2 Repay with hatred

The morning air was crisp and pure. Qin Wentian, having meditated throughout the night, felt clear-headed and revitalized. His decision not to absorb Yuan Qi from the Heavens and Earth had left his body weakened. Consequently, every morning, Qin Wentian embarked on a run, using the oldest and most traditional body tempering technique to strengthen himself. Initially, everyone in the Bai Clan found this training method peculiar, but gradually, they became accustomed to it.

With his damaged meridians, the Young Master-in-law couldn't practice even the most basic martial arts, so he resorted to running as a means to enter the first level of the Body Refinement Realm. Many considered this a futile endeavor, leading to disdain from the Bai Clan members. If not for his status as the Qin Clan's young master, the Bai Clan Leader would never have agreed to marry Autumn Snow to such an apparently inept Young Master-in-law.

"I heard that Eldest Miss Autumn Snow achieved Stellar Martial Cultivation last night. I wonder if the engagement will still stand," whispered a few Bai Clan servants as they observed Qin Wentian's daily running routine.

"Yes, I heard that Clan Master called an urgent meeting of the elders last night to spread the news throughout the city. Rumor has it that Eldest Miss Autumn Snow established an innate connection with a constellation from the 3rd Heavenly Layer! Even among Stellar Martial Cultivators, she's considered a peak-level genius."

"Indeed, humans possess an Astral Gate within them for storing an Astral Soul. But without talent, it's impossible to condense an Astral Soul. Yet, Eldest Miss already senses constellations from the 3rd Heavenly Layer. When she breaks through to the 9th level of the Body Refinement Realm and enters the Arterial Circulation Realm, she can open another Astral Gate, aiding her in easily condensing her second Astral Soul. At the very least, it should also be from the 3rd Heavenly Layer... It's truly astounding. I can't imagine the power she'd possess if she opens even more Astral Gates..."

"Moreover, an Astral Soul condensed from the 3rd Heavenly Layer holds far more energy than one from the 1st Heavenly Layer. It seems that the position of that so-called trash will soon be irrelevant."

Unbeknownst to these servants, their hushed conversations were heard by Qin Wentian. Years of meditation had sharpened his senses far beyond normal human capabilities. However, he didn't take their gossip to heart. He had known Autumn Snow for three years, and their daily interactions had brought them close, akin to siblings. Even if Autumn Snow didn't love him romantically, it didn't matter. Their clans could resolve the matter through discussion. The success of their marriage wasn't his primary concern; he already considered Autumn Snow his sister.

"In seven days, Uncle Bai will celebrate his 50th birthday, and I'll condense my Astral Soul on that day. It can be considered a gift to him."

Qin Wentian couldn't help but smile as the scene played out in his mind. Everyone believed he couldn't cultivate due to his damaged meridians, but little did they know that it was his Uncle Black who had instructed him to cripple his own meridians. Qin Wentian had never questioned his uncle's guidance, and by following his methods, he had greatly assisted Autumn Snow in condensing her Astral Soul. However, Uncle Black had an eccentric personality and strictly forbade Qin Wentian from mentioning his existence to others.

As Qin Wentian slowed his steps, he found himself in the courtyard of Bai Qingsong's residence without realizing it.

"Wentian," a voice called out, and Bai Qingsong's figure appeared. He looked at Qin Wentian and asked, "Jogging again?"

"Yes," Qin Wentian nodded. "How is Autumn Snow? I'd like to visit her."

"Wentian, even if you can't cultivate, it doesn't matter. Don't be too hard on yourself," Bai Qingsong replied, not directly addressing Qin Wentian's question. This response surprised Qin Wentian momentarily, but he quickly composed himself and replied, "I'll work harder."

"You don't need to push yourself. Being an ordinary human, starting a family, and living a peaceful life is a good choice too," Bai Qingsong continued, leaving Qin Wentian feeling like he was talking to a stranger.

"Okay," Qin Wentian forced a smile and said, "Uncle Bai, I'll be leaving now."

"Alright, be careful not to run around too much these days," Bai Qingsong advised. After Qin Wentian left, he kept Bai Qingsong and Autumn Snow from meeting for two days while news of Autumn Snow condensing her Astral Soul spread throughout Sky Harmony City.

On the morning of the third day, after completing his meditation, Qin Wentian strolled outside and found two guards blocking his path. His heart sank, and his expression turned frosty as he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

"It's chaotic outside. Young Master Qin, it's best for you to stay here quietly for the next few days," one of the guards replied coldly. Qin Wentian's heart sank even further. Previously, the members of the Bai Clan would respectfully address him as Young Master-in-law, but now, this guard dared to speak to him with such coldness.

What troubled Qin Wentian wasn't just the change in title but the underlying attitude behind those words.

"What's going on?" Qin Wentian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. Since assisting Autumn Snow in condensing her Astral Soul, he felt that everything had turned upside down.

"It's better for Young Master Qin to mind his own business and stay in his residence," another guard retorted. "Did you really think you're still our Young Master-in-law?"

