Exposed

Exposed . . .

Qin Wentian gazed down from the lofty heights of the air, his eyes fixated on the city below. From this vantage point, the city's layout took on an astonishing resemblance to human figures, specifically, the Driftsnow Master tenderly cradling Immortal Jade within his protective embrace. The sight struck him with an overwhelming emotional impact.

"Even amidst their disputes, the Driftsnow Master's love for Immortal Jade was profound enough to move the heavens," Qin Wentian mused. Even in his self-sacrifice to forge this city, the Driftsnow Master hadn't forgotten to safeguard Immortal Jade. The depths of his love... such sentiments might never have been truly understood by Immortal Jade herself. It was a poignant and tragic tale.

A heavy sigh escaped Qin Wentian's lips. This image prompted his thoughts to drift towards Mo Qingcheng and Qing'er. The love shared between them, wasn't it just as profound? He and Qingcheng had fallen in love during their youth, spending their most beautiful and carefree years together. They were once naive and innocent, basking in their prime. Mo Qingcheng had been hailed as Chu's number one beauty, and their relationship was deemed flawless and beautiful.

And then there was Qing'er. She had silently guarded him, never leaving his side. Whenever he was in dire need, she would appear without hesitation. Eventually, she departed, yet her efforts to assist him continued through her connections with supreme beings. Unfortunately, fate didn't always align with human desires. Despite Qing'er's efforts, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, her royal father, had no intention of accepting Qin Wentian as his disciple. In the eyes of the Immortal Emperor, Qin Wentian was negligible and insignificant, not worth mentioning.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor ruled over the Thirteen Prefectures, his supreme authority unquestionable. Even the vast Cloud Prefecture was but a fraction of his dominion. The Immortal Emperor had no reason to concern himself with a genius from a minor world. With a mere gesture, countless such worlds could be obliterated.

"Where exactly is the Evergreen Immortal Empire that Qing'er hailed from, within the vast realms of immortality?" Qin Wentian wondered aloud, his thoughts returning to the icy yet pure-hearted maiden.

Was Qing'er still thriving in the immortal realms?

As for Qingcheng, who resided in a distant particle world, she must be longing for him deeply.

Suddenly, Qin Wentian was consumed by an intense homesickness. He clenched his fists, feeling an even more profound determination to pursue strength. It was through strength alone that he could protect all that he held dear. Strength would shield him from contempt and the specter of bullying.

He glanced down again, the runic glows enveloping the entire city. This city was a formidable weapon, exuding an aura of supreme might and tyranny.

"That spot, it resembles a human palm. If I can establish a connection with the Nine Immortality Bells, I might be able to unleash devastating attacks from there," Qin Wentian speculated silently. Gradually, his body descended. This weaponized city, meticulously crafted by the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade over tens of thousands of years, harbored an overwhelming offensive power. What he needed to do now was acquaint himself with every facet of this extraordinary city. It was a divine weapon of colossal proportions, crafted from priceless treasures and materials collected over millennia, and it held the terrifying power of annihilation.

As Qin Wentian delved deeper into the intricate heart of the Driftsnow City, a bustling commotion brewed on the outside. News of the city's mysterious inhabitant, a young man of unparalleled talent, sent shockwaves through the Cloud Prefecture.

This enigmatic figure had achieved the seemingly impossible. He had bridged the chasm between mortality and immortality through the craft of weapon forging, earning the Nine Immortality Bells' resounding approval. To add to his growing list of extraordinary feats, he had unceremoniously dispatched an immortal, defying all expectations, and driven away the cream of the crop among the Cloud Prefecture's major powers. It was an astonishing narrative, a tale of unparalleled triumph, and yet, it all revolved around a third-level ascendant in his youth. Such a reality left everyone bewildered and awed, as if they were witnessing a fantastical myth come to life.

As onlookers from various realms converged from afar, their eyes were drawn to the youthful figure at the heart of the Nine Immortality Bells. There he sat, enveloped in a radiant cocoon of runic light, his eyes sealed shut in deep contemplation. Speculation buzzed through the crowd, each person wondering what profound insights had led him to this introspective state.

"This remarkable individual goes by the name of Tianwen," one observer began, sharing tidbits of the tale. "Not too long ago, at the Jiangling King's grand banquet, Tianwen found himself targeted by a group of disdainful geniuses from the Cloud Prefecture's major powers. They deemed him unworthy even of their conversation. Rather than tolerate their arrogance, Tianwen departed the gathering with a few well-chosen words, igniting the fury of those geniuses. They pursued him with the intent to end his life, yet he lured them here, to this very location. Utilizing the ancient bells' power, he emerged victorious, sending them fleeing."

"Indeed," another voice chimed in. "The geniuses' pride was shattered by this audacious act. They couldn't bear the fact that Tianwen outshone them in comprehending the Nine Immortality Bells. And who could forget Jiang Yan of the Jiang Clan? His face has surely turned several shades redder."

"Ha! True that. But let's be fair, the geniuses from these major powers are notorious for their haughtiness. This episode serves as a much-needed reality check."

"Absolutely," the voices agreed. "Even Jiangling King and Tower Lord Ji had initially sided with the young geniuses. After all, those youths boasted influential backgrounds. But it turned out Tianwen possessed unparalleled abilities. Truth be told, he's in a precarious position. There's no shortage of tales in the immortal realms of geniuses brought low by their uncontrolled emotions."

Amidst this animated discussion, a few youthful figures clenched their fists, their eyes gleaming with determination. These were the very 'geniuses' from the major powers who had been put in their place.

Their discontent simmered beneath the surface, but they had no choice but to swallow it, and with cold expressions, they withdrew.

