Chapter 286: Are You Here to Protect the Dragon Bone? Accept Your Payment Amidst Tears!
This is a vivid example, unfolding right before their eyes!
The martial artists outside the arena could no longer remain indifferent!
“This dragon bone… can truly aid in enlightenment!”
“This is a treasure of the martial world!”
“The dragon bone is a treasure of the world, belonging to all, not meant to be monopolized by you. We also have a stake!”
“Hand over the dragon bone, or don’t blame us for being impolite!”
…
Martial artists from various countries came out, all eager to seize the dragon bone.
The imperial forces drew their weapons, highly alert.
The abbot of Shaolin, as the leader of the martial arts world, stood before the dragon bone and shouted, “Protect the dragon bone, don’t let wicked individuals touch it!”
“Yes, Leader!” The martial artists of the Great Wu realm responded in unison.
The two sides confronted each other, tense and ready for conflict!
At this moment, Lin Beifan stepped forward, angrily saying, “What’s all this noise? You martial artists are always either squabbling or fighting. Can’t you behave a little?”
The abbot of Shaolin approached, rebuking the martial artists from other countries, “Lord Lin, it’s not that this humble monk is itching for a fight, but they want to snatch the dragon bone! The dragon bone is a treasure of the world. If it falls into the hands of evildoers, it will undoubtedly bring calamity to the people! As righteous martial artists, it’s our duty to protect the dragon bone. We mustn’t let these villains take it!”
“That’s right! We’re protecting the dragon bone! It’s the duty of us heroes of justice!”
“They are all wicked people; we mustn’t let them steal the dragon bone and bring disaster to the martial world!”
“If they want to take the dragon bone, they’ll have to step over my dead body!”
…
The martial artists from the Great Wu realm united, shouting in unison.
Martial artists from other countries grew furious.
“What the hell are you barking about? You’re so-called righteous, and we’re not?”
“You’re clearly just talking nonsense, wanting to monopolize the dragon bone!”
“The dragon bone is a treasure of the world, belonging to everyone!”
“You’re twisting right and wrong. Even if I agree, my blade won’t!”
…
The abbot of Shaolin fumed, “Since you’re so obstinate, we’ll settle this with our fists! This humble monk will show you the strength of the wrathful eyes of the Vajra!”
“Come on! Let’s see if your Great Wu sects can match the heroes of the entire martial world!”
…
“Enough! Stop arguing!” Lin Beifan shouted loudly, “I know exactly what you’re all thinking. But let me tell you, violence won’t solve the problem! What if the dragon bone is destroyed as a result, losing its original purpose? Can you bear that responsibility?”
Gradually, everyone began to calm down.
Lin Beifan continued, “And what if, by some chance, you fail to seize the dragon bone but end up sacrificing your lives, even endangering your entire sect? Is it worth it?”
The voices in the scene grew much quieter.
Lin Beifan went on, “Even if you are lucky enough to snatch the dragon bone, but lack the knowledge to use it, wouldn’t that be a waste and a cheap giveaway to others?”
Pointing to the little monk, Lin Beifan said, “Look here, there are thousands gathered, apart from me, only this little monk has the opportunity to obtain the dragon bone, one in a thousand! How many of you will actually have that chance?”
At this point, everyone had completely calmed down.
Upon careful consideration of Lin Beifan’s words, they found his reasoning quite sound. If the dragon bone were to be destroyed in the process, they would be at a huge loss. Losing their lives without obtaining the dragon bone would lead to a blood price for their sects. Acquiring the dragon bone but not being able to use it effectively would result in even more loss. Therefore, paying such a tremendous price for the slight, visible but unattainable benefit was simply not worthwhile.
“So, what do you suggest? Are we just supposed to stand by and do nothing?” a martial artist from another country angrily asked.
Lin Beifan smiled and said, “Isn’t it simple? It’s said that heaven has a good virtue towards life. And it’s also said, ‘The Way of Heaven is fifty, and removes nine.’ Everything carries a glimmer of hope. As long as each of you pays me thirty thousand taels of silver, I’ll give you the opportunity to get close to the dragon bone. Whether you receive a stroke of luck depends on yourselves!”
The martial artists from various countries exclaimed in surprise.
So, you want money, you official!
One of the martial artists from another country pointed at the monks of Shaolin and Wudang and demanded, “What about them? Why do they only need to pay ten thousand taels?”
“Can it be the same?” Lin Beifan retorted, “They are all prominent righteous sects, driven by a sense of justice and duty to protect the dragon bone. I greatly admire that, so I’m only charging them ten thousand taels as a token of appreciation.”
The monks of Shaolin and Wudang felt their mouths twitch.
Ten thousand taels each, just a token of appreciation?
You’re nearly stripping our sects bare!
At this moment, the leader of a sect stepped forward with a righteous expression and said, “In fact, our Grand Feather Sword Sect is also a righteous and honorable sect, though not affiliated with the Great Wu martial world. However, we also harbor a sense of justice and have come all this way to protect the dragon bone. We request Lord Lin’s understanding!”
