AGM 229 - Winter Snow, Again.
Chu Country, after its baptism from the storms of war, finally regained its former peace.
In the most ancient city of Chu, the Royal Capital, the Emperor Star Academy was undoubtedly the most bustling and the place that flourished most. The newly rebuilt Emperor Star Academy continually attracted talented new bloods, and as for the older members of the academy who returned after the storm, they all swore that they would definitely make the Emperor Star Academy regain its former glory and even supersede that. They had to nurture even more experts that were powerful enough to withstand any upheavals that might come.
As for the incident in the Mo Clan, not many knew of it. What they did know was that Mo Qingcheng had been highly regarded by a senior originating from a transcendent power, and was brought away after being accepted as a disciple. This made many people sigh in pity. The number one beauty of Chu was leaving just like that, but then again, with Mo Qingcheng’s talent and looks, she was destined never to be trapped in such a small country.
Qin Wentian was still a hot topic discussed by many during their leisure time, over a cup of tea or after a meal. He had already become a legend of Chu merely after two years of time, and was the idol of countless younger cultivators. Every time Qin Wentian appeared in the Emperor Star Academy, his presence would cause a huge commotion.
Especially for his involvements in the war. Qin Wentian’s accomplishments were embellished more and more by the people, until he became something resembling a godly existence.
However those in Chu gradually discovered that the stories of Qin Wentian steadily lessened. It was as though Qin Wentian was purposely trying to fade away from their discussions, to the point where he no longer appeared within the Royal Capital.
Many were speculating, had Qin Wentian already left Chu?
After all, with his talents, this place was too small for him. He would definitely go to the Grand Xia Empire sooner or later.
In the Bamboo Lodge, on a mountain peak opposite to the flowing creek, there was a space about the size of a duelling ground located at the waist of that mountain. Within that space, a youth was currently piercing the air with an ancient halberd in his hands, training without rest. Every time he pierced out with the halberd, a terrifying gale would manifest, appearing to be created through overwhelming strength as the ancient halberd broke the resistance of the air.
After a thousand times, the youth sat down crossed-legged, closed his eyes in deep contemplation, and then entered into a state of absolute silence.
Day after day, month after month, he did the same thing over and over, never pausing to take a break in his cultivation.
Behind the mountain’s peak, a voluptuous figure leapt downwards, floating towards the mountain’s waist where the youth was. However, she stood silently from afar, looking at the youth practicing with his halberd. At this moment, that ancient halberd abruptly pierced out, its force blasting against a huge mountain rock.
Puchi! A crisp sound rang out, yet soon after, the terrifying noise of several explosions soon echoed. In the distance, far behind the huge mountain rock, a mountain peak exploded into pieces from where it stood.
That youth pointed the tip of the ancient halberd downwards, as a satisfied smile appeared on his face, before he walked towards the voluptous figure.
BOOOM! A thunderous sound rang out. That huge mountain rock from earlier had totally disintegrated into dust, not leaving any traces of its existence behind. Upon seeing this, a series of bright glows flashed in the voluptous figure’s eyes.
“What innate technique is this?” An Liuyan asked, curiosity and wonderment apparent in her gaze.
“Great Dream Halberd Art.” Qin Wentian smiled. This third stance was created from a modification in basics of the first two stances, and its name is, ‘Fractured Void’. The attack power of the third stance was many times stronger compared to the first two stances, ‘Mountain Splitter’, and ‘Fallen Star’. And what’s more, currently, Qin Wentian had already reached the stage whereby he could execute the Great Dream Halberd Art even without the need for a halberd.
“What a powerful innate technique, but I don’t recall having heard of it before.” An Liuyan laughed.
“The Great Dream Halberd Art was created from my own comprehensions, it’s only natural if you’ve never heard of it,” Qin Wentian humbly replied, his answer causing An Liuyan’s beautiful eyes to brighten. “You are truly a once-in-a-lifetime marvel.”
