AGM 221 - Last Words of a Fallen Genius
Qin Wentian stared downwards at Chu Tianjiao. Ranked second of the ten prodigies of Chu, there was no need to doubt Chu Tianjiao’s talent and strength, and yet, the disparity between him, and his brother Chu Mang, the first ranked of the ten prodigies, was actually so far apart. For the dispute of power and authority, Chu Tianjiao had neglected his cultivation. And as for Chu Mang, although he was simple-minded, his elder brother Chu Wuwei told him to put in more effort in his cultivation. Thus, he didn’t bother with anything else and just frenziedly cultivated.
This turn of events left the crowd thunderstruck. When they saw Chu Tianjiao employing the effects of the Liuli Lantern, they thought Qin Wentian was finished for sure. Even when taking into consideration that Qin Wentian could defeat Luo Qianqiu, apparently Chu Tianjiao still underestimated him.
Maybe, during the fight with Luo Qianqiu, what Qin Wentian revealed was merely the tip of the iceberg. The demonised Qin Wentian from earlier was too terrifying, how deep was the extent of Qin Wentian’s true capabilities? Not only that, the crowd couldn’t even tell which Heavenly Layer his Astral Souls were condensed from.
“Chu Tianjiao, you wanted to seal me within, yet you yourself fell into a trap of your own making. With all your cleverness, did you ever imagine this day would come?” Qin Wentian stated as he looked at Chu Tianjiao.
Chu Tianjiao wiped the traces of blood from the corner of his mouth, as a crazed look of amusement could be seen flickering in his eyes.
“I’ve underestimated you. Not just me, I think the whole of Chu, including your grandpa Qin, have underestimated your true capabilities,” Chu Tianjiao slowly continued, “No one would have thought that in the short span of two years, you would actually reach such a level. I admit that back then when I could still kill you, not regarding you highly enough was a mistake on my part. A mistake that led to this situation today.”
“Chu Tianjiao, even now do you not regret your actions? Framing loyal citizens and even offering the blood of innocent females as a sacrifice to the blood puppets. Your actions are too inhumane,” Qin Wentian coldly stated as he stared at Chu Tianjiao.
“You are too naïve,” Chu Tianjiao coldly retorted, “Ever since the beginning of time, the winners will be the victors, while the losers will be vilified. The seats of Emperors and Monarchs were always made from mountains of bones from corpses. As for framing loyal citizens? Are you referring to your grandfather, Qin Wu? From your impression of him, he’s a kindly old man. What a joke, if he was just an ordinary peace-loving old man, would he command a character like Icehawk to be undercover for so many years? If he was an ordinary old man, how would he be able to escape from the Black Stronghold?”
Chu Tianjiao stared mockingly at Qin Wentian, “How much do you understand about your grandfather, Qin Wu? Do you know why he was so certain I wouldn’t dare kill him? Why did he recklessly allow himself to be captured by me? Do you know how many spies he had under his control? And as for my father’s illness, ever since the Wu King’s death, why did my father contract that illness with such incredible timing? Do you think this was all merely coincidence? My father was a Yuanfu expert, how can he succumb so easily to an illness?”
Chu Tianjiao’s words caused Qin Wentian’s brows to furrow. The death of the previous Chu Emperor had something to do with Qin Wu? Qin Wentian shifted his glance to Qin Wu, only to see his grandfather clad in a suit of armor sitting on horseback, looking as though he was never as calm as this before.
“If you’re talking about informant networks, I’m afraid that even my Royal Clan would lose out to Qin Wu.” Chu Tianjiao laughed sarcastically.
“The blood debt you owe shall be repaid in full, regardless of what you say today,” Qin Wentian calmly replied. Even if he discounted the Qin Clan, what about the Emperor Star Academy? The death of Mountain and Zi Jun? To avenge them, Chu Tianjiao had to die.
Chu Tianjiao laughed, “Since I’ve lost, why should I fear death? I’m saying all this not because I want to beg for my life. I, Chu Tianjiao, have never truly admired anyone before in my life. I respected my elder brother, Chu Wuwei, for his intelligence, I respected, Qin Wu, for his ruthless methods. As for the Wu King, I didn’t have the chance to witness his glory before he departed from this world. But today, I admire you Qin Wentian, I admire you completely.”
