Chapter 13: Let’s Cheat! Let’s Duel!
The Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce was structured much like a modern corporation, a joint venture with shared ownership. Besides the Head Shopkeeper, who held the ultimate authority, there were nine other Shopkeepers, a total of ten decision-makers.
In other words, the board of directors consisted of ten members, with Ji Ya as the chairperson, holding nearly a third of the Chamber’s assets and wielding the highest authority.
However, the Second and Third Shopkeepers also controlled significant assets. Together, they could rival Ji Ya’s influence.
The remaining seven Shopkeepers shared the remaining third of the assets, making them valuable allies to court.
Therefore, the Chamber was essentially divided into three factions: Ji Ya’s faction, the Second and Third Shopkeepers’ faction, and the neutral faction, consisting of those who hadn’t chosen sides.
The position of Head Shopkeeper had always been held by a member of the Ji family. However, after Ji Ya’s mother’s sudden death, no one in their generation was capable of taking the helm.
To uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and seek revenge, Ji Ya had resorted to consuming pills to advance to the Mystic Master realm, claiming the position of Head Shopkeeper.
With the support and protection of Aunt Mu and her twin bodyguards, she had gradually regained their lost power and influence, becoming a formidable businesswoman, rivaling her mother, earning the nickname “The Beautiful Fox of Gold and Jade.”
However, the Second and Third Shopkeepers were dissatisfied. They constantly sought to undermine her, hoping to dethrone her, seize her assets, and divide the Chamber amongst themselves.
They hadn’t always been allies, but after Ji Ya’s illness was revealed, they had formed a pact, working together to create trouble for her.
They first exposed her condition, claiming she was terminally ill, hoping to damage her reputation. However, Ji Ya had cleverly turned the situation to her advantage, garnering public sympathy by portraying herself as a “devoted daughter striving to fulfill her mother’s legacy, even to the point of illness.” She had managed to regain some lost ground.
Seeing this tactic fail, they then tampered with her supply of Supreme Grade Detoxification Pills, mixing in lower-grade pills, hoping to worsen her condition with each dose.
That attempt had nearly killed her. Fortunately, Aunt Mu had used her own cultivation to clear her meridians, pulling her back from the brink of death.
From then on, Ji Ya personally inspected every pill before consuming it, ruthlessly punishing anyone who dared deceive her.
She retaliated against their schemes, but they weren’t easily defeated. She could only inflict minor setbacks.
Then, a Pill Master discovered a treatment method for her illness in an ancient text. However, due to the unique challenges posed by a “cauldron physique,” finding a suitable candidate was difficult. The Second and Third Shopkeepers seized this opportunity.
They issued a reward in the Chamber’s name, seeking a Pill Master who possessed an Extreme Flame, emphasizing that the chosen candidate would perform dual cultivation with the beautiful Head Shopkeeper to treat her illness, and if successful, might even become the master of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, achieving a level of success that would normally take a lifetime.
Their intentions were clear: to humiliate Ji Ya.
The reward attracted countless Pill Masters, many pretending to possess Extreme Flames, eager to try their luck.
Forget about the promise of a lifetime’s worth of success. The mere chance to get close to the beautiful Head Shopkeeper was enough to entice them. Success was ideal, but even failure carried no penalty. It was a win-win situation.
Ji Ya was furious, wanting to kill those bastards, but they defended their actions, claiming they were “concerned for her health” and that “her life was more important than her reputation.” Besides, the reward had already been announced. Retracting it would damage the Chamber’s credibility and offend numerous Pill Masters, giving them ammunition to attack her.
She could only impose strict selection criteria: under thirty years of age, Mystic Master cultivation or below, unmarried, and in good health, rejecting all unsuitable candidates.
She thought that would be the end of it. However, someone unexpectedly met all her criteria: the young man the Second and Third Shopkeepers were about to present.
Ji Ya’s private residence, “Elegant Courtyard,” was normally closed to visitors. Those with business were expected to wait for her at headquarters. But the Second and Third Shopkeepers had barged in, clearly not easily deterred.
