Chapter 28: Challenging at the Door (Please Continue Reading)

A single phrase immediately sprang to everyone’s mind: “Judging a gentleman by the heart of a petty man!”

“Are you sore losers?”

“That’s right, the Song family’s reputation has always been trustworthy. Saying such things goes too far.”

Voices unfavorable to Qiu Wenxiu began to rise among the crowd, and he had no way to refute them, for the facts spoke for themselves.

“Qiu Wenxiu, are you questioning the Song family’s centuries-old reputation?” Song Luyuan could no longer sit still. He stood up and glared angrily at Qiu Wenxiu.

The chorus of condemnation grew louder and louder, and Qiu Wenxiu’s face became increasingly grim. He realized that the Song family had gained the upper hand today; staying any longer would only bring further humiliation upon himself.

He shot Song Changsheng a venomous look, left behind three hundred spirit stones, grabbed the treasure orb, and slunk away in defeat.

A wave of jeers erupted from the crowd.

Song Changsheng, however, wasn’t about to let him off so easily. He called out loudly to Qiu Wenxiu, “Fellow Daoist, please relay a message to the master artisan of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. I, Song Changsheng, an inexperienced junior, will pay a visit tomorrow to seek guidance in the art of artifact forging from the master!”

Qiu Wenxiu stumbled at the words, turned to give Song Changsheng a hateful glance, but left without saying a word, fleeing in disgrace.

The onlookers burst into raucous laughter, and those who had previously predicted the Song family’s defeat now shrank into obscurity, fearing they too might become objects of ridicule.

The tall cultivator who had earlier made bold claims tried to slip away unnoticed amidst the commotion, but as soon as he turned, he was surrounded by a group.

An elderly cultivator held out a slab of green stone tile before him and said with a hostile expression, “Young man, do you want to eat it piece by piece or ground into powder?”

The tall cultivator was caught between a rock and a hard place, nearly in tears, begging for mercy. In the end, he had to lick the stone tile before he was allowed to leave.

He fled the scene, covering his face with his sleeve.

Someone then asked Song Changsheng, “Master Song, are you going to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion tomorrow to issue a challenge?”

At these words, the crowd immediately fell silent, turning curious eyes toward Song Changsheng.

He shook his head with a look of earnestness. “Fellow Daoists, I am going tomorrow to seek the master’s guidance, not to challenge him. Please do not misunderstand.”

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The onlookers exchanged meaningful smiles—what difference was there between a challenge and seeking guidance? Either way, there would be a spectacle to watch...

After Song Changsheng’s victory, the benefits were obvious. Many cultivators flocked into the Treasure-Seeking Pavilion, keeping Song Changqing and the others busy to the point of exhaustion.

Song Luyuan’s face was nearly split with laughter. He pulled Song Changsheng aside and said sincerely, “Nephew, it’s thanks to you that my daughter was saved from this mess.

Though she is a few years your senior, she is far less adept at handling matters. If she had even half your ability, the family would never have been put in such a predicament. Fortunately, you were here; otherwise, I wouldn’t have known how to face the family. This is a small token of gratitude prepared by my daughter—please accept it.”

As he spoke, he pushed a delicate little box toward Song Changsheng.

Song Changsheng glanced at it and immediately recognized its considerable value, but he pushed it back, saying, “Uncle, there’s no need for this. Since the matter is resolved, let it rest.

You’ve guarded this place for over ten years; your service has been exemplary. Just be more cautious in the future. The family won’t punish you for such a minor issue, so please don’t worry.”

He understood what Song Luyuan was concerned about—he feared Song Changsheng would report this incident and Song Changqing would be punished.

After all, her handling of the matter had been disastrous. Even if she had Qiu Wenxiu’s wit, she could have just questioned the quality of the artifact and things wouldn’t have escalated.

But Song Changsheng was here to improve his forging skills, not to supervise family business. There was no need to dwell on such matters—once resolved, they were over.

A hint of shame crossed Song Luyuan’s face. He sighed, “Nephew, your integrity is admirable, but the incident arose because of my daughter. I must do something.”

“Uncle, just prepare more forging materials for me. Please take this gift back,” Song Changsheng said, shaking his head. He had his principles—accepting it would be no different from taking a bribe.

“Very well, as you wish. The shop’s forging materials will be prioritized for you,” Song Luyuan replied, picking up the box and leaving, understanding Song Changsheng’s implication.

He never asked about the challenge—likely because Song Changsheng’s confidence and skill had won him over.

The next day, Song Luyuan personally accompanied Song Changsheng to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.

By now, the news of Song Changsheng’s visit had spread throughout Flowing Cloud Market thanks to the gossiping crowd. Many cultivators eager for excitement gathered early, waiting for the spectacle.

Inside the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, the manager Bai Ruofeng peered through a crack in the second-floor window, seeing the street below packed to overflowing, with more people continually streaming in.

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Bai Ruofeng’s face was so dark it seemed ready to drip with water. He turned angrily to Qiu Wenxiu, “Look at what you’ve done!”

Qiu Wenxiu was in no mood for his complaints and retorted, “Manager Bai, that’s an unfair accusation. This whole affair was set up by your Earthfire Sect. I was merely following family orders and cooperating with you.

Yesterday, in full view of the public, I endured countless sneers and insults for you. Now you’re blaming me? Is there any justice in the world?”

With that, Qiu Wenxiu stormed off, not sparing Bai Ruofeng a shred of courtesy.

Bai Ruofeng nearly exploded with rage, but there was nothing he could do—after all, Qiu Wenxiu was a member of the Qiu family.

In the end, he turned his gaze to the young man seated nearby, anxiously saying, “Nephew Cheng, what should we do about today?”

The young man responded calmly, “Uncle, why are you so anxious? Do you think I’ll lose to him?”

Bai Ruofeng wanted to say yes, but considering the young man’s status, he tactfully replied, “Nephew Cheng, Song Changsheng forged his artifact in only ten days, while you…”

“Uncle, forging is not just about speed. I admit Song Changsheng has some skill, but a contest is not solely about speed—it’s ultimately about quality.

I’ve examined his artifact closely; his forging techniques are crude, the quality is inferior, and it’s not even on the same level as mine. I am confident I can defeat him,” Cheng Xiao declared confidently.

Bai Ruofeng’s eyes lit up and he pressed, “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Today, I will give him proper guidance,” Cheng Xiao said, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

“Excellent! I see I was worrying for nothing. Let’s make this a grand event,” Bai Ruofeng’s worries vanished instantly.

He immediately summoned a servant. “Go outside and announce that, due to the large number of spectators, the pavilion is too crowded to host the contest. Everyone is to move to the central plaza of the market, where the artifact forging competition will take place.”

Watching the throngs move toward the plaza, Bai Ruofeng sneered, “This time, I want the Song family to be utterly defeated before the eyes of everyone in the market!”

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