing emitted an oppressive aura and moved forward slowly. A stifling pressure bore down upon the outspoken woman. His palms surged with force, displaying no mercy whatsoever.

In response, the Palace Mistress of the Mystic Maiden Palace waved her hand. A cold beam of light shot forth, colliding with Old Xing's palm imprint and shattering it into oblivion.

"Old Xing!" Qin Wentian shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Old Xing gracefully withdrew to Qin Wentian's side, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

In the opulent grand hall of the Mystic Maiden Palace, an air of tension swirled as Qin Wentian addressed the gathering. "We are your guests, and I have no wish to overwhelm you as our hosts," he began, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. "However, I must say, I find the perspectives of the esteemed experts of the Mystic Maiden Palace rather limited. It's truly disappointing to witness such a lack of vision. You may consider this visit a wasted effort."

With these words, Qin Wentian rose from his seat. Yet, just as he was about to depart, the Palace Mistress, curiosity piqued, interjected, "You haven't fully explained the opportunity you intend to offer my sect."

Pausing in his tracks, Qin Wentian turned back to face the Palace Mistress. He spoke with unwavering determination, "I aim to put an end to the disunity and chaos plaguing Grand Xia, uniting all under a single banner and establishing a governing body comprising a select few powerful factions. If you, Palace Mistress, are willing, your sect can become one of these influential entities."

The Palace Mistress's eyes gleamed with a sharpness that betrayed her surprise. She had braced herself for the audacity of Qin Wentian's proposal, but the extent of his ambition still took her aback. An assertive female expert who had previously scoffed couldn't help but chime in, "You're gravely overestimating yourself. While this young man may possess remarkable talent, his arrogance has blinded him to the boundless scope of the world."

The Palace Mistress, after a moment's contemplation, responded with a knowing smile, "I shall reserve my judgment for now. I'm genuinely intrigued to see how you plan to unite Grand Xia."

Acknowledging her decision, Qin Wentian offered a polite smile and turned to leave the grand hall. His visit had been motivated by Fan Le's connection with Xuan Xin, and since trust in his intentions seemed lacking, Qin Wentian saw no reason to press further.

However, the outspoken female expert persisted, her tone growing more confrontational. "Palace Mistress, must we allow this arrogant brat to depart without consequence?"

Hearing her words, Qin Wentian's eyes flashed with an unmistakable intensity. He abruptly pivoted, taking a single step forward. In that instant, a terrifying aura burst forth from him, overwhelming the space with its sheer force. Both of his eyes locked onto the female expert who had challenged him, and within the blink of an eye, she found herself trapped within a nightmarish purgatory.

"FROG IN THE WELL!" The words reverberated like a thunderclap, shaking the very foundations of the grand hall. The force of his aura sent the woman hurtling through the air, her body crashing to the ground. She coughed up a mouthful of blood, her face drained of color.

As the dust settled, Qin Wentian stood with his back to them, the embodiment of unassailable power. The onlookers in the hall were left stunned, their hearts pounding. Four words echoed through their minds, searing an indelible impression.

FROG IN THE WELL!

These four words, once directed at the outspoken female expert, seemed to encompass the entire Mystic Maiden Palace.

Despite her cultivation at the ninth level of Heavenly Dipper, Qin Wentian had sent her sprawling with an invisible force from his original position. The irony lay in her earlier accusation that he lacked manners. The young man whose name had once shaken Grand Xia had undergone an astounding transformation. His return held a singular purpose: to unify Grand Xia beneath a single banner.

The Palace Mistress remained silent, her gaze fixed on Xuan Xin. She had questions. "Did Fan Le ever share with you the experiences of Qin Wentian during his travels beyond Grand Xia?"

Xuan Xin nodded. "Yes, to some extent."

"Summarize it for me," the Palace Mistress requested.

Xuan Xin cleared her throat, her voice carrying the weight of revelation as she recounted Fan Le's tales. "Fan Le said that they ventured to a place known as the Sacred Royal Region. The Royal Sacred Sect reigns supreme there, and countless formidable powers could effortlessly crush Grand Xia underfoot if they so desired. It was within the Immortal Martial Realm, during a tempering exercise, that he crossed paths with Qin Wentian once more. Geniuses from the Royal Sacred Region flocked there, vying for supremacy. Qin Wentian not only secured the top position but is also a disciple of the Battle Sword Sect, one of the nine esteemed sects directly under the Royal Sacred Sect. Moreover, he bears the title of the emperor's foster son from an ancient kingdom. Although I'm uncertain about the exact power tier of this ancient realm, it undoubtedly surpasses our sect by manyfold."

Xuan Xin fidgeted with her sleeves, uneasy about the unexpected conflict brewing between her sect and Qin Wentian.

The Palace Mistress listened, her heart pounding. She felt a chill creep over her, leaving her momentarily frozen. After a lengthy silence, she finally sighed, her expression laden with regret. She realized that her sect had likely squandered a precious opportunity and that, henceforth, the Mystic Maiden Palace might forfeit its standing in Grand Xia.

"Why didn't you inform me of this sooner, Xuan Xin?" the Palace Mistress lamented.

"I wasn't entirely sure myself, and you never inquired," Xuan Xin replied in a subdued tone, evoking a bitter smile from the Palace Mistress. She shook her head and added, "Xuan Xin, treat Fan Le with more kindness moving forward. Now, hurry and go after them."

Xuan Xin nodded, her determination firm as she departed the grand hall.

As for Qin Wentian, he remained unperturbed by the situation. If the Mystic Maiden Palace had chosen to trust him, they could have become a cornerstone of Grand Xia. However, since they declined, it held little significance for him.

Beneath the surface of the grand wedding gathering in the Azure Continent, hidden currents surged. Qin Wentian's loyal followers had also converged in the Azure Continent, standing united.