Reinforcement

Qin Wentian didn't waste a moment; he tossed aside the long spear he had been wielding. A lone traveler with such a distinctive divine weapon? That was practically an invitation for his pursuers to track him down easily by interrogating innocent bystanders.

But pride wouldn't inflate Qin Wentian's ego just because he had managed to defeat a cultivator of the Arterial Circulation Realm. His opponent had been merely a Martial Cultivator, limited in energy. If the next adversary turned out to be slightly stronger than the one he'd bested, victory would have eluded him, spear or no spear. The outcome would remain the same: his own demise.

After discarding the spear, Qin Wentian swiftly acquired a robe from a nondescript shop on the bustling street, concealing his original clothing underneath. As he navigated through the crowded streets, he couldn't help but notice his pursuers, like hounds on a scent, searching every nook and cranny for him. He strolled as if he belonged there, casually slipping into alleys when necessary.

Yet, Qin Wentian couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of despair. He realized that the Ye Clan and the Bai Clan had sealed off this entire area, their men multiplying like ants and sealing all possible exits. Many times, he had to double back before he could be recognized. Escaping this trap felt as challenging as ascending to the heavens.

"They've not only blocked the exits but sent search parties into the streets. It won't be long before they catch me," Qin Wentian muttered, leaning against a sturdy wall. His hands idly toyed with the mysterious star-shaped object Uncle Black had entrusted to him. He had no clue about its purpose, but he trusted Uncle Black wouldn't give him a useless trinket.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the alley. Qin Wentian's heart raced as he noticed a figure slowly making its way toward him. He kept his head lowered, raising suspicions in the approaching person, who barked, "Raise your head!"

Ignoring the command, Qin Wentian tensed his body, gathering astral energy within. As his opponent drew nearer, he sprang into action. The air whistled as he swung his spear horizontally, aiming for a lethal strike at his opponent's throat. Just as their faces became visible to each other...

(TL: I have to agree, it's a mystery how he suddenly got a new spear after discarding his previous one!)

"Second Uncle!" Qin Wentian gasped in astonishment. The person before him was none other than Qin He, a shocking sight right after Qin Wentian had created such a diversion.

"Stay alive," Qin He uttered only these two words before swiftly retreating from the alley. Like Qin Wentian, he too was dressed in long robes and a conical bamboo hat, head lowered. His weapon was a long spear, and his attire concealed the disparity in their heights. Unless someone scrutinized their features closely, they would hardly notice any difference between the two.

"Second Uncle!" Qin Wentian exclaimed in a hushed tone, realizing Qin He's daring plan as he heard the clamor outside the narrow alley. It seemed Qin He had intentionally caused a commotion, hoping to divert the attention of their pursuers.

"We've located him!"

"Over here!" The excited voices of the pursuers carried through the air, sending shivers down Qin Wentian's spine.

"Stay alive," Qin He's words echoed in Qin Wentian's mind. In that moment, a flood of memories and emotions surged within him. Once, Qin He had despised him, treating him with cold indifference and even considering expelling him from the Qin Clan. Now, in a life-or-death situation, Qin He had unhesitatingly stepped forward to save him, leaving behind a heroic image and just two words.

Qin Wentian also reflected on Bai Qingsong's duplicitous nature. Some people wore a facade of elegance and grace, hiding vile intentions beneath their exterior beauty. Others, like Qin He, might seem cold on the surface but possessed unparalleled bravery when the situation demanded it.

The men of the Qin Clan shed blood, not tears.

"I must survive," Qin Wentian clenched his fist, determination coursing through him. Qin He had placed himself in harm's way, and his survival was uncertain—all to give Qin Wentian a slim chance at escape. In honor of Qin He's sacrifice, Qin Wentian swore to break free from this predicament.

Qin Wentian quickened his pace, his steps resolute. Qin He had created a massive diversion, drawing away all pursuers. Qin Wentian had to capitalize on this opportunity to escape before Qin He's identity was exposed.

His anger and will to survive fueled his determination. Qin Wentian raced through the streets, finally reaching an unguarded entrance. Without hesitation, he charged forward, and within moments, a towering wall loomed beside him, separating the inner streets from the main thoroughfare.

