Infuriated

Infuriated

Ouyang Ting's thirst for revenge against Qin Wentian had never waned. As Qin Wentian's status soared, her resentment grew heavier.

Being a direct descendant of the clan, she had been openly embarrassed by Qin Wentian, yet had been unable to seek retribution. Now, this irksome old man had materialized before her, claiming to be Qin Wentian's mentor. How could she possibly pass up this opportunity to thoroughly disgrace him?

Of course, her actions were also spurred on by the presence of Duan Qingshan. Ouyang Ting was keenly aware of her status and surname. Regardless of Qin Wentian's relationship with Ouyang Kuangsheng, he was, in the end, an outsider. Though Qin Wentian had shown remarkable progress, in every aspect, Duan Qingshan should be able to quash his efforts. Ranking #25 on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, Duan Qingshan was certainly no opponent Qin Wentian could defeat at his current level. Thus, what reason was there to not revel in humiliating this frail old man?

Mustang's face contorted, but the urgency of his situation pushed him forward. He lowered himself and bowed deeply, his plea ringing out, "I implore you, Miss Ouyang, to permit my entrance."

"I don't sense any genuine sincerity in your plea," Ouyang Ting sneered. "Just who do you believe yourself to be? Do you truly possess the right to meet my gaze?"

Frustration gnawed at Mustang, yet the gravity of his purpose kept him from retorting. He had to tread carefully. "Miss Ouyang, I assure you, my sincerity is absolute. Your esteemed position is evident to all. Is there any need to make this encounter even more trying?"

"What? I'm causing you trouble?" Ouyang Ting's voice dropped to an icy edge, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. "Old man, do you have the audacity to accuse me of inconveniencing you? This princess no longer cares whether you want to enter or not. APOLOGIZE."

Duan Qingshan, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but sigh at the unfolding spectacle. The humiliation inflicted by Qin Wentian in the past still festered within Ouyang Ting. Now, someone connected to Qin Wentian was at her doorstep. Unleashing her pent-up frustrations upon this old man might offer some catharsis.

"Miss Ouyang, I don't recall ever offending you before." Anger kindled in Mustang's eyes. But before the echo of his words could fade, Duan Qingshan had surged forward, a massive pressure crashing down upon Mustang.

Mustang tilted his head to gaze at Duan Qingshan, yet an instant later, searing pain engulfed his eyes. Duan Qingshan's presence alone overwhelmed him; he was clearly someone of great importance within the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan.

"Kneel down and apologize," Duan Qingshan commanded, his voice a resonating decree.

With undeniable authority, Mustang recognized the hierarchy he was up against. Duan Qingshan was not a force to be trifled with.

"I, Mustang, apologize if I've caused any offense. I humbly ask for your pardon and will take my leave." Mustang's hands came together in a supplicating bow as he attempted to retreat.

"I told you to kneel and apologize." Duan Qingshan's palm struck, crashing into Mustang's chest. Agony coursed through Mustang as if his bones were shattering, blood spilling from his lips, his face an ashen mask.

Caught in a dire quandary, Mustang was trapped—unable to advance, unable to withdraw.

"Kill me if you wish, but you won't degrade me." Mustang lifted his head, fury igniting his eyes as he glared at Ouyang Ting and Duan Qingshan. His intent had been nothing more than to seek entrance; he hadn't anticipated such degradation.

Despite hailing from the small country of Chu, Mustang was an elder of the Emperor Star Academy. Often guiding juniors, they held him in respect. He'd never been subjected to such intense humiliation. Kneeling and apologizing to a young lady, simply because she hailed from a transcendent power, was not an option.

Among the crowd of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan, a buzz of curiosity arose. Drawn by the commotion, they clustered around to witness the unfolding scene. It appeared that this old man had somehow offended Ouyang Ting and Duan Qingshan, and now was being coerced to kneel and apologize.

Despite his weakness, the old man refused to submit. He'd rather face death than embrace such indignity.

"I could end you with a flick of my finger, but it would dirty my hands," Ouyang Ting's words dripped with ice. "If you insist on stubbornness, I won't hesitate to take matters into my own hands."

"I'm simply here to find my disciple, Qin Wentian. Why subject me to such humiliation?"

Mustang's anger surged, his gaze sweeping across the onlookers. The expressions of the bystanders wavered, momentarily faltering. This individual was here seeking Qin Wentian? No wonder Ouyang Ting was eager to demean and force him into apology.

Apparently, Ouyang Ting lacked a direct means to take revenge on Qin Wentian for making her kneel before. So, she had resorted to this method.

But was this person, who claimed to be Qin Wentian's teacher, not too feeble? Given his level of strength, what could he possibly impart to the remarkable Qin Wentian?

The spectators observed the scene with a disinterested air, realizing this was a matter between Qin Wentian and Ouyang Ting. They had no desire to be drawn into the fray.

Mustang's heart chilled as he sensed the indifference of the crowd around him.

"What do you think you're doing?" A voice sliced through the air, cold and sharp. Two figures emerged from the inn: Luo Huan and Jiang Ting. Having bonded quickly upon introduction, they had become fast friends. Jiang Ting was Ouyang Kuangsheng's fiancée, and Luo Huan was Qin Wentian's senior sister. While the men were focused on cultivation, the women had opted for a leisurely stroll, never expecting to stumble upon this situation.

And what incensed Luo Huan was that the man being coerced was none other than her teacher, Mustang.

"Alert Wentian," Luo Huan commanded in a hushed tone, addressing Little Rascal cradled in her arms. In an instant, Little Rascal sprang forth, transforming into a blur of white as it darted back into the inn.

