Chapter 24

However, as soon as this thought arose, it was decisively rejected by Zhuang Wudao. He recalled the assassination that had taken place at the riverside dock not long ago.

This Eastern Wu of Yuecheng might soon become a place of conflict, repeating the story of six years ago. He couldn't avoid it fast enough, let alone jump into it voluntarily?

Being a second-rank retainer of the Bei Tang family certainly came with a prestigious status, and he could receive medicinal pills each year that were no less than those given to disciples of major sects. However, if the Bei Tang family faced a crisis and needed him to risk his life, what would he do then?

Zhuang Wudao was a man who had risen from the mud, having mixed in Yuecheng for over a decade. He knew that there were no free lunches in this world, and that effort always matched reward. He also knew the ruthless methods of the Bei Tang family. If the situation turned dangerous and they needed him to sacrifice himself, the Bei Tang family would not hesitate.

On the contrary, the Liuchen Sect, though the path of Daoist cultivation was perilous, it was like seeking shelter under a great tree. The Liuchen Sect was a major sect that had existed for over ten thousand years, with a solid and unshakable foundation. It was like an iron curtain, firmly covering the southeastern region, holding a superlative status that no one in the Tianyi countries dared to challenge. In every aspect, it was incomparable to the Bei Tang family. As long as he entered the sect, he could focus on his cultivation with peace of mind.

However, how should he respond to Bei Tang Cangjue's invitation?

Zhuang Wudao was about to refuse with carefully chosen words when Bei Tang Wan'er, standing not far away, got up, her gaze complex, and shook her head slightly at Bei Tang Cangjue: "Uncle, there's no need for this! I had already made a bet with him. Now that I've lost, I can't just brush it off."

Bei Tang Cangjue raised his eyebrows in surprise and then smiled: "Wan'er, you've always been decisive. I'll follow your lead! I see that he has lofty ambitions and is not a small pond fish. A small Bei Tang family might not be in his eyes."

Although he was smiling, Zhuang Wudao felt a cold sweat all over his body, sensing the hidden dissatisfaction and killing intent in the words of the second strongest person in Yuecheng.

He was even more surprised by Bei Tang Wan'er's words. Could it be that she really intended to fulfill her promise? To use the power of the Bei Tang family to send him to the Liuchen Sect at any cost?

For her to not turn her face on the spot and let them leave as agreed today, her character was already quite commendable.

Bei Tang Wan'er, however, seemed oblivious. When she looked at Zhuang Wudao again, her expression had returned to normal: "Senior Brother Zhuang, the Liuchen Sect is a major sect of the present age. Although I made a bet with you, the quota for inner disciples is not something the Bei Tang family can control. How about we make a deal? I may be powerless, but I don't want to be a person who breaks promises. I can't give you the quota, but I can give you a chance!"

"A chance? What kind of chance?"

Zhuang Wudao asked in surprise, secretly clenching his fist, thinking that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. If she said she could give him a chance, it probably wasn't a good thing. However, it wouldn't hurt to listen.

***

The boatman had long jumped into the water and escaped, leaving the boat unmanned and riddled with holes. The bottom of the boat had been pierced by Bei Tang Wan'er's armor-piercing finger, and water was gushing in, making it clear that the boat was about to sink.

However, with Bei Tang Cangjue, a late-stage Qi Practitioner, using his spiritual energy to control the water, the boat steadily docked on the north bank.

Several carriages from the Bei Tang family were already waiting there. Ma Yuan and Lin Han were immediately taken into custody upon disembarking, while Zhuang Wudao was respectfully invited to sit in Bei Tang Qin's luxurious carriage.

There were only three people in the carriage: besides Bei Tang Wan'er, there were only Bei Tang Qin and Bei Tang Cangjue. The latter two were silent, while Bei Tang Wan'er looked at Zhuang Wudao with great interest, as if she were meeting him for the first time, seemingly unconcerned about her previous defeat.

Zhuang Wudao was quite surprised. He had thought that Bei Tang Wan'er, being proud and haughty, would never accept defeat, especially at the hands of a nobody like him.

However, this young princess of the Bei Tang family showed no signs of disappointment or anger, instead smiling charmingly and gracefully, a stark contrast to her previous domineering and martial image on the boat, making her character hard to fathom.

The carriage slowly moved, heading towards the Liuchen Academy. Bei Tang Wan'er finally got to the point: "The opportunity, of course, is the three quotas for the Liuchen Academy. Isn't Senior Brother Zhuang tempted? Why take risks and go through the perilous Daoist Heavenly Path when you can enter through the proper channel?"

Zhuang Wudao was slightly shaken. He had intended to enter the Liuchen Sect through the Daoist Heavenly Path, but how did Bei Tang Wan'er know this?