In her previous life, she would have been annoyed by their antics. Now, however, she was completely calm, ready to watch the show. She knew her “little brother” would handle everything.
“Let them in.”
…
The servant obeyed, returning with the three visitors.
Besides the Second and Third Shopkeepers, there was also an arrogant young man.
Both Yan Zhen and Ji Ya recognized him.
His name was Han Feng. He was exactly thirty years old, a Mystic Master, a Tier 2 Pill Master, and the possessor of the Phosphorus Fire, ranked 108th, or last, on the Extreme Flame Ranking. He was considered quite accomplished for his age.
He had recently arrived from the Sacred Ground Academy, becoming an instructor at the Hundred Mile City Mystic Academy in the Sunward Kingdom. He was still unfamiliar with his surroundings.
The Second and Third Shopkeepers, upon hearing about a young Pill Master from the Sacred Ground Academy, a talented individual who also possessed an Extreme Flame, had hatched a plan. They approached Han Feng, recommending him as a potential candidate to treat Ji Ya, hoping to manipulate him into controlling her during the treatment process.
Despite his seemingly upright demeanor, Han Feng was actually a lecherous man. He had heard of the “Beautiful Fox of Gold and Jade” and, despite his lack of knowledge regarding the specific treatment method, readily agreed to their proposal.
Unfortunately for them, Ji Ya had gone to the Gallo Kingdom to inspect the branches, where she encountered Yan Zhen.
And the Yan Zhen from the script (her previous life) had possessed a method to treat her without actual dual cultivation, giving her hope. She had brought him back to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters.
Their plan had fallen apart.
Han Feng, his pride wounded, had questioned Yan Zhen’s abilities, a mere Mystic Adept and Tier 1 Pill Master, demanding a demonstration. This had led to a duel between them.
That’s how the plot unfolded.
Although this time, Yan Zhen didn’t have the medicinal bath method, it shouldn’t affect the overall plot. In fact, it might even make the event easier to trigger.
[Ding! Key Plot Point Activated.]
[Current Plot Progress: Chapter 166 – Extreme Flame Duel.]
[Acting Requirements: Accept Han Feng’s challenge, wager both your Extreme Flames, and defeat him.]
[Completion Rate: 0%.]
…
“Head Shopkeeper, why didn’t you inform us of your return? We’ve been waiting for you for days.”
The Second Shopkeeper spoke first, his tone familiar, as if they were close.
“Do I need to report to you when I return?” Her voice was sharp, her tone cold. “You couldn’t wait a few more days? Barging in here so impatiently… With such little patience, how can you handle important business? You’re a veteran in the business world, Second Shopkeeper. You should know better.”
He scowled, stung by her words, but he endured it, anticipating their plan’s success.
“You misunderstand, Head Shopkeeper. We were concerned for your health. That’s why we’ve been waiting.” He turned to the Third Shopkeeper. “Old Three, introduce Instructor Han Feng to the Head Shopkeeper.”
The Third Shopkeeper chuckled. “Head Shopkeeper, this is Instructor Han Feng, newly arrived at the Hundred Mile City Mystic Academy. He’s from the Sacred Ground Academy, a young and talented Mystic Master, a Tier 2 Pill Master, and the possessor of the Phosphorus Fire. He meets all your requirements. If you accept his treatment, you’ll surely recover!”
Following the introduction, Han Feng stepped forward, bowing politely.
“Greetings, Head Shopkeeper. I’ve heard about your beauty, but I never imagined you would be even more stunning in person. Truly a captivating sight. It would be a shame for such a beauty to suffer such a fate.”
Ji Ya replied indifferently. “You flatter me, Instructor Han Feng. It’s just a shell. Nothing special.”
“You’re too modest, Head Shopkeeper. Countless men would envy your beauty.” He smiled, then turned to Yi Xian’er, his eyes filled with interest. “And who is this beautiful lady…?”
