Chapter 2

The air was particularly fresh in the early morning. Qin Wentian had meditated all night, feeling refreshed and invigorated. He got up early to go jogging. He did not absorb the elemental energy of heaven and earth for cultivation, so his constitution was weak. Therefore, he used this most primitive method to temper his body. The servants of the Bai family could see Qin Wentian every early morning. At first, they found it strange, but gradually they got used to it.

"Word has it that Miss Bai became a Wu Ming cultivator last night. I wonder if this marriage can still be preserved," a servant whispered, looking at Qin Wentian who was jogging.

"Yes, the family head convened a high-level family meeting that night and spread the news. It is said that the Wu Ming star Miss Bai communicated with is from the third star river. Even among Wu Ming cultivators, she is a top genius."

"Indeed, humans are born with a star gate that can accommodate a star soul, but without talent, it is impossible to condense one. However, Miss Bai can already sense the stars of the third heaven. In the future, after reaching the ninth level of the Body Tempering stage and entering the Meridian stage, she can open another star gate. At that time, she can easily condense a second star soul, at least from the third heaven. She is too powerful. If she can open more star gates in the future..."

"Not only that, the energy contained in the stars of the third heaven is much greater than that of the first heaven. The star soul condensed will be even more powerful. Tsk, tsk, it seems the position of that waste is in danger."

They did not know that these words had all reached Qin Wentian's ears. He had meditated for many years, and his perception was far beyond that of ordinary people. He could hear even the slightest sounds. However, he did not pay attention to these rumors. Qiu Xue had known him for three years, and they often met, like family. Even if Qiu Xue did not like him, it did not matter. When the time came, the two families could discuss and annul the engagement. Qiu Xue would still be his sister.

"In seven days, it will be Uncle Bai's fiftieth birthday. I will condense a star soul on that day as a gift for Uncle Bai."

Qin Wentian smiled at this thought. Everyone thought he was a natural cripple and could not cultivate, but they did not know that it was Uncle Hei who had made him destroy his meridians. He had never doubted Uncle Hei's words. Using what Uncle Hei taught him, he had already helped Qiu Xue condense a star soul. However, Uncle Hei never allowed Qin Wentian to mention him to others.

Unconsciously, Qin Wentian arrived at the courtyard where Bai Qingsong was staying and stopped for a moment.

"Wentian." A voice came, and Bai Qingsong's figure appeared. He looked at Qin Wentian and said, "Running again?"

"Uh-huh." Qin Wentian nodded. "How is Qiu Xue? I want to see her."

"Wentian, even if you cannot cultivate, it's not a big deal. Don't be too hard on yourself," Bai Qingsong said, ignoring Qin Wentian's question. Qin Wentian was taken aback for a moment and then smiled, "I will try my best."

"There's no need to force it. Actually, living a simple life, getting married, and living a peaceful life is also a good choice," Bai Qingsong added, making Qin Wentian stiffen. He looked at Bai Qingsong, feeling a bit estranged.

"Alright." Qin Wentian's face showed a smile again. "Uncle Bai, I'll go now."

"Go ahead, don't wander around these few days," Bai Qingsong said indifferently. Qin Wentian then left. Over the next two days, he did not see Bai Qingsong or Bai Qiu Xue, but the news of Bai Qiu Xue becoming a genius spread throughout Tianyong City.

On the third day, when Qin Wentian finished his morning meditation, he found two guards outside his courtyard. As he walked out, the two guards blocked his way. This scene made Qin Wentian's heart skip a beat, and his face instantly changed. He coldly asked, "What do you mean by this?"

"It's chaotic outside. Young Master Qin, you'd better stay here for the next few days," one of them said coldly. Qin Wentian's heart sank. In the past, everyone in the Bai family would respectfully call him "son-in-law," but now, they spoke to him with such a cold tone.

What Qin Wentian cared about was not the title of "son-in-law," but the attitude.

"What happened?" Qin Wentian felt a chill. Since the day he helped Bai Qiu Xue awaken her star soul, everything seemed to have changed suddenly.

"Young Master Qin, don't worry about it. Just stay here," the guard said.

"Rubbish." Qin Wentian shouted, "I want to see Uncle Bai."

One of the guards sneered and stared at Qin Wentian. "Waste, I'll say it again. Just stay here. Do you really think you're still a son-in-law?"

