House Arrest

House Arrest . . . 

In the presence of a grand assembly, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Beiming Youhuang, her eyes sparkling with intrigue and mystery, couldn't hide her curiosity any longer. Her gaze shifted dramatically as she turned to face Beiming Nongyue, and with a warmth that echoed in her voice, she inquired, "Nongyue, pray tell, what on earth has brought you into the company of this enigmatic figure?"

Beiming Nongyue, taken aback by the sudden attention, hesitated momentarily before she stammered, "Him?" Her own gaze seemed to freeze in its tracks, prompting everyone's attention to swivel towards the man who stood beside her. It wasn't Li Yufeng that Beiming Youhuang was scrutinizing; her piercing eyes were locked onto Qin Wentian.

"Brother Qin?" Beiming Nongyue's voice quivered with uncertainty, a hint of confusion clouding her expression.

"Why, I wonder, do you find yourself within the hallowed halls of my Darknorth Royal Palace?" Beiming Youhuang, her gaze unwavering, bore into Qin Wentian with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine.

"Elder sis, Brother Qin is a dear friend of mine," Beiming Nongyue hastened to explain, attempting to defuse the tension.

"Nongyue seems to have a flair for surprises, gracing our royal palace with unexpected guests. This grand gathering was convened to celebrate Youhuang's triumphant return. Do your acquaintances possess the qualifications to partake in such an illustrious occasion?" The prince, never one to miss an opportunity for a barbed remark, tossed this verbal stone in Beiming Nongyue's direction.

Beiming Nongyue's temper flared, and she retorted, "Why should my friends be judged so unfairly?"

"Who can fathom the depths of these strangers' characters? They should know their place and not overreach," the prince sneered coldly.

Beiming Youhuang intervened, her words cutting through the tension like a blade. "Even if he were a 'lowly character,' he unquestionably surpasses you in strength." Her steely gaze bore into the prince, causing him to freeze, his unsightly expression betraying his inner turmoil. He had no qualms about squabbling with Beiming Nongyue, but facing his half-sister, Beiming Youhuang, seated in the place of honor beside their royal father, he dared not offer a retort and could only snort unhappily.

"Are you unwilling to accept this reality?" Beiming Youhuang's countenance turned glacial. "The first time I crossed paths with him, he was a mere Celestial Phenomenon cultivator. In less than a century, I encountered him again at the sacred academy's opening ceremony, where he had already ascended to the immortal-foundation realm. And now, he stands before us as an Immortal King. And you, from Celestial Phenomenon to Immortal King—how long has that journey taken you?"

The onlookers collectively inhaled sharply, their gazes fixed in astonishment on Qin Wentian. They hadn't expected that a seemingly random acquaintance of Beiming Nongyue's would be so astonishingly powerful and achieve such a lofty Immortal King status at such a young age.

To progress from Celestial Phenomenon to Immortal King within a mere hundred years—what kind of cultivation speed was this?

Many pairs of eyes turned toward Beiming Youhuang, a newfound curiosity piqued. Qin Wentian's cultivation speed appeared to outstrip even hers.

"You can't even secure a spot at the sacred academy, yet you dare to air your grievances here? Perhaps you ought to devote more time to cultivating your skills," Beiming Youhuang admonished unceremoniously, her rebuke leaving the prince with a pallid complexion. He was about to respond but was interrupted by the Darknorth Immortal Emperor.

"Youhuang speaks the truth. Focus on your cultivation; such trifles are beneath your notice," the emperor advised sternly, quelling the prince's protest. With a nod, he muttered, "Yes, Father."

However, the prince's resentment for Beiming Youhuang deepened. In that brief exchange, his standing and reputation had plummeted drastically.

Qin Wentian found himself at the center of attention once more as someone at the gathering recalled a familiar name. "Qin Wentian, could you be the individual responsible for inciting an Emperor's War in the Eastern Regions a decade ago? The Evergreen Immortal Emperor announced that he intended to wed his daughter, Princess Qing'er, to a young man named Qin Wentian. Are you the same person?" The words of Beiming Nongyue's introduction had triggered this revelation, and now, in the wake of Beiming Youhuang's statements, it all fell into place.

The Darknorth Immortal Emperor's interest was piqued. "Oh?" His expression was one of intrigue as he processed this new information. This friend of Nongyue's had a truly impressive background, having ignited an Emperor's War in the Eastern Regions. He, too, had heard of the young man responsible for ushering in the era's first adjudication battle.

