Not Trusting

Not Trusting . . .

In the heart of the palace, the tension escalated as Qin Wentian locked eyes with Xuan Xing, their words sharp and biting.

"No matter what I've acquired, it belongs to me now. What's your intent?" Qin Wentian's voice was laced with a chilly edge. He had grown weary of explaining himself, recognizing that these individuals would only believe what they wanted to.

Xuan Xing advanced, his lips curling into a sly smile. "You'd be wise to surrender whatever it is you possess. I might consider sparing you then."

Behind Xuan Xing, the Twin Stars Alliance geniuses unleashed their formidable auras, attempting to intimidate Qin Wentian. But Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan, standing by his side, met their hostility with an icy resolve. They had encountered far too many such situations since arriving in the City of Ancient Emperors. In retrospect, they regretted not waiting until they had reached the eighth or ninth level of cultivation before entering. At that point, these arrogant individuals would understand the true power of disciples from the Heavenly Talismans Realm, realizing that one didn't need the lineage of immortal kings or emperors to dominate their generation.

"Xuan Xing, what's your intention?" Xiao Lengyue's arrival with her entourage further heightened the tension. A throng of experts stood at the ready, ready to engage the Twin Stars Alliance at a moment's notice.

"Xiao Lengyue, unless he provides a satisfactory explanation regarding that item, this matter won't be resolved so easily," Xuan Xing retorted, his gaze never wavering from Qin Wentian.

"Xuan Xing, he is a member of my Xiao Sect. Regardless of what he's obtained, it's his good fortune. What right do you have to claim it? If you insist on pursuing this, my Xiao Sect won't back down from your Twin Stars Alliance. We are prepared for war," Xiao Lengyue declared firmly, shocking those who hadn't ventured into the underground palace. Was she truly willing to go to war against the Twin Stars Alliance for Qin Wentian?

The air grew tense, a palpable hostility radiating from both sides.

"Is the Xiao Sect truly willing to wage war against my Twin Stars Alliance over him?" Xuan Xing's tone was heavy with threat.

"Yes," Xiao Lengyue replied resolutely.

"Very well." Xuan Xing's laughter was tinged with a touch of madness. He shot a final glance at Qin Wentian. "You're fortunate today, but remember, within the City of Ancient Emperors, there's no escape for you. I want to see how long your Xiao Sect can protect you."

With a wave of his hand, Xuan Xing and his sect members departed, their retreating figures leaving a lingering tension in the air.

Qin Wentian's gaze remained fixed on Xuan Xing's receding form, his expression icy. Though he had been prepared to battle, Xiao Lengyue's intervention had forced him to suppress his anger. Others might forget the oracular chant over time, but not him. He believed that given time, he could comprehend its depths.

During his meditation, he had experienced a profound sensation. The echoes of a great Dao reverberated within his mind, confirming that the oracular chant was indeed left behind by Ancient Emperor Yi, a key to unlocking the God's Hand. Yet, it was merely a foundational primer for the secret art.

Nevertheless, Qin Wentian found this primer incredibly profound. Mastering it would propel his combat prowess to new heights, giving him the edge he needed to confront Xuan Xing.

For now, he chose patience. The City of Ancient Emperors teemed with geniuses, including descendants of immortal kings and emperors. However, Qin Wentian held the unwavering belief that he would ultimately shine brighter. In a few years' time, no one within these ancient walls would dare to treat him with such contempt. They would come to understand the true essence of Qin Wentian's character.

"Thank you," Qin Wentian spoke with a genuine smile, directed at Xiao Lengyue.

Xiao Lengyue offered a warm smile. "It's only natural. We both hail from the Xiao Sect, and sharing both good and bad times is our tradition."

Qin Wentian chuckled inwardly at her words. "Sharing good and bad times, huh?" he thought but didn't voice his thoughts.

"Shall we go? We'll return to the Xiao Sect together. Those who still wish to stay and try to comprehend this can remain here," Xiao Lengyue sighed with a tinge of disappointment. Half a year had been squandered in the underground palace, and although they had finally made it to the true ancient palace, she hadn't gleaned any understanding.

For Xiao Lengyue, it felt like a considerable setback. This place held no further interest for her. As for the intricate runic inscriptions in the palace, they remained inscrutable to her, making her decision to leave all the more justified.

"Do you plan to stay and continue attempting to comprehend it further, Qin Wentian?" Xiao Lengyue inquired.

"No," Qin Wentian responded, shaking his head. "The chant is incredibly profound. It's beyond my current abilities to grasp. Let's move on."

He stood up, Zi Qingxuan and Jun Mengchen following suit. Qin Wentian directed them towards the statue. "There's an opportunity to receive an oracular chant in the ancient palace. Both of you can give it a try, but don't set your hopes too high for comprehension."

"Understood," Zi Qingxuan and Jun Mengchen acknowledged as they approached the statue. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian and Xiao Lengyue made their way outside. A growing crowd of experts gathered, heading towards the ancient palace. Not far off, a figure emerged, radiating an elegance and beauty that rivalled Xiao Lengyue's.

This young woman wore a phoenix gown and exuded an air of cool elegance. Her flawless figure and porcelain-like complexion were captivating, and her expression was as icy as ten-thousand-year-old ice. Xiao Lengyue stopped in her tracks upon seeing her, but the woman seemed oblivious to her presence as she passed by without acknowledgment. Her icy allure rendered everyone who gazed upon her awestruck. Among these descendants of immortal kings and emperors, ordinary women wouldn't even register on their radar, but this woman commanded attention, seeming untouchable. Marrying her would undoubtedly catapult one to unimaginable glory, a subject of envy throughout the City of Ancient Emperors.

