Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The incident outside the Tai Yi Celestial Sect’s shop in Alchemy City that happened a month ago had spread in the city. Almost everyone present in the Alchemy Square was aware that the Tai Yi Celestial Sect’s Chief Celestial Alchemist was a prominent Celestial Alchemist capable of refining the prominent Celestial Pill, the Overarching Heaven Pill, even though he was not even 100 years old.
“Sincerity?” Xiao Gang Yu frowned slightly upon hearing Duan Ling Tian’s words.
Ji Fan asked, “Tell me, then… What kind of sincerity do you want the Blissful Sect to show?”
Meanwhile, the people who had gathered to watch the commotion began to discuss among themselves.
“The Blissful Sect wants to compete with the Tai Yi Celestial Sect to see which of their Chief Celestial Alchemists have a higher success rate in refining Overarching Heaven Pills?”
“It seems like the Blissful Sect wants Master Duan to use the double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability he had won from the Supporting Sun Celestial Sect and the Thousand Leaves Celestial Sect as stakes, right?
“It seems like it.”
“However, Master Duan seems dissatisfied with the stakes from the Blissful Sect.”
“The Blissful Sect is willing to use two double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Methods and one double-trait Duke Grade Divine Ability as stakes, and they want Master Duan to use his double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability as stakes… Although it seems favorable to Master Duan, the truth is it’s the other way around.”
“You’re right. After all, even if the Blissful Sect loses the bet, they would only lose copies of the Duke Grade Celestial Methods and Divine Ability. However, if Master Duan were to lose, he would completely lose his double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability.”
“Master Duan only obtained the double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability a month ago. It’s unlikely that he has already mastered them or copied them into another Memory Celestial Talisman. If he loses to the Blissful Sect, it’s not like the Sun Celestial Sect and the Thousand Leaves Celestial Sect would give him new copies.”
Most of the onlookers were of the opinion that the stakes from the Blissful Sect were unfair toward Duan Ling Tian. One should not just judge an object’s worth based on its appearance, one had to consider its value to its owner as well.
Meanwhile, Duan Ling Tian narrowed his eyes imperceptibly as he replied to Ji Fan, “My request is simple…”
The onlookers’ curiosity was, naturally, piqued by Duan Ling Tian’s words.
“A simple request?”
“I wonder what Master Duan wants?”
At this moment, Situ Ming, Yang Chong, and Yu Zhong Jing looked at Duan Ling Tian and sent a message to Duan Ling Tian through Voice Transmission. They looked slightly worried, uncertain if Duan Ling Tian was confident he could win the bet with the Blissful Sect. Duan Ling Tian did not reply to them through Voice Transmission. He only looked at them with eyes that were brimming with confidence. Upon seeing this, the three prominent Celestial Alchemists from the Tai Yi Celestial Sect felt at ease. Although they did not know Duan Ling Tian for long, they knew he was a prudent and mature young man. Since Duan Ling Tian was confident, there was no need for them to worry.
Ji Fan asked, “What do you want?”
Duan Ling Tian looked at him and said in a casual tone, “I’m afraid you’re not in the position to decide if the thing I want can be used as stakes. It’s better if you invite the Old Ancestor of the Blissful Sect over so he can make the decision.” After he finished speaking, he smirked at Ji Fan.
Ji Fan’s expression darkened upon hearing Duan Ling Tian’s words. His face flushed red from anger. Those words were a humiliation to him in front of such a big crowd. He said through gritted teeth, “In any case, I’d like to hear your request.”
“I heard the Blissful Sect has a triple-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method… If the sect is willing to use it as a stake, I’ll agree to compete with Master Xiao,” Duan Ling Tian said nonchalantly, completely ignoring Ji Fan’s darkened expression.
Suddenly, the crowd that was busy discussing among themselves fell silent. They shifted their eyes to Duan Ling Tian in unison before they broke out in a commotion again.
