Liven Things Up

Liven Things Up . . .

Cheron casually referred to him as Tianwen, but the name was an enigma to those gathered.

"I've never heard of this Tianwen," remarked one person, clearly intrigued.

"He's at the third level of Celestial Phenomenon," another chimed in. "Not too shabby, considering."

"A true performer, I must say," chuckled a third. "Pretending to be mysterious, hogging the space around the ancient bell. His dedication to the act is impressive."

Zurius, curious, directed a question at Cheron. "Brother Tianwen here—where's he from, exactly? I can understand letting a lady sit next to you, but a man? If he lacks background or status, what business does he have taking a seat? He even had the audacity to force Pei Xiao to give up his spot under Jiangling King's command."

Cheron's expression turned frosty. "Why should I tell you? You're all far too presumptuous. You may learn more about him in the future."

Qin Wentian, listening to the discussion, felt a sense of anticipation. If he could form a complete connection with all nine bells, these people would soon realize his true identity. They wouldn't dare to treat him with such disdain, making him the target of their humiliation and scorn.

"In the future? I'm not interested," Zurius declared flatly. Nion's icy glare bore into Qin Wentian. "In the future? He dares to humiliate me with his words. Unless he kneels and apologizes, he may not even have a future."

Pei Yu's face contorted in displeasure as she retorted, "Aren't you the one who initiated the humiliation with your words? How do you account for that? Today is Jiangling King's banquet, and your behavior is utterly unreasonable."

"Oh? I'm willing to apologize to you, but there's a condition," Nion replied coldly. "You must defeat me first." She laughed icily. "As for today, even though it's the Jiangling King's banquet, as a Seven Sword Sect disciple, I won't tolerate humiliation. If he refuses to kneel and apologize, I'm certain the Jiangling King wouldn't intervene if I challenge him, correct?"

Pei Tianyuan, the Jiangling King, intervened with a calming smile. "Please, everyone, let's not escalate this conflict further. You are all guests here today. There's no need to take things to such extremes."

He then turned his attention to Qin Wentian. "Young man, you seem to be an elite from a major power. Why not introduce yourself? This way, we can resolve this dispute amicably, with everyone taking a step back."

"My sect is not worthy of mention due to my limited cultivation," Qin Wentian replied calmly.

Pei Tianyuan's expression shifted, and he probed further. "Could it be that you hail from a prominent clan, then?"

"Sorry," Qin Wentian responded with a nod but did not elaborate. Pei Tianyuan, respecting his decision, dropped the subject. However, Zurius from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor interjected with a laugh, "Perhaps he's hiding the name of his sect because it's too weak, or maybe he doesn't even have one. As a man, why hide your origins? Your actions invite scorn, you know."

Qin Wentian's demeanor remained unyielding as Nion pressed the issue. These disciples from the major powers of the Cloud Prefecture were unabashedly rude and arrogant. It seemed as if they believed their status granted them superiority over others.

Pei Tianyuan, the Jiangling King, stepped back from the dispute, leaving the resolution to those involved. He spoke with a hint of amusement, "Since our young friend here is reluctant to defuse the situation, he must be confident in handling any consequences. I won't interfere any further. You're all responsible for resolving your own grievances, and I have no authority to meddle."

Nion's cold facade twisted into a smile at Pei Tianyuan's words. Her eyes glinted like sharpened swords, fixing on Qin Wentian. "If you beg me now, I might consider sparing your life."

Qin Wentian responded to her veiled threat with indifference. His gaze flicked to Cheron, who chuckled and interjected, "Why challenge him instead of me, Brother Tianwen?"

Nion's eyes blazed with a fierce light as they bore into Cheron. A bystander offered some perspective, "Nion, you are a disciple of the Seven Sword Sect with an impressive cultivation base. If you want to issue a challenge, it would make more sense to target someone like Cheron. Why challenge a third-level ascendant? Aren't you afraid of tarnishing the Seven Sword Sect's reputation?"

Cheron, thoroughly amused, joined the discussion. "What's truly laughable is her self-assuredness." He wore a mocking grin and then addressed the person who had spoken earlier. "This is Ghost Saber Mu Yan, one of my good friends."

"Mu Yan, meet Brother Tianwen," Cheron introduced.

Ghost Saber Mu Yan, dressed in a simple white robe and initially unnoticed in the corner, suddenly garnered attention. His presence seemed to blend into the background, and only when Cheron spoke did people take notice.

With Cheron's introduction, all eyes turned to Ghost Saber Mu Yan, who sported a sly smile and a hint of cockiness in his eyes. His lips curled into an arc, exuding an air of confidence.