“You are not as intelligent as Chu Wuwei, nor are your methods as ruthless as Qin Wu. What you have is an undying resoluteness and a heart that never fears defeat. No matter how powerful an obstacle is blocking your way before you, your determination never wavers. This is something that I admired you for, and also something I lacked. Your talent for cultivation is truly monstrous, and I hope you can advance further on the path you’ve chosen. As for the Emperor’s throne, grant it to my elder brother, Chu Wuwei. There’s no one more suitable compared to him.”
Chu Tianjiao spoke slowly. After which, he slammed a palm strike right onto his heart. Blood splattering sounds rang out as his heart was crushed into a pulp, yet there was still a smile on his face. After which, his eyes closed forever as he descended into death.
A talented proud son of Heaven, had chosen to die by suicide.
He lost to the current circumstances and lost to Qin Wentian. To a person like him, defeat was worse than death. He had his own pride and wasn’t willing to beg for his life, nor live by being tortured by others. By committing suicide, at least he would die on his own terms.
The surrounding battles paused. Countless people raised their heads, staring at Chu Tianjiao, involuntarily feeling sadness in their hearts. Was he wrong or was he right? Yet as time had proven, the only ones who were right were the winners that could write history.
Everything ended, Chu Tianjiao had fallen.
Yet the words before his death were extremely thought provoking.
Chu Tianjiao’s death didn’t really cause Qin Wentian to feel pleasure. He only felt slightly more relaxed. After all, he had given Mountain an answer, given the Emperor Star Academy an answer.
The curtains on this war of Chu could finally close as a new chapter began.
Now, Qin Wentian was having a headache. So, who to assume the rulership of Chu? Qin Wu or Chu Wuwei?
And just like what Chu Wuwei had told him before, the one in control of Chu’s future wasn’t Chu Tianjiao, Chu Wuwei nor Qin Wu. It was him, Qin Wentian.
Qin Wentian’s position was also the Emperor Star Academy’s position. If he supported Chu Wuwei, the experts of the Emperor Star Academy would naturally forsake Qin Wu. His position, was also the position of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and Greencloud Pavilion. These two transcendent powers would settle any backlash from the Nine Mystical Palace.
His position was also Qing`er’s position, the position of a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign.
As the sphere of light dissipated, Chu Tianjiao’s body fell to the ground. Chu Mang flew upwards as he caught hold of his second brother, before bringing the corpse to Chu Wuwei.
Chu Wuwei hugged the body of his brother, as he closed his eyes and sighed. Power was unfeeling. Being born in a royal family was not as luxurious as what others might think.
BOOM!
A body hurled downwards from the skies, slamming ruthlessly onto the ground. This was none other than the Heavenly Dipper Sovereign from the Nine Mystical Palace that fought against Qing`er.
“Cough cough.” Qin Wentian coughed as he inclined his head only to see the graceful figure of Qing`er descending.
Qing`er’s beautiful eyes stared at Qin Wentian, as though asking what she should do next.
“This matter is already concluded. Those from the Nine Mystical Palace can now leave. Go and tell the Nine Mystical Palace’s three factions of power that they are not allowed to step within the boundaries of Chu ever again. If they dare to defy the agreement made earlier, be prepared to face the consequences and suffer the flames of fury of my Ouyang Clan,” Ouyang Kuangsheng icily commanded. He seized the chance to speak before Qin Wentian, he didn’t want Qin Wentian to be too overbearing.
Ouyang knew that with his status, nothing would happen to him. But as for Qin Wentian, who wanted to roam the Grand Xia Empire in the future, and considering Qin Wentian’s current level of power, it wouldn’t be good if he pushed the Nine Mystical Palace too much. Only when he became strong enough in future should Qin Wentian storm the Nine Mystical Palace to get back what he was owned.
If a transcendent power was determined to deal with someone, Qin Wentian’s life in the future would be unbearably tough. At the very least, with him acting the role of the overbearing bully, he would be able to buy some time for Qin Wentian to grow.
