Xiao Jingwen was full of glee, savoring the thought of humiliating Nan Sinning in front of everyone. He agreed quickly, “If you can beat me, I’ll even give you three third-grade spirit plants!”
Anyway, she couldn’t possibly win. He just wanted to taunt her, raise her hopes, then crush her. The thought of her crying in her room afterward, while Luo Shimei looked at him with admiration, made his whole body feel light and triumphant.
Nan Sinning frowned.“Only three third-grade spirit plants? Isn’t that a little stingy? Since you’re the grandson of the Yaowang and his direct disciple, I thought you’d show some real generosity. Who would’ve guessed…”
She even curled her lip in open disdain.
The expression made Xiao Jingwen feel as if he’d been slapped. Rage surged to his head. He yanked out a gleaming pill furnace.“If you win, this is yours too!”
Nan Sinning thought it looked rather pretty. But the watching disciples gasped in shock:
“The Yuntian Carved-Gold Furnace! He’s actually willing to wager that?”
“Heavens, I wish I were that Nan girl right now!”
“That’s a fourth-grade artifact! Even Senior Brother’s furnace wasn’t this good until long after he became a fourth-rank alchemist!”
Their awe confirmed to Nan Sinning that she’d struck gold. Just a few words, and she could squeeze treasures out of this fool.
Luo Qingyao, though not an alchemist, recognized the extraordinary aura around the furnace. The disciples’ reaction filled her with secret pride. That Xiao Jingwen would stake such a treasure—for her sake—proved her hold over him.
But when she glanced around, she accidentally met Nan Sinning’s narrowed, smiling eyes. Her heart lurched with dread.
Sure enough, Nan Sinning’s next words hit like knives:“Senior Sister Luo, look—Daoist Xiao has wagered three third-grade spirit plants, a fourth-grade furnace, and even his reputation as an alchemist, all to secure you a first-class cabin. Surely someone as kindhearted as you won’t let him bleed alone? Shouldn’t you put something up as well?”
All eyes turned to Luo Qingyao.
Her stomach knotted. Her flashy outfit was all gifts from her fawning admirers. Inside her storage ring, there was almost nothing left. She silently cursed the two thieves from the secret realm—if they were still alive, she’d make them regret it.
Nan Sinning smiled helpfully.“That Baohua Hairpin on your head—rare, but for someone like you, treasured by all, it’s just a trinket. Why not use that?”
Luo Qingyao nearly choked. That hairpin was her most valuable possession: a fourth-grade artifact capable of withstanding three strikes from a Nascent Soul expert. For Nan Sinning to single it out instantly—unforgivable!
Xiao Jingwen hurried to reassure her.“Don’t worry, Luo Shimei. She could never beat me. At worst, she’ll just drool over it for a while.”
Even so, Luo Qingyao’s heart ached at the thought of letting the hairpin leave her hand. But with everyone watching, and Xiao Jingwen having already put up his furnace, if she refused, her carefully cultivated image would collapse completely.
After a long pause, she forced herself to remove the hairpin, handing it over reluctantly.
Shen Tangyuan’s gaze lingered on her, unreadable. Then he produced a jade bottle.“This is a fifth-grade Nurturing Spirit Pill. Consider it added to the wager. The winner shall have it.”
The hall exploded with gasps.
“A fifth-grade pill!”
“There are barely any fifth-grade alchemists on the continent!”
“Even they only succeed one in three times!”
This pill not only replenished spiritual power, but also nourished meridians, strengthened dantian, and boosted cultivation speed. It was a treasure that would spark a frenzy at any auction.
Even Luo Qingyao’s eyes burned with greed. She whispered urgently into Xiao Jingwen’s ear:“You must win!”
The warmth of her breath and her commanding tone made his heart race. He blurted, “Don’t worry, Luo Shimei, I’ll definitely win!”
Nan Sinning glanced at Shen Tangyuan. He had first opposed the duel, but now he’d sweetened the stakes with a priceless pill. Clearly, he had his own plans.
With such treasures now on the line, everyone’s anticipation surged.
Xiao Jingwen urged, “Nan Sinning, no more delays! Let’s start right now!”
Nan Sinning agreed smoothly, “Of course. But the rules and judging should be set by Senior Brother Shen. As the chief disciple, your fairness is beyond reproach.”
Bound by his own reputation, Shen Tangyuan nodded.“Very well. First round: both of you will refine first-grade Spirit-Replenishing Pills. Quality and quantity determine the winner. Second round: each of you will refine the pill you are most skilled at. Higher grade, better quality, greater number—victory shall be decided.”
Nan Sinning smiled.“Perfect. Thank you, Senior Brother Shen. Once I win, I’ll have my Third Senior Brother cook you a feast of spirit food in thanks!”
Zhou Lixing added loyally, “Tell me your preferences, Senior Brother. I’ll prepare it.”
Shen Tangyuan raised a brow.“You often cook for your junior sister?”
Zhou Lixing answered simply, “Yes. Mostly for her. Our senior sisters sometimes join too.”
Shen Tangyuan’s lips curved faintly. “Then I’ll join as well.”
Xiao Jingwen bristled at his brother’s interest, bitterness gnawing at him. He lashed out spitefully,“Only bumpkins too poor to afford fasting pills eat beast meat! Vulgar!”
Nan Sinning rolled her eyes.“Yes, yes, you’re noble and refined. Eat your pills and fart out sanctimony!”
Xiao Jingwen flushed with rage, ready to curse, but Shen Tangyuan cut him off:“Enough. The contest will proceed like the Grand Alchemy Meet. Prepare yourselves.”
The disciples packed into the grand hall, buzzing with excitement.
Nan Sinning set down her battered, lopsided furnace—the same one she’d patched up after it lost a leg in her last explosion.
The hall erupted in laughter and exclamations.
Even Qin Sangyue frowned and asked Zhou Lixing,“You and Junior Sister were in Luoshui City two days. Why didn’t you buy her a proper furnace? If she lacked spirit stones, she could have asked me.”