Chapter 404 - 380: Victory, Defeat, and Opportunity

Chapter 404: Chapter 380: Victory, Defeat, and Opportunity

Even among Pseudo-Spirit Treasures, there were vast differences in Mighty Power and specialization.

Wang Chongming’s Feather Fan was his Lifebound Magical Treasure. It was certainly strong, but it had been nurtured up from a Top Grade Magical Treasure.

Moreover, the Feather Fan’s main strength was controlling Fire. Against a treasure like the Golden Seal, which was heavy and overwhelmingly powerful, it was clearly at a disadvantage.

Not to mention, the Golden Seal was once the ultimate treasure of the Pill and Artifact Sect.

Wang Chongming didn’t recognize the Golden Seal’s origin, but he could easily tell it was extraordinary from its appearance and overwhelming might.

BOOM!

The next moment, Wang Chongming hurriedly activated his Feather Fan to meet the Golden Seal, but the fan was immediately sent flying.

Wang Chongming was struck next, instantly getting smashed into the ground and creating a large crater.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The Golden Seal soared high and smashed down again and again. In the blink of an eye, it had struck dozens of times, driving Wang Chongming deep underground. Even his Top Grade Treasure Robe and Inner Armor were reduced to tatters.

The Feather Fan’s light had long since dimmed, rendering it useless, so he had put it away.

During this time, Wang Chongming had tried many other methods, including Spirit Talismans and Magical Treasures, but nothing could stop the Golden Seal.

"What’s going on?"

"Yeah, what’s happening in there?"

The Cultivators outside were utterly horrified.

Their vision was blocked by the Array. They could only feel the violent tremors in the ground, but they had no idea what was actually happening.

Of course, this was also because the solitary peak where the Desert Divine Palace was located was no ordinary mountain; it was a treasure in its own right.

Otherwise, it would have collapsed long ago under the Golden Seal’s bombardment.

"Chen Bufan must be the one getting pummeled, right?"

"Exactly! Senior Brother Wang’s Body Refining Cultivation is incredibly powerful, so it’s normal for him to cause such a commotion!"

"You don’t think Chen Bufan will be beaten to death, do you?"

However, the Cultivators quickly filled in the blanks with their own imaginations, growing more gleeful and expectant by the second.

"Heh!"

Though surprised, Qin Yuyan gave a disdainful smile. She immediately guessed that Zhang Chi must have used the Golden Seal.

"Stop! I surrender! Junior Brother Chen, stop smashing!"

Inside the Array, Wang Chongming had no choice but to concede.

In truth, he still had a trump card, but this was definitely not the right time to use it.

First, there was no need to fight to the death and waste it.

Second, even if he used it, it might not be effective.

After all, while he had a trump card, there was no guarantee Zhang Chi didn’t have one as well.

Moreover, Zhang Chi had already set up an Array but hadn’t truly activated it against him.

Once it was activated, he feared that even his trump card would have a limited effect.

"You came to my door to provoke me and even dreamed of stealing my women. Now that you can’t win, you think simply surrendering is enough?"

Zhang Chi sneered. Although he had expected this, he was clearly not satisfied.

"I’m willing to compensate you for your losses and apologize in public."

Wang Chongming’s expression was grim, but he could only try to show his sincerity.

"Fine," Zhang Chi said after a moment of thought. "But first, you’ll share that great opportunity you mentioned earlier. If it satisfies me, I’ll let you go. Otherwise, even if you have some hidden ace you haven’t used, I’ll make you regret this forever!"

’If they were in the wild, I could have easily killed him. But this is the Desert Divine Palace’s territory, and he’s a Palace Master’s Disciple, so it wouldn’t be wise to deliver a killing blow.’

’Besides, I’m not a bloodthirsty person.’

’Fortunately, while killing him was off the table, teaching him a harsh lesson and taking the opportunity to demand some benefits was clearly not a problem.’

At the same time, he was also very interested in the great opportunity the man had mentioned.

"You... Fine! I’ll give it to you!"

Wang Chongming was reluctant to agree, but seeing Zhang Chi about to activate the Golden Seal again, he had no choice but to compromise.