Little did he know that the main protagonist of that tumultuous event now stood before him at this very banquet, a young man with a remarkable cultivation speed. Even the Evergreen Immortal Emperor had given his blessing, granting him the hand of his daughter in marriage.

"You've come seeking the Darknorth Immortal Mountain, haven't you? Did you achieve your breakthrough within its confines?" Beiming Youhuang's mesmerizing eyes remained fixed on Qin Wentian as she posed the question. As he met her unwavering gaze, Qin Wentian couldn't shake the feeling that this woman exuded an air of cold detachment, her beauty stifling in its ethereal allure. She seemed to harbor no emotions, despite her fair and flawless visage.

In this moment, Qin Wentian couldn't help but sense that crossing paths with Beiming Youhuang would lead to nothing but unending trouble.

Princess Youhuang's wisdom is truly remarkable," Qin Wentian nodded graciously, acknowledging her astute observation. The tension in the room had become palpable, and all eyes were now fixed on Beiming Youhuang and the young man at the center of this unexpected encounter. It was becoming clear that Princess Youhuang and this enigmatic young man shared a history, one fraught with unresolved conflicts.

"Back then, you prevented me from securing an inheritance. How do you intend to account for that?" Beiming Youhuang's gaze bore into him with an icy intensity. It was at this moment that the assembled guests began to realize the depth of the connection between the princess and the young man. There was an unmistakable undercurrent of discord.

"So many years have passed," Qin Wentian began, his voice unwavering, "and Princess Youhuang has since ascended to the realm of Immortal Emperor. Is it truly necessary to dwell on past grievances? If my actions had offended you, Princess, then I humbly offer my apologies."

"I am not concerned with past matters," Beiming Youhuang replied, her voice as cold as ever. "However, since you are here today, many things can be set right."

Qin Wentian's expression shifted as a flicker of apprehension crossed his features. What was Princess Youhuang planning?

"Princess Youhuang, may I inquire as to your intentions?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Where is the demonic beast that always accompanies you? And you should possess Ancient Emperor Yi's ultimate technique, God's Hand, correct?" Beiming Youhuang inquired calmly.

Qin Wentian's eyes narrowed, irritation evident in his expression. "Is this how the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty treats its guests?"

"Elder sis, he is my invited guest," Beiming Nongyue interjected, her tone reflecting her displeasure.

"Nongyue, this matter is unrelated to you," Beiming Youhuang's voice remained as composed as ever.

Qin Wentian's voice turned frigid. "Everyone has heard of the Emperor's War in the Eastern Regions. If I had initially offended the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty, I would have no grounds to argue. However, as a guest, invited here, if anything were to transpire, I'm certain that many influential forces in the Eastern Regions would not turn a blind eye. Why must Princess be so insistent on revisiting the past?"

"I have no intention of harming you. I merely wish to retrieve something," Beiming Youhuang replied calmly. "Rest assured, you won't lose so much as a hair. Furthermore, I will extend an invitation for you to visit my palace as an honored guest."

Qin Wentian was left utterly speechless by her cryptic words. This woman was an enigma, single-minded in her pursuit of cultivation.

"Please, do not let me interrupt your festivities," Beiming Youhuang continued with an air of indifference. "Enjoy the banquet, everyone. After its conclusion, I will extend my invitation to him."

The guests exchanged smiles, pretending that nothing had transpired. Even the Darknorth Immortal Emperor played along. Qin Wentian couldn't help but lament inwardly at the absurdity of these prominent figures in the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty.

"Youhuang, take a look at the young man beside your younger sister. She claims him as her boyfriend. What are your thoughts on this matter?" The Darknorth Immortal Emperor suddenly turned the conversation toward Beiming Youhuang.

"Emotions are a labyrinth that can ensnare even the strongest. It is permissible as long as one does not become entangled in them to the detriment of their cultivation," Beiming Youhuang replied, her words carrying a sense of wisdom. She turned her attention to Beiming Nongyue, her younger sister. "Nongyue, you must learn to exercise restraint. This matter is your own, and you must tread your own path. We cannot walk it for you."

As for her approval or disapproval of the relationship, it was clear that the current Li Yufeng did not meet her standards. Not openly rejecting it was already a courteous gesture on Beiming Youhuang's part.

