Vying Over

Vying Over...

Qin Wentian furrowed his brow upon hearing the words from the Greencloud Pavilion's female cultivator. He wasn't particularly close to their group; he was primarily acquainted with Qian Mengyu.

"What do you think?" Qin Wentian turned to Qian Mengyu and asked.

"Miss Mengyu, this man received our assistance earlier, and logically speaking, we should have the say in how the Stellar Fruits are divided. Moreover..." The female cultivator glanced at Mu Baifei and his group. The way the newcomers eyed the Stellar Fruits resembled hungry tigers eyeing their prey.

With a sufficient supply of Stellar Fruits, the Greencloud Pavilion members could fully utilize their Yuanfu-level innate techniques without worrying about running out. They had no reason to fear Mu Baifei and his group, despite being outnumbered.

Qian Mengyu frowned and, as she locked eyes with Qin Wentian, whispered, "Let's not argue. Since we're acquaintances, let's split the fruits equally."

Qian Mengyu didn't want to engage in further disputes. After all, there were four of them, while Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng were just two. Even if they divided the Stellar Fruits evenly, the Greencloud Pavilion group would still receive more.

Perhaps, deep down, Qian Mengyu believed that the Greencloud Pavilion should decide how to divide the fruits, considering the circumstances. If it were any other cultivator instead of Qin Wentian, she might have resorted to force to eliminate them and claim the Stellar Fruits.

Qin Wentian was no longer as naive as he once was. Hearing Qian Mengyu's words, he could already discern her intentions. However, at that moment, the female cultivator beside Qian Mengyu interjected, "No way, Miss. Now that we have external enemies, if we split the fruits equally with them, wouldn't that be tantamount to giving away the Stellar Fruits? Are you suggesting that we hope for a clash between them and Mu Baifei's group?"

The female cultivator could certainly be described as beautiful, with delicate and exquisite features. However, her current expression left Qin Wentian feeling nothing but disgust.

With several Stellar Fruits in his hands, Qin Wentian stepped forward to offer them to Qian Mengyu. "Don't worry, we won't bring any trouble to your Greencloud Pavilion. Consider these fruits a gift from me."

Then, he turned his gaze toward the other three Greencloud Pavilion cultivators, making a cold remark, "Since you're so insistent on sharing the Stellar Fruits, what reason do I have to split them with you? I obtained these fruits, and if you want to try and take them, go ahead."

Qin Wentian pulled Mo Qingcheng away, his anger evident to all.

"You ungrateful scoundrel! You forget our help as soon as you find treasure. If it weren't for us, would you even be alive?" The female cultivator's eyes flashed with killing intent as she pointed her finger accusingly at Qin Wentian. Her rage was reaching its peak, and she found his behavior utterly disrespectful.

"Shut your mouth," Qin Wentian retorted icily. "When we were surrounded earlier, Mo Qingcheng and I fought off five cultivators by ourselves. Did your Greencloud Pavilion ever protect us?"

"Hehe, Brother Qin, let's not focus on past issues with the Greencloud Pavilion right now," Yi Xiang chimed in with a cold smile. These cultivators couldn't control their greed when they saw treasure. After all, no one knew what dangers might lie ahead in the Refinement Grounds. Having Stellar Fruits to replenish their energy would always be an advantage.

Qin Wentian noticed Ouyang Kuangsheng standing leisurely to the side, as though he was enjoying a show. Despite having a substantial number of Stellar Fruits, no one bothered him. Instead, they all targeted Qin Wentian, thinking him an easier target.

"You're overthinking this. I must say, your imagination is commendable," Qin Wentian remarked, giving Yi Xiang a disdainful glance, before walking away with Mo Qingcheng.

"Hehe, hand over all the Stellar Fruits you have right now," one of the Swallow Swordsmen demanded, his tone calm but his eyes filled with arrogance. He had walked away from Mu Baifei's side and was now eyeing Qin Wentian, Mo Qingcheng, and the Greencloud Pavilion group. He clearly considered himself superior to them.

"Let's go," Qin Wentian said, gripping Mo Qingcheng's hand as they hurried forward, unwilling to waste any more time with these people.

"Let's leave as well," Qian Mengyu said, and her party members followed suit. The Swallow Swordsman laughed coldly and signaled his alliance to chase after them.

Ouyang Kuangsheng wore a look of interest. It was said that disputes were bound to happen whenever Stellar Fruits appeared. To everyone, these fruits were treasures, but perhaps, their existence was more of a calamity instead. Or maybe, the Stellar Fruits themselves were another kind of test.

Turning his head, Ouyang Kuangsheng saw several figures sprinting in his direction. Cultivators from the Beast King Hall, the Skydemon Sect, and even Wang Clan members from the War Continent were approaching. It seemed that this dispute was about to become extremely exciting to watch.

"Ouyang Kuangsheng," the cultivators from the Wang Clan called out as they stopped in their tracks. Wang Xiao, leading the group, scanned the surroundings and noticed the Stellar Fruits in the tree. His eyes sparkled with greed as he asked, "Did you get the Stellar Fruits?"

Ouyang Kuangsheng glanced at Wang Xiao, fully aware that if this guy decided to attack, it would undoubtedly cause fear among everyone present. Without bothering to answer, Ouyang Kuangsheng flashed a cold smile and dashed ahead.

On the broad path, cultivators raced forward, each eager to reach their destination. However, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng's expressions turned worried as they approached a colossal, towering mountain range. Its peak seemed to pierce the heavens, and a single path cut through the middle. This path exuded a powerful suction force, and hurricanes roared around it, tearing the space apart. It looked incredibly intimidating.

Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng halted in their tracks, their faces darkening as they gazed at the imposing mountain range before them.

