Chapter 52

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Yan Zhaoge sneered at Prince Jing Zhao Sheli's words.

This Prince Jing, who had his eyes on the throne of Eastern Tang, was certainly not acting out of kindness.

Although he was a Grand Master, his vision and insight could not compare to Yan Zhaoge's.

He could see that Zhao Hao's strength was extraordinary, but he could not detect more subtle signs.

In Zhao Sheli's view, although Zhao Hao had powerfully defeated two Body Refinement martial artists, if he provoked the already Grand Master-level Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng, it would undoubtedly result in an instant defeat.

In fact, not just Zhao Sheli, almost everyone present saw it this way.

They now looked at the proactive Zhao Hao as if he were a madman.

However, Yan Zhaoge did not see it this way. Although it was still difficult for Zhao Hao to bridge the gap between Body Refinement and Grand Master, he would not be completely helpless against Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng.

The gap in martial arts cultivation was probably significant, and the gap in experience, insight, and vision was even greater, to the point where one could say they were worlds apart.

Zhao Hao's gaze toward Zhao Sheli was somewhat dismissive, but he showed a bit more respect compared to his attitude toward Grand Master martial artists.

Zhao Sheli naturally had no good feelings toward Zhao Hao, but he believed that Zhao Hao could help him suppress Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng.

The more intense and evenly matched the internal strife among the offspring of the Eastern Tang ruler, the better it was for Zhao Sheli.

Zhao Hao, who was originally unremarkable, had now emerged as a strong force, which was a good move for Zhao Sheli.

As for whether Zhao Hao would become stronger than Zhao Yuan in the future and affect Zhao Sheli's position, that was another issue.

After all, Zhao Hao was still just a Body Refinement martial artist.

"What is Eastern Tang most famous for in the Eastern Sky Continent? Alchemy and medicine, right? Why not compare these skills? It won't hurt anyone's feelings."

Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng were not spoiled brats. Throughout the Eastern Tang royal family, alchemy and medicine were well-practiced skills, just like martial arts and governance, which were traditions.

The largest alchemy and medicine force on the ground in Eastern Tang, the Dan Shi Pavilion, was actually backed by the royal family.

"Prince Zhao Sheli's suggestion clearly indicates that he has some understanding of Zhao Hao. This is quite interesting," Yan Zhaoge said nothing, watching Zhao Sheli's performance with a cold eye.

Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng also thought of this and were somewhat hesitant, but they did not want to appear weak.

One was the son of the Empress, the other the son of a Noble Consort, while Zhao Hao's birth mother was just a palace maid.

Their upbringing and education were far superior to Zhao Hao's.

Comparing martial arts, a Grand Master fighting a Body Refinement martial artist, no matter how it turned out, winning wouldn't be glorious.

The two looked at Zhao Hao and nodded, immediately agreeing.

Although Zhao Hao's martial arts strength had improved rapidly, Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng truly did not believe that Zhao Hao could surpass them in alchemy and medicine.

Zhao Sheli smiled and said, "The chief alchemist of the Dan Shi Pavilion, Mr. Wang, is also here. Young Master Yan comes from a family with deep roots and broad knowledge. This king also has some understanding of alchemy. The three of us can provide commentary for you, which is a rare opportunity."

Yan Zhaoge smiled indifferently, and some martial artists escorted an old man over from a distance.

Seeing this old man, Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng greeted him first, "Old Mr. Wang, hello."

Only Zhao Hao remained standing in place, merely nodding slightly to the old man.

Old Mr. Wang was not offended but nodded back to Zhao Hao.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng were suddenly startled.

When Old Mr. Wang understood the situation, he shook his head, "What is there to compare? The alchemy skills of the Sixteenth Prince are even better than mine."

"At his age and cultivation, his alchemy skills are truly unparalleled in my lifetime."

His status was special, and his temper was straightforward, so he spoke without reservation.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng were both shocked.

In Eastern Tang, the only person who could match this old man in alchemy was the ruler of Eastern Tang.

Even the Grand Master Prince Jing Zhao Sheli was inferior to the Grand Master-level Old Mr. Wang.

Zhao Hao's expression was indifferent, and he simply said, "At the Grand Master level, your alchemy skills are also quite good."

Zhao Sheli smiled, "This is a situation I did not understand. I didn't expect that Eastern Tang would produce such a prodigy."

"You don't know anything," Yan Zhaoge rolled his eyes quickly, unnoticed by others, "You don't know, yet you came up with this idea?"

"But, how did you know?"

Yan Zhaoge's gaze swept between Zhao Sheli and Zhao Hao, finally landing on Old Mr. Wang, the chief alchemist of the Dan Shi Pavilion.

Zhao Yuan and Zhao Sheng's faces were somewhat unpleasant. Zhao Hao smiled proudly, "In alchemy, the two of you have no chance at all. Why not just compare martial arts?"