He then took out a blank Jade Scroll, imprinted some information onto it, and gave it to Zhang Chi.

Zhang Chi immediately sent his Divine Thought into it and discovered that the opportunity was the ruins of an Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion.

Moreover, according to the Jade Scroll’s description, this Ancient Cultivator had been a Divinity Transformation Celestial Monarch. This meant the cave mansion likely held an opportunity related to Divinity Transformation.

However, Wang Chongming had not revealed the specific location of this Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion.

He was obviously worried that if Zhang Chi learned the location, he would explore the cave mansion himself and cut him out.

"I’m reasonably satisfied with this opportunity. However, I’m going to share it with Qin Yushan and the others. Any objections?"

With his right hand hidden from view, Zhang Chi performed a quick calculation and immediately determined there was nothing wrong with the opportunity.

It turned out his Calculation Skill had reached a sufficient Realm. Coupled with the knowledge gained from the Soul Search of Celestial Star True Monarch, he could now calculate simple matters without needing to rely on the tortoise shell.

At the same time, he used his powerful Divine Soul to sense that Wang Chongming was not, in fact, playing any tricks.

Unless Wang Chongming himself had been misled.

"Fine. But please don’t let too many people know."

Wang Chongming didn’t resist this.

After all, since he was sharing the information with Zhang Chi, this was unavoidable.

Besides, he had been planning to find helpers anyway, since a Divinity Transformation Celestial Monarch’s Cave Mansion could contain treasures as well as great dangers.

"Of course."

Zhang Chi nodded slightly.

Afterward, the two signed a Spirit Contract, agreeing to undertake the Exploration together when the time came.

After accepting a large amount of resources from him as compensation, Zhang Chi prepared to dismantle the Array.

"Wait, let me change my clothes first. Also... later, can I say that I fought to a Tie with you, Senior Brother?"

Wang Chongming quickly stopped him, a pleading expression on his face as he looked at Zhang Chi.

At this moment, his form of address for Zhang Chi had changed to "Senior Brother."

Firstly, he was asking for a favor.

Secondly, it was because Zhang Chi’s Combat Power was greater than his.

"You can."

Zhang Chi didn’t really care. And since he’d gotten the opportunity and compensation, he was in a good mood, so he readily agreed.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Wang Chongming was overjoyed. He quickly changed his clothes and tidied his appearance.

After that, Zhang Chi finally dismantled the Array.

"Senior Brother, this is...?"

The Cultivators outside could finally see the scene clearly. Although the area was a total wreck, they found that both Zhang Chi and Wang Chongming were unharmed.

They were all very surprised and curious about who had won.

"I have already crossed swords with Senior Brother Chen, and the result was a Tie. We’ve come to an understanding through our fight and have already buried the hatchet."

"Now, I will publicly apologize to Senior Brother Chen. My previous words and actions were far too rude. Senior Brother, please accept this bow and forgive my reckless ignorance."

As he spoke, Wang Chongming bowed deeply to Zhang Chi in front of everyone.

"Forget it," Zhang Chi calmly accepted the bow before speaking lightly. "There is no greater virtue than to correct one’s mistakes. I’m not one to be unforgiving when I’m in the right. Just remember to conduct yourself properly from now on."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Wang Chongming was speechless inside. ’If I hadn’t shared the opportunity and paid so much in compensation, he wouldn’t be nearly this agreeable,’ he thought.

On the surface, however, he didn’t dare show any dissatisfaction and quickly expressed his thanks.

"This..."

The Cultivators at the scene were all stunned.

They never dreamed that the two would fight to a Tie, let alone that Wang Chongming would apologize so publicly.

Only Qin Yuyan knew it couldn’t possibly have been a Tie; otherwise, Wang Chongming’s attitude wouldn’t be so accommodating.

She knew full well that Zhang Chi’s Combat Power was superior.

Therefore, she immediately guessed that Zhang Chi must have gained some benefits and was simply saving the other party’s face by allowing him to make this claim.

This made her chuckle inwardly, but she also finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, this outcome was far better than Zhang Chi and Wang Chongming having a complete falling out and becoming mortal enemies.