“I’m here today to deliver the cultivation resources you requested.” An Liuyan rubbed her interspatial ring as several Yuan Meteor Stones appeared, each emanating extremely powerful Astral pressure.
“I’m truly honoured that Great Beauty An delivered the resources here personally.” Qin Wentian kept the Yuan Meteor Stones. Cultivators would naturally require cultivation resources. The higher a cultivation base one had, the greater amount of cultivation resources one would need, to be able to break through to the next level. This was why it was so difficult to nurture a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign in such a small country like Chu. To step into the Heavenly Dipper Realm, not only would one need monstrous talent as well as incredible insight, cultivation resources were also of paramount importance.
“That poor Francis, I feel bad making him run so many trips. In any case, I also wanted to see you. Are you not happy to see me?” An Liuyan’s smile had hints of teasing within. Looking at her beautiful, matured countenance, Qing Shui shrugged as he replied, “Of course I’m happy... but what a pity, I’m unable to repay the favour.”
“Repayment? Forget it. The total worth of those third-ranked Divine Imprints you gave us back then far surpassed that which we have given you.” An Liuyan smiled. “Oh and also, Chu Wuwei has investigated the background of those killers that worked with Chu Tianjiao back then. Although they don’t really pose a threat to you, they are still a force to be reckoned with. The conclusion was that they had connections with the Star River Association and were sent by Murin. Murin has already been expelled from the Star River Association and is currently imprisoned in the Black Stronghold by Chu Wuwei.”
“Mhm.” Qin Wentian nodded his head. With so many things happening, he had long forgotten about Murin. Who would have thought that Murin hated him so much that he would collaborate with Chu Tianjiao to send assassins after his life.
“Okay, I’ve got to go. I will come and visit you again in the future, if time permits.” An Liuyan bid her farewell.
“See you next time, then.” Qin Wentian smiled, as he sent An Liuyan off with his gaze. After which, he walked to the edge of the path and drew in a breath of fresh air. With Yuan Meteor Stones in both hands, he closed his eyes and sat down, sinking into his consciousness, channelling his will towards the tiny Astral-Being.
During the course of these few days, Qin Wentian had unlocked and viewed several memory fragments. Although the ‘playback’ he witnessed were bits and snippets of the middle-aged man’s life, but if he was truly that damn old fogey, it meant that all these ‘playbacks’ he had witnessed were the experiences of his father.
Cultivation was an extremely boring and assiduous affair. However, it varied for each individual. For some, especially those with sufficient thirst for power, each and every improvement would bring about more motivation. To these people, cultivation was an enjoyable affair.
Qin Wentian, was precisely one of ‘these’ people. Feeling himself improve every day, his thirst to be more powerful only grew stronger and stronger.
Hua Xiaoyun was still alive, he still didn’t have the power to crush the Nine Mystical Palace, Mo Qingcheng would become an important character in the Pill Emperor Hall, and the knowledge that there were countless supreme experts in the Grand Xia Empire. These all became his source of motivation, allowing the flames of passion in his heart to burn forever.
Time flowed by, winter arrived in the blink of an eye.
It had been snowing heavily for several days, causing Chu to be covered by a blanket of whiteness.
As for the waist of the mountain peak Qin Wentian was on, it was also completely covered by snow, invoking a beautiful landscape that resembled a scene from a dream.
Qin Wentian climbed to the peak, sitting there as he surveyed the whole of Chu. Beside him, a snowy puppy mirrored his actions, eyeing the horizon.
Behind Qin Wentian, a peerless beauty stood gazing in wonder at the falling snow. Stretching her hands out with open palms, she watched as snowflakes landed on her palm. The scene happening before her, was truly gorgeous.
If there were others present, they would have realised that the scene of Qing`er staring at wonder at the falling snow, was even more gorgeous compared to the snowy view.
Qin Wentian turned his head, and as he saw Qing`er staring around in wonder, he couldn’t help but lose focus. This mysterious maiden was so beautiful, like a celestial fairy from the immortal realms.
