Chapter 97

Although Rong Jiesen was greatly surprised, he was, after all, a seasoned innate powerhouse with countless experiences. After a moment of astonishment, he immediately frowned and said, "Triumph, this is yours. I cannot take it."

If people found out that he, an innate powerhouse, actually wanted to snatch his grandson's treasure, wouldn't it be a laughingstock? Even if he didn't care about others' opinions, he would never compete with Rong Kexiong for anything, because he deeply knew the astonishing potential hidden within this grandson.

Even if he put on a thick face and went all out to snatch, he would never snatch from this talented grandson.

Rong Kexiong smiled slightly and said sincerely, "Grandpa, this item is not only a waste in my hands but also a life-threatening object." He paused and said, "Such a divine sword should be in the hands of an innate powerhouse to unleash its greatest power. Grandpa, please take it."

Rong Jiesen's brows twitched, and Rong Kexiong's words about the life-threatening object deeply moved him.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, took the long sword from Rong Kexiong, and said slowly, "Kexiong, I will keep this sword for you. When your strength reaches the level to wield this sword, Grandpa will return it to you."

Rong Kexiong laughed and said, "Grandpa, don't worry. When I advance to the innate realm, I will definitely obtain a better treasure." He paused and said with a smile, "This is a good thing sent by others. You might as well use it."

Gu Tianhe's sullen face suddenly twitched. Although he was extremely deep in his heart, at this moment, he felt an impulse to jump up and cut this little brat to death.

He saw Rong Kexiong's talent, so he generously sent a third-rank spirit artifact and spread the news far and wide in secret.

However, after today, all his subsequent plans would become useless.

He looked at Rong Kexiong and, for the first time, felt a sense of incomprehension towards this little guy.

A mere mid-stage spirit adept could resist the temptation of a third-rank spirit artifact, which was truly unbelievable.

Rong Kexiong turned his head and smiled at Rong Kaijie, his eyes filled with a teasing look. Rong Kaijie's face was already ashen, and he realized that his uncle's efforts had been in vain.

He clenched his fists and said abruptly, "Today is Wang Xiaoxiao's birthday. I wish to perform a spell to celebrate her birthday. Hehe, I just need an opponent for the performance. I wonder if my junior brother is willing to perform with me."

Everyone was slightly startled. At this moment, everyone could see the tense relationship between the two.

What kind of performance was this? It was purely an excuse.

Even a fool knew that if Rong Kexiong agreed, the two would definitely engage in a life-and-death battle.

Rong Jiesen's face darkened, and he said, "Kaijie, you are really becoming more and more capable. Hmph, Kexiong is only at the mid-stage, while you are already at the peak of the spirit adept realm, about to advance to the master level. How can you have the nerve to challenge him? Hmph, when has our Rong family ever had someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong?"

Gu Tianhe's brows slightly furrowed, and he smiled, "Old Sen, your words are inappropriate."

Rong Jiesen's thick brows raised. Although Gu Tianhe was his junior, he was also an innate powerhouse not inferior to him. Moreover, behind him was the formidable Gu family. So, although he criticized him to his face, Rong Jiesen could only coldly hum and say, "Where did I go wrong?"

Gu Tianhe smiled slightly and said, "Since today is Miss Wang's birthday, everyone should be happy and lively. Kaijie merely wants to invite a junior brother to perform on stage. Haha, there are no such strict rules in a friendly competition among fellow disciples." He smiled and said, "They are not mortal enemies, so you are overthinking it."

Rong Jiesen's beard trembled slightly. The relationship between Rong Kexiong and Rong Kaijie was already no different from that of mortal enemies.

Especially after Rong Kexiong killed Rong Kaixin, there was no room for reconciliation between the two.

However, although the elders knew this in their hearts, no one dared to point it out directly.

Rong Kaijie straightened his chest and, with his uncle's support, immediately became more spirited.

"Junior brother Kexiong, what do you think?"

Rong Kexiong smiled slightly. Just when everyone thought he would avoid the issue and change the topic, he slowly nodded and said, "Alright."

Rong Kaijie was stunned and then overjoyed, saying, "You agreed?"

Rong Kexiong crossed his arms and said with a smile, "Since Senior Brother is so interested, how can I not accompany you?"

Rong Jiesen and Rong Jiechen hesitated for a moment but then thought of the terrifying number of talismans he had. With these talismans, he could slowly wear down Rong Kaijie. So, they exchanged glances and did not continue to object.