"What are you all standing around gawking for? Even I have apologized. Aren’t you lot going to come over and atone as well?"

"Especially the five of you. Senior Brother Chen already let you off once, but you remained obstinate and nearly dragged me into this mess. You must be taught a lesson this time!"

Having finished his apology, Wang Chongming’s expression turned cold as he turned to the dumbfounded Cultivators and berated them loudly.

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

"Senior Brother Chen, we were wrong..."

The Cultivators finally snapped back to their senses. They hurried forward, bowing to admit their mistakes and offering a string of explanations and ingratiating words.

"No matter, it’s a small thing. Just compensate me with another batch of resources, and I’ll forgive you!"

Zhang Chi smiled faintly, appearing very agreeable.

Hearing this, the faces of all the Cultivators stiffened.

But under the gazes of both Zhang Chi and Wang Chongming, they didn’t dare to refuse and could only suffer another great loss.

The five Cultivators who had tattled in the first place were hit the hardest, nearly losing everything but their Lifebound Magical Treasures.

But whether it was Zhang Chi, Qin Yuyan, Wang Chongming, or even the other Cultivators, everyone felt those five deserved it.

After all, if it weren’t for those five, Wang Chongming and the other Cultivators would never have come, and none of this would have happened.

"Junior Sister Qin, thank you for your kind warning earlier. Unfortunately, I was arrogant and ignorant and failed to listen. Also, please forgive my poor attitude from before."

At this point, Wang Chongming also expressed his thanks and apologies to Qin Yuyan.

Seeing that Qin Yuyan didn’t hold a grudge, he finally bid farewell to Zhang Chi and left. The other Cultivators fled as if escaping for their lives.

「In the days that followed」

The news that Zhang Chi’s two concubines had achieved Nascent Soul Formation, and that they possessed the Phoenix Cry Body and Charm Demon Bloodline, spread quickly. However, no other Cultivators came looking for trouble.

This was because at the same time, news of Zhang Chi fighting Wang Chongming to a draw had also begun to circulate.

The Cultivators who heard the news were envious and full of admiration for Zhang Chi. Even though many believed he must have relied on some clever tricks to achieve a Tie with Wang Chongming, they had to admit that Zhang Chi was undeniably powerful.

Many curious Cultivators even went to visit Wang Chongming, hoping to learn the details of the battle.

Unfortunately, Wang Chongming claimed it involved their hidden techniques and refused to reveal anything.

Clearly, he didn’t want to publicize such an embarrassing secret.

Some Cultivators also tried asking Zhang Chi, but he remained silent as well.

After all, Zhang Chi didn’t want to reveal the full extent of his abilities, and there was no need to expose Wang Chongming. It would only harm the other man without benefiting himself.

In short, this incident allowed Zhang Chi, a previously unremarkable Palace Master’s Disciple, to gain quite a bit of fame.

However, all of this happened later. At that moment, once Wang Chongming and his group had left, Qin Yuyan immediately returned to the cave mansion with Zhang Chi.

Seeing that Zhang Chi was safe, both Lan Xuan and Qin Susu breathed a sigh of relief and immediately threw themselves into his arms.

Seeing this, Qin Yuyan could only look away awkwardly, even letting out a pair of deliberate coughs.

Only then did Qin Susu and Lan Xuan realize what was happening. Blushing, they quickly pulled away from Zhang Chi’s embrace.

But when Zhang Chi told them what had happened outside, the two women could barely stop themselves from throwing themselves into his arms once more.

Clearly, Zhang Chi’s actions had moved them deeply and made them admire him even more.

"Haha, I knew it! That Wang Chongming was no match for you, Third Brother."

When Qin Yuyan heard that Zhang Chi had won the battle, she wasn’t particularly surprised, but she was still delighted.

Of course, Zhang Chi hadn’t shared the details of the fight, so she didn’t know he had been aided by a Tier Four Peak Corpse Puppet.

"It was just a lucky win," Zhang Chi said with a slight smile, taking out the Jade Scroll. "By the way, Second Sister, come take a look at this map."