Words That Tremble The Heart

Words That Tremble The Heart . . .

Qin Wentian had now found himself squarely on Cloud Towers' arrest list, with several cities in Jiangling Country already under orders to apprehend him. In the case of Driftsnow City, one of Jiangling Country's three major cities, many were privy to Qin Wentian's visage.

The Jiang Clan's ire blazed like a furious tempest. Countless figures sprang to their feet, and one among them declared, "Gentlemen, let's put an end to him. But before that, we must delve into his memories to uncover the secrets left behind by the Driftsnow Master."

"I concur. Let us eliminate him. After all, this young rascal is a wanted criminal on Jiangling Country's arrest list. He once slew a Jiang Clan genius, so even if we join forces, our actions would hardly raise any eyebrows. Furthermore, given that the arrest warrant was issued by Tower Lord Ji, acting collectively under his authority, endorsed by Jiangling King Pei Tianyuan, it would hardly be untoward to unite against this offender."

Pei Tianyuan and Ji Kong concealed wry smiles. Even at this juncture, these crafty old foxes were still attempting to embroil them in this affair.

Initially, both Pei Tianyuan and Ji Kong regarded the character the Jiang Clan aimed to apprehend as nothing more than an ordinary third-level ascendant. Thus, they were willing to offer some assistance. However, they never anticipated that this seemingly "insignificant" individual would stir such intense emotions, altering their perception of him entirely.

Regardless, hostilities had already been ignited on both sides, compounded by the standing arrest orders. Consequently, they had no choice but to take action against Qin Wentian.

"You have none but your own ill fortune to thank," Pei Tianyuan declared with a steely resolve, his gaze piercing through the ether, locked onto the direction of the Nine Immortality Bells. It was clear that Jiangling King Pei Tianyuan was fully prepared to exterminate Qin Wentian, thereby extinguishing any future sources of turmoil.

"Let's go." Even before the banquet concluded, a procession of figures soared skyward, making their way toward the Nine Immortality Bells' location.

Meanwhile, by the Nine Immortality Bells, the spectators were aghast at the image of Qin Wentian's true countenance projected in the air. Subsequently, they observed a representative from one of the major powers, his visage contorted with icy wrath, remarking, "So this is the criminal for whom Jiangling Country has issued an arrest warrant—Qin Wentian. He previously murdered an individual within Worryfree City, prompting the Jiang Clan's pursuit. How audacious of him to seek refuge in Driftsnow City."

"Criminal?" The onlookers' gazes stiffened as a wave of realization washed over them. The familiar face depicted in the projection now made sense. It was none other than the visage displayed on the arrest lists disseminated by Cloud Towers. This wondrous individual was, in fact, a fugitive? His true name was Qin Wentian, and he had taken the life of a Jiang Clan member previously. It became apparent that his audacious demeanor was a deeply ingrained facet of his character.

"What an extraordinary figure. Rumor has it that Jiang Clan wished to apprehend him due to his audacious act—slaying Jiang Kuang in the presence of numerous immortal-foundation experts and escaping unscathed. That was just a short while ago, yet he's already turned up in Driftsnow City, inciting even greater fervor." A bystander marveled, finding Qin Wentian rather impressive.

At that very moment, amid the radiant aura of the Nine Immortality Bells' core, Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with determination. His windswept hair danced on the breeze, his restored visage portraying him as more remarkable than ever before. The haughtiness that emanated from his eyes seemed to hint that Qin Wentian was descended from divine lineage.

"How dashing," someone couldn't help but praise, appreciating the newfound air of majesty about him.

Qin Wentian's presence was now more captivating than ever. His true appearance, revealed amidst the shimmering radiance of the Nine Immortality Bells, seemed to exude an air of regal allure, drawing the attention of many. Even Pei Yu, who had grown close to him, couldn't help but feel a subtle tremor coursing through her.

