Reenactment of History

Reenactment of History . . .

With disappointment heavy in his heart, the Pill Emperor departed from the Shadow Pavilion. It wasn't that he didn't want to eliminate Qin Wentian. Witnessing those formidable experts descending and acknowledging Qin Wentian as their young master, coupled with Qin Wentian's immense strength upon his return, and the exorbitant price demanded by the Darkshadow Sovereign, the Pill Emperor had grasped the magnitude of the threat Qin Wentian posed. The Pill Emperor Hall was at high risk of destruction.

However, the bitter reality lay in the Pill Emperor's inability to afford the price for assassinating Qin Wentian, even if he were to liquidate the entirety of the Pill Emperor Hall. This revelation left him with a stark understanding that, in the eyes of the Darkshadow Sovereign, Qin Wentian was a hundred times more perilous than the Azure Emperor.

The Pill Emperor's clandestine visit to the Darkshadow Sovereign remained an absolute secret, known to none. However, after this covert meeting, news emanated from the Pill Emperor Hall in the Moon Continent. Astonishingly, the Pill Emperor Hall was willing to submit to Qin Wentian and offered a public apology. Furthermore, they declared their willingness to pay any price as compensation.

The moment this news spread, it sent shockwaves throughout Grand Xia.

The Pill Emperor Hall, a transcendent power at the pinnacle of the medicinal world, was willing to go to such lengths. Whether this was a tactical ploy to buy time or a genuine plea, the immediate consequence was a profound blow to the Pill Emperor's prestige and reputation. Their fear of Qin Wentian was palpable. Regardless of their apologies or the treasures they offered as restitution, it all seemed futile. Qin Wentian displayed no inclination to reconcile with the Pill Emperor Hall.

The Azure Emperor Hall issued an official statement, commanding the Pill Emperor Hall's ascendants to escort Luo He and other key figures of their sect outside the Azure Emperor Palace. There, they were to kneel in apology and then commit suicide. This was the sole condition through which the Pill Emperor Hall could hope to maintain its independent power status in Grand Xia.

This statement underscored Qin Wentian's unyielding resolve and uncompromising stance. It was abundantly clear that he would never forgive the Pill Emperor Hall. His deep-seated grudge against them, evident when he was younger as he wielded the Demon Sword, traveling a hundred thousand miles to feed it with his blood, and subsequently sundering the Pill Emperor Hall, testified to his unrelenting vendetta. Without avenging this debt of hatred, how could he face Mo Qingcheng in matrimony?

The saga was far from over. Shortly after the issuance of the Azure Emperor Hall's statement, several silhouettes descended from the heavens to pay a visit to Qin Wentian at the Azure Emperor Palace.

If the identities of these visitors were known to outsiders, they would be rendered speechless in sheer astonishment.

These new arrivals hailed from transcendent powers, including the ancient patriarch of the Shi Clan in Ginkou, the venerable leader of the Wang Clan from the War Continent, the esteemed patriarch of the Hua Clan in the Moon Continent, the Yan Continent's Swordlord, the Demon Continent's Sect Leader of the Skydemon Sect, and the Manor Lord of the Star-Seizing Manor. All of them were Celestial Phenomenon Realm experts, forming an awe-inspiring assembly of characters that could send tremors through the hearts of Grand Xia's inhabitants.

Yet today, they had converged to visit Qin Wentian simultaneously.

However, Qin Wentian did not make an appearance. It was Fairy Qingmei who received them within the Grand Hall.

"After all these years, Fairy Qingmei, you've grown even more beautiful," remarked the ancient patriarch of the Shi Clan, a smile adorning his visage. He was an exceptionally aged figure.

"After all these years, you're still alive? Quite intriguing that you've hidden away for so long, only to emerge now with grand ambitions for Grand Xia," Fairy Qingmei quipped with a laugh. The elderly ancestor didn't mind the jest, knowing well that individuals like Jun Yu, with exceptional talents, had departed Grand Xia when they reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Those who remained in Grand Xia to preside over their territories, despite their prominence, recognized the formidable challenges of further advancement. They were willing to stay and protect their clans or sects, hoping that their younger generations might produce even more remarkable individuals.

"Why isn't Palace Lord Qin present?" The aged Wang Clan ancestor bore a piercing intensity in his gaze. They had gathered today to discuss matters with Qin Wentian, but who could have anticipated that this young man would be so audacious as to keep them waiting? Why would he not appear when numerous ascendants from the transcendent powers of Grand Xia had come to meet him?

