Chapter 171: Results that Caused Dan Fei’s Jaw to Drop in
Shock
When Dan Fei saw this situation, her lips parted slightly as
she smiled faintly, “Let the lordmaster judge whether an item is good or bad.
Next.”
Seeing Dan Fei gloss over the matter, Ye Dai couldn’t say
anything despite his dissatisfaction. He smiled faintly and retreated to his
seat.
Internally, he was even more ticked off. Although sister Dan
Fei looked to be impartial, she’d actually helped out Ye Rong twice already.
This made Ye Dai feel as though countless little bugs were nibbling away at his
heart.
“Can it be that in sister Dan Fei’s eyes, a prince born of a
commoner is more worthy of her protection than I, a first prince of pure and
noble bloodline?”
Ye Dai did not believe that, and he would never admit it.
“It must be that the brat Ye Rong is usually skilled at fawning over her and
knows how to amuse her. In terms of great talent and bold vision, and how
strong our foundation of family background is, sister Dan Fei surely holds me
in higher regard. Surely, she helped Ye Rong find a way out because she pities
the weak. But, from the honored tutor’s perspective, how could he have the
petty sympathy towards the weak? I, Ye Dai, am the most superior no matter what
perspective I am viewed from!”
Ye Dai comforted himself within his heart and cheered
himself on.
Since Dan Fei covered up this farce, it didn’t affect the
atmosphere of the rest of the segment. All the various sons and disciples of
noble houses displayed their abilities to their utmost as they offered all
sorts of nice items.
After not too long, all the gifts were placed on the main
table.
Dan Fei walked to the front of the tutor, “Lordmaster, it’s
been a rather odd year. The followers of many houses have prepared many gifts
as well. The total sum of these gifts is double than the number of gifts we
received last year.”
The old tutor had been watching with half lidded eyes, as if
he was an old monk in meditation. He slowly opened his eyes only after he heard
Dan Fei’s words.
“Let’s take a look.” The old tutor spoke faintly.
These faintly spoken words seemed to have a particular magic
to them as the hearts of many present trembled slightly.
Everyone knew that the old tutor would list the top three
gifts after he took a look.
These three people would have the right to personally ask a
question of the old tutor, and receive his guidance.
This wasn’t a mere matter of face, but a real, tangible
reward! In the entire Skylaurel Kingdom, the line of people who wished to
personally request the lordmaster’s guidance on some matter would stretch from
the capital to the border if they all queued up.
However, the opportunities to do so were few and far in
between.
These princes had always received the honored tutor’s
tutelage, but that was when they were all together. Everyone had learned the
same things.
The honored tutor would not be biased as to favor anyone in
particular
Receiving personal guidance was in itself a favor. Even the
princes engaged in heavy competition for an honor like this.
For one, it was in order to leave a good impression in front
of the honored tutor. And secondly, it was to prove to the king that one had
received special treatment from the spirit king protector.
The old tutor circled the mound of presents on the table,
walking slowly. He didn’t have any particular expression, no matter what gift
he was looking at. He was neither happy nor sad.
No one could tell from the old tutor’s face whose present
had garnered his fancy, and whose had earned his disdain.
However, Ye Dai was comparatively lighthearted. He was quite
confident that although all the houses had offered many fine things this time,
there were absolutely none that could be on par with his.
The Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting was definitely
worth much more than all of the others, whether in terms of value or quality.
That included even the Swordteeth Flying Fox cub from Ye
Rong. That was just a pet after all, a toy.
His Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting was an absolute
treasure, a prized possession that would be useful to even spirit realm
practitioners. Such items were ones that one could only hope to find by chance!
In all actuality, he’d hesitated quite a long time before
offering this treasure. He’d truly made a deep investment with this. What he
hoped to gain was undoubtedly the honored tutor’s favor and recognition, and
from that his endorsement of Ye Dai as the future Crown Prince and the heir to
the kingdom.
Although he knew that erecting a ruler-in-training was
primarily the business of the king and court officials, but Tutor Ye’s opinion
held unparalleled importance. If he didn’t approve, then not even the king
would dare make a careless decision.
In certain aspects, the power and influence Tutor Ye had
within the Skylaurel Kingdom was even higher than the king!
The king could be changed.
But within the Skylaurel Kingdom, no one could replace Tutor
Ye.
Dan Fei patiently followed beside the lordmaster, a faint
smile on her face as she accompanied the old tutor in observing these gifts.
In reality, in Dan Fei’s eyes, if she set aside her personal
preferences, she too felt that the Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting was
the absolute best out of the bunch. The other gifts were completely unable to
match it.
However, Dan Fei was also unable to fathom the old tutor’s
thoughts.
Just as Dan Fei was trying to guess at his thoughts, the old
tutor suddenly sent her a message using his consciousness, “Little Dan, which
of these gifts do you think is the best?”
Sending a mental message would bypass the concern that those
below the main table could hear them.
Dan Fei was momentarily silent , but still spoke honestly,
“In terms of quality, the Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting should be
the best.”
“Mm. Little Dan, you aren’t lying.” The old tutor smiled
faintly. “Except, I’m not selecting it as the best.”
“Why is that?” Dan Fei gave a slight start. “If this item
isn’t the best, if you choose any of the others instead… won’t the people think
that this is unfair?”
“Not fair? If they didn’t think I handle things impartially,
they didn’t need to come. This is all voluntary, and I’ve never commanded
mandatory attendance from anyone.” The old tutor’s tone was indifference, but a
feeling of aloofness suffused it.
In his position, he didn’t care at all about the thoughts or
feelings of others, or if it was said that he was favoring or oppressing
someone.
If he felt it was good, then it was good. If he felt that it
wasn’t enough to be first, then it wasn’t.
No explanations were necessary. Whether you understood or
not wouldn’t be enough to change the lordmaster’s choice. You could cast your
doubts on the lordmaster’s decision, but you couldn’t doubt his power and
authority.
“Lordmaster, little Dan boldly asks, just why is that?” Dan
Fei was still a bit curious.
“It’s quite simple. This painting is a forgery.” The old
tutor smiled carelessly. “However, even if it was genuine, I still wouldn’t
select it as first.”
“A forgery?” Dan Fei was startled. “The original is still
not enough to be the best?”
“Yes, the reason is twofold. The first is that I was the one
who created the original Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting. However, it
has been a very long time and no one knows of its origins anymore. To think
that my junior would actually treat a forgery as a priceless treasure and gift
it to me. Heh heh, Dan Fei, wouldn’t you say that I’ve lived too long?”
“The lordmaster has had many happy returns, and no matter
how long you live, it still wouldn’t be too long. What is the second reason?
Little Dan is quite curious!”
“As for the second reason? Isn’t that even simpler?
Naturally, there’s something else that’s drawn my attention. That item is truly
first in class in my heart.”
“Oh?” Dan Fei truly was startled. There was something even
better? What was it? Dan Fei had been adopted by the old tutor since she was
small and knew quite a thing or two about his tastes and preferences.
There was something that appealed to the old tutor even more
than the Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting, and she, Dan Fei, hadn’t
registered it at all?
“Little Dan, start writing down the placements. In third
place, the Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting forgery. Second place, the
cub of the Swordteeth Flying Fox. First place, the best present is the Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine!”
The old tutor’s sleeves billowed as he picked up that
unassuming wooden wine jug and held it in his hand as he murmured, “To think
that I would have the fortune to see the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine again in
the Skylaurel Kingdom. How rare, how rare!”
It was obvious that in the old tutor’s long life, he must
have tasted the Nine Magnifice Dew Wine at some point. Although he wasn’t as
fervent as Shi Xiaoyao to the point of being unable to forget it, but as time
passed, a good item left a deeper impression in his mind.
This wine had left an exceedingly deep imprint on the old
tutor’s heart. And this time, Jiang Chen’s unprepossessing gift had unwittingly
woken this deep impression in the lordmaster’s memories and even made his eyes
light up!
Dan Fei was thrown into disarray when she saw the
lordmaster’s gestures.
In that moment, she rather suspected that the lordmaster had
made a mistake. But she immediately dispelled this laughable notion. The
lordmaster had seen so much, how could he possibly get anything wrong?
Except, this wooden wine jug looked like the ugly duckling
amidst a flock of swans as it sat within the piles of treasure. It looked cheap
and shabby no matter how one looked at it.
To think that the lordmaster had selected this piece of
stone out from a pile of jewels, and chosen it as the best. This scene was
simply too dramatic.
Except, those beneath the stage were unable to see their
motions. They had no idea what had transpired and were all waiting anxiously.
At this moment, Dan Fei walked out from behind the stage,
and her pleasing voice resounded again. “Everyone, after the lordmaster’s round
of appraisal and selection, the three gifts that have won placements have been
selected.”
When they heard that the three best gifts had been selected,
the disciples beneath the stage quieted down from their hubbub.
All of them widened their eyes, full of hope, as they stared
at Dan Fei. They hoped to read the message that they had been chosen from Dan
Fei’s eyes.
However, there wasn’t the slightest hint of a special
indication in Dan Fei’s eyes. Her composed face gave nothing subjective away.
However, the more Dan Fei was like this, the more assured
that Ye Dai felt. If Dan Fei felt that there was something surprising about the
three rankings, then she would more or less have some particular sort of
reaction, right?
She wasn’t expressing anything. What did that mean? That
meant that there was no suspense about what the honored tutor had selected. His
Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting was surely the best.
There was almost no doubt about it!
When his thoughts traveled to this point, Ye Dai’s body drew
itself up as he inched a bit closer to the stage, prepared to welcome the
glorious moment where he took the top after stepping over everyone else.
His followers all had smiles playing about their lips as
they had expressions of sharing the glory. Lu Wuji even shot provocative
glances towards Jiang Chen.
It was an obvious demonstration of force at Jiang Chen.
But why would Jiang Chen pay any attention to Lu Wuji’s
juvenile moves? He did not care at all about who was the first and who was
third.
He was different from these people, he didn’t have the
thoughts of purposefully currying favor with anyone. Whether the honored tutor
admired or ignored him, Jiang Chen didn’t care about any of this in the
slightest.
Even if the honored tutor could blot out the sky with one
hand in the Skylaurel Kingdom, how did that matter? With the cream of the crop
that Jiang Chen had seen in his past life, an old tutor like Ye Chonglou
wouldn’t even register on his radar.
To put it more candidly, if Jiang Chen were to select his
followers the past life, the level in which Ye Chonglou was at likely wouldn’t
be sufficient.
Rather, it was Ye Rong who slightly inclined his body
forward, showing his ambition to compete with the first prince.
Time seemed to freeze as everyone gazes focused on Dan Fei’s
sexy and moving red lips, as they awaited the announcement of the results.
Chapter 172: The Ranking that Caused Everyone’s Mouth to be
Agape with Shock
“In third place of this year’s gift segment - the Yellow
Dragon Watching the Seas Painting.” All was calm before Dan Fei opened her
mouth -- everyone present was flabbergasted after she’d spoken.
The Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting?
Everyone was stunned. The Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas
Painting was third? Wasn’t there something wrong here? Had Dan Fei gotten the
order wrong?
Even first prince Ye Dai, for all his shrewdness and the
effort he spent to display the gracious demeanor of someone who left matters of
gain and loss up to fate, his face stiffened and lost all color when he heard
these words.
“How is that possible?!” Lu Wuji couldn’t help but yelp.
“The Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting is only third? Sister Dan Fei,
have you read out the placings in the wrong order?”
Lu Wuji thought the same as everyone else, that sister Dan
Fei must surely have read the order out incorrectly. No matter how they looked
at it, the Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting easily surpassed all the
other gifts.
It ranked only third? That meant there were two others in
front of him!
Even Ye Dai’s first thought was that something was wrong
with these results, not to mention Lu Wuji’s complete inability to accept them.
The others also wore a look of unimaginable queerness.
Although they had continued to participate in the competition, but they had
long since resigned themselves to fate. They felt that since the Yellow Dragon
Watching the Seas Painting was surely first, they could only be able to vie for
second and third.
Therefore, when they heard that the Yellow Dragon Watching
the Seas Painting was third, these people were shocked but also delighted in
the misfortunes of others. At the same time, some ambitious thoughts arose in their
hearts.
“The Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting is third?
Doesn’t this mean I have a chance to fight for first? Perhaps the lordmaster
hasn’t seen my gift before and particularly admired it?”
Many people had these notions in their minds.
“Sister Dan Fei, are you sure you aren’t mistaken? I can’t
think it through. Everyone has seen these gifts, and what could better than the
Yellow Dragon Watching the Seas Painting?” Ye Zheng also stepped out to protest
against the injustice on Ye Dai’s behalf.
Dan Fei said faintly, “Ye Zheng, are you doubting the
lordmaster’s eye?”
Ye Zheng suddenly felt flustered and hastily waved his
hands, “I didn’t mean that at all. I was just wondering if you mixed up the
order when you wrote down the rankings.”
Dan Fei flicked a glance at him, but her gaze was a bit
remote.
This rather meaningful glance caused Ye Zheng to shrink into
himself and shut his eyes quite appropriately.
Ye Dai’s mouth was full of bitterness. He saw all of sister
Dan Fei’s reaction. This obviously wasn’t a mix up, but an indication that he
really had ranked at number three.
And, by how sister Dan Fei was acting, it was apparent that
she wasn’t even going to give him an explanation!
Ye Dai was dejected to the point of going crazy. He truly
didn’t understand why this was happening!
Except, he also clearly understood that if he made a scene
now, his image in Tutor Ye’s heart would likely take a huge hit.
He smiled wryly and retreated, bowing slightly, “Ye Dai
thanks the honored tutor for his favor.”
Dan Fei nodded slightly and pitied him somewhat when she saw
that he did not lose his composure. She wanted to explain as well, but how
could she explain?
Tell him that this was a forgery? That would be an even
greater blow than not explaining at all. A vaunted first prince gifting a
forgery to the honored tutor, wouldn’t that be a great humiliation?
Therefore, the best decision was to not explain.
From Dan Fei’s eyes, Ye Dai seemed to see several hints that
she couldn’t bear the situation, and so he felt a bit better. It was a good
thing that sister Dan Fei was still nostalgic and valued old relationships.
Dan Fei composed herself and her bell-like voice sounded
again, “In second place, the Swordteeth Flying Fox cub.”
Ye Rong was both startled and overjoyed when he heard this.
He was happy that his ranking had been greater than first prince Ye Dai’s.
He was startled in that, he wasn’t first either?
But at this moment, it didn’t matter whether he was first or
not. In either case, he’d suppressed first prince Ye Dai and thus he’d
succeeded this time.
