C9 Talent

"What do you propose we do?"

Qin Xuan, to the best of my knowledge, lacked even a basic understanding of martial arts and didn't have a formidable guard to his name. Silently taking out a disciple of the Grayhands wouldn't be easy.

With a knowing look, Qin Xuan said, "Just focus on increasing the odds. Leave the rest to me. When the time comes, you'll simply collect the money."

At the mention of "money," Qin Lang's eyes sparkled. "Agreed. You just wait and see!"

With that, he sauntered out of the Imperial City, the jade pendant in hand.

He had been eyeing some purchases but was reluctant to ask his father for funds. A hefty profit from this venture would be most welcome!

Once Qin Lang was out of sight, Squirt approached with his hands in his pockets. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has just left. I've looked into it—the Emperor is alright. He just caught a chill last night and needs a few days' rest."

Qin Xuan nodded in relief; it was good to hear his father was well, sparing him from accusations that the illness was his doing.

"So, where to now? Back to the same spot as yesterday?"

"Not today. We're heading to the Sylvan Lodge."

Squirt was taken aback by his compliance. What had gotten into His Highness today?

Striding towards the Sylvan Lodge, Qin Xuan beckoned Squirt to keep up. "Check the treasury and see how much silver we have. Withdraw it all."

Originally, his plan was simple: to give Yu Lin a proper scolding at the Rite of Induction and get some payback for Squirt. But Qin Lang's suggestion had been a revelation. It would be foolish not to seize this chance to turn a tidy profit.

As evening fell, the sky blushed with crimson hues, and a soft breeze whispered through the air.

The garden was perfumed with the subtle scent of flowers, transporting one to an ethereal realm.

The zither's resonant notes floated on the breeze, now twisting and soaring, now deep and melodious, like a secluded maiden pouring out her heart to a blooming rose.

Qin Xuan's zither performance had reached a transcendent level. The young eunuchs and maidservants before him were spellbound, their eyes brimming with unspoken sorrow, utterly captivated by the melody.

Squirt, in particular, who had been in the palace for quite some time and hadn't seen his family in ages, found his eyes reddening at the poignant strains of the music.

When the piece concluded, a hush fell over the pavilion; everyone was still lost in the echoes of the notes, unable to break free from their reverie.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The sharp sound of applause broke the silence, originating from outside the pavilion. Moments later, a graceful figure glided in.

Wu Ji's water-blue gown draped over her lithe, statuesque form, lending her an ethereal lightness, and her delicate face shone with a lunar pallor.

"You played beautifully, but you must not play again," she said, her gaze sweeping over the maids who were still entranced. A slight frown creased her brow. "Otherwise, those with ulterior motives might witness this scene and accuse you of using your music to bewitch people's minds."

Qin Xuan shrugged nonchalantly. "I pay no mind to such idle gossip."

He had never been one to concern himself with the opinions of others.

Wu Ji appeared contemplative, for the music had subtly stirred her own emotions, though she was accustomed to concealing her inner thoughts.

"Thrum..."

Qin Xuan struck the zither strings, ready to seize the moment and play another tune, but Wu Ji unexpectedly extended her delicate fingers and clasped his wrist.

It was too late for him to retract his hand, and he felt a refreshing coolness travel from her fingertips into his arm, permeating his entire being with comfort.

"What's happening?" he asked.

Wu Ji's brows knitted together in a frown, her eyes filled with suspicion. She had previously discerned that his martial arts prowess had attained the second level, yet now there was no sign of martial arts cultivation within him.

She had second-guessed her senses and checked again with his other hand, only to find the same result.

There was no trace of martial arts cultivation in his body.

This was peculiar indeed!

Martial arts cultivation, once achieved, wouldn't just vanish under normal circumstances. Even in the case of a cultivation deviation, a sliver of it would be detectable.

Unless...

He had concealed his level of cultivation within his body!

However, concealing one's cultivation level requires reaching at least the fifth level of the Innate Realm.

Qin Xuan caught the flicker in Wu Ji's eyes and realized something. He suddenly seized her delicate hand and gave it a firm stroke.

"My dear wife, your hand is so smooth!"

"Scoundrel!" Wu Ji spun gracefully, distancing herself with a few steps, her almond-shaped eyes glaring at him. "Keep your hands to yourself, or I'll chop them off!"

Qin Xuan grinned sheepishly. "I just couldn't resist. I spaced out for a moment, and before I knew it, my hand had a mind of its own."

"Utter nonsense!" She shot him a fierce glare. "You'd be better off studying the Sword Manual!"

"I have been..."

"Then what's with your cultivation level?"

Qin Xuan scratched his head. "I'm not sure. It might have something to do with my state of being."

Wu Ji had never heard such a thing and was naturally skeptical.

Realizing he couldn't keep up the charade, Qin Xuan extended his hand again. "Take another look. Does it seem to have improved somewhat?"

Wu Ji remained dubious but proceeded to check again. To her astonishment, Qin Xuan's martial arts cultivation had reached the third level of the Houtian Realm!

"How is that possible? In just two days?"

Such a rate of cultivation was inconceivable!

She had always been exceptionally talented and quick to learn martial arts, but even she had taken nearly a year to reach the third level of the Houtian Realm. How could an ordinary person achieve this in mere days?

"Tell me the truth..."

She paused, signaling for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave.

Once they were alone, she pressed on, "Have you been practicing some secret cultivation method? How else could your martial arts have advanced so rapidly?"

Qin Xuan straightened up, meeting her gaze earnestly. "I haven't practiced any secret methods. I've just been studying the Sword Manual you gave me. Perhaps my rapid progress is due to an innate gift?"

Wu Ji's expression chilled. If he truly had such a gift, why had it only become apparent now?

Over the years, Wu Ji had tried to teach Qin Xuan the ways of cultivation, but he had always been more interested in the arts—immersing himself daily in the zither, chess, painting, and calligraphy. He showed little enthusiasm for martial arts, dismissing it as the pursuit of brutes, unsuited for someone who preferred a life free from violence. So why this sudden change of heart? She was skeptical.

"I've had the same dream repeatedly these past few days," Qin Xuan said earnestly. "In it, a celestial sister opens my Spiritvein and offers to impart her cultivation method to me. Could it be related?"

"Nonsense! Dreams can't just become reality," Wu Ji retorted.

"But my martial arts skills have genuinely improved!" Qin Xuan insisted, a mix of sincerity and innocence in his eyes. "If you don't believe me, ask around. I haven't done anything special, just played music like I always do."

"Are you telling the truth?" Wu Ji asked, her expression turning grave.

Qin Xuan nodded affirmatively.

Despite her initial disbelief, Wu Ji had to confront the fact that Qin Xuan had indeed reached the third level of the Houtian realm. Reluctantly, she had to accept the possibility.