AGM 0094 – Luo Qianqiu’s Background
Qin Wentian stood up and listened seriously. Even Fan Le, who was beside him, was paying more attention than usual. In a cultivation-oriented society, the world was not as simple as what he had imagined. What they encountered before was merely the tip of the iceberg.
At this moment, Mustang undoubtedly wanted to widen their horizons and perspectives.
As Mustang waved his hands, instantly on the ground, appeared a gigantic circle. He then moved a piece of small stone and placed it inside the circle.
“This stone is the Chu Country.” Mustang spoke, causing the pupils of Qin Wentian and Fan Le to narrow. If that small stone was the Chu Country, then what was that gigantic circle?
“This is the Snowcloud Country, Yan Country, Ice Country……” They saw Mustang placing several small stones within the circle, but even after that, the space the stones took up was still extremely small.
After this, Mustang drew small circles around the stones that represented the various countries and linked them together, taking up a space that couldn’t be considered small. However, that space, when compared to the circumference of the gigantic circle, was still considerably small.
At this moment, Mustang placed a slightly bigger stone within the circle.
”Including Chu, there are over ten countries, but the power behind them is this piece of bigger stone—the Nine Mystical Palace.
Mustang calmly spoke, but the knowledge he revealed caused the hearts of Qin Wentian and Fan Le to shudder. The Nine Mystical Palace should be nothing but a sect, but to think that they actually have control over more than ten countries…
“Just a single word from the Nine Mystical Palace can cause the Chu Country to become the master of the others, but likewise, just a single word from them can also destroy the Chu Country. But despite its influence, as a transcendent power, the Nine Mystical Palace would not interfere too much in the inner workings of each country. And occasionally, they would even scout talented youngsters from each of the countries and lure them over to become disciples of the Nine Mystical Palace.”
Mustang continued, “Luo Qianqiu originated from there.”
Qin Wentian tightly clenched both his fist from an immense sense of pressure that he felt. So this was the case. No wonder Luo Qianqiu’s position in the Chu Country was so supreme. It was because he came from the Nine Mystical Palace.
Not only that, he vaguely sensed that the Emperor Star Academy, seemed to somewhat dislike Luo Qianqiu.
Qin Wentian also understood now why Mustang came to him earlier and persuaded him to make peace with Luo Qianqiu regarding the Blood Ember Fruits
“Luo Qianqiu’s father was once a student of the Emperor Star Academy. His talent was astounding and gained him the academy’s recognition. Old man Ren even accepted him as his personal disciple and painstakingly nurtured him.”
Mustang didn’t stop. “In the end, his father went to the Nine Mystical Palace. The Emperor Star Academy, of course, does not obstruct students who chose to climb on a high stage. On the contrary, they would feel gratified. Luo Qianqiu’s father, however, was deeply envious of the Heavenly Star Pavilion’s items. He did not pass the requirement test through his own abilities and even stole a certain item, bringing it over to the Nine Mystical Palace. This incident almost created a catastrophe for the Emperor Star Academy.”
Qin Wentian and Fan Le was startled. There was actually such a complicated history hidden behind the facts that they thought they knew.
“Since Luo Qianqiu’s father had the support of the Nine Mystical Palace, why was it that nothing happened to our Emperor Star Academy in the end?” Fan Le asked seriously.
“The Emperor Star Academy had nurture countless talented students, and not all of them were people like Luo Qianqiu’s father. Some of them even established their names and had extraordinary results elsewhere in the circle.” Mustang pointed to the space outside of the boundaries of the Nine Mystical Palace and the ten-plus countries under their control. He continued, “There’s one man that, after knowing the news, directly went to pressure the Nine Mystical Palace. This person was an existence that even the Nine Mystical Palace had reason to fear. And thus in the end, the matter was resolved without bloodshed.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Wentian felt gratitude in his heart. In the several thousand years of the academy’s history, there were some that graduated but did not forget about the place that groomed their talents in the first place.
“Around the area controlled by the Nine Mystical Palace, there are several other countries backed by existences with a similar scope as the Nine Mystical Palace. Examples of these would be Misty Peak and Sunset Mountains. Each of these great powers governs an area consisting of more than ten countries.” Mustang drew several circles similar to the size of the Nine Mystical Palace in the gigantic circles, and swiftly after, a chunk of the area was taken up by them.
Such a simple way of explanation allowed Qin Wentian Fan Le to clearly understand that the Chu Country, in the face of all these powers, was just a little stone.
And yet, they were still struggling on their path within the small stone that was Chu Country.
“Since the Nine Mystical Palace does not interfere with the administration of Chu Country, why is it that they can still stand at the back, easily control over ten countries, and with a single word, destroy or proclaim a country as emperor?” Mustang questioned as he regarded Qin Wentian and Fan Le.
“Naturally, it is because of strength.” Qin Wentian replied.
“That’s right. If a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign appears within the Chu Country, how could laws of the country ever restrict him? Not only that, within the Nine Mystical Palace, there were a few cultivators at the Sovereign level. And currently, we received news that Luo Qianqiu’s father was attempting his breakthrough, but it is still unknown whether he succeeded or failed.”
The words Mustang uttered allowed Qin Wentian to understand what kind of position Luo Qianqiu held within the Emperor Star Academy. Without a doubt, the top brass of the academy had not wanted to allow Luo Qianqiu inside, but because of Luo Qianqiu’s background, they had no choice but to acquiesce.
“I still have a question.” Qin Wentian respectfully spoke.
“Go ahead.” Mustang nodded his head.
