Chapter 71: The Opportunity to Make Money is Here Again
“One million…”
“Two million…”
On the way back to the North Prince’s Manor, Qin Bei counted the spirit stones, curious about how much he had made this time.
By the end of the count, Qin Bei couldn’t help but feel that the money came way too easily this time.
“Big brother, how much did you earn?”
Qin Xuan asked, bubbling with curiosity.
“Not much, just three point two million.”
“So much?”
“Ah, it’s nothing! My father gives me a million every month; that’s the real deal.”
“Let’s go home; I’ll take you to Luofeng Tower to have some fun tomorrow.”
“Okay~”
As the two approached the manor gate, their eyes fell on a dozen or so people standing outside.
…
“I thought this North Prince would become a role model for our generation; who knew he wouldn’t even dare accept a challenge?”
“It’s bad enough he won’t take on a bunch of us, but he even turned away the top ten.”
Ye Jianxiu stood nearby, arms crossed and sword in hand, overhearing the chatter surrounding him.
“Hey, did you guys get something wrong? The North Prince never said he wouldn’t accept your challenge; his time is just too precious. Where would he find the time to deal with you? He already said it: if you want to challenge him, prepare spirit stones. Each challenge costs a hundred thousand! Win, and you get your stones back, plus an extra hundred thousand!”
“Don’t blame others for your own lack of confidence and unwillingness to pay. Watch out, or I’ll bring my people and kick you out of the capital!”
Kong Yu was nearby and instantly grew irritated upon hearing their complaints.
“If you want to challenge, take some notes. Just look at Ye Jianxiu from the Sword Sect—he offered a hundred thousand spirit stones without batting an eye. How generous! You’re all just a bunch of broke losers!”
“Kong Yu! What do you mean? Are you looking down on us?!”
“Not at all! I just think you’re overestimating yourselves. You can’t even beat me and still fancy a shot at the North Prince.”
Kong Yu crossed his arms and looked skyward, giving off a vibe that said “I’m better than you.”
The crowd here was filled with the top twenty of the Foundation Establishment Realm combat power list, each with strong sects behind them.
Yet when faced with Kong Yu, they could only chatter among themselves.
Moreover, Kong Yu, ranked fifth on the power list, was no slouch; most here were outmatched.
“At least we’re in the top twenty of the Foundation Establishment Realm combat power list now. Challenging the North Prince is already showing him respect. Yet, he not only refuses the challenge but wants spirit stones too? That’s ridiculous! No prince in the royal family has ever been this way.”
“That’s because the Langya Pavilion’s ranking hasn’t updated yet. Once it does, the North Prince will surely take top spot. Isn’t the number one in the cultivation world pretty much a guarantee?”
“The North Prince isn’t like you guys. At your level, entering the top twenty is an achievement. The North Prince will definitely dominate the charts in the future. If he accepted every challenge for free, he’d have no time for anything else!”
Kong Yu said disdainfully.
After coming out of the secret realm, he had absolute confidence in Qin Bei.
This confidence far exceeded his self-assurance.
“Kong Yu, you’re really full of it. I admit the North Prince is strong, but do you genuinely believe he can become the highest combat power even if he hasn’t reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm?”
“Exactly! The one ranked first on the power list blew away a peak Golden Core Realm fighter while still in the Foundation Establishment! You know how hard that is to top.”
“Pish~ A bunch of kids who’ve never seen the world!”
Kong Yu scoffed, completely forgetting he was still in his teens himself.
“Look! The North Prince is coming out!”
As the words left someone’s mouth, everyone turned to a single direction.
This included Ye Jianxiu, who had been watching with a cold expression.
Boom boom boom!
Instantly, the group that had been circling the gate rushed towards Qin Bei.
“North Prince, I want to challenge you!”
“North Prince, please accept my challenge!”
…
Qin Bei was left speechless by the mob before him.
He thought that after his blunt remarks, even if they were upset, they’d likely skedaddle.
To his surprise, after all this time in the palace, not one of them left.
“North Prince, I seriously can’t get rid of them—they won’t fork over the spirit stones for a challenge and refuse to leave. They’re just camping out here waiting for you to accept!”
“And they’re all so rude, it’s infuriating!”
Kong Yu sidled up to Qin Bei, venting his frustrations.
“But don’t worry, Ye Jianxiu, the top of the Foundation Establishment power list, is ready to put down a hundred thousand spirit stones for a challenge. Once they see him lose to you, they’ll think twice about challenging you.”
