Returning politeness for politeness

Returning politeness for politeness...

Chu Tianjiao rose from his seat, despite his side having just secured a major victory, his expression remained stoic, devoid of any traces of complacency. In fact, he extended a bow towards the Elders of the Emperor Star Academy before speaking, "Respected Elders, Chu Tianjiao of the junior generation has some matters he wishes to address."

Old Gu gently lowered Xanxus to the ground as he cast a brief glance at Chu Tianjiao. This individual was neither haughty nor hot-tempered and possessed remarkable talent. He could undoubtedly be considered a precious asset.

However, it was a pity that his ambitions knew no bounds. He aimed to engulf the entire Chu region, eliminating all rival powers and allowing the Royal Clan of Chu to rule with an unchallenged authority. Without the Emperor Star Academy and the resistance of the Qin Clan, the royal power of the Chu Clan would be absolute.

"Victories and defeats are common on the path of cultivation," Old Gu responded, his words diplomatic, not allowing the academy to appear as sore losers, "Regarding today's battles, the students of our Emperor Star Academy will take them as valuable lessons and continue to toil diligently in their cultivation."

Regardless of what he might have thought, Old Gu wouldn't allow the academy to show any signs of weakness. At the very least, Chu Tianjiao's words were skillfully crafted, although everyone was well aware of his ambitious agenda.

"Chu Tianjiao admires Elder Gu's wisdom," Chu Tianjiao replied, still maintaining his courteous tone, "But I must reiterate the matter concerning Qin Yao. I sincerely hope that Elder Gu will reconsider and permit Miss Qin to accompany Crown Prince Xiao Lǜ back to Snowcloud."

"As long as the Elders of the Academy do not impede the wishes of our junior generation, we will bring her back with us," Chu Tianjiao continued.

"In that case, are you implying you would resort to force?" A glint of frostiness flashed across Old Gu's eyes.

"We would not dare to," Chu Tianjiao responded calmly, "However, this is fundamentally a matter between the younger generations. It would be ideal if we can resolve it ourselves. Naturally, if the Elders of the Emperor Star Academy shamelessly employ their numbers to hinder the path of our junior generation, then I'm afraid I would have nothing more to say." Chu Tianjiao skillfully placed an enormous responsibility on the shoulders of the Emperor Star Academy, and everyone present comprehended his true intentions.

It seemed as though Chu Tianjiao was deliberately trying to provoke the academy now that the Royal Academy had secured victory in the previous battles. This wasn't solely about the academy blocking his path to Qin Yao; rather, he seemed to insinuate that the academy's students were inept and needed their seniors to intervene, essentially implying that they were easily bullied by members of the junior generation.

"The logic of the 3rd Prince leaves me torn between laughter and tears," Old Gu remarked sarcastically. "So, if you win some battles, you believe this grants you the right to forcibly take Qin Yao away? And if the Emperor Star Academy intervenes, you interpret it as us elders bullying the junior generations? What do you think the Emperor Star Academy is?" Old Gu's voice thundered with frustration.

"If Elder chooses to see it this way, Chu Tianjiao has nothing more to say. If the Emperor Star Academy still maintains its stance, then I shall have no choice but to depart. But have you considered how tarnished your academy's reputation might become?" Chu Tianjiao responded with a seemingly polite smile.

"You've merely won a few pre-arranged battles. Why does it feel like the Royal Academy is already lording over the Emperor Star Academy?" Qin Wentian couldn't contain himself and stepped forward. Chu Tianjiao appeared humble on the surface, but every word and action he displayed reeked of deliberate forcefulness and arrogance.

"The Emperor Star Academy wasn't prepared, while you somehow managed to gather a few unknown experts whom nobody has ever heard of, and then selectively challenged our students. Do you truly consider this a victory?" Qin Wentian continued, causing the crowd's expressions to freeze. It sounded as if Qin Wentian was preparing to challenge the Royal Academy. Even Old Gu's eyes sparkled upon hearing Qin Wentian's words.

"On the contrary, among the martial academies in Chu, Arterial Circulation cultivators are the most numerous. Don't you think challenges at the Arterial Circulation Realm would be more fitting? Five days from now, five Arterial Circulation Realm students from the Emperor Star Academy will visit the Royal Academy. I can assure you that these five students are not outsiders we've hired from who knows where; they will be individuals well-known to the Royal Academy." Qin Wentian subtly implied that the Emperor Star Academy wouldn't stoop to the same level as Chu Tianjiao, who appeared to have hired experts from undisclosed sources to fight on their behalf.

