Travelling together

Travelling together. . .

Within the sprawling confines of the Emperor Star Academy, lay the lifeless body of Yue Qingfeng. His demise was marked by a long spear, gruesomely impaling his throat, and anchoring his body to the ground.

Before this grim spectacle, Yue Hanshan convulsed violently. He couldn't fathom, let alone accept, that his journey to Chu had culminated in the murder of his son, Yue Qingfeng.

His eyes welled up with tears, and a palpable wave of murderous intent surged forth. Witnesses from the Emperor Star Academy hastily retreated, secretly rejoicing at Yue Hanshan's misfortune. The Azure Emperor Palace's members had rampaged recklessly through their institution, causing chaos at every turn. This loss might be seen as retribution.

Speculation buzzed about the cause of Yue Qingfeng's demise. It was believed that he had rubbed too many people the wrong way, sewing the seeds of vengeance that ultimately led to his death.

"Conduct a thorough investigation! LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED!" Yue Hanshan bellowed in fury, his enraged voice echoing throughout the Emperor Star Academy.

...

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian sat calmly within his courtyard, a scroll map in his hands. He looked up at the commotion with an unflinching expression as Yue Hanshan's rage-filled cry reverberated through the academy.

Killing Yue Qingfeng was an action Qin Wentian knew he had to take to ensure Mo Qingcheng's peace of mind. Yue Qingfeng had crossed the line one too many times, his transformation from a naive youth to a seasoned and ruthless individual marked by the harsh realities of life.

He had embraced the mantle of a bloodthirsty protector, willing to become a vengeful deity to safeguard those he held dear.

With his gaze still trained on the courtyard, Qin Wentian brought his focus back to the map in his hands. As he examined it closely, his finger traced a random location, revealing inscribed words that hinted at something significant.

"This place is the Demon Continent within the Grand Xia Empire," Qin Wentian mused, gazing at the expansive terrain. The continent's sheer size was staggering, boasting vast forests and mountain ranges that dwarfed even entire countries marked on the map. One such comparison was the Dark Forest of Chu, a colossal expanse of woods that enveloped the entire Royal Capital of Chu. It seemed inconceivable that anyone could pinpoint secrets hidden within such sprawling landscapes.

The X-mark on the map indicated an enormous region comprised of a massive forested mountain range.

As Qin Wentian scrutinized this part of the map, he noticed that the X-mark pinpointed a specific location within a small city. The map provided such precision that it referred to exact spots within the city. His mind raced, pondering what secrets the Azure Emperor might have concealed there.

"Wentian," a voice called out. Qin Wentian turned and saw Old Gu and Mo Qingcheng descending from the sky.

"Old Gu, Qingcheng," Qin Wentian greeted them, tucking the map away.

"Yue Qingfeng is dead," Old Gu announced, studying Qin Wentian intently. Observing the unwavering expression on Qin Wentian's face, he exhaled in relief before transitioning to another topic. "We've also finally uncovered why the Azure Emperor Palace came here."

Naturally, the Emperor Star Academy wouldn't invest much effort in solving Yue Qingfeng's murder.

"Why were they here?" Qin Wentian inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Within the Azure Emperor Palace, there are two major factions. The first, the Azure Faction, consists of the Emperor's direct descendants who share his bloodline. They have many ties to the Emperor Star Academy. Our current Headmaster, Diyi, represents the Azure Faction. The group that came to Chu belongs to the other faction. From the Azure Faction, we received word that there's a high probability the former Azure Emperor concealed his life's greatest secret within the Emperor Star Academy. Xiao Lan from the Nine Mystical Palace is also here because of this revelation."

"The Azure Emperor's greatest secret?" Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with intrigue.

"Yes, his greatest secret. In the past, the Azure Emperor was unrivaled and peerless, defying convention in every realm of cultivation. He effortlessly triumphed against multiple adversaries of equal level, earning his reputation as an invincible force. This was due to the fact that the Azure Emperor shattered the unyielding laws of cultivation – he possessed more than one Yuanfu. When this secret was unveiled, numerous formidable experts from the Grand Xia Empire united to pursue the Azure Emperor in hopes of discovering the secret. It's highly likely that, before his disappearance, he ventured to Chu and established the Emperor Star Academy."

"More than one Yuanfu?" Qin Wentian exclaimed in astonishment. To his knowledge, every individual could cultivate only a single Yuan Ocean within their body – an immutable fact. The Yuan Ocean was then used to nourish their Astral Soul until it eventually gave rise to their Astral Nova.

"That's correct, but there may exist a heaven-defying innate technique capable of breaching this rigid law. The only issue is that no one is aware of its existence," Old Gu explained, prompting a sudden tremor in Qin Wentian's heart as a realization dawned upon him.

The map. The very map he discovered on the 9th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. If this map could truly reveal the Azure Emperor's secret hiding place, shouldn't Headmaster Diyi have discerned it by now? Over thousands of years, no one had dared to breach the door sealing off the entrance to the 9th level. Was it possible that the Azure Emperor issued an absolute decree before his departure?

