You, are unqualified

You, are unqualified...

The Zong Clan was now deeply entangled in a web of rumors about Qin Wentian's character, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction. As the false stories circulated more widely, the once-skeptical members of the clan began to accept them as truth.

When it came to Zong Hong, his reputation was relatively untarnished. While he might have been somewhat arrogant, he was known for having a decent character. After all, he had publicly stated that he went to seek guidance from Sword Son Qin Wen. Since he had nothing to gain from lying about it, people were inclined to believe him.

Zong Hong had indeed gone to Qin Wentian, hoping for guidance and reconciliation. However, he was met with indifference from Qin Wentian, who offered only generic advice. This behavior was seen as unbecoming of a Sword Son, further souring people's opinions of him. Even some of the elders began to develop negative feelings toward Qin Wentian.

One particular elder, Zong Hong's uncle, took it upon himself to petition the clan lord to strip Qin Wentian of his title as Sword Son. Unfortunately for him, his efforts were met with harsh rejection from both the clan lord and the Doyen-level figures.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian, the atmosphere in the Zong Clan had grown increasingly hostile towards him. He remained focused on his cultivation, devoting all his energy to condensing his Astral Nova.

Then, one night, the skies above the Zong Clan were pierced by radiant swordlight. Columns of astral light, shaped like swords, rained down from the heavens, bathing the clan in an aura of overwhelming sword-might. Fear gripped the hearts of many as they sensed the dominating presence of this sword intent.

"Such kingly sword intent," someone whispered in awe. They couldn't help but wonder who possessed such incredible power.

The sword intent resonated strongly with the cultivators of the Zong Clan, who were highly attuned to such energies. They sought to trace its source, their senses leading them to a secluded courtyard. Inside, Qin Wentian sat on the ground, gazing up at the night sky with a serene smile on his face.

Puzzled and curious, the onlookers watched as Qin Wentian spoke. His words seemed to dispel their intrusive perceptions, leaving them bewildered. What exactly was going on? Had Qin Wen been cultivating here all along?

The awe-inspiring sword-might that had swept through the Zong Clan had left everyone wondering about its origin.

As the streams of perception dissipated, Qin Wentian closed his eyes once more. In the fourth Yuanfu, a sword-shaped Astral Nova resided. His fourth Yuanfu receptacle was undergoing a remarkable transformation, expanding in size and improving the quality of the astral energy within. It was a qualitative evolution.

With all four of his Yuanfu connected, the astral energy within each formed a bridge, circulating fiercely within his body and exuding a powerful aura—an aura of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign.

Qin Wentian had officially stepped into the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he had four condensed Astral Novas, a feat quite different from others. While most had their Astral Novas concentrated in a single Yuanfu, his unique cultivation in the Art of the Nine Astrariums had set him apart.

The night gave way to the first light of dawn, marking the start of a new day in the Zong Clan.

Morning was a time for stretching, practicing innate arts and techniques, and engaging in friendly sparring, especially in swordplay.

Qin Wentian stretched his body and left the courtyard. He had been focused on condensing his fourth Astral Nova, rarely getting a chance to relax. The crisp morning air invigorated him, and he decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Zong Clan.

During his walk, he encountered several people who deliberately averted their gazes when they saw him, which made him wear a wry smile. It seemed that winning approval from the Zong Clan as an outsider chosen as the Sword Son was no easy task.

Qin Wentian eventually arrived at the training field, where many young disciples were practicing their swordplay. Most of them were at the Yuanfu Realm, ranging from the first to the ninth level. Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns held important positions within the clan. Those at the third level and above were considered elders, while those at the sixth level and above could even become Doyen-level figures.

A warm smile played on Qin Wentian's lips as he watched these energetic and youthful figures. Despite only having cultivated for five years, he had faced countless trials and tribulations, which had tempered him into a serious and determined young man, setting him apart from his peers. It was a result of his personal experiences and his higher cultivation realm.

Qin Wentian's keen perception quickly detected the hostility and unfriendliness directed at him by the Zong Clan's youths. Although he bore a different surname, did they really have to treat him this way?

A young girl, approximately 15 or 16 years old, approached Qin Wentian. She possessed exquisite features with a hint of childlike innocence. Standing beside him, she conveyed a reserved attitude. Qin Wentian exuded a powerful aura, especially when he displayed his might against Zong Hong and the others, leaving no room for resistance.

"Qin Wen, did you truly turn Zong Hong away when he sought your guidance?" the young girl inquired with a gentle tone, furrowing Qin Wentian's brows in response. He asked, "Did Zong Hong say something?"