Luo Huan knew Little Rascal was remarkably intelligent, capable of comprehending human speech. Hence, she entrusted it with this mission.

Advancing toward Mustang, Luo Huan called out, "Teacher!"

"Luo Huan, why are you here?" Mustang stared in astonishment. Yet, it wasn't just her presence that caught his attention; the young woman accompanying Luo Huan also exuded an extraordinary aura that was in no way inferior to Ouyang Ting's.

Jiang Ting's gaze flickered with understanding. She grasped the situation and chose to depart. At this point, her actions would be futile—she needed to locate Ouyang Kuangsheng.

"Teacher, I'm here with Junior Brother Wentian," Luo Huan announced, reaching out to steady Mustang. She turned her frigid gaze onto Duan Qingshan and Ouyang Ting. "Why are you doing this to my teacher?"

"Is he truly Qin Wentian's teacher?" Luo Huan's words addressed the questions brewing in the spectators' minds. They knew Luo Huan and Qin Wentian had cultivated together in a modest sect—she was his senior sister.

"You have no authority to speak here. This is the domain of my Ouyang Clan, so get lost!" Ouyang Ting countered with a sneer. Luo Huan's expression tightened as she retorted coldly, "We are esteemed guests of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan. Can your words truly represent your clan? You better think twice before responding."

"It's none of your concern. I told you to leave, didn't I?" A lengthy whip materialized in Jiang Ting's hand as she uttered her words, perturbed by the escalating situation.

"If you wish to spar, I'm more than willing to accompany you." A matching whip appeared in Luo Huan's grasp. She positioned herself protectively in front of Mustang, locking eyes with Jiang Ting.

Duan Qingshan scowled, his displeasure evident as the crowd continued to grow.

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian, immersed in his cultivation within his courtyard, suddenly heard urgent "yiyiyaya" sounds reverberating in his mind.

This was Little Rascal's voice, attempting to convey something vital.

Opening his eyes, Qin Wentian spotted Little Rascal hurtling toward him, a blur of rapid movement. In an instant, he grasped that something was amiss.

With heightened awareness, his formidable heart sense surged forth, enveloping the entire inn.

Though the inn appeared tranquil, bereft of turmoil, he sensed a peculiar undercurrent. Ouyang Kuangsheng and Jiang Ting seemed to be hastening toward the entrance.

Qin Wentian's heart sense continued to expand. Swiftly, his brows twitched as he detected Mustang's presence.

"Teacher," Qin Wentian's heart raced. Luo Huan stood as a barrier before Mustang, confronting Ouyang Ting and Duan Qingshan.

"If you won't move aside, then kneel with this old codger. Perhaps I'll overlook your impudence," Ouyang Ting's words drifted into Qin Wentian's ears. "Don't count on Qin Wentian. This old man crashed into me and had the audacity to claim that this esteemed Miss intentionally harassed him. Even if Qin Wentian were here, it would be futile."

"BOOM!" Glacial intent erupted from Qin Wentian's form. In that statement, he discerned the recent events. Mustang must have sought him out, and upon recognizing Mustang as his teacher, Ouyang Ting must have deliberately pressured him.

"Oh? Is that so?"

A voice colder than the abyss echoed from the heavens. The bystanders' gaze shifted upward in shock, their expressions faltering when they found no visible source for the voice.

The resonating voice of Qin Wentian filled the air, but his physical presence was yet to be seen.

In reality, Ouyang Kuangsheng and Jiang Ting were the first to arrive. Nevertheless, the onlookers were soon gripped by an ominous feeling, a sensation of impending doom. Bending their heads upwards, their gazes settled on a descending silhouette. An icy wrath radiated from him, accompanied by a surging aura of demonic qi that pulsated violently.

Qin Wentian was unmistakably incensed.

His frigid eyes locked onto Ouyang Ting. Instantaneously, an intense, bone-chilling cold penetrated her soul, causing involuntary shivers to ripple through her body. His eyes, devilishly ablaze, projected a terrifying aura.

Ouyang Ting's heart raced, a cold sweat trickling down her brow. Why was she cowering before him? She hailed from the Ouyang Clan, with Duan Qingshan by her side. In theory, there was no reason for her to tremble in fear.

However, today she was determined to humiliate that elderly man.

With a gust of furious wind, Qin Wentian touched down beside Mustang. The palpable killing intent that enveloped him gradually receded, replaced by a flicker of contrition as he took in Mustang's weary countenance.

"Teacher, I apologize... for the trouble I've caused you," Qin Wentian murmured, his head bowed.

Yet, only pride gleamed in Mustang's eyes. He had sensed the dominant aura emanating from Qin Wentian, realizing that if the current Qin Wentian were to spar against Ren Qianxing, the Vice Headmaster of the Emperor Star Academy, victory would come easily. In terms of aura, Ren Qianxing was akin to a gentle spring breeze, while Qin Wentian exuded the ferocity of a raging cyclone. Within a few short years, his student had undergone remarkable growth, advancing to such a remarkable extent.

"I'm fine," Mustang smiled, his heart swelling with satisfaction. "Now that I see you both are safe, I can rest easy. Your progress has been astounding."

"Teacher, allow me to address this first," Qin Wentian stated, shifting his gaze toward Ouyang Ting and Duan Qingshan. Immense pressure surged from him, as his icy intent blanketed the surroundings.

"Unforgivable," Qin Wentian's voice reverberated, saturating the air with his murderous intent. Ouyang Ting found herself engulfed by his intensity. A resounding explosion followed, and the crowd watched in shock as Ouyang Ting groaned. Her complexion paled dramatically, and blood oozed from her lips.