"Qingcheng, take these. Be careful," Qin Wentian said, handing Mo Qingcheng a few Stellar Fruits. She nodded lightly, and they both turned to see a cloud of dust approaching as cultivators rushed forward. The Greencloud Pavilion cultivators were among the first to arrive, and their expressions turned grim as they saw the formidable mountain blocking their path. They knew they couldn't avoid a confrontation now, especially since those with Stellar Fruits would be prime targets.

Mu Baifei and his alliance also arrived but showed no urgency to act. They realized that many others were still approaching from behind.

Moments later, the remaining cultivators reached the mountain range. They scattered about, their hidden intentions evident on their faces.

Ouyang Kuangsheng glanced at the crowd before shifting his gaze back to Qin Wentian. He couldn't help but feel annoyed. This whole mess was a result of Qin Wentian's actions. If Qin Wentian hadn't subdued the Yellow Springs Monument, most of the people here wouldn't have made it this far.

"Qian Mengyu from the Greencloud Pavilion, hand over the fruits. With your strength, there's no way you can hold onto them," Mu Baifei declared, stepping forward and staring at Qian Mengyu. His tone dripped with condescension as he and the two Swallow Swordsmen drew their swords. In an instant, an incredibly sharp sword Qi tore through space and surged toward the four Greencloud Pavilion cultivators.

"Give it a shot," Qian Mengyu retorted, her expression deeply unpleasant.

Mu Baifei and the two swordsmen surged forward, their monstrous sword Qi growing stronger with each step. A suffocating sword intent filled the air as their Astral Souls were unleashed, bathing the surroundings in a dazzling light.

The Swallow Swordsmen naturally possessed Sword-type Astral Souls. They stood side by side, pointing their fingers forward. In an instant, millions of sharp swords materialized, forming a raging tempest of flying blades. The tempest roared furiously, intent on annihilating everything in its path.

"What incredible sword Qi," the onlookers marveled.

Qian Mengyu held a longsword in her hands, proficient in the Sword-type innate technique, the Sword of Nine Lives. Her swordsmanship was a dance of vitality and indomitable will. The female cultivators beside her also unleashed their attacks, combining their strength to confront the approaching sword tempest head-on.

Swish, swish, swish. The terrifying sword Qi emitted by both sides was deafening as the combatants were engulfed in a storm of swords. The Swallow Swordsmen continued their advance, their sword Qi gushing forth with every step. They flicked their fingers, releasing waves of sword intent that grew increasingly potent.

Qin Wentian stood as a witness to their battle, silently acknowledging that these Swordsmen, originating from transcendent powers, were truly formidable. Each of them could easily dominate any participant in the Jun Lin Banquet, including his past self. However, Qin Wentian felt no sense of inferiority now; he believed he had grown immensely in strength since then.

The present Qin Wentian versus the past Qin Wentian – the difference in power was immeasurable.

"Brother Qin, you can see for yourself how strong the Swallow Swordsmen are. A wise person would adapt to the situation. We won't hold it against you if you hand over the fruits now," Yi Xiang said, walking up to Qin Wentian with a sinister smile.

Qin Wentian glanced at Yi Xiang and responded with a single word, "Leave."

Yi Xiang's face darkened, his attitude turning menacing. He glared at Qin Wentian, then shifted his gaze to Mo Qingcheng, and said, "Brother Qin, it's one thing if you want to die, but why must you drag down such a beautiful girl with you?"

Qin Wentian's icy stare bore into Yi Xiang, a cold glint flickering in his eyes, sending shivers down Yi Xiang's spine. This seemingly mild-mannered youth was now emanating an intimidating presence that was impossible to ignore.

"We will surrender the fruits." Meanwhile, on the battlefield some distance away, Qian Mengyu and her companions were cornered by the three Swallow Swordsmen, their backs against the mountain wall. With no escape route and the sword Qi growing stronger, the Greencloud Pavilion members had no choice but to surrender their Stellar Fruits.

"Puchi~" Fresh blood sprayed as a female cultivator behind Qian Mengyu was run through by a sword, collapsing lifelessly. Qian Mengyu's face turned pale, her distress apparent.

The monstrous sword intent dissipated as Mu Baifei spoke calmly, "If you knew it would end like this, why resist in the first place?"

His voice was dripping with arrogance as he extended his hand towards Qian Mengyu.

With a grim expression, Qian Mengyu handed over the Stellar Fruits. The dispute had come down to vying for these precious fruits.

"Is that all? There must be more Stellar Fruits," Mu Baifei stated calmly. One of the female cultivators then pointed at Qin Wentian and said, "The rest of the fruits are with him, and Ouyang Kuangsheng has all the Stellar Fruits from the other tree. Go ahead and try to take them if you dare."

Qin Wentian furrowed his brows as Mu Baifei approached him, his tone as condescending as ever. He asked, "Where are the Stellar Fruits?"

Mu Baifei's eyes held a disdainful gleam as he looked down on Qin Wentian. He couldn't fathom that the number of Stellar Fruits Qin Wentian had could be enough to share with his alliance.

"Hehe, Brother Qin, if you provoke Brother Mu, your life might be in danger," Yi Xiang snickered with a hint of intimidation.

"My life? Do you think I won't take yours first?" Qin Wentian's voice remained unnervingly calm, intensifying the discomfort in Yi Xiang's expression.

Mu Baifei seemed to grasp the situation perfectly. He knew that others coveted the Stellar Fruits as well. He turned to his alliance and instructed, "There are several Stellar Fruits with him. Go ahead and divide them amongst yourselves."

It was clear to Mu Baifei that the Stellar Fruits were a highly sought-after prize, not just by his alliance but by many others in the competition. Moreover, he found it beneath his dignity to engage with an unknown individual without powerful backing.