bullyxtreme Chapter 429 Mission Acceptance Competition
Chapter 429 Mission Acceptance Competition
"A higher cultivation level only means a longer cultivation time. I, Zheng Qian, will catch up quickly. In a battle between people of the same cultivation level, you are all trash in front of me, Zheng Qian."
The scene fell silent instantly. The crystal skull in Hu Dinghuan's hand emitted a ghostly light, and the killing intent in his eyes was undisguised: "From the day I was born until now, no one has ever dared to say that the people of the Miannan Empire are trash. You are the first and the last. Because I will kill you."
Hu Dinghuan had been very humble before, always addressing people as "I" and never revealing his identity as a prince. His revelation of his status was a way of telling the Tianmai Sect that Zheng Qian had not only insulted him, but the Miannan Empire itself; it had escalated to a matter of power and honor, and Zheng Qian had to die.
Yu Haoshen's fiery red hair flickered with fire as he stared coldly at Zheng Qian: "What you said today will cost you your life as atonement."
Faced with the threats from the two prodigies, Zheng Qian's lips curled into a disdainful smile. His eyes showed no fear, but rather an indescribable mockery: "The prince of the Miannan Empire? The genius of the Nanyeji Sect? In my eyes, Zheng Qian, they are nothing more than two stepping stones that I will soon surpass. The level of one's cultivation is never the only standard for measuring a person's strength. True battles rely on wisdom."
"Hu Dinghuan, all you rely on is your background and resources. If we were on the same starting line, you wouldn't even be worthy of carrying my shoes. As for You Haoshen, although your fire power is strong, fighting against someone of the same realm will only become the source of your self-immolation." Zheng Qian's words were resounding, each word like a sharp blade cutting through the tense atmosphere.
The geniuses from the five major powers were stunned into silence by this conversation; they had never seen such an arrogant young man. They exchanged glances, feeling both dissatisfaction with Zheng Qian's arrogance and an inability to resist his composed demeanor.
Upon hearing this, Hu Dinghuan's face turned ashen, and the crystal skull in his hand shone even brighter, as if it wanted to devour everything: "Hmph, still stubborn even when death is imminent, today I will let you know what true despair is!" Before he finished speaking, his figure flashed and he transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for Zheng Qian's vitals.
Not to be outdone, You Haoshen unleashed a burst of flames around him, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, as he spread his wings and pounced on Zheng Qian. The intense heat distorted the surrounding space.
A buzzing sound filled the air, as if the space itself had been locked, freezing Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen in mid-air, completely still. The scene unfolded so suddenly that the disciples of the five major powers stared blankly at Zheng Qian.
Seriously? You have that much ability?
"A bunch of little brats, getting into fights over trivial matters. If you keep making a scene, I'll throw you all out." An aged voice echoed from within the tower, though no one was visible. The voice, though tinged with mockery, carried an undeniable authority that made everyone present shudder.
Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen landed on the ground, their faces instantly turning extremely grim. They never expected that someone would interfere at this crucial moment. Moreover, judging from the voice, the other party's strength was clearly superior to theirs, perhaps even reaching a level they could not reach.
Zheng Qian's lips curled into a playful smile. He had long known that the Tower of Strategies concealed many experts, but he hadn't expected this old man to intervene so directly. However, this presented him with an opportunity—a chance to use this opportunity to intimidate the five major powers.
Zheng Qian's protector was Dongfang Gambling King. He dared to confront Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen because he was certain that Dongfang Gambling King would protect him. However, he did not expect that someone else would take action.
“Senior, we are just…” Hu Dinghuan tried to explain, but was interrupted by the old man before he could finish speaking.
"Don't explain, little brats. Do you think I can't see through your little schemes? But I'm in a good mood today, so I won't hold it against you." The old man's words were tinged with amusement, as if he were looking at a group of mischievous children.
The disciples of the five major forces exchanged bewildered glances, a sense of awe rising within them. Although they were all among the best in their respective forces, they were as insignificant as ants before a powerhouse of this caliber.
“Senior, we…” You Haoshen also tried to speak, but was interrupted by the old man.
"Alright, alright. I only lent you the tower to discuss matters because of Zheng Qian. Otherwise, you bunch of kids wouldn't even be able to get in. Don't cause any trouble. I don't want to see you cause any more chaos today." The old man's voice gradually faded into the distance, as if it might disappear at any moment.
Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen exchanged a glance, a hint of resentment flashing in their eyes. But they also understood that there was no point in making a scene now.
Zheng Qian listened carefully and realized who the old man was: Wu Ying, the strategist of the Wise Alliance, known for his incompetence.
"Thank you for your guidance, Martial Uncle! We will discuss the matter carefully and will not cause any trouble." Zheng Qian bowed to the upper left corner.
Everyone followed Zheng Qian's gaze and saw nothing but buildings.
Wu Ying revealed a meaningful smile. He was indeed in the upper left corner of the previous level, but the group of dolls couldn't see him. To his surprise, Zheng Qian could sense his location; this was interesting.
Zheng Qian is indeed quite good and deserves the league's full support and cultivation.