After reflecting on Kong Yu’s explanation, Qin Bei glanced over at Ye Jianxiu, who stood looming with his sword in the distance.
Then his gaze shifted back to the crowd before him.
He finally understood what these top-twenty Foundation Establishment fighters were scheming.
Though Qin Bei wasn’t on the list now, it was just a matter of time—especially since he had already claimed two power list firsts.
His fame was significant.
In many people’s minds, the first place was bound to be his one day.
Just not right this moment.
As it stood, Qin Bei hadn’t reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm yet, and his combat power remained a mystery.
And these people were seizing the moment.
Since they would eventually be surpassed by him, they might as well aim to defeat him before that happened.
That way, when Qin Bei ultimately claimed the first spot, they could bask in the glory too.
Imagine, in future conversations, saying: “Did you know? The number one in the combat power list was once defeated by me!”
How cool would that be?
Just one line could get a rich woman to splash spirit stones on you without batting an eye.
And if they were to win, given Qin Bei’s current high profile,
their names would boom right alongside his.
Though they wouldn’t gain anything of substance, it would feed their vanity to the fullest extent.
So, when word got around that Ye Jianxiu was out for Qin Bei, in they all came.
The reason they were reluctant to part with spirit stones?
Naturally, they were scared that the uncertain Qin Bei would best them.
A hundred thousand spirit stones wasn’t pocket change for the folks present.
Only Ye Jianxiu was willing to simply throw down.
Because he wasn’t here for fame; he was here for the duel.
Having pieced this puzzle together, a smile crept onto Qin Bei’s face.
These folks actually thought they could use him as a free stepping stone.
Anyone would be furious at that disrespect.
And especially Qin Bei, who was never one to take a hit or be used.
“North Prince, we traveled a long way just to face you in battle!”
“You’re not even on the Foundation Establishment Realm combat power list yet, and the ten of us are already in the top twenty of Cangzhou’s power list.”
“Logically, you should have challenged us first, but since you’re a prince, and you’ve dominated two of the lists, we respect you, thus we came to challenge you directly.”
“We hope you’ll accept our challenge.”
The speaker was Mo Huai, ranked third on the combat power list. A member of the Mo family from Great Xia.
“Sure, I accept your challenge, but here’s the deal: a hundred thousand spirit stones—come if you’re brave enough to gamble, otherwise, scram!”
As soon as Qin Bei’s arrogant and confident words hit the air, Mo Huai and the others fell silent.
Even though he was the third on the power list,
not knowing Qin Bei’s actual combat strength made him wary about securing a win.
“If you’re not certain, just get lost. Ye Jianxiu has already paid up and is waiting. He’s looking down on you cowards who love to stir trouble but lack confidence!”
In his last words, Qin Bei didn’t miss the chance to provoke them.
He wanted them to simmer with indignation.
This way, he could finally deal with this bunch properly.
Though the ten present were boiling with anger at his taunts,
their rational side kept them from arguing against Qin Bei.
Instead, they merely awaited the duel between Qin Bei and Ye Jianxiu.
Once the two clashed, they’d watch closely.
Then they could gauge if they stood a chance against Qin Bei.
If yes, they could challenge him directly.
Not only would they pocket a hundred thousand spiritual stones, but their names would also soar.
If not, they’d simply refrain from challenging.
After all, there’s no shame in stepping back—no loss either.
Mo Huai and the others couldn’t help but give their plan a perfect score.
…
“North Prince, I am the Sword Sect Ling Jianzi, Ye Jianxiu, the senior brother of Jian Wushuang.”
When Ye Jianxiu saw Qin Bei approach, he respectfully greeted him.
“So, you’re here to avenge that brat?”
“North Prince, you’re joking. It’s normal for cultivators to challenge each other, regardless of status; there’s no talk of revenge here.”
“Oh~ I thought he was just sulking because I gave him a little smack and asked you to help him even the score.”
Ye Jianxiu:…
Mo Huai and his companions shared glances, confusion swirling.
They hadn’t expected this detail—a smack on the rear?
Was it Jian Wushuang’s doing? This was indeed some juicy gossip.
“North Prince, since I’ve given you the hundred thousand spirit stones, can you accept my challenge now?”
Ye Jianxiu wasn’t in the mood to engage Qin Bei anymore.
He feared speaking bluntly might lead to a scenario similar to Jian Wushuang’s.
Should he fall short, his status as the Sword Sect Ling Jianzi would become a joke.
“Alright, let’s do this right here.”
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