Chapter 1346: Complete Victory

People on all floors below Biyuan sensed the disturbance and came out, looking towards the Immortal Calligraphy Room. Many, unable to contain their curiosity, wanted to go up and investigate but were stopped by Biyuan's guards. They could only discuss and speculate amongst themselves. The Biyuan became incredibly lively for a while.

Even many in Wangting City looked towards Biyuan, greatly astonished by the strange divine radiance they saw. Had Biyuan unearthed some great treasure? They immediately dispatched subordinates to Biyuan to investigate.

“This is...” Everyone in the Immortal Calligraphy Room was stunned. If the previous phoenix phenomenon had filled the surroundings with qi, making everyone's pores feel comfortable, this time the divine radiance shone so brightly that almost no one could keep their eyes open. Moreover, it emanated a vast and sacred aura, completely incomparable to ordinary Heaven-tier items, and even surpassing Immortal-tier objects.

“This is God-tier aura?” Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue, both Grandmasters with vast knowledge, were the first to react. The others then awoke as if from a dream, and Biyuan's butler trembled uncontrollably, too excited to speak.

A figure flashed out from seemingly nowhere: an old man with crane-white hair and a youthful complexion. His attire clearly identified him as a guardian of Biyuan. He squinted, observing the object within the divine radiance, his lips trembling slightly.

Yun Jianyue nudged Yan Xuehen beside her: “This Biyuan actually has a Grandmaster of the Qi Po realm as a guard; its foundations are truly unfathomable.”

Yan Xuehen shared her sentiment: “And at the peak of the Qi Po realm, no less.”

Grandmasters are categorized into five realms: Ying Po, Jing Po, Zhong Shu Po, Li Po, and Qi Po. The Qi Po realm is the highest among the five Grandmaster realms, and this old man, being at its peak, could almost be considered a Half-Step Grandmaster. The crucial point was that he was merely the guardian of a merchant guild; how could they not be astonished? However, considering the numerous precious unpolished stones here, they felt relieved. If one's cultivation wasn't strong enough, it would be impossible to protect these treasures in a city like Wangting, which was teeming with masters.

At this moment, they heard the white-haired elder exclaim with a trembling voice: “Divine... divine-tier aura! This is... this is Primordial Tribulation Gold!”

“Primordial Tribulation Gold?” The top figures present, all possessing extraordinary knowledge, had naturally heard of the name. Primordial Tribulation Gold is one of the eight legendary divine metals, used to forge God-tier weapons. How many divine artifacts exist in the entire world? Each possesses earth-shattering power, and their owners are all peak existences who dominate their respective regions. Many peak powerhouses long for a God-tier weapon, but unfortunately, the materials are incredibly rare, often leading to lifelong regret. This highlights just how precious Primordial Tribulation Gold truly is.

At this moment, the Second Prince abruptly rose: “Queen Medusa, I will purchase this piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold. Name your price. The Snake Tribe will also gain my most sincere friendship, and as long as I am around, they will enjoy boundless glory and prosperity.” It wasn't that he was insincere or unwilling to name a price; rather, such a divine-tier marvel was already priceless and could only be exchanged for other items of equivalent value.

The faces of the Lion Tribe princes instantly changed. Just moments before, the Second Prince had clearly favored them, but now he had unhesitatingly sided with the other party, leaving them feeling utterly disheartened. Others, too, felt a storm raging in their hearts; the stakes offered by the Second Prince were indeed remarkably high. Such a promise was certainly enough to restore the Snake Tribe to its peak, perhaps even surpassing its former glory, and undoubtedly making them one of the most powerful races among the Demon Clan.

These individuals, all top figures from their respective tribes, roughly surmised why the Second Prince was willing to pay such a high price: Prince Golden Crow possessed the divine artifact Sun-Shooting Bow, while he did not. It was widely known that the Second Prince had always resented Prince Golden Crow. He believed his cultivation, talent, and strategic acumen were in no way inferior. Unfortunately, his opponent possessed a divine artifact passed down from the Demon Emperor, and in a true confrontation, the Second Prince would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. This was why he so urgently desired a divine artifact of his own. Although forging a divine artifact required other extremely stringent conditions besides these rare materials, he was too preoccupied to care. His priority was simply acquiring the material first.

