Ancient Godly Monarch Chapter 2: Repaying Gratitude with Enmity

AGM 0002 - Repaying Gratitude with Enmity

The morning breeze carried a crisp, refreshing quality. Having spent the entire night in meditation, Qin Wentian felt remarkably alert and full of energy. Because he did not absorb the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth, his physical frame remained somewhat frail. Consequently, he maintained a daily routine of morning runs, utilizing the most ancient and primal methods of body tempering to build his strength. This daily ritual was a common sight for everyone in the Bai Clan; though they initially found his training regimen bizarre, they eventually grew accustomed to it.

Because of his broken meridians, the Young Master-in-law was unable to practice even the simplest martial cultivation arts. It appeared to onlookers that he was desperately hoping to reach the first level of the Body Refinement Realm through mere running. Most viewed this as a fool's errand, leading the members of the Bai Clan to look down upon Qin Wentian with disdain. Had he not been born the young master of the Qin Clan, the Leader of the Bai Clan would never have accepted such a useless Young Master-in-law as a match for Autumn Snow.

“I’ve heard the eldest miss successfully became a Stellar Martial Cultivator last night. I wonder if the engagement will actually stand now,” a group of Bai Clan servants whispered among themselves, casting sneaky glances at Qin Wentian as he continued his run.

“It’s true. Word is the Clan Master called an emergency meeting with all the elders last night to spread the news throughout the city. Rumor has it that Eldest Miss Autumn Snow formed an innate connection with a constellation from the 3rd Heavenly Layer! Even among other Stellar Martial Cultivators, she’s considered a top-tier genius.”

“I believe it. Every human is born with an Astral Gate to house an Astral Soul, but without talent, condensing one is impossible. Yet, the Eldest Miss can already sense constellations from the 3rd Heavenly Layer. Once she surpasses the 9th level of the Body Refinement Realm and enters the Arterial Circulation Realm, she’ll open a second Astral Gate. That will allow her to easily condense a second Astral Soul, likely from the 3rd Heavenly Layer as well... It’s terrifying to think about... I can’t even imagine her power if she opens more Astral Gates later on...”

“Furthermore, an Astral Soul derived from the 3rd Heavenly Layer holds far more energy than those from the 1st Heavenly Layer. It seems that trash’s status is about to hit rock bottom.”

The servants were unaware that their hushed conversation reached Qin Wentian’s ears. Years of meditation had granted him sensory perceptions far more acute than those of an ordinary person, allowing him to distinguish even the slightest shifts in tone. Nevertheless, Qin Wentian didn't take their gossip to heart. He had known Autumn Snow for three years, and their daily closeness had forged a bond like family. Even if her feelings weren't romantic, it didn't bother him; the two clans could simply resolve the matter through dialogue. If the marriage fell through, it was no great loss to him, as he had long viewed Autumn Snow as a sister.

“Uncle Bai’s 50th birthday is in seven days. I’ll condense my own Astral Soul on that day—it can serve as my gift to him.”

A smile touched Qin Wentian’s lips as he envisioned the moment. While everyone assumed his broken meridians made cultivation impossible, they didn't know that Uncle Black had specifically ordered him to cripple his own meridians! Qin Wentian never doubted Uncle Black’s instructions. By following the techniques Uncle Black taught him, he had significantly aided Autumn Snow in condensing her own Astral Soul. However, Uncle Black was an eccentric man who had strictly forbidden Qin Wentian from mentioning him to anyone else.

Slowing his pace, Qin Wentian realized he had arrived at the courtyard of Bai Qingsong’s home.

“Wentian.” The voice of Bai Qingsong drifted over as his figure appeared. He studied the youth before asking, “Jogging again?”

“En.” Qin Wentian nodded. “How is Autumn Snow? I’d like to see her.”

“Wentian, it doesn't matter if you can't cultivate. Don't push yourself too hard.” Bai Qingsong ignored the question. Qin Wentian was momentarily startled but quickly regained his composure, replying, “I’ll work harder.”

“There is no need to force it. Truly, living as a normal person, starting a family, and having a peaceful life is a good path as well,” Bai Qingsong added. These words caused Qin Wentian to freeze. Looking at Bai Qingsong, he felt as though he were staring at a complete stranger.

“I see.” Qin Wentian forced a smile. “Uncle Bai, I’ll be going now.”

“Fine, just make sure not to wander around for the next few days,” Bai Qingsong said dismissively. Following that encounter, Qin Wentian was kept away from both Bai Qingsong and Autumn Snow for two days, while the news of Autumn Snow’s Astral Soul success echoed through all of Sky Harmony City.

On the morning of the third day, Qin Wentian finished his meditation and stepped outside, only to find two guards blocking his path. His stomach dropped, and his expression grew cold. “What is the meaning of this?”

“The situation outside is unstable. Young Master Qin should stay inside for the time being,” one of the guards replied with an icy tone. Qin Wentian’s heart sank further. Previously, the clan members addressed him as Young Master-in-law with respect; now, even a guard dared to speak to him with such blatant coldness.