He suddenly realized that today's events were probably not a coincidence. Even if they had really met by chance on the river, Bei Tang Wan'er's challenge was likely intentional, a premeditated test of his cultivation and strength.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Wudao's face turned ashen: "Miss Bei Tang, you're joking. Although I wish to join the Liuchen Sect, I am just a street thug. How dare I compete with the nobles of Yuecheng? I don't deserve the title of Senior Brother. You can call me by my name."

"Is Senior Brother Wudao angry?"

Bei Tang Wan'er giggled, her laughter like a blooming flower: "With your background and the small Sword Hall, you naturally don't have the qualifications to compete for the quota. However, with the Bei Tang family as your backing, it might not be impossible. I can't directly admit you to the Liuchen Sect, but I can help you in the sect's competition!"

Zhuang Wudao, who had been secretly annoyed, was momentarily stunned. After a while, he finally reacted and glanced sideways at Bei Tang Cangjue.

Bei Tang Cangjue, noticing his gaze, smiled mockingly and said firmly: "Wan'er is the beloved daughter of the family head and has been chosen by the elders as the next head of the Bei Tang family. Her words represent the will of the Bei Tang family!"

Zhuang Wudao was shocked and stared intently at Bei Tang Wan'er. He had never imagined that, besides being the daughter of the Bei Tang family head, she had such a remarkable identity!

The family head of the Bei Tang family was said to have four sons and three daughters, all of whom were extremely capable and cultivated. Yet, why was it Bei Tang Wan'er, rather than her brothers, who was chosen as the heir? This girl must have something extraordinary about her!

"Senior Brother, do you believe me?" Bei Tang Wan'er smiled slyly. "What do you think?"

Zhuang Wudao remained silent, pondering for a long time. It wasn't until Bei Tang Qin showed impatience that he finally spoke: "I heard that the Liuchen Sect's main mountain will send an inspector to Yuecheng to oversee the competition soon!"

He firmly believed that there was no such thing as a free lunch. Bei Tang Wan'er's earlier test and subsequent enthusiasm were suspicious.

"That's true!"

Bei Tang Wan'er's tone was slightly mocking: "But Senior Brother shouldn't have too many expectations. Do you know who your opponents will be in three months?"

Without waiting for Zhuang Wudao to answer, Bei Tang Wan'er continued: "They are from the Gu Yue family in the East City, the Xia family of the Hundred Weapons Hall, the Lin and Kong families, the Yuecheng Guard, and the Yuecheng Supervisor Eunuch. Soon, almost all the prominent families in Yuecheng will have their children participating!"

"How can this be?"

Zhuang Wudao was momentarily speechless, shocked. He couldn't understand why the three inner disciple quotas of the Liuchen Academy would attract so many powerful families and nobles. He also didn't understand why Bei Tang Wan'er was telling him this and what her intentions were.

The Gu Yue family was a household name. Six years ago, they were the first family in Yuecheng. Although they suffered significant losses in the chaos six years ago, they still had a deep foundation and were gradually recovering. There were already twenty-four Qi Practitioners in their family, almost matching their peak strength.

The Xia family of the Hundred Weapons Hall was also well-known, operating the Hundred Weapons Hall with the finest weapons in the southeast, monopolizing nearly 40% of the armor and weapons business in Eastern Wu. The Lin and Kong families dominated the largest Yuan Stone mine outside the city, the Linhe Cave, and their family strength was also formidable, with over fifteen Qi Practitioners.

However, in the southeastern region of the Tianyi world, the Liuchen Sect was not the only sect. He knew that there were two cultivation sects near Eastern Wu. One of them, the Yishan Sect, was said to be only slightly less prestigious than the Liuchen Sect.

To join a sect for cultivation, the Liuchen Sect was not the only option. It was puzzling why the noble families in Yuecheng were all vying for the few quotas at the Liuchen Academy.

However, whether it was true or not, knowing that these powerful families were involved, he had completely lost hope for the academy competition in three months. Any rational person would know to avoid it.

Bei Tang Wan'er's eyes were distant as she continued: "In previous years, although the Liuchen Sect was a major sect, the Bei Tang family might not have taken it seriously. It didn't matter which sect I, Bei Tang Wan'er, joined. However, this year is different. There are rumors that the Liuchen Sect will open its doors to select disciples, with 134 Foundation Establishment cultivators and four Golden Core Immortals. Most of them will choose their disciples from this year's inner disciples. This news hasn't spread yet, but within ten days, the Gu Yue and Xia families will undoubtedly go all out to compete!"

Zhuang Wudao understood. If that was the case, it wasn't surprising. Once one caught the eye of a Golden Core cultivator and became their disciple, it would ensure the prosperity of their family for at least a hundred years. Even below the Golden Core level, late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators had considerable power. With a master's guidance, the future was limitless.

However, Zhuang Wudao was secretly frustrated and said irritably: "Miss, do you mean to suggest that I should also participate in the competition for the inner disciple quotas this year?"

This seemingly innocent girl was indeed up to no good!

***

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