As he recalled the humiliation he’d suffered from the first
prince just now, Ye Rong felt a surge of anger. He smiled faintly and
completely ignored Ye Dai’s hostile gaze, bowing to Dan Fei. “Ye Rong feels
deeply honored to receive the revered tutor’s favor, and many thanks to sister
Dan Fei.”
Lu Wuji still didn’t want to accept things. “The Swordteeth
Flying Fox is but a toy. To think that its ranking is higher than the Yellow
Dragon Watching the Seas Painting, what’s with this ranking? Ai, I don’t
understand it.”
Although he was murmuring under his breath, everyone present
could hear him.
Dan Fei’s gaze was cold as it shot towards Lu Wuji. “And
what the heck are you? Who are you to question something that the lordmaster
has decided? Get out if you speak another word!”
Dan Fei had followed Tutor Ye since she was young. Even
though she held no power and influence in her hands, no one within the entire
Skylaurel Kingdom would dare treat this woman lightly.
This was because they all knew that this woman represented
Tutor Ye!
Lu Wuji was a premier noble in the Skylaurel Kingdom, but he
had absolutely no qualification whatsoever to behave atrociously at this sort
of occasion.
To take a step back, even first prince Ye Dai was vastly
unqualified to do so!
“Wuji, do not act wildly.” Although first prince Ye Dai
rather admired Lu Wuji’s daring and brash style, the necessary pleasantries
still had to be observed at an occasion like this.
Lu Wuji backed down with some embarrassment and a darkened
face.
He couldn’t accept things at all, and felt that the first
prince had been treated unfairly.
When Dan Fei was in a rage, she had her own allure, making
the hearts of the young men present pound fiercely, as if a monkey was
scratching at them.
“Alright. I now announce the gift that ranked first amongst
this year’s gift segment -- the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine.”
Dan Fei also knew that if she just said the Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine, these people probably wouldn’t even know which one it
was. So she picked up that unassuming wine jug and held it in her hand, shaking
it slightly to indicate the winner.
Dan Fei also felt this scene was a bit comical. After all,
when this wine jug had been offered, it had elicited a round of laughter at the
scene and everyone had treated it as a colossal joke.
And now, the item that had been like the ugly duckling had
turned into a most stunning swan with a shake of its body, and become the jewel
on a crown!
When her thoughts traveled here, even Dan Fei couldn’t help
but cast a look of interest behind Ye Rong.
She was quite curious too, just where had Ye Rong found such
an odd young man? And how had this young man taken out something that caused
even the usually calm honored tutor to be a bit moved?
The Nine Magnificence Dew Wine? Dan Fei had no recollection
of the existence of such a wine in her memories. She also knew that the old
tutor would sometimes partake in some wine when he was bored and had nothing
else to do.
However, the old tutor had never mentioned the Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine.
Even Dan Fei, someone who’d been mentally prepared, felt
that this was a bit surprising. Then, it went without saying that the reactions
of those beneath the stage were in even more of an uproar.
Ye Dai hadn’t even known who had offered the gift when he first
heard the words Nine Magnificence Dew Wine. But who wouldn’t recognize the wine
jug in Dan Fei’s hands?
The gift that had just been an embarrassment and source of
much mockery was now ranked first?
Was this a dream?
Ye Dai almost suspected that something was wrong with his
eyes. He blinked, took a closer look, and discovered that there really was
nothing wrong with his eyes.
It was indeed the shabby wine jug that Jiang Chen had
carelessly taken out and offered just now.
People might have made a mistake if it had been anything
else. But this wine jug, with its ridiculous appearance and unique design, was
absolutely one of a kind.
No one would be able to imitate it even if they wanted to.
Lu Wuji’s eyes were as wide as saucers at the moment. He had
an expression of someone seeing a ghost. At this moment, he was the biggest
disbeliever of all.
A shabby wine jug had won first place. If he hadn’t been
hectored by Dan Fei earlier, he almost wanted to hop out to question this
decision and rain down a torrent of abuse.
But, reason told him that if he stepped out now, Dan Fei
wouldn’t mind in the slightest if she threw him out. That would be the greatest
loss of face.
Lu Wuji’s face was beet red as it flamed. He’d completely
lost face. He really wanted to find a hole to crawl into. When this jug had
been offered earlier, he’d been the one who jeered the hardest, and mocked that
the sender was an uncommon, unique fool.
The truth had proven that he was the fool instead.
Ye Dai was also quite infuriated. He had never thought that
the winning gift would be the wine jug.
He had been shamelessly boastful just now in requesting Dan
Fei to remove this jug of wine, in case it left a bad impression and adversely
impacted everyone’s mood.
This was practically the biggest joke. At this moment, he,
Ye Dai, had thoroughly and utterly become a background, the background that
proved to be the foil for this first place gift.
“Heh heh, big brother, to think that your eye for assessment
would be wrong this time.” The person speaking wasn’t Ye Rong, but second
prince Ye Qiao.
Ye Qiao was extremely hostile towards Ye Dai. When he wanted
to offer his gift just now, he’d been rather embarrassed when the first prince
had purposefully cut him off.
Now that he saw this opportunity, how could Ye Qiao let it
go?
“Number four, I hadn’t thought that your schemes would be
hidden so deeply. The saying goes well and speaks straight to your second
brother’s heart. The outside is good jade, but the inside is rotten materials.
Indeed, those that look nice and fancy aren’t necessarily good. On the
contrary, those that don’t look like much may be the good items. I’ve learned
much, truly learned much. I’ve really gained much knowledge this time. Number
three, what would you say?”
Second prince Ye Qiao was undeniably a smooth talker. He’d
embroiled his three main opponents with a small snippet of speech. He’d made a
dig at the first prince and slapped his face, picking at Ye Dai’s scabs. On the
other hand, he’d purposefully complimented Ye Rong to enflame the first
prince’s hatred towards Ye Rong.
He’d also laughed at third prince Ye Zheng for good measure.
After all, when Jiang Chen had offered this jug of wine just
now, third prince Ye Zheng was the one who’s raised the greatest fuss, voicing
idiotic words like how the jug insulting the eyes and ears of others.
And now, it’d become the honored tutor’s hand-picked gift of
first place. Wasn’t this the greatest slap in the face for Ye Zheng?
Ye Zheng’s face was full of dejection as he was speechless.
He could only mutter, “And what are you so proud about? It’s not a gift that
you offered.”
Ye Qiao laughed heartily, “Number three, everyone can admire
a nice item together, why allocate responsibilities so clearly? You, ah, you, you’re
just so impulsive and unreasonably offended by the smallest things.”
Fourth prince Ye Rong had finally recovered by now. To be
honest, he’d been slightly disappointed when he learned that he was only in
second place.
But when he heard that Jiang Chen was first, his entire
being felt as though he was spontaneously flying into the sky. The great
ascents and falls of his life had simply come too quickly.
He’d been the same as everyone else, and would’ve never
thought that that uninteresting wine jug would become the gift that won first
place.
His words in rebutting the first prince that the outside
being good jade, but the inside being rotten materials had actually been to
hint obliquely at the first prince himself, but who would’ve thought it
would’ve turned out to be a prophecy that came true.
There truly was no way for the jug’s exterior appearance to
be uglier, but who would’ve thought that what was contained inside would be
such precious nectar that the honored tutor would hail as first place?
Feeling the gazes from all sides center in on him, Ye Rong
had the feeling of exaltation upon fulfillment. He’d been suppressed by the
first prince for so many years but had finally seen the day in which he
experienced the sweet thrill of being the main character.
Despite the fact that it’d been Jiang Chen who’d brought
this emotion for him, Ye Rong did not mind in the slightest. This was because
at the moment, Jiang Chen was keeping quite a low profile in standing behind
him and had absolutely no intention of stealing his thunder.
In this moment, Ye Rong felt very gratified and proud of
himself. To think that he would unwittingly receive such rich rewards after
traveling such a distance to the Eastern Kingdom, going out of his way to
enlist the services of a talented and learned man, and recruiting Jiang Chen!
Chapter 173: The Furor Brought by the Gift in First Place
Ye Rong didn’t think that Jiang Chen would give them such a
great surprise so carelessly.
He had invested a great deal in recruiting Jiang Chen, he’d
even gifted Jiang Chen the four times refined spirit weapon, the Da Yu bow.
However, today, Jiang Chen had returned it all, with
interest! The magnitude of this return was such that even five spirit weapons
wouldn’t measure up to it.
A spirit weapon was dead and it could be bought with money.
But the sense of pride, the feeling of exaltation upon
fulfillment and the honor of receiving the honored tutor’s favor was something
that no amount of money could purchase.
Tian Shao and Lin Qianli also felt that this was quite
incredulous.
Tian Shao was alright, he’d interacted with Jiang Chen
before and more or less understood him. He knew that this fellow most likely
had an impressive background, and that he often committed stunning acts.
It was the first time that Lin Qianli had come in contact with
Jiang Chen though, and he’d been rather predisposed against Jiang Chen earlier.
But now, Jiang Chen’s careless action had astounded all those around him and he
firmly suppressed them!
In the beginning, Jiang Chen said that the wine jug was an
indication of the three’s sentiments, Tian Shao didn’t say anything, but Lin
Qianli had quite felt embarrassed.
But now, with the turn of a head, the previous humiliation
and mockery had turned into unsurpassed pride now and it became the gift in
first place that thoroughly trounced everyone!
Even a person as coolly composed as Lin Qianli couldn’t help
but be more than a bit proud at the moment. He was a proud person, and he had
always yearned to be accepted and esteemed by others.
Therefore, he was quite stubborn on the road of martial dao.
He only looked to be top dog and have others look up to him.
And in this moment, he well and truly felt the feeling of
having others hold him in awe.
Although this feeling wasn’t something that he’d earned
himself, he still felt rather damn good about it.
Even the most isolated person yearned to be accepted,
respected, and valued deep in their hearts. Lin Qianli was no exception.
Tian Shao chuckled merrily, “Younger brother Jiang, I’ve
unwittingly shared in your glory once again. I shan’t fight against you for the
chance to ask a question of the lordmaster later.”
“Heh heh, since we’re brothers, why divide things between me
and you so clearly?”
Tian Shao hastened to shake his head and wave his hands,
“Forget it, forget it. I’m a military person and I can only ask the lordmaster
for his guidance in limited areas. You’re young and accomplished, if you
receive the lordmaster’s guidance, your future will have boundless prospects.”
Lin Qianli felt a bit awkward as he was quite conflicted. He
knew Jiang Chen had previously said the three of them had prepared the gift
together. But he would never be so thick skinned as to claim that he had a part
in the glory.
To put it candidly, they were riding on Jiang Chen’s
coattails.
However, Lin Qianli was truly tempted. Although he didn’t
think that he would really have the chance to ask the lordmaster some
questions, now that the chance was in front of him, he really did want to. He
had been stuck at an impasse on his path of martial dao. He was just one step
short, but he could never take the leap.
If he could take that step, he could break free from his
cocoon and become a butterfly.
Therefore, he was rather hesitant and bit his lip lightly.
The resolute pursuit of martial dao finally triumphed over his modesty as he
stammered, “Jiang Chen, can I discuss something with you?”
“No problem,” Jiang Chen waved his hand. “I don’t have any
questions to ask. You can have both chances if you’d like.”
Jiang Chen truly didn’t have much to ask. Jiang Chen had
possessed more than enough theory in his past life. Although the lordmaster was
the enduring monument of the Skylaurel Kingdom, it would still be a colossal
joke for him to give pointers to Jiang Chen.
“What?” Lin Qianli suspected that he hadn’t heard correctly.
“Younger brother Jiang, you… ” Tian Shao was also
flabbergasted.
Jiang Chen spread out his hands, “I said that we don’t need
to be so polite between brothers. How about this, for fairness’ sake, each of
you ask one question?”
According to the rules of the gifting segment, whoever won
it would have two chances to ask a question. It would be just right if the two
chances were distributed to Tian Shao and Lin Qianli.
“Younger brother Jiang Chen, do you really have nothing to
ask? The lordmaster is the spirit king protector of the kingdom. His training
is at the peak of the spirit realm. If you receive a few words of guidance… ”
“That’s alright, I have my own path.” Jiang Chen said faintly.
Tian Shao wanted to carry on speaking, but Dan Fei said with
a smile on stage, “Everyone, here comes the lordmaster. Please say a few words
to everyone!”
Cheers rang out from beneath the stage as everyone started
applauding.
First prince Ye Dai, battered out of his senses with
dejection, controlled his emotions with effort and started applauding as well.
Lu Wuji’s gaze flitted around as he hated Jiang Chen even more.
He had once again been humiliated and slapped in the face by
Jiang Chen. He’d been made a fool of, and even the first prince had been made a
spectacle of.
Hatred!
“Jiang Chen, you like being in the limelight. You’ve
thoroughly offended the first prince this time. Let’s see who can protect you
in this entire capital!” Lu Wuji’s tone was filled with rage.
Old Tutor Ye hadn’t been very interested before, but at this
moment, there were some traces of a smile on his face.
“I stand here every year. My eyes may be closed, but my
heart is open. I may not look beneath the stage, but I observe your every
motion and gesture. There is controversy every time when the gift rankings are
announced. I never explain anything. You can be full of doubt if you’d like, or
be unhappy if you will. I don’t care about any of that at all. Those who would
come will still come next year, and those who shouldn’t come, I wouldn’t look
forward to you coming either.” The honored tutor’s voice was resonant and it
was carried far. A few traces of gravity had been added to his face that seemed
not of this world, reminding everyone that this was an old man who could change
the layout of things in the Skylaurel Kingdom.
“Today, I will make an exception. Why did I chose the Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine as the best gift? Because I have lived for so many years,
so many endless nights, and I have seen a countless number of fine items and
forgotten even more of them. But what is truly good is something that one would
be unable to forget in their entire lives. These fine items are destined to
take root in your mind and leave an imprint behind. This Nine Magnificence Dew
Wine is one of the few good things that have left a brand on my heart.”
“Perhaps, I am unable to describe how precious it is from
direct observation. I can only give an example. Not even the head of the
Precious Tree Sect would necessarily be able to drink this wine if he wanted
to.”
No description or propaganda was needed to describe how
precious this wine was.
The most direct way of describing it was that if even the
head of the Precious Tree Sect wanted to drink it, he may not be able to.
This was the explanation that cut straight to the point the
most and it was the most effective!
The entire crowd was solemnly silent after these words were
spoken. All of their emotions were surging bizarrely. What kind of identity and
status did the honored tutor have? Would he lie? Would he craft these lies for
this wine?
Absolutely not!
