Chapter 14: Choice

AGM 0014 – Choice

Qin Wentian stood there, with his gaze fixed onto Autumn Snow. Contained within his gaze, were traces of a spirited look — the spirited look containing the hot-bloodedness of youth.

Were it not for the fact that he’d broken through to the 6th level of the Body Refinement Realm, it would’ve been almost impossible for him to sound out the 8th reverberation. Ordinary cultivators of the 6th level, only possessed a strength level of 36 bulls, Qin Wentian — as he possessed the incomparably tyrannical Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul, as well as the gathered force provided to him by the Stellar Meridians in his body — used the combination of these two factors in order to allow him to double his might, compared to normal cultivators. Taking into account the effect of force amplification that arose from his Dragon Subduing Fists, he managed to reach the strength level of 80 bulls. That explosive might was focused on a single fist, like a raging wind – it was a single strike with the force of 80 bulls. How terrifying.

Qin Wentian stared at Autumn Snow silently, not saying a word. The resplendent halo of the Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul that he released was more effective at achieving the persuasive effect, when compared to the other’s means of communication.

He, Qin Wentian, used his actions to prove himself to Autumn Snow. Who was it that was not worthy of whom?

Autumn Snow at this moment felt only numbness in her heart. Even during the moment that the 8th reverberation sounded out, when the Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul materialized, she was still unable to believe her eyes. Qin Wentian’s talent, was by far many times more monstrous when compared to hers.

Today, all of the powerful academies of the Royal Capital were gathered here at the Bai Residence. The Bai Clan initially wanted to borrow this opportunity to announce, to the entire Sky Harmony City, the world-shaking talent of Autumn Snow. They wanted to borrow the astonishing effect of Autumn Snow enrolling in the Emperor Star Academy to tell everyone that, she, Autumn Snow, was someone that Qin Wentian could never be worthy of. Qin Wentian had merely been hitching a ride on the back of a phoenix, currying favor with someone more powerful than him.

If the Qin Wentian today, was still the same as Qin Wentian of the past, a trash that was unable to cultivate, the plans of the Bai Clan would surely have been successful. They wanted to tell everyone that Qin Wentian wasn’t even worthy to carry the shoes of Autumn Snow, let alone be her husband. That was a grave humiliation to Autumn Snow.

If at that point, Qin Wentian from the Qin Clan still wanted to marry Autumn Snow, that was nothing but an impractical fool’s dream..

Regretfully, the truth of the events unfolding, was much more fascinating that what was originally planned. After all that had transpired today, who would still say that Qin Wentian was not worthy of Autumn Snow? A 9-star Astral talent, condensing an Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer, causing 8 reverberations to sound out — who would still dare to look down on him?

“Qin Wentian, to think that you’ve actually hidden your cultivation level, how scheming.” Bai Qingsong coldly glared at Qin Wentian. This matter had already escalated to a level beyond his control, there was no use for regret. In anycase, he still had his arms wrapped around the gigantic tree that was the Ye Clan. Bai Qingsong believed that Autumn Snow wouldn’t lose out much when compared to Qin Wentian. After all, the Ye Clan was a clan with power and authority only superseded by the Royal Clan.

Qin Wentian inclined his head as he looked at Bai Qingsong speechlessly. The truly scheming one was none other than him. How could Bai Qingsong’s personality be so twisted and dark. How laughable.

“Seven days ago, I aided Autumn Snow in condensing her Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer. It enabled Autumn Snow, in the span of a single night, to have her name become famous as it resounded throughout the Chu Country. I was happy, because I helped her, and in turn caused her to be happy.”

“However, not even in my dreams could I have imagined, almost immediately afterwards, that your attitude towards me would completely change. Getting your guards to imprison me… However, I still naively believed that there was a mistake. I intended to condensed my Astral Soul on the day of your birthday celebration, wanting to give you a surprise and bring you joy. But to think that the loving and caring uncle Bai actually brought his men over, wanting to kill me.”

“And, what’s even more ludicrous, are your motives for killing me. Because of the antagonistic relationship between the Qin Clan and the Ye Clan, you planned to use my death to curry favor with the Ye Clan, proclaiming your allegiance, and obviously, to pave the road for the marriage agreement between Autumn Snow and Ye WuQue.”

“I dared not believe that the kind and loving Uncle Bai, whom I interacted closely with for three years, was actually such a vile character. Hence, I cultivated relentlessly, to the point of forgetting food and drink, all for the sake of condensing my Astral Soul earlier, sneaking out of the Bai Residence whilst fearing for my life. And today, in this place, Autumn Snow and you actually said that I was scheming, and had been hiding my cultivation level. How ridiculous.”