Suddenly, a graceful figure leaped onto the wall in front of Qin Wentian. It was a young woman, around 18, her clothing accentuating her curves, and her ebony hair danced in the wind. Her eyes sparkled with recognition as she spotted Qin Wentian. She placed her hand to her lips and whistled, an enchanting smile playing on her lips.

Although Qin Wentian didn't recognize this captivating stranger, her demeanor suggested she knew him. Sensing no hostility, he quickened his pace, continuing his dash.

To his surprise, the woman mirrored his movements, staying parallel on the wall while he rushed along the street below.

"Ha! Found him?" A clear voice rang out, and almost instantly, another figure landed gracefully on the wall. The newcomer cast a glance at Qin Wentian.

"I, dear little me, led the search. Of course, we found him," the lady from earlier chimed in, laughter in her voice. Both seemed uninterested in engaging with Qin Wentian as they shadowed his movements from above, irking him.

On the other side of the wall lay the main street. The antics of these two were sure to attract attention, risking his exposure. Qin Wentian accelerated, darting through streets and alleys, determined to reach the Star River Association, where he hoped to find refuge.

The thunder of hooves filled the air as clumps of dirt flew, creating a haze. Qin Wentian soon spotted a troop of mounted soldiers approaching, led by none other than Ye Mo himself.

"Ye Mo," Qin Wentian's face drained of color as Ye Mo's imposing presence and the sheer number of troops came into view. He was fully exposed, and this time, escaping seemed as impossible as flying without wings.

"I want him alive," Ye Mo's voice cut through the tension, dripping with lethal intent. In an instant, two figures shot forward at lightning speed, causing Qin Wentian to shudder. There was no doubt these two were Arterial Circulation Realm cultivators.

But before Qin Wentian could react, a violent gust of wind rushed past him, forming a shadowy figure that streaked toward the Arterial Circulation Realm cultivators. Each step of the mysterious figure seemed to send shockwaves through the ground, leaving deep footprints that sent shivers down everyone's spines.

"Puchi!" Time seemed to slow down as a faint sound echoed. Qin Wentian watched in awe as the mysterious figure's palms, akin to sharp sabers, pierced the hearts of the two Ye Clan cultivators effortlessly. With a gentle exertion of force, the figure ended their lives, leaving their lifeless bodies crumpled on the ground.

"How powerful," Qin Wentian muttered, recognizing the mysterious figure as one of the individuals who had been on the wall earlier. Just as this realization dawned, the lady from before appeared before him, accompanied by a group of young individuals emitting an extraordinary yet majestic aura, all seemingly below the age of 20.

"Junior apprentice brother seems rather handsome," the lady said, her lips curled in a seductive smile. Her alluring appearance, combined with her form-fitting attire that accentuated her curves, made her as captivating as any of the four great beauties of Sky Harmony City. Yet, she possessed an additional quality—she was irresistibly seductive, capable of igniting a nefarious fire in any man's heart.

"Junior apprentice brother?" Qin Wentian raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the term.

However, the pieces fell into place when he saw Mustang.

These youths were clearly affiliated with the Emperor Star Academy.

"I doubt this is the Emperor Star Academy's doing, is it?" Ye Mo asked calmly. The academy should have no involvement in this matter. Mustang and his group had no reason to be here.

"It's my idea, not the Emperor Star Academy's," Mustang replied with the same composure. In truth, Ye Mo's suspicion was on point. Due to the Royal Clan's influence and the complexities of economic ties, the Emperor Star Academy's request for assistance had been denied. Left with no alternative, Mustang and his companions had journeyed to Sky Harmony City on their own.

As for the precise reasons for the refusal, Mustang was in the dark. However, he genuinely admired Qin Wentian. His personality and talents left nothing to be desired, so he was determined to protect him. Rallying his students and traveling through the night, they had witnessed the earlier scene.

"Since it's as I suspected, I have no further concerns," Ye Mo said coldly, gesturing for his soldiers to encircle Qin Wentian and the others. While the Emperor Star Academy's combat prowess was formidable, Ye Mo held a clear numerical advantage. If Mustang and his students wanted to meddle in this affair, they would find their graves here today.