Sleepless Night

Sleepless Night . . .

A profound and icy determination etched itself upon Qin Wentian's striking countenance. His eyes locked onto Purgatory as he issued his command, a chilling resolve tainting his handsome features. "Purgatory, your mission is clear—obliterate the Sky Harmony City branch of the Star River Association. Leave no trace of their vile presence untouched."

With unwavering loyalty, Purgatory responded, her silhouette a fleeting blur as she soared into the heavens. Sky Harmony City, diminutive in size but not in significance, lay at her mercy. With a mere sweep of her immortal senses, she instantly pinpointed the clandestine location of the Star River Association.

In synchronized unity, the experts of Grand Xia embarked on their own quest, relentlessly hunting down every faction that had aligned itself with the vengeful Star River Association. Meanwhile, Qin Wentian turned his attention to the venerable figure of the Medicine Sovereign, a curious yet concerned expression adorning his face.

"Senior Medicine Sovereign," Qin Wentian inquired, his voice a melodic harmony of curiosity and deep concern, "Could you illuminate the events that transpired? In the past, a multitude of immortals left their immortal senses here, seemingly a safeguard against such malevolence. Weren't these formidable beings sufficient to dissuade any intrusion?"

Qin Wentian's previous incarnation, Di Tian, had liberated these imprisoned immortals from the Vermillion Bird Immortal Palace, each leaving behind their immortal senses within the confines of the Medicine Sovereign Valley. While these ethereal guardians might not possess overwhelming combat prowess, their combined presence exuded a formidable might. In theory, they should have deterred any ordinary force from encroaching upon the Medicine Sovereign Valley.

"It was all in vain," the Medicine Sovereign lamented, his head shaking slowly in solemn resignation. "The Star River Association, upon their descent into our world, moved swiftly to reconstruct their old bases, flexing their dominance with ruthless and unbridled force. At that critical juncture, I sensed the looming danger, realizing they would inevitably target the Medicine Sovereign Valley."

He continued, recounting the dire circumstances, "Understanding the gravity of the situation, I hastily dispatched a group to the immortal realms, seeking refuge from impending peril. The Battle Sword Sect's members, who were also present, coincidentally desired to venture into the immortal realms. I facilitated their escape. As for Qingcheng, I attempted to persuade her to leave as well, but she adamantly refused, insisting on awaiting your return here. Little did I anticipate the situation would deteriorate to such a dire extent. Shortly thereafter, the Star River Association dispatched several immortals from the immortal realms and initiated a devastating assault upon the Medicine Sovereign Valley with overwhelming might."

The Medicine Sovereign's aged form shuddered as he spoke, his appearance a testament to the toll that time and hardship had exacted upon him. He seemed on the precipice of the grave, were it not for the potent medicinal elixirs that preserved the flickering embers of his life.

"Those immortal senses left by our peers were systematically eradicated, their ominous warning sounding a futile cry in the void," the Medicine Sovereign recounted with a tremor in his voice. "The Star River Association even went so far as to issue a stark decree, warning immortals against meddling in this affair. Any who dared venture here in person would meet a merciless demise. I fought tooth and nail, risking life and limb to ward them off, sustaining grievous injuries that shattered my immortal foundation. Only through sheer tenacity did we manage to escape with our lives. Our beloved Medicine Sovereign Valley was razed to the ground in our wake. Were it not for your foster father, Ye Qingyun, standing as our stalwart guardian, we would not have survived to stand here today."

The Medicine Sovereign's eyes blazed with an inferno of fury, a seething cauldron of hatred simmering within him. "It all unfolded in the blink of an eye," he began, his voice quaking with emotion. "I am but a mere husk of old bones, having wandered this world for eons. My time nears its end, and death holds no dread for me. But for the disciples of my cherished Medicine Sovereign Valley, they were robbed of their youth, unjustly snatched from the embrace of life."

Qin Wentian, his heart heavy with empathy, reached out to the venerable Medicine Sovereign. "Senior Medicine Sovereign," he implored, his words laced with sincerity, "This calamity is not of your making. I shall bestow upon you an immortal art, a lifeline to grasp. With dedication, you may yet mend your shattered immortal foundation."

A chill swept through Qin Wentian as he contemplated the Star River Association's loathsome actions.

"Immortal foundations are the bedrock of our immortality," the Medicine Sovereign replied, a mournful resignation in his tone. "Mine, once pristine, now lies cracked and fractured. The ember of hope has long since faded."

"You cannot foretell the outcome without making the attempt," Qin Wentian urged earnestly. "Senior, I beseech you to place trust in me." With a solemn nod, the Medicine Sovereign acquiesced. A radiant beam of light surged forth from the center of Qin Wentian's brow, bestowing upon the Medicine Sovereign the profound technique for the demolition and reconstruction of one's immortal foundation.

"Senior Medicine Sovereign," Qin Wentian inquired further, his thirst for knowledge unquenched. "How many immortals does the Star River Association possess in our realm?"

