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AGM 280 - Extraordinary Character
Bailu You snorted as he pushed his way past Bailu Yi and made his way up the mountains. After hearing Qin Wentian’s words, she naturally stepped aside and followed behind her uncle as they made their way to the mountain top.
Qin Wentian was sitting in the grassy region of the mountain slope. Upon noting Bailu You’s arrival, he gave a slight bow and smiled, “Does Senior have any requests for me?”
“Grandmaster Qin, it’s truly difficult just to secure a meeting with you.” Bailu You spat out the words ‘Grandmaster Qin’ one by one, his tone heavily tinged with mockery. Evidently, to him, Qin Wentian wasn’t worthy of the title ‘Grandmaster’.
“Senior must be joking. Junior was in closed-door seclusion these past few days and Little Yi only barred Senior’s path because she was worried that I would be disturbed. If we have offended you unknowingly, please accept my apologies.” Qin Wentian was still smiling, as though he didn’t hear the mockery in Bailu You’s words.
Bailu You was unwilling to give way, and he continued sarcastically, “Grandmaster Qin is in closed-door seclusion? Wow, can it be that you broke through to the fourth-rank?”
Qin Wentian continued smiling, he didn’t bother to reply with words.
Bailu You couldn’t help but curse in his heart, Qin Wentian wouldn’t be so easily provoked. “Today, several esteemed guests have paid a visit to my White Deer Institute, hoping to meet with Grandmaster Qin. All of them are fourth-ranked Grandmasters, and so I wonder if Grandmaster Qin would be willing to give them some face.”
“Oh, I don’t know anyone in the Moon Continent, why would people be wanting to pay me a visit?” Qin Wentian curiously inquired.
Bailu You’s face darkened ominously. Qin Wentian truly didn’t know how high the Heavens were. He even dared to use the term ‘to pay me a visit’ when the guests were all fourth-ranked Grandmasters?
“It is not ‘to pay you a visit’, but rather, to summon you to meet with them.” Bailu You clearly placing emphasis on the word ‘summon’.
“Oh.” Qin Wentian nodded but didn’t comment further. These fourth-ranked Grandmasters really chose the right time to visit. After exchanging glances with Bailu Yi, and noting the worried expression on her face, Qin Wentian instantly understood. The fourth-rank Grandmasters were definitely here for one thing only—the ancient scroll of the Ascendant.
Although Qin Wentian had already stopped commenting, Bailu You jabbed in with even more sarcasm, “‘Grandmaster’ Qin? Why are you still not preparing to move?”
“Hmm, and why must I move?” Qin Wentian had a puzzled expression on his face as he stared at Bailu You.
“You…” Bailu You’s stare turned chilly, as he glared at Qin Wentian. “There are many fourth-ranked Grandmasters who wish to see you now. Tell me, if you don’t move, are you expecting all of them to come look for you instead? Are you avoiding them?”
The tone of Bailu You was as cold as winter’s frost, yet he didn’t expect Bailu Yi to interject, “Uncle You, you should be extremely clear on their motives. Why do you want to be their mouthpiece?”
Bailu You’s purpose was extremely clear, he wanted Qin Wentian to be pressured by the Grandmasters. Only then, for the sake of self-preservation, would Qin Wentian submit to Bailu Tong, his father.
“Senior must be joking, why would I avoid meeting them?” Qin Wentian softly commented. But gradually, the smile on his face disappeared as his tone turned as sharp as swords. “I don’t wish to meet them because I don’t wish to. What do you mean by using the word ‘avoid’?”
Bailu You’s cold smile stiffened, he glared at Qin Wentian and was about to say something more when Qin Wentian spoke once again, “If they want to see me, let them come. I will wait for them here.”
“You… you expect fourth-ranked Grandmasters to personally pay you a visit?”
“Why not? Weren’t they the ones who wanted to meet with me?” Qin Wentian shrugged, as he continued, “It’s not like I need a favor from them, nor have they shown me any form of courtesy before this. If you want me to pay a visit just because of a single word from them, wouldn’t that mean I’m debasing myself? Oh, could it be that Senior loves to debase yourself?”
Bailu You’s eyes narrowed as he forced out a smile. “Sharp words. Since that’s the case, I shall go inform the many fourth-ranked Inscriptionists that they are to pay a visit to ‘Grandmaster’ Qin.”
After which, Bailu You flicked his sleeves and left. The young men behind him stared at Qin Wentian with venom dripping from their eyes.
After the three of them had departed, Bailu Yi’s countenance showed a mixture of trepidation and anxiety. She explained, “During the period of time when you were in closed-door seclusion, the news of you obtaining the Ascendant’s inheritance has been leaked. Bailu You is the son of Bailu Tong, so you should be extremely clear about their motives. The fourth-ranked Inscriptionists banded together against you, and it seems they intend to use pressure tactics to overwhelm you.”
Qin Wentian lightly nodded, as he slowly stood up. He couldn’t help but smile reassuringly when he saw how worried Bailu Yi was. “Don’t fret, watch how I’ll deal with them if they push me too far.”
Bailu Yi’s eyes brightened as she understood the unspoken meaning of Qin Wentian’s words. “Were you successful?”
“Yeah.” Qin Wentian smiled.
“Really?” Bailu Yi inquired again.
“Yup, yup.” Qin Wentian continued nodding.
“Fourth-rank? You are not lying?” Bailu Yi asked for the third time as the amazement in her eyes intensified, this was too incredulous.
A fourth-ranked Grandmaster at the age of nineteen.
Qin Wentian rolled his eyes and walked over, laughing as he lightly rapped Bailu Yi’s head. “Absolute truth, I am not lying to you.”