Therefore, this Nine Magnificence Dew Wine was truly this
precious?
In the span of a moment, all the gazes on Ye Rong became a
bit complicated. These people had all originally felt, more or less, that this
wine jug was too… unique, and a thorough affront to the eyes.
In this moment, all these thoughts did a complete one
eighty.
“Where did Prince Ye Rong find this young man? He carries
such wine on him at all times? Did he carefully prepare this in advance to
offer it to the honored tutor?”
“This Ye Rong isn’t someone simple alright. He set up a trap
step by step, letting the first prince advance and then finally, carelessly
offering that wine. This must have been something carefully designed
beforehand. It looks like the first prince has fallen into Ye Rong’s trap.”
“To think that Prince Ye Rong was so shrewd! He purposefully
found an unassuming wine jug and let everyone laugh at him, to allow the first
prince to have his digs and mockery. He then made an ultimate comeback! This
type of face slapping is truly brutal, and damned sweet. Look at the first
prince, he’s lost a lot of face this time.”
“It looks like we can’t underestimate Prince Ye Rong in the
future. I’d always thought that he was a meek, quiet sort. Who would’ve thought
that such great ambitions would be hidden behind his low profile? A book can’t
be judged by its cover alright.”
Poor Prince Ye Rong. An unexpected matter had helped him
leave a fathomless impression in the eyes of others. Everyone thought that he
had purposefully led the first prince on and used this method to slap the first
prince's face.
However, Ye Rong obviously didn’t care about this. The more
everyone thought in this manner, the happier he was. The more that others kept
a fearful and respectful attitude towards him, the higher his place as prince
would be.
Although first prince Ye Dai’s mouth was full of bitterness,
he was also secretly cowed. He too felt that this had been a trap that Ye Rong
had set up, and lured him into stepping into it step by step.
“Ye Rong that animal, to think that he harbored such
ambitions. It looks like I can’t sit idly by. I always thought that number two
was the greatest thorn in my side, but now, it looks like I cannot afford to
lower my guard against Ye Rong either.” Once Ye Dai felt the pressure from Ye
Rong, he would exert greater pressure over Ye Rong in the next stage of his
plan.
The honored tutor had had the spontaneous interest to voice
these words. As for whether or not the people beneath the stage understood him
or not, he didn’t pay that much heed to that.
Dan Fei smiled faintly, “The confusion should’ve been cleared
up in everyone’s hearts now, I think? The lordmaster has lived such a great
span of life that he looks lightly on everything. I trust that there is no
doubt about the items that can leave an impression in his heart. The Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine well and truly deserves the title as first amongst all
the gifts.”
A palm that was so tender that it seemed to lack any bones
waved lightly across her face, tucking a strand of hair that had drifted by the
corner of her eye behind her ear. Dan Fei smiled, “Alright. Now, will the
owners of the three gifts that received placements please step up and ask their
questions. Second and third place both have one chance. The owner of the gift
of first place has two chances.”
“Ye Dai, you come first.”
Ye Dai had readjusted his emotions with quite some effort at
this point. Although he was quite dejected that he had received third place, he
didn’t dare display any displeasure.
He wore a very humble smile on his face, “Teacher, student
Ye Dai has a question to ask you. With regards to the alliance of the sixteen
kingdoms, is it better that the kingdoms are separate, or that they are one?”
Ye Dai’s question was domineering and expansive, showing
breadth of vision. It had to do with the great question of the separation and
unification of the sixteen surrounding kingdoms.
He had obliquely learned that the honored tutor was a
fervent warmonger when he was young. He’d always advocated the expansion of the
Skylaurel Kingdom, swallowing the smaller surrounding kingdoms, conquering the
neighboring sixteen kingdoms, uniting the lands, and establishing a great
dynasty.
Therefore, his question played up to the honored tutor’s
interests. He was purposefully currying favor with the honored tutor, trying to
elicit the sympathetic reaction that the two were of the same kind.
The old tutor smiled faintly and looked meaningfully at Ye
Dai. “The trend of the world is that those separate for long must unite, those
united for long must separate. Separations and unifications follow the greater
picture. When the timing is ripe, things will naturally come together. When the
timing is not right, it’s better to remain apart than together. I have considered
this question as well for the first half of my life. As it stands now, not only
is the impetus from greater momentum needed, the existence of a fierce and
ambitious person is needed to decide whether remaining apart or together is the
way forward. The two conditions must be present at the same time. Without both
of them, all discussion of united the sixteen kingdoms is but empty talk.”
Chapter 174: The Honored Tutor’s Difficult Problem and
Promise
The old tutor’s response actually wasn’t what Ye Dai had
hoped for. In fact, Ye Dai had really wanted the honored tutor to compliment
him and say that he’d asked a wonderful question, and then compliment him on
his scope of vision and desire to find high footing. Finally, he would also
encourage Ye Dai to use this goal as motivation and strive to achieve it.
Unfortunately, these were all answers that Ye Dai craved,
but the old tutor’s actual response was vastly different.
However, Ye Dai didn’t dare show the slightest bit of
dissatisfaction so he put on a facade of being deep in thought. He mused for a
bit before saying, “The teacher’s words are full of determination aimed at a
higher vantage point. Your student will need to advance to another level before
being able to comprehend the teacher’s perspective. It looks like your student
will need to work harder at grasping the greater picture, and must at the same
time desire to become a fierce and ambitious person, working towards the goal
of uniting the sixteen kingdoms.”
Although the honored tutor hadn’t responded in the way he
hoped, this didn’t preclude Ye Dai from expressing his own opinions and views
towards the honored tutor.
The lordmaster smiled faintly and didn’t respond. He would
only answer a question once and it was impossible for him to voice anything
else.
Although Dan Fei maintained a natural smile on her face, she
was shaking her head inwardly. Ye Dai fancied himself as a clever man.
How would a young man like Ye Dai be able to grasp the
perspective from which the honored tutor viewed things?
Dan Fei could actually understand what the lordmaster meant
with his words. He was saying that the momentum for a greater picture to unite
the sixteen kingdoms had yet to form.
He was also hinting that Ye Dai was not the fierce and
ambitious talent that was needed.
That last sentence in particular, in which all was empty
talk if both of the requisite conditions weren’t meant, was actually a blow to
Ye Dai. It was an oblique indication he should stay grounded and humble, and
refrain from reaching for what was beyond his grasp.
It was a pity that Ye Dai was completely immersed in his own
thoughts and had not understood the connotations of the honored tutor’s words.
What heights have you risen to now to speak of uniting the
sixteen kingdoms? Your strength has yet to reach the required level but your
ambitions are overweening. This would wreck the country and bring ruin to the
people.
“In the end, Ye Dai still thinks of himself as a bit more
clever than he actually is.” Dan Fei sighed privately within her heart.
Her beautiful eyes changed direction and looked towards Ye
Rong, “Ye Rong, you’re in second place. What question do you have to ask the
lordmaster?”
Ye Rong was all seriousness as he said gravely, “Teacher, my
question happens to be almost the direct opposite of big brother’s question in
terms of line of thought. I’ve been considering, does a kingdom count as strong
if its borders are endless, or if the country is prosperous and the people at
peace? For a strong dynasty, even if it carves out new frontiers everyday, if
the people are destitute and the soldiers on the front lines suffer high
casualties, what is the meaning of exhausting the troops and engaging in war
like this?”
Ye Dai’s facial expression chilled with Ye Rong’s question.
Ye Rong was obviously asking this question just for the sake
of asking it. Ye Dai’s question had to do with uniting the sixteen kingdoms,
whereas Ye Rong asked what was the point in indulging in wars of aggression!
No matter how one looked at this question, it was at direct
odds with the question that he, Ye Dai, had asked.
The honored tutor’s expression was noncommittal as he wasn’t
angered by Ye Rong’s contrary question. He thought briefly, then said,
“Soldiers are men as well. If soldiers and generals have no motivation and
goals when fighting on the front lines, they will be unhappy. Then, such wars
are meaningless. Expanding borders is not necessarily an evil. On the other
hand, holding the army in check is not necessarily a good thing. The difference
between good and bad is determined by the intention of the war. If expanding
borders can help more people live a better life, then this war is a good one.
This old man’s perspective is that the purpose in expanding borders lies not in
having more territory, but in helping more people live a prosperous and
peaceful life! If one in a superior position loses sight of this goal, then he
will lose sight of the correct direction.”
Ye Rong listened raptly, nodding slightly as he returned to
his seat. He would need some time to absorb and digest these words.
“Alright, now, it’s time for the owner of the first place
gift to ask his questions. According to the rules, the owner can ask two
questions.”
Dan Fei cast her gaze onto Jiang Chen.
She was a smart woman and naturally knew that this Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine was not something that the three had planned together.
It was one hundred percent something that this strange young
fellow had cooked up.
Dan Fei was a woman who didn’t easily find her curiosity
piqued, but at this moment, she was quite curious about Jiang Chen.
She really wanted to know just what question would this
young man ask of the lordmaster? Questions of martial dao? Or questions in
other areas?
Feeling Dan Fei’s eyes on him, Jiang Chen smiled faintly and
inclined his body slightly, hiding behind Ye Rong very naturally.
It wasn’t that Jiang Chen was running away from anything; he
truly didn’t want to keep a high profile. What he wanted to do most at the
moment was to close his eyes and rest for a bit, simulating a battle with a
spirit realm practitioner.
Because he was going to face Xin Wudao’s challenge next.
This matter had to do with the life and death of the Qiao brothers.
Under these circumstances, Jiang Chen truly had no interest
to bother himself with these things. He knew that if he asked a question, he’d
be subjecting himself to all sorts of rumours and gossip.
It was better to avoid these things if possible.
When Tian Shao saw Jiang Chen like this, he knew that Jiang
Chen had truly decided to give up his chances and wasn’t putting on a show of
false politeness. He said to Lin Qianli, “Qianli, you ask first.”
Lin Qianli also wanted to protest out of modesty, but his
resolution towards martial dao overcame his modesty in the end and he took a
step out.
“Honored tutor, your junior, Lin Qianli, of the Azure Heaven
Southern Palace, would like to ask a question with regards to martial dao. Your
junior has constantly sought after the great perfection of twelve meridians
true qi within the true qi realm. I have meditated arduously for three years
but have never obtained it. Your junior would like to ask the honored tutor, is
the great perfection of twelve meridians true qi just an insubstantial mirage
in the end?”
A sudden beam of shrewd light shot out from the honored
tutor’s eyes, shooting into Lin Qianli’s heart like an arrow of unparalleled
sharpness.
“Aren’t you half step spirit realm already? And you still
cannot let go of your fixation on great perfection? There has never been such a
thing as great perfection on the path of martial dao. Perfection means there is
no longer any room for improvement. You are fixated on great perfection, yet
you do not know that you are already passing up the best timing to enter the
spirit realm?”
These words were as lightning streaking amidst the dark, dim
hillsides as they lit up Lin Qianli’s world of martial dao.
Lin Qianli was akin to being struck by lightning in that
moment as he stood there, petrified. Abruptly, the light of enlightenment shot
out from his eyes as a relieved smile blossomed on his face.
He bowed deeply, “Many thanks for the honored tutor’s blow
to the head, allowing your junior to brush away the clouds and see the clear
sky.”
The old tutor smiled faintly and said nothing else. He
rather admired Lin Qianli’s decisiveness and strong capabilities of
comprehension.
“Junior Tian Shao…” Tian Shao walked on stage next.
Although Jiang Chen had said that this was a gift from all
three of them, Lin Qianli had asked one question and Tian Shao was taking the
other.
Didn’t this mean there were no opportunities for Jiang Chen
to ask anything?
Jiang Chen wasn’t asking? Even the people on Ye Dai’s side
were faintly astonished.
Lu Wuji was even cursing Jiang Chen in his heart, “Jiang
Chen that fool, how could he pretend to be generous and give such a prime
opportunity to someone else? He’s a fool, alright. Mothereffing hell, why won’t
such great opportunities fall into my lap?”
Although Lu Wuji had just been hectored by Dan Fei, he still
maintained absolute worship and admiration towards Ye Chonglou, just like
everyone else.
He would even dream of having an opportunity to ask
questions like this, but he knew that such a chance would never come around to
him.
As he saw Tian Shao walk onto stage, Lu Wuji’s heart felt
like it had been bitten by a viper as he was filled with jealousy. Just who the
hell was Tian Shao? He’d always been someone beneath Lu Wuji’s feet, someone
whose status had never been able to match up to Lu Wuji. How could he swagger
on stage to ask questions of the honored tutor now?
“Little petty men getting their wish!” Lu Wuji cursed
inwardly. He could only scorn the person who obtained what he desired but could
not have.
Dan Fei was also slightly surprised. She’d been curious
about Jiang Chen and really wanted to know what questions he’d ask.
But, even though she’d waited and waited, the end result was
that none of the people asking questions was Jiang Chen.
In this regard, Dan Fei’s curiosity towards Jiang Chen
increased even more.
Tian Shao’s question naturally had to do with martial dao.
The honored tutor was obviously a teacher who taught without discrimination. No
matter who it was who asked a question, he treated them all fairly and give
targeted explanations.
His final answer also greatly benefited Tian Shao.
When the old tutor had finished answering Tian Shao’s
question, first prince Ye Dai also breathed out a long sigh of relieved
comfort. This unlucky break was finally over.
The segment of offering gifts concluded here.
Although he was in third place, this ranking caused him to
be dejected.
Even so, he was fully anticipating the next segment, because
sister Dan Fei had just mentioned that another segment would be spontaneously
added after the gifts were presented.
Ye Dai was rather looking forward to this segment because he
had prepared long and hard for it. He’d even given no thought to the costs and
had purposefully invited a disciple of the Precious Tree Sect to come just for
this matter.
“I hope that the intelligence was correct this time, and that
the additional segment sister Dan Fei mentioned was the item that I prepared
for. If I can help the honored tutor to relieve his burdens, then I am sure
that I will become his most favored student. When I ascend to the throne in the
future, I am sure to receive the honored tutor’s support and approval!”
Ye Dai’s eyes were full of ardent fervor as he looked at Dan
Fei with a hotly burning gaze. His heart itched to advance to the next segment.
When he thought of Dan Fei’s promise, all of the blood in Ye
Dai’s body thrummed and boiled…
Those who could help the lordmaster resolve this difficult
would receive a favor from the honored tutor!
After receiving a nod from the lordmaster, Dan Fei once
again came to the front of the stage and smiled demurely, “Everyone, I already
mentioned earlier that there will be an additional segment added after offering
the gifts. According to prior agreement, whoever can help the lordmaster with
his troubles in this segment will receive a favor from the lordmaster.