The girl's lips twitched slightly before she replied, "Qin Wen, although you are incredibly powerful, as the Sword Son, your behavior wasn't appropriate. Since Zong Hong came to you seeking guidance, it meant he was ready to apologize. You should have guided him properly."

Observing the young girl's earnest gaze, Qin Wentian recognized her straightforward nature. Nevertheless, the gazes of others on the training field were filled with silent curses directed at him.

"Gossip truly is a powerful force," Qin Wentian thought to himself. He smiled at the young girl and asked, "What's your name?"

"I'm Zong Lian," the girl replied.

"Cultivation is a personal journey. Everyone has their own path, talents, and experiences. Your comprehension is unique to you. Don't blindly follow someone else's path just because they're strong. Seek your own way, using others' experiences as references at most. Don't let them dictate your path. Follow your heart, and you'll find the most suitable path for yourself," Qin Wentian advised.

Zong Lian contemplated his words and nodded with a smile. "So, you weren't avoiding guiding Zong Hong but rather didn't want to influence him too much?"

"In that case, it wasn't that you were unwilling to guide Zong Hong but rather, you wanted him not to be overly influenced by you?"

"Zong Lian, come here," a cold voice interrupted. Zong Lian looked in the direction of the voice, seeing a young man with a frigid demeanor.

Zong Lian whispered to Qin Wentian, "I'm leaving first," before scurrying off.

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze to the young man, who was accompanied by Zong Peng and Zong Hong. Zong Hong's expression was icy as he spoke, "If I can defeat you, you must relinquish your title of 'Sword Son.'"

Qin Wentian shook his head with disappointment as he stared at Zong Hong. He remarked sternly, "Swordsmen should possess an honorable heart to master their swords. When you used provocation and humiliation, I didn't retaliate. When you came to apologize, I advised you to find your own path. Yet behind my back, you smeared my reputation in an attempt to destroy it. With such character, how can you cultivate the sword?"

With these words, Qin Wentian took a step forward, releasing a surge of sword-might. His eyes pierced like blades, and as their gazes locked, Zong Hong felt his body involuntarily trembling. Qin Wentian's words seemed to pierce his very soul, as if he wanted to shatter his sword heart.

"As a sword cultivator, your heart must be wholly dedicated to your sword. The stronger your sword heart, the mightier your sword Dao. Your identity as a swordsman is insignificant; what matters is your heart. But in your case, you've already faltered. Zong Hong, ask yourself, are you truly deserving of the sword you hold?" Qin Wentian's cold words struck at the core of Zong Hong's being.

"Impudent."

The word rang out, and sword intent surged from a middle-aged figure, enveloping Qin Wentian. This figure was furious, glaring at Qin Wentian with icy eyes. "As the Sword Son, do you take pride in humiliating Zong Hong like this?"

"Elder." The onlookers bowed slightly, acknowledging the middle-aged figure.

This elder was none other than Zong Hong's uncle, the one who had complained to the clan lord, seeking to strip Qin Wentian of his Sword Son title.

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze to the elder. The elder was a third-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator.

"As the Sword Son, you use your strength to bully the weak. When Zong Hong sought your guidance, you brushed him off. How could the clan lord bestow the title of Sword Son upon you?" The elder's sword intent intensified, pressing down on Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian stood his ground, his expression unruffled as he faced the elder.

"The title 'Sword Son'?" Qin Wentian shook his head. "How incredibly foolish."

"What did you say?" The elder's voice turned even colder. He couldn't believe Qin Wentian's audacity.

"Qin Wen, you've crossed the line." Finally, Zong Peng, who had been silent, spoke up. He fixed his cold gaze on Qin Wentian. "We can overlook your use of strength against the weak, but today, you dared to argue with an elder. You are unworthy of the title 'Sword Son,' and your arrogance has stirred public anger. I, Zong Peng, initially planned to challenge you for the title after the sword range battle. But now, you've shown your impudence. I have no choice but to act immediately."

Zong Peng stepped forward, releasing his own sword intent. He stared directly into Qin Wentian's eyes. "I, Zong Peng, challenge you to a duel. If I win, you must relinquish the position of Sword Son. You are unfit."

Qin Wentian turned his gaze first to Zong Peng, then to Zong Hong beside him. Zong Hong's eyes flickered as he contemplated Qin Wentian's words. Despite his arrogance, he didn't appear to be a despicable person.

Returning his gaze to Zong Peng, who wore a mask of false righteousness, Qin Wentian felt he was looking at a hypocrite.

"You are unfit," Qin Wentian repeated softly, stunning everyone present. It was a bold statement. Before Qin Wentian arrived, Zong Peng was one of the few who could genuinely challenge for the title of Sword Son. Yet now, when Zong Peng challenged him, Qin Wentian declared him unfit.