"Hu Dinghuan, You Haoshen, I'm not bragging, but in a battle between people of the same cultivation level, I can take on both of you single-handedly. If you're not convinced, I'll ask Senior Dongfang to seal your cultivation levels to the Dragon Transformation Realm so we can settle this once and for all." Zheng Qian's lips curled into a cold smile. He knew that today's scene was enough to make the people of the five major powers remember his existence. And he was taking this opportunity to demonstrate his strength and methods to everyone.
For the sake of the fifty kingdoms and the position of leader, Zheng Qian was still willing to take a chance if there was any hope.
Hu Dinghuan sat back down, toying with the crystal skull, and sneered, "To be the leader of an alliance, one needs not only formidable combat power, but also the ability to bring development benefits to the alliance. I, Hu Dinghuan, win people over with virtue. If you, Zheng Qian, want to be the leader of this alliance, let's see if you have the ability."
Hu Dinghuan made no mention of being locked in mid-air and falling to the ground, his expression remaining perfectly calm, as if nothing had happened. He knew that with his status, he wouldn't be killed here, but if he were punished, he would have no grounds for protest. Therefore, he adopted another method to deal with Zheng Qian: winning people over with virtue.
"Oh, how exactly do you mean by winning people over with virtue?" Zheng Qian raised his eyebrows, looking at Hu Dinghuan with amusement.
"We're here for trials, and forming an alliance is also for trials, for safety, and for mutual assistance. All of this is contingent on receiving a mission. Let's take a gamble and see who can get a better mission; that person will become the alliance leader." Hu Dinghuan sneered. The Miannan Empire provides Youfeng Rift Valley with massive amounts of resources every year; this is a mission given by the Divine Court, and it's also their resource.
The higher-ups of the Strategic Alliance and the Radiant Legion wouldn't give Hu Dinghuan any face, because in their eyes, the Miannan Empire wasn't strong. Especially in the eyes of the Radiant Legion, the Miannan Empire was merely a warehouse for their supplies, and they certainly wouldn't give Hu Dinghuan, the Third Prince, any respect. However, Hu Dinghuan had his own ways of contacting people; if the higher-ups wouldn't give him face, the middle-level officials would.
“This betting method is fun and fair to everyone.” You Haoshen didn’t mention what had just happened. He was confident because the Nan Yeji Sect also had a network of connections in the Youfeng Rift Valley.
Zheng Qian chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with interest. He slowly said, "Since you're in such high spirits, I'll gladly oblige. However, since it's a betting game, there has to be a stake, otherwise it would be too boring."
Hu Dinghuan's lips curled into a smile, as if he had anticipated Zheng Qian's reaction. He nodded and said, "Of course, if I lose, I will not only acknowledge your position as the leader of the alliance, but also give you a Wind-Riding Jade Slip. This item can help the holder increase their movement speed for a short period of time, which will undoubtedly be a great help in the trial."
"Oh? The Wind-Riding Jade Slip?" Zheng Qian's eyes lit up. The Wind-Riding Jade Slip was a rare item, a treasure that everyone dreamed of, especially on the battlefield or when fleeing for their lives, its value was immeasurable.
Seeing this, You Haoshen was not to be outdone. He smiled slightly and said, "Since Brother Hu is so generous, I, You Haoshen, cannot fall behind. If I lose, I will take out a Shadow Escape Talisman. This talisman can make a person hide their figure for a short time, which is an excellent choice for both escape and surprise attack."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere around them instantly became tense, as if frozen, yet filled with an irrepressible anticipation. The Shadow Escape Talisman, such an exceptionally precious treasure, was practically priceless in this perilous trial ground. A single Shadow Escape Talisman could turn the tide in a life-or-death situation and save a precious life.
All eyes were fixed on Zheng Qian, their gazes a complex mix of scrutiny, doubt, and expectation. Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen had already placed their bets without hesitation, the alluring treasure lying quietly on the table.
And what about you? Zheng Qian.
A crisp "ding" pierced the air as Zheng Qian casually tossed a low-grade spirit crystal onto the table. It rolled seven times before finally coming to a stop, emitting a faint glow. This scene stunned everyone present; the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
"What? You only took a low-grade spirit crystal?" someone exclaimed in disbelief. To everyone else, it was a joke. The other person had taken out a priceless treasure, while Zheng Qian had only produced a seemingly insignificant low-grade spirit crystal?
"Heh heh, my Wind Jade Slip is worth three thousand low-grade spirit crystals. You're offering one up? Are you trying to buy it on credit? We don't have the concept of credit in the Miannan Empire." Hu Dinghuan sneered, his eyes full of contempt.
You Haoshen glanced at Li Miaoran, tossed his fiery red hair, thinking himself very handsome, and said indifferently, "My Shadow Escape Talisman is also worth three thousand low-grade spirit crystals. If you don't have it, you can ask Li Ming to pay for it for you."
Zheng Qian smiled, a smile that revealed an indescribable confidence and composure: "I don't even know how many spirit crystals I have right now. But I can easily produce tens or hundreds of thousands of low-grade spirit crystals."