Old Gu shot a glance at Qin Wentian and let out a hearty laugh. Today, the Royal Academy had come with the clear intent of humiliating the Emperor Star Academy. Qin Wentian's suggestion was excellent, as long as they could secure victories.

After all, with the merger between the Royal Academy and the Godly General Martial Palace, they were sure to have numerous elite students.

"This suggestion is excellent," Old Gu agreed. "Most of our Yuanfu realm students have graduated and left the academy. There isn't much for comparison at this level. However, I believe both our academies boast a significant number of Arterial Circulation realm cultivators."

"As for the matter concerning Qin Yao, what's the Emperor Star Academy's stance?" Old Gu inquired.

"Qin Yao is currently a student of our academy. If the Third Highness dares to suggest that if the Emperor Star Academy wins the battles five days from now, they would have the right to take away any beautiful female students without interference from the Royal Academy, I have nothing more to say," Old Gu added with a cold laugh. Considering Chu Tianjiao's status, it was highly unlikely that he would make such a preposterous demand.

Chu Tianjiao fell silent, realizing he had no chance of taking Qin Yao with him today. He had known it was an impossible task before he arrived, but certain formalities had to be observed. Furthermore, they had already achieved their goal of putting the Emperor Star Academy in an uncomfortable position. This news would quickly spread throughout the Royal Academy, damaging their reputation.

However, Chu Tianjiao hadn't anticipated that Qin Wentian would issue a challenge to the Royal Academy instead.

"Farewell," Chu Tianjiao bid as he bowed again before turning to leave, his entourage following suit.

"Will the Royal Academy accept our challenge five days from now?" Qin Wentian called out to the departing Chu Tianjiao.

"Anytime, whenever you're ready," Chu Tianjiao's voice carried back. Old Gu's expression turned serious as he spoke to Qin Wentian, who was standing beside him. "Wentian, after the merger of the two academies, and with their recruitment of external experts, this matter won't be as simple as it seems."

"Today, they were our guests, so out of politeness, we played by their rules. But in five days, we'll be the hosts, and we'll set our own terms. Why should we fight them one by one?" A sharp glint flashed in Qin Wentian's eyes, causing Old Gu to pause before patting him on the back. The young man was going to shoulder immense pressure.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, just as Chu Tianjiao had predicted, news of the Royal Academy's recent challenge quickly spread throughout the Royal Capital.

The recently established Royal Academy had seized the opportunity of their newfound prominence following the merger to challenge the Emperor Star Academy's position as the top martial academy in the Royal Capital. This development sent ripples through the hearts of many aspiring young talents who had initially considered enrolling in the Emperor Star Academy. Were their decisions about to change?

However, there was another piece of news making the rounds. The Emperor Star Academy, feeling that their recent losses were undeserved, had issued a fresh challenge to the Royal Academy. Leading the charge was none other than the Jun Lin Banquet champion, Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's combat prowess was undeniable, making it challenging for anyone to find a match for him in the Arterial Circulation realm. But what about the rest of the challenges? Would the Emperor Star Academy's odds be in their favor?

At this moment, Qin Wentian was once again in seclusion, diligently honing his skills. Upon receiving his instructions, Francis had dutifully delivered the Divine Inscription Painting to the Divine Weapon Pavilion, which, in turn, used its considerable resources to swiftly gather all the items Qin Wentian needed.

Among these crucial items were several demonic cores, a vast amount of demonic-yuan energy Yuan Meteor Stones, and various resources infused with demonic essence. The value of these items was immeasurable, especially when considering their significance to cultivating the Fiend Transformation Art.

Yet, even with these invaluable resources, Qin Wentian knew they were only enough to cultivate the Fiend Transformation Art to its initial stage. To truly master the first level, he required even more resources.

As for reaching the second level of the Fiend Transformation Art, Demonic Emergence, it wasn't simply a matter of resources. Qin Wentian also needed to condense powerful Beast-type Astral Souls before he could embark on this advanced stage. However, these concerns were for a later time. Currently, he was wholly dedicated to mastering the first level—the Demonic Body.