Remember, this is a favor that the lordmaster will expend his full energy to
fulfil. Everyone please rack your brains.”
“A favor that he’ll use his full energy to fulfil?”
“My gosh! How many years has it been since the honored tutor
has made a promise like this?”
“Tsk tsk, if I could receive a favor from the honored tutor,
joining even the Precious Tree Sect would be but a word from the lordmaster
away?”
“We must cherish this opportunity!”
“Heh, even the king is likely to be jealous of whoever
receives this favor.”
“Heh heh, if this favor falls to me, I would hail the
lordmaster as my master immediately and reside with sister Dan Fei. This way,
heh heh…”
All sorts of thoughts and ambitions permeated the great yard
in this moment.
Chapter 175: Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon
Everyone was greatly tempted after hearing the honored tutor
make such a solemn promise.
This included even princes Ye Dai and Ye Rong.
Everyone was well aware that this favor was on a completely
different level compared to the guidance given previously. This favor was
absolutely unparalleled and incomparable.
Dan Fei looked at everyone’s gazes of desire and expressions
that were itching for action, and knew that people’s will to fight had been
aroused to the fullest.
She smiled faintly as her shapely body walked towards the
back. Shortly after, she returned, leading along an exotic beast and walking
slowly into the hall.
This beast had a body of jade green feathers. It had a
dragon’s head, two wings on its back, but its tail was like a phoenix with
three wings attached.
When this exotic beast appeared, it brought with it a
tremendous sense of awe and pressure. Even Jiang Chen, in the midst of his
meditation, was shaken by this strong oppressing pressure. The strong pressure
shot into his consciousness like an arrow.
Jiang Chen’s eyes opened slightly as he looked at this
exotic beast. Internally, he was also a little astonished. “This is an ancient
bloodline, a Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon produced from the crossbreeding of
dragons and phoenixes!”
“This world actually has ancient bloodlines?” Jiang Chen was
slightly surprised, but he immediately brought his thoughts around to it.
Although the ancient bloodlines were rare, but heritage would be passed down
through the generations and there would always be crossbreeding in between the
generations. There were bound to be all sorts of bloodlines roaming the various
worlds and planes of existence.
It wasn’t that astonishing that some of ancient bloodlines
could’ve made their way here.
Except, Jiang Chen was still faintly astonished to see one
appear in a small place such as the Skylaurel Kingdom. When he further looked
at the quality of this Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon, It was undoubtedly one in
which the ancient bloodline was very weak and diluted.
According to Jiang Chen’s judgement, at most it would be a
bloodline of the upper spirit degree. It could possibly evolve to the upper
saint degree if all went well.
If it wanted to reach a higher level, it would either have
to encounter great fortune or be exposed to superior cultivation. Otherwise,
the saint degree would be the limit of this Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon’s
abilities.
“As the spirit king protector of the kingdom and a
practitioner at the peak of the spirit realm, it’s not a ridiculous thing for
the lordmaster to have had a few favorable turns in life. It seems that the
lordmaster isn’t simply just the spirit king protector.” Jiang Chen drew this
conclusion in his heart.
When his thoughts traveled here, Jiang Chen’s God’s Eye
couldn’t help but cast a few more glances at the Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon
before sinking deep into thought.
“Although this Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon has an awe
inspiring presence, it seems a bit listless. It looks like the lordmaster is
worried about this matter?”
Jiang Chen could not hold back a laugh as he thought, “Old
tutor Ye is barking up the wrong tree in his panic. Although its level isn’t
high, it’s still of the ancient bloodline. How many of these foppish dandies
are able to understand it? Even if something is wrong with this beast, what
kind of ideas can these fellows come up with?”
It wasn’t that Jiang Chen looked down on these people, it
was that these noble disciples of the Skylaurel Kingdom were not qualified
enough and hence likely hadn’t heard of ancient bloodlines at all.
If they hadn’t even heard of them, how could they offer any
ideas?
Of course, this matter had nothing to do with himself, and
Jiang Chen had no plans to step in. What he cared most about right now was the
battle with Xin Wudao.
He had to deploy his abilities to the utmost in this battle
in order to see even a ray of hope.
His eyes closed as he once again shut himself into the world
of meditation.
Dan Fei’s voice sounded once again at this moment, “This
creature is a Phoenix-Dragon, and is the steed of the lordmaster. I’m sure some
of you in the audience will have heard of it before. Some problems developed
with it three months ago and it became fretful and anxious. It doesn’t eat any
of the spirit foods offered to it. The beast has lost all desire for food and
drink over the past couple of months and is not only dispirited but also lacks
energy. Even a spirit creature cannot hold up beneath such torment. The
lordmaster has searched for many spirit creature experts but he still cannot
identify the reason why.”
Jiang Chen laughed coldly within his heart. You don’t even
know where the beast is from, how would you be able to find the reason why?
Prescribing medicine and treating the symptoms still requires knowledge of its
origins and what the situation is.
“Everyone, to speak candidly, the lordmaster views this
creature as his life. As it goes through such torment, the lordmaster also
suffers. If any of you have a way to find out the reasons why, the lordmaster
will owe you a favor even if you cannot offer the cure. If you can prescribe
the appropriate treatment and solve the issue, then the lordmaster will not
only owe you a favor, but will also grant you a great gift.”
“What? Not only owing a favor but giving a gift as well?”
“So generous! Just what is wrong with this spirit animal?
Damn it, why haven’t I spent more time on the study of spirit animals earlier?”
“Now that the time has come to use them, I rue that I have
not perused enough books. I regret not reading more classics and not
understanding more of spirit creatures. What a pity, a pity!”
When Ye Dai heard Dan Fei finish speaking, his eyes lit up.
He’d already heard some of this news from other channels.
Therefore, he’d gone to the Precious Tree Sect this time and
spent a lot of money to invite a genius disciple from the Four Seasons Hall of
the Precious Tree Sect, a personage they hailed as one of the five pill
geniuses from the Four Seasons Hall, to bolster his group this time.
“Brother Xianke, this time, it’s time for you to show your
capabilities!” Ye Dai turned and spoke to the mysterious person in all black
robes and wearing a cape next to him.
This person was the person whom Jiang Chen was most on his
guard against. His level of training was above that of Xin Wudao and Liu Can.
The caped man was a disciple of the Precious Tree Sect. He
was a genius in the dao of pills.
“First prince, I don’t want to boast emptily but those who
are stronger than me in the dao of pills in the Four Seasons Hall can be
counted on one hand. Amongst the younger generation, if I call myself the
second expert in the field of pills and raising spirit creatures, then no one
will dare call themselves first.”
This caped man’s name was Han Xianke and he possessed the
pride and confidence unique to sect disciples.
“Mm. This prince has invited Brother Xianke this time
because I value this point of Brother Xianke. If it wasn’t for the fact that
Brother Xianke’s name reverberated in my ears like thunder, how would I place
as much importance on you as I do now?”
On Ye Dai’s side, he’d invited the genius disciple Han
Xianke from the Four Seasons Hall of the Precious Tree Sect.
Ye Qiao had also made some preparations and brought a senior
executive from the Qingyang Valley.
As for Ye Zheng, he’d also invited someone, but his guest
was relatively less-renowned. He was a renowned veterinarian and had conducted
many studies in the area of spirit animals.
Ye Rong finally took stock of the situation and understood
what he’d missed out on.
It turned out that these princes had all received
intelligence on why the honored tutor was worried. Ye Rong suddenly realized
why sister Dan Fei would use such an odd tone to ask why he hadn’t seemed to
know anything when he had passed through the door just now.
So this was what was going on.
“To think that Ye Dai and the others had such effective and
pervasive channels of intelligence. Looks like there’s much for me to do if I
want to become a strong contender for the position of Crown Prince. I need to
make more connections and build more intelligence networks.”
Ye Rong was a bit depressed. He knew that if Ye Dai and the
others succeeded this time, then the gap between the two of them would grow
quite large.
Receiving the old tutor’s favor and an additional gift held
great meaning.
For reasons unknown, Ye Rong couldn’t help but turn his head
back and look at Jiang Chen. When he saw Jiang Chen with his eyes closed,
having entered into a meditative state, he couldn’t help but be a bit
disappointed.
In the instant that he considered of Jiang Chen, Ye Rong
suddenly had a thought -- a thought that desired a miracle to appear.
But he immediately smiled ruefully. Jiang Chen wasn’t
omnipotent after all. Besides, he himself had not possessed foreknowledge of
this matter, what could Jiang Chen possibly do then?
“Ai, Jiang Chen has just accomplished a great achievement
for me, I can’t ask that much of him.” Ye Rong thought.
At this moment, Ye Dai took the lead and stood up, cupping
his fists, “Sister Dan Fei, a genius pill master from the Four Seasons Hall of
the Precious Tree Sect happens to be amongst my followers today. Amongst the
young folk of the Precious Tree Sect, if this genius is number two in the areas
of pills and raising spirit animals, then no one will dare call themselves
number one.”
“Oh? What name does this genius go by?”
“Untalented Han Xianke greets Miss Dan Fei.” Han Xianke was
different from the others. He was a sect disciple and wasn’t willing to to
humble himself in front of Dan Fei.
“Sir Han, hello.” Dan Fei smiled. “I hope Sir Han can work a
miracle and help the lordmaster resolve this issue.”
“I will attack this problem with all my strength.”
“Sister Dan Fei, I’ve also invited an elder of the Qingyang
Valley. He has quite some experience in the ways of spirit creatures. Whenever anything
goes wrong with the steeds of the four great sites of the Dragonteeth Guard, we
all go to him for answers.”
The person speaking was second prince Ye Qiao. A middle aged
man stood next to him and he looked wealthy, with some middle age fat and a potbelly.
In terms of external appearances, he didn’t present as convincing a front as
Han Xianke.
“Qingyang Valley?” Han Xianke suddenly laughed coldly. “And
what the hell is the Qingyang Valley? Is it worthy of being mentioned in the
same breath as I, Han Xianke?”
The facial expression of the middle aged elder from the
Qingyang Valley grew ugly. “Sir Han, you heal yours and I heal mine. Everyone’s
going off of their own abilities so there’s no need to be this domineering, is
there?”
Han Xianke was unyieldingly lofty, “Domineering? Are you
even worthy of me being domineering towards you? I’m simply conveying a truth.
Even if old man Fei was in front of me, he’d have to grovel and play nice to
me!”
The four great sites were very imposing within the Skylaurel
Kingdom, but only within it. To the disciples of the Precious Tree Sect,
particularly geniuses like Han Xianke, the four great sites were merely a trash
dump.
Only those who had no future in the Precious Tree Sect and
disciples who sought to obtain wealth, prosperity, power, and influence in the
mundane world would leave the sect and make a living for themselves in one of
the great sites.
Therefore, it was quite normal for a genius like Han Xianke
to disdain the members of the four great sites.
The middle aged elder from the Qingyang Valley had been
insulted to his face, but he could only pinch his nose and hold his anger in.
He also knew full well that Han Xianke was a genius within the sect. For him,
stepping on an elder of a mundane site would be as effortless as stepping on an
ant.
The vet that third prince Ye Zheng had invited stood naively
to the side, barely even daring to breath. He was so scared that he didn’t even
dare speak.
When first prince Ye Dai saw that Han Xianke’s presence was
so strong, he was privately gleeful. He flicked a glance at second prince Ye
Qiao, thinking Ye Qiao, you kid, you want to fight with me? You’re humiliating
yourself this time, aren’t you?
I can even bring along a genius disciple of the Precious
Tree Sect, what can you bring forth to battle with me?
There was an unbecoming expression on Ye Qiao’s face , but
he also knew that an elder of the Qingyang Valley truly didn’t dare to fight
with a genius disciple of the Precious Tree Sect. His strength was unable to
overcome the other’s.
“Alright, since all of you have come, display your talents!
The lordmaster has spoken that whoever can cure the Phoenix-Dragon is the true
genius!” Dan Fei didn’t like to see conflict.
So what if he was a Precious Tree Sect disciple? If he
couldn’t cure the lordmaster’s spirit creature, that still made him mediocre
and in possession of an unearned reputation!
Others had to give the disciples of the Precious Tree Sect
face, but the lordmaster didn’t have to at all. To speak frankly, even if it
was the senior executives of the Precious Tree Sect, the lordmaster didn’t have
to give them any face.
Rather, It was Jiang Chen who found all of this funny. Han
Xianke was throwing his weight around like he was all that; he seemed to really
think that he was quite awesome. Jiang Chen would like to see just how much
knowledge and skill he had to his name!
Chapter 176: The Cocky and Bullying Genius Sect Disciple
Jiang Chen didn’t know why either, he just felt uncommonly
pissed off at Han Xianke. Perhaps it was because he had that arrogant, lofty
air about him that sect disciples commonly had. Or maybe it was because of his
humiliation of the Qingyang Valley.
Old man Fei from the Qingyang Valley was now Jiang Chen’s
servant at the very least. The middle aged fatty was obviously one of old man
Fei’s. Jiang Chen was naturally ticked off to see him shamed.
One had to see who the dog’s owner was before beating it,
no?
The middle aged fatty was from the Qingyang Valley and thus,
he was one of old man Fei’s men. The latter was now one of Jiang Chen’s
servants.
Although the follower of a servant had no status, Jiang Chen
didn’t want to see someone else being all hoity toity and running rampant over
the fatty.
When he heard Dan Fei’s words, Han Xianke smiled reservedly
and took a step back, “Forget it, I don’t like to be associated with trash. Let
them go first! If they can handle it, then it isn’t a big problem. I’ll take
action if they can’t handle it.”
Although sect disciples had all sorts of strange and
eccentric tempers, they would also be a bit bizarrely proud at certain times.
Take Han Xianke right now for instance, he was proudly allowing others to go
first.
This was because he was a sect disciple and he didn’t want
to be lumped in with some ordinary, mediocre talents. This would only degrade
his status.
He loved seeing others fail and then making his move in the
face of difficulties, resolving the issue with one stroke. And then basking in
the admiration and respect of others.
This was a little bad habit that almost all sect disciples
had.
The first to walk up was the civilian vet that Ye Zheng had
invited. This fellow also had an opportunistic mindset. He wanted to use this
chance to make a name for himself and make a play for wealth and fortune. Thus,
he gathered up his courage to approach.
The Phoenix-Dragon suddenly roared lowly before the vet was
within even three meters of it. The vet ghastily cried out and tumbled
backwards, spewing fresh blood out of his mouth.
He was just a civilian vet and the level of his martial dao
training was middling. How could he hold himself up in the aura of a spirit
creature? The shock naturally caused him to cough up blood.
