AGM 232 - The name of Mo Qingcheng
Bailu Yi swept her gaze across the crowd, “After this, you will all select a Divine Inscription engraved on the stonewall and try to inscribe it yourself. If your performance is good enough, I shall be the Teacher for this batch instead.”
The eyes of the crowd brightened as they heard Bailu Yi’s words. There was no one that doubted Bailu Yi’s attainments in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions despite her age. As the most outstanding Divine Inscriptionist among the younger generation, Bailu Yi’s level of expertise was extremely terrifying. Moreover, she was a great beauty, so the crowd was more than willing, especially the younger guys, who had already started to fantasize.
If they could take this chance to catch her eye...“Are these fellows serious?” Leng Ning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she turned her gaze onto the crowd, their eyes had already totally lit up with anticipation. Naturally, Fan Le was one of them. “White Deer Institute wishes to find a talented young man to be Bailu Yi’s companion. Sadly, she has only one requirement - the man who wishes to have her as his wife only needs to have a higher level of attainment than her in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions.”
“Is her attainment really that high?” Qin Wentian asked, astonishment coloring his face.
“What do you think? The White Deer Institute specialises in Divine Inscriptions, not to mention she has a forging-type Astral Soul. How could she not be an expert? Don’t tell me you wish to court her as well?” Leng Ning studied Qin Wentian. All these men were the same, a bunch of horny things, there wasn’t a single good’un among them.
Upon seeing the slightly ‘unkind’ gaze Leng Ning was shooting his way, Qin Wentian felt extremely depressed. Beautiful things would naturally have their share of admirers. First of all, not counting whether he liked Bailu Yi or not, even if he wished to court her, there was no need for Leng Ning to stare at him in such a way, right?
“I already have someone I love.” Qin Wentian shook his head, as he smiled. Only then did Leng Ning stop.
“Yeah, his girlfriend is really so hot, the number one beauty in the Pill Emperor Hall,” Fan Le interjected. Leng Ning’s gaze momentarily froze as she stared at Fan Le. “Why not say his girlfriend is Mo Qingcheng?”
“How did you know?” This reply caused Fan Le to be stunned. He was just casually interjecting, yet Leng Ning had actually guessed it.
Seeing how serious Fan Le’s countenance was as she looked at him, Leng Ning drew in a huge breath before saying a single word, “Scram.”
This fellow was way too shameless.
“You are acquainted with Mo Qingcheng?” Qin Wentian inquired in a low voice, his heart thumping.
Leng Ning had a bizarre look in her eyes as she stared at Qin Wentian. After which, she replied icily, “A few months ago, the Pill Emperor’s daughter, Luo He, brought back a treasured disciple she found on her travels. Several major powers went to offer their congratulations. This matter caused a commotion that shook the Moon Continent, it was circulated that this new disciple was named Mo Qingcheng and had features so beautiful that she was capable of toppling kingdoms and empires. Now, there’s no one around that doesn't know the name, Mo Qingcheng.”
“However, you guys are truly without any sense of shame, to think that you can even utter such words.”
“Hu…” Qin Wentian drew in a deep breath, as a bitter smile curled his lips. It seemed like he had to hurry up and gain control and the acceptance of this branch of the ‘hidden’ Azure Faction. If not, he wouldn’t even have the qualifications to meet Qingcheng. Even a stranger like Leng Ning felt that he was a daydreaming idiot.
However, this branch had concealed itself for a few thousand years. Qin Wentian didn’t understand a single thing about the White Deer Institute, so he could only take it step by step, entering the Institute first and then becoming a core member.
“Enough, come and inscribe your chosen Inscriptions on the stone wall over here.” At this moment, the old man beside Bailu Yi spoke, as he led the prospective students to a place with many stone monuments, each displaying countless attempted Divine Inscriptions on it. This should be where the previous test candidates had inscribed their Divine Inscriptions.
The people in the crowd walked towards their selected stone monuments. Fan Le and Chu Mang stood on the left and right of Qin Wentian as they scratched their heads. They didn’t even have a basic understanding regarding comprehension of Divine Inscriptions.