“Considering Chu Tianjiao’s talent, his future shouldn’t be stuck within the Chu Country, no?” Qin Wentian asked with obvious intent. With his talent, Chu Tianjia would definitely be one of those who were favored by the Nine Mystical Palace. Since that was the case, why was he still interested in contending for the throne?
No matter the throne of which country, they would still need a strong power to pave their way for them. Strength was the most important.
Mustang naturally understood Qin Wentian’s intention when he asked that question. With a smile, he answered. “Wentian, cultivation requires a colossal amount of resources. If Chu Tianjiao became the Emperor of the country, who do you think the Chu Country’s resources would flow to?”
Qin Wentian had a ‘slow’ expression on his face before light finally dawned in his eyes. Mustang continued, “An Emperor need not restrict themselves by staying in the country. They could find a few groups of people, for example the Ye Clan, to govern the country on their behalf and thus their cultivation would not be neglected.
“Okay enough of this. Next, I need to tell you about the main points of our meeting today.: Mustang gazed at Qin Wentian with hints of admiration in his eyes. “I thought that I would only be breaching this topic to you next year, but I never expected you to mature so quickly. Because of this, i decided to tell this to you ahead of time.”
Qin Wentian was somewhat curious. What was exactly did Mustang want to talk with him about?
“Within the Chu Country, there’s a grand banquet at the end of every year. The name of this banquet is the Jun Lin Banquet. Firstly, Jun (Emperor of a country) signifies that the Emperor of Chu would attend this banquet. Secondly, Lin( Lead) means that the victor of the competition held at the grand banquet will have the potential to lead the world in the future.”
After hearing this, Qin Wentian felt his heart quiver slightly in anticipation. This must be the banquet that Luo Qianqiu had mentioned.
The name of the banquet was the Jun Lin Banquet. Jun Lin, Emperor of the entire world.
“This, obviously, is not a simple banquet. The Jun Lin Banquet is held at the place where the Chu Dynasty first established itself, inviting the young elites of all countries within a hall. There, the young heroes below the Yuanfu Realm spar against each other and exchange pointers. For those who performe outstandingly, their names would shake the Chu dynasty and enable the Chu Country to bask in glory.”
“Those within the top nine will receive favor from their respective countries. Thus, elites of the other countries are also placing this event in such high regards. Not only that, I can clearly tell you that this grand banquet is also a stage for the Nine Mystical Palace to choose their disciples.”
“In addition, for those within the top nine rankings, not only would they would receive tremendous rewards from the Chu Country, their respective academies would also reward their students as well. However, the criteria for obtaining our Emperor Star Academy’s reward is that the student must achieve the top ranking! Do you know what the Emperor Star Academy’s reward is? The Emperor Star Academy will allow that particular student entry to the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion.”
“7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion?” Qin Wentian froze. Ever since the start, he had always been curious about the higher levels of the Heavenly Star Pavilion.
Everyone in the Emperor Star Academy knew that in the 6th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion, there were peak Yuanfu Realm cultivation arts as well as top-tier, earth-grade innate techniques. But what exactly did the 7th, 8th, and 9th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion contain?
“That’s right, the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. The banquet is the fastest way to gain entry. Other than through obtaining a high ranking in the Jun Lin Banquet, the other methods to grant you access to the 7th level are all too astronomical or exhaust too much time. Luo Qianqiu has no way to obtain entry using the other methods, and thus, the Jun Lin Banquet is his only chance. He must place first among all the elites. At that time, like his father, he would then be able to enter the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion.”
“The 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion is also the threshold to enter the 8th and 9th level. As to what exactly is inside it, even I do not know of this. I now knew that Luo Qianqiu’s father once obtained the first ranking in the Jun Lin Banquet and was selected by the Nine Mystical Palace. After entering the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion, he did not pass the test for entering the 8th level with his own abilities but instead depended on something the Nine Mystical Palace granted him to force his way into the 8th level. How could the Emperor Star Academy tolerate such a blatant, traitorous attempt?”
Mustang’s words allowed Qin Wentian to clearly understand the history behind Luo Qianqiu’s father and the academy.
“Luo Qianqiu’s appearance in the Emperor Star Academy was the contest between Luo Qianqiu’s father and the academy. The academy doesn’t want Luo Qianqiu to be ranked first in the grand banquet, but now that Luo Qianqiu has already broken through to the 8th level of Arterial Circulation, with his talent, he does indeed have a chance of obtaining the first rank. And even if he failed, there’s next year’s Jun Lin Banquet; by that time, he would have broken through to the peak of Arterial Circulation. Who can stop him then?”
Mustang looked at Qin Wentian, and he added in a serious tone, “Now that you’ve gained the recognition of the Emperor Star Academy, the top brass of the academy naturally hope that you will be able to snatch the top ranking in the Jun Lin Banquet next year, spoiling Luo Qianqiu’s plans.”
“Next year? what happens if Luo Qianqiu obtained the top ranking this year?” Qin Wentian asked, “Don’t tell me the academy is really going to allow him entry to the 7th level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion.”
“If that’s the case, it means that the Emperor Star Academy has truly lost. Since we lost the contest, so be it.” Mustang inclined his head as he gaze upon the falling snow flakes before continuing, “Every year at the grand banquet, there are many monstrous talents attending from all over the world. Within them, there are quite a few already at the peak of Arterial Circulation. We can only hope.. That one of them will be able to defeat Luo Qianqiu.”
He didn’t even dare imagine that Qin Wentian would be able to suppress Luo Qianqiu this year. After all, the grand banquet was only two months away. This time around, although Qin Wentian could attend the grand banquet, it would be best if he saw it as just a way to temper himself and increase his strength!