Chapter 204: Chapter 62 Dao Li’s Achievements
Seeing the puzzled faces all around, Xie Feng pondered for a moment before saying, “Actually, animals can practice Heavenly Mandate Vitality…”
The plump Xu Yuancheng and others, confused, looked over, filled with incomprehension.
Animals can practice? That’s truly the first time they’ve heard of it.
Xie Feng explained, “Every living being has its own destiny. With good fortune, it’s natural to comprehend fragments of the heavens. Just like the Fox Charm Destiny of Qingqiu Mountain, it is said to have originally been mastered by a fox, who later transformed into human form and passed on its teachings, forming a sect…”
“Oh…” Xu Yuancheng and the others suddenly realized, even Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but feel a bit amazed.
Animals could practice Heavenly Mandate; he had read about it in books before, but they were extremely rare, and most of them were Primordial Beasts with pure bloodlines. Although Dao Li was a thousand-li horse, it might not be qualified.
“No, its original body has long died. What’s attached to it is the Spirit Creation I activated, and I also helped it activate the Source Pool, completely changing its destiny…”
The original Dao Li, possessed by the Spirit Creation that had been activated by him, was initially just a thousand-li horse, but now, it had already transformed into a Primordial Beast. One could say its destiny had already changed, and perhaps it truly possessed the talent to control Heavenly Mandate.
Filled with curiosity, they couldn’t help but look over.
At that moment, Dao Li had already arrived at the center of the hall. It shook its head with the wooden bucket in its mouth, and a hang tag turned into Heavenly Mandate Vitality, flying toward the nearby Heavenly Destiny Incense.
Woosh!
The first stick of incense was easily lit.
“It really can…”
“This horse has talent?”
“Am I seeing this right? Am I even worse than a horse?”
Everyone stood there stunned, and Xu Yuancheng felt like crying.
After all the fuss, he couldn’t even compare to a horse, and he had been consoling himself rather well…
“It seems… the so-called Heavenly Destiny Talent is not fixed! With the opportunity to change one’s fate, talent can also change…”
Zhang Xuan speculated.
Possibly some people initially did not possess the talent to control Heavenly Mandate, but upon encountering a chance to defy destiny and change it, this ability would be born within them.
It’s like Wang Duoyu, who did everything possible to earn money and still found it hard, but with 10 billion in hand, any decision could easily earn a fortune that others could not obtain in several lifetimes.
It seems that just now, even if he hadn’t made a move, Hong Yi would have been able to light the Heavenly Destiny Incense, only the number wouldn’t reach 37, and he probably couldn’t compare to Liu Mingyue.
While he was pondering in his mind, Dao Li’s speed in lighting the incense had slowed down, and then it stopped.
22 sticks!
Just right between Liu Mingyue and Yu Xiaoyu.
Yu Xiaoyu breathed a sigh of relief, while Liu Mingyue felt the world go dark before her eyes, almost wanting to cry.
Believing herself to be a Super Genius, after all the commotion, it turned out that she wasn’t even as good as her teacher’s mount…
“Ladies and gentlemen, there was a malfunction with the incense used to test Heavenly Destiny Talent, resulting in this extraordinary situation. We need to check and repair it. We hope everyone will not spread this around, so as to avoid rumors…”
Just then, a faint voice sounded, and soon after, an elder with a robust aura strode over.
“A malfunction?”
“That’s right; otherwise, how could an ordinary thousand-li horse also light the Heavenly Destiny Incense and possess such a high level of talent that even Master Han Xiao could not compare!”
“Indeed…”
The crowd nodded.
Admitting someone else’s strength is hard, and when facing unexplainable events, more people would rather believe there was a problem than admit their own weakness.
“You are…”
Just as Zhao Ya and the others were about to speak, they were interrupted by Zhang Xuan, who looked at them with confusion.
The elder smiled faintly, “Vice Hall Master Ling must have a lot on his mind to forget so easily. I am Yue Longxiao! We have met before…”
Zhang Xuan, surprised, said, “The leader of the Wanxiang Sect from Han Yuan City?”
So it was this individual, ranked second on the Hunting List, no wonder his presence was so imposing.
“That’s Master Yue!”
“The Wanxiang Sect controls all sources of information. Since he has mentioned a malfunction, there’s a high chance it’s true!”
Knowing the man’s identity, everyone understood.
People might not believe others so easily, but the Wanxiang Sect deals in selling information. When such a person speaks, they must be absolutely sure.
Moreover, an ordinary horse testing its talent was peculiar enough.
“That’s correct, there was a malfunction…”
Zhang Xuan nodded with a smile.
It suited him well as he didn’t want to attract too much attention, and someone else stepping in to clarify the situation was most welcome.
“Master Yue, I wonder what relationship these people have with you? The Wanxiang Sect invites you to be our guests, would it be convenient for you?”
Not expecting this individual to be so easy to talk to, Yue Longxiao’s eyes lit up.
“They are some friends I just met, who came here to test and see if they are able to practice the Mo Dao Destiny. I didn’t expect this thing to actually break…”
Zhang Xuan smiled, “Master Yue’s invitation is an honor for us!”
His current identity was Ling Buyang. Once he admitted that Yu Xiaoyu and the others were his disciples, his own identity would be exposed.
“Right this way, please!”
Just as Yue Longxiao was about to lead the group away, they saw another elder hastily approaching, “Hold on!”
It was Master Han Xiao!
“Having Master Yue personally visit is an honor for the Heaven Mandate Hall. Let’s first talk in the council chamber… I happen to have something to discuss with you,” said Han Xiao as he looked over.
Whether the Heavenly Destiny Incense was damaged or not, he was well aware, and he understood the other party’s intentions all too clearly; naturally, he wouldn’t just let them go so easily, allowing them to leave.