Qin Wentian's heart sank to the bottom. He was not a fool and could sense what was happening. He was being confined. Recalling what Uncle Bai had said, he knew that the Bai family wanted to break the engagement.

"Uncle Bai, if you don't want to fulfill this engagement, you can just tell me directly," Qin Wentian whispered to himself, feeling a pain in his heart. Could everything over the past three years have been a facade?

Qin Wentian knew that the Bai family and the Qin family had arranged the engagement to leverage the power of the Qin family. Even so, why did the Bai family dare to treat him like this today?

"Shut up." A voice shouted, and Qin Wentian looked up to see Bai Qing running over. She pulled Qin Wentian into the room.

"Brother Wentian." Bai Qing's eyes were red, as if she had been crying. She looked at Qin Wentian and said, "Brother Wentian, my family has wronged you."

"I don't understand." Qin Wentian said, "Qing'er, I want to see your father. If he refuses, I can have my adoptive father sit down and discuss the annulment of the engagement. I, Qin Wentian, and the Qin family will not force it."

"Brother Wentian, my father... the Bai family, they might want to kill you." Bai Qing's tears flowed, her voice trembling. Her words were like a bolt of lightning, stunning Qin Wentian. Kill him?

"Why?" Qin Wentian was bewildered and confused.

"Don't ask why. Brother Wentian, you must leave now." Bai Qing's eyes were filled with tears. Qin Wentian was silent for a moment and then said, "I am already confined. How can I leave?"

"I have prepared a fast horse for you at the back gate. Grab me as a hostage and go," Bai Qing said, handing Qin Wentian a dagger, making him stiffen.

"Family head." A voice came from outside, followed by many footsteps, making Bai Qing's face pale. "Brother Wentian, hurry."

"Qing'er, tell me the reason," Qin Wentian stared at Bai Qing. Bai Qing said urgently, "After Sister became a genius, the news spread to the capital of Chu Kingdom that night. The Ye family in the capital is interested in an alliance."

"The Ye family in the capital." Qin Wentian's heart grew even colder. "The mortal enemy of the Qin family. So, the Bai family wants to use my life to show their stance, sever ties with the Qin family, and ally with the Ye family."

"Brother Wentian, don't talk anymore." Qing'er pushed the dagger into Qin Wentian's hand, but he shook his head, touched her face, and smiled gently. "I, Qin Wentian, no matter how incapable, would never use a dagger against you."

The door was pushed open, and Bai Qing's face turned pale as paper.

"Bai Qing, come here." A cold voice came, and Bai Qingsong said coldly.

"No, Father, Sister was able to communicate with the stars of the third heaven and awaken her star soul because of Brother Wentian. Why repay kindness with enmity?" Bai Qing shouted at Bai Qingsong.

"Your sister has astonishing talent and communicated with the stars of the third heaven on her own. When did she need his help?" Bai Qingsong looked at Bai Qing and said, "Qing'er, you are still young. Listen to your father and come back."

"Qing'er, go." Qin Wentian smiled at Bai Qing, making her stiffen. "Brother Wentian."

"Remember what I taught you." Qin Wentian patted Bai Qing's head and pushed her back to Bai Qingsong's side. He then looked at Bai Qingsong and said, "Uncle Bai, what do you want to do to me?"

"Qin Wentian, not only are you a natural cripple, but you also have improper intentions towards my daughter. Tell me, how should I deal with you?"

At this moment, Bai Qingsong seemed completely unfamiliar to Qin Wentian. He smiled, his heart completely dead. He looked at Bai Qingsong and said, "I want to know, what is Qiu Xue's stance on this matter?"

"You don't need to know." Bai Qingsong responded coldly, a hint of killing intent in his eyes.

"Today, if I die in the Bai family, no matter the reason, I can guarantee that my adoptive father will lead an army to raze the Bai family to the ground," Qin Wentian suddenly shouted, his eyes fearless as he stared at Bai Qingsong. In an instant, the gentle youth's face was filled with determination.

"Uncle Bai, before your Bai family has the power to resist the Qin family, I advise you not to touch me."

Bai Qingsong stared into Qin Wentian's eyes. Clearly, he was surprised by the rapid change in this gentle youth. After a long silence, he turned and walked out, saying, "Take the second miss back and do not let her out again. Qin Wentian, you are not to step out of this courtyard gate."

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