"Palace Lord Qin is currently occupied with other pressing matters and is not within the sect at the moment. We ask for your forgiveness," replied Fairy Qingmei with a smile.

"Even if he's occupied, how could he be so engrossed that he can't spare a moment for us?" The Yan Swordlord, leader of the Swallow Swordsmen, and an immensely formidable figure, questioned with a trace of displeasure.

"As I mentioned earlier, our Palace Lord is presently absent from the sect," Fairy Qingmei reiterated, her smile maintained. Beneath her placid exterior, her heart was growing cold. These visitors had not arrived with benevolent intentions. Why would all the ascendants from Grand Xia's transcendent powers assemble in such a united front unless their motives were questionable?

"Haha, Palace Lord Qin's intentions are apparent to all. His return to Grand Xia has been marked by a domineering streak, culminating in the slaughter of the three Ouyang Aristocrat Clan ascendants, the absorption of the Azure Emperor Palace, and the recruitment of the Mystic Moon Hall. It is clear that his ambition extends to ruling over all of Grand Xia," the ancient member of the Skydemon Sect commented, exuding a peculiar aura as he snorted coldly. All eyes then turned to Fairy Qingmei, as though they sought to glean her thoughts from her expression.

Upon hearing these words, Fairy Qingmei's heart grew even colder. The same scenario that had befallen the Azure Emperor seemed to be unfolding for Qin Wentian. These individuals were uniting once more.

"I do not know the specifics of my Palace Lord's intentions, but as for the desire to reign supreme over Grand Xia, do all of you not harbor the same aspiration?" Fairy Qingmei cast her gaze across the gathering. There was not a single transcendent power that did not yearn to wield unrivaled authority over Grand Xia. Yet, although they desired it, none possessed the strength to achieve it.

"Hehe, Fairy Qingmei, your temperament remains unchanged," the Shi Clan's ancient ancestor chuckled. Beside him, the Wang Clan ancestor emanated an imposing aura as if attempting to probe the entirety of the Azure Emperor Palace.

Fairy Qingmei frowned, "What are you doing?"

"He is truly not present here." The Wang Clan ancestor's expression was one of curiosity. He stared at Fairy Qingmei and continued, "Qin Wentian left the Azure Emperor Palace so easily? Isn't he concerned that the power he just established might be eradicated?"

"Are you threatening the Azure Emperor Palace?" Fairy Qingmei's gaze sharpened, though her words maintained a calm exterior. The Wang Clan ancestor showed no fear, locking eyes with her, intensifying the atmosphere in the grand hall.

"Even if we were to threaten, what does it matter?" Fairy Qingmei responded with a laugh. "Palace Lord Qin might not be in the sect at the moment, but it is evident that he did not anticipate your collective visit. Mobilizing such formidable individuals suggests that you hold him in high regard. Additionally, our Palace Lord is indeed absent, but you may destroy the Azure Emperor Palace, staining this place with blood. However, do not forget how Ouyang Mutian met his demise. Furthermore, consider the age of our Palace Lord Qin. You may hold grievances against him, but aside from the Pill Emperor Hall, the rest of you lack grounds for an immediate fatal confrontation. If the Azure Emperor Palace is truly annihilated, you must weigh whether it is worth the storm of vengeance that will descend upon you after offending an individual who, at the age of twenty-eight, killed a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant."

Were not Fairy Qingmei's words a form of threat as well? Her implication was clear: while you can destroy the Azure Emperor Palace, should you fail to kill Qin Wentian in the process, be prepared to face the consequences.

The assembled individuals were all ancient figures, and they were not ignorant of Fairy Qingmei's veiled message. Nevertheless, the Swordlord spoke with a cold edge, "Based on my analysis, does this mean that we won't be able to meet Qin Wentian?"

"It would appear so," replied Fairy Qingmei, flashing a charming smile. Qin Wentian was the lifeblood of the Azure Emperor Palace. They had to be cautious when it came to outsiders with unknown intentions.

"In that case, we'd appreciate it if you could relay a message to Palace Lord Qin. Given his extraordinary talent, Grand Xia seems too limited for him. We hope he refrains from causing turmoil in Grand Xia, and with regard to past grievances, as long as Palace Lord Qin is willing to let bygones be bygones, we are prepared to offer reparations." The Shi Clan's ancient ancestor smiled, adding, "He would be wise to avoid meddling in Grand Xia's affairs."