"However, there's no need for you to concern yourself further with this matter. In any case, Qingcheng wishes to go out for a walk. Why don't you accompany her?" Old Gu sighed, casting a meaningful glance at Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze from Old Gu to Mo Qingcheng. He wasn't oblivious to Old Gu's intentions. The members of the Azure Emperor Palace believed that his strength was limited to the 8th level of Arterial Circulation, and they had even witnessed his injuries inflicted by Yue Qingfeng. It was highly unlikely that they suspected him. However, both Old Gu and Mo Qingcheng likely harbored a strong suspicion that he was responsible for Yue Qingfeng's demise. There was no guarantee that his strength would remain concealed, and so they urged him to temporarily step out of the Azure Emperor Palace's line of sight.

When the topic of leaving came up, it was not about departing from Chu permanently. Chu was currently in the midst of tumultuous conflicts, with rebel forces clashing with the Royal Clan and tensions rising between the Emperor Star Academy and the Royal Academy. Adding to the chaos were the arrivals of both the Nine Mystical Palace and the Azure Emperor Palace. In such turbulent times, the academy wanted Qin Wentian far from the danger, and it was the only way to ensure his safety.

This was the best course of action to keep Qin Wentian out of harm's way.

After a few moments of contemplation, Qin Wentian nodded resolutely and replied, "Alright."

"Make your preparations and depart as soon as you're ready," Old Gu advised, giving Qin Wentian a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving.

"Let me say goodbye to my father and sister first," Qin Wentian told Mo Qingcheng.

"I'll wait for you here," Mo Qingcheng agreed.

Qin Wentian bid farewell to his family and close friends, instructing those who wished to leave to do so under the protection of the Emperor Star Academy. Afterward, he reunited with Mo Qingcheng, and together, they quietly slipped out of the academy, taking flight on Mo Qingcheng's white crane.

The white crane soared westward, carrying Qin Wentian on its back. He gazed at the slowly receding Royal Capital with a mix of attachment and reluctance in his eyes.

Qin Wentian had accepted Old Gu's advice because he knew very well that, given the current circumstances, he lacked the strength and qualification to engage in battle. Therefore, he chose to temporarily leave Chu.

"I'll be back soon, very soon," Qin Wentian vowed silently in his heart. There were too many people in the Royal Capital whom he couldn't bear to leave behind. Although reluctant, he needed to enhance his power.

"What's on your mind?" Mo Qingcheng asked in a soft voice, standing by Qin Wentian's side.

"Qingcheng, thank you. We need to part ways now, and you should return to the academy. I might have to go to a distant and extremely dangerous place. I don't want you to be in danger because of me," Qin Wentian said as he placed his hands on Mo Qingcheng's shoulders, his expression earnest.

"But we agreed that you would accompany me for a walk," Mo Qingcheng protested with a pout, her eyes holding a hint of reproach as she gazed at Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian could only smile wryly. As he touched her shoulders, he spoke with sincerity, "I truly have to go to a distant place, and it might be exceedingly perilous. I don't want you to be at risk because of me."

Mo Qingcheng looked at Qin Wentian in silence, her eyes filled with worry. Her unparalleled beauty and the concern in her eyes made Qin Wentian's heart race.

Gently, he reached out his fingers, moving them toward Mo Qingcheng's face. His heart pounded wildly, and he had never been so nervous in his life.

Finally, Qin Wentian's fingers made contact with her skin. Her soft, delicate complexion sent shivers down his spine, causing his heart to race even faster. He looked intently into Mo Qingcheng's eyes, as if afraid he had offended her.

"I'll go with you," Mo Qingcheng whispered, her gaze unwavering.

A reluctant smile played on Qin Wentian's lips as he saw the determination in her eyes, mixed with a touch of bitterness. It was as if she was daring him to disagree, so he could only nod in agreement.

"That's better," Mo Qingcheng said with a smile that quickened Qin Wentian's heartbeat. It was the first time he had seen her smile from such close quarters. She was stunning, absolutely breathtaking.

"Have you not taken enough advantage yet?" Pouting, Mo Qingcheng glared playfully at Qin Wentian. Startled by her words, Qin Wentian withdrew his trembling hands and settled back on the white crane. A sweet feeling warmed his heart. It was only with Mo Qingcheng that he experienced this blend of warmth and sweetness.

Mo Qingcheng sat down beside Qin Wentian as the white crane increased its speed. A strikingly handsome young man and a celestial beauty, they soared through the clouds like a pair of immortals.

"Where are we going?" Mo Qingcheng asked, her smile as gentle as the breeze.

Qin Wentian retrieved the map and studied the X-mark before answering, "The Demon Continent. We'll follow the path outlined on the map. It might take quite some time to get there."

Mo Qingcheng looked puzzled. "Where did you get this map?"

"It was from the 9th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. It was left behind by Dicang, the Azure Emperor. When your grandpa shared the secret of the Azure Emperor with us, I had a hunch that the secret might be hidden in the location marked on this map." Qin Wentian pointed at the X-mark.

Mo Qingcheng trembled slightly, her expression stunned by the trust Qin Wentian had placed in her. He had openly shared the location of the Azure Emperor's secret with her.

Her heart swelled with warmth, and she smiled and nodded. She was deeply touched by Qin Wentian's trust.

Gentle gusts of wind caressed their bodies as Qin Wentian held the map. The white crane continued its westward journey, traversing mountains, rivers, towns, and villages.

This was the farthest Qin Wentian had ever traveled since he could remember. Similarly, it was the same for Mo Qingcheng. She had never ventured so far from Chu before.

Their hearts were tinged with apprehension, but underneath it all was a comforting warmth. Their traveling companion was none other than each other, and for the first time in their lives, love began to blossom in their hearts.