“This is too wonderful!” Bailu Yi seemed overcome by her emotions, involuntarily jumping up with excitement and then embracing Qin Wentian into a hug. “Oh heavens, I’ve actually just witnessed a nineteen-year-old stepping into the level of fourth-ranked Grandmasters. This is history in the making! This is too crazy, Qin Wentian, you are too crazy!”
“Eh…” Qin Wentian didn't expect Bailu Yi to lose control like this. As he felt her soft and supple peaks pressing into his body, he didn’t know where to look. Hence he chose to look at Bailu Yi’s face.
Bailu Yi’s actions resulted from a combination of her innocence and pure happiness. Upon seeing that Qin Wentian was staring at her, Bailu Yi blinked, and stopped jumping about as a tinge of redness blossomed on her cheeks. Her current bashfulness, when coupled with her innocent-looking face, caused the Qin Wentian at this moment to become akin to an idiot.
Although he was already accustomed to beauty, at that moment the Bailu Yi in front of his eyes was too beautiful.
“Wait for me, I will go blow this matter up.” Bailu Yi’s eyes suddenly glowed as sudden inspiration struck her. As she jogged away, it was as though she felt something as she gingerly rubbed her head. She turned back to Qin Wentian and scolded, “Damn it, you used so much strength.”
“... did you only just realize that now?” Qin Wentian turned speechless. After which, he only saw Bailu Yi smile sweetly at him before she left at top speed.
“Blow up the matter?” Qin Wentian stared at her exquisite figure as he blinked. This lass, if given a chance, would surely turn the whole world into chaos.
Without having to wait too long, Qin Wentian soon noticed a row of silhouettes advancing up the mountain. Among them, there were several that had heads full of white hair, some even looked so ancient, as though they were ready for the grave, while a few others had an amiable and kindly look on their faces. However, regardless of how they looked, all of their auras held hints of similarity—they were exuding an air of faint arrogance.
Powerful Inscriptionists were all used to being revered and respected by others. Even the transcendent powers would not easily offend fourth-ranked Grandmasters, using a vast fortune instead to enlist their aid or even buy them over to their side. These methods were effective, as long as they were willing.
Fourth-ranked Inscriptionists would never lack in wealth, and they wouldn’t lack in fame as well. No matter where they were, they were like shining moons, drawing the attention of the stars around them. And even now, they were accompanied by Yuanfu experts from the seventh to the ninth level of Yuanfu to act as their bodyguards and ensure their safety.
For some that had limited success on the path to cultivation, if they had talent in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions, they would then invest all their efforts into it, spending large amounts of time studying and researching Divine Inscriptions. This was because even if you were a fourth-ranked Grandmaster with a cultivation base at the Yuanfu level, the amount of status and fame you would enjoy would still be extremely significant.
Hence, it was inevitable for them to unconsciously exude that aura of faint arrogance.
When they came face to face with Qin Wentian, he could clearly sense the heightened atmosphere around these fourth-ranked Grandmasters.
“Two are Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns, while the others are all at the Yuanfu level. Even the weakest among them are at the fifth level of Yuanfu.” Qin Wentian swept his gaze past them and instantly perceived their cultivation bases.
Not only that, Qin Wentian realized that he was even acquainted with one of the Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns.
“Junior pays his respect to Grandmaster Fenrir.” Qin Wentian politely dipped into a bow of respect. Back then in the exchange organized by the Star-Seizing Manor, Grandmaster Fenrir had been the judge. Not only that, Qin Wentian knew that Grandmaster Fenrir was an exemplary example of fairness, and even held him in admiration.
Grandmaster Fenrir laughed in response, a bright glow shone in his eyes as he stared intently at Qin Wentian, as though he was witnessing something extremely shocking.
“During the time when we met at the Star-Seizing Manor, I could already tell that you are no ordinary character. And now, indeed as I expected, the Heavens bestowed upon you good fortune. But of course, you must have worked hard too. Congratulations.” Grandmaster Fenrir nodded with a smile, his tone calm and composed, as though he was talking to an equal. There were no hints of superiority in his manner.
Qin Wentian could easily feel the sense of good-naturedness emanating forth from Grandmaster Fenrir. He also understood the meaning of Fenrir’s words, hence Qin Wentian replied as he laughed, “Junior has good luck, and back then during the exchange, I’ve benefited tremendously from the experience I gained there. Now that I’ve met Grandmaster Fenrir again, I have to convey my gratitude.”
After speaking, Qin Wentian dipped into another bow, his movements filled with sincerity and respect.
“Good.” Grandmaster Fenrir smiled, as he nodded. His feet then subtly shifted to the side, as though he intentionally wanted to distance himself with the other fourth-ranked Inscriptionists. He silently made a mental note, this young man was definitely not some mere carp in a little pond, he would surely transform into a dragon that would soar into the nine heavens one day.
He knew that this was an opportunity, and so it would be good if he could form a good relationship. But if not, he must never offend Qin Wentian.
But apparently, the others didn’t notice Grandmaster Fenrir’s minute movements, and naturally, they couldn’t understand the profound depth and implicit meaning within the simple conversation between Fenrir and Qin Wentian.
Not only that, they were even under the impression that Grandmaster Fenrir was hinting that Qin Wentian had already obtained the Ascendant’s inheritance, and Qin Wentian had even admitted it!
Hence, their eyes that were now staring at Qin Wentian, began to brighten with the glint of greed. They were looking at Qin Wentian as though they were looking at their prey!
Inheritance of the Ascendant? They would make this little upstart hand it over today!