Chapter 53: A Wager

Chapter 53: A Wager

A ripple of murmurs washed over the crowd as I clutched the beast core, its energy pulsating against my skina symbol of the intricate play of power, both tangible and political.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

"You dare disrespect Elder Jun!" shouted a third-class disciple from the Silent Moon sect, his voice brimming with contempt. "You tread on death's doorstep with such impudence!"

Yet, a simple gesture from Elder Jun halted the disciple's advance. A quiet, yet commanding move that silenced the impending threat.

"Junior, your tongue is as perilous as a thistle's thorn," Elder Jun coldly remarked. "But remember, even a gardener must recognize when to cease plucking, lest he summons a poison far beyond his reckoning." His gaze, heavy and piercing, shifted from the beast core to lock with mine, sending a shiver of dread through me.

Beside me, Tianyi was petrified, the crushing weight of Elder Jun's intent palpable in the air. In the crowd, Li Na's eyes met mine, her expression a mix of worry and a silent plea for caution. Han Wei, standing beside her, subtly shook his head, his eyes mirroring the same concern. Their silent messages were clear: I was treading dangerously.

I braced myself, recalling the oppressive gaze of the Wind Serpent I had once faced. He was just a man, not some unfathomable beast.

Just then, the Heavenly Interface flickered to life before my eyes, overlaying the scene with a translucent, ethereal screen. Words appeared, floating gently.

Elder Jun: Essence Awakening Stage Cultivator, Known for Strategic Acumen. Suggested Approach: Diplomacy and Wits over Bravado.

"Elder Jun, forgive the boy's hasty words. He is under our hospitality, yet unfamiliar with our ways." As Elder Chen's qi enveloped me, easing the suffocating pressure, I felt a mix of gratitude and a sting of being seen as lessera mere herbalist in the eyes of cultivators. "He-"

Before Elder Chen could finish, Elder Jun raised his hand, signaling him to stop. His eyes, unyielding and sharp, remained fixed on me. "Enough, Elder Chen. Let the young one speak. It seems he has much to say."

The silence that followed was suffocating. I felt as though I had voluntarily stepped into a spider's web, with Elder Jun the impassive spider at its center, watching my every move. I realized then the precariousness of my position, a guest caught between respect and insubordination, my every word potentially tipping the scales.

Elder Jun's expression remained unreadable, yet there was a glint in his eyes that suggested he found some amusement in this unexpected turn. It was clear he was using my interruption to his advantage, perhaps to test my mettle or to assert his dominance in this delicate dance of power.

I scanned the faces of the Silent Moon disciples, their disdain palpable. The one who had previously threatened me remained silent, yet his hand ominously rested on his sword. Li Na's anxious gaze and Han Wei's disapproving frown were hard to ignore, adding to the weight of the moment. I had made a mistake, running my mouth and letting my emotions get the best of me.

In that moment, I recalled my days as a humble herbalist, dealing with shrewd merchants trying to devalue my goods. Each interaction was a delicate balancing act of tact and assertiveness. Elder Jun's piercing gaze reminded me of those stern customers, and I knew I had to employ the same calm and strategic thinking to navigate this conversation.

"My apologies, Elder Jun," I began, ensuring my voice remained even, masking my inner turmoil. "I never intended to overstep. Yet, given the opportunity to speak, I offer a proposal that respects both our standings."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. The Interface offered a path, a strategic approach to handle Elder Jun. I didn't know why it chose to activate now, but I could hardly care; It was suggesting diplomacy, a way to engage without direct confrontation. This aligned with my thoughts of proposing a contest, a non-violent resolution that could appease Elder Jun's pride while safeguarding my interests.

Elder Jun's gaze sharpened. "What just resolution could you possibly offer? The beast core belongs to us as its rightful owners.

This was my moment. "While the beast core is indeed valuable, I must remind you of the assistance I provided your disciples during the battle. My potions helped restore their vitality, contributing significantly to their victory. Taking this core from a civilian without recompense, especially one who aided your sect, would surely tarnish the Silent Moon sect's reputation for fairness and honor."