"Very well, I will convey your message," Fairy Qingmei responded.

"In that case, let us take our leave," declared the elderly Shi Clan ancestor, rising from his seat. The rest of the assembly followed suit and exited the premises, disappearing from view. However, their parting words lingered in the air, "This Qin Wentian is insufferably arrogant; we wish to meet him, yet we cannot."

Exiting the grand hall, Fairy Qingmei was joined by several silhouettes, all of whom gazed into the distance with knowing smiles. These venerable individuals acted with remarkable swiftness, swiftly forming an alliance.

"If we're determined to reunite Grand Xia, these people may employ the same tactics against Palace Lord Qin as they did with the Azure Emperor in the past," Old Xing remarked, his eyes gleaming with a cold resolve.

"Therefore, we must caution Wentian to exercise caution and avoid the same fate as the Azure Emperor. We must also remain vigilant for the powers lurking in the shadows," Fairy Qingmei stated, her eyes reflecting the same icy determination. She clearly remembered the Azure Emperor's demise, which would not have occurred without the mysterious figure in the shadows.

"Wentian surpasses the Azure Emperor in every way. History will not repeat itself," Old Xing admitted, his profound respect for the Azure Emperor notwithstanding. He could not deny that Qin Wentian's talents outshone the Azure Emperor's, evident from the tumultuous waves he had stirred upon his return. His actions had compelled the Pill Emperor Hall to compromise to such an extent, rallying ascendants from other powers to unite in an alliance.

...

On the Moon Continent of Grand Xia, opulence remained a constant.

The Pill Emperor Hall, nestled on the Moon Continent, had become the topic of conversation throughout Grand Xia because of Qin Wentian's return.

The towering Pill Emperor Hall seemed to reach the very heavens, visible even from a great distance. The people of the Moon Continent couldn't help but admire Qin Wentian's achievements each time they saw the hall, still split in two as a reminder of the humiliation endured. The Pill Emperor Hall had chosen not to rebuild it, wanting to keep the memory fresh.

Lately, Shu Ruanyu felt a profound sense of unease. She had advanced to the Heavenly Dipper Realm and held a prominent position in the Shu Clan. Her previous animosity toward Qin Wentian had waned, and she had let go of the prospect of marrying Yang Fan from the Star-Seizing Manor. Furthermore, whenever she recalled the past, she realized that her hatred for Qin Wentian had dwindled.

Now, his name resonated throughout Grand Xia, becoming the focal point of discussion upon his return, even earning the adoration of countless. Shu Ruanyu occasionally wondered what would have occurred if something had transpired between them during that kidnapping. She would gaze into the mirror, admiring her own beauty, for she was now considered the girlfriend of Yang Fan and possessed her own allure. However, when Qin Wentian had abducted her, he hadn't harbored any inappropriate intentions.

These thoughts irked Shu Ruanyu, although she couldn't explain why. Perhaps it was due to Qin Wentian's newfound fame that stirred these memories. Consequently, whenever she beheld the halved Pill Emperor Hall, Shu Ruanyu couldn't help but reminisce about those events.

"What a handsome young man," remarked her junior sister beside her. Shu Ruanyu couldn't resist berating her, "Smitten fool."

"Ruanyu, that guy is undeniably handsome. Look at his bearing and the intensity in his gaze. It's as if he's fixated on the Pill Emperor Hall," remarked an acquaintance, her eyes locked on a young man standing not too far from them. In the young man's eyes, it appeared that the Pill Emperor Hall was the sole object of his attention, rendering everyone else invisible.

"Hopeless romantic," Shu Ruanyu muttered inwardly, scolding her friend for being so smitten. Nevertheless, she couldn't resist stealing a glance at the young man her companion was so captivated by. Once her gaze fell upon him, she found it impossible to look away. With her left hand covering her mouth, a look of sheer astonishment spread across her face.

It was him—he had returned!

Shu Ruanyu's heart raced. Was he headed to the Pill Emperor Hall?

Observing the young man's immediate surroundings, she noticed he stood alone.

Her heart quickened further. Could he be planning to repeat what he'd done in the past? Storming into the Pill Emperor Hall all on his own?

Her emotions whirled in chaos, and a flicker of concern flashed in her eyes. Under her watchful gaze, Qin Wentian began his deliberate stride toward the Pill Emperor Hall. He reached the base of the ninety-nine-step staircase, pausing to tilt his head, his gaze fixed on the towering structure that was the Pill Emperor Hall!