"I understand," Beiming Nongyue responded, her tone tinged with disappointment. She cast an apologetic glance in Qin Wentian's direction. She recognized her elder sister's firm resolve, and there was little she could do to sway it. Nevertheless, she would keep a close eye on Beiming Youhuang's actions to ensure that Qin Wentian was not unduly harmed.

"Brother Qin, if an opportunity arises, I will discreetly help you," Beiming Nongyue conveyed through a private exchange of thoughts. "I deeply regret involving you in this matter today."

"No blame should fall upon you," Qin Wentian reassured her. "In any case, as your elder sister stated, I won't lose so much as a strand of hair. I can only attribute my current predicament to my own misfortune."

Amidst the banquet, praise was lavished upon Beiming Youhuang, the day's celebrated protagonist. Occasionally, guests would cast curious glances at Qin Wentian and Li Yufeng. Both individuals were undeniably extraordinary, with Qin Wentian, in particular, having achieved the incredible feat of becoming an Immortal King at such a young age.

As the grand banquet drew to a close, Beiming Youhuang approached her father, the Darknorth Immortal Emperor, with a composed air. "Royal father," she began, her voice carrying the weight of her cultivated wisdom, "I have devoted many years to my studies at the sacred academy. It is now imperative for me to return to my residence and consolidate my foundations."

The Darknorth Immortal Emperor nodded in agreement, fully supportive of her decision. "Of course, my child. Take all the time you need."

Turning her gaze to Qin Wentian, Beiming Youhuang's tone was as frigid as the Arctic winds, contrasting sharply with the pristine white robes she wore, which accentuated her ethereal beauty. "Qin Wentian, accompany me to my residence."

Qin Wentian, understanding the implications of such a summons, responded with a deferential tone. "Since Princess Youhuang has extended an invitation, I shall, without reservation, accept."

Beiming Nongyue, however, chimed in, expressing her intention to join as well. "I shall accompany you, Elder sis."

"Princess Nongyue, there's no need. I believe that Princess Youhuang harbors no ill intent towards me," Qin Wentian assured her, casting a fleeting glance at Zhiyin. Beiming Nongyue's beguiling eyes flickered with a mix of emotions before she conceded, "Elder sis, I trust you won't harm my friend. If you do, I'll never forgive you."

With that, Beiming Youhuang led the way, her penetrating gaze locked onto her younger sister for a moment before she proceeded. Qin Wentian bid Zhiyin a warm farewell. "Zhiyin, take good care of yourself in the future."

"I..." Zhiyin hesitated, her concerns palpable.

"Rest assured, I will arrange for a mentor to assist Miss Zhiyin," Beiming Nongyue interjected. She added, "Brother Qin, you are always welcome to visit us in the future."

Qin Wentian chuckled, his demeanor carefree as he followed Beiming Youhuang. The princess's residence was a serene oasis of tranquility, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Surprisingly, not a soul was in sight—no serving maids, no guards. It seemed that this solitude was a reflection of Beiming Youhuang's solitary nature.

"Inhabiting such a spacious abode all by yourself?" Qin Wentian inquired with curiosity.

Beiming Youhuang regarded him with an arched brow. "Isn't it ideal for an undisturbed cultivation environment? Aren't you concerned in the least?"

"Princess Youhuang has already assured me that I won't lose even a strand of hair," Qin Wentian replied with a light-hearted smile. He continued, his voice brimming with playful charm, "Furthermore, residing in such a splendid environment and having the privilege to converse with the number one beauty of your dynasty—how many would envy my situation?"

Qin Wentian's jest provoked a frosty stare from Beiming Youhuang. "Your audacity knows no bounds," she remarked, her words laced with icy authority.

"I only speak the truth," Qin Wentian quipped, undeterred. "A maiden as enchanting as Princess Youhuang is a sight to behold."

Beiming Nongyue couldn't help but interject, "You are truly audacious."

"Simply stating facts," Qin Wentian replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Unable to match Beiming Youhuang's might in martial prowess, he opted for light-hearted teasing as a form of revenge for the earlier house arrest.

Beiming Youhuang, however, suddenly broke into a radiant smile that illuminated her countenance with breathtaking beauty. Qin Wentian was momentarily entranced by her smile, though he couldn't help but sense an underlying complexity behind it.

"What is this enigmatic woman plotting?" Qin Wentian wondered silently, resolving to remain impervious to her beauty's allure.