A hint of a jeering smile played about on Han Xianke’s lips
as he looked at the fat elder of the Qingyang Valley.
The fat elder also had a wry look on his face. He knew that
he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He wouldn’t be able to not take
the stage either.
Not matter what, he’d go up, take a few peeks and pretend to
give a diagnosis. Whether or not he succeeded, he’d be able to give the second
prince an explanation if he went for a spin on stage.
One had to say, an elder of the Qingyang Valley still had some
true skills to his name. At least he wasn’t sent spewing blood from the
Phoenix-Dragon’s aura.
After following the four ways of diagnosis in looking,
listening, questioning, and feeling the pulse, the fat elder had a woebegone
expression as he spread out his hands. “Miss Dan Fei, there’s nothing wrong
with this spirit creature.”
Dan Fei’s beautiful features darkened. Nothing wrong with
it? What are you doing here if nothing’s wrong with it? Here to watch a good
show?
Old Tutor Ye sat on the side privately shook his head. It
had been Dan Fei who’d insisted on adding this segment, he actually didn’t
approved of doing so. He didn’t feel that these young folk could solve any
problems. He hadn’t objected out of consideration for Dan Fei’s feelings, and because
he was resorting to desperate measures.
No one had any suggestions anyways, what harm would there be
in a couple more quacks having a go?
“And you didn’t want to accept the fact that you’re trash!
Why aren’t you getting the hell off the stage right now?” Han Xianke floated
onto the stage, grabbed the fatty and threw him off the stage.
The tyranny of sect disciples were fully illustrated in this
moment.
It was a good thing that the fat elder had a bit of
training. His two feet strove mightily to keep their balance after he was
thrown off stage, helping him find his footing.
His face was pale as he said huffily, “Second prince, this
is bullying taken to the extreme!”
Ye Qiao also smiled ruefully. “Forget it, forget it!
Restraining yourself is to keep to gentle breezes and calm waves, taking a step
backwards will bring the wide sea and spacious sky into view. Why don’t you go
back first?”
The fat elder cocked his head. “I’m not going back. I’d
rather like to see just how much skill the so-called sect disciple has to so
humiliate me of the Qingyang Valley!”
A Buddha made from clay would still retain several hints of
the temper from the material that it’d been made of. The fat elder had been
thoroughly infuriated by Han Xianke, and he’d made his up mind to stay and
observe.
If Han Xianke could resolve things, he could steal some
knowledge and learn something.
If Han Xianke couldn’t resolve things, the so-called genius
of the sect was also trash, and no different from him of the Qingyang Valley.
Since they were both trash who couldn’t cure the
Phoenix-Dragon, what right did he have to humiliate others?
Han Xianke did indeed have some reasons for being so proud.
The Phoenix-Dragon’s anxiety lessened noticeably when he walked up.
Han Xianke was also met with barely any resistance when he
probed and tried to make a diagnosis.
It could be seen that Han Xianke still had some
accomplishments in the area of communicating with spirit creatures. The
Phoenix-Dragon didn’t resist strongly at least.
Given this case, even Dan Fei couldn’t help but have some
anticipation towards Han Xianke.
But, time progressed, an hour passed, and then two hours.
Everyone’s stomachs started rumbling, attesting to their empty state. Han
Xianke still hadn’t come to any conclusions.
Some became unhappy beneath the stage.
“Can you do it or not? Get off the stage if you can’t. More
than two hours have passed. We’re all waiting to take our seats and eat, aren’t
you hungry?”
“It seems like sect disciples are just that!”
“He was so cocky earlier that I thought he truly did have
some special abilities! Heh heh, he’s just outwardly attractive but a worthless
person after all.”
“He insulted the Qingyang Valley elder to the point of
making him out to be worthless earlier. I was almost truly frightened by him,
thinking that he really did have some skills to his name. It looks like I was
too naive.”
Some began to gossip slanderously beneath the stage.
Not everyone supported the first prince, and not everyone
liked seeing the sect disciples run rampant with tyranny.
Although most people felt that sect disciples tended to be
arrogant, and thus it had been natural for Han Xianke to act how he’d been
earlier, there was another portion of steely minded folk who didn’t like seeing
such style.
Han Xianke did feel a bit awkward at the moment.
This was because he’d deployed everything he had learned in
his life, but he’d really discovered that there was nothing wrong with this
Phoenix-Dragon.
If you were to say that it was sick, well, no changes had
appeared in any of its bodily functions.
If you were to say that it wasn’t sick, well, it was truly
listless and it wouldn’t eat or drink. It also had lost some weight.
But if you were to say that it was listless and lacking in
energy, well, the presence within its body was abnormally strong. So it wasn’t
like a sick spirit creature at all.
Han Xianke really was at a bit of a loss at the moment.
He’d just cussed someone saying they were trash, and now,
he’d busily worked away for two hours and also didn’t find anything wrong.
Could he possibly use, “There’s nothing wrong with it” to gloss things over?
If that was the case, then what was the need for him, Han
Xianke?
The conclusion that nothing was wrong with it had long been
given by the Qingyang Valley’s fat elder, and he’d actually thrown the other
off the stage when it was given.
Then how could he possibly say the same words, no matter how
thick his face was? Would he be thrown off stage like the fat elder by the
lordmaster if he said those words?
“Genius Han, you called me trash just now, but you’ve probed
for two hours now. Just what is the problem here? Tell us so we can all learn
something.” The fat elder asked evenly beneath the stage.
Fatties were indeed a group of people that one couldn’t offend.
Even if he couldn’t best you in a fight and didn’t possess power and influence
as domineering as yours, he would never forget to exact revenge if you gave him
the chance to do so.
The fat elder was perfectly depicting the law of the
fatties.
Even though Han Xianke was wearing a cape, those beneath the
stage could sense his predicament. Look at sect disciples and how awesome, how
full of genius they were!
What was the result?
Still blank, goggle-eyed stares in the end!
“Sir Han, what is your diagnosis?” Dan Fei faintly asked.
Han Xianke stammered after Dan Fei’s question, “This… it is
indeed a bit complicated. Perhaps this type of spirit creature is only suited
to run wild, and not to be raised by humans?”
Han Xianke could only give a clumsy, inferior answer like
this one now that things had developed to this point.
When Dan Fei heard these words, disappointment flashed
slightly through her beautiful eyes. How would she not know that these were Han
Xianke’s empty words? This Han Xianke, a sect disciple, a bunch of
eccentricities to his name. She’d actually thought that there might’ve been
some astonishing knowledge to his name. The result had still been a
disappointment in the end.
“Miss Dan Fei, perhaps, we could consider returning this
creature to the deep mountains and its original environment. If it recovers its
primal nature, then perhaps… ”
“Sir Han, do you have a proper diagnosis or not?” Dan Fei
was not that happy to see him equivocate.
“In my opinion, it’s that this creature’s wild nature hasn’t
been tamed and it’s not suited to be kept in captivity.”
Dan Fei said noncommittally, “Forgive me for not being able
to agree. The lordmaster has had this spirit creature for many years and he has
always raised it well. If its wild nature had not yet been tamed, it wouldn’t
surface after so many years!”
Han Xianke was speechless and spoke woodenly, “Then perhaps
the climate is unsuitable for it.”
When these words were spoken, Jiang Chen couldn’t bear to
listen any longer and splurted out a chuckle.
This laugh was uncommonly ear piercing in Han Xianke’s ears.
His face darkened as he screamed shrilly, “Who is it? Who dares be so bold?
What right do ants have to raise a clamor when sect disciples speak?”
This flying into a rage was to cover his embarrassment.
Lu Wuji had been paying attention to Jiang Chen and
immediately called out, “Jiang Chen, do you know Sir Han’s background? What do
you mean by laughing? Do you look down on Sir Han? Paugh! Are you worthy of
doing so?”
Lu Wuji was standing firm for the cause of justice, but his
intentions were quite clear. They were to stoke Han Xianke’s flames of anger
and induce them to burn Jiang Chen.
Indeed, Han Xianke had a belly full of frustrated anger and
nowhere to vent it on. He shot a viciously sinister gaze at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen had been irritated by Han Xianke for a long time,
and he was even more out of sorts with Han Xianki’s glare. “Stop huffing
through your nose and glaring at me. You should first measure whether or not
you’re trash when you call others trash. Don’t be so cocky if you’re trash.
You’re spinning so much crude and unfitting drivel now that you can’t find a
way off the stage, don’t you find that funny?”
“Trash? Jiang Chen, you’re crazy! How dare you insult a sect
genius as trash? I think you’re looking for death!” Lu Wuji fanned the flames.
Ye Dai also furrowed his brows, “Number four, your follower
is quite immature. What the heck is he to besmirch a sect disciple? A village
buffoon is ignorant, but are you ignorant as well?”
Ye Rong was momentarily speechless from Ye Dai’s lecture.
Jiang Chen however, laughed heartily, “First prince, you
keep calling me a village buffoon, so I’d rather like to ask you, a person from
the big city. Just what is wrong with this Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon? You’re
not from a backwater, so give me an explanation! I’ll admire you if you can say
something, but don’t pretend to be better than you are if you can’t, alright?”
The scene was gravely silent after these words. This fellow
was so dauntless that he even dared to talk back to the first prince?
Chapter 177: Jiang Chen Makes His Move
It actually wasn’t that Jiang Chen was purposefully picking
a bone with Ye Dai, but rather that the first prince had provoked him and
attempted to force him to submit over and over again.
Jiang Chen didn’t want to cause trouble, but he couldn’t
hold up beneath the repeated provocation from these fellows.
Naturally, he didn’t mind when they labelled him as a
village buffoon, but he truly loathed and detested the first prince’s lofty
sense of superiority.
This sense of disdain had once appeared with regards to Long
Juxue and the sect disciples of the Purple Sun Sect. It was appearing once
again with the group around the first prince.
They were acting as if they were the venerated children of
heaven so everyone else should naturally be their targets of abuse and
humiliation, and stepped on beneath their feet!
What Jiang Chen abhorred most were idiots who obviously
amounted to nothing, but loved pretending that they were the proud children of
heaven.
If one was talking about geniuses, or favored geniuses of
the gods, who had more right to be labelled thus other than Jiang Chen, who was
the son of the Celestial Emperor in his past life!
However, Jiang Chen had never said he was a genius, and
never used a lofty, holier-than-thou attitude to lord it over everyone else.
What need did true geniuses have for labels? Why would they
seek satisfaction from oppressing others?
Dan Fei was slightly surprised to see Jiang Chen rebut Ye
Dai. She wanted to smooth things over, but then, her thoughts raced and she
suddenly wanted to see what Jiang Chen had up his sleeve. Pacifying words were
at the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them again.
At this point, second prince Ye Qiao also smiled. “That’s
right big brother, if you really do have some brilliant ideas, share them with
us so we can all increase our knowledge as well.”
Ye Rong was similarly ticked off. Although Ye Dai was
hectoring Jiang Chen from the looks of things, he was actually targeting Ye
Rong at the end of the day.
“Big brother, since you say that I’m immature and ignorant,
then you should do something mature and wise to set an example for us. If you
can help the honored tutor resolve his difficulties, then us brothers will also
bow to your superiority. Otherwise, if you only know how to ride roughshod over
everyone and yell at people, how will you be the model for us brothers?”
Prince Ye Rong had never publicly raised his voice against
Ye Dai, but he was finally no longer willing to hold things in now.
Ye Dai smiled coldly, “Your follower even dares to offend
the genius of a sect, what else is there that he is unwilling to do? Is there
any point in us saying anything?”
Lu Wuji hastened to add, “That’s right, Jiang Chen, the
unprecedented way you throw your weight when you say that the sect genius can’t
do anything. What, can you resolve this?”
Han Xianke also spoke frostily, “Jiang Chen, you’re a
common, ordinary ant and you dare say that I am spinning tall tales. This is
not only an insult to sect disciples but also an insult to the Precious Tree
Sect.”
All of them were up in arms while using words to suppress
Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen was as noncommittal as the clouds and wind as he
said faintly, “Stop posturing. Sect disciples need to use their true abilities
and knowledge to prove themselves. Using their reputation to lord over others
isn’t the act of a genius, but that of useless trash. You say I’m a common,
ordinary ant. If you find that a problem that you, a so-called genius, couldn’t
handle was in fact handled by an ant, what would you think then? Where would
you put your face?”
“You?” Han Xianke couldn’t help but start laughing wildly.
“You’re mediocrity that’s not even in the spirit realm! You don’t even have the
right to approach the Phoenix-Dragon. You’ll handle the matter? If you can take
care of it, I, Han Xianke, will immediately admit that I’m trash and you’re the
genius. I’ll even be your dog from now on!”
“Be my dog? Heh heh, I’m afraid that you’re not qualified
to.” Jiang Chen smiled carelessly.
Dan Fei’s almond eyes moved slightly as a trace of hope
flashed through them. “You’re called Jiang Chen? Did you say just now that this
creature is called the Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon?”
Jiang Chen nodded, “That’s right, its proper name is the
Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon.”
“But, we’ve always just called it the Phoenix-Dragon.”
“The Phoenix-Dragon is its origins, the Five Winged is its
outward appearance. The bloodline from crossbreeding between phoenixes and
dragons has been passed down since ancient times, with the bloodline becoming
more and more diluted with every generation. This Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon
counts as a lower grade of heritage. A truly strong heritage exists in the
Twelve Winged Phoenix-Dragon. Now that’s really something!”
“Twelve winged?” Looks of incredulity were revealed in Dan
Fei’s beautiful eyes.
“Jiang Chen, don’t spin such a tall tale. Who doesn’t know
how to make up stories? How about you give us an explanation on what’s wrong
with this Phoenix-Dragon instead?” Han Xianke said angrily.
“Don’t you try to provoke me now, I actually happen to know
a bit more about this matter than you do.”
Dan Fei’s almond-shaped eyes widened. “Jiang Chen, do you
really know? Tell us, tell us, just what is wrong with the Phoenix-Dragon?”
“The honored tutor has raised this Phoenix-Dragon since it
was young, correct? That span of time equates to roughly thirty or so years all
together, right?”
“This… how did you know?” Dan Fei was startled.
As for the old tutor who’d been sitting on his chair all
along, a shrewd beam of light suddenly shot out from his eyes towards Jiang
Chen.
“From the various emotions being displayed by this
Phoenix-Dragon, it’s most likely male. These problems wouldn’t be cropping up
if it was female.”
“You know even this? Did you secretly observe it just now?”
Dan Fei was even more baffled.