“He… He wants the Blissful Sect’s triple-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method? Isn’t he being greedy?”
“That’s right, a triple-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method is worth, at least, five double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Methods! How can he expect to only use his double-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability as stakes?”
“His request is absurd. However, it’s not a big deal even if the Blissful Sect agrees to it. After all, they’re competing to see who has a higher success rate in refining the Overarching Heaven Pills. We’re all aware that Master Duan’s success rate is rather low.”
“I think he’s only putting up a tough front to make the Blissful Sect back down. That way he’ll be able to avoid embarrassment and humiliation. Apart from that, he can also say Master Xiao is afraid of competing with him!”
The onlookers thought Duan Ling Tian was too greedy for demanding a triple-trait Celestial Method when he was only using a double trait Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability as stakes.
Ji Fan’s expression darkened even more when he heard Duan Ling Tian’s request.
Xiao Gang Yu furrowed his brows as well. He looked at Duan Ling Tian and grimly asked, “Master Duan, don’t you think you’re asking for too much?”
“Too much?” Duan Ling Tian shook his head before he continued to say, “Well, that may be the case. However, this is my request. Master Xiao, feel free to reject my request. It doesn’t matter to me if we compete or not. After all, I’m not a competitive person.” He feigned an understanding expression, causing Xiao Gang Yu’s expression to sour.
“Duan Ling Tian!” Ji Fan looked at Duan Ling Tian and coldly said, “Make another request. The Blissful Sect…”
Before Ji Fan could finish his words, Duan Ling Tian ruthlessly interjected, “If the Blissful Sect is afraid to bet with me, get lost… My time is precious. Stop wasting my time.” He looked at Ji Fan impatiently.
“Who says the Blissful Sect is afraid?” Ji Fan said indignantly.
“Then, invite the Old Ancestor of your sect here. He’s the only one here who’s qualified to decide if you can use your sect’s triple-trait Duke Grade Celestial Method as a stake, right?” Duan Ling Tian retorted.
“You…”
Ji Fan was about to speak again when a voice rang from among the onlookers. “Since Master Duan is willing to compete, the Blissful Sect will, naturally, follow suit. I’m also curious if Master Duan had deliberately hidden his skills.”
The onlookers parted, revealing a familiar figure that was walking toward Duan Ling Tian. The figure belonged to Li An, the Old Ancestor of the Blissful Sect. He was a powerful Nine Palaces Celestial Duke and was widely regarded as the strongest person below Ten Directions Celestial Dukes in the Six Southeastern Regions. He had led the people from the Blissful Sect to the Alchemy City in the Barren Land this time to participate in the Alchemy Conference.
Li An walked over with the remaining people from the Blissful Sect in tow.
“Old Ancestor,” Ji Fan greeted Li An. When he heard Li An’s words, he frowned slightly. “His Duke Grade Celestial Method and Divine Ability are not worthy of our triple-trait Celestial Method. Although he hasn’t mastered them yet, it’s still not worth it!” It was clear that he was rather anxious.
“Fan’er, do you really think he’ll win?” Li An asked Ji Fan through Voice Transmission.
“Old Ancestor, although I don’t think he’ll win, we shouldn’t let him take advantage of us by agreeing to his request,” Ji Fan replied through Voice Transmission.
Upon hearing Ji Fan’s words, Li An nodded imperceptibly before he turned to look at Duan Ling Tian, who seemed surprised, and said, “Master Duan, we’ll agree to your request if you up your stakes!”
“I won’t!” Duan Ling Tian refused without any hesitation. “If the Blissful Sect isn’t going to agree to my request, I have no intention of forcing it either…” He turned around and prepared to walk away as though he could no longer be bothered to continue the conversation.
At the moment when Duan Ling Tian turned around, Li An’s eagle eyes saw the hints of fear and guilt that flashed in Duan Ling Tian’s eyes. He said, “Who says the Blissful Sect is afraid to bet with you? Fine, we’ll agree to your request!”