Qin Wentian explained, with a righteous aura emanating forth from him, exposing the truth of the matter to everyone in the audience. The members of the audience looked at Qin Wentian. Only now, did it seem that their perspective had somewhat shifted. Qin Wentian, in their perception, somehow seemed to stand taller as the halo surrounding his Astral Soul glowed with an even brighter light. While comparatively, the halo of Autumn Snow seemed to dim as it lost it’s luster.

The Bai Clan was too despicable.

“Wentian, in these three years, our Qin Clan’s treatment of the Bai Clan could be clearly witnessed by all the people in the Sky Harmony City. However, they’ve disregarded the kindness we’ve shown, and have actually stooped to such actions. There’s no need to be magnanimous with them — the more tolerant you are, the more they’ll step over your head.”

Atop the grandstand, Qin Chuan coldly said with a hint of regret, after hearing what Qin Wentian had said. He slowly descended from the grandstand and walked to the training grounds, before continuing, “This despicable dogsh*t of a Clan. How laughable was it that me, Qin Chuan, must’ve been blinded. To think that I agreed to the earlier marriage engagement between my son and them. This was all my fault. As for Autumn Snow, what qualities does she have, to be worthy of my son, Qin Wentian?”

As the sound of his voice faded away, a terrifying surge of energy begin to gush forth from his body. Instantly, the pressure caused by the terrifying surge of energy, began to warp the space surrounding Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan extended his palms, when suddenly, that terrifying surge of energy begin to gather and condense into the form of a great sword. Slashing the space in the direction of the training grounds, the great sword swept through the air. The force of that strike caused many of the spectators to feel a chill in their hearts.

“Three years ago, I agreed to the marriage engagement between the Qin and the Bai Clan, that was a grave mistake. Today, my Qin Clan, wants to take this chance to announce this to the entire Sky Harmony City. This marriage engagement is hereby dissolved. Autumn Snow, in this lifetime, will never be able to step half-a-step into my Qin Clan.”

In the midst of the air, silence descended. Today, who was it that wanted to dissolve the marriage engagement?

The victor was the king, the loser was the bandit. Talent, could determine everything. Today, obviously Qin Wentian was the victor. The Qin Clan openly wanted to annul the marriage engagement, so who would still dare to question their actions? If today, the opposite occurred instead — Qin Wentian was still unable to cultivate — and the Bai Clan wanted to annul the engagement, who would’ve dared to question their actions?

The anger that could be seen burning on Autumn Snow’s visage, slowly distorted into something unsightly. Today was supposed to be the day where she exhibited her world-shaking talent, letting others know that Qin Wentian was unworthy of her. However, the monstrous talent of Qin Wentian, beyond her expectations, caused everything to be the opposite of what she’d planned. And Qin Chuan words, to Autumn Snow, was a slap to her face — a grave humiliation!

And in addition, Mustang had rejected Autumn Snow because of Qin Wentian.

Today was the day where she was supposed to be bathed in radiance, but instead, it had become a day filled with disgrace and humiliation. All this happened because of one person. The person which she initially wanted to humiliate, had surpassed her.

“Qin Wentian!” Autumn Snow shrilly exclaimed, as her icy gaze became fixated on Qin Wentian.

“The humiliation you gave me today, I will return it back to you manifolds in the future.” The intensity of the coldness in her tone, seeped deep into one’s bones, as determination shone in her eyes. Never had she expect that her supposedly most glorious day, had turned out to be the day of her biggest humiliation.

“I humiliated you?” Qin Wentian laughed, “Given your Bai Clan’s treatment of me, you still have the face to utter such words. Wasn’t the humiliation you suffered today, all caused by your own hands? If your Bai Clan wasn’t so despicable, and hadn’t stooped to such a level, wouldn’t the events that happened today not have happened?”

The crowd glanced about, as they silently agreed. What Qin Wentian said wasn’t wrong, the humiliation of Autumn Snow today, was because of what the Bai Clan had wanted to do to Qin Wentian. It was only after Qin Wentian displayed his shocking talent, that the Bai Clan suffered from the consequences of their own actions.

Qin Wentian calmly gazed at Autumn Snow, before closing his eyes and stated, “From now onwards, you and me, including the Bai Clan… our past relations are all severed. If in the future, you still wish to play your little tricks, to humiliate and anger me, I will gladly oblige. Don’t blame me for being ruthless then!”

“Scram!” Qin Wentian roared with rage, as his voice became akin to the waves of the ocean, crashing onto Autumn Snow’s face. Just the word “Scram!” was like a slap right to her face.

Glaring at Qin Wentian, Autumn Snow went silent for a moment, before she stated, “I, Autumn Snow, accept the Royal Academy’s invitation, and am willing to join the Royal Academy.”

When Seifer heard Autumn Snow’s words, he didn’t feel as excited as he imagined he would be. He coldly cast a glance at Talon who was standing at his side, causing Talon’s expression to become unsightly. As per what they’d wished for, they’d managed to obtain Autumn Snow’s acceptance, and should’ve been very excited by right. After all, the reason they were here was because of Autumn Snow.