"I cannot say with certainty," the Medicine Sovereign admitted. "Currently, there should be no more than ten. What disquiets me, however, is the might they keep concealed. Their wanton obliteration of immortal senses, erasing the presence of countless immortals, suggests their potential dominance even within the immortal realms. Wentian, gather those around you and seek refuge in the immortal realms. Its vast expanse shall offer some sanctuary, making it arduous for them to track and apprehend you."

Turning his attention to Little Rascal, Qin Wentian entrusted him with a critical mission. "Little Rascal, journey to the Royal Sacred Region and ascertain the extent of the Star River Association's affiliations with other immortals. I shall furnish you with a teleportation talisman, a safeguard against adversity. Shatter it without hesitation should danger loom. Your gift of countless transformations shall confound any pursuers, especially given your mastery over concealing your aura."

"Very well, I depart forthwith. Qingcheng, we shall continue our discourse upon my return," Little Rascal conveyed, his paw extending in a farewell wave to Mo Qingcheng. With a graceful transformation into a magnificent golden-winged Great Roc, he soared heavenward, vanishing into the distance with incredible swiftness.

In the intricate dance of strategy and warfare, the wisdom of knowing oneself and one's adversaries shines as a beacon of potential triumph. Qin Wentian, cognizant of this ancient maxim, proceeded with caution when confronted by the enigmatic and formidable foe that was the Star River Association. Information, he knew, was a potent weapon in this high-stakes game.

Concern etched its way into Mo Qingcheng's delicate features as she voiced her unease. "But, will Little Rascal truly be safe on his own?" Her maternal instincts, even for a celestial beast, were impossible to suppress.

Qin Wentian, the picture of calm assurance, sought to allay her fears. "Fear not, my dear. Little Rascal possesses remarkable intelligence. In the absence of third-level immortals, they shall fail to detain him. The Star River Association is unlikely to dispatch potent experts to invade a humble particle world such as ours. Moreover, he bears the escape talisman I've diligently prepared, and his uncanny ability to assume various forms will confound any attempt to locate him using their immortal senses."

Mo Qingcheng nodded, her demeanor easing slightly. A gentle smile graced her lips as she held onto Qin Wentian's hand.

Resolute in his determination to avenge the Medicine Sovereign Valley, Qin Wentian delivered a heartfelt promise. "I shall mete out justice for the Medicine Sovereign Valley."

"Wentian," urged the Medicine Sovereign, his voice sagely, "for now, let thoughts of vengeance be set aside. Our first course of action should be to journey to the immortal realms, there to await the opportune moment. The sands of time are still vast, and your potential knows no bounds. In due course, you shall ascend as a paragon among immortals. There is no need to rush heedlessly into the fray."

Ye Qingyun, with his gentle wisdom, added his counsel. "Indeed, dear friend. Revenge is best served cold. Time, a boundless ally, lies before you. With your prodigious talent, you shall inevitably rise as a sovereign among immortals. Why rush into the crucible?"

Their eyes, brimming with concern, were fixed on Qin Wentian. All sought to persuade him to exercise patience and forbearance, to not impulsively chase the specter of revenge.

Qin Wentian's character, indomitable and driven by a sense of justice, was well known to them. In his youth, he had fearlessly stood against the Crown Prince of Chu, Chu Tianjiao, to save his beloved foster father, Qin Chuan. His spirit burned with the fire of righteousness and valor.

The depth of Qin Wentian's potential was staggering. Immortals stood at the zenith of power, and his ascent to this exalted realm at such a tender age was testament to his extraordinary gifts. To those gathered here, he was more than a comrade; he was family. They cherished his life above their own, a precious gem in a world fraught with danger. They implored him not to risk his life needlessly.

"I shall not yield to impulse," Qin Wentian assured them, his heart warmed by the outpouring of concern. Rarely had he encountered such a profound sense of kinship during his wanderings in the immortal realms, save for his cherished Qing'er. His closest friends and family resided here, and as they gazed upon him with such worry, he felt an unspoken bond that transcended mere words. The vendetta with the Star River Association, despite its burning intensity, would not lead him to recklessness; he would heed their sage counsel.

The solemn reminder from the Medicine Sovereign echoed in the air like a cautionary whisper, a final plea for caution. "You mustn't embark on this path unless you are armed with unwavering resolve and boundless confidence," he cautioned once more, his voice trembling with unspoken concerns. "Hold your hand for now, for the sake of Qingcheng."

A resolute "Mhm" was Qin Wentian's response, an indefinable emotion swirling within him. Despite the Medicine Sovereign's own profound vulnerability, inflicted by the association's ruthless actions, he remained deeply anxious for Qin Wentian's safety. In the recesses of his heart, a lingering fear gnawed at him, the dread of impending misfortune befalling the one he held dear.