Yu Yanluo offered him an apologetic smile: “I hope the Second Prince can forgive us, but we do not intend to sell this piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold.” As the leader of the Snake Tribe, she was naturally aware of the rivalry between Prince Golden Crow and the Second Prince, and had no desire to involve her entire tribe in the struggle for the throne. Furthermore, since this stone was discovered by Zu An, its ownership naturally belonged to him, and she could not make decisions unilaterally.

Beside her, Yun Jianyue's mouth was wide enough to fit an egg: “Ice Stone Woman, are you saying little Anzi just stumbled upon it by sheer luck?” Even with her extensive knowledge, she had previously seen this stone as utterly ordinary; who would have guessed it would yield something so extraordinary?

Yan Xuehen shook her head slightly: “Probably not. He was quite certain when he told Yu Yanluo to choose this stone just now; that confidence could not have been faked.”

“Then how did he see it?” Yun Jianyue exclaimed, utterly shocked. “Even Yu Yanluo couldn't discern it, and the experienced Biyuan butler didn't notice it even after cutting it open, almost missing it entirely.”

“I don’t know,” Yan Xuehen said indifferently, “we can just ask him directly later.”

“You truly have no concept of tact,” Yun Jianyue said, looking at her suspiciously. “This likely involves his deepest secrets; are you sure he’ll tell you? And when did you two become so familiar?”

Yan Xuehen's heart skipped a beat, and she simply turned her head away, ignoring her. After the way that fellow treated me, would he really refuse to answer a simple question?

The Second Prince’s expression darkened: “Queen Medusa, you must consider this carefully. While this piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold is miraculous, its quantity is insufficient to forge an entire divine artifact. Given the strength of your Snake Tribe, you won't be able to gather enough other divine metals, and it might instead attract the covetousness of other powerful individuals.” His words contained both a warning and a subtle threat.

Yu Yanluo showed no sign of irritation, revealing a beautiful smile that made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze: “Thank you, Second Prince, for the reminder. We will carefully safeguard this piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold. Should we change our minds and decide to part with it in the future, we will certainly prioritize selling it to you, Second Prince.” The Second Prince clearly knew these were mere courtesies, yet he had to admit that Yu Yanluo’s peerless beauty and approachable smile could, without conscious effort, dissipate the anger in one’s heart like smoke.

Zu An looked at the palm-sized, peculiar metal in his hand, observing the divine radiance flowing over it. Its volume was indeed small, making it somewhat inadequate for forging a weapon. However, he had other plans. During its last head-on collision with the divine artifact Sun-Shooting Bow, the Tai'a Sword had sustained cracks on its blade, and Mi Li’s dwelling place had also been affected. This piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold would be perfect for repairing the damage on the sword. Moreover, according to Mi Li, the Tai'a Sword's grade had deteriorated due to seals and the passage of long years. Adding this piece of Primordial Tribulation Gold would not only repair the blade but potentially allow it to continue growing and improving.

Zu An then looked at Shi Min: “Third Prince, I trust you're now thoroughly convinced of your loss. Hand over the items. This Heavenly Wind Pistil, though its value is ordinary, is ours now.” As he spoke, he snatched the newly unearthed Heavenly Wind Pistil from Shi Min’s hand. “Oh, and that so-called Corpse Bone True Bamboo that was just found. Such an evil item; we'll help you dispose of it.”

Zu An put on a reluctant facade, as if he disdained the Corpse Bone True Bamboo for dirtying his hands.

Shi Min was speechless.

Rage points from Shi Min: +999+999+999...Rage points from Shi Gong: +999+999+999...Rage points from Shi Rong: +999+999+999...

This brat just got lucky, yet now he's getting arrogant.

Shi Rong was the first to lose his temper: “Brat, don’t push your luck!”