“I see!” Lin Beifan was deeply moved. “Given your sincere intentions, I will only charge your sect ten thousand taels as well.”
The leader of the Grand Feather Sword Sect was overjoyed. “Thank you, Lord Lin!”
After paying the money, they stood by Lin Beifan’s side.
Other sects also understood. They all proudly announced their sects’ names, revealing they were prominent righteous sects from various countries.
They strongly expressed that their purpose was to protect the dragon bone and hoped that Lin Beifan would grant their heartfelt intentions.
Lin Beifan was even more touched. There are indeed many good people in this world!
He tearfully accepted their money and let them pass.
The abbot of Shaolin tugged at Lin Beifan’s sleeve and asked with difficulty, “Lord Lin, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? After all, they are sects from other countries. It’s said that those on different paths cannot work together.”
While happily collecting money, Lin Beifan whispered, “Master Abbot, actually, I’m doing this for your own good too.”
The abbot of Shaolin was puzzled, “For our own good?”
“Yes, for your own good and for the good of us all!” Lin Beifan confidently said, “We all came here for the dragon bone. If a fight breaks out, regardless of who wins or loses, the losses will be severe. It’s better to spend a little money to avoid disaster. It’s good for you, for me, and for everyone. Isn’t this a good idea?”
The abbot of Shaolin gave Lin Beifan a sharp look.
We’re paying to avoid trouble!
Only you are profiting!
However, upon careful consideration, they found that Lin Beifan’s words made sense! If a real fight were to break out, they would be facing martial artists from various countries, which would be too much for them to handle. It would be better to sacrifice a small benefit and preserve their strength.
The martial artists from various countries shared similar thoughts. They had come all the way to Great Wu for the opportunity related to the dragon bone, not for fighting. After all, this was the territory of Great Wu, and causing a disturbance here would not be in their best interest. So, spending a bit of money to avoid trouble seemed like a good idea.
As a result, martial artists from different countries gathered harmoniously at the scene…
However, the officials from various countries were somewhat dissatisfied. They had urged their martial sects to come here with the intention of causing chaos in Great Wu and then exploiting the situation to seize the dragon bone. But now, with everyone so harmonious, how could they create chaos?
At this moment, a peak innate master suddenly rushed toward Lin Beifan aggressively.
“All this talking just masks your greed for money! You’ve actually been greedy enough to target me, you official! I’ll kill you first and then take the dragon bone!” The words were slow, but the action was swift. He was already in front of Lin Beifan.
“Watch out, Lord Lin!”
“Lord Lin!”
…
Everyone watched with bated breath.
Lin Beifan remained unfazed. The old monk Jing Tai, who had been guarding the dragon bone all along, opened his eyes.
Transforming into a streak of rainbow light, he appeared in front of Lin Beifan and struck out with a palm.
“Boom!”
The peak innate master spewed blood and flew out, falling to the ground in a state of unknown life or death.
This scene greatly shocked everyone!
Lin Beifan scanned the entire area with his gaze, especially those who were getting restless. He smiled faintly and asked, “Anyone else?”
No one answered; everyone became well-behaved.
So, Lin Beifan managed to profit another over ten million taels from this situation.
The officials from various countries, seeing that all the martial artists had become well-behaved and they had no chance to obtain the dragon bone, once again bribed Lin Beifan, hoping to gain some of the dragon bone through him.
Lin Beifan naturally accepted the money offered on a silver platter and gained another twenty million taels.
It can be said that ever since the appearance of the dragon bone, after various manipulations by him, he had gained over sixty million taels in total, almost like peeling off a layer of skin from each faction.
Observing all of this, Bai Guanyin was left speechless. “You’re quite something! Through the dragon bone, you’ve managed to extract money from various factions! In terms of greed, I would crown you the strongest!”
“Thank you for the praise!” Lin Beifan grinned smugly.
At this moment, the two of them stood on a high mountain in the distance, looking at the dragon bone several miles away.
The surroundings of the dragon bone were densely packed with martial artists.
They were meditating and practicing diligently, hoping to obtain opportunities through the dragon bone.
Unbeknownst to them, all their efforts were in vain.
“So far, I still can’t figure out what that thing is!” Bai Guanyin curiously asked, “Can you tell me what it actually is?”
Lin Beifan smiled and said, “In fact, it’s just the remains of a colossal beast! This beast lived in the deep sea and is called a ‘Whale’ because of its enormous size. Since it resides in the deep sea, not many people are aware of it! Its bones are just ordinary animal bones, and there’s nothing extraordinary about them.”
Bai Guanyin was even more speechless. He had managed to deceive the whole world with these ordinary remains of a colossal beast! She admired not only Lin Beifan’s tactics but also his audacity!
After a moment of silence, Bai Guanyin said, “It’s about time! I’ve learned from my sources that some grandmasters have heard about this matter and are on their way to the capital! Various countries are also preparing to send experts to seize the dragon bone! With so many strong individuals, even if you are powerful, you might struggle to manage everything!”
Lin Beifan nodded, “You’re right. With the money I’ve made, it’s time to put an end to this farce!”
