"Vice Hall Master Wu!" Yang Kai clasped his fists in greeting toward Wu Zhengqi.
Wu Zhengqi gave a slight nod.
Over on the other side, Wei Cheng also walked over, taking a stand to Wu Zhengqi's left, his two Blood Guards trailing closely behind.
Wu Zhengqi raised an eyebrow. "I am honored that you two thought highly enough of me to invite me as a witness to this duel. It is my privilege. I only hope that you two Alchemists will value harmony and exercise restraint—don't let this damage your bond as fellow disciples."
As he spoke, he glanced at Wei Cheng, then at Yang Kai, and continued, "If you have no other objections, then let the duel begin today. As per the old rules, three rounds in total—the one who wins two rounds takes the match. Additionally, no weapons are permitted on the Duel Arena. Do you two have any problems with that?"
Both Wei Cheng and Yang Kai indicated they had no issues.
"Good. As for how exactly you wish to spar, please work it out between yourselves. I won't interfere. I am here today solely as a witness!" With that, Wu Zhengqi walked off to the side to observe quietly.
On the Duel Arena, Wei Cheng looked at the towering, iron-tower-like figure of Yang Huai standing behind Yang Kai and frowned. "Alchemist Yang, you only brought a single guard? How is this supposed to be a proper contest?"
Yang Kai smiled. "Why wouldn't it be? The rules state that the one who wins two rounds takes the match. There's no rule about how many guards you bring, is there?"
Wei Cheng shook his head. "Be that as it may, aren't you looking down on me a bit too much, Alchemist Yang? The guard you brought from the Blood Guard Camp is only at the second level of the Heaven Rank. The weakest of the two at my side is already at the sixth level of the Heaven Rank. He stands no chance."
"Whether he stands a chance or not, we'll only know after they fight."
Wei Cheng stared deeply at Yang Kai. "Alchemist Yang, if you would simply apologize to me, I will consider the previous matter as never having happened. It would save you from embarrassing yourself later."
Yang Kai slowly shook his head. "Alchemist Wei, having confidence is a good thing. But too much confidence becomes arrogance."
Wei Cheng's face darkened, and he let out a cold snort. "I was willing to settle this peacefully, but since Alchemist Yang refuses to accept the kindness, don't blame me for pulling rank as a senior brother. I'd very much like to see how two people can possibly beat my three. As per the old rules, the first two rounds are physical combat. If the score is tied, you and I will settle it in the final round."
"Agreed!" Yang Kai nodded. "But before that, shouldn't we add a little wager? Otherwise, a sparring match without stakes is rather boring."
"A wager?" Wei Cheng blinked in surprise. "What kind of wager did you have in mind?"
Yang Kai turned his head toward Wu Zhengqi. "Vice Hall Master, this doesn't violate the Sect's rules, does it?"
Wu Zhengqi replied calmly, "Everything here is up to you two to negotiate. As long as no one dies, it doesn't matter."
"Understood." Yang Kai nodded and reached down to unbuckle the sword at his waist, holding it up before his eyes. "A Spirit Weapon—one. Will that be enough of a wager?"
At those words, Wei Cheng's eyes contracted sharply. Even Wu Zhengqi's expression shifted to one of keen interest, and the numerous Alchemists below the Duel Arena erupted into an uproar.
"A Spirit Weapon? That's a Spirit Weapon?" Wei Cheng stared at Yang Kai in astonishment.
Yang Kai casually tossed the Qingxu Sword over to Wu Zhengqi. "Whether it's a Spirit Weapon or not, Vice Hall Master Wu can verify for himself."
Wu Zhengqi reached out and caught the Qingxu Sword, drawing it from its sheath. He examined it for a moment, and a look of undisguised longing crossed his face. After a brief interval, he resheathed the blade and nodded. "It is indeed a Spirit Weapon, without a doubt!"
With Wu Zhengqi confirming it, Wei Cheng naturally could not doubt the claim. He eyed Yang Kai with suspicion, unable to figure out what he was scheming.
Wu Zhengqi asked in puzzlement, "Alchemist Yang, are you certain you want to use this Spirit Weapon as the wager for this duel? It is an extraordinarily valuable item."
In all of the Divine Weapon Realm, with the Ten Great Divine Weapons out of reach, Spirit Weapons were the finest weapons available. Every single one possessed tremendous power. A Spirit Rank cultivator wielding a Spirit Weapon versus one without one could perform at vastly different levels. Wu Zhengqi himself was of the Spirit Rank, yet he still did not possess a Spirit Weapon of his own. Seeing Yang Kai—a Heavenly Alchemist, no less—casually produce one and use it as a wager, he couldn't help but feel it was a terrible waste.
How wonderful it would be if that thing were his.
Yang Kai chuckled. "I've been a bit strapped for cash lately. Aside from this, I really don't have anything worth offering."
Over on Wei Cheng's side, his expression shifted several times. "It seems Alchemist Yang has a great deal of confidence."
Offering even a Spirit Weapon as a wager—this wasn't just overflowing self-assurance. It was a clear sign that he didn't take Wei Cheng seriously at all. This made Wei Cheng rather irate.
"Though I would very much like to claim this Spirit Weapon for myself, unfortunately, I don't have anything suitable to offer as a counter-wager." Wei Cheng shook his head with regret. Such a prime opportunity right in front of him, and he was letting it slip away—it was truly a pity.
"That's all right. I don't need anything terribly valuable. Red Jade—surely Alchemist Wei has some of that?" Yang Kai asked with a smile.
"Red Jade?" Wei Cheng was stunned. "You want me to use Red Jade as a wager?"
He could hardly believe his ears. Even Wu Zhengqi looked shocked, secretly cursing under his breath—what a wastrel! How could Red Jade possibly measure up to a Spirit Weapon?