Falling In Love With An Ancient

Falling In Love With An Ancient . . .

"Stubborn fool," the Driftsnow Master's voice rang out, cutting through the air like a blade. The once-majestic Driftsnow City shuddered, its colossal wings beating with unparalleled vigor as it surged forward. The Driftsnow Master's expression remained frigid, his outstretched palms reached into the very atmosphere, setting off a resounding explosion that painted the heavens with an ethereal golden hue.

An intricate dance of golden light unfolded, filling the skies with an array of radiant diagrams.

In the face of this spectacular display, Jiang Zhuqing took cautious steps backward, the urgency to withdraw evident in his eyes. He understood the vast chasm in their powers and had no intention of engaging in a futile direct confrontation. He opted for patience instead, banking on the assumption that the Driftsnow Master's existence had no expiration, and that Qin Wentian could remain concealed within the city indefinitely.

Yet, at this pivotal moment, an overwhelming sense of impending doom washed over him. Jiang Zhuqing's features contorted, and he swiftly pivoted. The dark-lanced menace reappeared in his grip, poised for action. In the distance, an omnipotent saber's radiance slashed across the heavens, sundering the very fabric of reality. The sheer force of the saber strike shook the world.

BOOM! The lance collided with the descending saber, cleaving it in twain. Jiang Zhuqing staggered backward, deafened by the resounding detonations echoing from his retreat. His pallid complexion bespoke his dire straits, for the sudden appearance of this saber strike had thrust him into the abyss of despair.

RUMBLE~! A colossal palm imprint, brimming with boundless power, descended upon him, tearing through his defenses. Jiang Zhuqing trembled violently, his gaze fixed on an unexpected arrival, rather than the Driftsnow Master.

"We have no prior grievances. Why ambush me?" Jiang Zhuqing's voice quivered with frustration. Despite his status as an Immortal King, the unexpected intervention of the Saberlord of Death had sealed his fate. It was an outcome he couldn't come to terms with.

"I need no reason to take lives. I do so when I please," the black-robed man replied in a tone bereft of emotion. He was none other than Ghost Saber Mu Yan, the Saberlord of Death.

Mu Yan's saber techniques mirrored his master's, demanding bloodshed whenever his blade was unsheathed. His saber was his law, and his character defied easy understanding.

A collective gasp escaped the onlookers as they witnessed the shocking turn of events. The sudden saber strike had defied all expectations, sealing Jiang Zhuqing's fate, despite his Immortal King status.

Had the Jiang Clan met its final reckoning in such a manner?

"I REFUSE!" Jiang Zhuqing's features contorted in anguish, the radiance of immortality gradually dimming as life seeped from his being. Desperate to launch a final, all-out assault, he strained against the inevitable. However, all he saw was the Driftsnow Master's palm descending once more, smashing into him.

Even in death, Jiang Zhuqing's eyes remained wide open, his countenance marred by an overwhelming sense of regret.

"May I claim the treasures adorning his mortal coil?" The Saberlord of Death, addressing the Driftsnow Master, questioned with a hint of dark humor in his voice.

"They are yours for the taking," replied the Driftsnow Master, his regal gesture signifying his approval. Without delay, Jiang Zhuqing's lifeless form was propelled toward the Saberlord of Death. The Saberlord, displaying no inclination toward courtesy, promptly confiscated Jiang Zhuqing's interspatial ring.

As the head of a prominent Cloud Prefecture power and a sacred institution of weaponry, the question remained: How much wealth did Jiang Zhuqing truly possess?

The Saberlord of Death's saber strike had been a masterpiece. His sagacity far outshone those covetous souls eyeing Qin Wentian's city. The instant he had acted, he had seized the entirety of an Immortal King's wealth.

Yet, executing such a saber strike had demanded courage and determination in equal measure. It had been intended to kill an Immortal King, and as such, had packed the requisite lethal force.

The rewards of this act had exceeded the wildest imaginings of the onlookers.

"Many thanks," the Saberlord nodded appreciatively to the Driftsnow Master. Unbeknownst to all, the true motivation behind his actions had not been the treasures Jiang Zhuqing carried. However, he had no intention of contradicting the prevailing assumption.

In the distance, countless experts watched the spectacle, though they wisely remained concealed. These included the major powers whose members had fallen at the hands of the Driftsnow Master.

The annihilation of the Jiang Clan had sent shockwaves throughout the Cloud Prefecture, and they dared not reveal themselves in the wake of such turmoil. Qin Wentian's tempestuous actions had unleashed a maelstrom whose scope was truly unimaginable.

Despite the Jiang Clan's waning strength, it had still stood as a venerated stronghold of weaponry. To witness its abrupt obliteration had been profoundly impactful.

"The city should remain here for the time being. Even if you transfer it to him now, he lacks the means to fully command it and depart. Let him grow stronger before he reclaims it," the Saberlord proposed, meeting the Driftsnow Master's gaze.

"I bear no grudge against Qin Wentian. Even if I had slain him, I wouldn't have gained control of this city. Rest assured, my intentions are pure," the Saberlord of Death smiled knowingly, well aware of the Driftsnow Master's concerns.

"Regardless of who harbors designs on this city, their efforts will be in vain. The Nine Immortality Bells have been completely refined and linked to Qin Wentian. Even if someone were to plunder his memories and take his life, they would never seize control of the Driftsnow City. Only Qin Wentian possesses the requisite qualifications. Should anyone still dare to covet it, I will show them no mercy," the Driftsnow Master proclaimed, his gaze fixed upon the horizon as his resounding voice echoed far and wide.

