Webnovel / Fantasy / Monarch of the Ancient Realms

Monarch of the Ancient Realms

Qin Yao’s Thoughts

The moment Qin Wentian laid eyes on Chu Tianjiao, he sensed that this guy was a real standout, like a unicorn in a field of horses. Little did he expect that the 3rd prince would turn out to be such an exceptional figure.

"Welcome, everyone. No need to be all stiff and formal," Chu Tianjiao strolled forward, flashing a charming smile to the crowd. He motioned for Qin Yao and her entourage to sit first, taking a seat himself, which everyone else followed.

"Today, I've gathered the cream of the crop from our younger generation. We're bound to have some interesting conversations." Chu Tianjiao chuckled. "Allow me to introduce Qin Yao from Snowcloud Country. And this gentleman on my left is my best buddy, Luo Qianqiu. I'm sure you've all heard of him."

Mu Rou's seat was some distance from the main table. Next to her, Qin Wentian couldn't take his eyes off Qin Yao. She'd noticed him too, but there was an odd bitterness in her gaze, as if she held him responsible for showing up today.

Qin Wentian sighed inwardly, understanding her reluctance. "Sister Qin Yao didn't want to drag me into her vendetta, just like my uncles before. I get it. But seeing her here in Chu Country, I can't just stand by without asking her why."

"Luo Qianqiu, the genius of Emperor Star Academy. Who hasn't heard of him?" A booming voice came from afar as a group of figures approached. The leader bowed to Chu Tianjiao with a smile. "My apologies for the delay, Your Highness."

"No worries, Yanaro, please take your seat," Chu Tianjiao waved amiably, not displaying any royal airs. "You and Luo Qianqiu are both talents from Emperor Star Academy. You'll have plenty to chat about later."

"Emperor Star Academy sure has its fair share of talents. In this very gathering, we have someone who's been the talk of the town lately, even daring to pilfer Young Master Luo's Blood Ember Fruits. A real audacious one, I must say," Yanaro grinned coldly as he walked up to Qin Wentian. He stopped right in front of him, taunting, "Qin Wentian, am I right?"

Luo Qianqiu's gaze briefly flickered toward Qin Wentian, but he didn't seem overly interested. In his eyes, Qin Wentian wasn't worth much attention. Their worlds were worlds apart. He remembered that Qin Wentian would've died at his hands if not for the leader of the Greencloud Association's timely intervention.

Now, the past was in the past. If Qin Wentian met his end today, it wouldn't bother Luo Qianqiu.

Qin Wentian locked eyes with Yanaro. As Luo Huan had warned him, he'd run into many unwanted acquaintances at this banquet. But since he was here, he wasn't one to complain.

"Considering your status, you're quite out of place here," Yanaro continued to provoke, noting Qin Wentian's silence.

"He's here as Chu Ling's plus one," Ye Zhan chimed in with a laugh, earning a nod of approval from Yanaro. He then shifted his attention to Mu Rou, seated beside Qin Wentian, and asked with a grin, "Mu Rou, why are you keeping company with such a character?"

"He's a friend of mine," Mu Rou said with a chilly smile, shooting a sharp glance at Yanaro. "Since he's my friend, it's only natural that we sit together."

"Friend? This guy is the one who took out Ye Lang and Orfon. Mu Rou, are you absolutely sure he's your friend?" Yanaro's smile grew even colder, making Mu Rou's face turn rather unpleasant. Yanaro was being ruthlessly blunt. If she continued to insist that Qin Wentian was her friend, wouldn't she be insulting the Ye Clan and the Ou Clan?

A visible struggle played out on Mu Rou's face before she spoke firmly, "Friend means friend, regardless of his background or status. It's my issue to deal with."

"What if I told you that Makino also met his end at his hands?" Ye Zhan sneered. Mu Rou's eyes trembled as she turned her gaze toward Qin Wentian.

"In the Dark Forest training expedition, Orfon brought a beast-controlling cultivator to kill me. I had to defend myself," Qin Wentian confirmed when he saw Mu Rou looking at him. While Makino had been killed by Fan Le, in essence, it was as if he had done it himself. He didn't shy away from the admission, though he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He never expected Mu Rou, someone willing to help him, to be from the same clan as Makino.

"In that case, we can only say that Makino wasn't strong enough to protect himself," Mu Rou sighed. Although she and Makino hadn't been close, they were still clanmates, and this matter weighed on her heart.

"But even if that's the case, what does it have to do with my friendship with Qin Wentian?" Mu Rou suddenly smiled. "His being my friend has nothing to do with my clan's affairs."

"Hehe," Yanaro chuckled icily before taking his seat.

Qin Wentian clenched his fists tightly. He was nearing 17 now, and over the past year, he'd experienced much. He no longer acted impulsively like a youth. With a carefree smile, he poured a cup of wine and raised it to Mu Rou.

"If the opportunity arises, I will definitely repay this favor," Qin Wentian said, downing the wine.

Scanning the crowd, Qin Wentian noticed that Liu Yan intentionally avoided his gaze.

Qin Wentian remained calm, harboring no anger or disappointment. He simply smiled.

"Qin Wentian," Liu Yan suddenly spoke, lifting her cup. "Thank you for saving my life in the Dark Forest that day. If you ever need assistance in the future..."