“This goes for Greencloud Pavilion, as well. From today onwards, we will terminate all forms of relationship with the Nine Mystical Palace. Tell your leaders if they want to barge into Chu, my Greencloud Pavilion will be the first to take action,” Qian Mengyu’s position was the same as Ouyang Kuangsheng’s, with her words causing those from the Nine Mystical Palace to turn incomparably unsightly.
That earlier Heavenly Dipper Sovereign who was defeated by Qing`er said nothing. He merely waved his hands as he brought the remnants of those from the Nine Mystical Palace away.
Today, the Nine Mystical Palace had truly lost on all grounds. They no longer had the face to come back to Chu.
With the protection of both the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan and the Greencloud Pavilion, the leaders of the Nine Mystical Palace wouldn’t rashly take action for the sake of a deceased Luo Qianqiu. But, with Luo Tianya’s personality, he would surely make a move against Qin Wentian, the murderer of his son.
Soon after the departure of the Nine Mystical Palace, the four blood puppets were beheaded. By then, the situation was fully under control.
Now, the only question was whom should the authority to rule belong to? As well as the matter of future settlement of the grievances and grudges created here today.
“Wentian,” Qin Wu called out. Qin Wentian shifted his glance over to Qin Wu, yet he no longer felt the same emotions as he used to. Looking upon his adopted grandfather, the past feelings for that kindly old man no longer stirred up warm memories in his heart. On the contrary, he felt as though he was looking at a stranger.
“All thanks to you, our Qin Clan was finally avenged. Now, only the Ye Clan is remaining, we should finish them swiftly. Why don’t I take charge first?” Qin Wu smiled, his countenance serene.
However, Qin Wentian lightly shook his head. “Grandpa Qin, it’s already chaotic enough. According to the agreement, I think it’s a better idea for you to pull back your troops outside of the Royal Capital.”
Qin Wentian’s words caused Qin Wu to be stunned, as well as expressions of bewilderment and astonishment to appear on the face of many. Was Qin Wentian hinting to Qin Wu that he should give up on his attempts of securing the rulership?
“Wentian, I’m still worried,” Qin Wu continued, “I, Qin Wu, do not hanker after power or riches. I’m already so old, I don’t ever want my descendants to suffer what I went through again. How about after I stabilise Chu, your father Qin Chuan shall be the one to ascend the throne?”
Qin Wentian froze, as he glanced towards Qin Chuan.
Qin Chuan cast a glance to his father Qin Wu, and then towards Qin Wentian, and his eyes made clear his internal conflict. He then drew in a deep breath, as a gentle smile appeared on his face. “Wentian, I will respect your wishes, just make the decision according to what your heart tells you.”
Qin Wentian nodded, as a radiant smile blossomed on his face. “Thank you, father.”
“May I request to speak privately with general Qin Wu?” At this moment Chu Mang escorted Chu Wuwei towards Qin Wu. Chu Wuwei made a gesture of invitation, signalling to an area not far from there.
Qin Wu frowned, but he still followed Chu Wuwei to the side.
“General Qin Wu, everything should have already been concluded. After I become the Emperor, I will grant several cities to the Qin Clan, as well as bestow upon you a Kingship. As for those that threw in their lot to support you, I vow I will not touch them in revenge. I only hope that they will be able to defend Chu from external threats,” Chu Wuwei stated.
Qin Wu gazed at him, before calmly replying, “What if I disagree?”
“There are some things I don’t wish to make too transparent,” Chu Wuwei just as calmly replied, “I also don’t wish to influence the relationship between you and Qin Wentian. In the Royal Capital, exactly how many people were capable of killing Xiao Lan? Gu He was precisely one of the few that could. Gu He was a protector of my third brother, Chu Tianjiao and was once a follower of the former Emperor, my father. Yet when Xiao Lan had died, Gu He wasn’t by the side of my brother.”
“Not only that, I also knew that Gu He, before he changed his name, was a follower of the Wu King back in his days of glory,” Chu Wuwei slowly continued, leaving the rest unsaid, as his words caused the pupils of Qin Wu to narrow.