"This demeanor, he's so much more handsome than the image projection. He definitely must be from an extraordinary background," murmured onlookers, their gazes transfixed by Qin Wentian's newfound magnetism. His transformation had not only enhanced his handsomeness but also seemed to have rolled back the years, making him appear significantly younger. Pei Yu, in particular, couldn't help but recall the unjust circumstances surrounding the arrest orders. She had always harbored sympathy for Qin Wentian, knowing that the fault lay with the Jiang Clan, which had left him with no choice but to save his friend by confronting Jiang Kuang.

"So, Brother Tianwen is actually Qin Wentian," Cheron muttered, his tone devoid of reproach. He understood why Qin Wentian had concealed his true identity—disclosure would have exposed him to the perilous arrest orders.

"That's right, I'm Qin Wentian—the same Qin Wentian who dispatched that Jiang Clan scoundrel, Jiang Kuang," Qin Wentian declared matter-of-factly. His identity was now laid bare, yet he displayed no hint of concern.

As if on cue, the sharp whistles of incoming experts pierced the air. Among them were none other than Jiangling King Pei Tianyuan and Tower Lord Ji Kong of the Cloud Towers, both wearing stern expressions. The members of the Jiang Clan, however, radiated palpable hostility.

"Qin Wentian, are you aware of your crimes?" demanded a Jiang Clan expert, his tone icy.

Qin Wentian cast a disinterested gaze upon him. "Members of the Jiang Clan, have you not already forfeited your honor? You dare to stand here and lecture me about arrogance?"

"Impudent!" The Jiang Clan representative, taken aback by Qin Wentian's unyielding demeanor, jabbed an accusing finger. "You murdered Jiang Kuang of the Jiang Clan, and there's a nationwide arrest warrant issued for you in Jiangling Country. Your guilt is undeniable, and your life is forfeit."

"Ridiculous and pitiable," Qin Wentian replied, his gaze piercing those who confronted him from above. "Back in Worryfree City, your Jiang Clan wielded its influence to oppress the common folk. The ineffectual City Lord even kidnapped women from the streets to cater to your desires. Among those abducted was my sister, and I stepped in to demand her release. Yet, your Jiang Clan hesitated to free her. That was the sole reason I acted, and as a result, even in the face of numerous Jiang Clan experts, I killed the tyrant Jiang Kuang. Are you disputing this? What crimes were committed?"

Pointing at the Jiang Clan representative, Qin Wentian continued, "My only 'crime' is not being as mighty as all of you. Just as it was at the Jiangling King Banquet—those so-called geniuses from various sects ridiculed and humiliated me with their words, but I wasn't allowed to respond? Truthfully, it's a case of you self-righteous hypocrites using your sect's might to subjugate the weaker. Faced with someone from a more formidable background, you'd likely grovel like dogs, obediently wagging your tails. How truly lamentable."

"Impudent!" the Jiang Clan representative roared, and the collective fury of the experts present was palpable. Qin Wentian's words weren't just a rebuke of the Jiang Clan; they targeted them all. This audacious youth had sealed his own fate. He had to die.

"Impudent?" Qin Wentian chortled coldly. "You all claim I've committed a crime, but who has the authority to judge me? This is preposterous to the extreme."

"I can." At that moment, Jiangling King Pei Tianyuan interjected, his pronouncement sending ripples of unease through the onlookers. As the sovereign of the land, his words bore significant weight.

"My King..." Pei Yu's face paled as she grappled with the dread that her friend, Qin Wentian, was about to face the wrath of the king.

Qin Wentian fixed his gaze upon Pei Tianyuan, a sardonic smile dancing on his lips. "You?" he scoffed. "I took down a rotten apple from the Jiang Clan, and you dare to pass judgment on me? The Jiang Clan, bathed in their own arrogance, resorted to tyrannical behavior, abducting innocent women from the streets. Are you suggesting they are blameless? How did someone like you, with your questionable morals, even become the ruler of a nation? You're nothing more than a puppet for these major powers. Do you honestly believe you have the right to convict me? Who do you think you are?"