Qin Wentian had already chosen which Divine Inscription he wanted to inscribe. Directing the Astral Energy within his body, he channelled it to his finger as a mote of starlight appeared. He then inscribed the outlines of his chosen Divine Inscription - that of a flying sword, on the stone monument. This was all done in an unbroken rhythm, with him completing it in a single attempt.
“I’m done, will Miss Bailu please take a look?” A voice broke the silence of the air, the person who spoke was none other than Yan Kong. He completed his inscription roughly about the same time as Qin Wentian. As the gazes of the crowd drifted over, they only saw the outline of an eagle majestically flying in the skies. An aura emanated forth from the stone monument, causing people to involuntarily sigh in admiration. The level of standards for this newly inscribed Divine Inscription had already surpassed the one on the original stone wall.
“Indeed, he’s someone from the Yan Clan, his talent in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions is abnormally high,” many mused in their hearts. The Yan Clan, was exceptionally famous in this region.
Leng Ning’s gaze was somewhat unsightly. After a while, she had also completed her inscription. Although it wasn’t bad, there was an obvious disparity between hers and Yan Kong’s. She did her very best and barely met the mark of inscribing a second-ranked Divine Inscription. She had already reached her limits. She could only stare dumbly at her own inscription, while feeling a slight sadness in her heart.
“Once you have completed the inscription, please stand over to the other side.”
“Have you completed your inscription of a second-ranked Divine Inscription?” Leng Ning appeared preoccupied, as she turned her head and asked Qin Wentian. He had chosen a flying sword, what a simple Divine Inscription.
“Yeah.” Qin Wentian lightly nodded.
“If there are no other variables, he should be able to obtain the top score.” Fan Le was extremely familiar with Qin Wentian’s attainment in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions. He could already inscribe perfect third-ranked Inscriptions, not to mention second-ranked ones.
After everyone was done, that old man and Bailu Yi walked about, gazing at the completed works of each of the students. As they studied the inscription done by Yan Kong, the old man smiled as he intoned in a low voice to Bailu Yi, “Yan Kong’s ability in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions is indeed impressive. If you study within the White Deer Institute for a period of time, your attainment will be even higher. There are several talents within this batch of students, but Yan Kong is the strongest.”
“Hmm, you are wrong.” Suddenly, Bailu Yi walked forward to pause in front of a stone monument.
The old man’s countenance faltered, as he turned his gaze upon the stone monument that caught Bailu Yi’s attention. On the monument, an inscription of a sword could be seen. The outline appeared extremely simple. Although it emitted a sensation of sharpness when one gazed upon it, it was after all, one of the easiest Divine Inscriptions to inscribe.
Bailu Yi extended her index finger out, as Astral Energy flowed from within her into the Divine Inscription.
Chichi~ The sensation of sharpness intensified. Cracking sounds rang out, as the keening of a sword could be heard. In the next moment, the stone monument split apart, leaving behind a deep-looking sword scar.
“Returning to its natural state, the attainment of this person has, at the very least, reached the large-success stage for the second level.” Bailu Yi’s eyes gleamed, as she asked the old man, “Who was the one who inscribed this?”
“I don’t know who he is, I’ve never met this young man around here before. Bailu Yi, will you be the teacher for this batch of students?” the old man inquired.
“Yeah, I’ll do it.” Bailu Yi nodded her head. “Bring them to the institute after collecting their Yuan Meteor Stones.”
“Right.” The old man turned and started to make the arrangements.
Within the Institute, there were many stone desks and stone seats. In front of them was a stone wall with various kinds of Divine Inscriptions carved upon it. Qin Wentian sat beside Leng Ning, while Fan Le and Chu Mang sat behind him.
Bailu Yi stood at the front of the stone desks with her back facing the stone wall. Looking at the students, she stated, “Some of you don’t even have the slightest concept of what Divine Inscriptions are, yet choose to waste your time here. Since you’ve made your choice, I won’t say anything much regarding that. In any case, there’s one person among you guys whose attainment has, at the very least, reached the largest stage of success for the second level. I regard that person highly.”
Chu Mang fidgeted about uncomfortably while rubbing his head, as an expression of ‘you-caught-me’ appeared on his face. While Fan Le who was beside him, didn’t have any shame at all. He continued staring intently at Bailu Yi, taking in her features, as he lost himself in admiration.
