Apology?

Apology? . . .

Time sped by in the City of Ancient Emperors, marking another half-year's passage.

During this period, the Underworld Mountains became a hub for the city's geniuses. Hopeful adventurers flocked to the site, seeking treasures, but their findings grew increasingly scarce. The inheritances that once lay untouched had all been claimed, leaving nothing but empty coffins and, occasionally, the remnants of misguided daredevils who dared provoke the eight immortal emperors. The consequences of such actions were far from pleasant.

Within the cavern, Zi Daoyang, Zhan Peng, and Little Rascal remained, their focus on comprehending their respective legacies. Meanwhile, the elusive Mo Xie had vanished without a trace, his whereabouts shrouded in mystery. Speculations abounded; some believed he was in the process of establishing his immortal foundation, while others thought he was consolidating the newfound powers from his inheritance, plotting his triumphant return.

But it was Qin Wentian who dominated conversations throughout the City of Ancient Emperors. He had become a living legend, a symbol of his generation. Alongside Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie, he was hailed as one of the chosen three.

Even Nanfeng Yunxi, despite her considerable strength, couldn't secure a place among the chosen. Not because of her weakness, but rather because she would be at a disadvantage in a direct confrontation with Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie. Qin Wentian, however, was different. At the eighth level of Celestial Phenomenon, he had already demonstrated his mettle against Mo Xie. Stepping into the ninth level, he would undoubtedly pose a threat to both Zi Daoyang and Mo Xie. Thus, the three of them were recognized as the chosen ones in the City of Ancient Emperors.

Within this city, the Qin Sect held immense influence. Its ranks included Qin Wentian, Qing'er, and Nanfeng Yunxi, who were ranked third, fourth, and fifth in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, respectively.

Three months ago, the Qin Sect announced its plans to recruit members. The entire city erupted with excitement as numerous geniuses vied for entry. The Qin Sect boasted not only the legendary figure of Qin Wentian but also the presence of two supreme beauties. Moreover, Qin Wentian had unlocked the secrets of the God's Hand and seized Mo Xie's inheritance, attracting even more interest.

Yet, the recruitment process was rigorous. Those harboring ulterior motives were swiftly weeded out, leaving only the truly exceptional or those with unwavering determination. Despite the three-month window, the Qin Sect counted a mere fifty members, a far cry from the Twin Stars Alliance's numbers.

Interestingly, several recruits had cultivation bases between the seventh and eighth levels. Evidently, the criteria for selection extended beyond raw power. Figures like Hua Taixu, Jun Mengchen, and Zi Qingxuan, all at the eighth level of Celestial Phenomenon, spearheaded the recruitment efforts.

At present, the Qin Sect's reputation reverberated through the City of Ancient Emperors, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Violet Sect, the city's reigning power.

The Violet Sect, led by Zi Daoyang, had long held the mantle of being the city's number one force. In the past, when the Twin Stars Alliance and the Xiao Sect had joined forces, some speculated they could challenge the Violet Sect's supremacy. Yet, it had become clear that the Qin Sect was the true contender now. The three formidable figures of the Qin Sect had vanquished Mo Xie, a feat that suggested they could potentially take on Zi Daoyang as well.

Zhao Xin'er, a recent addition to the Qin Sect, didn't possess remarkable talent or a high cultivation level. As a seventh-level ascendant, she wouldn't have typically met the sect's requirements. However, her candid admission during the recruitment interview, confessing her love for Qin Wentian and her desire to be near him, caught Jun Mengchen by surprise. He promptly welcomed her into the Qin Sect, turning her into an endearing junior apprentice sister. Her candid affection for Qin Wentian had endeared her to the sect's members.

The anecdote of her recruitment became a heartwarming tale within the Qin Sect. Other members embraced this new addition, frequently looking out for her.

Zhao Xin'er's admiration for Qin Wentian had roots in a personal experience. She had witnessed his battle against the Xuan brothers when they were both at the seventh level of Celestial Phenomenon. Qin Wentian's charisma, imposing presence, and exceptional strength had left an indelible mark on her, elevating him to the status of an idol in her eyes. Her unexpected recruitment into the Qin Sect remained a mystery, adding a touch of serendipity to her journey.

One day, Zhao Xin'er and a fellow Qin Sect member, Leng Pingchao, enjoyed a meal at an inn. Their tranquility was disrupted when a group of individuals entered, exuding an air of distinction. The leaders of this group possessed sharp, discerning eyes, unmistakably marking them as formidable figures.