“Stuff like unsuitable climate and its untamed wild nature
is all nonsense. The Phoenix-Dragon is one of the easier creatures to tame
amongst the ancient spirit creature bloodlines. It is behaving like this for
one reason only.”
“And what is that?” Dan Fei asked unconsciously.
“Very simple, it’s in heat.” Jiang Chen chuckled.
Dan Fei immediately flushed bright red. “Jiang Chen, you’re
talking nonsense.”
Jiang Chen said gravely, “Breeding between all creatures on
the earth and beneath the heavens is a natural law of nature. How would this be
nonsense?”
Seeing that Jiang Chen was speaking so seriously, Dan Fei
debated with a red face, “You say it… it’s in… whatever. Even if you're right,
why hasn’t this happened before? It…. this is all of a sudden?”
“Stupid! Was I just running my mouth when I said it was
roughly thirty years old? We humans start developing when we’re thirteen or
fourteen and begin to understand the matters between man and woman. The
Phoenix-Dragon is more of a late bloomer and only start maturing after its
thirty years old. It hadn’t done so before because it was young. Now that it’s
started developing, it’s thinking all sorts of random thoughts. You understand
me?”
Even an open girl such as Dan Fei was blushing all over from
Jiang Chen’s words. For some reason, although Jiang Chen’s conclusion sounded a
bit like groundless gossip, she still believed seventy to eighty percent of
what she’d heard.
One had to say, Jiang Chen’s conclusion was frightful and
shocking to the ear.
Most of the noble disciples present didn’t believe him and
felt that Jiang Chen was talking out of his butt. But even if he was
bullshitting, they still rather admired his courage.
One had to know, to bullshit at a moment like this carried
high risks. After all, the person sitting on the stage was the undying totem of
the kingdom, Tutor Ye Chonglou!
And, if Jiang Chen’s loose words were spoken randomly, then
he was undoubtedly flirting and teasing sister Dan Fei. If Dan Fei found out in
the end that Jiang Chen was leading her on, he would undoubtedly die a horrible
death.
Who didn’t know that even if it was the princes of the royal
family, no one would dare speak frivolously in front of Dan Fei? Otherwise, Dan
Fei would also give them the cold treatment.
Ye Rong was both delighted and worried as he saw Jiang Chen
carry on. He knew that Jiang Chen often made surprising moves, and that he
never failed with any of them.
He was delighted that Jiang Chen had made his move, but
worried that if he messed things up this time, the consequences would be very
severe.
Honored Tutor Ye would be unable to contain his anger, and
even sister Dan Fei wouldn’t show him a kind face from then onwards.
Ye Rong could only pray inwardly, “Jiang Chen ah, please
don’t mess this up. Ah forget it, I was the one who brought Jiang Chen here. If
I don’t trust him, then who would? If I use someone, I shouldn’t suspect them.
If I suspect someone, then I shouldn’t use them. If I, Ye Rong, have so set my
determination to compete for the position of Crown Prince, then I will need the
tolerance of a ruler-in-waiting. My starting point in all areas is less than Ye
Dai. If even my appetite for adventure is less than his, then in what else can
I compete with him?”
Ye Rong was also a decisive person. Just like what he’d said
when he first recruited Jiang Chen, he and Jiang Chen were both gold buried in
the sand.
He felt that he and Jiang Chen were essentially similar. They
were destined to emerge from the masses and soar over ordinary folk.
Therefore, he decided to take this gamble and bet everything
on Jiang Chen.
Ye Dai had been thoroughly lectured by Jiang Chen earlier
and his pride was naturally making him feel quite humiliated as the first
prince. Now that he saw Jiang Chen carry on with such a frivolous subject, no
matter how he looked at it, it seemed like Jiang Chen was making up a colossal
joke.
Ye Dai knew that this was the perfect timing to make a move
against his opponent.
He took a step forward and roared out, “Jiang Chen, sister
Dan Fei is a belle of rare charm. Don’t you speak filled with such depravity in
front of her! What kind of diagnosis is this? You’re acting like a thug! Damned
despicable!”
Ye Dai put on the urbane, graceful demeanor of protecting
Dan Fei.
He cupped his hands again and said to Dan Fei, “Sister Dan
Fei, this kid is the son of a small duke in the Eastern Kingdom. He’s a village
buffoon, what would he know about spirit creatures? This brat has a sharp
tongue, and he’s particularly adept at spinning lies. Sister Dan Fei, don’t
fall for his lies.”
Lu Wuji also added on, “Right, apart from a witty mouth and
a glib tongue, this brat doesn’t have any true abilities to his name.”
Third prince Ye Zheng also sighed, “To think that, although
the noble sons and disciples of our vaunted Skylaurel Kingdom number in great
figures, along with countless numbers of experts, here we are, listening to a
backwater kid run his mouth.”
Ye Dai felt even more reassured having received support from
so many. He roared with self righteous justice, “Number four, if you still want
any face as a member of the royal family, tell this backwater buffoon to shut
his mouth. What are your intentions in speaking so lewdly and blaspheming
against sister Dan Fei?”
This huge crime came flying towards Ye Rong and Jiang Chen.
Blaspheming sister Dan Fei was a crime that was enough to
make many of the young noble sons and disciples present view one as a common
enemy.
One had to know, most of these young men had subtle thoughts
with regards to Dan Fei. She was elegant and beautiful, poised and dignified.
She was the goddess that many noble sons held within their hearts.
A stunningly beautiful appearance, a graceful and noble
demeanor, and the most favored disciple of Tutor Ye. No matter from what angle
they viewed her from, Dan Fei was the most perfect goddess.
Ye Rong had been oppressed several times by Ye Dai and also
said with displeasure, “First prince, I honor you as a senior brother and have
always held a tolerant attitude towards your oppression. You say that Jiang
Chen is speaking loosely with no basis at all. I’d like to ask you, what
evidence do you have that he’s speaking loosely? Since the person you invited
couldn’t handle things, you disallow my guest to speak in return?”
“Evidence? Is proof needed to overthrow his ridiculous
words?” Ye Dai smiled coldly and wondered if Ye Rong was so idiotic because his
brains had been smashed between doors.
“You’re merely slandering others if you have no proof.” Ye
Rong had also had his ire aroused and wasn’t backing down at all. He knew that
if he backed down from here, then his entire life would be equivalent to being
beaten into the ground by the first prince. He would never have the chance to
redeem himself.
On the contrary, if he held up beneath the onslaught this
time or even came out on top, then it would greatly increase his reputation
within the capital and give him the right to compete fairly with Ye Dai!
Seeing the two brothers insist on their sides, Dan Fei was
also in a tough position. At that moment, she would invite unnecessary trouble
if she favored any side and cause the scene to become even more chaotic.
Chapter 178: The Most Straightforward Way to Resolve Things
To be honest, she didn’t think that Jiang Chen was some
shady character that was trying to take advantage of her. Dan Fei had secretly
been observing this young man. Even when the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine that he
offered had been chosen as the best gift, no changes could be seen that had
made their way across the young man’s expression. This completely diffident
expression was absolutely not something that a young man could put on.
Jiang Chen had even given up the coveted opportunity to ask
questions of the honored tutor when his gift was chosen as the best, passing
them onto his two companions.
Dan Fei also knew that some young men liked to pretend that
they were deep or carefree in order to attract her attention.
Dan Fei had also originally suspected that Jiang Chen was
pretending.
But after repeated conscious and unconscious observations,
she discovered that she’d been thinking too much. Jiang Chen wasn’t pretending,
he truly didn’t care about her.
When Lin Qianli and Tian Shao had asked their questions,
Jiang Chen’s eyes had even been closed. That completely indifferent expression
was only missing these words tattooed on his face -- what the hell does any of
this have anything to do with me?
Even when she’d led the Phoenix-Dragon out later, everyone’s
attentions had been fixed on it and they had all wanted to give it a go.
Although Jiang Chen had also paid some attention, he immediately had a flat and
insipid look on his face afterwards, as if the matter of the Phoenix-Dragon was
something he wasn’t interested in at all.
If it hadn’t been for Han Xianke’s final diagnosis simply
being too ludicrous and thus caused JIang Chen to involuntarily break out in
laughter, Jiang Chen likely wouldn’t even have opened his mouth at all.
After Dan Fei’s analysis, if Jiang Chen was still
pretending, then this young man’s acting skills were simply too good.
In either case, Dan Fei felt that Jiang Chen wasn’t putting
on a front, and likely did have some understanding of this Phoenix-Dragon.
At least, he’d known that the Phoenix-Dragon was male
without having even walked forward. He could also make an accurate judgement of
roughly thirty years time or so. The outside world would have no way of
accessing this information.
Dan Fei didn’t think that a young man would have the good
luck to guess correctly with one random word.
Jiang Chen also clearly lacked interest in Ye Rong and Ye
Dai’s tit for tat verbal battle. He stretched lazily and said to Dan Fei,
“Beautiful woman, I merely spoke carelessly, you can listen to as much of it as
you will. If anyone else thinks that my words are ridiculous, I welcome
everyone to slap me in the face with more accurate evidence. Otherwise, people
stop your whining and crying if you have no evidence. Your voices irritate my
ears.”
Dan Fei was also slightly disappointed in Ye Dai’s
performance today.
Her brow furrowed, she spoke faintly, “If the two of you
want to fight, then walk out of here and fight on the main street. Let the
citizens of the capital see just how their princes act.”
Ye Rong smiled ruefully and bowed, “Sister Dan Fei, younger
brother here has always striven to hold myself in check. Unfortunately, while I
seek to restrain myself, they continue to threaten me.”
Ye Dai roared, “Ye Rong, don’t you freaking act like you’re
innocent!”
Dan Fei’s face darkened, “Are the two of you quite done
yet?”
Although they were both princes, they still didn’t have the
right to act atrociously in front of Dan Fei. The two of them shut their
mouths, but their gazes at each other were full of animosity.
Dan Fei’s jade face was irritated as she looked at the two
with displeasure. She turned around and walked towards the old tutor. Since
matters had developed to this point, she could only ask the lordmaster for his
opinion.
The old tutor hadn’t said anything because he’d been using
his consciousness to observe everything.
As Dan Fei walked over, the old tutor suddenly stood up and
spoke to Jiang Chen, “Little younger brother, you’re saying that the
Phoenix-Dragon is in heat? Then, is this something to be concerned about?”
Jiang Chen wasn’t the sort to put on airs, since the old
tutor had questioned him specifically, he naturally wouldn’t lord around like
he was an expert. After all, his identity in this life truly was that of a
junior to the old tutor.
“Lordmaster, it’s both a cause and not a cause for concern.
The Phoenix-Dragon isn’t quite like humans. The yang qi within its body is
becoming stronger and stronger as a direct result of the yang qi within its
body being inadequately dealt with. If this continues on, eventually, it will
result in the yang qi separating from the body and will cause damage to the
meridians. In serious cases, its body will explode. Its current performance of
not wanting food or drink is but the initial symptoms. You’ll have a difficult
case on your hands when things become this serious!”
“These are only the initial symptoms?” The old tutor had
seen many odd things in his life, but what Jiang Chen was saying right now was
rather new and interesting.
Jiang Chen nodded, “You’ll know how scary it is when it
really starts acting up in a few months. But with the lordmaster’s strength,
you should be able to keep it under control.”
The lordmaster smiled wryly. This was his precious steed!
Keep it under control? This wasn’t what the old tutor had in mind. He only
wanted to cure it so that it wouldn’t continue to suffer.
“Little younger brother’s words are quite refreshing to this
old man’s ears. I wonder who the little younger brother’s master is? How do you
know about the Phoenix-Dragon?”
Everyone inhaled sharply at these words.
What status did the honored tutor have? And yet here he was,
talking with such a courteous and considerate tone, taking such a benevolent
attitude when inquiring with Jiang Chen, and even calling Jiang Chen his
younger brother!
This… this completely upended everyone’s knowledge!
In that moment, even first prince Ye Dai felt like his mind
was befuddled and completely confused. He was also almost crazed with envy and
his belly was filled with frustrated anger. He wanted to erupt immediately, but
had no place to vent his ill feelings.
How could he vent his feelings? Lose his temper at Dan Fei?
Or throw his weight around with the honored tutor?
He didn’t have the right or guts to. Taking a step
backwards, even if he had the courage to, the other wouldn’t care about him at
all.
So what if he was the first prince? Tutor Ye had weathered
through the reigns of several kings. Why would he even care about the feelings
of a prince who wasn’t even the Crown Prince?
Jiang Chen chuckled, “Lordmaster, the first prince and them
are somewhat right. I am a village buffoon from the Eastern Kingdom. I have no
master, only the good fortune to meet an extraordinary person and spend half a
year with him when I was young. We were great friends despite our difference in
age, and coexisted like master and disciple. I listened to his chatter often
and heard of a few things. The matter of the Phoenix-Dragon was also from this
senior’s mouth.”
Jiang Chen naturally had a story ready. He’d said this to
old man Fei, and naturally brought it out again when talking to Tutor Ye.
There were plenty of unexplainable things about him anyways.
All of this could be shifted to that imaginary, mysterious person.
The heavens were thus vast. No one had ever met this
mysterious person, and thus no one could prove that he didn’t exist.
The old tutor was an open-minded person. He thought back and
forth and didn’t feel that there was anything amiss with Jiang Chen’s words.
After all, no one would believe it if the son of a duke from
the Eastern Kingdom had any sort of amazing master or used their master to
intimidate others.
Besides, it was impossible for such a strong master, one
with a thorough knowledge of the secrets of the Phoenix-Dragon, to exist within
the sixteen kingdoms.
Ye Chonglou’s strength was great and he’d adventured through
many places when he was young. He was quite familiar with the overall strength
of the neighboring sixteen kingdoms.
Even a premier sect like the Precious Tree Sect, which was
within the sixteen kingdom alliance, would have no way of having knowledge of
an ancient bloodline like the Phoenix-Dragon.
In actuality, the old tutor believed Jiang Chen the instant
that he’d mentioned the ancient bloodline.
An inexplicable sense of agitation had appeared in the old
tutor’s heart at that moment, but, after all, he was still an experienced and
shrewd person.
He naturally wouldn’t jump out impatiently and seek
knowledge just because of one word from a young man.
When he heard Jiang Chen speak thus, the old tutor heaved a
sigh and actually had a few traces of envy and yearning in his voice, “Little
younger brother is indeed lucky. The extraordinary senior that you had a
relationship with was surely one that was at an incredible level of existence.
Oh right, did he really say that the Phoenix-Dragon is an ancient bloodline,
the result of crossbreeding between phoenixes and dragons?”
“Yes.”
“And the highest level of the Phoenix-Dragon goes up to
twelve wings?”
