Reason for Return
Reason for Return . . .
Qin Wentian's penetrating gaze swept over the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's experts, his dark eyes seemingly threaded with sword qi, as though capable of piercing through their souls with a mere glance. The members of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan couldn't muster the courage to meet his gaze. One of the thirty-six Starlords had been slain. A peak Heavenly Dipper cultivator in Grand Xia was now a mere jest before this prodigy. To make matters more astounding, Qin Wentian had yet to reach the age of thirty.
"Qin Wentian, are you here to offer congratulations or to stir up trouble?" queried an Ouyang Aristocrat Clan representative, his gaze never straying from Qin Wentian. Today was the auspicious day of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's union with the Jiang Clan. Little did they anticipate that Qin Wentian would reemerge on this very day.
Qin Wentian's cold eyes bore into the host as he questioned, "You have not answered my query." The chill in his eyes deepened, a hint of demonic fervor gleaming within. A drop of sweat formed on the host's forehead, as though a sword intent had pierced his heart.
"This is an affair of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. When did it concern you?" retorted the host coldly after a brief silence. Despite Qin Wentian's might, his cultivation was merely at the peak of Heavenly Dipper. The Ouyang Aristocrat Clan still possessed the strength to suppress him. How could they permit his audacity?
Qin Wentian's response only intensified the coldness within him. He stepped forward, causing a resonant boom to echo through the surroundings, leaving the host's expression to turn frigid. A massive palm imprint materialized, capable of seizing stars and plucking the moon. It radiated formidable might, overwhelming and shattering everything with an earthshaking crash. It nullified the host's counterattack, suspending him mid-air.
"Seek someone with the authority to converse with me," Qin Wentian declared, his palm dismissing the host, who plummeted to the ground, coughing up blood. The onlookers couldn't help but shudder. In just a few years of absence, Qin Wentian had returned more imperious and vastly more powerful.
"INSOLENT!" Bolts of electricity crackled in the air. An expert gradually descended, cloaked in a violet robe, exuding an aura akin to dragons and tigers. Each step rippled with overwhelming might, casting a storm of lightning across the sky.
"It's Ouyang Mutian, one of the three Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan," murmured the crowd, trembling. Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants stood at the pinnacle in Grand Xia, rarely encountered. Ouyang Mutian would have chosen to remain concealed if not for Qin Wentian's insolence today.
Surrounded by a tempest of thunder and lightning, Ouyang Mutian gazed down at Qin Wentian with disdain. He uttered icily, "Qin Wentian, I'll overlook today's proceedings. You may depart now."
Qin Wentian tilted his head, his lips curving into a derisive smile. "Release Ouyang Kuangsheng."
Four words, uttered even in the face of a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant, exemplified his indomitable spirit.
As his voice faded, a wave of destructive energy surged forth. The crowd turned to observe an elderly figure on the red carpet, advancing toward them. Each step carried an imposing pressure.
"Yet another Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant?" The crowd was astounded. The newcomer was none other than Old Xing, who stood behind Qin Wentian, his eyes locked onto Ouyang Mutian in the sky.
"Do you believe you alone will suffice?" Ouyang Mutian inquired, his tone frosty.
Laughter echoed through the air as another figure gracefully soared towards the castle. This newcomer possessed an enchanting allure, enough to ensnare any onlooker in the depths of her mesmerizing eyes. It was none other than Fairy Qingmei herself, adding another layer of intrigue to the gathering.
"Is this satisfactory?" Qin Wentian inquired, his tone now cool and composed. Ouyang Mutian's expression flickered as he continued to gaze intently at Qin Wentian. While this young man was considered a junior, Ouyang Mutian dared not underestimate him. Beyond Qin Wentian's illustrious feats like splitting the Pill Emperor Hall and annihilating the Great Solar Chen Clan, Ouyang Mutian also knew that the destruction of the Nine Mystical Palace was a result of forces under Qin Wentian's command.
"Qin Wentian, I can hand Ouyang Kuangsheng over to you, but you must refrain from causing any further disturbances for our Ouyang Aristocrat Clan today, as this is a day of grand celebration," Ouyang Mutian proposed, his words sending ripples through the hearts of the onlookers. Surprisingly, Ouyang Mutian was willing to compromise.
"As I mentioned before, I came here today to offer my congratulations to the Ouyang Clan," Qin Wentian replied with a serene smile.
"Very well, let's hope you keep your word. Do not blame my Ouyang Aristocrat Clan for not showing you respect if you do not," Ouyang Mutian responded before turning to leave.
For the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, Ouyang Kuangsheng no longer held the same significance. Handing him over to Qin Wentian was acceptable, but they hoped for no further incidents during the grand wedding. It was already a significant concession on Ouyang Mutian's part, all because of Qin Wentian.
Many among the spectators wore expressions of fascination. In Grand Xia, few possessed the clout to make the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan compromise. The young man before them was one such exception.
Moments later, Ouyang Mutian returned, escorting Ouyang Kuangsheng, whose robes were torn and disheveled. His haggard appearance and erratic aura revealed the struggle he'd put up against his own clan's forces. Ouyang Kuangsheng had never willingly submitted to his imprisonment. The price for his defiance was evident.
Qin Wentian's eyes glinted with cold resolve as he accepted Ouyang Kuangsheng, while the crowd instinctively made way for them. The previously occupied seats now stood empty as Qin Wentian and his companions took their places.
Ouyang Mutian's eyes darkened with a simmering coldness. He adjusted his robe and sat down on the highest level, challenging Qin Wentian to persist with his audacity in their territory.