Once seated, they engaged in conversation, discussing their plans in the City of Ancient Emperors. The leader, addressed as Senior Brother Que, acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasized the need to establish their own presence swiftly. He turned to Junior Brother Tianqi for insights.

Tianqi, in response, suggested joining an established power in the city, drawing the approval of Senior Brother Que. Just as their discussion took an enthusiastic turn, a new voice, melodious and curious, rang out—none other than Zhao Xin'er.

"Hey, are you guys newcomers?" she asked.

"Certainly, do you have any guidance for newcomers like us?" Gusu Tianqi inquired, displaying a keen interest in local advice.

"I've heard you're considering joining an established faction here. Presently, the Qin Sect holds immense prominence in the City of Ancient Emperors. You might want to try the recruitment process and see if you meet the criteria for membership," Zhao Xin'er graciously suggested, taking the initiative to promote the Qin Sect.

"The Qin Sect?" Gusu Tianqi's eyes lit up, his memory stirred by the mention of that name. Back on the battlefield, there had been a figure...had that person also arrived in the City of Ancient Emperors? If so, what was their current standing?

"Miss, are the other women in the Qin Sect as captivating as you two?" A less than attractive young man with a visage reminiscent of an ape cheekily inquired from beside Gusu Tianqi.

"Indeed, my fellow female members possess even more mesmerizing beauty. Their grace is renowned throughout the City of Ancient Emperors, and two of the three supreme beauties are currently part of our Qin Sect," Zhao Xin'er responded with a warm smile.

"Oh?" The unsightly young man stroked his chin before letting out a sly chuckle. "Is this a beauty bait, then? In any case, our group doesn't consist of ordinary individuals. If we were to join the Qin Sect, could these lovely ladies be arranged for our pleasure?"

His comment was met with laughter from his companions, who seemed unfazed by his words.

However, the inn's other patrons were taken aback by their audacity. It was evident that this group of newcomers had little understanding of the City of Ancient Emperors. They dared to make such impudent remarks to the Qin Sect's two beauties? Their audacity was truly astounding.

"Hey there, we've just arrived, no need for nonsense," Que Tianyi chuckled, offering a playful rebuke to the unsightly young man. His words carried a light-hearted tone that suggested he didn't take the situation too seriously.

Yet, those words elicited an unpleasant change in Zhao Xin'er's expression. She responded coldly, "You ought to apologize for your earlier words."

The unattractive young man's laughter persisted. "Pretty lady, an apology? How about you sit on my lap instead?"

"Unacceptable!" Zhao Xin'er's voice dripped with icy displeasure. Beside her, Leng Pingchao shot an equally disapproving glare at the impudent man. "Sir, your comments have crossed a line."

The unattractive man's gaze turned lecherous as he leered at them. He grinned and said, "Since you're using your beauty to attract sect members, why not let me have a taste first?"

This group consisted of Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's chosen ones. However, upon their arrival in the City of Ancient Emperors, they fell victim to robbery. Although they managed to fend off the attackers, their mood remained sour.

"Enough," Que Tianyi interjected, addressing the individual who had spoken earlier. Then, he turned to Zhao Xin'er. "Miss, this gentleman enjoys jesting. Please, pay no mind."

"Jesting?" Zhao Xin'er's expression turned frosty. "You think this is a jest? I told you to apologize."

Que Tianyi frowned, quickly assessing that both Zhao Xin'er and Leng Pingchao were seventh-level ascendants. In a place where strength reigned supreme, they likely belonged to some minor, insignificant sect within the City of Ancient Emperors. How dared they challenge them?

"Apologize? You're being overly demanding." The unattractive man sneered. Que Tianyi's earlier words were merely a pretense of civility and should have put an end to this conversation. "Miss, let's put an end to this matter."

"What do you mean by that?" Zhao Xin'er's icy gaze bore into Que Tianyi. "After insulting us with your disgraceful words, you want this matter to conclude without an apology?"

Que Tianyi's brows knitted together. Having just fallen victim to a robbery, his mood was already foul. His primary goal in the City of Ancient Emperors was to establish his immortal foundation, a culmination of years of training under his master, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. He had come seeking good fortune. Yet, who could have foreseen their belongings being stolen the moment they set foot in the city? How could he maintain a pleasant disposition after such an ordeal? He glared coldly at Zhao Xin'er. "Return to your insignificant sect. If you want an apology, have your sect leader speak to me first!"