It wasn't the loss of the title that bothered him, but the shift in intent behind the behavior.

“What happened?” Qin Wentian felt a sudden chill. Ever since he helped Autumn Snow condense her Astral Soul, everything seemed to have turned upside down.

“Young Master Qin would be wise to mind his own business and stay quietly in his quarters.”

“How dare you!” Qin Wentian snapped. “I want to see Uncle Bai.”

One of the guards let out a mocking laugh, glaring at him. “Trash, I’ll tell you once more: stay inside. Did you honestly believe you were our Young Master-in-law?”

Qin Wentian’s heart hit rock bottom. He was no fool; he understood exactly what was happening. He was a prisoner. Recalling Bai Qingsong’s words from a few nights prior, it was clear the Bai Clan intended to scrap the engagement.

Uncle Bai, if you wanted to end the marriage, you could have just told me directly, Qin Wentian thought, feeling a sharp pang of betrayal. Had the last three years of kindness from the Bai Clan been nothing but a performance?

He knew the Bai Clan only proposed the alliance to leverage the Qin Clan’s power. But for them to act this way now...

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” a sharp voice commanded. Qin Wentian turned to see Bai Qing running toward him, pulling him back toward his room.

“Wentian gege.” Bai Qing’s eyes were red and filled with tears as she looked at him. “Wentian gege, my Bai Clan has wronged you.”

“I don’t understand,” Qin Wentian said. “Qing’er, I need to talk to your father. If he doesn't want the marriage, I can have my adoptive father discuss an annulment. I, Qin Wentian, will not force an unwanted union.”

“Wentian gege, my father... the Bai Clan... they might try to kill you.” Bai Qing’s voice broke as she sobbed. Her words hit Qin Wentian like a bolt of lightning, leaving him stunned. “Kill me?”

“Why?” Qin Wentian was baffled; he couldn't grasp the reason.

“Don’t ask why, Wentian gege, you have to escape now,” Bai Qing begged through her tears. Qin Wentian thought for a moment before asking, “But I’m being watched, how can I leave?”

“I’ve hidden a fast horse for you at the back gate. You must take me as a hostage to get out.” Bai Qing pulled out a dagger and held it out to him, urging him to take it.

“Clan Master.” The sound of approaching footsteps and voices outside the residence made Bai Qing turn pale with fear. “Wentian gege, hurry!”

“Qing’er, tell me the truth.” Qin Wentian’s eyes remained steady as he looked at her. Bai Qing spoke quickly: “After my sister was revealed as a genius, the news reached Chu Country that very night. Now, the Ye Clan from the Royal City has proposed a marriage engagement.”

“The Ye Clan from the Royal City.” The coldness in Qin Wentian’s heart intensified. “They are my Qin Clan’s bitter enemies. So, the Bai Clan wants to use my life to prove they’ve severed ties with the Qins. My death is to be a betrothal gift for the Ye Clan.”

“Wentian gege, please, stop talking and go.” Bai Qing tried to force the dagger into his hand, but he shook his head. He reached out to stroke her face, his cold expression softening into a gentle smile. “I, Qin Wentian, may be powerless, but I would never stoop so low as to hold a blade to you.”

The door swung open, and Bai Qing’s face drained of color.

“Bai Qing, come here,” Bai Qingsong commanded coldly.

“No, father! My sister only managed to condense an Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer because Wentian gege helped her! Why are we repaying his kindness with such malice?!” Bai Qing screamed at her father.

“What do you know? Your sister’s talent is beyond your comprehension! She condensed that Astral Soul through her own hard work and ability. When did she ever need his help?” Bai Qingsong replied calmly. His voice softened slightly. “Qing’er, you are young and don't understand. Listen to your father and come here.”

“Qing’er, go to him.” Qin Wentian smiled gently at her. She froze, whispering, “Wentian gege.”

“Remember what I taught you.” Qin Wentian ruffled her hair and gently pushed her toward Bai Qingsong. He then turned to face the man, asking calmly, “Uncle Bai, what do you plan to do with me?”

“Qin Wentian, not only are you a born trash, but your character is lacking—to think you would have designs on my younger daughter. Tell me, how should I deal with you?”

The man before him was a stranger. Qin Wentian could only laugh, his last shred of hope vanishing. He looked at Bai Qingsong and asked, “I only want to know: what was Autumn Snow’s reaction to this?”

“You don't need to know that,” Bai Qingsong replied icily, a murderous aura beginning to leak from him.

“If I were to die here in the Bai Clan today, regardless of the excuse, I guarantee this: my foster father would lead his army to level the Bai residence to the ground,” Qin Wentian declared, showing no fear. In an instant, his gentle demeanor shifted into one of iron-willed resolve.

“Uncle Bai, the Bai Clan is not yet strong enough to face the Qin Clan. I suggest you think twice before acting against me.”

Stunned, Bai Qingsong locked eyes with the youth. He hadn't expected such a ferocious side from the normally mild-mannered boy. After a long silence, Bai Qingsong turned away. “Take the second young miss back to her room and lock her in. As for Qin Wentian, make sure he does not leave this courtyard.”