Ji Ya, noticing his intense gaze, which seemed even more fervent than his earlier gaze towards her, quickly interjected.
“This is my younger sister, Xian’er.”
His eyes lit up, his mind already concocting plans for a “two-for-one” conquest.
“So it’s Miss Xian’er. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Greetings.”
Yi Xian’er, sensing their malicious intent, didn’t even want to acknowledge them. His gaze disgusted her, and she wanted to lash out.
However, this was Ji Ya’s home. She restrained herself, taking Yan Zhen’s arm, her voice cold and indifferent.
“Hello.”
He continued staring at her, captivated. For some reason, he found her even more alluring than Ji Ya, more to his taste.
Yan Zhen also sensed something was wrong. Yi Xian’er hadn’t been present in the script. Han Feng was supposed to be after Ji Ya, not his future soulmate!
— You insignificant villain, trying to change the plot? If you mess things up, I’ll kill you!
“Ahem.”
He deliberately cleared his throat.
Han Feng snapped out of his daze, his gaze shifting to Yan Zhen. Seeing Yi Xian’er clinging to him, his eyes narrowed.
“And what is your name, young man?”
Yan Zhen didn’t speak. He barely had any lines in this scene. He simply stared at Han Feng, his expression a genuine reflection of his displeasure.
Ji Ya spoke up, introducing him. “This is Yan Zhen, my newly sworn younger brother. He came all the way from the Gallo Kingdom to treat my illness… You’re too late. I have Little Brother Yan Zhen. You can leave now.”
The Second and Third Shopkeepers’ expressions changed. They both stared at Yan Zhen.
They had been puzzled by the presence of a man in Ji Ya’s private residence. So he was the one treating her illness.
This was bad.
Han Feng frowned, his tone skeptical. “As far as I know, treating the Head Shopkeeper’s illness requires a Pill Master who possesses an Extreme Flame. This… Little Brother Yan Zhen is only a Ninth Star Mystic Adept. He can’t possibly have an Extreme Flame.”
Common knowledge dictated that only those who had reached the Mystic Scholar realm could tame an Extreme Flame, even the weakest one, the Phosphorus Fire.
He himself had only managed to refine the Phosphorus Fire at the Three Star Mystic Scholar realm, with the help of his elders, nearly losing his life in the process. For a Mystic Adept to attempt to control an Extreme Flame? That was suicide!
The Second and Third Shopkeepers, realizing the implication, perked up.
He’s right! How can a mere Mystic Adept possess an Extreme Flame? Ji Ya must be lying to reject us!
“There are always exceptions, Instructor Han Feng. Just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean others can’t.”
It was Yi Xian’er. She disliked Han Feng, and she disliked people looking down on Yan Zhen. Her disgust was twofold.
His pride stung by her blunt words, Han Feng retorted, “Empty words are meaningless. Perhaps this… Little Brother Yan Zhen can demonstrate his Extreme Flame for us?”
Ji Ya turned to Yan Zhen, her eyes pleading.
“Show them, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”
He smirked, his hand igniting with a strange flame, a blend of gold and silver, intertwined and dancing.
“The Gold and Silver Fire?”
Han Feng recognized the flame, his eyes widening in disbelief.
The Gold and Silver Fire, ranked 100th, or sometimes 99th, on the Extreme Flame Ranking, was superior to his Phosphorus Fire in both rank and power.
It was incredibly malleable, capable of being shaped into any weapon after refinement, more versatile than any Mystic Tool. It was also effective against metal and jade. In combat, it could easily destroy an opponent’s weapons.
And there was another rumor…
The ancient Extreme Flame Ranking only had 100 entries. Later, to reach the auspicious number of 108, representing the celestial cycle, eight more flames were added.
These eight flames were often mocked as “pseudo-Extreme Flames,” their power far inferior to the true Extreme Flames.
He hadn’t believed it before, but now, witnessing the Gold and Silver Fire, he felt his own Phosphorus Fire being suppressed, trembling slightly.
