"Have you heard? Yan Hongtu, the controller of Lingyun District, is going to duel the newly promoted core disciple Jiang Chen."
"They say it's a three-round bet. Martial arts and alchemy will be contested first. If those two don't settle things, they'll pick another contest for the third round."
"Heh heh, I hear the stakes are enormous."
"Isn't that the truth? If Jiang Chen loses, he has to serve as Yan Hongtu's attendant for three years. If Yan Hongtu loses, his salary for the next three years goes to Jiang Chen. Black and white on paper—apparently they've already signed a Heaven and Earth Oath."
"Three years as an attendant, three years of salary—these two actually dare to make that bet!"
"Hmph, Yan Hongtu is going downhill. If he's content to wallow and play king in Lingyun District, fine, but bullying a newly promoted core disciple? He's regressing."
"When there's no tiger in the mountain, the monkey declares himself king. Yan Hongtu is clever enough. He knows that if he moves up to Qingtian District, he'll be a nobody. But in Lingyun District, he can reign supreme."
"I heard that Jiang Chen has quite the background. The Palace Master went so far as to ally with the Treasure Tree Sect for his sake. And back in the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance, this person crushed an inspector from the Jiuyang Heavenly Sect while still at the Spirit Realm. You definitely shouldn't underestimate him."
"Heh, there's probably some exaggeration involved. So what if it was an inspector from the Jiuyang Heavenly Sect? Don't they have their share of mediocrities? Of trash?"
"Either way, for Yan Hongtu to bully a core disciple who just entered the Yuan Realm—even if he wins, there's no glory in it. If he loses, his life is practically over."
"True enough. But someone like Yan Hongtu was never destined for greatness. He's probably made peace with that, or he'd never be this foolish."
In no time, rumors of the duel between Jiang Chen and Yan Hongtu spread throughout all of Danxia Valley.
"Young Master, all of Danxia Valley is talking about this duel now." Xue Tong was visibly worried. That Yan Hongtu—fifth level of the Yuan Realm, the top dog in Lingyun District of Danxia Valley.
Whether in cultivation level or seniority, he far surpassed Jiang Chen.
For such a duel, Xue Tong's worry was not unfounded.
"Xue Tong, what are you worried about for nothing?" Gouyu was dismissive. "If the Young Master accepted, he must have his reasons. When has the Young Master ever lost a bet?"
Everyone thought about it carefully and had to admit that was true.
"Haha, the Young Master was born a winner. In the Eastern Kingdom, in the Tiangui Kingdom, in the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance—and now at Danqian Palace, it'll be the same." Qiao Shan's voice was rough and hearty.
Just then, Mu Gaoqi—nicknamed "Wood Fairy"—hurried over.
With a bitter smile: "Brother Jiang Chen, you were too impulsive. That Yan Hongtu has been famous for years. In both martial arts and alchemy, he has absolute superiority in Lingyun District. Even if you wanted to duel him, you should have waited a few years."
It was clear that Mu Gaoqi was genuinely worried.
"Brother Gaoqi, don't worry. I promised to accompany you to explore that spirit spring in three months, and I won't be delayed. What kind of person does Yan Hongtu think he is? He doesn't deserve having me as his attendant for three years."
It wasn't that Jiang Chen was arrogant. He had already thoroughly probed exactly how much Yan Hongtu was worth.
Seeing Jiang Chen so resolute, Mu Gaoqi sighed. "Brother Jiang Chen, there are many rules in alchemy duels. Let me explain them first so you won't be caught completely unprepared…"
Mu Gaoqi was clearly the most worried one now. If Jiang Chen lost and became Yan Hongtu's attendant, his plans would be affected too.
That spirit spring was far too important to him.
Jiang Chen didn't refuse Mu Gaoqi's enthusiasm. He patiently listened as Mu Gaoqi explained the duel procedures and came away with a general understanding of the rules.
Although Mu Gaoqi had never participated in a duel himself, in Danxia Valley he'd witnessed at least thirty to fifty a year, if not a hundred.
Such duels were not uncommon.
The duel application was approved immediately.
On the alchemy duel platform, the person in charge of duels for Danqian Palace was a Danqian Palace elder.
"Our Danqian Palace was established on the foundation of alchemy—alchemy is our primary path. When our disciples duel, alchemy shall be contested first, then martial arts. Do either of you object?"
Looking at both parties, Jiang Chen's expression was serene, while Yan Hongtu brimmed with confidence, practically radiating eagerness.
"No objections." Yan Hongtu's voice was booming, as if volume alone could overwhelm Jiang Chen in presence.
Jiang Chen said lightly, "No objections."
Seeing no objections from either, the elder nodded. "Good. There are many alchemy duel formats. Three rounds will decide the victor. The specific events will be drawn at random. The duel arbitration is bound by sect law—there will be no cheating. Now, I'll draw three duel events."
As he spoke, the elder drew three paper balls from the shuffled pile.
"The three alchemy events: Fire Control, Cauldron Appraisal, and Pill Refining."
The three duel events had been drawn.
A hint of a smile curled at the corner of Yan Hongtu's lips, brimming with confidence.
Yan Hongtu had heard many rumors about Jiang Chen's martial arts talent and knew his martial prowess was considerable. But with his own cultivation at the fifth level of the Yuan Realm, against Jiang Chen—a genius at the first level of the Yuan Realm—he had absolutely no reason to feel afraid.