Filthy Cultivation: I Pierced the Heavens with the Merit System

"Speaking of competition, I've heard that the Yu family's alchemy skills have long been renowned in the Yanjian Domain. I imagine that Miss Yu's alchemy skills must be far beyond what ordinary people can compare to. It just so happens that I have been practicing alchemy since I was a child."

Li Fuyao spouted nonsense without batting an eye, and she looked at Yu Zhenzhen with a leisurely smile:

"Since we're so destined to meet, why don't we have the third competition be about alchemy?"

These words caused an uproar, and even Zhang Ze and Zhao Xiuming looked surprised.

"Good heavens, does this little girl even have a concept of the Yu family's alchemy techniques? Daring to compete with the Yu family in alchemy, isn't she just courting death!"

"She's really a young calf that's not afraid of tigers. The Yu family is a top-ranked alchemy family across the entire continent. How dare she compare herself to Miss Yu in this way!"

Gossip surged like a tide, causing varying expressions on the faces of the people in the middle.

Apart from Li Fuyao.

Her calm demeanor was completely different from her arrogant attitude just moments before.

Bai Suifeng also heard these words. He had seen how Li Fuyao learned alchemy from scratch, so he naturally knew how much risk she was taking by saying these words.

However, wolves are social animals, and protecting their family members is an instinct ingrained in their blood. So, although he was somewhat surprised and worried about Li Fuyao's actions, he still turned back to look at her and let out a soft whimper to show his support.

Seeing this, Li Fuyao felt a warmth in her heart. She was very gratified, thinking that she hadn't spoiled the little guy in vain, and gently squeezed his paw in response.

Seeing that Li Fuyao was oblivious to the noise around her and calmly waited for her response, Yu Zhenzhen began to believe her claim that she was not a country girl and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her.

But remembering the grievances her three little followers had suffered, she frowned, then immediately put on a long face and snorted coldly:

"Heh, my Yu family's alchemy skills rank among the top three in the entire Yanjian Domain, and you dare to compete with me in alchemy! Since you are so ignorant of death, then this young lady will grant your wish!"

"You can do whatever you want, but don't try to back out if you lose!"

Li Fuyao wasn't annoyed by her attitude. Her large, slightly upturned eyes curved into crescent moons with delight at her words, and she laughed heartily without fear:

"Since Miss Yu is so interested, in order to show respect for my opponent, I will not hold back."

As she spoke, she cupped her hands in a respectful gesture towards Yu Zhenzhen opposite her and winked, saying:

"There are countless pill formulas in the world, and everyone has their own expertise. To avoid Miss Yu suspecting that I, a despicable person, am taking advantage of you by attacking your weaknesses, let's make this third competition between the two of us, each bringing our own materials and choosing the pill formula we are most proficient in!"

"To ensure a fair and impartial result, how about we ask the elders of the sect who are skilled in alchemy to witness the evaluation of the quality and grade of the pills they have refined?"

After speaking, remembering that he hadn't had time to learn the new prescriptions he had just acquired, Li Fuyao pondered for a moment and then said:

"As for the time of this third competition, let's set it after we pass the Ascension Stairs. Does Miss Yu have any objections?"

"Hmph, what you said is perfectly reasonable, so I naturally have no objection."

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhenzhen nodded confidently, and with her hands on her hips as if victory was assured, asked:

"Tell me quickly, what's the stake?"

After all that buildup, the big fish has finally taken the bait!

A dark glint flashed in Li Fuyao's eyes. She silently apologized for using her so perfunctorily, and smiled slightly.

"Since we both come from extraordinary backgrounds, using mundane items like spirit stones and magic treasures as stakes would be too vulgar and boring. Given our status, we should play something more exciting. How about we use a promise as a wager for each competition?"

"If Miss Yu wins all three matches against me, she may order me to do any three things for you."

"Aren't you afraid that I might make some outrageous demands?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhenzhen hesitated for a moment, blinked, looked at Li Fuyao, stared at him for a while, and then asked slowly:

"What if I, this young lady, asked you to die?"

“A gentleman’s promise is as heavy as a thousand pounds. If Miss Yu really makes such a request, then I am naturally willing to offer my neck for execution.”

Li Fuyao smiled gently, her voice soft and loving as an older sister to Yu Zhenzhen:

"However, this move is too murderous. It must be something only a narrow-minded person could do. I, Li Fuyao, do not consider myself such a vicious person, and I believe that Miss Yu, being from a prestigious family as well, is no exception."

Seeing Yu Zhenzhen's pupils shrink slightly upon hearing this, and even a hint of admiration appear on her face, Li Fuyao patted the little one in her hand with a good mood. Glancing at the equally respectful cultivators around her, she continued to coax and entice her:

"Do you have any other concerns?"

"If Miss Yu is afraid of losing, then in order to gain your trust, I will add another promise: I can settle the debt with money or valuables. That way, even if I lose in the end, I will only have to pay some mundane things as the price. I wonder if that will satisfy you?"

Yu Zhenzhen was young and naive, but the old man behind her was not. The more he listened to Li Fuyao's words, the stronger his ominous premonition became.

Although he didn't know Li Fuyao's specific plans, the old man had a feeling that his young lady was about to fall into the other party's trap.

Seeing that Yu Zhenzhen was about to agree after being provoked by Li Fuyao's words, he panicked and disregarded etiquette. His old mind raced as he quickly found a suitable excuse and hurriedly refused before his young mistress could speak:

"No way! You little brat, you're not exactly virtuous, but you're quick-witted. You've come up with a really good idea!"

“My young lady is of noble birth, but what is your status? Your promise carries little weight, how could it possibly compare to the Yu family?”

"I think you're just taking advantage of my young lady's kind heart and trying to harm her!"

Upon hearing this, not only did a chorus of boos erupt from the surrounding crowd, but even Li Fuyao couldn't help but throw her head back and burst into laughter:

"Old man, I haven't even competed with your young lady yet, why are you already admitting defeat for her?"

Yu Zhenzhen has been pampered since childhood; she has never been ridiculed by so many people at the same time.

Amidst the laughter, the little girl's face instantly turned so red it rivaled the color of her hair. She turned back and glared at the old man, somewhat annoyed, but also enlightened by his words.

Once she came to her senses, Yu Zhenzhen immediately clenched her little pink fists and defended herself:

"What are you laughing at? I haven't given up yet!"

"Furthermore, what Uncle Wang said makes sense. Your promise is so far less valuable than mine, why should you gamble it on me?"

As she spoke, her eyes turned and met those of Bai Suifeng above Zhang Ze's head.

Yu Zhenzhen was just a young girl after all; how could she resist the attack of the furry creature?

She had already taken a liking to Bai Suifeng from the last time, and considering that Li Fuyao always carried this little dog with her, it must be an extremely cherished possession. A spark ignited in her heart, and she pointed at Bai Suifeng, smiling:

"I have no shortage of money and treasures, but I find your little dog quite adorable, so it's perfect as a way to make up for the difference."

"If you lose, I'll not only take your promise, but I'll also take this puppy from you!"

I am a wolf!

Using me, the holy son of the demon race, as a mere item to make up for the price difference is utterly outrageous!

If I weren't afraid of interfering with my sister's plans, I would definitely bite you to death, you annoying little devil!

Bai Suifeng cursed under his breath as he frantically swung his tail, baring his small, sharp teeth and barking menacingly at Yu Zhenzhen.