Chapter 23
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Chapter 23: The Wager of the Long-life Families
Lu Chen, with an arrogant expression, walked in with his hands clasped behind his back, followed by four young men whose youthful faces did nothing to hide their pride.
As long-life families, they had sufficient reason to be proud.
Lu Chen ungraciously made his way to the front, cast a sharp glance at the Lin Family’s area, snorted coldly, and then sat in the Lu Family’s designated spot.
"The Lin Family is declining with each generation."
As soon as he sat down, Lu Chen said in a sarcastic tone.
Lin Zhi Shou’s aged face darkened, and he retorted without hesitation.
"That’s still better than the Lu Family without even a top-level first-level Pill Master."
"So what?" Lu Chen sat on his chair, raised his chin, and looked at him contemptuously.
"Within fifty years, my Lu Family will still rank in the top two among the long-life families."
"As for yours?"
At this point, Lu Chen suddenly revealed a mocking smile.
"I’ve heard you’ve sunk to deceiving a son-in-law to train the next generation, hahaha."
This remark caused a stir among the other Pill Masters below.
Recruiting a son-in-law was quite normal, but deceiving one—they hadn’t heard of that before.
Anger filled Lin Zhi Shou’s aged face; he stared fixedly at the other man, preparing to erupt.
"The family head has arrived!"
Just then, a loud voice rang out.
Everyone stood up without exception, and even Lu Chen displayed great respect.
Outside, an elderly man wearing a robe and with piercing eyes walked in slowly.
He exuded an extraordinary aura, carried a graceful divine essence, and revealed a superior dignity in every gesture.
When he appeared, all those present bowed slightly in respect.
Li Shuntian, head of the Li Family, came to the foremost position at the front, scanned the crowd, and smiled.
"Welcome everyone to this Spiritual Pill Conference; please all be seated."
The crowd took their seats.
Then, a middle-aged man went to the center.
He was indeed the host of this Spiritual Pill Conference, as well as Li Shuntian’s eldest son, Li Zehou.
Following the usual routine, Li Zehou started with an opening address, not forgetting to flatter the Qinyuan Sect.
Right after, he began to explain the schedule of this Spiritual Pill Conference.
The annual Spiritual Pill Conference lasted two days and always featured a written examination and a martial skills competition.
The contents for both contests were decided by the Qinyuan Sect.
The Pill Masters seated below all looked serious.
This was their sole chance to leap over the dragon gate, so they were particularly dedicated.
Zhou Luo was also experiencing the Spiritual Pill Conference for the first time, so he listened with similar attentiveness.
In contrast, the disciples of the other long-life families appeared relaxed, as if confident of victory.
Today was the first day, so it was time for the written examination.
Nevertheless, the competition would begin in the afternoon, and during this time, the people present could discuss and exchange ideas.
After all, the Spiritual Pill Conference was held only once a year, drawing only cultivators with talent in pill-making. Most wouldn’t miss this chance to exchange knowledge.
Only the heirs of the long-life families remained unmoved.
"The Lin Family only brought two juniors this time. Seems they’ve given up on entering the Immortal Sect," Lu Chen said with a sneer, looking across at Lin Zhi Shou.
The Lu and Lin families had been mortal enemies for centuries. If there was any chance to undermine the other, neither would pass it up.
Facing the mockery, Lin Zhi Shou replied with tranquil calm. "Since when did the Lu Family become so fond of meddling?"
"I’m merely worried you’ll lose so badly it’ll be humiliating. Frankly, you should just concede," Lu Chen retorted, lounging back lazily in his chair.
"Hmph. Does having more people guarantee winning the qualification?" Lin Zhi Shou countered sharply.
Lu Chen chuckled softly. "Then why not make a wager? Let’s stake it on this magical artifact."
As he spoke, he casually turned his hand. A silvery-white sword appeared in his palm, its hilt embedded with a gold spiritual stone.
Zhou Luo’s heart stirred slightly at the sight of the magical artifact.