Elder Jun waved his hand dismissively. "Our disciples would have prevailed regardless of your minor contributions. But, speak your proposition."

As I spoke my proposal, the Interface updated in real-time.

Elder Jun: Intrigued yet cautious. Adjust proposal to include martial skill showcase. Increase appeal.

Elder Jun's voice, though calm, carried an undercurrent of challenge that rippled through the air. He paused, his gaze lingering on me, as if measuring my worth. "Remember, boy," he said, his words deliberate and heavy, "this is not just a test of skill, but a test of honor. In our sect, words are as binding as oaths. Fail to uphold your end, and the consequences will be... significant." His tone was not threatening, but the implication was clear.

The Silent Moon sect members began to withdraw, their movements slow and measured. There was an unspoken tension among them, a mixture of skepticism and anticipation. Their eyes lingered on me, some with undisguised curiosity, others with veiled disdain. As they moved away, the courtyard seemed to exhale, the oppressive atmosphere gradually lifting.

As the sect began to disperse, the disciple with the sword couldn't resist a final taunt. "Enjoy your fleeting peace, herb boy. Your words won't shield you in combat."

Elder Jun, having remained silent through the dispersal of the sect members, finally spoke up, his voice carrying a note of contemplation. "Elder Chen, it seems your guest, this young gardener, has saved your sect from potentially paying a heavy price."

Elder Chen, caught off guard by the remark, could only offer a stiff nod in response. His usual eloquence seemed to falter, replaced by a sense of bewilderment at the turn of events. "Indeed, Elder Jun. Kai has... shown a depth unexpected of his years," he managed to say, his words careful and measured.

The Silent Moon sect elder's eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if reassessing his initial impression. Then, with a final nod, he turned and began to walk away, his figure gradually merging with the fading light of the setting sun. The remaining disciples followed, leaving a trail of whispers and murmurs behind them.

Elder Chen turned to me, a grave expression on his face. "That was certainly an... unexpected outcome." He paused, as if searching for the right words. "I must bid Elder Jun and his disciples farewell. Please, take a moment to collect yourself. We will need to discuss this further."

As Elder Chen left, I stood there in the now quiet courtyard, the weight of the upcoming challenge heavy on my shoulders. The beast core, still pulsating in my hand, felt like a double-edged sword - a prize and a burden.

Oh dear. What have I gotten myself into?

"Kai, you absolute fool!" Li Na's voice snapped me out of my daze as she and Han Wei approached, their expressions a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Han Wei grabbed my shoulders, shaking me slightly. "Do you even realize what you've done? Challenging a Silent Moon sect disciple in both alchemy and martial arts? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

I could only manage a weak smile in response, my mind still reeling from the events. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound a bit... ambitious."

"Ambitious? It's madness!" Li Na exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. "You're an alchemist Kai, not some invincible warrior!"

Her words stung, but I knew they came from a place of concern. "Hey, I've survived worse. Just testing my inner warrior, is all..." I joked weakly, trying to lighten the mood. But the look in their eyes told me they weren't buying it.

Li Na rolled her eyes. "Inner warrior? More like inner fool."

Just then, Tianyi, fluttering around in a frenzy, landed on my shoulder, its tiny wings beating rapidly. It was as though she was calling me a fool through our link. But that was crazy! There was no way she could've followed the extent of my conversation with the Silent Moon sect.

I sighed, patting Tianyi gently. "I know, I know. I may have bitten off more than I can chew this time." The little creature's concern was palpable, and in a strange way, comforting.

Li Na and Han Wei exchanged a glance, then simultaneously let out a sigh. "Well, what's done is done," Li Na said, her tone softening. "We'll have to get you into shape. You're alright for a normal person, but as a cultivator? You're going to need more than luck to survive against one of them."

As they walked away, discussing plans for my training, I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their expectations - and my own. The beast core's energy seemed to pulse in time with my racing heart, a constant reminder of the journey ahead. All I wanted to do was find a way to feed Windy, and this happens?

"Alright, Kai," I muttered to myself. "Let's see what you're made of."