The matter of whether to leave or stay was unsuitable either way, and even Sect Master Yu himself felt like he had been caught in a bind.
It had only been a few short years since he had thrown away his official hat and left the capital of Jin Kingdom, yet he was no longer the person who could simply toss everything aside and run away like he did back then.
The Chaoyang Grand Tournament would not stop because of his mood, and it continued as usual.
On this day, Kui Kui became the challenger arena master for second place, and someone else was the first to step up and challenge for third place, so the battles today were extremely intense.
Until the end of the day’s matches, nobody showed any interest in challenging for first place, as if they had completely ignored it.
The group of competitors seemed to have focused their attention on the top three places. After all, the honour of ranking among the top three of the Chaoyang Grand Tournament was very tempting.
From fourth to tenth place, nobody challenged until the end of the day. Quite a few people would rather waste one of their challenge opportunities than reveal themselves too early, choosing instead to continue waiting.
Kui Kui successfully defended his position and returned with some injuries.
Seeing this, Yu Qing, who had been waiting at their residence, did not disturb him. Instead, he pulled Xu Yi aside and asked about the situation of the matches.
In the days that followed, it was almost always the same. Since nobody challenged him, Yu Qing could not be bothered to go to the arena.
Xiang Zhen, who could already move around freely, went to watch the matches every day.
Nan Zhu and Mu Ao Tie had not seen Yu Qing for several days, so they once again applied to visit him. After learning that his identity had been exposed, the two of them also felt somewhat uneasy.
Of course, because of the ten million, Nan Zhu also praised Tie Miaoqing, saying she still had some conscience.
With that ten million, the money for Ye Diandian’s side could be gathered again, allowing them to hold on for another year.
To be honest, everyone now opposed continuing to maintain that batch of Immortal Peach Trees. They felt it was a bottomless pit, and all the money they painstakingly earned was being poured into it.
Things were different from when they had just left the Small Cloud Realm. At that time, they had indeed made a fortune, which gave everyone the illusion that earning money was easy.
Looking back now, they had all become clear-headed after being awakened by reality.
The ease of making money and getting rich back then had been an extremely rare coincidence. Most of the time, making money was actually very difficult. Not earning much was the true norm. How could there be so many opportunities to make hundreds of millions or tens of millions at a time?
There were many businesses that could truly make people rich, and many ways to earn huge sums of money, but those opportunities had long since been taken by those capable of occupying them. They had no chance of getting involved.
The easy money would never reach them.
Even if they could obtain some treasures from another Immortal Mansion now, they might not dare to sell them so easily. An opportunity like selling Immortal Peaches was extremely difficult to encounter again.
But Yu Qing simply refused to give up on the batch of Immortal Peach Trees at Ye Diandian’s place. He insisted on maintaining them, saying things like, “Previous generations plant trees so future generations can enjoy the shade,” and that they were the sect property established during his term as sect master.
Of course, Nan Zhu also complained a little about Tie Miaoqing, making a few sarcastic remarks, roughly implying that she had simply used money to send them away.
He did not dare say more, after all, they had been the ones who forced her to leave back then.
The fifteen day challenge tournament passed day by day. The battles became more intense with each passing day. The arena was filled with spectacular clashes and endless cheers, making everyone feel that the Chaoyang Grand Tournament had truly been worth attending.
Yet Yu Qing, the arena master of first place, seemed completely detached from it all.
Standing on the host platform and witnessing the intense battles, Qin Fujun occasionally turned her head to look at the name hanging in first place.
The Chaoyang Grand Tournament challenge matches were so intense, yet the first place arena master only had a name displayed and never appeared. She could not help but secretly sigh, thinking that extraordinary people truly did extraordinary things.
Remembering how that person had been the first to jump onto the stage and claim the challenge position, she now understood what it meant to have the courage to stand above everyone else.
When the final day of the competition arrived, Yu Qing, who was wandering alone in the garden, had already given up hope for the final result.
The challenge tournament was about to end, yet nobody had informed him that someone had initiated a challenge. Could anyone really launch a challenge at the very last moment?
Sure enough, in the evening, the excited Kui Kui was the first to rush back and announce the good news, saying that “Zhang Zhichen” had obtained first place.
