Chapter 14: Loyal Comrades

Inside the Artificer Hall, Liang Yu snorted coldly, though inwardly puzzled: How could Qin Chen, a forging prodigy, hold such a lowly status in the Qin family?

But since Qin Chen himself hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't foolishly meddle in the youth's family affairs.

"From now on, stay away from Qin Fen. Otherwise, I'll expel you from my tutelage immediately," Liang Yu coldly ordered Zhao Lingshan.

"Yes, Master. This disciple will sever all ties with the Qin family," Zhao Lingshan replied meekly.

"That Qin Chen, however… you may still associate with him. He is extraordinary, with boundless potential," Liang Yu added, shuddering slightly as he recalled the earlier forging session.

Zhao Lingshan blinked in confusion. This… isn't what I expected. Wasn't Master angry at Qin Chen? Why is he encouraging me to stay close?

"The Celestial Meridian Divine Needles are complete. I must find a place to reconstruct my meridians immediately—the longer I delay, the worse it gets."

Qin Chen walked alone, deep in thought. Returning to the Qin estate was impossible. His and his mother's low status meant Lady Zhao's henchmen could disrupt him at any moment, risking catastrophic consequences.

After much deliberation, he settled on a location: Astral Academy.

The academy, located in the capital's heart just blocks from the Artificer Hall, catered to nobles and commoner geniuses alike. Its private training chambers guaranteed undisturbed cultivation.

"To the academy, then."

Astral Academy

The bustling campus, with its soaring buildings and lively students, felt refreshingly novel to Qin Chen. Yet he had no time to linger—every minute was precious.

But trouble found him anyway.

"Well, well! If it isn't the 'Bloodline Pig' Qin Chen? Recovered already after our last chat? Your resilience is almost admirable!"

A sneering voice rang out as four youths emerged from a grove, blocking Qin Chen's path. Leading them was Wei Zhen, son of Marquis Wei—the same noble brat who'd ambushed Qin Chen days prior.

Though only sixteen, Wei Zhen had already reached the mid-stage Human Realm and awakened a second-grade bloodline. Last time, he'd hidden his true strength during their "duel," crippling Qin Chen with a sudden surge of power. Backed by an elder brother in the advanced class nearing the Earth Realm, Wei Zhen bullied others with impunity.

The old Qin Chen would've lunged at the provocation. Now, he simply sidestepped the group as if they were air.

Wei Zhen's face twisted. How dare this trash ignore me?! With a jerk of his chin, his three lackeys fanned out, cornering Qin Chen again.

"Where's the fire, 'Piggy'? Stay and play!" they taunted, cracking knuckles.

"Wei Zhen! What's your game now?!"

Two youths—Lin Tian and Zhang Ying—burst forward, shielding Qin Chen. Crowds gathered, buzzing with anticipation.

"Lin Tian! Zhang Ying! This doesn't concern you! Scram!" Wei Zhen snarled.

"We'll settle last time's debt today! Touch a hair on Young Master Chen, and we'll—"

"Save it, fools!" Wei Zhen cut them off. "Since you're itching for pain—get them!"

His lackeys charged. Two tackled Lin Tian and Zhang Ying while the third lunged at Qin Chen.

Zhang Ying, intercepting both attackers, shouted, "Young Master Chen, run!"

"Pathetic!" Wei Zhen laughed cruelly. His fist met Zhang Ying's in a bone-jarring clash. Crack! Zhang Ying flew back, clutching a fractured hand.

"Zhang Ying!" Lin Tian cried, distracted. A punch to his gut sent him staggering, blood trickling from his lips.

Yet still they pleaded: "Young Master Chen—go!"

Wei Zhen smirked. "Where's he gonna run? After you two, he's next!"

Qin Chen's eyes turned glacial. Though wary of camaraderie after past betrayals, no one harmed his allies unpunished.

With a cold snort, he stepped into the fray.