Betting with One's Life

"What do you want? Oh, I see, you're worried that your Shen family won't be able to withstand the retaliation from my Zhang family, so you're trying to salvage the situation, right? Hehe, I can assure you that whatever you do must come with a price."

"Nothing can be salvaged. So even if you wanted to, it's too late!"

Zhang Shaoqi heard Lin Han's voice and immediately paused, turning to face Lin Han with a very domineering tone.

"No, Young Master Zhang, you are mistaken. I don't want to salvage anything," Lin Han responded.

"I heard that the alchemy skills of the Zhang family's alchemist are exceedingly superb. Hence, I wanted to have a friendly competition. Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, in the center of Yun City, I'd like Young Master Zhang to kindly convey this message."

Lin Han chuckled, observing Zhang Shaoqi absorbed in his words. He couldn't help but inwardly ridicule Zhang Shaoqi.

To be honest, Lin Han's attitude toward Zhang Shaoqi had transformed from disdain to complete contempt.

Lin Han's words echoed throughout the hall, leaving the Shen family's elders utterly astonished.

They were somewhat incredulous, even doubting if they had misheard.

Lin Han wanted to challenge the Zhang family's alchemist in his alchemical skills?

The alchemy skills of the Zhang family's alchemist were unparalleled within a hundred-mile radius.

Perhaps it was because of the existence of the alchemist in the Zhang family that the family’s influence had been steadily rising, becoming stronger and more powerful.

An alchemist was one of the most lucrative professions, with the medicines they concocted being sold at over ten times the cost of raw materials.

Seeing a sixteen-year-old wanting to challenge the Zhang family's alchemist caused them to think that Lin Han had misspoken.

The Zhang family's alchemist had been practicing alchemy for nearly forty to fifty years, enough to be considered seasoned.

A minor who hadn't even reached adulthood challenging an alchemist with forty to fifty years of experience—this was an unquestionable losing proposition.

Was this youth speaking nonsense?

Many people thought so.

"Do you...do you want to compete with Master Qi in alchemy? Very well, no need to convey it to Master Qi. I'll take your challenge on his behalf. But this competition cannot be without stakes, right?" Zhang Shaoqi's expression froze momentarily at the idea but soon followed with a smile, looking at Lin Han, feeling immensely pleased.

Master Qi, whose actual name was Qi He, was a renowned alchemist. Others might not know, but as the young master of the Zhang family, Zhang Shaoqi was well aware.

Presently, Qi He had reached the peak level of a first-tier alchemist. It was said that he could already produce second-tier elixirs.

With so much resentment toward Lin Han, when Zhang Shaoqi heard Lin Han setting himself up for failure, he felt the satisfaction of finally getting a chance to retaliate against Lin Han. So, without hesitation, he accepted Lin Han's invitation.

"Mister, Master Qi has reached the level of producing second-tier elixirs. Are you sure you want to challenge him in alchemy?" Before Lin Han could respond, Shen Jingtian, standing in the center of the hall, felt a sense of urgency and advised Lin Han with good intentions.

"Master Shen need not worry. Although I'm unsure about my own rank in the alchemy field, I am confident," Lin Han replied, smiling. He knew that Shen Jingtian was looking out for him, but Lin Han rejected Shen Jingtian's advice without any further consideration.

Lin Han, after all, was the chief disciple of the Danwu Sect, a genius alchemist!

His name in the field of alchemy resounded like thunder; his alchemical skills were unparalleled. Even experienced alchemists felt inadequate in comparison.

This fact was a testament to Lin Han's exceptional alchemical expertise. Although the alchemical systems in this world were entirely different from those on Earth, Lin Han had great confidence in his alchemical skills.

“Haha, so you mean to say you've never been to the Alchemist Alliance?”

Upon hearing Lin Han's words, Zhang Shaoqi burst into an immensely proud and disdainful laughter.

"Indeed, I haven't."

Lin Han did not lie.

For Lin Han, this was not a significant matter. Not having been to the Alchemist Alliance did not indicate a lack of proficiency in alchemy. Even those who had visited the Alliance might not necessarily be skilled in alchemy.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shaoqi laughed again, muttering curses at Lin Han in his mind.

Just as Zhang Shaoqi thought, the elders of the Shen family present in the hall were all equally amazed. They never expected that Lin Han had actually never been to the Alchemist Alliance. They couldn't comprehend why he was so confident.

"Hehe, since Young Master Zhang mentioned the wager earlier, then I propose this: if I win, these spirit stones are mine." Lin Han pointed to the pile of spirit stones behind, adding, "Ten thousand of them, to be exact."

"But if I lose, I, Lin Han, will serve your Zhang family as a slave for life. My life and death will be all up to you. How about it? Will you accept?"

This was what Lin Han had planned earlier.

These spirit stones contained the essence of cultivation energy. They would be greatly beneficial if Lin Han wanted to make a rapid breakthrough in his training.

"Of course, why not? It’s a deal then. However, you must keep your word; everyone here is a witness," said Zhang Shaoqi confidently.

To be honest, Zhang Shaoqi was a bit surprised when he heard Lin Han's words. Yet, he was immediately delighted. He hadn't expected Lin Han to take the initiative to wager his own life.

"Master Lin, you don’t need to risk your life like this. Ten thousand low-grade spirit stones are affordable for the Shen family," Shen Jingtian intervened, surprised. He hadn't expected Lin Han to be so audacious, directly placing his life at stake.

Shen Jingtian immediately offered to provide the ten thousand low-grade spirit stones on behalf of the Shen family.

"No need, Master Shen. I appreciate your kindness, but ten thousand low-grade spirit stones are quite a substantial amount," Lin Han responded, feeling surprised.

Truthfully, he hadn't anticipated that Shen Jingtian would offer this much help. He knew that ten thousand spirit stones would affect the Shen family significantly.

So, Lin Han politely declined Shen Jingtian's offer. This wasn't necessary.

He was playing big. He wanted to make Zhang Shaoqi happily agree to the wager.

If Zhang Shaoqi hesitated, it would complicate things for Lin Han. He knew Zhang Shaoqi harbored deep hatred towards him.

That was why Lin Han was using himself as a bet—this way, Zhang Shaoqi would gladly accept.

Later, Zhang Shaoqi would be forced to honor the ten thousand spirit stones, and Lin Han believed that Zhang Shaoqi would likely spread the news. In Zhang Shaoqi's mind, Lin Han's defeat was certain. So, it would attract a crowd to witness the contest.

In the end, if Lin Han won, Zhang Shaoqi wouldn't be able to renege. With so many people watching, it would damage the reputation of Zhang Shaoqi and the Zhang family. While the ten thousand spirit stones were important, the family's reputation was even more so.

Therefore, Lin Han believed he could easily obtain the ten thousand spirit stones.

"Alright, Lin Han, I'll remember this. See you tomorrow at ten o'clock in the center of Yun City," Zhang Shaoqi declared, wearing an expression of satisfaction.

With a taunting glance at Shen Jingtian, Zhang Shaoqi feared Lin Han might change his mind if he lingered. Hence, after dropping those words, Zhang Shaoqi quickly departed with Zhang Ning.