Although this result had already been expected, Yu Qing was still speechless. He had only fought one battle in the challenge tournament, yet he had somehow obtained first place?
Kui Kui was naturally delighted because he had gained something as well. Although his battles had been difficult, fighting seven or eight matches in total and even entering the arena while injured, he had ultimately preserved his second place ranking.
“Haha, first and second place of the Chaoyang Grand Tournament are both in our residence.”
Kui Kui was extremely excited and kept patting his chest. When he saw Xiang Zhen and Xu Yi slowly walking back, he went over and sighed to Xiang Zhen.
“With your injuries, even if you couldn’t get into the top few, entering the top ten would definitely not be a problem. Why didn’t you participate?”
Xu Yi, who had accompanied them back, also did not understand this.
Xiang Zhen looked at Yu Qing and said, “I have already found the purpose of participating in the Chaoyang Grand Tournament.”
Kui Kui was suspicious. “What purpose?”
Xiang Zhen did not answer, only looking at Yu Qing with anticipation.
Yu Qing was also speechless. He realised he had encountered someone with a strange mind. Xiang Zhen had repeatedly expressed his desire to witness his sword intent, which basically meant he wanted to fight him.
But Yu Qing had no sword intent at all and had repeatedly refused without hesitation.
Unable to get an answer, Kui Kui waved his hand dismissively and stopped caring. In any case, he felt these two people were both abnormal.
Xu Yi smiled and said, “Congratulations to both of you for obtaining first and second place in the Chaoyang Grand Tournament. Tomorrow morning, the top ten winners will be officially announced to the world at the arena, and everyone will receive the rewards they deserve. Please rest early, and if you need anything, just let me know.”
The three of them nodded and verbally expressed their thanks.
Xu Yi was also in a good mood and left with light footsteps. However, not long after leaving, he returned again, bringing a group of people with him.
Kunling Mountain Sect Master Zhao Dengzi and Li Chenghu had arrived, along with their attendants.
Yu Qing, Kui Kui, and Xiang Zhen, who had already returned to their rooms, were all disturbed. They wanted to come out and see what was happening, but were stopped by the sudden appearance of royal guards and Kunling Mountain disciples, who told them not to leave yet.
Zhao Dengzi first accompanied Li Chenghu to see Xiang Zhen.
There was no other reason. Li Chenghu had taken a liking to Xiang Zhen and sincerely wanted to recruit him.
Although Xiang Zhen had not entered the top ten, everyone understood his true strength. This was also one reason why many people who intended to recruit talented individuals came to watch the competition personally. Rankings could not fully represent ability.
As long as someone possessed true strength, even without a ranking, they could not be overlooked.
However, Xiang Zhen refused cleanly and directly. He left no room for negotiation.
Li Chenghu frowned and asked, “Have you already found a better place to go?”
Xiang Zhen replied, “I will not depend on anyone.”
Hearing this, Li Chenghu gave a meaningful smile.
“Your ambition is admirable. This king understands. Then I will not disturb you. Remember, this king’s sincerity will always remain. Whenever you are willing, you may come to the capital of Yin Kingdom and find me.”
Xiang Zhen cupped his hands in thanks.
Li Chenghu turned and left with large strides.
Zhao Dengzi looked at Xiang Zhen a little longer and could not help shaking his head. He realised some young people were simply too naive, truly believing that walking one’s own path was so easy.
But it did not matter. After all, Kunling Mountain did not recruit outsiders.
The two influential figures left one after another and, under Xu Yi’s guidance, arrived at Yu Qing’s residence.
The sunset glow was beautiful, and the remaining sunlight illuminated everything. Yu Qing, standing upstairs by the railing, also saw the two people. Seeing Li Chenghu personally arrive, he did not know what he intended.
Although he felt somewhat annoyed, since this person had already taken the beautiful woman for himself, he still went downstairs to welcome them.
He even secretly wondered whether Li Chenghu had come because of the ten million silver notes Tie Miaoqing gave him.
Standing face to face with Li Chenghu, Yu Qing could feel the oppressive aura of someone who had long occupied a position above others.
After some polite exchanges downstairs, Zhao Dengzi gestured for unrelated guards to withdraw. The three entered the room together.
