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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 145: The Grandmaster's Bet
The wealthiest and most powerful family in Pei County is the Lei Family. The entire Pei County falls under the influence of the Lei Family.
The patriarch of the Lei Family, Leiba, is also a Grandmaster in the Cultivation World. In Pei County, due to Leiba's affection for his people, the citizens regard him as a deity, filled with awe and respect.
Inside the inn, after resting for a moment, the Guan Family stood up and said, "Let's set off."
"Yes."
The Bamboo Elder did not ask further and quietly followed behind. Lin Feng walked alongside the Bamboo Elder, heading towards Thunder Manor.
At this time, many influential figures gathered at Thunder Manor. After presenting their congratulatory gifts, they were led by the servants of Thunder Manor to their respective seats.
Thunder Sword, the young master of Thunder Manor, was busy attending to distinguished guests.
The Guan Family entered and found an empty table to sit down. Lin Feng and the Bamboo Elder also took their seats beside them.
Thunder Sword had been keeping an eye on the Guan Family trio. From the moment they left the inn, Thunder Sword was already aware of their movements. At Thunder Sword's signal, Lei Xuan approached the Guan Family.
Lei Xuan still wore a humble expression as he said, "Wasn't the Guan Family just passing through? What brings you to my Thunder Manor?"
The Bamboo Elder calmly replied, "We have urgent matters at hand and cannot stay long. However, since Thunder Manor possesses a painting bestowed by the Queen, my master has taken a sudden interest in seeing it."
"Very well, please sit quietly for a moment. I will attend to other guests first."
Lei Xuan departed, instructing that the table should not accommodate anyone else.
Lin Feng listened quietly, pondering how challenging it was to be the steward of the Guan Family. Wherever the Guan Family went and whatever they did, the steward had to assist in resolving various troubles along the way.
Previously, they were merely passing through, but now that the Guan Family had gone to Thunder Manor, Bamboo Elder had to find other excuses to avoid stepping on his own toes.
The Birthday Banquet was lavish and lively. A stage had been erected for entertainment. After the banquet concluded, the focus shifted to today's highlight: the unveiling of a painting.
This painting was personally created by the Empress of the Great Zhou, its value was evident.
Leiba personally showcased the Empress's masterpiece to everyone. The painting was displayed prominently in the center of Thunder Manor's grand hall, where it was worshipped daily by all within Thunder Manor.
Leiba bowed before the painting and then solemnly began to unroll the scroll.
As Leiba slowly untied the Golden Threads binding the scroll, everyone held their breath in anticipation. Countless eyes were fixed on the painting, eager to see what lay within. What could this astonishing work of the Queen be?
Leiba's breath became increasingly labored, and his hands began to tremble slightly. As his right hand gradually pulled upward, the scroll slowly revealed itself to the crowd.
Then a gasp echoed through the hall as confusion spread across everyone's faces.
The Peixian People were astonished to discover that when the scroll unfurled, it was completely blank—nothing at all was depicted. Even Leiba was deeply shocked, wondering inwardly: Did I do something wrong? Was there a punishment from the Queen?
In that moment, amidst everyone's confusion, fear, and anxiety, there was only one person whose expression remained unchanged: she was from the Guan Family.
Just as everyone felt bewildered and apprehensive, a tremendous pressure surged from the blank paper, causing it to ripple like water.
Then, the Vital Energy flowed like a delicate brush, falling from the sky like raindrops onto a blank canvas.
On the painting, a blanket of white snow appeared first. The ground was solemn and cold, devoid of life. Soon, amidst the heavy snow, a Thatched Cottage emerged, adding a touch of warmth to the wintry scene. In front of the Thatched Cottage, some footprints slowly became visible, indicating that someone had passed by.
Leiba understood the meaning of the painting at a glance.
The Empress of the Great Zhou was the remarkable woman who topped the three lists at the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference before Sword Saint Lin Bai. She was also that year's Dark Horse. The Empress hailed from Pei County.
At that time, Pei County was not well-known in Zhongzhou. It was considered an ordinary aristocratic family. However, with the emergence of the Empress of the Great Zhou, Thunder Manor's influence grew significantly, making it the most powerful force in Pei County.
The Empress of the Great Zhou was an exceptionally intelligent woman. She did not wish to see her family grow powerful because of her and threaten the sacred order. She also did not want others to know that after becoming the Empress, she had become cold-hearted and unrecognizing of her kin.
This was fundamentally why the Lei Family possessed Pei County but could only hold onto it.
Yet this painting conveyed its meaning clearly. Pei County was the backyard of the Empress of the Great Zhou; no matter how many snowstorms lay ahead, this place was her sanctuary.
The people of Thunder Manor must guard their backyard for generations to come to ensure everlasting connections.
Leiba tightly grasped the painting and silently vowed, "Rest assured, Your Majesty; I, Leiba, will not fail your trust. Long live Your Majesty!"
The Guan Family quietly gazed at the painting and murmured, "The Queen's foundation surpasses mine."
"It's just a matter of training time," Bamboo Elder remarked dismissively.