Rong Kexiong turned and nodded to Wang Xiaoxiao, saying, "Today is Senior Sister's birthday. Please watch Junior Brother and Senior Brother Kaijie present a thrilling match for you." He then said loudly, "Senior Brother Kaijie, please enter the arena."

Rong Kaijie's eyes flashed with a stern killing intent and said, "Alright."

Wang Xiaoxiao's face was serious. She looked at Rong Kexiong with worry, thinking, "Why has Junior Brother become so reckless? Although he is a rare spellcasting genius, does he really think he can defeat a peak spirit adept with just mid-stage cultivation?"

Although she wanted to refuse, seeing their determined looks, she realized that the battle was inevitable.

She took a deep breath and said, "Aunt, today is my birthday. I don't want to see any bloodshed. Please serve as the arbitrator of their match."

Fairy Wang looked at her deeply and smiled, "Alright, don't worry." She said proudly, "With me here, they won't be able to do anything out of line."

Gu Tianhe's brows slightly furrowed, and he thought it was a pity.

With Fairy Wang as the arbitrator, Rong Kaijie could at most humiliate the other party once, but it would be extremely difficult to kill him.

Rong Jiechen stood up, coughed lightly, and said, "Since that's the case, let's go to the courtyard." He paused and said, "With us old folks here, there won't be any problems."

Everyone nodded and left the hall, heading to the back courtyard.

By this time, the back courtyard was already crowded with people who had heard the news.

Rong Kaijie had always been the most prominent prodigy in the family, and his peak spirit adept strength had earned him everyone's recognition.

The title of the first spellcasting spirit adept among the younger generation was not just a name.

However, since Rong Kexiong's sudden rise, this title had become unstable.

Those with some insight in the family knew that a fierce battle between these two was inevitable. No one expected it to come so soon.

Upon arriving at the back courtyard, Rong Jiechen gave a signal, and four elders stepped forward, standing at the four corners.

A spirit adept's battle would definitely cause intense fluctuations in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, but with these four elders present, the fluctuations would not spread and harm others.

Fairy Wang smiled and came to the center, saying, "Please step forward, you two young heroes."

Although these two young men were fighting for her beloved niece, in her eyes, it was not a big deal.

With Wang Xiaoxiao's status, it was only natural to have many suitors of this level, even ten times more.

Rong Kexiong and Rong Kaijie exchanged glances and slowly stepped forward, standing at opposite corners of the arena as if they had a tacit understanding.

Fairy Wang smiled and said, "Today is Xiaoxiao's birthday, and I am happy to see your match. However, since Xiaoxiao said she doesn't want to see any blood, I hope you two will stop immediately when I call for it." Her smile was as beautiful as a flower, but her voice gradually turned cold, "If anyone disobeys, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Rong Kexiong and Rong Kaijie responded, but their faces did not reveal their thoughts.

Fairy Wang stepped back and said, "Begin."

In the back courtyard, Rong Yeyi's face showed a faint trace of anxiety. Gu Tianhe held her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, Kaijie is experienced and powerful. He will definitely win easily."

Rong Yeyi nodded slightly, but her brows remained furrowed.

Rong Kexiong's performance today was truly unexpected. Not only did he easily give away a third-rank spirit artifact, but he also agreed to Rong Kaijie's challenge, which made her feel a sense of foreboding.

Rong Kaijie looked coldly at Rong Kexiong and said, "Don't say I'm bullying you. You go first."

Rong Kexiong laughed and said, "So, as long as a mid-stage spirit adept moves first, a peak spirit adept isn't bullying him." He nodded and said seriously, "Senior Brother, you have a point. I will take your advice."

The onlookers couldn't help but laugh.

Humans naturally admire the strong and sympathize with the weak. If the two were evenly matched, it would be fine, but a peak spirit adept and a mid-stage spirit adept had a significant gap. In the hearts of ordinary people, they naturally favored Rong Kexiong.

Rong Kaijie's face turned red, and he said angrily, "You don't know when to die."

He raised his hand and pointed forward.

Instantly, a transparent ice arrow, reflecting a cold light, condensed in front of him.

"Whoosh..."

Like an arrow released from a bow, the ice arrow shot towards his opponent at a speed no less than a long arrow.

Rong Kexiong's eyes narrowed slightly. It was the first time he saw Rong Kaijie in action, and he realized that this so-called first spellcasting spirit adept of the younger generation was actually a rare ice-type spellcaster.