"You needn't say more," Qin Wentian interrupted. He raised his cup in return, downing it in one gulp. "To each their own. I lack the qualifications and power to dictate your choices. Thank you for your kind intentions, but I have no need for your help. From now on, let's treat each other as strangers who once knew each other."

Liu Yan still wanted to speak, but Liu Yue spoke first. "That would be for the best."

As Qin Wentian turned his gaze toward Liu Yue, a sharpness flickered in his eyes. He had long understood the type of person Liu Yue was and had no desire to involve himself with him further. After all, their paths were unlikely to cross again in the future.

Qin Wentian rose from his seat, striding confidently to the center of the gathering, where he fixed his gaze upon Chu Tianjiao.

Deep within his heart, he held the knowledge that on that fateful day when the Ye Clan, along with others, had decimated his Qin Clan, the person standing before him had been one of the principal architects of the attack, alongside the Ye Clan.

"Your Highness," Qin Wentian spoke directly, his eyes locked on the 3rd prince. "I am here today for one reason—to have a private conversation with my sister, Qin Yao. May I request a moment alone with her, if it pleases Your Grace?"

Chu Tianjiao's expression remained inscrutable, but eventually, a small smile crept across his lips as he nodded. "I shall not interfere if she consents."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Qin Wentian acknowledged with a respectful bow. Without heading toward Qin Yao directly, he instead veered toward the onlookers. Turning his head back, he instructed, "Sister, come with me."

Qin Yao, upon hearing Qin Wentian's stern tone, blushed with embarrassment but complied, rising from her seat to follow him. This sight drew amused glances from the spectators. Although Qin Wentian was her younger brother, why did it seem as if Qin Yao were the junior and Qin Wentian the elder?

They walked a fair distance before reaching a secluded corner of the garden. Observing Qin Yao trailing behind him, worry etched across his face, Qin Wentian finally spoke, "What's going on?"

"You... this fellow... do you remember I'm your elder sister?" Qin Yao helplessly glared at Qin Wentian.

"Glad you remember," Qin Wentian replied, stepping closer and gently cradling Qin Yao's face in his hands. His gaze softened with tenderness.

"Sister, what's happening here? Why are you one of the candidates for the Snowcloud Country's crown prince's wife? Is this what you truly desire, or are you being coerced into it?"

"Wentian, don't trouble yourself with this. Focus on your cultivation at the Emperor Star Academy. Matters outside the academy, leave them to me," Qin Yao implored, her heart softening as she looked into Qin Wentian's gentle eyes. Her tone held a plea, a desire for her brother to stay out of the tangled affairs of the Qin Clan.

From her time in the Snowcloud Country, Qin Yao had kept a close watch on Qin Wentian. Knowing that he was highly regarded at the Emperor Star Academy, she had no wish to see him entangled in the affairs of their clan.

"How can I stand idly by when it comes to your problems? Even if this is your choice, I need to first assess whether the Snowcloud Country's crown prince is a suitable match for you. And if this is against your wishes, I, Qin Wentian, swear upon the heavens that as long as I draw breath, I won't allow anyone to force you into anything against your will."

Qin Wentian's gaze was unyielding, his promise to Qin Yao unwavering. They had grown up together, depending on each other for so many years, forging a bond that transcended that of ordinary siblings. Often, he had acted more like an older brother than a younger one. He couldn't bear to see Qin Yao suffer.

Qin Yao met his gaze, her voice a soft murmur. "During my time at the Snowcloud Academy, I got to know the Crown Prince of Snowcloud Country. He was exceedingly kind to me, even assigning bodyguards for my safety. Moreover, he's willing to assist me in saving Grandpa and Father. So, I made a promise to him. If they can be truly saved, I'm willing to become his."

"Sister, you're being too selfless," Qin Wentian sighed. It seemed that Qin Yao was making this sacrifice solely for the sake of their father and grandfather, hoping to leverage Snowcloud Country's strength.

"Second Uncle is in a difficult situation right now. If the Chu Country deploys their forces to pressure him, he'll inevitably be defeated sooner or later. I can't just stand by and watch." Sadness filled Qin Yao's heart.

"Why did you return to the Chu Country?" Qin Wentian probed further.

"I wanted to meet Grandpa and Father, to see if there's any possibility of negotiation with the Chu Country. But today is also the first time I've met the 3rd prince," Qin Yao explained.

"Miss Qin." Just then, several silhouettes emerged, none other than Qin Yao's bodyguards. Qin Wentian could sense the intimidating aura they exuded as they scrutinized him, causing his brows to furrow.

"Wentian, let's go back. Stay out of this, okay?" Qin Yao lowered her voice and implored him. Hearing this, Qin Wentian felt a heavy weight in his heart.

"This matter can't be as simple as Sister Yao described," Qin Wentian silently concluded. As they returned to the banquet, they noticed that most of the guests were discussing him.

Qin Wentian paid them no mind; he was on the brink of leaving the gathering. However, at that very moment, two figures approached from the distance. The hushed chatter of the crowd ceased as all eyes turned toward these newcomers.

What silenced them was the breathtaking beauty of one of the figures. As she stepped into view, everything around her seemed to fade in comparison. She was the star of the show, and her presence left several aristocrats speechless. Their gazes were locked onto her, captivated by her enchanting beauty.

"Where is she heading?" The onlookers watched Mo Qingcheng approach and couldn't help but feel their hearts quicken.