These words instantly created a subtle atmosphere in the room. The disdain on Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen's faces froze, replaced by incredulous astonishment. Li Miaoran was also slightly taken aback, then a hint of curiosity and scrutiny flashed in her eyes, as if she wanted to discern something unusual about Zheng Qian.
"Haha, are you kidding me? Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of low-grade spirit crystals? Who do you think you are, a spirit crystal mine owner?" Hu Dinghuan finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, his laughter tinged with sarcasm and disbelief.
Zheng Qian did not immediately refute, but slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gently pushed open the window frame. A breeze blew in, bringing a touch of coolness and freshness. He turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. His eyes seemed to hold a deep secret, making people involuntarily suspect that he might really have tens or hundreds of thousands of low-grade spirit crystals.
"The space here is too small. Why don't we go outside and I'll take everything out and show it to you?" Zheng Qian laughed heartily. Yun Youzi gave him 50,000 mid-grade spirit crystals every year, all of which were in his spatial ring.
One hundred low-grade spirit crystals can be exchanged for one mid-grade spirit crystal. Fifty thousand mid-grade spirit crystals would amount to five million low-grade spirit crystals. Zheng Qian's statement that there were tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands was still a humble way of putting it.
As Hu Dinghuan stared at Zheng Qian's smug face, a wave of hesitation washed over him. Could it be that this seemingly arrogant Zheng Qian truly possessed power capable of shaking people's hearts? Once this thought surfaced, it grew wildly in Hu Dinghuan's mind like weeds, impossible to suppress.
You Haoshen narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind involuntarily conjuring up the image of Yun Youzi's mountain of spirit crystals outside the Twin Absolutes Domain, a sight so vast it almost overwhelmed his vision. He secretly shook his head, a disdainful smile playing on his lips. Hmph, if he were to respond to Zheng Qian's words now, wouldn't that be exactly what Zheng Qian wanted, giving him an opportunity to show off? Wouldn't he then become the perfect supporting character on Zheng Qian's path to ostentation?
"I knew it; words alone wouldn't convince you." Zheng Qian shrugged, feigning helplessness, a smug smile playing on his lips, as if he had anticipated everyone's reaction. He strode back to the table, sat down casually, and then pointed to the tea set on the table, his tone carrying an undeniable air: "Everyone, please put your things away. I'm going to take out spirit crystals to make this bet truly worthwhile."
Before he finished speaking, Zheng Qian slowly took out piles of mid-grade spirit crystals that shimmered with a soft light from his storage ring. The spirit crystals were like dazzling stars, shining brightly under the dim light. His movements were unhurried, and the display of each spirit crystal seemed to have been carefully calculated, both to show off his wealth and to maintain his composure and elegance.
"Look closely, here are a thousand mid-grade spirit crystals, which is equivalent to a hundred thousand low-grade spirit crystals. Not everyone can afford this." As Zheng Qian spoke, he deliberately tossed a spirit crystal lightly into the air and then caught it steadily.
With a whoosh, Zheng Qian opened his spatial ring and poured out a pile of mid-grade spirit crystals, at least five thousand of them.
"Oops, I was a bit too fast. I almost spilled all 100,000 of my mid-grade spirit crystals." Zheng Qian slapped his thigh, looking regretful.
One hundred thousand mid-grade spiritual crystals?
Everyone was stunned. Although they were elite disciples from various powerful forces, who could produce hundreds of mid-grade spirit crystals? No one.
Unexpectedly, Zheng Qian actually took out six thousand coins, and even said he had one hundred thousand, making them feel like country bumpkins seeing the world for the first time.
How can Zheng Qian be so rich?
"Alright, your bet is on. We'll all be your witnesses. Let's calculate the price of the Windwalking Jade Slip and Shadow Escape Talisman at three thousand mid-grade spirit crystals." Li Miaoran stood up and said to Zheng Qian, "Our five major forces will each choose a fortress to take on missions. Whoever gets the best and most missions will become the alliance leader. How about it?"
Not everyone can accept missions in the Wind Rift; it depends on the strength of the team and personal connections. Some missions offer high military merit while being relatively safe, making them the best options. Similarly, the number of missions is limited, and without connections, it's difficult to get team missions.
"You can choose any fortress you want, otherwise you can say I arrived a few days earlier to get to know people and bully you." Zheng Qian looked at Li Miaoran calmly. As long as one is not greedy for beauty, one can remain calm and composed.
"The Dawn Barrier is too far. Let's go to the Starry Chess Formation. Do you dare?" Hu Dinghuan was very smart. He knew that Zheng Qian had a high probability of winning if they went to the Dawn Barrier because his gate-blocking battle was at the Dawn Barrier, and the people there would definitely be on his side.
The Starry Chess Formation is different; there are informants from the Miannan Empire there, whom he can bribe in advance. He is very confident that he can win the competition he accepted the mission for.
You Haoshen and Li Miaoran nodded; they had no objections. Every faction had spies in the Ghostly Rift Valley, and as long as they weren't at the Dawn Fortress, they were confident of victory.
"No problem, you can choose whatever you want." Zheng Qian didn't care. He couldn't even win this kind of task-taking competition, so all the drinking he had these past few days had been for nothing.