As his gaze swept across the familiar figures surrounding him, Qin Wentian couldn't deny the truth: these individuals were the closest thing to family he had in this world. He wouldn't willingly plunge them into the abyss of danger. For if harm were to befall him, what fate would await those who depended on him?

Yet, he knew that foregoing retribution in the face of such hostility would be an affront to his own principles of honor and justice.

Turning his gaze toward the now devastated Qin Residence, reduced to a mere pile of rubble, Qin Wentian was approached by Bai Qingsong. The elderly man, his hair a cascade of silver, extended an offer of sanctuary. "Wentian," he said, his voice filled with warmth and hope, "they have razed your home to the ground. With so many of us here, perhaps you could bring them to my Bai Manor for refuge? I've dismissed all the staff, so the manor should be spacious enough to accommodate us all."

Qin Wentian regarded the aged figure of Bai Qingsong, eyes lingering on the bright glint of anticipation within the man's gaze. Though their past held grievances, they had reached an accord. In his youth, Qin Wentian had spent much time in the Bai Manor, but there had been a time when Bai Qingsong had sought his life. Now, the old man hoped for reconciliation, to finally put the past to rest. Standing beside Bai Qingsong, Autumn Snow, with her captivating eyes, also watched Qin Wentian with a mixture of hope and curiosity.

"Wentian," Qin Yao chimed in, her voice reflecting the changing tides of time. "Uncle Bai frequently visited our home in recent years, playing chess with Father. Despite the looming shadow of the Star River Association, they chose to stand by our side."

Two decades had passed since the tumultuous events of their youth, and the passage of time had brought about a transformation of emotions. Hatred had withered, replaced by a growing appreciation for the Bai Clan's unwavering support during the darkest hours of the Qin Residence.

With a warm smile, Qin Wentian nodded in agreement. "Mhm, after all these years, a visit to the Bai Manor seems fitting." Turning to Bai Qingsong, he inquired about another matter close to his heart. "Uncle Bai, do you have any news regarding Bai Qing?"

A sigh escaped from Bai Qingsong's lips as he shook his head in regret. "I regret my past actions deeply. Had I not acted against you back then, she would not have felt compelled to leave without a trace."

Qin Wentian offered words of reassurance, his gaze distant with memories. "Fear not, Uncle Bai. I believe she is safe, perhaps already within the immortal realms." The image of a spirited young girl, Bai Qing, flashed vividly in his mind, igniting a profound longing. If the opportunity arose, he yearned to make a pilgrimage to the Devil Statue Cliff, in search of the cherished friend he had not seen in many years.

As the tension of the day gradually waned, Bai Qingsong broke the quiet with a soft remark, his voice hushed. "Let's hope for the best. Shall we make our way now?" With that, their small party set course for the Bai Manor, where a new chapter of their journey would begin.

The ripples of today's events spread far and wide, shaking the foundations of Sky Harmony City. Qin Wentian's return had been nothing short of explosive; he had fearlessly confronted the Star River Association, turning the tides of power to his favor. In the wake of this battle, he seized the opportunity to dismantle the alliance between the association and other power-hungry factions. Those who had aligned themselves with the association found themselves relegated to mere punchlines, their misguided decisions leading to the utter decimation of their clans.

Within the Bai Clan's confines, Bai Qingsong arranged accommodations for their weary group. The return of Little Rascal added to the intrigue of the day's events. He shared vital information with Qin Wentian, revealing that the Star River Association had dispatched a contingent of seven immortal foundation experts to this particle world. The association, it seemed, was well aware of the chaos that had unfolded in Sky Harmony City, yet they had held their hand, as if biding their time for some enigmatic purpose.

With reunited friends and allies, they spent hours in heartfelt conversation before retiring to their chambers.

Under the cover of a profoundly silent night, a secluded courtyard provided the backdrop for an intimate moment. In the dim light, it was just Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng, a world unto themselves. Seated in a comfortable rattan chair, Mo Qingcheng nestled into the warm embrace of her beloved, finding solace in the tranquility of this stolen moment.

"Are you truly resolved to stay in this world and forsake the immortal realms?" Mo Qingcheng's luminous eyes bore into Qin Wentian's soul.

Gently stroking her ebony tresses, Qin Wentian smiled tenderly. "Qingcheng, I know my limitations. I must settle this score, no matter the cost."

Mo Qingcheng's voice was serene, her words carrying a profound weight. "I believe in you, but promise me one thing: if anything should befall you, I wouldn't wish to traverse this world alone."

As though terrified of losing him, she clung to him even tighter. Qin Wentian gazed upon her flawless countenance, his heart melting with each passing moment. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Mo Qingcheng responded with equal fervor, their embrace growing even more fervent, a testament to the depth of their love.

Around them, a crackling fire provided a gentle, flickering illumination, casting a warm glow on their entwined figures. Holding her perfect form in his arms, they retreated to their sanctuary, leaving the world behind.

This night, bathed in the soft radiance of their love, truly felt like a beautiful one.