Chapter Forty-One: You Cheated

Clang, clang, clang!

“Congratulations, Master, you have obtained the Lightning Sword. Usable for seven days, counting from now. Features: The Lightning Sword can automatically anticipate and respond to enemy attacks. Power: Capable of defeating enemies one major realm above the master, and can win even if its wielder is asleep. The permanent version requires 99,999,999 spirit stones. Introduction complete. Enjoy your use!”

As Tianming exited the Elders’ Pavilion, he had not forgotten the compensation lottery opportunity Dora had given him earlier.

Thanks to his absorption of the spiritual energy there, he had successfully advanced to the fourth rank of Foundation Establishment!

This achievement stunned everyone—advancing a realm as if standing still, truly a monster—earning the young man newfound respect from all...

If they were to learn that he could now defeat a fourth-rank Spirit Void cultivator, their shock would only deepen. Though he relied on the power of a treasure, who could possibly know?

In the end, the bet was officially established under the witness of the Grand Elder!

He had originally thought Wang Shangshang would serve as the guarantor, but was caught off guard when the Grand Elder suddenly stepped in.

Tianming dared not object further. After a brief interaction, he discovered the Grand Elder, though stern in appearance, was kindly and quite supportive of him, even going out of his way to speak with him about the Celestial Altar Secret Realm.

The Celestial Altar Secret Realm!

A place designed for disciples to temper themselves, also known as “Adversity”—challenging one’s limits and pushing through hardship. It is an ancient immortal artifact left behind by a mighty figure of the Heaven’s Evolution Sect, situated in the Celestial Lake region, beneath ten thousand fathoms of water.

Only inner disciples may enter, for within lies endless danger and cruelty, with the threat of death ever-present. However, with a token capable of teleportation, things are different—a disciple need only prepare spirit stones in advance to preserve their life at a critical moment. This is why only inner disciples are allowed entry.

Of course, alongside danger there are boundless opportunities. More importantly, if one can reach the tenth level, it is said they may claim ownership of the immortal artifact itself. There are ten levels in all, and each is exponentially harder than the last. According to the Grand Elder, no one has ever reached the summit.

But Tianming believed he might be the exception. Although Wang Shangshang only rolled her eyes at his declaration, he was determined to try, and saw no reason to delay. Thus, he and Wang Sheng prepared to venture into the secret realm together.

Yet before that, Tianming was brewing a plan in his heart.

...

“Uncle, you’re bound to lose!” Tianming said coolly.

Opening his eyes, Tianming’s gaze, full of meaning, fell on Wang Sheng, who at that moment was also sitting cross-legged in meditation.

Wang Sheng...

Sensing Tianming’s words, Wang Sheng lifted his head in confusion, smiled, and shook his head, remaining silent.

Though he said nothing, Wang Sheng’s silence was more eloquent than words—the amusement in his eyes revealed his disbelief that Tianming could make it onto the Heavenly Ranking. It was not a lack of trust, but Tianming was only fourth rank Foundation Establishment, while inner disciples started at Spirit Void first rank. There was simply no hope.

Not to mention the Heavenly Ranking—even the Human Ranking would be a stretch for Tianming, in Wang Sheng’s estimation!

“...You don’t believe me. Just wait and see!” Seeing this, Tianming could only grumble in frustration under his breath.

Afterward, Tianming kept glancing toward the direction of the Celestial Lodging area, saying nothing more.

By now, his elder brother should be arriving...

“You really don’t want to be my son-in-law?” Wang Sheng rolled his eyes at Tianming, unable to hide his helplessness.

Clearly, the two had feelings for each other, yet this kid insisted on keeping things ambiguous, which gave Wang Sheng a headache. Truly an oddball.

“Uncle, you don’t understand. In this world, there’s an incurable disease called poverty. Only spirit stones can relieve its symptoms. Besides, what’s meant to be will be—these things can’t be forced. You wouldn’t want me to resort to such means, would you?” Tianming shook his head, took a deep breath, and sighed.

“...Good lad, I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you!” Wang Sheng’s expression turned solemn as he nodded heavily.

He was now curious about what trump card this kid had to be so confident of winning the wager.

“He’s here...”

Just as Wang Sheng was puzzling over it, Tianming suddenly stood up and walked outside.

According to the Grand Elder, the tokens could communicate within a certain range—after all, the world was vast and searching for people day and night would be exhausting!

So before leaving the Elders’ Pavilion, Tianming had arranged to meet at a certain spot.

“Brother Chu, long time no see!” Stopping to look at the handsome youth before him, Tianming greeted him with a smile.

He hadn’t seen Chu Qingchen since falling unconscious for so long. Today’s meeting had been abrupt, and a misunderstanding had left him rather embarrassed.

“How’s your health? Where is she?” Chu Qingchen nodded and asked, looking around as if searching for someone, but ultimately turned his gaze to Tianming, finding nothing.

Ahem!

“...This is Senior Wang Sheng!” Tianming, flustered, pretended not to hear and turned to introduce the other.

He knew exactly whom Chu Qingchen was referring to, but in front of her father, he dared not say much.

Chu Qingchen...

Seeing Tianming avoid the question, Chu Qingchen dropped it, turning his attention to Wang Sheng. Suddenly, his gaze froze.

“...It is an honor to meet you, Senior Wang Sheng. I am Chu Qingchen, an inner disciple!” With great respect, Chu Qingchen bowed deeply to Wang Sheng.

Previously thinking Tianming was joking, Chu Qingchen now dared not be careless, paying no mind to Tianming and his eyes filled with fervor.

“No need for such formality. Call me Uncle, just as Tianming does!” Wang Sheng waved a hand with a smile.

He seemed to have guessed something, and shot Tianming a fierce glare before forcing a stiff smile.

Cold sweat broke out on Tianming as an inexplicable pressure welled up in his heart...

“...I wouldn’t dare!” Chu Qingchen, also breaking out in a sweat, replied meekly.

Tianming might be allowed such familiarity, but Chu Qingchen would never dare. He understood this was just courtesy—after all, he and this senior were not close.

Seeing this, Tianming said nothing further. He wasn’t foolish—he knew what could and could not be said!

“If that’s the case, do as you wish,” Wang Sheng nodded indifferently.

With that, Wang Sheng paid Chu Qingchen no further mind, instead directing a complicated gaze at Tianming...

“Uncle, I don’t need to say any more, do I?” Tianming met Wang Sheng’s eyes with a mischievous smile.

He knew that someone as experienced as Wang Sheng could not fail to see what was going on.

“...You win, but you cheated!” After a moment’s thought, Wang Sheng admitted with resignation.

Even he hadn’t expected Tianming to know someone on the Heavenly Ranking, especially since he’d only just arrived.

“Heh, there’s nothing about that in the wager, Uncle! Sorry!” Tianming grinned, extending his open palm—handing over the spirit stones was clearly expected.

In an instant, the atmosphere grew awkward.

Wang Sheng...

Chu Qingchen...

At that moment, not only was Wang Sheng rendered speechless, but Chu Qingchen was utterly bewildered. He stared at the two of them, completely at a loss, unable to make sense of their conversation, and could only shake his head in confusion.