Gratitude

Luo Qianqiu's unwavering stare bore into Qin Wentian, his expression unmoved by Qin Wentian's words. Luo Qianqiu hailed from a background far removed from those who had grown up in Chu Country.

From a young age, he had witnessed countless geniuses and heard countless bold, visionary declarations. He had crossed paths with individuals whose cultivation talents were so exceptional that they, too, could be considered otherworldly. He understood that actions spoke louder than words, no matter how impressive those words might sound.

Luo Qianqiu possessed an indomitable martial spirit that would not waver in the slightest due to a few words from Qin Wentian. In his eyes, Qin Wentian was merely a passing figure.

Once he completed his mission at the Emperor Star Academy, he planned to depart from Chu Country and compete on a much grander stage, testing his mettle against other monstrous geniuses.

Indeed, the Chu Country was too small to contain someone like Luo Qianqiu.

"At the end of this year, there will be a grand banquet. I'll be waiting for you there," Luo Qianqiu declared, directing his gaze at Qin Wentian, which left the spectators in astonishment.

They were well aware of the grand banquet to which Luo Qianqiu referred. In this world of cultivation, each country hosted an annual national grand banquet at year's end to emphasize the importance of cultivation. As long as you were a Chu Country citizen under the age of 30 with a cultivation base below Yuanfu, you were eligible to attend.

This tradition had been passed down through the generations to inspire and drive the younger generation towards greater heights. Since the banquet occurred annually, many individuals had the opportunity to improve their skills.

As for Yuanfu realm cultivators, they had no reason to attend this event.

Luo Qianqiu returned to Chu Tianjiao's side, leaving Qin Wentian unfazed by his words. Instead, Qin Wentian shifted his gaze towards Chu Tianjiao.

"I have withstood three of your attacks. I hope, Your Highness, that you can make me a promise," Qin Wentian said calmly.

"Yanaro, you can come over here now," Chu Tianjiao instructed. Yanaro nodded and walked to Chu Tianjiao's side, his head lowered throughout the brief journey, knowing he had lost considerable face.

"Qin Wentian," Chu Tianjiao addressed him with a faint smile.

"If my guess is correct, you must be the rumored genius grandmaster from the Divine Weapon Pavilion, capable of inscribing 3rd-level imprints, am I right?" Chu Tianjiao inquired, his smile unwavering as he observed the two Yuanfu cultivators standing beside Qin Wentian.

"The young genius grandmaster? Qin Wentian?" Chu Tianjiao's words echoed through the crowd, causing a ripple of surprise among the spectators.

Qin Wentian nodded in acknowledgment, making no attempt to hide the truth. He understood that concealing his identity from Chu Tianjiao was futile.

As Chu Tianjiao spoke, the unexpected unfolded. He offered a surprising proposition that left the onlookers stunned.

"I can overlook your interference in the previous matter. Moreover, I can negotiate with the Ye Clan and Ou Clan on your behalf. If you cease meddling in Qin Clan affairs, I am even willing to help you with your cultivation," Chu Tianjiao declared abruptly, catching everyone off guard.

As the crowd observed the handsome young prince wearing a genial smile, they couldn't help but sigh in amazement. The 3rd Prince of Chu Country, Chu Tianjiao, was undoubtedly a remarkable figure. If Qin Wentian agreed to his terms, he could erase all past grievances, mediate with the Ye Clan and Ou Clan, and even become friends with Qin Wentian.

It was a golden opportunity for Qin Wentian.

Chu Tianjiao was willing to let go of their conflicts and act as a mediator, all in exchange for Qin Wentian's commitment to no longer interfere in Qin Clan matters. The only source of discord between them was their conflicting stances on the Qin Clan.

By severing ties with the Qin Clan, Qin Wentian could embrace a bright future. He had gained recognition from the Emperor Star Academy, enjoyed the Divine Weapon Pavilion's protection, and possessed the skills of a 3rd level Divine Inscriptionist. His name was adorned with numerous accolades.

Chu Tianjiao was not a fool. If Qin Wentian accepted, he would cease to be the same person.

"Your Highness, I appreciate your generous offer," Qin Wentian replied calmly, leaving it at that. It was evident that he had silently declined. But this was entirely expected.

Qin Wentian's actions on the snowy path, where he stood alone to obstruct Qin Chuan's escort, had already revealed the kind of person he was.

"As I've agreed, I will honor my word. Luo Qianqiu's promise is my promise," Chu Tianjiao stated, not dwelling on the matter further. He had given Qin Wentian an opportunity, and whether Qin Wentian accepted it or not was now up to him.

After this exchange, the people of Chu Country's Royal Capital gained a clearer understanding of the 3rd Prince, dispelling some of the mysteries that shrouded him.

Chu Tianjiao, the celestial pride of the Chu Country. It was inconceivable for someone like him not to ascend the throne.

The current emperor harbored great ambitions, but he only bore descendants late in his life. Consequently, his eldest son, at the tender age of 28, stood out among the princes. Of them all, the apple of his eye was the 3rd prince – Chu Tianjiao.

"Retrieve Qin Chuan. From this moment on, no one is to subject him to mistreatment," Chu Tianjiao issued his command with a serene authority. The escorts promptly turned and led Qin Chuan away.