Upon hearing her words, many in the crowd shifted their gazes onto Yan Kong. The person whom Bailu Yi spoke of, it should be Yan Kong, right?
Feeling the stares of others, Yan Kong sat up straighter as a smile filled with pride appeared on his face.
Leng Ning felt a sense of defeat as her countenance turned cool.
“Divine Inscriptions are the most mysterious sources of energy in this world. With Divine Inscriptions, one can forge Divine Weapons, set up Formations, and even use the Divine Inscriptions themselves in battle. The Dao of Divine Inscriptions, encompasses the Dao of Heaven and Earth. The power it contains, is boundless,” Bailu Yi lectured.
“Are Divine Inscriptions really that powerful? Even if your level of attainment in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions is higher compared to mine? As long as my cultivation is stronger, I could defeat you with ease,” Fan Le spoke. Bailu Yi glanced at him before replying, “Look at what you have inscribed, I mean drawn. The picture of a white puppy. Good drawing skills indeed.”
“HAHAHA!” Immediately, everyone exploded with laughter. Luckily, Fan Le’s skin was thick, so he didn’t mind the ribbing.
“Have you heard before the story where a Yuanfu Cultivator slayed a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign?” Bailu Yi asked Fan Le.
“It’s impossible, right?”
“Naturally this is impossible for ordinary cultivators, but for powerful Divine Inscriptionists, they could do so by borrowing the power contained within Heaven and Earth. Over here in the Moon Continent, there’s a grandmaster in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions with a cultivation base at the Yuanfu Realm who slayed an awe-inspiring Heavenly Dipper Sovereign. Not only that, this matter was personally witnessed by many, you can just ask around.”
Bailu Yi casually explained, while the countenances of the crowd remained stoic and solemn. Apparently, they all knew of this matter.
“That strong?” Fan Le grinned.
Leng Ning turned her head to roll her eyes at Fan Le. This fellow simply had no idea how powerful the White Deer Institute was.
In the Dao of Divine Inscriptions, the White Deer Institute was the most famous and strongest among all powers within the Moon Continent. They had Inscriptions for Divine Weapons, Inscriptions for Formations, Inscriptions for Battles. They were extremely proficient with all types of usage regarding Divine Inscriptions.
Bailu Yi didn’t reply to Fan Le. She continued lecturing while Qin Wentian quietly listened. Although his talent in Divine Inscriptions could be considered monstrous, his knowledge regarding the Dao of Divine Inscriptions was extremely lacking.
Divine Inscriptions were undoubtedly the key that would allow him to enter the White Deer Institute.
The lesson lasted for four hours. Qin Wentian felt that he had benefited tremendously. After the lesson, they respectively departed from the White Deer Institute.
“How do you feel?” Leng Ning asked Qin Wentian.
“Not bad, Bailu Yi’s attainment in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions was indeed at a high enough level. In fact, her explanation caused me to gain some insights,” Qin Wentian replied with a laugh.
Leng Ning turned speechless. Qin Wentian’s words were sounding more and more boastful, maybe that was his personality? Actually, Qin Wentian only said what he said because his level of attainment in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions was high enough. Yet, Leng Ning kept thinking that Qin Wentian’s aptitude in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions was just ordinary, which was why she felt Qin Wentian was bragging.“Miss Leng, we came here in a hurry and have no place to stay. Would it be an inconvenience if we stayed at your residence for a few days??” Fan Le interjected as he walked to Leng Ning’s side.
“.........” For a moment, Qin Wentian was at a loss for words, before he then replied, “It’s fine, we will find an inn to stay in. Little Rascal, come here.”
However, Little Rascal merely snuggled even more contently against Leng Ning’s bosom and refused to budge an inch. Its actions caused Qin Wentian to be speechless. This fellow was as lecherous as Fan Le.
“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, my residence isn’t far away and there are many empty rooms about. There’s no problem, you guys can stay for a few days,” Leng Ning replied, she was very fond of Little Rascal. Although Qin Wentian loved to boast, his character wasn’t bad. Perhaps he tended to brag as a way to seem superior than he really was, somehow believing he could actually impress the ladies in this manner?