Yan Zhaoge, who had not spoken until now, said, "As Prince Jing said, it's just a small matter, no need to hurt feelings."

"Let's compare alchemy."

Zhao Yuan looked at Yan Zhaoge in surprise, and even Zhao Sheli was somewhat surprised.

Yan Zhaoge continued, "Since we are all here, why not add some stakes to this competition?"

Zhao Sheli frowned slightly, "Oh, I wonder which side Zhao Zhaoge will bet on."

If Yan Zhaoge bet on Zhao Hao, Zhao Sheli would be very concerned, as this would not just be a bet.

It would be a signal that Yan Zhaoge, and by extension Yan Di, who was behind Yan Zhaoge, would abandon Zhao Yuan and support Zhao Hao among the offspring of the Eastern Tang ruler!

Zhao Yuan's expression did not change, but his eyes were clearly tense as he looked at Yan Zhaoge.

"I bet on Brother Zhao Yuan," Yan Zhaoge said straightforwardly.

Zhao Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, while others were even more confused. Zhao Sheli said, "Thanks to Old Mr. Wang's insight, this king naturally favors Prince Zhao Hao."

Yan Zhaoge nodded, "Then it's settled."

"What do you want to bet, Zhao Zhaoge?"

"I bet on Prince Jing's share in the Dan Shi Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheli's eyes flashed, and he stared intently at Yan Zhaoge.

The Dan Shi Pavilion was a gold mine, not only dominating the domestic market for elixirs in Eastern Tang but also the largest source of foreign trade income.

The largest stakeholder was the Eastern Tang royal family, with the ruler of Eastern Tang as the primary leader, but Zhao Sheli also held a significant share.

The appearance of the Precious Medicine Cloud Powder had brought enormous profits and even begun to squeeze the market for similar elixirs across the Eastern Sky Continent.

Others were all shocked. A small competition with such a high stake was indeed too rash.

But upon careful consideration, given Yan Zhaoge's background, what else in Zhao Sheli's possession would Yan Zhaoge value?

Thinking this way, everyone was relieved, but they could not help but feel a sense of admiration.

Having a powerful father is truly comforting...

"As for my stake, I believe Prince Jing will also be very interested." With that, Yan Zhaoge waved his hand, and the lower-grade spirit weapon Huiri Lun appeared before him.

Zhao Sheli blurted out, "Xiao Sheng's Huiri Lun?!"

Others were all shocked, "Xiao Sheng of the Great Sun Holy Sect's protective spirit weapon? How... How did it end up in Yan Zhaoge's hands?!"

Could it be...

Yan Zhaoge said calmly, "Xiao Sheng lost to me, and this thing naturally became my war trophy. I will use this to bet with Prince Jing. Is it enough weight?"

Zhao Sheli's breathing became heavy. Even for a Grand Master, a spirit weapon was an extremely rare treasure.

His share in the economic lifeline of Eastern Tang not only had economic value but also related to the long-term issue of the throne.

It was difficult to accurately compare the value of the two.

But the spirit weapon belonged to Xiao Sheng, and now it was in Yan Zhaoge's hands, which was a huge disgrace to Xiao Sheng.

If Zhao Sheli could help retrieve it, it would be a great favor. Not to mention Xiao Sheng, the person behind Xiao Sheng was the Supreme Elder of the Great Sun Holy Sect.

However, seeing that Yan Zhaoge knew about Zhao Hao's alchemy skills and still dared to propose such a bet, Zhao Sheli could not help but be wary.

What kind of confidence must one have to dare to face such a challenge?

Rationality told Zhao Sheli that it was best not to bet with Yan Zhaoge.

Others were also shocked, not expecting that the late-stage Outer Gang cultivator Xiao Sheng would lose to Yan Zhaoge.

Only Zhao Hao seemed completely unaware of the significance of Yan Zhaoge's acquisition of Xiao Sheng's Huiri Lun, still showing a look of indifference.

Perhaps he understood the implications but did not care...

He might understand Zhao Sheli's intentions to use him, but he did not mind, as there would be a time for retribution in the future.

Zhao Hao looked at Yan Zhaoge and coldly snorted, "Hmph, Guangcheng Mountain, someone from Guangcheng Mountain... Heh heh!"

"Uncle Prince Jing, since he wants to bet, let's bet," Zhao Hao said calmly, then flicked his sleeve, and a small alchemy furnace landed on the ground.

The flames in the alchemy furnace suddenly rose, and a faint green smoke rose in the air, gradually forming the image of mountains and rivers.

Seeing this, others were somewhat bewildered.

Old Mr. Wang, however, widened his eyes.

Zhao Sheli's eyes lit up.

"Gifted, capricious, arrogant, but..." Yan Zhaoge's lips curled slightly, "But, also quite foolish."

"Kid, unfortunately, I also have a temper that doesn't back down from a challenge."

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