Qin Wentian's words sent shockwaves through the hearts of everyone present. He didn't hold back, cursing the Jiangling King and branding him as a lackey. His audacity knew no bounds.

But to Qin Wentian, such provocations held little weight. Ever since Pei Tianyuan issued those arrest orders, they had been locked in a bitter feud. If Pei Tianyuan were to change his stance in the future, Qin Wentian wouldn't bear a grudge. However, Pei Tianyuan had consistently acted on behalf of the major powers, making his intentions clear. Even during the earlier banquet, Pei Tianyuan's words had revealed his disposition toward Qin Wentian.

From this, it was evident that Pei Tianyuan had long intended to eliminate him. Given the circumstances, Qin Wentian had no reason to hold back.

Pei Tianyuan pronounced him guilty? What right did he have to do so?

For those who sought his death, Qin Wentian had no qualms about speaking his mind.

"Do you comprehend the weight of your words?" Despite the humiliation and verbal abuse, Pei Tianyuan managed to restrain his anger. This spoke volumes about the tempestuous storm of emotions brewing within him. His lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with sharpness—a telltale sign that beneath his calm exterior, a murderous intent simmered.

"Of course, I understand perfectly," Qin Wentian retorted. "But do all of you comprehend the gravity of your actions?"

Qin Wentian's gaze swept over Pei Tianyuan, emanating an unparalleled arrogance and icy disdain. "I've already slain Jiang Kuang in front of countless Jiang Clan members. Now, I've crafted an immortal-ranked weapon, eliminated an immortal-foundation expert, and unraveled the secrets of the Nine Immortality Bells. Yet, you dare to encircle and provoke me here? Have you considered the consequences of your actions?"

As Qin Wentian's words hung in the air, those around him felt their hearts tremble involuntarily.

His statements hinted at the possibility of a formidable background supporting him, and his accomplishments and talents further supported this notion.

Could it be that the force behind Qin Wentian was so immensely powerful that it didn't fear even the peak-tier powers of the Cloud Prefecture?

"Do not succumb to his beguiling words," an expert from the Jiang Clan interjected, glaring at Qin Wentian with disdain. "Back in Worryfree City, he attempted this very deception. Yet, no other experts from his sect emerged, and he slinked into Driftsnow City in disguise. If he were truly affiliated with a supreme power, why resort to such clandestine tactics?" The Jiang Clan members exchanged skeptical looks. "You have a cunning mind, I'll give you that."

The assembled crowd shifted their attention to Qin Wentian, who responded with an icy smile in the face of the Jiang Clan's doubts.

"Simpleton," Qin Wentian retorted, his tone dripping with mockery. "But I can't say I'm surprised. Feeble factions like yours couldn't possibly fathom how true supreme powers groom their disciples. Take Jiang Yan from your illustrious Jiang Clan, for instance. If he were utterly incapable and destined to perish alone, would it be wiser for him to remain coddled at home, forever protected? Such mediocrity produces nothing more than false geniuses, their combat skills laughably feeble, unable to withstand a single blow. Were it not for your constant meddling, I could effortlessly dispatch scores of these phony geniuses. If you insist on your current course of action, you'd do well to ponder the consequences."

As Qin Wentian's words hung in the air, the onlookers couldn't help but shudder. Indeed, were they to disregard Jiang Kuang's death and consider the present situation, Qin Wentian's strength was such that he could slay countless geniuses without breaking a sweat. They were powerless to resist him.

When viewed in this light, the disparity was glaring. The likelihood of Qin Wentian being a lone disciple from a supreme power, venturing out to temper himself, seemed increasingly plausible.

As the expressions of the crowd shifted, Qin Wentian couldn't help but revel in his cold amusement. Even if it was ultimately futile, he needed to strike terror into their hearts, ensuring that any actions against him would be fraught with anxiety and dread.

After all, he wasn't lying. The likes of the Heavenly Talisman Realm were beyond the imagination of these mere mortals.