However, Guan Family spoke earnestly: "In a competition, victory is determined by strength; defeat is also due to strength. There are no other excuses. Lin Feng, do you understand what I mean?"
Lin Feng nodded while pondering the words of the Guan Family, then said, "I will certainly do my best to win."
The crowd marveled at the painting, and only then did Leiba's gaze fall upon the Guan Family. His expression seemed to convey: "Thunder Manor is in the backyard of the Empress of the Great Zhou. Did you just provoke her backyard?"
After appreciating the painting, Leiba offered it up for display. At that moment, a member of the Guan Family stood up and softly said, "I have heard that Master Lei is proficient in Thunder Martial Arts Techniques, which are quite profound. I would like to learn from you."
Although the tone of the Guan Family was light, everyone present heard it clearly.
Leiba looked at the Guan Family with a frown. He thought to himself, My stance has been very clear; how can you still be so oblivious? Do you really think you are the best among Master Realm cultivators?
"Is someone challenging Old Master Lei?"
"And during the old man's birthday banquet?"
"This person has ulterior motives; they must be despicable and shameless."
The venue erupted with intense discussions. Due to Old Master Lei's high reputation in Pei County and his willingness to help anyone, the three members of the Guan Family were met with countless hostile gazes and a barrage of insults.
"Who are you? What qualifications do you have to challenge the old man? You should defeat me first."
"And me."
"And me."
"What is this? Do shrimp soldiers and crab generals think they can challenge me? No way."
"......"
Leiba looked at Peixian Youth, who was so protective of him, and felt very satisfied. Indeed, water can carry a boat; his efforts over the years had not been in vain. Although these people were weak, Leiba enjoyed the feeling of being supported.
The Guan Family seemed to prefer silence, simply watching Leiba and waiting for his response.
At that moment, Lin Feng spoke up. "This is the Guan Family of Gaojing. These three words must have been heard by someone here. For those who haven't, let me explain."
"The Guan Family is the wealthiest in all of Gaojing. Even across the Jiuzhou Continent, they are among the richest. The wealth they possess could buy one hundred, one thousand, or even ten thousand Pei Counties."
Ten thousand Pei Counties!!
Those who were far from Gaojing showed expressions of awe upon hearing the name Gaojing. The Queen gained her power today because she went to Gaojing.
And the thought of ten thousand Pei Counties left them speechless.
The Guan Family looked at Leiba and calmly said, "Do you dare to accept the challenge? Or do you want these ordinary people to hold up a space for you?"
The Guan Family was primarily a business entity, so timing was crucial in their dealings. They waited until today to come because they knew it was a good day.
People care about their reputation. Especially a Master Realm cultivator like him. Challenging him in front of his disciples on such a good day would make him more likely to agree readily.
Leiba already understood that today's battle was inevitable. He asked, "Is your purpose today solely to challenge me?"
"That's only natural. But the challenge needs a bit of incentive," Guan Family said calmly.
"What kind of incentive?" Leiba asked.
"If you lose, you will hand over the Golden Spirit Seed."
"But what if you lose?"
"I will give up anything I possess, and you can choose one item at your discretion from Old Master Lei."
Guan Family's statement was not made out of generosity, but rather confidence. The implication was clear: I have plenty of things; if you have the ability to win, feel free to take one.
At this moment, Leiba understood Guan Family's intention was to acquire the Lei Family's secret treasure, the Golden Spirit Seed.
Leiba replied with slight anger, "Although the Golden Spirit Seed is precious and rare, no treasure is worth a life. You, Guan Family, are known for being shrewd in business; this deal doesn't seem worthwhile today."
Guan Family responded, "The bigger the business, the greater the risk. Often, what appears hopeless holds the best opportunities."
"It seems we cannot avoid a battle today. I've heard that Guan Family possesses many lost Martial Arts Techniques. If you lose, I want the Thunder Spirit Technique," Leiba declared.
The people of Pei County were stunned upon hearing the name Thunder Spirit Technique. They could hardly believe such an extraordinary Martial Arts Technique truly existed in the world. When cultivated to perfection, it could summon a spirit body from the essence of lightning. This spirit body was different from the clones created by Walkers.
A Walker who reaches the pinnacle of their cultivation can create a living clone. However, this clone lacks cultivation and must start from scratch.
In contrast, the spirit body demonstrated by the Thunder Spirit Technique is equivalent to having two versions of oneself present, each possessing their full strength.
A person suddenly became two, and naturally, the odds increased significantly.
Leiba had heard that the Thunder Spirit Technique had fallen into the hands of the Guan Family. He sought confirmation multiple times, but the Guan Family never uttered a word. Today, Leiba was eager to verify the truth of this matter.
"Yes," the Guan Family replied straightforwardly.
"Good."
Leiba's face lit up with excitement. He had long coveted the Thunder Spirit Technique. Even if he did not have time in this life to cultivate it to perfection, his descendants from the Lei Family could practice it. If they succeeded in their cultivation, the foundation of the Lei Family would only grow stronger. (To be continued...)
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