Chapter 184: Gold on the Outside?

Seeing his expression, Lei Qing pretended to be surprised and said, “No way? Judging by your aura, you should be a direct descendant of the prestigious Wan Family with a high status. How could you not even have ten thousand gold coins to show?”

Stimulated by Lei Qing, Wan Rui’s face turned the color of a pig’s liver. He looked around and saw that all the other heroes were staring at him, and even Miss Zhu seemed to be casting a concerned look his way. Under these circumstances, if he couldn’t even produce the ten thousand gold coin wager, it would turn into a tragedy where he came to step on others but ended up getting crushed himself. In front of everyone, especially with Miss Zhu present, Wan Rui was unwilling to lose face. He steeled his heart, took out a jade pendant, and sneered, “You country bumpkin. This pendant is called the Heart-Cleansing Pendant. It was carefully crafted by the Eternal Life Palace, experts in the long-life arts. Its effect can condense qi and calm the spirit, remove heart demons, and significantly reduce the possibility of going into a demonic frenzy. One ten thousand gold coins, not a moment less.”

“Young Master Wan Rui, this is…” Wu, the steward of Xianke Ju, saw his complexion change drastically and opened his mouth to say something. But Wan Rui glared fiercely at him and said, “Shut up. How dare a servant like you interfere with matters belonging to this Young Master?”

Although Wan Rui’s words were a bit exaggerated, this pendant did indeed have the effect of removing heart demons and making it easier to enter a meditative state, and its value was indeed more than ten thousand gold coins.

However, given Wan Rui’s status, this item could not possibly belong to him. It was a public treasure of the Wan Family Fort. Such treasures were given to Wan Rui because of his extraordinary talent; half a year ago, he was attempting to breakthrough to the Silver-rank. The Family Master had specially approved him to wear and use it, but it could be taken back at any time.

As soon as Lei Qing saw this item, his eyes lit up. “Good. I’ll count this as your ten thousand gold coins.”

“Hold on. What about your wager?” Wan Rui stared at Lei Qing warily. This time, he had staked everything. If he lost to Lei Qing, he would surely suffer heavy punishment. But if he won, not only would he gain a large fortune, but he would also rise rapidly using Lei Qing’s fame and gain the heavy reliance of his family. Perhaps, he could even win Miss Zhu’s affection and favor.

Various great benefits and large rewards swayed in front of Wan Rui like bait. They made his heart itch and, in his thirsty desperation, he lost his usual decent rationality.

“The wager? Heh heh. Since you have produced the significant Heart-Cleansing Pendant, it would be embarrassing for me to take advantage of you.” Lei Qing waved his finger slightly, activating the spatial vortex on it.

“A Spatial Ring?” The heroes around also couldn’t help but gasp softly. Although they had long known that after Lei Qing kidnapped Li Baobao and Zhen Jimu, he had acquired a Spatial Ring for each, seeing him actually activate the ring made them excited one by one.

Spatial Rings were precious items that rarely appeared in trading markets, occasionally appearing at auctions. Even the lowest quality Spatial Ring could fetch tens of thousands of gold coins.

Not to mention Silver-rank experts, even some Gold-rank experts might not own a Spatial Ring.

“Are you really willing to wager this Spatial Ring against me?” Wan Rui’s eyes were about to pop out. Was this young man surnamed Lei too stupid? He was actually using a Spatial Ring worth at least thirty to forty thousand gold coins to wager against the Heart-Cleansing Pendant.

“That’s right. If I lose, this Spatial Ring is yours.” Lei Qing was smiling, smiling very kindly. By doing this, although it seemed foolish, it was actually extremely advantageous for Lei Qing. First, under the temptation of the Spatial Ring, Wan Rui would likely suffer from anxiety and emotional instability, which would definitely weaken his strength.

Second, by presenting something far more valuable than the Heart-Cleansing Pendant to wager, if Lei Qing won, the Wan Family Fort could only swallow their pride and accept it. They wouldn’t later make excuses to renege, claiming things like asking for ten thousand gold coins as compensation.

Lei Qing didn’t want the ten thousand gold coins; he only wanted the Heart-Cleansing Pendant.

All the distinguished guests and heroes at the scene had seen it with their own eyes. Lei Qing had even brought out a Spatial Ring to wager. If the Wan Family Fort dared to renege later, it wouldn’t just be a loss of face; their reputation and credibility would drop significantly. This invisible loss would far exceed the value of a single Heart-Cleansing Pendant.

Lei Qing’s actions were well-considered. After all, this was the territory of the Wan Family Fort. He tried to avoid giving them any handle to use against him. Of course, these arrangements were all based on Lei Qing’s absolute confidence. Otherwise, if he felt that the odds of winning a one-on-one duel were not high, Lei Qing wouldn’t act so foolishly.

“Young General, Brother Lei. The price of a Spatial Ring is too high; wagering it is not cost-effective.” A burly man with a thick beard spoke somewhat indignantly. “If you are temporarily short on money, I am willing to lend you ten thousand gold coins.”

Lei Qing looked at him with slight surprise and said with a smile, bowing his fist, “Thank you, Big Brother. May I ask for your honorable name?”

“My name is Guan Fei, and I am from the Marquis Zhu Residence.”

“Righteous and High-Minded Guan Fei?” Lei Qing was stunned. He hadn’t expected this burly man to be a famously powerful expert. He immediately bowed his fist respectfully and said, “So it is Righteous and High-Minded Big Brother Guan. This junior, Lei Qing, pays respects to Big Brother Guan.”