“Is the snow beautiful?” Qin Wentian asked in a low voice.
Qing`er retracted her hands, staring at Qin Wentian as her lashes flickered. Yet, she said nothing. Her actions caused Qin Wentian to feel helpless, this beautiful girl was truly like an ice princess. It was extremely difficult for him to exchange a few words with her.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” Qin Wentian asked again.
Qing`er’s beautiful eyes stared at him, but Qin Wentian couldn’t tell what she was thinking. And just when Qin Wentian thought that she was going to continue remaining silent, Qing`er lightly nodded her head. “Okay ..”
“Isn’t this much better? You should speak more often, you know.” Qin Wentian grinned as he carried Little Rascal and soared into the skies.
Qin Wentian walked through the streets of the Royal Capital, which were covered entirely in snow, leaving his footprints behind as he headed past the little wine shop from before. Three people were already sitting there. They were none other than Chu Wuwei, Chu Mang, and Immortal Drunken Wine.
Although he was the current emperor of Chu, Chu Wuwei still retained his personality from before. This caused Qin Wentian to feel gratified in his heart. His past choice was the right one. Chu Wuwei, the prince unable to cultivate, was perhaps the only one qualified to become a brilliant emperor of the generations. He would focus on developing Chu and improve the country beyond its current level, and thus leave behind an era of radiance.
“Wentian, join us for a cup or two?” Chu Wuwei smiled as he noticed the approach of Qin Wentian.
“It’s fine, I plan to take a walk outside.” Qin Wentian laughed,
“Okay, in any case remember to bring along this blockhead for me when you want to leave.” Chu Wuwei also laughed.
“Alright, I’ll look for you then.” Qin Wentian nodded. Chu Wuwei wanted him to bring Chu Mang with him. This decision showed how much trust and confidence he had in Qin Wentian. Chu Wuwei’s degree of forbearance, wasn’t something that ordinary people could hope to surpass.
As Qin Wentian departed, and upon noticing an unparalleled beauty following behind him, Chu Wuwei and Immortal Drunken Wine locked gazes as their faces broke into similar smiles. This fellow was truly extraordinary.
Qin Wentian walked about aimlessly, and occasionally smiled at people who cast glances at him. At this moment, two silhouettes hastily walked past him.
“Liu Yan, let’s go quickly.” A young man couldn’t help but call out as he saw his girlfriend coming to a halt, standing in the middle of the snow, dumbstruck by something she saw.
Qin Wentian also noticed that it was Liu Yan. Looking at her, he noticed that she had changed a lot, as though she were more haggard. She no longer had that youthful aura of dynamism she had back then.
After casting a glance at Liu Yan’s boyfriend, he saw it was no longer Ye Zhan. They should have broken up after the Ye Clan was demolished.
Smiling at Liu Yan, Qin Wentian nodded politely and continued walking forward. Liu Yan continued standing there dumbly, her eyes showing traces of redness. Somehow, looking at the beautiful drifting snowflakes, she felt a kind of pain in her heart.
Unknowingly, Qin Wentian found himself at an ancient looking tree. Lost in his memories, a radiant smile blossomed on his face as he sat down on the ground with his back leaning against the time-worn tree.
Little Rascal squatted beside Qin Wentian, looking at him with intelligence flickering in its eyes.
“Am I very dumb?” Qin Wentian abruptly asked, reliving the same scene that happened exactly a year ago.
And just like a year ago, Little Rascal nodded its adorable head in agreement as hints of laughter glimmered in its eyes.
Qin Wentian glanced at the snowy puppy as he involuntarily let out a laugh as well.
Leaning backwards, Qin Wentian stared at the falling snow ahead. It was as though he could somehow envision that girl from back then, all clad in white, as she smiled sweetly back at him.
Memories were like paintings, everything the same as before, yet where was the person who could melt his heart?