Even the ever-composed Zhao Chen couldn’t help but grow angrier each time he was insulted and called stupid.
He was one of the brightest minds of the younger generation, someone destined to become the greatest scholar of the Desolate Heaven Empire—yet Bai Zihan treated him like a complete fool.
However, after calming himself down, Zhao Chen had to admit that Bai Zihan wasn’t entirely unreasonable.
Of course, he would demand a reward.
He realized that honor and fame meant nothing to Bai Zihan. After all, his reputation was already at rock bottom, and he showed no interest in changing it.
Even if others called him a coward or undeserving, Zhao Chen understood that Bai Zihan simply didn’t care.
Unlike him and the other young masters of prestigious clans, who would go to any lengths to protect their pride.
(Hmph! I just need to bet something good enough for Bai Zihan to accept, no matter what the prize might be.)
Zhao Chen thought.
Just as Bai Zihan had predicted, Zhao Chen had never even considered the possibility of Li Feng losing.
Because of that, he was more than willing to offer a generous prize.
With a subtle gesture, Zhao Chen signaled to Li Feng, who immediately understood what he had to do.
“Bai Zihan, since you think there’s nothing for you to gain, how about this? If you win, you will receive an Earth-grade artifact from my Li Clan.”
Li Feng’s voice carried confidence, as if he were offering something incredibly generous.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
An Earth-grade artifact was no small reward—it was a treasure that many cultivators could only dream of obtaining.
A Yellow-grade artifact was already enough to change a person’s life.
A Profound-grade artifact was the highest most mid-tier clans could afford.
But an Earth-grade artifact? That was something only a powerful clan possessed.
Even some Nascent Soul Realm cultivators might not have an Earth-grade artifact due to how rare and precious they were.
So, the guests at the Bai Clan were shocked that Li Feng dared to bet such a treasure against Bai Zihan.
However, after a moment of thought, they reasoned that since Li Feng would likely win, it didn’t matter what he wagered.
However, Bai Zihan merely raised an eyebrow before letting out a low chuckle.
“An Earth-grade artifact?”
His voice dripped with condescension, as if he had just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.
“Li Feng, do you take me for a beggar?”
The hall fell silent.
Bai Zihan scoffed and lazily propped his cheek against his palm.
“Let me get this straight—you want me to fight some nobody just so I can keep my engagement, and in return, all I get is an Earth-grade artifact? Do you really think my time is worth so little?”
Bai Zihan knew how precious an Earth-grade artifact was, but considering that his opponents were from the Li and Zhao Clans, he was certain they could offer something better.
Their overconfidence in Li Feng’s strength only made it more obvious that they wouldn’t hesitate to put up something even more valuable.
Zhao Chen’s smile stiffened slightly.
Li Feng, on the other hand, was fuming.
“Bai Zihan, don’t act so arrogant! An Earth-grade artifact is already more than generous! Do you even understand how precious—”
Bai Zihan cut him off with a smirk.
“Oh? It’s precious, you say? Then let me ask you something.”
His sharp gaze locked onto Li Feng, eyes gleaming with amusement.
“If your love for Chu Ziyan is so strong that you’re willing to challenge me over her, then tell me—why is an Earth-grade artifact enough to prove it?”
Li Feng’s expression darkened.
Bai Zihan let out a mocking laugh.
“Or is your so-called love for Chu Ziyan only worth an Earth-grade artifact? Not much of a love story, huh?”
Bai Zihan leaned forward slightly, his voice laced with mockery.
“I mean, think about it. You came all this way, interrupted my engagement, and declared a challenge in front of everyone—just for a woman. And you say you’ll only bet only an Earth-grade artifact?”
A cold smile played on Bai Zihan’s lips.
“So tell me, Li Feng… is Chu Ziyan not worth more than that? Is she only worth an Earth-grade artifact? If that’s the case, how about this—I’ll give you an Earth-grade artifact, and you can take it and get the hell out of my sight!”
Li Feng’s face turned red.
Bai Zihan was completely looking down on him, treating him like a beggar.
An Earth-grade artifact was incredibly powerful, yet in Bai Zihan’s words, it sounded like a mere trinket—something he could toss away at will.
Bai Zihan’s words had backed him into a corner.
If he refused, wouldn’t that mean he didn’t treasure Chu Ziyan enough?
Moreover, it would make it seem as though the Li Clan couldn’t even afford to properly wager against the Bai Clan.
But if an Earth-grade artifact wasn’t enough, was he really going to bet a Heaven-grade artifact?
A Heaven-grade artifact!
That was a treasure so rare that even the greatest clans in the Desolate Heaven Empire treated them as priceless heirlooms!
Even the Li and Zhao Clans only had a few, and only those who made great contributions to the clan would have a chance to obtain one.
His mind was in turmoil.
Seeing Li Feng hesitate, Zhao Chen subtly stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Young Master Li,” he said softly, his voice calm and reassuring, “there’s no need to hesitate.”
Li Feng turned toward him, his expression still stormy.
Zhao Chen gave him a knowing smile.
“Do not forget—there is no way you will lose.”
His words carried confidence, certainty.
Then, in a hushed tone, he leaned in closer and whispered.
“I will personally provide a Heaven-grade artifact from my Zhao Clan. You do not need to bear the cost yourself.”
Li Feng’s eyes widened.
He didn’t know what gave Zhao Chen the confidence to say that he would provide a Heaven-grade artifact, especially since Zhao Chen was of the younger generation just like him.
But since Zhao Chen had made such a bold claim, Li Feng had no reason to hesitate.
Besides, he was fighting Bai Zihan.
There was no need to worry—he was never going to lose.
The Bai Clan’s greatest ‘waste’ against one of the strongest geniuses of the younger generation?
It was laughable!
Li Feng took a deep breath before glaring at Bai Zihan.
“Fine,” he said coldly.
“I’ll wager a Heaven-grade artifact against you.”
The hall erupted in shock.
“Heaven-grade artifact? Really? Is Li Feng really going that far?”
“Young Master Li Feng must truly love Miss Chu Ziyan! Otherwise, who would be willing to bet a Heaven-grade artifact?”
“No matter what Li Feng bets, it doesn’t matter. He’s going to win anyway.”
…
Even Bai Xueqing, who had been watching from the side, frowned slightly.
A Heaven-grade artifact… even for a powerful clan like the Li Clan, that was no small price.
The Li and Zhao Clans would suffer greatly if Bai Zihan won, but their willingness to bet such a treasure only meant one thing.
They were certain that Li Feng would win.
Bai Xueqing worriedly looked at Bai Zihan.
But Bai Zihan simply leaned back and smirked.
“Now that’s more like it.”
His eyes flashed with amusement.
“Alright, Li Feng—I accept your challenge.”