Ghost Saber Mu Yan wasn't affiliated with a supreme major power in the Cloud Prefecture, but his reputation couldn't be ignored. He had been trained by a master known for his unrivaled saber skills—a master feared even by the great powers of the Cloud Prefecture. Mu Yan's master was none other than the Saberlord of Death, a title he earned because, once his saber left its sheath, blood was sure to flow—be it from his opponents or himself.

Mu Yan had inherited this unique characteristic from his master. When his blade was drawn, there was no turning back. Among the younger generation, few dared to provoke him, knowing that once he unsheathed his saber, it meant the point of no return.

The unexpected appearance of Ghost Saber Mu Yan drew sharp gazes from those gathered. Many were surprised by his presence, as he hadn't introduced himself earlier, and few had seen him before. He had quietly blended into the crowd, known only by his reputation. The connection between Ghost Saber Mu Yan and Cheron was no secret; they were known to share a close friendship. Rumor had it that Mu Yan had forged numerous sabers for Cheron, which he concealed about his person.

As Mu Yan and Qin Wentian exchanged nods and smiles, it became apparent that he wasn't allied with Shu Luyao's faction. His earlier intervention, when he mocked Nion, left no doubt about his loyalties.

Shu Luyao, unable to swallow the provocation, spoke in a cold tone. "Ghost Saber Mu Yan, I've heard about your incredible saber speed. It's said that you can sever your target's head so quickly that they don't even realize they're dead." His gaze flashed with icy determination, clearly not aligning himself with Nion's faction.

Mu Yan, a disciple of the renowned Myriad Sage Academy, wouldn't back down when it came to showing his strength. He inclined his head toward Shu Luyao, a teasing smile gracing his lips. Shu Luyao involuntarily trembled, his clenched fist betraying his anger at Mu Yan's provocation.

"We might have an opportunity to witness that in the future. For now, the issue at hand doesn't concern you. Certain individuals have spoken out of turn, and we intend to teach them a lesson about respect for their superiors," Shu Luyao responded, deflecting Mu Yan's challenge and refocusing the conversation on Qin Wentian.

Mu Yan's mocking laughter cut through the tension. "It seems you're no different from the Seven Sword Sect members, tarnishing your academy's reputation."

"We must discipline those who speak out of turn. As for our own disputes, we'll settle them later," Jiang Yan chimed in, pointing an accusing finger at Qin Wentian. His sentiment was echoed by Zurius from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor, who saw the situation as mere entertainment.

Qin Wentian couldn't tolerate their continuous disdain. He swept his gaze over the assembly and confronted them head-on. "Myriad Sage Academy, Seven Sword Sect, Battle Heavens Immortal Manor, Jiang Clan. Are these all considered mighty and powerful?"

His question hung in the air, drawing the collective gaze of everyone present, accompanied by disdainful expressions. These were, after all, supreme major powers of the Cloud Prefecture, known for their formidable strength.

Jiang Yan sneered, his disbelief apparent. "Are you spouting nonsense?"

Qin Wentian's biting sarcasm cut through the tension like a blade. He didn't mince words, and his words were like salt on the wound for the Jiang Clan. Jiang Yan, their representative, paled, his expression darkening with anger.

"Are you courting death?" Jiang Yan's voice was ice-cold, laden with rage.

Qin Wentian's smirk only deepened. "Is your embarrassment turning into anger now?" He gestured towards the group confronting him. "You all seem to think you're exceptional. You've used your words to belittle me, treating me as nothing more than an ant before your greatness. How elevated you all must feel, and after being humiliated, I'm not even allowed to respond?"

His gaze swept over those who had targeted him earlier, his eyes now sharp as swords. "But you're right. My cultivation isn't high; I'm only at the third level of Celestial Phenomenon, and I don't belong to any of the major powers in the Cloud Prefecture. So what? Are you all truly that strong? Aren't there members of your sects at the same cultivation level as me? How about you call them out to fight me? Do you believe that I alone can take on all the third-level ascendants from all the major powers?"

His words left the crowd bewildered. They had initially expected Qin Wentian to back down, but he had boldly declared his readiness to face them all. Shock rippled through the assembly. Had he lost his mind? Even if they were at the same cultivation level as him, there were so many of them, how could he possibly handle them alone?

Jiang Yan's expression darkened further. "You're incredibly short-sighted. Do you really think you're invincible?"

Nion from the Seven Sword Sect chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "How interesting. He claims he can smack all of our faces alone. What do you all think?"

Shu Luyao from the Myriad Sage Academy added his mockery. "Such an amusing jest at the Jiangling King's banquet."

Zurius from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor regarded Qin Wentian with undisguised contempt. He turned to those behind him, all members of his sect, and asked, "What do you think? Should we have any trouble taking care of him?"

They responded with casual nods, showing their readiness to take action. Zurius then turned to Pei Tianyuan, the Jiangling King, with a sly grin. "My King, since this man is so confident, how about we arrange a combat match to liven up the banquet today?"