Chapter 2: Gratitude and Betrayal

"Brother Wentian," Bai Qing said, her eyes red and seemingly filled with tears as she looked at Qin Wentian. "My Bai family has wronged you."

"Brother Wentian, please stop talking." Qing'er handed the dagger to Qin Wentian, but saw him shake his head, gently touching Qing'er's face and revealing a soft smile: "Even if I, Qin Wentian, am powerless, how could I ever point a dagger at you"

"Go ahead, but do not wander around these days," Bai Qingsong said淡淡地. Subsequently, Qin Wentian left this place. In the following two days, Qin Wentian did not see Bai Qingsong again, nor did he see Bai Qiuxue. Meanwhile, news of Bai Qiuxue becoming a genius spread throughout Tianyong City.

"Ask the heavens, even if one cannot cultivate, it does not matter; do not be too hard on yourself." Bai Qingsong did not respond to Qin Wentian's words, but instead spoke to himself, causing Qin Wentian to be momentarily taken aback, and then he smiled and said: "I will work hard."

What has happened? Qin Wentian felt a slight chill on his body. Ever since that day when he helped Bai Qiuxue awaken her star soul, everything seemed to have suddenly changed.

"Brother Wentian, my father... the Bai family, they might want to kill you." Tears streamed down Bai Qing's face, her voice trembling. Her words struck Qin Wentian's heart like a bolt from the blue, leaving him stunned. Kill him?

"Qing'er, go ahead," Qin Wentian said with a smile at Bai Qing, causing Bai Qing's expression to stiffen: "Brother Wentian."

"Uncle Bai, if you do not wish to fulfill this marriage contract, you may speak to me directly," Qin Wentian murmured to himself, feeling a slight pain in his heart. Could it be that everything in the past three years was merely a facade?

Qin Wentian smiled at this. Everyone believed that he was born with a severed meridian and unable to cultivate, yet they did not know that it was Hei Bo who had instructed him to shatter his own meridians. He had never doubted Hei Bo's words. He utilized what Hei Bo taught him and had already helped Qiu Xue condense her Star Soul. However, Hei Bo had never allowed Qin Wentian to mention him in front of outsiders.

On the third day, when Qin Wentian finished his morning meditation, he discovered that two guards had appeared outside his courtyard. As he walked towards the outside, he saw the two guards blocking his path. This scene made Qin Wentian's heart skip a beat, and his expression changed instantly. Coldly, he said, "What do you mean by this?"

Bai Qingsong stared into Qin Wentian's eyes, clearly surprised. This gentle youth had changed so quickly. After a long silence, he turned and walked out, saying: "Take the second young lady back, and she is not to step outside even a single step. Qin Wentian is not to leave this courtyard."

Seven days from now will be Uncle Bai's fiftieth birthday, and I will gather the star souls on that day, which can be considered a gift for Uncle Bai

At this moment, Bai Qingsong felt incredibly unfamiliar to Qin Wentian. He smiled slightly, his heart completely dead. Looking at Bai Qingsong, he said: "I would like to know, what is Qiu Xue's stance on this matter?"

"Landlord." Outside, a voice called out, followed by the sound of many footsteps, causing Bai Qing's face to turn pale: "Brother Wentian, hurry up."

"Do not ask why, Brother Wentian, you should leave quickly." Bai Qing's eyes were filled with tears, and Qin Wentian was silent for a moment before he spoke: "I have been placed under house arrest, how can I leave?"

"It is quite chaotic outside, Young Master Qin has been staying here obediently these past few days." One person said coldly, causing Qin Wentian's heart to sink further. In the past, everyone from the Bai family would respectfully address him as 'son-in-law', yet at this moment, the other party spoke to him in such a cold tone

The Ye family of the Imperial City. Qin Wentian's heart grew even colder: The Qin family has a mortal enemy, thus the Bai family intends to use my life to express their stance, sever ties with the Qin family, and form a marriage alliance with the Ye family

Qin Wentian understood that the Bai family and the Qin family had established a marriage alliance primarily to leverage the power of the Qin residence. However, even so, why did the Bai family dare to treat him this way today

"Qing'er, tell me the reason." Qin Wentian's gaze was fixed on Bai Qing. Bai Qing hurriedly replied, "After my sister became a genius, the news spread to the imperial city of Chu that very night, and the Ye family in the imperial city expressed their intention to arrange a marriage."

"You all be quiet." A reprimanding voice came from afar. Qin Wentian looked up and saw Bai Qing jogging over, pulling Qin Wentian as she headed towards the room.

I heard that last night the young lady became a martial arts practitioner, but I wonder if this engagement can still be preserved. In the distance, some servants watched Qin Wentian running and whispered among themselves

The son-in-law cannot cultivate, and is unable to even become the most ordinary martial artist. Thus, he hopes to enter the first realm of body refinement through running, which is undoubtedly a pipe dream. The servants of the Bai family look down on Qin Wentian. If it were not for his good fortune of being the young master of the Qin family, their family head would never choose such a useless son-in-law.