After a moment of hesitation, realizing that the other party would definitely not let the matter rest if he tried to leave just like that, Yue Longxiao immediately nodded and said, “That’s fine! I also happen to have some business with Master Han.”
Relieved, Han Xiao turned to Zhang Xuan, “Vice Hall Master Ling, come with us, too!”
Zhang Xuan instructed Zhao Ya, “You all go back first, I have some matters to discuss with Master Han…”
“Yes!” Zhao Ya bowed with a fist in palm.
“They can’t leave…”
Yue Longxiao was stunned for a moment and hurriedly spoke up.
He had received a notification from the Wanxiang Sect to come and find the testers, and to help keep them so they could find a way to bring them to the headquarters. If they were allowed to leave, wouldn’t that be a wasted trip?
“As I have brought these people here, I naturally have a way to contact them. With me here, Master Yue, are you still afraid they will run away?” Zhang Xuan said with a smile.
“Indeed…” Yue Longxiao nodded.
Since these people were brought by this Ling Buyang, there was naturally a way to contact them. Insisting on not letting them go now would only lead to suspicions from others.
Heaven Mandate Hall’s council hall.
Looking at the Zhang Xuan in front of her, Han Xiao was full of curiosity, “Vice Hall Master Ling, where did you find those people just now?”
The Super Genius who lit 99 Heavenly Destiny Incenses… It was an achievement not even dared to be contemplated at the Heaven Mandate Hall headquarters, and this fellow not only found them but brought three at once… It was simply inconceivable.
“A few days ago, I was passing through Baiyan City and happened upon them by chance. Despite their youth, each one of them had remarkable talent. On a whim, I decided to bring them over,” Zhang Xuan said offhandedly.
Zhang Xuan spoke randomly.
These people’s identities were arranged by City Lord Yu, so claiming to have found them in Baiyan City was not incorrect.
“By chance?”
Yue Longxiaos eyes widened.
Is his luck that good?
“Yes! Originally, I also wanted to see if they could practice fragments of the heavens, but unfortunately, the Heavenly Destiny Incense turned out to be damaged… It’s truly a pity…” Zhang Xuan lamented.
Han Xiao and Yue Longxiao exchanged glances, with both their faces turning a shade redder from holding back.
Just the three of us putting up such an act, it’s a bit hard to justify!
“Cough cough… Vice Hall Master Ling!”
Seeing that he was unwilling to bring it up voluntarily, Yue Longxiao spoke, “Those few friends who tested their talents just now, could you introduce me to them? Our Wanxiang Sect is very interested in them. If they would join, we will certainly offer the best treatment and resources…”
“Joining the Wanxiang Sect?” A faint smile appeared on Zhang Xuan’s face.
It seemed that the matter of Zhao Ya and the others testing their talents had been noticed by the higher-ups of the Wanxiang Sect.
Igniting 99 Heavenly Destiny Incenses was considered a pinnacle feat on the mainland, naturally attracting the attention of such powerful clans.
Honestly, this was something he had anticipated.
Once he went to rescue Empyrean Kong shi, he would inevitably expose his identity as a Mandate Chaos Master. Sending these disciples away beforehand was a move for their safety and, secondly, in the future, they could also become his supporters.
The former Zhao Ya was sent to the Yinyang Court, and many disciples had also shown their edges, being taken away by powerful clans, eventually reaching the pinnacle of the Master Teacher Continent.
“Indeed!” Yue Longxiao nodded.
“Of course, but… what’s in it for me? They were not easy for me to find,” Zhang Xuan looked over.
“You want a benefit?” Yue Longxiao furrowed his brows.
“What a novelty!”
Zhang Xuan scoffed, “They are neither my disciples nor my juniors. The reason I brought them here is because I felt they could practice Mo Dao, helping me to progress. If you want to take them away, naturally you must compensate me sufficiently.”
“I will ask the headquarters for a reward for you on behalf of Heaven Mandate Hall; rest assured, it will not be less than what the Wanxiang Sect would offer,” Han Xiao interjected, cutting off Yue Longxiao and spreading her hands grandly.
“What do you mean by that?” Yue Longxiao’s face darkened.
Han Xiao said, “Nothing much. Since the Wanxiang Sect has already made a move, we in the Heaven Mandate Hall naturally cannot fall behind!”
Although the Heaven Mandate Hall headquarters was not yet aware of this news, the urgency of Yue Longxiao’s visit suggested that as long as the matter was reported, a substantial reward would be granted. Making a promise now was not overstepping bounds.
“I’m someone who values practicality… let’s speak directly, whoever offers more, I’ll let them take the people away… If the price is too low, then there’s nothing I can do! Master Yue, Master Han, this shouldn’t be too difficult for you, right?” Zhang Xuan began to laugh.
Asking the other party for benefits was something he had thought deeply about; it had two advantages.
The first was to clear his relationship with Zhao Ya and the others so that they wouldn’t become a weakness.
The second, the higher the price offered by the other party, the more they would value the individuals—it was the so-called sunk cost.
“Whoever gives more, that will do?” Yue Longxiao and Han Xiao glanced at each other, each frowning.
Zhang Xuan nodded, “Correct. Let’s do this, I’ll give you three days to prepare. After three days, I will bring those three talents who ignited 99 sticks of incense. At that time, whoever offers the highest price, they will go with them… If the price is too low, then there’s nothing to be done! Master Yue, Master Han, this matter should be quite easy for you, shouldn’t it?”
“This…” Han Xiao hesitated.
Zhang Xuan continued, “Hall Master, do you think this method isn’t good? Competition drives progress… I also hope you can cherish this opportunity because such talents are not common…”
“…”
Han Xiao’s eyelids couldn’t help but twitch.
Why did those words sound so familiar?