The Wandering Immortal

Chapter 32 The Battle for the Jade Token

Qinghe never expected that Elder Lu would so directly break off relations, a style quite different from her husband's. She didn't know what they meant by fighting for the jade token.

Old Lu had been so focused on cursing that Zhao Cangwu had turned the tables on him, leaving him feeling frustrated.

The jade tokens in Luofu Immortal City are extremely difficult to obtain. Every year at this time, new merchants are given a chance to challenge existing merchants for the jade tokens. There are three slots available.

Originally, the challenge for the jade token was to be drawn randomly, but since Cui Qinghe's jade token had already been taken, the drawing process was skipped, and anyone could challenge her. Although this was extremely unfair, Zhao Cangwu had the authority to do so.

If Zhao Jian really does die, Cui Qinghe will surely suffer at his hands.

After much deliberation, Old Lu decided it was best to give up the jade token. Since Qinghe had already joined the outer sect, she could earn spirit stones by refining pills for the sect, enough to support her family. From now on, she should focus on cultivation.

Qinghe didn't fully agree, only saying that she needed to go back and discuss it with her husband.

Jiang Yuan carefully inquired with Qing He about the type of spiritual root aptitude Zhao Jian possessed when he sensed Zhao Jian's aura earlier.
"It must be a metal-type spiritual root, with a rather sharp aura!"

"This person is indeed your destined calamity. The element of metal overcomes wood, and he is also two realms higher than you. It will be very difficult to defeat him."

Qinghe was naturally indignant. "I can't swallow this insult! How can you bully people like this?"

"The worst thing in a struggle is to be impetuous and impatient. If you use some strategy and tactics, you may still be able to win!"

"Is that poison needle artifact usable?"

Jiang Yuan had previously killed that ghost cultivator in Baiyun Immortal City and obtained a jade box, but he was unable to open it until Qinghe reached the fourth level of Qi Refining and completed the restriction.

Inside was the needle-type magical artifact that Jiang Yuan had been searching for. Unfortunately, it only had the wood attribute and lacked the metal attribute, but it was still quite powerful for combat and was inherently poisonous.

"Pure wood attribute cannot break through the metal shield light unless you let Master Lu help you refine it. He is a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, so refining such low-level magic artifacts is a piece of cake for him."

The next day, Qinghe went to see Lao Lu and said firmly, "Your disciple is willing to participate in the competition!"

"Hmm? How could you possibly be a match for that fellow?"

“If my disciple does not accept the challenge, that villain will become even more rampant. My disciple is two realms below him, so even if I lose, I will not disgrace my master. If I am lucky enough to win, then the entire Luofu Mountain will know the ugly face of the Zhao family, who bully men and women.”

"Having ambition alone isn't enough. Have you learned any magic before?"

"This disciple has only learned the Rejuvenation Technique and the Thorn Technique."

Seeing Qinghe's Thorn Technique, Lao Lu muttered to himself, "How come it looks so much like the Qingcheng Mountain martial arts, but it's not the real Qingcheng Poison Technique?"

Old Lu had this concern because Luofu Mountain and Qingcheng Mountain had always been at odds. If Qinghe was mistaken for a Qingcheng Mountain spy, even he, Old Lu, would suffer.

"This spell is quite good and has great potential, but with your current level, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with a metal-type sword cultivator. Sword cultivators are known for their domineering fighting style. Although Zhao Cangwu is a rogue, if I were to fight him, I would be defeated in less than three rounds."

Old Lu was being tactful; Zhao Cangwu was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, a pseudo-Core Formation realm cultivator, and could only be struck by Old Lu's sword at most.

“I also have a magic weapon, the Yin Wood Needle. My husband said that if we can mix it with metal materials and refine it into the Metal Wood Divine Needle, we can break the metal light shield.”

"Bring it to me and see."

Old Lu took the Yin Wood Needle and frowned slightly. "How could you possibly concoct such a vicious magical artifact?"

“Master, this needle was originally purchased by my husband in the Immortal Market. He said that once I advance to the fifth level of Qi Refining, I will be able to remove the poison and refine it with cold iron into the Golden Wood Divine Needle, which will be the best magic weapon for treating diseases and saving lives.”

Old Lu nodded slightly, agreeing. "I will refine it for you. After this, it must never be used to harm anyone. Once the poison needle seeps into the meridians, it flows with the true qi and is extremely difficult to remove, lest it destroy one's foundation."