He felt a surge of shame and anger. A mere Mystic Adept, controlling an Extreme Flame, and a true Extreme Flame at that… How was this possible?!
The Second and Third Shopkeepers exchanged bewildered glances. This is impossible! How can a Mystic Adept withstand the baptism of an Extreme Flame? Forget about refining it, even a slight touch would incinerate his entire arm!
“Seen enough? I’m putting it away now.”
He closed his hand, extinguishing the flames.
His control was effortless, practiced and precise.
Han Feng couldn’t comprehend how he had achieved this.
“Well, is there anything else?” Ji Ya’s voice was cold. “If not, please leave.”
“Wait!” The Second Shopkeeper raised his hand. “Head Shopkeeper, although your younger brother possesses an Extreme Flame, he’s only a Mystic Adept. He must be a mere Tier 1 Pill Master, right? Instructor Han Feng is a Tier 2 Pill Master. Wouldn’t he be a more suitable candidate for your treatment?”
“You’re mistaken, Second Shopkeeper.” Ji Ya countered. “His Mystic Adept cultivation is the main reason I chose him. The lower his cultivation, the easier he is to control. Besides, the treatment primarily depends on the strength of the Extreme Flame and the wielder’s control, not their alchemy skills. Weaker alchemy skills simply mean the treatment will be slightly less efficient. I can wait.”
“But… Instructor Han Feng’s Extreme Flame is better!” The Third Shopkeeper interjected. “The Gold and Silver Fire might be higher ranked, but with his Mystic Adept cultivation, how much power can he even unleash? What do you think, Instructor Han Feng?”
“Heh heh, you’ve come to the right person, Third Shopkeeper.” He chuckled. “Those of us who possess Extreme Flames can generally fight opponents above our own realm, unleashing power beyond our cultivation level. Little Brother Yan Zhen’s Gold and Silver Fire might be comparable to a Mystic Scholar. As for me, I can probably hold my own against a Mystic General.”
“So, Instructor Han Feng is clearly the better choice for your treatment, Head Shopkeeper.” The Second Shopkeeper echoed their sentiment. “If you have to choose, you should choose the best, right?”
Ji Ya turned to Yan Zhen, who snorted.
“You clearly don’t understand how to treat Sister Ji Ya’s illness at all, Instructor Han Feng. Are you trying to scam her?”
Han Feng’s heart skipped a beat. His face darkened. “You should be careful what you say, young man. There could be serious consequences.”
Yan Zhen remained unfazed. “The Extreme Flame’s role in the treatment is to force out the accumulated medicinal energy deep within her meridians. Therefore, precise control is crucial… If you want to kill her, just say so.”
“That’s nonsense!” He wouldn’t admit his ignorance. “Without sufficient power, how can you possibly expel the medicinal energy? If Mystic Scholar level strength was enough, her illness wouldn’t have lasted this long!”
The Second and Third Shopkeepers nodded in agreement.
“It seems you came here to deceive us without even bothering to understand the treatment method.”
Yan Zhen smirked, continuing his explanation. “The reason the medicinal energy within her body can’t be expelled is that it’s deeply rooted, blocking most of her meridians. The Extreme Flame’s intense heat can dissolve it, just like when you refine pills. Understand? And Mystic Scholar level strength is ideal for the treatment. Even if there’s a mistake, it won’t harm her, because she’s a Mystic Master. And more importantly, the treatment requires cooperation, not just one-sided effort. With her active participation, slightly lower firepower is actually better!”
He had already practiced the technique with his Beautiful Sect Master, making him familiar with every detail and nuance. He looked at Han Feng with disdain, seeing him as a mere clown.
“You came here to scam people without even doing your homework? You’re hilarious~”
Han Feng’s face flushed with shame and anger. However, he was a graduate of the Sacred Ground Academy, his eloquence undeniable. He quickly shifted the focus.
“Hmph, a mere Ninth Star Mystic Adept, a Tier 1 Pill Master, trying to lecture me? Fine, I’ll give you a chance. Let’s have a duel, using only our Extreme Flames. Whoever wins gets to treat the Head Shopkeeper. Deal?”