“Theoretically speaking, yes, but his experiences may not
have stretched to the limits of the Phoenix-Dragon. Perhaps an even higher
level exists that he’d never come in contact with? The world is so vast, and no
one is able to speak with certainty, isn’t that so?”
Ye Chonglou quite agreed and revealed an expression filled
with extreme yearning. He sighed, “The bloodline of a twelve winged Phoenix-Dragon
would surely be so pure, not to mention its level of existence. I have had the
great fortune to meet even a five winged Phoenix-Dragon in this life.”
Jiang Chen didn’t respond. The old tutor knew his
limitations. Indeed, even meeting a five winged Phoenix-Dragon of the ancient
bloodline was a matter of great fortune.
Twelve wings? Don’t even dream of it. That was a steed in
which legendary figures from all planes of existence could only hope to
encounter.
Twelve wings meant that this was the rare creature’s
strongest form, a king at the very top. It couldn’t be tamed through strength
or arts at all.
Ye Chonglou quickly switched from that sort of admiring mood
and smiled, “I lost my composure just now. Little younger brother, how do you
think we should treat the creature being in heat?”
“The best way is naturally find a mate for it.” Jiang Chen
smiled. “Except, I think that the Phoenix-Dragon bloodline is something that
one can only hope to meet by chance, and can’t be obtained through search. By
the time you find a mate for it, it will have likely exploded and died long
ago.”
Ye Chonglou had a face full of ruefulness. Jiang Chen’s
words spoke to his heart. Where on earth would he go and find a female for the
Phoenix-Dragon?
These kinds of matters were basically something that could
come by through luck, but never through searching for it.
“Then, are there any other ways?” Ye Chonglou asked.
“Yes, and actually, it’s the most common method.” A hint of
a bizarre smile suddenly appeared on Jiang Chen’s face.
“What is it?”
“Castrate it and put things right once and for all.”
The entire hall erupted into an uproar after Jiang Chen
spoke. A hint of shyness flashed through Dan Fei’s beautiful eyes as she
stomped her foot lightly, her face a patch of red.
This Jiang Chen truly sought to shock everyone senseless
every time he opened his mouth. Castrate it! This… could this be called the
most common method? This was giving up eating for fear of choking!
Ye Chonglou had a wry grin on his face, “You… are you
joking?”
Jiang Chen spoke seriously, “How would this be a joke? In
actuality, the Phoenix-Dragon has always been a creature strong in yin but weak
in yang. If Tutor Ye had received a female one, this its potential who would
been quite limitless. However, male Phoenix-Dragons have always existed to
serve the females, even to the point of being sacrificed for them. Usually,
after intercourse, the essence of a male’s blood and its meridians would be
fully absorbed by the female. When the male dies, the female will eat the flesh
and blood of the male and give birth to the next generation. This is an endless
succession of life and death. When the gender of a Phoenix-Dragon is
determined, it will determine their vastly different fates.”
Even Ye Dai began to be swayed with these explanations. He
really wanted to find the flaws in Jiang Chen’s words, but he couldn’t find
anything no matter how he looked.
If it was him, Ye Dai, on the stage, could he fabricate such
smooth lies? Craft such flawless excuses? Obviously not!
“Can it be that this brat really has some shitastically
awesome luck, and struck up a relationship with an extraordinary person to
receive these damnable tips? He’s made such a play for himself in front of the
honored tutor. This… this kid’s luck is to the point of defying the heavens!”
Ye Dai was so depressed that he was about to burst. He was
also so jealous of Jiang Chen’s damnable luck that he was about to go stark,
raving mad.
Chapter 179: The Lord Master's Shock and Handsome Gift
Everyone else was thinking similar thoughts, not even
mentioning Ye Dai. They were no longer able to find any other evidence to
question Jiang Chen with at this moment.
Therefore, they all felt privately depressed. Why hadn’t
such marvelous circumstances landed on their heads, but instead fallen on a
backwater buffoon like Jiang Chen?
How was the son of a small duke from the Eastern Kingdom
worthy of such wondrous encounters?
“If this had landed on my head, I surely would’ve deployed
it to greater use, given both my status and identity in the Skylaurel Kingdom,
and reached new heights in my development,” they all thought!
It was a pity that such a wondrous opportunity had been
given to the minor character of Jiang Chen. This really was a pity.
There was a wry grin on Tutor Ye’s face, “This is to say
that the male Phoenix-Dragon that I’ve received is worthless in the end?”
“Not at all. Castrate it, and be done with this once and for
all. In reality, most of the Phoenix-Dragons raised by great personages are
male. Female Phoenix-Dragons are incredibly rare. To obtain one is absolutely
the pinnacle of great fortune. If a male Phoenix-Dragon is used to breed with a
female, its only outcome is certain death. If it doesn’t breed, and is
castrated and raised further, although it will be slightly different from a
female, its bloodline can still evolve as well. This is the bit of experience
that countless numbers of seniors have gleaned from tens of thousands of years
of actual practice.”
Ye Chonglou sighed, “Being advanced in age is indeed not
something to bar one’s ambitions. Your words are greater than a hundred-year
study of books. Jiang Chen, this old man has truly gained knowledge from you.”
Everyone beneath the stage was flabbergasted when they heard
these words. Were these words really from the honored tutor? The lordmaster was
thanking Jiang Chen with the attitude of a student?
This… this was completely unheard of!
“Jiang Chen, I have never liked to owe someone a favor. What
I have promised before is immediately in effect. Dan Fei, go and take out the
gift that I had prepared previously. Give it to little younger brother Jiang
Chen as a token of my gratitude.”
“Jiang Chen, you can also ask a favor of me. I owe you one.
No matter what it is that you ask for, I can fulfill it for you as long as it
is within the boundaries of the Skylaurel Kingdom.”
Dan Fei smiled slightly as a certain light flashed through
her eyes. She looked at Jiang Chen, then turned and walked back inside.
Those beneath the stage, in their jealousy, were all
swallowing audibly.
Jiang Chen had convinced the honored tutor with that string
of words? The lordmaster was planning on making good on his promise just like
that, without even verifying if those words were true or not?!
Jiang Chen also smiled, “Honored tutor, aren’t you going to
verify my words? What if I’m conning you?”
“Hahah, if a young man can craft so many perfect lies, then
you truly have some skill as well. Even if you’re lying to me, I will readily
admit to my gullibility. The longer one lives, the fewer chances there are that
one will believe a lie. Jiang Chen, you’ve succeeded regardless of whether or
not you have lied to me.”
Jiang Chen laughed involuntarily -- this old tutor was quite
something alright. His words were new and interesting, but he also understood
the tutor’s meaning afterwards.
The honored tutor was a great person, and it would be
difficult to pull the wool over his eyes. He only needed to analyze the various
biological reactions of the Phoenix-Dragon in order to prove the veracity of
Jiang Chen’s conclusion.
“That brat Jiang Chen actually lulled the honored tutor into
believing him with a bit of fine rhetoric! My artfully laid plans have been
completely shattered this time! Jiang Chen, you’ve ruined my affairs time and
time again. You really can’t be allowed to exist within the Skylaurel Kingdom!”
Killing intent exploded from within the heart of first prince Ye Dai.
Lu Wuji was both envious and mad with hate. “This brat Jiang
Chen has convinced even the honored tutor? Is the lordmaster decrepit in his
old age? How could he believe a tripe like this? This is bad, if Jiang Chen has
a thick face and wants the lordmaster to take him as a disciple, wouldn’t that
only spell misfortune for me? It will be difficult to oppress him in the
future!”
The others all had their own thoughts as well. Some admired
Jiang Chen, some held him in contempt. Some felt that he had incredible luck,
while others felt that he was a petty little character realizing his ambitions.
Even Ye Rong was half excited and half envious.
He was excited because the person he’d brought this time had
completely KO’ed the first prince and his party. He’d thoroughly suppressed the
first prince in both segments and made it so that the arrogant first prince
couldn’t even raise his head at all.
He was envious about the fact that Jiang Chen had received
the honored tutor’s favor. If this favor fell to him, Ye Rong, then it would
become a sharp weapon on his path to competing for the title of Crown Prince.
However, although Ye Rong was quite moved, he never thought
of seizing this favor from Jiang Chen.
He also knew that he had to maintain harmonious
relationships with Jiang Chen and not hostile ones. Ye Rong knew that he would
lose out greatly if their relationship soured.
After a while, Dan Fei’s alluring body shape once again
walked out from behind the scenes .
“Lordmaster, here is the item.”
Lordmaster Ye waved his hand, “Give it to Jiang Chen.”
Dan Fei nodded and offered the jade tray in her hand to
Jiang Chen, “Jiang Chen, this is the Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion. Only one is
created every ten years.”
“What? The Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion?” Greedy glints were
reflected in the eyes of the sons and disciples of the noble courtiers and
officials beneath the stage.
Even the facial expressions of several princes changed
slightly.
Never would they have thought that the honored tutor would
bring out such a fine gift!
One had to know that even the king of the Skylaurel Kingdom
didn’t have the authority to unilaterally award this medallion. The
construction of each medallion had to be authorized by both the Precious Tree
Sect and Tutor Ye. Only then could the king command its production afterwards.
It was only effective after unique marks from all three parties had been
imprinted on it.
It was an optimistic way of putting things to say that one
of these appeared every ten years. In reality, sometimes thirty years had
already passed before someone last received a medallion.
The recipient of the medallion could do as he wished within
the Skylaurel Kingdom. He didn’t have to bow when he saw the king and could
visit with Tutor Ye whenever he wished to. The most important thing was,
although the Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion didn’t guarantee admission into the
Precious Tree Sect, it would greatly enhance the bearer’s chances!
There were countless nobles within the Skylaurel Kingdom,
but not a single one of them had received a medallion in almost thirty years.
And today, on an occasion like this, one had appeared and
been awarded to a young man who had just arrived in the Skylaurel Kingdom less
than two months ago.
This scene was as if a heavyweight bomb exploded in
everyone’s hearts.
Even the Dragonteeth Guard general, Xin Wudao of the first
level spirit realm, was a bit envious of Jiang Chen. His gaze drilled viciously
into Jiang Chen.
“I must provoke Jiang Chen to participate in the martial
demonstration later and kill him.” Xin Wudao knew that if he didn’t kill Jiang
Chen immediately, then it would be difficult to suppress him when his wings
filled out.
“Jiang Chen, by what virtue and right are you worthy of the
Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion?” A ball of anger burned in first prince Ye Dai’s
chest.
Lu Wuji was almost frothing at the mouth with jealousy.
“That dumb animal Jiang Chen has seriously good luck! This won’t do, we must
find a way for him to die. If Jiang Chen doesn’t die, there will be no way that
I’ll be able to find my footing in the capital in the future.”
Even Jiang Chen’s own companions, Tian Shao and Lin Qianli,
felt that Jiang Chen truly had good luck in this moment, not to mention those
who opposed him.
However, they only admired him and weren’t jealous. After
all, they had all basked in Jiang Chen’s glory. If it hadn’t been for Jiang
Chen, how would they have the opportunity to receive guidance from the
lordmaster?
The person most excited wasn’t Jiang Chen, but Ye Rong
instead.
The person he’d brought had received the Skylaurel Kingdom
Medallion. This was undisputedly an enormous honor. In the future, others would
categorize Jiang Chen as one of Ye Rong’s men.
The stature of his camp would undoubtedly increased markedly
with the addition of the medallion, giving him an even higher status with the
princes within the capital.
“Jiang Chen, the lordmaster favors you so. The Skylaurel
Kingdom Medallion hasn’t appeared in thirty years. You should thank the honored
tutor.”
When Ye Rong saw that Jiang Chen’s reaction wasn’t as
overjoyed as everyone thought he’d be, he couldn’t help but verbalize a
reminder.
Jiang Chen wasn’t haughty and didn’t try to put on a show of
declining. He could tell from everyone’s response that this medallion should be
something quite useful.
He took the medallion off of the jade tray, “Lordmaster,
Jiang Chen accepts this with a stricken conscience.”
The old tutor was in a great mood, “No, no, you should
accept this with a clear conscience. Oh right, according to the rules Jiang
Chen, you can also request a favor of me. Please speak freely of any hopes or
wishes.”
It could be seen that the lordmaster was keenly interested
as he once again brought up this matter.
How was this owing someone a favor? He was basically gifting
one to Jiang Chen! It was apparent that the lordmaster was truly delighted this
time.
That gaze and tone carried a sense of encouragement within
it, as if hoping that Jiang Chen would make a request.
Ye Rong caught Jiang Chen’s eye and he curled his fingers
slightly, indicating that Jiang Chen should make the request of hailing Ye
Chonglou as his master.
Jiang Chen seemed not to see Ye Rong’s movement however, as
he smiled, “I can make any request?”
“Haha, nothing is off limits, as long as it is within my
power.”
Jiang Chen nodded, “Alright, then I think with the
lordmaster’s power and influence, there should be no problem in ordering about
the Dragonteeth Guard?”
“The Dragonteeth Guard?” The old tutor was startled and his
tone was slightly disappointed.
Dan Fei had been staring at Jiang Chen with her beautiful
eyes before as well, her lips twitching slightly, obviously wishing to see what
request that Jiang Chen would make.
Upon hearing Jiang Chen’s words, a hard to detect bit of
disappointment flashed across her face.
Jiang Chen wasn’t making the request to hail Ye Chonglou as
his master?
One had to know that there were countless numbers of people
begging and crying to hail the lordmaster as their master. Even the
lordmaster’s tone itself carried some hints of it.
Everyone present was wondering if Jiang Chen would ask to
hail the honored tutor as his master.
However, Jiang Chen didn’t mention it at all and had brought
up the Dragonteeth Guard. Xin Wudao however, suddenly thought of something and his
face darkened slightly.
“Lordmaster, two of my men have just arrived in the capital
and didn’t know the rules. They were arrested by the Dragonteeth Guard. It
isn’t a big deal, but General Xin Wudao has told me that they will be executed
without a doubt. I may not know much of the laws of the kingdom, but I had no
idea that flying on steeds within the capital is worthy of the death penalty?”
Tian Shao hastened to add on after Jiang Chen’s words,
“Unregistered fowl cannot be used for transportation within the capital.
However, this isn’t a serious crime. If arrested, the most severe punishment
would be fines and detention in jail for three days. If the offense is
repeated, then the offender will be jailed for a year.”
The lordmaster finally understood the situation and spoke
with a furrowed brow to the first prince, “Ye Dai, look into this matter. Bring
his men to me with utmost speed.”
Ye Dai was quite dejected, but how could he say no when the
lordmaster himself had spoken?
