C21 Fortyfive on the List

At a crossroads, a group of individuals appeared to be deep in conversation. Among them were Ye Xuan, Hei Ling, and their respective companions.

Hei Ling, who had initially intended to convince Ye Xuan to reconsider, was struck by an intriguing idea. If executed correctly, he could acquire Ye Xuan's advanced second-level cultivation method without spending a single Spirit Value or even half a Spirit Bead, all while adhering to the sect's rules. It was a clever strategy that promised multiple benefits.

"I suspect my earlier deception has upset Junior Brother Ye Xuan," Hei Ling mused, his demeanor shifting from dark to congenial. "Since Junior Brother Ye Xuan is reluctant to trade, I, as his senior brother, must not coerce him. That would be tantamount to bullying, wouldn't it?"

Ye Xuan eyed the suddenly amiable Hei Ling with caution, sensing an ulterior motive. It was best to remain on guard.

"If Junior Brother Ye Xuan is averse to bartering with items, perhaps we could consider an alternative approach," Hei Ling suggested.

"What if we settle the ownership of this cultivation method through a duel?" Hei Ling proposed, looking at Ye Xuan expectantly.

"Why should I have to fight for what's already mine?" Ye Xuan countered upon hearing Hei Ling's proposal.

"Hold on, Junior Brother Ye Xuan. I haven't finished explaining," Hei Ling quickly interjected, seeing Ye Xuan's outright refusal. The success of his plan hinged on Ye Xuan's involvement; without it, all his efforts would be in vain.

"We'll select someone at the same realm as you to compete. If you win, you'll receive four hundred Spirit Value and twenty Spirit Beads. But if you lose, you'll have to sell us your cultivation method at the price I've mentioned. How does that sound?"

Hei Ling continued to negotiate with Ye Xuan, though he felt a sense of futility. He had been at the peak of the fifth level of the Whispering Souls for quite some time, without any sign of a breakthrough. Upon learning that the top prize for the Inner Sect Assessment was a second-level advanced cultivation method, he had hurried over as soon as he got wind of who had won it.

He practiced a second level intermediate cultivation method. If he could master a second level advanced cultivation method, he was confident he could break through to the sixth level of the Whispering Souls. Then, he'd secure a spot in the top ten of the Inner Sect Ranking. Unfortunately, acquiring a second level advanced cultivation method required a substantial amount of Spirit Value, which was beyond his means. Only those in the top ten of the Inner Sect Ranking received enough Spirit Value each month to afford such an exchange.

He managed to gather the necessary funds only by borrowing from several acquaintances. After all, the Spirit Value awarded to those outside the top ten paled in comparison to the top rankers.

So, upon learning that Ye Xuan possessed a second level advanced cultivation method, he wasted no time in approaching Ye Xuan for a trade, eager to beat anyone else to the punch.

He hadn't anticipated Ye Xuan seeing through his initial trading scheme so effortlessly. He had hoped to outwit Ye Xuan and turn a tidy profit, but Bai Lan'er's presence threw a wrench in his plans. She must have informed Ye Xuan about the cultivation method exchanges, derailing his strategy.

In a stroke of quick thinking driven by urgency, he came up with an alternative: a duel. A duel, of course, required stakes, and he was prepared to wager the previously mentioned four hundred Spirit Value and twenty Spirit Beads, plus a personal favor, as the terms of the contest.

He wasn't concerned about Ye Xuan declining the challenge. By his calculations, Ye Xuan stood to gain either way. Winning meant a significant haul of Spirit Value and Spirit Beads at no cost. Even in defeat, Ye Xuan would still earn Spirit Value, albeit a lesser amount, but within an acceptable range. Besides, Hei Ling believed Ye Xuan had likely already mastered the cultivation method, ensuring that Ye Xuan couldn't possibly come out at a loss.

Upon hearing Hei Ling's terms for the duel, Ye Xuan felt a stir of temptation. He mentally weighed the pros and cons and realized that, win or lose, he wouldn't be at much of a disadvantage. This realization sparked his interest in the challenge.