“What a joke.” Yan Zhen looked at him as if he were an idiot. “I already promised Sister Ji Ya that I would cure her. What does this have to do with you?”
— Sharp-tongued little brat!
Han Feng’s eyes narrowed.
“What? Are you scared?”
“Heh heh, you want to duel? Fine, but show some sincerity.” Yan Zhen’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Let’s wager our Extreme Flames. How about that?”
His words shocked everyone, not just Han Feng and his companions, but also Yi Xian’er and Aunt Mu, who was hidden in the shadows.
Wager their Extreme Flames?
Extreme Flames were incredibly rare and difficult to refine. To casually gamble them in a duel?
How could he be so bold?!
Han Feng stared at him, trying to discern whether he was bluffing.
“Fine! You want to wager your Extreme Flame? Let’s do it! I won’t refuse a free Gold and Silver Fire!”
He didn’t believe he would lose.
Yan Zhen was a Ninth Star Mystic Adept, a Tier 1 Pill Master, barely a teenager. He had probably only obtained the Gold and Silver Fire recently, lacking experience in flame combat!
He, on the other hand, was a Six Star Mystic Master, a Tier 2 Pill Master, having trained in fire control and combat since childhood. He had already refined the Phosphorus Fire for over a year. He was experienced!
How could he possibly lose? He could defeat Yan Zhen with his eyes closed!
“Let’s write a contract, to prevent any regrets.”
Yan Zhen tossed a prepared contract, already bearing his blood fingerprint, towards Han Feng.
Han Feng’s eye twitched, but he bit his finger, pressing his blood fingerprint onto the contract, then tossed it back.
Yan Zhen handed the contract to Ji Ya for safekeeping.
“Let’s fight outside. There’s not enough space here.”
Showing off was best done in a lively setting, with a large audience, enthusiastic commentary, and dramatic reactions.
…
They left Elegant Courtyard, arriving at a small plaza beside the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s side gate. In the center of the plaza was a small arena, hosting various performances to attract customers.
Their arrival drew attention, interrupting the ongoing performance. The Second and Third Shopkeepers instructed the performers to leave, clearing the arena.
Yan Zhen was puzzled. Why wasn’t Ji Ya saying anything discouraging, like “You’re being too impulsive,” “You’re far weaker than him, how can you possibly win?” or “Forget it, I’m here, they can’t do anything to you”?
He looked at her expectantly, hoping she would say something from the script, but she simply smiled at him, her gaze filled with pride, as if saying, My little brother is so amazing, so considerate of his older sister~.
He turned to Yi Xian’er, who said flatly, “Kill him if you get the chance, Yan Zhen. His eyes are disgusting.”
“…”
— Seriously? You want a Mystic Adept to kill a Mystic Master? That’s ridiculous! Doesn’t anyone care if I’m being impulsive? Can’t anyone advise me to reconsider? Am I truly an unloved child?
He glared at them both, his eyes filled with resentment.
…
By the time the arena was cleared, a large crowd had gathered, curious about the three Shopkeepers’ presence.
Under their watchful eyes, Yan Zhen and Han Feng stepped onto the arena, facing each other from a distance of ten meters.
“We are about to witness an Extreme Flame duel between Little Brother Yan Zhen and Instructor Han Feng.”
“The wager is their respective Extreme Flames.”
“Although their cultivation levels differ, both parties have agreed to the terms.”
“Only Extreme Flames are allowed. Using Mystic Power or Mystic Skills to directly attack the opponent is prohibited.”
The Second and Third Shopkeepers, acting as commentators, announced the rules, then asked, “How shall we determine the winner?”
Han Feng’s voice was cold. “Until one of us falls! Conceding defeat is not an option! Do you dare, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”
“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Yan Zhen’s eyes gleamed with fiery light, his Mystic Power surging around him like flames, forming a protective armor. “Bring it on!”
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