They did not go upstairs. In the hall on the first floor, Zhao Dengzi had barely settled down when he spoke astonishing words.
“Very impressive, Zhang Zhichen. Should this seat call you A Shiheng, or should I continue calling you Zhang Zhichen?”
Li Chenghu slowly sat down beside him, smiling silently as if watching an interesting scene.
Yu Qing’s heart tightened slightly, and he became alert. He looked towards Li Chenghu.
“Since Your Highness has already told everything, Sect Master Zhao may call me whatever you wish.”
Seeing that he was not afraid at all, Li Chenghu slightly nodded in approval and waved his hand.
“Scholar A Shiheng, do not misunderstand. Even if I had not said anything, Xiang Lanxuan’s side had already recognised you.”
Yu Qing was puzzled. Why had Xiang Lanxuan not come looking for him? Was it because she disdained him?
Zhao Dengzi said, “Scholar, if you wished to participate in the competition, you could have come openly. Why disguise your identity? Do you know that doing this violates the rules of the Chaoyang Grand Tournament? Once this spreads, it will make things difficult for us.”
Yu Qing calmly replied, “Sect Master Zhao means to say that Kunling Mountain did not know Long Xingyun entered under a false identity?”
Zhao Dengzi stroked his beard and calmly said, “You also saw it. His participation did not affect the rankings, nor did he gain anything from it.”
Yu Qing said, “Since Sect Master Zhao puts it this way, it seems unnecessary for me to say more. May I ask what Your Highness and Sect Master Zhao intend to do?”
Zhao Dengzi paced slowly.
“I have long heard of Scholar A Shiheng’s reputation for kindness and charity. Kunling Mountain does not wish to make things difficult for you. As long as you donate the five hundred million reward to help the people, then even if someone recognises your true identity later, Kunling Mountain will naturally have an explanation.”
“Donate?” Yu Qing understood immediately. They had come for the money. He asked directly, “Donate to whom?”
Zhao Dengzi glanced at Li Chenghu, who seemed to remain detached from the matter.
“Naturally, donate it to the imperial court for handling.”
Yu Qing said, “Donating it to the imperial court counts as helping the people? In my opinion, ordinary people suffer greatly. It would be better to distribute it directly among the people. Five hundred million taels, the citizens of Yin Kingdom should each receive about two taels, right? I wonder if the two of you have ever seen how poor people survive. Two taels of silver are enough for a family to live for a year. Five hundred million taels could save many people.”
Li Chenghu, who seemed to have been watching silently and unwilling to speak, suddenly shifted in his chair and slowly asked.
“Scholar A Shiheng believes giving money directly to the people is helping the world?”
Yu Qing replied, “Being able to fill their stomachs and survive is the most practical thing.”
Li Chenghu said, “Scholar A Shiheng is famous for his literary talent. I assume you have heard of demons eating people. But have you ever heard of humans eating humans?”
Yu Qing frowned, unable to understand what he meant.
Li Chenghu lowered his eyes and muttered.
“Between ordinary people and cultivators, who is stronger and who is weaker? Do you know what happens when the strong bully the weak and the powerful take everything? Scholar, what do you think is the purpose of Yin Kingdom and Jin Kingdom existing in this world of cultivators? Although people’s lives are difficult, at least they can still live like humans. At least most people still have the right to survive.
Do you truly think everyone becoming wealthy means saving them? Do you truly think ordinary people having the same wealth as cultivators is a good thing? My Yin Kingdom’s army cannot protect every single person. Some things are difficult to maintain. Once they collapse, it will become a disaster far more terrifying than poverty.
For the sake of your relationship with my beloved consort, I do not wish to tell you that you cannot keep those five hundred million. How this money should be used should still be decided by the imperial court.”
Five hundred million taels.
Yu Qing felt his heart ache. His words also became sharper.
“Then why come and discuss it with me?”
Li Chenghu had originally intended to say that he was only here to inform him and also to see the famous scholar’s appearance. At this moment, he only shook his head with a faint smile, stood up, and said nothing more before leaving.
“Scholar, first place still belongs to Zhang Zhichen. No one will expose it, and everyone can avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Zhao Dengzi said no more and immediately followed Li Chenghu away.
They had no interest in Kui Kui and left directly.