From within the iron cage, Qin Chuan's gaze penetrated the space and landed upon Qin Wentian's figure.

"I will always hold faith that you will prove to yourself and the entirety of Chu Country that you stand stronger than all of them," Qin Chuan's eyes moistened as he whispered to himself, "The Chu Country cannot obstruct your path. Your world stretches far beyond this constrained stage. My child, this is merely a minor stumbling block along your path to the future. Do not falter because of me. Your journey ahead is long, exceedingly so."

A resplendent light reminiscent of celestial constellations gleamed in Qin Chuan's eyes as he looked at Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian, too, fixed his gaze on his father. It was as if he could discern the unwavering determination behind that stare. He silently vowed, "Father, I shall not let you down."

Once the escorts had departed, Bai Qingsong cast a lingering gaze at Qin Wentian before shifting his attention to Autumn Snow. With a simple declaration, he said, "Autumn Snow, let's go."

As though rousing from a reverie, Bai Autumn Snow nodded in agreement. Her emotions were in turmoil, a tumultuous mixture of feelings.

Her heart wasn't stirred by resentment or remorse. Rather, it was the fact that from start to finish, Qin Wentian hadn't spared her a single glance. Not even a fleeting one.

She could vividly recall her words to him in the past. "You and I belong to different worlds."

And his response? "You're right. Right from the beginning, you and I were destined to inhabit different worlds."

Reality had now laid bare who was right and who was wrong.

Autumn Snow raised her head, her gaze resting on the drifting snowflakes. Her beautiful eyes held a hint of mistiness. For the first time, she found herself questioning her own certainty.

Even after the company of guards had left, the spectators lingered, reluctant to disperse.

Their eyes were fixed on the trio of young elites leading the group: Chu Tianjiao, Luo Qianqiu, and Ye Wuque. Truly remarkable individuals.

After the events of today's battle, they gained a deeper insight into Chu Tianjiao and Luo Qianqiu. Likewise, the two also gained a sliver of understanding about Qin Wentian. A solitary young man facing off against the three of them amidst the swirling storm of snow and wind.

Today, there was no clear victor or vanquished, but the images of these exceptional individuals had been etched deeply into the hearts of the onlookers.

Henceforth, they would never forget Chu Tianjao's poise and self-assuredness, Luo Qianqiu's haughtiness and pride, and Ye Wuque's profound enigma.

Simultaneously, they would forever carry with them the memory of the unyielding youth who dared to oppose them, with his stubborn determination and extraordinary talent.

Today, the spectators truly came to understand the essence of Qin Wentian, Chu Tianjiao, and Luo Qianqiu through their words and deeds.

He was Qin Wentian, the youthful genius, a third-level divine inscriptionist grandmaster. Behind him loomed the imposing figure of the Divine Weapon Pavilion. And also, he bore the indomitable spirit of the Emperor Star Academy.

Qin Clan, Qin Wentian!

Chu Tianjiao and his company departed, leaving behind imprints in the pristine snow.

Trailing behind them was Yanaro. If there were to be a loser today, it was unequivocally Yanaro.

Qin Wentian's gaze remained fixed on the retreating figure of Qin Chuan. The Yuanfu cultivators standing beside him patted his shoulders and reassured him, "Fear not, since Chu Tianjiao pledged in front of so many witnesses, he won't backtrack on his word."

He nodded lightly, and a smile graced his face as he addressed them. "Thank you, Elders, for your support today."

"You're already a treasure of the Divine Weapon Pavilion. Who knows, one day, I might need your assistance," one of the Yuanfu cultivators chuckled. Both of them clearly belonged to the Divine Weapon Pavilion Faction.

Their willingness to stand beside Qin Wentian was unquestionable. In the world of cultivation, those with power seldom worried about their survival. With both of them at the Yuanfu Realm, even if they joined forces with Qin Wentian against Chu Tianjiao, Chu Tianjiao wouldn't be foolish enough to pit other Yuanfu cultivators against them. That would be tantamount to declaring war on the Divine Weapon Pavilion!

The Divine Weapon Pavilion held a unique position within the Chu Country, a place even the Royal Clan wouldn't dare to provoke recklessly. Should the Divine Weapon Pavilion, in a fit of anger, decide to take their considerable resources and leave the Chu Country for their rivals, it would spell disaster for the nation.

This was also why Chu Tianjiao was so eager to bring Qin Wentian into the fold. A young genius capable of inscribing third-level divine imprints was bound to garner favor from numerous powerful factions in the future.

A high-level weaponsmith could easily command the assistance of many.

"Now that the representatives from the Emperor Star Academy have arrived, we shall take our leave." The Divine Weapon Pavilion's Yuanfu cultivators nodded to Qin Wentian before departing.

Qin Wentian turned around and his gaze found the figure in the bamboo hat, standing in the snow, departing as if he were just a passing stranger.

"Senior Ren, thank you very much," Qin Wentian expressed his gratitude with a sincere smile. He believed in distinguishing between gratitude and vengeance. Those who had aided him would forever be remembered in his heart.

Today, in the darkest hour of his life, both the Divine Weapon Pavilion and the Emperor Star Academy had chosen to stand by him, defying the pressure of Imperial Authority. This debt of gratitude was etched deeply in his heart and would never be forgotten!