Time flowed like a river, days turning into weeks. Yet, the major powers showed no intention of leaving.

Atop the Driftsnow Inn, representatives from the Cloud Prefecture's most influential sects and families congregated. Pei Tianyuan was present among them.

The atmosphere on the inn's rooftop was electrifying, as the banquet hall, once the scene of celebration, had been meticulously arranged once more. Delectable feasts and fine wines abounded, all served by a bevy of charming attendants.

Pei Tianyuan, his wily smile disguising the shrewd mind beneath, addressed the gathered assemblage within the Driftsnow City. These seasoned veterans, each a crafty old fox in their own right, had stubbornly refused to depart. The secret concealed within the Nine Immortality Bells had been unveiled, and it was evident that these individuals coveted it deeply. Yet, none were willing to take the first step. Their patience was unyielding; a silent game of 'you don't move, and I won't either.'

To these seasoned experts, a few years or even mere months were but a fleeting moment in their immortal cultivation journey. Remaining in the Driftsnow City to bask in its resources was, to them, a pragmatic choice.

"We, as cultivators, can thrive anywhere beneath the heavens," remarked one expert with a smile, earning a collective nod of agreement from the group.

Pei Tianyuan wasted no time in addressing the crux of the matter. "Indeed, but our young friend is currently engrossed in solitary cultivation before the Nine Immortality Bells. His state of introspection raises a curious question: What exactly is he contemplating? According to legend, the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade jointly created this legendary city. With the young man unlocking the secrets within the bells, the likelihood of him gaining control over this weaponized city is substantial."

As Pei Tianyuan spoke, a sly glint danced in his eyes, and he observed the reactions of his audience closely.

The experts' eyes gleamed with intrigue as they absorbed this information.

"Does the Jiangling King suspect that this young man's appearance is a disguise?" inquired a representative from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor.

"Mhm," Pei Tianyuan confirmed.

"Since this individual is concealing his true identity, he must be harboring secrets. We should reveal his true form to uncover his background and origins. That way, even if he attempts to conceal himself within the sanctuary of the Nine Immortality Bells, it will be an exercise in futility," declared a member of the Jiang Clan, his voice as frigid as ice.

Pei Tianyuan, however, offered a counterpoint. "There might be reasons for his disguise. In the vast expanse of the immortal realms, many individuals shroud their true appearances. Even if we discern his genuine visage, delving into the details of an unknown figure's background and origins is no small feat."

Jiang Yan, determined to unearth the truth, interjected. "We are willing to pay any price for that knowledge."

Pei Tianyuan's laughter rippled through the air. "Tower Lord Ji possesses a revealing artifact. If you wish to borrow it, you may seek his permission. But should the secret remain elusive, what will be your course of action? Will you continue to occupy the Driftsnow City?"

"In truth, with the Jiangling King's might, even if the young man were to draw upon the Immortality Bells, defeating him would be a simple task," asserted an expert from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor.

Pei Tianyuan shook his head with a measured sigh. "Even if each of you unleashes your full might, the outcome remains unchanged. However, we must consider the circumstances. The Nine Immortality Bells are situated within the Driftsnow City. Given that the young man has successfully unraveled their secrets, it would be unwise for me, as the Jiangling King, to directly intervene and kill him. Such an action would invite the scorn of my subjects in Jiangling Country."

Secretly, Pei Tianyuan chuckled to himself. He was well aware of their intentions. Over these past few days, these major powers had been monitoring the Immortality Bells' location diligently. That young man would find it nigh impossible to escape their watchful eyes, even if he sprouted wings. While they were hesitant to join forces and confront a mere youth head-on – a prospect that would indeed be a source of great embarrassment – they were not averse to allowing him to take the initiative. After all, sending more immortal-foundation experts into the fray, only to have one of them slain, would lead to a significant loss of face and prestige for their respective major powers.

So, they bided their time, cunningly awaiting the spark that would set their plans in motion. These were, without a doubt, a cunning pack of old foxes.

Who among those who had achieved immortality would be foolish?

The representative from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor decided to speak up. "In that case, may Tower Lord Ji assist us in revealing his true appearance? We will make our decision afterward."

"Of course," Ji Kong responded, ready and prepared. He waved his hand, producing a treasure shimmering with immortal radiance. "I shall lend you this treasure, which possesses the power of revelation. Take it with you."

Without further ado, the expert from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor accepted the treasure and ascended into the skies. His rapid flight soon brought him above the Nine Immortality Bells, where he directed the radiant mirror's gaze toward Qin Wentian, who was positioned some distance away.

In an instant, Qin Wentian sensed a disturbance and snapped his eyes open. High above, an image materialized, revealing his true countenance.

"Hmm?" Qin Wentian furrowed his brow, a glint of cold resolve flickering in his eyes. It appeared that his concealed identity had been laid bare. However, he remained unperturbed. He had already drawn the ire of these major powers, and even slaying an immortal-foundation expert, such as Jiang Kuang, was but an additional entry on his list of transgressions. In the grand scheme of things, it hardly mattered.

Meanwhile, the immortals gathered atop the Driftsnow Inn stared intently at the projection as it played out. Within moments, a palpable stillness swept through the crowd. Among them, the representatives of the Jiang Clan were unable to control their mounting anger, causing their wine cups to shatter from the sheer intensity of their emotions. Their eyes glittered with unbridled malice when they recognized Qin Wentian's true identity.

"Damned scoundrel! It's really him?!" The Jiang Clan's immortal experts seethed with indignant fury. The individual who had brought them immeasurable humiliation was none other than the person who had ruthlessly slain their Jiang Clan's genius, Jiang Kuang, within Worryfree City!