If he said no, then he’d be disobeying the honored tutor. If
he said that he couldn’t interfere with the Dragonteeth Guard, then it would
indicate that he was incompetent and didn’t have enough influence. If he
couldn’t handle even this matter, then the lordmaster would surely look down
upon him.
“Wudao, bring them here now.” Ye Dai pinched his nose and
gave Xin Wudao the order.
Xin Wudao was so angry that he almost wanted to spit blood.
He had finally gotten a hold of something to hold over Jiang Chen with his
arrest of Qiao Shan and Qiao Chuan. He’d been planning on making use of this
opportunity in order to suppress Jiang Chen. Who would’ve thought that Jiang Chen
would blow some air in front of the honored tutor and lay to rest all his
maneuverings in one fell swoop?
Chapter 180: Take a Master? I’m Really Not Interested
One had to say, one word from the honored tutor was more
useful than any golden law or precious rule.
Qiao Shan and Qiao Chuan were brought over after a
relatively short while. The two had obviously suffered much in the Black
Dungeons, and they appeared a bit worse for the wear.
Tian Shao stepped out appropriately, “Fourth prince, younger
brother Jiang, let me escort the Qiao brothers back.”
His mission had been completed, and it was now time to step
out and lighten some of Jiang Chen’s burdens.
“Alright, General Tian, we’ll have to trouble you to make a
trip.” Ye Rong nodded.
Qiao Shan and Qiao Chuan also knew that they had committed a
mistake and didn’t dare meet Jiang Chen’s eyes. Jiang Chen walked over, patted
their shoulders and said, “Let’s talk when we get back.”
First prince Ye Dai had come up short in two consecutive segments.
Since he’d been left with dust on his face thanks to Ye Rong, for the moment he
lacked interest in the proceedings for the time being.
Now that Jiang Chen had rescued the Qiao brothers, their
previous plan of using the brothers to provoke Jiang Chen into a martial
demonstration was also naturally in ruins.
The most intriguing thing was that the lordmaster had Dan
Fei announce, “There will not be a martial demonstration for this year’s
banquet. Everyone is free to drink and chat.”
After he made the announcement, the old tutor took the Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine, led the Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon away and leisurely
took his leave, leaving behind a group of open-mouthed and wide-eyed teenagers.
They had wanted to display their prowess in the martial
demonstration, and perhaps attract the honored tutor’s attention if they made a
good showing with their skills.
“Sister Dan Fei, what’s wrong with the honored tutor today?
There’s always been a martial demonstration every year. Why is it suddenly
cancelled this year?”
Ye Dai was a bit surprised. He’d brought several spirit
realm practitioners with him this time and had thought that he would be able to
make a showing for himself in the martial demonstration segment.
Although he’d lost a lot of face in the two previous
segments, he had thought about it and still hoped to find an opportunity to
strike back against Jiang Chen.
He hadn’t expected that it would end up as though the
honored tutor had seen through his intentions and thus directly canceled the
demonstration.
Dan Fei however, smiled faintly, “The lordmaster has already
probed everyone’s martial dao development the first time he made his entrance.
Right now, whether we hold a martial demonstration or not holds no meaning to
the lordmaster.”
The overtone of her words was obviously, “Your martial dao
improvement has been insufficient in the past year to surprise the lordmaster.
There is no need at all for this martial demonstration.”
When Tutor Ye had made his entrance, he had used his
footsteps to disturb the heartbeat of those present as a test. Apart from Jiang
Chen, the Old Tutor had fully assessed the martial dao training of all present.
Ye Dai was disappointed once again to see Dan Fei’s cool
reaction.
Even the martial demonstration had been cancelled. That
meant that he, Ye Dai, had no chance to redeem himself during this birthday
banquet. He had completely and utterly failed.
What followed afterwards was just eating and drinking.
As the first prince, how much interest could eating and
drinking hold for Ye Dai?
Add to that everyone at the banquet were all discussing what
had happened today and talking quite animatedly whenever they spoke of Jiang
Chen.
It was obvious that the main character of the banquet had
become Jiang Chen.
Even fourth prince Ye Rong appeared much more frequently as
a topic in conversations than the first prince.
As thick as Ye Dai’s skin was, he couldn’t remain sitting at
an occasion like this. As though he was at a business meeting, he drank a round
of wine and left with a darkened face.
Although Jiang Chen truly wanted to leave, he had to smooth
things over for Ye Rong at least a little bit. Ye Rong had reaped great rewards
today, but if Jiang Chen left now, then his rewards would be cut in half.
When the birthday banquet neared its end, Dan Fei’s moving
figure once again walked next to Jiang Chen. A faint fragrance accompanied her
as her body leaned slightly down to Jiang Chen’s ears. Her sexy nose almost
touched his earlobe as her thin lips blew out a breath that smelled like
orchids, “Stay behind after the banquet. The lordmaster would like to see you
privately.”
Just as Jiang Chen was raising his head with shock, a faint
smile spread out over Dan Fei’s classy face as she turned to leave.
Ye Rong had no particular suspicion as he patted Jiang
Chen’s shoulder. “Younger brother, the honored tutor rarely sees a young man
alone these days. If a good opportunity presents itself, you must grasp it
well.”
Instead of taking Ye Chonglou as his master earlier, Jiang
Chen had saved two followers. Even Ye Rong had felt it was a pity.
Jiang Chen could’ve absolutely hailed Ye Chonglou as his
master. Once he became the honored tutor’s treasured disciple, would he have
been unable to save two followers then?
Even a proud man like Lin Qianli felt it was a bit of a
pity, not to mention Ye Rong. Before he left, he hemmed and hawed for a while
before finally saying, “Jiang Chen, I was wrong before. Credit is due to you
for allowing me to overcome the obstacles in my martial learning and achieving
a breakthrough in my martial dao. I won’t waste words in thanking you. Only, I
will consider you as my brother in the future and as brothers, I also want to
remind you that if the lordmaster wishes to take you as a disciple, you must
treasure the opportunity.”
Even Lin Qianli felt that the old tutor had asked Jiang Chen
to stay behind because he wanted to take Jiang Chen as a disciple.
Jiang Chen smiled and made no response.
Take a master?
Jiang Chen really had no thoughts about this matter.
Although he respected the old tutor, but Tutor Ye truly didn’t have the
qualifications to be his teacher.
When all the guests had left, Dan Fei’s limpid eyes creased
in a demure smile. “Let’s go.”
This woman had a demeanor that naturally attracted others to
her every laugh and sigh. Jiang Chen shook his head with a wry smile. Even
looking at only the profile of her back was enough to give rise to countless
daydreams. No wonder the drool from those young men had trailed three feet from
their mouths. This woman did have the right to take pride in herself.
They meandered through the front yard arrived in the
backyard of the Tutor Manor.
The decorations of the backyard was a bit less grandiose and
more exquisite. It was less luxurious, and more unearthly.
“Haha, Jiang Chen, come come. Come sit.” Ye Chonglou didn’t
have the bearing of a spirit king protector at this moment. He was more like an
amiable grandpa from next door.
Jiang Chen didn’t stand on ceremony. He pulled over a chair
woven out of bamboo and sat down.
“Elder Ye, the earlier you castrate the Phoenix-Dragon, the
better. Otherwise, when the level of its yang qi reaches a certain level and
damages the meridians, there will be less available potential for you to
cultivate.”
Jiang Chen had no interest in taking a master, but he still
rather respected the old tutor’s personality and disposition. He was treating
the old tutor as a friend with his words.
“Jiang Chen, let’s not talk about the Phoenix-Dragon for
now. Do you know why I’ve called you in here?”
Jiang Chen smiled wryly as he looked at the old tutor and
didn’t know how to respond.
When the old tutor saw Jiang Chen was like this, he too
sighed privately. His words were hinting to Jiang Chen for a second time that
Jiang Chen could take Ye Chonglou as his master.
At the end of the day, now that he’d reached his position,
the old tutor couldn’t find it within himself to be the one to do the asking.
If Jiang Chen happened to reject him, then he would lose his face as the spirit
king protector of the kingdom.
It was already difficult for him to give this level of hint.
When he saw Jiang Chen smile wryly, the old tutor knew that it wasn’t that
Jiang Chen had not understood him, but that he truly didn’t want to call Ye
Chonglou master.
When Jiang Chen saw a bit of disappointment flash through
the old tutor’s eyes, he suddenly could not bear to let him down and could only
offer this explanation, “How could Jiang Chen not know of the honored tutor’s
great favor? Except, when I met that wondrous person, I made a promise to him
that I would not take a master before he nodded his approval.”
Ye Chonglou indeed revealed a relieved smile when he heard
these words. “Ah, so this is the case, this is the case. No wonder. No wonder.
Such a vaunted senior is both like your master and your friend, he naturally
wouldn’t want you to take another master. Jiang Chen, for you to respond this
way illustrates the upright, moral nature of your character. It is I who have
acted rashly. Haha! Now that we’ve laid this out on the table, I feel quite at
ease. Jiang Chen, you’ve given me another lesson. I’ve lived so long yet I have
not lived as level headedly and open-mindedly as you have.”
“It is miraculous that the honored tutor is complimenting me
this much, your junior is almost unable to keep his seat.”
Tutor Ye was in an excellent mood as he asked again, “Did
the wondrous senior also brew this Nine Magnificence Dew Wine?”
“He gave me the recipe and I brewed this a while ago. There
are many levels to this wine, and this particular one is only at the spirit
degree. A saint degree Nine Magnificence Dew Wine is truly rare.”
A shrewd light suddenly shot out of Tutor Ye’s eyes as he
seemed to think of something. “Saint degree? Jiang Chen, do you know how to
brew a saint degree version?”
“Grasp of materials and flame are the most important
components so it is actually not necessarily harder than the spirit degree. Of
course, if one has yet to enter the spirit realm, then it would be difficult to
brew the saint degree version of the wine.”
The light of deep contemplation could be seen in Ye
Chonglou’s eyes, he seemed to be considering something. After a while, the old
tutor suddenly said, “Jiang Chen, if the opportunity arises in the future, I
would like to sincerely request that you brew a jug of a saint degree Nine
Magnificence Dew Wine for me. Would this request be too much?”
He seemed to be deathly afraid that Jiang Chen would turn
him down. “Feel free to set any conditions you wish to.”
Jiang Chen smiled, “It’s very difficult to collect all the
ingredients for a saint degree wine. Much fortune is required. This isn’t
simply a matter of setting conditions. But if there is such an opportunity, it
won’t be a big deal to brew a jug for the lordmaster, and no payment is
necessary.”
“Excellent. A young man who can sit and converse with me
without holding a whit of profit or accomplishment in his mind. Jiang Chen,
you’re different from the rest alright.” The old tutor laughed heartily. “I’ve
heard that you’ve been in the Skylaurel Kingdom for less than two months?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve caused a number of great ripples in such a short
amount of time?” Tutor Ye said with a shadow of a smile.
“Your junior possess a stubborn nature and awaits the
lordmaster’s admonishment.” Jiang Chen simply decided to admit to things, and
quite starkly at that. He didn’t say anything silly like he’d been forced to.
“Mm. Young folk should have a sense of wildness about them.
If you go about your matters in a timid and cowardly way when you’re young,
then what can you hope to accomplish? Jiang Chen, no matter what camp you stand
in, I only have one request of you.”
“What is it?” Jiang Chen started slightly.
“Freely do as you will! Do whatever that’s in your heart!
Don’t be constrained by anyone and worry neither about the pressures from the
outside world, nor what troubles and oppression that you may face. I have
perceived that there is a large power hidden within you. This is a power that
even I cannot fully pierce through. If you give way to pressures from multiple
sides and suppress your energy, then this will only bring numerous
disadvantages to you with not a single gain in your development. I would be rather
disappointed if that were to happen.” The old tutor spoke faintly. “It is
precisely because of this that I gave you the Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion.”
Jiang Chen’s thoughts raced as a deeply contemplative look
appeared in his eyes. Once again, he’d experienced the way the old tutor
cudgeled his brains to help Jiang Chen.
One had to say, although the old tutor wasn’t his master,
but he had the eye of someone skilled at evaluating talent and had unique
measures to conveying his teachings.
“Alright, litte Dan, send our guest out for me.” The old
tutor waved his hand and walked towards the back.
Jiang Chen was silently digesting the old tutor’s words as
he followed behind Dan Fei and walked outside.
“Jiang Chen, you really don’t know how to appreciate what’s
good. Many people dream of hailing the lordmaster as their master, and you’ve
actually turned him down!” Dan Fei’s voice held vague tones of censure.
Jiang Chen could only smile ruefully. He knew that his moves
would appear simply too high-and-mighty in the eyes of outsiders. This woman
viewed the old tutor as her heaven so naturally, now that he’d rejected him,
she wouldn’t give him any good attitude.
“You think you’re all that but without the lordmaster’s
protection, you’ll find it difficult to even take a step in the capital. It’s
obvious that Ye Dai’s crew would chew you up and leave not even the bones
sooner or later.”
Dan Fei was exasperated at his failure to make good and kept
nagging at him.
They’d reached the main door by now.
“Sister Dan Fei, here is good.” Jiang Chen knew that he was
about to be unable to hold up beneath Dan Fei’s nagging.
Dan Fei snorted lightly, “I didn’t say I was going to keep
showing you out. You didn’t need to remind me.”
Jiang Chen chuckled. He knew that this woman was
purposefully finding fault. When women were like this, there would be no end to
how much they would trouble him in the future.
He suddenly thought of something and reached into his
pockets, taking something out. “Sister Dan Fei, the matters of today are a
result of me not being able to tell what’s good for me. You’re a noble
personage and have great magnanimity so don’t be mad for such a small matter
like this. I have a supreme rank pill specifically for retaining youthful
looks. It’s called the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill. Its effects are not
bad. This is for sister Dan Fei. I hope you will remain forever young and that
your looks last as long as the heavens.”
Jiang Chen shoved the bottle into Dan Fei’s slender jade
hand, turned, and ran off.
Dan Fei hadn’t had time to react before Jiang Chen had
vanished without a trace around a street corner. As she looked at the pill
bottle in her hand, Dan Fei was a bit irritated, “This wild youth likes to play
his tricks alright. What pill of youthful looks? Am I very old? So old that I
need medicine to maintain my looks?”
As she walked back through the door and closed it, she
became more and more irritated and huffily threw the pill bottle into the
bushes next to her.
She did not really hold a grudge against Jiang Chen, but
simply held a baffling anger towards him in her heart. Who knew if it was
because Jiang Chen had rejected the lordmaster’s desire to take a disciple, or
something else?