"That young lad shows promise, and I'll ensure his safety," declared the Saberlord, addressing the Driftsnow Master. "Rest assured, no one would dare to harm him. If you still doubt my intentions, you can inquire with Qin Wentian himself."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of intrigue crossed the Driftsnow Master's eyes. He then closed his eyes, and his imposing figure gradually returned to its original state, shifting his features to resemble Qin Wentian once more.

Qin Wentian had kept his eyes closed throughout this transformation. Suddenly, a voice resonated within his mind, prompting him to open his eyes. "Qin Wentian, this man has offered to look after you. Do you trust him?"

"Is this the voice of Senior, the Driftsnow Master?" Qin Wentian inquired with a hint of surprise.

"Yes, it's me," confirmed the voice. Qin Wentian turned his gaze to the Saberlord of Death, feeling a profound connection between them. In response to the Driftsnow Master, he replied, "I share a connection with this man, and I trust him."

This man was none other than a senior from the Heavenly Talisman Realm, an Immortal King. Qin Wentian felt a sense of comfort knowing he could rely on him.

"Excellent," affirmed the Driftsnow Master's voice. His presence returned, and he directed his gaze at the Saberlord. "I shall follow your advice. This city will remain here, and Qin Wentian can reclaim it once he advances to the immortal-foundation realm. By then, he should possess the power to relocate this city wherever he desires."

With his final words, the Driftsnow Master assumed control of the Driftsnow City, guiding it back to the earth's surface. With a resounding boom, it settled firmly into place, its foundations deeply entrenched in the ground.

The observers couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as they considered Qin Wentian. The ancient Driftsnow City was an awe-inspiring treasure trove. The unfathomable might it possessed would grant Qin Wentian control over numerous divine weapons simultaneously. In the future, when he grew even more formidable, he could establish a sect or clan with the city as his stronghold. The city surpassed the protective formations of other clans and sects, making even the most powerful Cloud Prefecture factions green with envy.

"He'll grasp the significance of this," acknowledged the Saberlord with a nod.

The Driftsnow Master stood on the solid ground, surveying his surroundings as graceful snowflakes fell from the sky, a poignant longing shimmering in his eyes.

"In the end, this place is not truly mine," he sighed, exuding an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. Pei Yu couldn't contain her emotions and shivered. Tearfully, she gazed at the Driftsnow Master and asked, "Are you going to leave?"

"Yes, it's time for me to depart," the Driftsnow Master confirmed.

"If I offer my body as a vessel for your soul, could you be revived, allowing you to stay here forever?" Pei Yu's voice quivered as tears welled in her eyes.

"Silly child," the Driftsnow Master sighed, his heart touched by her offer. When his consciousness had briefly entered her mind earlier, he had sensed the depth of her emotions.

"I may be nothing more than an ancient fool, my dear," the Driftsnow Master began with a gentle smile, his voice carrying a soothing tone. The snowflakes continued their descent, turning the world into a shimmering white wonderland. "Why mourn my departure so? This world is a tapestry of wonders, and you should seize the opportunity to craft your own beautiful memories."

Pei Yu couldn't hold back her tears as she witnessed the Driftsnow Master's form slowly fading into an ethereal mist. Her anguish was indescribable, a pain that seemed more unbearable than death itself.

The melodious chimes of bells resonated through the air as Qin Wentian materialized at the heart of the Nine Immortality Bells, amid the swirling dance of snowflakes.

"Are those chimes a yearning for Immortal Jade?" Pei Yu asked, her gaze directed at the delicate snowflakes that adorned the air. Each flake, she believed, was a manifestation of his tears.

Qin Wentian felt a profound weakness wash over him. The boundless runic light that had once enveloped him vanished, his stature returning to its usual size. As he turned to meet Pei Yu's gaze, he detected a hint of heartache in her eyes.

"Pei Yu... Could she have fallen for the Driftsnow Master?" A peculiar thought crossed his mind. Pei Yu had always held a deep admiration for the love story between the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade, deeply moved by the profound emotions it encapsulated. Little did he expect that these budding feelings would mature upon encountering the Driftsnow Master himself.

"Will you come with me?" The Saberlord directed his attention to Pei Yu. The present circumstances were perilous for her, given her earlier assistance to the Driftsnow Master.

"No, I want to stay here and keep him company," Pei Yu replied with a firm shake of her head. She locked eyes with Qin Wentian and added, "The Driftsnow Master left this city for you, and it has the ability to fly. He mentioned that you would only be able to fully control it once you reach the immortal-foundation realm. You can return for it then."

"Very well," Qin Wentian concurred, though he couldn't shake the feeling that leaving Pei Yu behind was a risky decision.

The Saberlord of Death interjected, "It's a deep-seated attachment." He sighed and turned to Qin Wentian. "Shall we go?"

As Qin Wentian glanced at Pei Yu, he saw her smiling. A sense of helplessness washed over him, and he nodded in agreement with the Saberlord.

"To those who dare lay a finger on this city, think long and hard about the consequences," warned the Saberlord of Death as he, along with Qin Wentian and Mu Yan, departed the vicinity.

From above, Qin Wentian gazed down at Pei Yu within the city, where the weight of time hung heavy. She sat quietly, lost in thought, as snowflakes cascaded around her. What destiny awaited her now?