“Am I going too far? I’m merely repeating your own words,” Zu An said, spreading his hands. “What, are you perhaps planning to welch on your debt? All you princes, kings, princesses, and noble ladies, please judge this matter.”

Everyone was speechless for a moment. Only Shang Liuyu offered a faint smile, thinking this fellow was indeed just as she remembered.

Hu Yong was now grinning from ear to ear, almost splitting his face. “Haha, what an eye-opener today! It turns out the Lion Tribe are nothing but sore losers!”

In front of so many important figures, even Shi Min, thick-skinned as he was, couldn’t endure it. “Enough, Seventh Brother, give him the Corpse Bone True Bamboo.”

“Third Brother!” Shi Rong’s eyes instantly reddened. He was still young and couldn't immediately accept such a defeat.

“Seventh Brother!” Shi Min glared at him.

Only then did Shi Rong grudgingly produce the Corpse Bone True Bamboo. Zu An took it, smiling, and patted his shoulder. “That’s a good boy, isn’t it?”

Shi Rong was furious: “What did you say?” Being young, he abhorred such terms. The other party speaking in an elder's tone was clearly taking advantage of him.

Rage points from Shi Rong: +444+444+444...

Zu An paused. “So you don’t like being praised? In that case, I’ll say you’re not a good boy.”

Shi Rong was speechless.

He was so enraged that his hair bristled. “Bastard, I challenge you to a duel!”

Rage points from Shi Rong: +999+999+999...

Yun Jianyue let out a chuckle: “Ice Stone Woman, that fellow is truly wicked.”

“That truly lacks gentlemanly conduct.” Yan Xuehen's delicate brows furrowed slightly. Given her upbringing, she honestly did not particularly appreciate such behavior.

“Hmph, what do you know?” Yun Jianyue said with displeasure. “Against enemies, one must always aim to strike at their very core! If he had been in our Holy Sect years ago, I would have had far fewer worries.”

Yan Xuehen’s expression remained indifferent; she seemed to have no interest in debating the matter with her. Seeing that she wasn't blindly praising Zu An as before, Yun Jianyue let out a sigh of relief, wondering where her thoughts had drifted earlier.

At this moment, Zu An shook his head: “If you want to duel me, must I agree?”

“Have you no warrior’s dignity left?” Shi Rong exclaimed, his eyes wide.

“Those who refuse to pay their debts are the ones without a warrior’s dignity, aren’t they? I strongly suspect you’re trying to use this opportunity to kill me so you won’t have to repay those one hundred thousand Heaven-tier Yuan Stones.” Zu An snorted.

“You...” Shi Rong’s face flushed crimson. He hadn't meant that at all; he was purely enraged. Yet, judging by the expressions of others, they seemed to genuinely believe Zu An's words.

Rage points from Shi Rong: +555+555+555...

Shi Min said gravely: “Rest assured, since we lost, we will not renege on our debt. However, one hundred thousand Heaven-tier Yuan Stones is no small sum. We will require a few days to gather them, after which we will send them to you.”

Zu An nodded. “No problem. Let’s draw up a written agreement then.”

Shi Min was speechless.

“The word of our Lion Tribe is as good as gold. Are you truly worried we won’t honor it?”

Rage points from Shi Min: +600+600+600...

“Even close brothers keep their accounts clear, lest misunderstandings arise later,” Zu An said, smiling at him.

Shi Min glared at him fiercely, but in the end, he drew up the written agreement under the gaze of everyone. Ashamed to remain any longer, he departed furiously with his two brothers.

After leaving Biyuan, Shi Gong frowned. “Third Brother, are we truly going to pay them one hundred thousand Heaven-tier Yuan Stones? That’s no small sum.”

Shi Min said coldly: “How could that be? Prince Golden Crow’s faction had originally sent word, asking us to deal with the Snake Tribe on the arena the day after tomorrow. I was still somewhat hesitant, initially planning to seize the opportunity to profit from the Snake Tribe. But who could have foreseen such a turn of events? Now, don’t blame us for being ruthless. We can legitimately cripple them on the arena then.”