However, because they had discovered an even more monstrous talent, and not to mention that that talent also had enmity against Autumn Snow — it caused all their excitement to diminish to the lowest level.

“Talon, look at what you’ve done.” Seifer coldly intoned, causing Talon’s heart to shudder. Seifer knew that Talon must’ve done something that offended Qin Wentian. Even if he now wanted to snatch Qin Wentian from the Emperor Star Academy, there was no hope for him. As such, they could only choose to accept Autumn Snow, trying to salvage something from this mess. If not, they wouldn’t even be able gain a single genius.

Autumn Snow saw that both Seifer and Talon, instead of showing expressions of welcome on their faces, were murmuring something in a low voice instead, causing her to be ashamed and resentful.

“Autumn Snow, we welcome your enrolment. During spring next year, bring this along with you to register.” Seifer waved his hands, and a golden medallion flew towards Autumn Snow. Autumn Snow caught the medallion squarely, and on it were only two words inscribed – Royal Clan. The soaring of the dragon and the dance of the phoenix, how awe-inspiring.

“Qin Wentian, the road in the future is still long.” Autumn Snow tightly clutched the medallion from the Royal Academy, and silently vowed that in the future, she must cleanse all the shame and humiliation that had occurred today.

“Qin Wentian, my Divine Wind Academy is willing to offer you twice the benefits of what we offered to Autumn Snow.”

“The same goes for my Seven Star Academy.” That moment, the representatives from both the Divine Wind Academy, and the Seven Star Academy spoke.The importance they attached to Qin Wentian, was twice that of Autumn Snow. After today, Qin Wentian’s name was bound to resonate throughout the Sky Harmony City.

“Qin Wentian, my Emperor Star Academy would never make you any promises. Just merely the name of our academy, the Emperor Star Academy, would be the best promise.” Mustang calmly stated. This was his confidence, that the name and reputation of the Emperor Star Academy represented everything.

When the crowd hear Mustang’s solemn words, they could only shake their heads. The Emperor Star Academy was indeed extraordinary.

However, Qin Wentian’s gaze was directed towards the Divine Wind Academy and the Seven Stars Academy, causing Mustang’s heart to skip a bit, as depression set in. Although his words were beautiful, Qin Wentian was a youth after all, and would most likely be seduced by the immediate benefits dangled in front of him, he should’ve been more accommodating and lavish with his conditions offered instead!

“Damn it, no way. There is just no way we can lose such a genius that we are so close to obtaining.” Mustang murmured in his heart. Once again putting on a solemn expression, Mustang stated “Of course, if you have any requests, I would do my best to fulfil them. The conditions we offer would definitely not be any worse off than what the other academies are offering.”

“Eh…” When the words were spoken, all the spectators were in a daze, even Qin Wentian. However, he swiftly recovered. This Mustang was interesting indeed. Despite doing so, Qin Wentian, with his body slightly bent in a bow, was still facing the representatives from the Divine Wind and Seven Stars Academies.

“Qin Wentian, whatever conditions you want, just tell me, I will agree to all of them!” Mustang frantically stated, as his fake looks crumbled away, pitifully looking at Qin Wentian. Even if he threw away all his face here, he still didn’t want to lose a genius such as Qin Wentian.

“………..” Those who saw the expression on Mustang, all had rivulets of sweat flowing down their faces. Was this still the same man earlier who solemnly stated that the three words, Emperor-Star-Academy, would already be the best promise? Damn it！

“Qin Wentian, truly thanks both the Divine Wind Academy, as well as the Seven Stars Academy, for their great affection.” The words spoken by Qin Wentian, almost caused Mustang’s heart to leap out of his throat.

“It is only that I, of the junior generation, have already sown karma with the Emperor Star Academy. Therefore, my choice is the Emperor Star Academy.” Qin Wentian simply said, as he inclined his head, with a face filled with the trace of a smile.

Both the Divine Wind and the Seven Stars Academy were all greatly disappointed, but they too, understood the reason behind the choice. “This man, other than possessing heaven-shaking talent, is humble and righteous too. He is someone that Autumn Snow couldn’t possibly compete against, and is sure to accomplish great things in the future.

“Right, we hope that you will become the pinnacle of your generation one day.” Both parties wished Qin Wentian well.

“Many thanks.” Qin Wentian gratefully accepted their blessings as he stole a glance at Mustang. Mustang was at the side, rolling his eyes at Qin Wentian, before lowly intoning, “You smelly little brat, when we arrive at the academy, you’ll see how I’m going to fix you.:.”

“Haha, Brother Mustang, I’ll be leaving this kid in your hands.” Qin Chuan knew that Mustang had no malice despite his words, and thus laughed uproariously. His laughter eventually infected Mustang, who stood there laughing together with him. Today… what a great day. It seemed like the future was going to be interesting.