She walked past Qin Wentian without a second glance, but her aura left a distinct impression, sinking deep into his heart.

"This woman is extraordinary. Her mere presence halted Xiao Lengyue. There's no doubt—it must be her," Qin Wentian mused. Among the three remarkable women in this place, Xiao Lengyue was one, the woman he sought, Qing'er, was another, and the third was the highest-ranked among them all: #3 on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Nanfeng Yunxi of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

Xiao Lengyue paused briefly, taken aback that Nanfeng Yunxi hadn't acknowledged her. With a sigh, she continued her journey, departing the area and returning to the Xiao Sect.

A group of individuals soared through the sky, their speed impressive. Among them, an expert from the Xiao Sect named Li Yu appeared beside Qin Wentian. Li Yu was also a ranked member on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, and he nodded gratefully to Qin Wentian. "Thank you."

Qin Wentian's expression briefly froze, and he turned his gaze to Li Yu. He understood the weight behind Li Yu's expression of gratitude. After leading everyone out of the underground palace, Li Yu was the first to thank him.

In response, Qin Wentian smiled warmly and nodded in acknowledgment.

Upon their return to the Xiao Sect, the group of geniuses went their separate ways. Qin Wentian retreated to his courtyard, ready to continue his cultivation. However, before he could begin, his eyes flickered open, and he spoke, "You can come in."

Footsteps approached from outside the courtyard, and the graceful figure of Xiao Lengyue emerged. She had changed into an azure-colored long dress, looking incredibly beautiful and youthful. She greeted Qin Wentian with a charming smile, "Already back to work so soon after our return?"

"My cultivation is still lacking, which makes me a target more often than I'd like. So, naturally, I have to work harder," Qin Wentian replied with a smile, referring to the events in the underground palace.

"You don't need to worry so much about it. Since you've joined the Xiao Sect, I'll take care of you. Besides, I already consider you a friend," Xiao Lengyue said, her smile radiating warmth. Her graceful presence left Qin Wentian in silent admiration. Xiao Lengyue was undoubtedly a supreme beauty.

"Having such a supreme beauty as a friend, I'm sure everyone would envy me," Qin Wentian quipped with a laugh. He noticed Xiao Lengyue drawing nearer, her beauty captivating and heart-pounding, especially at such close proximity.

"Your talent is exceptional, and your proficiency in divine inscriptions is remarkable. You'll surely achieve great things in the future. It's certain that you'll be ranked within the top 100 of the Immortal Ascension Rankings, or even higher," Xiao Lengyue praised with a sweet smile. "Your comprehension ability is also extraordinary. In that ancient palace, all of us gradually forgot the oracular chant bestowed by the blood runes. Yet, you're the only one still trying to grasp it. Have you made any progress?"

"The oracular chant is indeed extraordinary, but it's incredibly challenging to comprehend," Qin Wentian replied, acknowledging Xiao Lengyue's underlying intention in visiting him.

"Do you think this oracular chant is related to the lost secret art of Ancient Emperor Yi?" Xiao Lengyue inquired.

"It's possible," Qin Wentian admitted.

"Among all the geniuses, you're the only one who can grasp it. It must be due to the stroke of fortune you experienced in the underground palace. Moreover, you were the one who unraveled the mystery and found the exit for us. The item you obtained should be the key to comprehending the oracular chant, right?" Xiao Lengyue locked her beautiful eyes onto Qin Wentian's.

"Indeed," Qin Wentian affirmed with a series of nods, opting to withhold further details.

A captivating gleam sparkled in Xiao Lengyue's eyes, her luscious ruby-red lips slightly parted, enhancing her mesmerizing appearance. She drew closer to Qin Wentian, her voice a gentle caress as she asked, "Wentian, can you teach me?"

The secret art of an ancient emperor, lost to history, hung in the balance. Xiao Lengyue was willing to leverage her beauty to gain access to this elusive knowledge.

But Qin Wentian was no stranger to her tactics. He shook his head, his resolve firm, "Sect leader, you are correct. There is indeed a connection between this oracular chant and the underground palace. However, the link lies in the comprehension of divine inscriptions. It's precisely because I deciphered those inscriptions in the underground palace that I can faintly sense the power of the chant and gain a glimpse of insight. But I have yet to fully comprehend it. As you mentioned, I was the one who unraveled the palace's mysteries, giving me an innate understanding of its runic diagrams. No one else would be able to grasp even the slightest understanding of the oracular chant. Therefore, I have no means to teach you."

Xiao Lengyue's expressions underwent a swift transformation upon hearing Qin Wentian's explanation. However, she quickly masked her emotions with a smile. "It's just the two of us here, no need for secrets. What did you truly obtain in the underground palace?"

Qin Wentian's last vestige of hope in Xiao Lengyue's character crumbled with that question. He had already answered her inquiries truthfully multiple times, stating that he had only acquired a map. Her persistent questioning now revealed her lack of trust in him, much like Xuan Xing.

"If I were to tell you that I obtained nothing more than the map, would you believe me?" Qin Wentian locked eyes with Xiao Lengyue, and with his response, he watched the fading smile in her eyes.