This was a genuine magical artifact. Although it required cultivation above the fifth layer of Qi Refinement to activate, it would certainly fetch an excellent price if sold.
Members from other long-life families also displayed slight astonishment.
No one expected the Lu Family to dare gamble with such a precious magical artifact.
Lin Zhi Shou watched the artifact in silence.
He understood clearly: since the opponent dared produce such a treasure, he must be confident of winning. Accepting recklessly was unwise.
Yet Lu Chen seemed to read his hesitation. Confidently, he proposed, "Alright. To ensure it doesn’t seem the Lu Family is bullying the Lin Family, we won’t compete in pill-making. Let’s compete solely in the written examination this afternoon."
"If the Lin Family surpasses the Lu Family in the written examination, this sword belongs to you."
Lu Chen’s voice, smooth yet forceful, amplified by spiritual energy, reached everyone’s ears.
All present ceased their whispers, turning their startled gazes forward.
Lin Zhi Shou’s brow furrowed deeply.
The Lu Family’s move was pure public intimidation.
Refusal would certainly see this scandal spread across Huoyun Country, devastating the Lin Family’s reputation.
But if he accepted, could the Lin Family truly triumph?
Lin Zhi Shou glanced involuntarily at Lin Nian beside him and found the young man looking down, his thoughts unknown.
His gaze shifted to Zhou Luo and saw instead a steady gaze directed towards their rivals, his face calm as still water.
"Is the Lin Family afraid?" Lu Chen pressed again.
Clenching his teeth, knowing avoidance was impossible, Lin Zhi Shou immediately pulled a vial of potions from his robe and placed it on the table. "Fine. The Lin family accepts your wager."
"Here is a vial of Gale Pills. Worth enough to match that sword of yours."
Gale Pills, peak-grade first-level spiritual potions, offered immense benefits to cultivators with wind elemental spiritual roots. Consumed, they nourished the root and significantly increased personal speed.
"Splendid. Perfect that Family Head Li Shuntian shall serve as our witness," Lu Chen declared, brimming with confidence.
Li Shuntian squinted his eyes gently, offering a composed smile. "Of course."
The Lu and Lin families competed fiercely during annual selections for various skills and constantly wagered against each other. But this was the first time either family had staked treasures of such significant importance.
Inevitably, the assembly was shocked.
Yet this was merely a minor diversion. For most, the written examination in the afternoon was the paramount event.
Inside the Lin Family seating area,
Lin Zhi Shou fixed a solemn gaze upon Zhou Luo and Lin Nian, his tone grave. "Are you confident about the afternoon’s written examination?"
"Grandpa Shou, I…" Lin Nian looked utterly embarrassed.
"Uncle Shou," Zhou Luo suddenly asked with curiosity, "if we win, will there be a reward?"
"If you trample the Lu Family beneath you, how could the family withhold rewards?" retorted Lin Zhi Shou.
"I understand," Zhou Luo said no more.
Lin Zhi Shou tossed an ancient pill-making tome towards the two. "Study this. Do not disgrace the Lin Family name."
…
In the afternoon, after Li Family servants cleared away all the spiritual food from their tables, several cultivators of deep cultivation entered to prevent possible cheating.
Once all arrangements were finalized, the written examination commenced formally.
The so-called written examination tested the participants’ comprehension of pill crafting.
Naturally, it also covered various alchemy techniques, pill-making methods, and the required ingredients for specific potions.
This theoretical knowledge best reflected a Pill Master’s foundational ability.
Seated at his wooden table, Zhou Luo observed the unique white paper distributed before him.
As his gaze fell upon it, the paper shimmered faintly with spiritual light, and question after question materialized on its surface.
A quick skim revealed that, as expected, all questions fell squarely within the domain of a first-level Pill Master. This instilled calm assurance within him.
After all, he had assimilated all knowledge necessary for that tier.
This examination, for him, was practically indistinguishable from an open-book test.
Taking up his writing brush, he began answering the questions with serious focus.