Guan Fei was a legendary figure with strong strength. He was a Mid-stage Gold master, a hegemonic figure on the same level as Mad Blade Xiahou Huan. However, his path was different from Xiahou Huan’s. He had married a daughter of the Marquis Zhu Residence and had moved into her family as a matrilocal son-in-law.

His nickname alone showed that this man was famous for being loyal and righteous. Many stories about him were widely circulated. After hearing of him, Lei Qing had been fascinated by him, hating not to be able to make his acquaintance. He hadn’t expected to meet Guan Fei here, who was even preparing to help Lei Qing.

“Don’t stand on ceremony, Brother Lei. I also originally thought you were a greedy and villainous person, and wished to eliminate him with my own hands. But seeing you today, I know that many rumors were misleading. Although Brother Lei’s actions were a bit extreme, you are not a light and upright good man.” Guan Fei said with a serious expression. “Wagering a Spatial Ring is really at a disadvantage for you.”

“Thank you, Big Brother Guan. But a gentleman’s word is his bond.” Lei Qing shrugged and smiled. “Since I have already promised to wager a Spatial Ring, how can I break my word? If Big Brother Guan is willing to help, please act as a witness. This will prevent anyone from reneging later using the power of the host.”

Guan Fei was stunned and again felt that Lei Qing’s character was heroic and straightforward, quite compatible with his own temperament. He said with a stern look, “Since Brother Lei is determined, let’s calculate the wager accordingly. Rest assured, as long as I, Guan Fei, am here, no one will dare to renege. Even if Divine Craftsman Wan Yongxing himself arrives, Guan will handle the matter impartially.”

It had to be said that the feeling between people was very strange. Some people felt connected and considered each other close friends as soon as they met, without even speaking. But for others, no matter how they got along, they were like water and fire, unable to get along.

With the guarantee of Righteous and High-Minded Guan Fei, Lei Qing’s slightly worried heart completely relaxed. With a clang, he drew his sword, “Lian Zhan,” and smiled. “Brother Wan, draw your sword.”

“Lian Zhan?” Wan Rui was stunned and said with anger rushing to his head. “Where did you get this sword? It is clearly a treasure of our Wan Family.”

“It was confiscated from my prisoner, Li Baobao.” Lei Qing smiled without hiding anything. “What, do you accuse Sister Baobao of stealing your Wan Family’s Treasure Sword? Or do you think that when you capture enemies in war, you cannot plunder their spoils?”

The surrounding heroes roared with laughter. Everyone guessed that this Treasure Sword Lian Zhan was indeed an item of the Wan Family, but it had probably been given to Li Baobao as a betrothal gift or a present. This slap to the face of the Wan Family Fort was quite loud. Each thought secretly in their hearts that the Young General Lei Qing was really tough, daring to humiliate the Wan Family so openly in the territory of the Wan Family Fort.

Wan Rui was so angry that his chest almost exploded. He immediately drew his long sword, pointed it far towards Lei Qing, and gritted his teeth in hatred. “You bastard, you will pay the price.”

With a swoosh, he thrust a sword strike like a rainbow straight at Lei Qing’s chest. The sword movement was fast and fierce, showing some foundation and stance. It was obvious that he had undergone extremely hard training. It was not a purely ornamental style piled up with Crystal Cores.

It was no wonder. If Wan Rui really had no strength, how could a collateral branch with such weak blood ties receive the attention and training of Divine Craftsman Wan Yongxing? And how could he be so arrogant as to challenge Lei Qing?

Lei Qing remained calm and did not rush to attack. Instead, he assumed a defensive stance. Clang, clang, clang, a series of metal clashes rang out. Amidst the flashing sword light, the two fought in a mess on the ring.

Lei Qing, who was not good at defense, seemed to be deliberately tempering his defensive abilities. Within dozens of moves, he didn’t attack once, only passively defending.

However, that Wan Rui did indeed have some skills. His sword momentum was fierce and sharp, exuding a kind of elegant grace. He almost fought Lei Qing into dangerous situations, making people unable to help but pinch their sweat for him.

“Little Uncle, how can you protect that detestable boy so favorably. Didn’t you see him bullying me just now?” The young master in green clothes named Zhu walked beside Guan Fei and complained in a low voice.

“Huh? Ah? Yu’er?” Guan Fei’s expression changed several times, and finally he said somewhat disbelievingly, “You, you, you, why have you suddenly dressed like this? The change is too big. I didn’t recognize you. Also, why are you here?”

Zhu Yuer rolled her pretty eyes at him and said irritably, “I was bored at home, so I came out to stroll. I heard that Wan Family Fort was fun, so I came to see. Little Uncle, you haven’t answered my question yet.”

“Uh, I just felt that Brother Lei was quite compatible. He is not a vicious and evil bad person.” Guan Fei chuckled. “Intuition.”

“Intuition? What intuition do men have?” Zhu Yuer glanced at Lei Qing. “Little Uncle, when judging people, you can’t just look at the surface. I admit, this surnamed Lei bad guy is handsome and heroic. But we must see through the appearance to his essence. Bullying Sister Baobao like this is bullying me, Zhu Yuer.”

“Heh heh, are you still upset on behalf of your cousin?” Guan Fei also knew why she was angry and smiled. “Your father also said that when judging people, you shouldn’t look with prejudice. I think Lei Qing is quite good.”

“Hmph, Uncle, your judgment is really inaccurate.” Zhu Yuer looked at Lei Qing, who had been pushed into the corner, and a smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. “He is a product that looks like gold on the outside but is rotten cotton inside. I bet he won’t last ten moves. It’s a pity to lose a Spatial Ring.”

……