The gathering swelled in numbers, yet an eerie silence pervaded the atmosphere. All eyes remained fixed on Qin Wentian and his companions.
Why had Qin Wentian brought Old Xing and Fairy Qingmei, two ascendants, to the event? Were they solely here to rescue Ouyang Kuangsheng?
Farther away, deep within the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's castle, the tolling of a bell resonated. Several figures, including the bridal pair Ouyang Zicheng and Jiang Ting, appeared near the bell in response to the summons. Their respective clans flanked them, guiding them to the stage.
Jiang Ting's gaze immediately locked onto Ouyang Kuangsheng and Qin Wentian, her eyes glistening with tears. Qin Wentian had managed to rescue Ouyang Kuangsheng, and as long as he was safe, she cared little for what awaited her next. With the combined might of two transcendent powers, the marriage appeared inevitable. Qin Wentian alone lacked the strength to halt it, so she had reluctantly prepared to yield.
Yet, at this critical juncture, Jiang Ting was stunned to see Qin Wentian flash her a radiant, confident smile. It was a smile that seemed to promise something beyond their current predicament.
As the tension in the air crackled like an impending storm, Qin Wentian's bold move shook the gathering to its core. Rising from his seat, he beckoned Ouyang Kuangsheng to join him, while Fan Le and the others followed suit, forming a united front.
Before Ouyang Kuangsheng could grasp the situation, Qin Wentian and Fan Le whisked him into a luxurious groom's attire that had seemingly materialized out of thin air. With practiced ease, they helped him into the outfit, the stunned groom merely a pawn in their audacious scheme.
The onlookers from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan were left flabbergasted. It was now evident that Qin Wentian's true intent was to stir up trouble.
Ouyang Mutian's threat of violence did little to deter Qin Wentian, who didn't even spare him a glance. Instead, he led Ouyang Kuangsheng toward the stage, while Fairy Qingmei and Old Xing flanked him, creating an impenetrable shield around the groom. None dared to obstruct their passage.
The experts from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Jiang Clan responded with a surge of their formidable auras, ascending the stage to stand behind Ouyang Zicheng and Jiang Ting. Qin Wentian remained unperturbed, advancing until he stood face to face with Jiang Ting.
"Today marks the grand wedding of my brother, Ouyang Kuangsheng, and his fiancée, Jiang Ting. I am here to extend my heartfelt congratulations to them," Qin Wentian declared with deliberate calmness, leaving the entire assembly in stunned disbelief.
The grand wedding of Ouyang Kuangsheng and Jiang Ting? But today was the scheduled wedding between Jiang Ting and Ouyang Zicheng. Was Qin Wentian audaciously attempting to swap grooms?
High above the Ouyang Castle, an oppressive aura emanated, casting a shadow over the festivities. Leading a group of imposing figures, the venerable Ouyang Ancestor, well-known to Qin Wentian, bore a frigid countenance.
Simultaneously, a multitude of formidable auras surged forth as the shadowy figures that had concealed themselves earlier reemerged. Each one was a Heavenly Dipper Realm expert, their combined strength overwhelming.
Qin Wentian, however, remained unfazed. His gaze swept over the gathering as he addressed them, "I sincerely thank everyone for attending my brother's grand wedding today. Before we proceed with the celebrations, there is a matter we must address. I kindly request that you all take a step back."
The guests at the banquet complied, retreating several paces. Their hearts trembled at the sight of so many experts standing at Qin Wentian's side. These forces, under his command, included individuals from the Mystic Moon Hall and remnants of the Azure Faction that once served the Azure Emperor. All of them had chosen to align themselves with Qin Wentian.
Conversely, the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Jiang Clan had also brought numerous experts, boasting a total of five Ascendants. Their combined might was formidable.
Whispers and gasps filled the air as spectators, both inside and outside the castle, contemplated the scene. What was meant to be a grand occasion had now turned into a brazen act of bride kidnapping, orchestrated by Qin Wentian.
Amid the charged atmosphere, hushed exclamations of astonishment swept through the crowd like wildfire. The standoff between the formidable experts from both sides had reached a precarious tipping point, and any careless move threatened to set off an explosive confrontation.
Ouyang Kuangsheng, his heart brimming with gratitude, clenched his fist tightly. He felt the warmth of brotherhood coursing through his veins. Qin Wentian's reassuring pat on his shoulder seemed to convey a silent message, urging him not to fret. After all, hadn't Ouyang Kuangsheng led his men to Chu's aid in the past? When it came to brothers, words were often superfluous.
"Ouyang, do you have the courage to marry Jiang Ting today?" Qin Wentian turned to face Ouyang Kuangsheng, his voice ringing with determination.
"Why wouldn't I dare?" Ouyang Kuangsheng replied with heartfelt laughter, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on the beautiful figure standing beside Ouyang Zicheng.
Turning to Jiang Ting, Qin Wentian continued, "Jiang Ting, are you willing to marry Ouyang Kuangsheng? If you are, today will be the day of your grand wedding."
With tears glistening in her eyes, Jiang Ting nodded fervently. At that moment, she cared about nothing else except sealing her commitment. Ouyang Zicheng's face paled, but amid the current turmoil, his concerns were relegated to insignificance.
The thunderous voice of the Ouyang Ancestor erupted like a storm. "Qin Wentian!" He seethed with anger, incredulous at Qin Wentian's audacity. In all his years, he had never encountered such brazenness. Had Qin Wentian no regard for the sanctity of this occasion? Did he truly believe he could act so flagrantly before the esteemed guests of Grand Xia?