Qin Wentian's heart had plummeted to its lowest point. He wasn't naive; he could easily guess what was happening. He was effectively imprisoned now, and when he remembered the words Bai Qingsong had spoken to him a few nights ago, he realized that the Bai Clan intended to cancel the marriage engagement.

"Uncle Bai, if you wanted to end the engagement, you could have spoken to me directly," Qin Wentian whispered in his heart, feeling the anguish of broken trust. Could it be that the interactions between him and the Bai Clan over the past three years had all been an act?

Qin Wentian understood that the Bai Clan had proposed the marriage engagement with the Qin Clan to gain the Qin Clan's support. However, he never expected the Bai Clan to act like this today.

"Shut up." A reproachful voice resounded, and Qin Wentian turned his head to see Bai Qing approaching him, so he drew him into the dwelling.

Bai Tinh's eyes welled up with tears as she stared at Qin Wentian: "Van Thien ca ca."

"From the Bai family, I have let you down, Brother Wen Tian."

"I'm not sure," Qin Wentian said.

"I'd like to meet your father, Qing'er." If he refuses to marry, I can urge my adoptive father to talk to him about annulling the engagement. Qin Wentian, I will not make anyone do things they do not want to do.

"Brother Wen Tian, my father... the Bai family... they may want to kill you." Bai Qing's eyes welled up with tears, and his voice cracked.

Her voice was like a thunderclap that hit straight at Qin Wentian's heart, knocking him out. "Will you kill me?""

"Why?" Qin Wentian was perplexed because he didn't understand.

"Don't ask why, Wentian gege; you better leave soon," Bai Qing begged, her eyes welling up. Qin Wentian paused for a time before responding, "But I'm already imprisoned; how do I get out?""

"I've had a fast steed ready for you at the backgate for a long time." "All you have to do is hold me as a hostage and flee," Bai Qing said, passing a blade to Qin Wentian and inviting him closer.

"Clan Master," a voice said outside the mansion where Qin Wentian was imprisoned, along with the sounds of numerous footsteps, turning Bai Qing's face pale with fear. "Wentian gege, please hurry up."

"Qing'er, tell me the reason," Qin Wentian said, his eyes fixed on Bai Qing as he painstakingly enunciated each syllable. "After elder sister became a genius, that very night, the news had already been disseminated throughout the Chu Country, and eventually, the Ye Clan from the Royal City expressed their interest in a marriage engagement," Bai Qing hastily added.

"Wentian gege, please, I implore you to stop speaking," Bai Qing urgently insisted as she handed the dagger to Qin Wentian. Instead of accepting it, he shook his head, his demeanor softening as he gently caressed her face and spoke with a warm smile, "I, Qin Wentian, no matter how powerless I am, could never stoop so low as to threaten you with a dagger."

The door swung open, and Bai Qing's complexion paled instantly.

"Bai Qing, come here," Bai Qingsong commanded with a cold tone.

"No, Daddy, my elder sister was only able to form her Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer with Wentian gege's assistance! Why are we repaying his kindness with hostility?" Bai Qing protested vehemently to her father.

"What do you understand? Your sister's talent is beyond your comprehension! She formed her Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer solely through her own abilities and efforts. She never needed his assistance," Bai Qingsong stated calmly while fixing his gaze on Bai Qing. He then softened his tone and said, "Qing`er, you're still young and inexperienced. Listen to your father; come back here."

"Qing`er, please go over there," Qin Wentian gently smiled at Bai Qing. Her reaction was to freeze momentarily and mouth, "Wentian gege."

"Remember what I've taught you." Qin Wentian playfully ruffled Bai Qing's hair as he gently guided her in the direction of Bai Qingsong. Afterward, he turned to face Bai Qingsong and calmly inquired, "Uncle Bai, what do you plan to do with me?"

"Qin Wentian, not only are you inherently powerless, but your behavior also raises questions – trying to take advantage of my daughter. Tell me, how should I handle you?"

The current Bai Qingsong seemed like a complete stranger to Qin Wentian. In response, Qin Wentian chuckled, his last glimmer of hope extinguishing. He locked eyes with Bai Qingsong and asked, "I only wish to know Autumn Snow's response to all of this."

"You needn't know," Bai Qingsong replied coldly, his aura turning threatening.

"Today, if I were to meet my end within the Bai Clan, regardless of the cause, I can assure you of one thing: my adoptive father will undoubtedly lead his forces and raze the Bai residence to the ground," Qin Wentian declared unexpectedly, his eyes devoid of fear. In that moment, the once-gentle countenance of Qin Wentian underwent a swift transformation into one displaying unyielding determination.

"Uncle Bai, the Bai Clan is still far from being able to contend with my Qin Clan. I strongly advise you not to take action against me."

Bai Qingsong was shaken to his core as he met Qin Wentian's unwavering gaze. He hadn't anticipated that this seemingly gentle youth possessed such a resolute side. After a period of contemplation, Bai Qingsong turned away and left. "Escort the Second Young Miss back to her room, and ensure she doesn't leave. As for Qin Wentian, make certain he doesn't step beyond this courtyard's entrance."