Old Lu took a piece of Iron Mother Essence and refined the Yin Wood Needle, leaving behind some of its toxicity. It only took him the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to complete the process.

Then he gave Qinghe a pill furnace. "This pill furnace can be used to refine pills and is also a magic weapon. It can block the sword energy of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. However, Zhao Cangwu's natal flying sword cannot be used by Zhao Jian. With this pill furnace, no one below the Foundation Establishment stage can hurt you. However, the opponent's family is powerful and will definitely have many magic treasures. You need to be careful."

Qinghe thanked her master and, having three more days to prepare, returned home to refine the alchemy furnace and magical artifacts.

After Jiang Yuan waited until Qinghe had finished refining the alchemy furnace and recognized it as her own, he said, "Although the Golden Wood Divine Needle is powerful, we need to use some covert methods to get it."

Jiang Yuan then taught Qinghe a new spell. This spell was originally called "Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon," which combined the Yin energy of water and wood to harm people. However, Qinghe could not use the Yin water and cold energy, so she could only learn half of it. It was to create a large number of flower petals in the air. With Qinghe's cultivation level, the flower petals had no offensive power and could only be used as an illusion. So she renamed it "Rain of Flowers."

Qinghe needs to hide the poisonous needle in the flower to strike unexpectedly.

Zhao Jian was kneeling before Zhao Cangwu, trembling with fear.

"You already have seven or eight concubines, so why do you insist on taking in a married woman?"

"Reporting to Ancestor, that woman is no ordinary person. I have inquired about her. Although she can only refine second-tier pills, their quality is excellent in the entire Immortal Market."

"So, you're attracted to her potential?"

"If my grandson takes her in, it will be of great benefit to the family."

"Hmph, my Zhao family has never lacked elixirs. It's just that you've been extravagant and have been struggling to make ends meet."

Zhao Jian was too frightened to speak.

"Do you know that Elder Lu accepted her as his direct disciple?"

Zhao Jian broke out in a cold sweat. "In that case, I'll let her go."

"Snapped……"

Zhao Jian felt a slap from afar, rolled on the ground, and remained kneeling, unaware of why his ancestor was so furious.

"You want to back down now? Aren't you ashamed? You've completely disgraced the ancestor."

Zhao Jian really didn't know how to respond.

"I have already issued a challenge for you. Challenge that woman in three days and seize the jade token."

"Yes, your grandson will definitely succeed!"

“This is no longer just your despicable act; it concerns my reputation. I must cut off that woman’s right hand.”

Zhao Jian was terrified and chopped off the alchemist's right hand, which was even more ruthless than killing her.

Zhao Cangwu tossed a flying sword and a jade bracelet, saying, "Refine them carefully and don't bring shame to the Zhao family. Once you get the jade token, open a shop in the Immortal Market and start a proper business."

Three days later, the battle for the jade token officially began, with the battlefield set up in the square in front of the Immortal Market Management Office.

This spectacle happens every year in Xian City, and many people would rather give up doing business than not come to watch the battle.

Jiang Yuan and Qing He did not go through this process a year ago because a merchant happened to violate the rules and the jade pendant was confiscated. Old Lu was eager to recruit talent and used a little of his elder privilege.

Today's decision on the ownership of the three jade tablets will inevitably lead to three fierce battles. Although the Immortal Market stipulates that no one should be killed, magical combat is ruthless, and serious injuries are unavoidable.

To avoid harming innocent people, a light barrier was set up around the arena. The law enforcement officers would only stop the fight if one of the two combatants conceded defeat or was seriously injured and unable to fight back.

For the audience, it's naturally not exciting without bloodshed.

The names of the two opponents in the first match were announced, and surprisingly, it was Zhao Jian challenging Cui Qinghe.

Qinghe has kept a low profile over the past year, and not many people know her, but Zhao Jian is a household name.

Seeing that fellow enter the arena with a lewd grin, the merchants had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on. If this guy wanted the jade pendant, why would he need to fight someone? He must have taken a fancy to Qinghe's beauty and, after failing to seduce her, was now using his power to bully her.

Qinghe walked into the square expressionlessly. Some sharp-eyed merchants had already noticed that Qinghe came down from Elder Lu's side, while Zhao Cangwu next to her also looked angry.

This is going to be really funny!
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(End of this chapter)