Hei Ling noticed Ye Xuan's thoughtful expression and knew he was on the hook. A silent sneer crossed his mind. Did Ye Xuan really think he could easily win? On the surface, it might not look like Ye Xuan was at a loss, but compared to what Hei Ling stood to gain, it was a significant difference. Winning this duel could propel him into the top ten of the Inner Sect Ranking, and the Spirit Value he'd receive would be much more substantial than what was currently at stake. The favor he owed would automatically appreciate in value as his power grew, making it far more valuable than the four hundred Spirit Value and twenty Spirit Beads. After all, Spirit Value and Spirit Beads were mere objects, but a favor was something that could grow in worth.

The disparity in value between the two was clear.

"Junior Brother Ye Xuan, have you come to a decision?" Hei Ling asked with a smile, watching Ye Xuan still deep in thought.

"Yes, I've made up my mind. Let's proceed with the duel as you've proposed," Ye Xuan responded decisively, having considered his options.

"Great! Junior Brother Ye Xuan, you're truly decisive," Hei Ling exclaimed with joy, clapping his hands in approval.

"Let's have Senior Sister Lan'er serve as our witness," Ye Xuan suggested, nodding towards Bai Lan'er.

"Absolutely," Hei Ling agreed without hesitation.

Bai Lan'er stepped forward and addressed them, "Who will be representing your side in the battle?"

Her voice, ethereal and clear, floated from her lips, enveloping those around her in a dreamy trance.

Hei Ling gestured to someone nearby, and a figure approached. The newcomer was quite burly for his age, around fifteen or sixteen, but he already had the build of an adult. "I'm Qing Guang, at the peak of the fourth Profound Level of Whispering Souls, and I'm ranked forty-fifth on the Inner Sect Ranking," he announced in a deep voice, stating his name and level of strength.

"What! Someone from the Inner Sect Ranking? Is this really a fair fight?" Before Bai Lan'er could react, Mu Hua, standing beside her, was already seething with indignation, speaking up in defense of Ye Xuan.

"Don't worry, Junior Brother," Hei Ling quickly interjected. "If Junior Brother Ye Xuan can withstand fifty rounds against Qing Guang, then he will be declared the winner."

"Junior Brother Ye Xuan, don't listen to them. They've clearly set a trap for you. Don't be fooled," Mu Hua urgently cautioned Ye Xuan.

Bai Lan'er, however, remained calm. She had witnessed Ye Xuan battling a mutated corpse flower at the peak of the third Profound Level of Whispering Souls, and now he had advanced to the fourth level.

Ye Xuan soothed Mu Hua, and once he had settled, he faced Hei Ling and declared, "I accept the challenge."

Upon hearing Ye Xuan's acceptance, Hei Ling momentarily paused, then his face broke into a wide grin. "Junior Brother Ye Xuan, your courage is commendable. I have the utmost respect for you!" he exclaimed.

He had been tense when he saw Ye Xuan hesitate after Mu Hua's plea, but now, with Ye Xuan's agreement, the weight on his shoulders lifted.

He took a deep breath and proposed, "Now that Junior Brother Ye Xuan is prepared, let's proceed with the duel on the clearing over there."

He was eager to move forward without delay. As the saying goes, 'the longer the night, the more dreams may come.' It was best to conclude matters swiftly.

Ye Xuan and Hei Ling entrusted the stakes of their duel to Bai Lan'er's care. After inspecting them and finding no issues, Bai Lan'er nodded to both Ye Xuan and Hei Ling in acknowledgment.

Ye Xuan and Qing Guang exchanged a glance before stepping forward into the clearing, their presences sharpening suddenly. Qing Guang, observing Ye Xuan's readiness, couldn't help but let a flicker of scorn cross his face. Did Ye Xuan truly believe that securing the top spot in the Inner Sect Assessment qualified him to spar with Qing Guang?

Soon enough, Qing Guang thought, he would show Ye Xuan the vast gap between the newcomers and the seasoned members of the Inner Sect.