Qin Wentian immersed himself completely in his training, oblivious to the world outside.

...

In the realm of Chu's three major corporations, which included the Sky Transport Network and Heaven's Wonder, the third heavyweight player was the Heavenly Treasure Tower.

The Sky Transport Network reigned supreme in the realm of Chu's deliveries and transport, Heaven's Wonder was the unrivaled gambling den, and the Heavenly Treasure Tower held the prestigious title of the ultimate hub for trading precious treasures.

While there were some parallels with the Divine Weapon Pavilion, there were also notable distinctions. The Divine Weapon Pavilion primarily dealt with the buying and selling of divine weapons, whereas the Heavenly Treasure Tower specialized in the exchange of rare curiosities and priceless treasures.

As a result, the Heavenly Treasure Tower was hailed as Chu's grandest auction house. Within the Crystal Jade Auction House, sanctioned by the Heavenly Treasure Tower, there were three levels of opulent luxury that dazzled with radiant illumination.

On this particular day, every seat in the Crystal Jade Auction House, whether on the first, second, or third level, was occupied. The Heavenly Treasure Tower had released news about an item of unparalleled value being up for auction, a revelation that had piqued the curiosity of the masses.

Items featured in the Crystal Jade Auction Hall were of unquestionable worth, attracting a host of aristocrats. Zuo Yin and Murin were in attendance, as was Orchon. Ye Zhan escorted Liu Yan, while Autumn Snow and her friends also gathered, all eager to catch a glimpse of the treasure the Heavenly Treasure Tower intended to auction.

On the first level of the Crystal Jade Auction Hall, a stunning maiden dressed in ethereal robes stood atop a colossal crystal lotus. Her beauty was beyond compare, a visual feast for the assembled crowd.

The crystal lotus gradually ascended, hovering in mid-air as the enchanting maiden smiled gracefully, exuding an irresistible charisma. "Today, we have an item up for auction that originated from one of the most exceptional talents in the history of the Emperor Star Academy. Personally, I would remove the qualifier 'one of' from that description."

Her words left the audience in awe and wonder. The most exceptional talent in the Emperor Star Academy's history? Such an introduction held everyone in eager anticipation.

"When he was just 16, he hadn't yet embarked on his cultivation journey. At that time, his engagement was abruptly terminated, and he suffered humiliation at the hands of others. Yet, he didn't succumb to despair. On the contrary, once he set foot on the path of cultivation, his first Astral Soul emerged from the 3rd Heavenly Layer, followed by his second Astral Soul from the 4th Heavenly Layer. In the span of a mere year, he reached the Arterial Circulation realm and achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the Jun Lin Banquet champion, defeating both Luo Qianqiu and Sikong Mingyue."

The audience's pupils dilated in astonishment. They had already pieced together the identity of the person the host was describing. Autumn Snow's face turned a pale shade of white. That statement, "his marriage engagement forcibly called off," couldn't be about anyone else but her. She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"But that's not all," the host continued with a smile, "he is also one of Chu's most elite Divine Inscriptionists, capable of crafting a Divine Imprint that even left a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign in awe. It was a 3rd-level Divine Inscription, and what's more, it took the form of a Human-Type Divine Inscription Painting, a creation previously unseen in Chu."

The crowd sighed collectively, their admiration for Qin Wentian growing by the moment. Autumn Snow couldn't help but think back to the past. If only those events hadn't transpired, that innocent and talented youth might still be by her side.

"As for the Human-Type Divine Inscription Painting we just mentioned," the host continued, "Heavenly Dipper Sovereign Gongyang Hong spared no effort to acquire it, even making a promise to Mu Rou. And today, we have the second Human-Type Divine Inscription Painting created by Grandmaster Qin. The painting I hold in my hands is a masterpiece unparalleled and superior to his previous creation. It may even earn recognition from Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns once again."

The female host beamed at the crowd, and her words had successfully kindled the passion and excitement of those present. Many felt their blood surge at the prospect of a painting that could earn recognition from Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, even though she hadn't mentioned its auction cost.

Watching the host's performance, An Liuyan, seated among the spectators, couldn't help but smile. It seemed that the decision to auction the painting at the Heavenly Treasure Tower had been the right one!