"Hmm." Qin Wentian nodded and said, "How is Qiu Xue? I would like to go see her."

Indeed, that night the head of the Ye family convened a high-level family meeting and simultaneously disseminated the news. It is said that the young lady communicated with the Martial Destiny Star, which is a star in the third star river, and even among Martial Destiny practitioners, it is considered an exceptional genius

"Asking the heavens." A voice emerged, and Bai Qingsong's figure appeared, looking at Qin Wentian: "Are you running again?"

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

Qin Wentian's heart had grown cold to the depths of despair; he was not a fool and could not fail to realize what had transpired. He had been placed under house arrest. Recalling the words spoken to him by Uncle Bai, he understood that the Bai family intended to destroy this marriage contract.

They were unaware that these voices had reached Qin Wentian's ears. He had meditated for many years, and his perception was beyond that of ordinary people; he could hear even the faintest sounds. However, he paid no attention to these rumors. Qiuxue had known him for three years, and the two often gathered together, like family. Even if Qiuxue did not like him, it did not matter; when the time came, their families could discuss it and annul the engagement. Qiuxue would still be his sister.

Unknowingly, Qin Wentian arrived at the courtyard where Bai Qingsong was located, and could not help but pause slightly

Moreover, the energy contained in the stars of the third heaven is far greater than that of the first heaven, and the more powerful the gathered star souls, it seems that the position of that waste is in jeopardy

"Impudent." Qin Wentian scolded, "I want to see Uncle Bai."

Today, as long as I die in the Bai family, regardless of the reason for my death, I can guarantee that my adoptive father will surely lead his army to level the Bai family to the ground. Qin Wentian suddenly shouted loudly, his gaze calm and fearless as he fixed his eyes on Bai Qingsong, and in that instant, the gentle face of the young man was filled with a resolute expression

Young Master Qin, it is better not to interfere; just stay well and be at ease

What Qin Wentian cares about is not the title of son-in-law, but rather an attitude

"Bai Qing, come here," a cold voice echoed, as Bai Qingsong said icily

No, Father, it is because of Brother Wentian that my sister is able to communicate with the stars of the Third Heaven and awaken her Star Soul. Why must we repay kindness with enmity

"You do not need to know." Bai Qingsong responded coldly, a hint of murderous intent subtly revealing itself from his demeanor

There is no need to force it; in fact, being an ordinary person, starting a family, and living a simple life is also a good choice. Bai Qingsong said again, causing Qin Wentian to freeze in place, looking at Bai Qingsong and feeling that the other person seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Qin Wentian, not only are you a natural-born waste, but your character is also corrupt, as you harbor improper intentions towards a young lady. Speak for yourself, how should I deal with you

"Alright." A smile appeared on Qin Wentian's face as he said, "Uncle Bai, I will take my leave now."

The morning air was exceptionally fresh. Qin Wentian had meditated throughout the night, feeling refreshed and invigorated. He got up early to go for a run. Not having absorbed the essence of heaven and earth for cultivation, his physique was somewhat weak; thus, he chose this most primitive method to temper his body. The servants of the Bai family could see Qin Wentian every morning. At first, they found it rather strange, but they gradually became accustomed to it.

Uncle Bai, before your Bai family has the ability to confront the Qin residence, I advise you that it is best not to provoke me

"Remember what I have taught you." Qin Wentian gently patted Bai Qing's head, pushing her back to Bai Qingsong's side. He then turned his gaze towards Bai Qingsong and asked, "Uncle Bai, how do you intend to treat me?"

Indeed, humans are inherently endowed with a star gate that can accommodate star souls; however, without talent, one cannot condense them at all. Yet, the young lady can now perceive the stars of the Third Heaven. Once she reaches the Ninth Level of Body Refinement and steps into the Wheel Meridian Realm, she will be able to open another star gate. At that time, condensing the second star soul will be effortless, at least as formidable as the one from the Third Heaven. It would be incredible if she could open more star gates in the future

A guard revealed a cold smile at the corner of his mouth, staring at Qin Wentian and said: "Waste, I will say it again, you should just stay put, do you really still think of yourself as a son-in-law?"

Your sister possesses extraordinary talent, having independently communicated with the stars of the Third Heaven. When will you need his assistance?" Bai Qingsong looked at Bai Qing and said, "Qing'er, you are still naive. Listen to your father's words and come back.

I do not understand. Qin Wentian said: "Qing'er, I want to meet your father. If he is unwilling, I can have my adoptive father sit down with him to discuss tearing up this marriage contract. I, Qin Wentian, and the Qin residence will not force this matter."

I have prepared a swift horse for you at the back door, quickly take me as a hostage and leave. Bai Qing handed a dagger to Qin Wentian, causing his expression to stiffen.

Why? Qin Wentian was bewildered and confused