Greed

Greed . . .

As the tumultuous battle within the dimension reached its climax, the spectators watched in sheer disbelief. Xie Yu, once seen as a formidable contender for victory, had been forcibly expelled from the dimension, leaving them in a state of awe-struck shock.

Their initial speculations had centered around figures like Xie Yu, Zhao Yuyan, Han Luo, or the powerful seventh-level ascendants. These were the prime candidates in their eyes, the ones most likely to emerge as the ultimate victor. Yet, against all expectations, a previously underestimated and seemingly unremarkable young man had risen to the forefront, now standing alone as the sole remaining participant.

The collective gasp of amazement rippled through the audience. This young man, initially dismissed as an insignificant player, had defied the odds and proven himself a force to be reckoned with. His victory was no fluke; he had vanquished formidable opponents in a series of intense battles. Jiang Feng, Han Luo, Zhao Yuyan, Xie Yu, and even a seventh-level ascendant had all fallen before his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve. What made his triumph all the more astonishing was that he possessed the lowest cultivation level among them. While augmentation sources had played a part in his success, it was clear that luck alone couldn't account for his remarkable journey.

The final showdown had showcased his unparalleled might, a display that transcended mere augmentation. Even without external aids, Qin Wentian had proven he could challenge opponents of higher realms. His victory had not been handed to him; he had earned it through genuine skill and strength.

Now, standing before the imposing Immorseize Great Hall, a wave of relief washed over Qin Wentian. He had achieved his goal, securing the coveted Sky Demon Oracle Bone. He harbored no doubts about the Immorseize Residence; their reputation in the Cloud Prefecture was unassailable. With their stature, they had everything to lose and nothing to gain from dishonesty. Their profits already far exceeded the treasure's value.

Instead, it was the other participants who concerned him. The longing glances and envious eyes of those who had also coveted the Oracle Bone weighed heavily on him. If he had influential backing in Worryfree City, he could breathe easy. But without such support, how could he safeguard his newfound treasure from the avarice lurking in their hearts?

As the reality of his victory settled in, he couldn't help but notice the chilling gaze of Xie Yu, the defeated former frontrunner who had failed to grasp the Oracle Bone.

This particular venture to obtain the Sky Demon Oracle Bone held a deeper purpose for Qin Wentian. It wasn't driven by a personal desire to possess the item, for as the offspring of the city lord's lady and the scion of an immortal-ranked expert for his father, he enjoyed access to almost everything he needed. His cultivation resources were abundant, and the art of weapon forging held little appeal to him. The Sky Demon Oracle Bone would serve him little purpose.

Instead, his quest was driven by the need to prepare a significant gift for an imminent visitor to Worryfree City. This guest was no ordinary individual; they were a renowned grandmaster weaponsmith, a figure of extraordinary stature. Even as the son of the city lord, Qin Wentian knew that he must demonstrate the utmost respect to this guest. The guest had no shortage of cultivation resources, making the choice of an appropriate gift a challenging task. Then, by serendipity, the Immorseize Residence had announced the stakes for a gambling match—a Sky Demon Oracle Bone. With this invaluable opportunity, he had registered as a participant, hoping to secure the precious item. Regrettably, success had eluded him until this moment.

"Defeated by a second-level ascendant? Can this be true?" Without the augmentation sources, everyone had reverted to their original strengths. Qin Wentian's aura was visibly inferior to that of the other participants, rendering him the weakest among them by conventional measures. Yet, he had defied all odds, emerging as the victor of the gambling match.

Xie Yu, Zhao Yuyan, and the rest felt a pang of humiliation. Zhao Yuyan's gaze bore into Qin Wentian, her eyes harboring a sense of regret. Her master had entrusted her with a critical task—to secure the Sky Demon Oracle Bone as part of her training. Acquiring it would be a vital step in her journey to become a legendary weaponsmith. Her master, though immortal-ranked, rarely crafted immortal-ranked weapons due to the formidable demands of the task. This match had offered her a rare chance to witness the creation of such a weapon, a golden opportunity now lost to her in defeat.

Determination surged through Zhao Yuyan as she resolved not to let this opportunity slip away. She couldn't afford to disappoint her master. Retrieving the Sky Demon Oracle Bone was a matter of utmost importance.

The expert responsible for the formation diagram smiled at Qin Wentian, acknowledging his victory. "Congratulations on your triumph. As per our agreement, the Immorseize Residence will provide you with a complete Sky Demon Oracle Bone. You may verify it."

With a wave of his hand, an interspatial ring soared toward Qin Wentian. He received it, swiftly delving into its contents with a keen perception. A glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes as he confirmed the presence of the Sky Demon Oracle Bone. Securing the interspatial ring, he nodded gratefully to the expert. "Thank you, senior."

"You need not thank us as the victor," the expert replied calmly. "As the triumphant participant, you have the option to stay at our Immorseize Residence for a period of time, departing at your convenience. Of course, for a modest fee, you can also request our protection as you leave."

The expert's words held a subtle warning. They were subtly hinting at the potential danger posed by disgruntled participants who might covet the spoils of victory. This offer was standard practice, extending to victors in every gambling match, as they often chose to seek refuge with the Immorseize Residence to safeguard their hard-won prizes.

As the climax of the gambling match reached its zenith, the moment of reckoning was at hand. Victory in this high-stakes encounter meant the chance to claim the coveted treasure offered by the Immorseize Residence. However, there was a stipulation that hung over the victor like a shadow. The instant they descended the grandiose stairs of the Immorseize Residence, the establishment would relinquish all responsibility for their safety.

All eyes converged upon Qin Wentian, the unassuming victor who had emerged from obscurity to seize the Sky Demon Oracle Bone. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, speculation rife as to whether this newcomer would opt for the protection offered by the Immorseize Residence. If he did, it would effectively thwart the ambitions of those who coveted the priceless relic.

Amidst the expectant hush, Qin Wentian offered a concise response. "It's fine, I will leave by myself."

The expert nodded in understanding, his silence signaling that he had fulfilled his duty in issuing the warning. As to the path Qin Wentian chose to tread, it was a matter left entirely to his discretion.

As Qin Wentian readied himself to depart, a sudden apparition blocked his path—a familiar face. It was none other than Han Luo, the same challenger he had vanquished earlier.

With a congenial smile, Han Luo extended his hand. "Hello, my name is Han Luo. May I have the pleasure of your acquaintance?"

Qin Wentian met Han Luo's gaze and replied in kind. "I am Qin Wentian."

"Your talents are truly exceptional, and your combat prowess is unmatched. May I inquire about the sect you hail from?" Han Luo's amiable demeanor seemed to extend a genuine offer of friendship.

In different circumstances, Qin Wentian might have entertained the conversation further. However, at this juncture, having just secured the Sky Demon Oracle Bone, he couldn't afford to let his guard down. He deemed it prudent to keep his interactions succinct.

Before long, another voice chimed in, this one belonging to Zhao Yuyan, another fallen adversary. "Would you be willing to trade the Sky Demon Oracle Bone to me? I am prepared to offer the equivalent value."

Qin Wentian raised his head to meet Zhao Yuyan's imploring gaze. Her determination to lay claim to the Sky Demon Oracle Bone was evident. She had not relented in her pursuit, refusing to relinquish hope of obtaining the relic from Qin Wentian's grasp.

With an impassive tone, Qin Wentian delivered his verdict. "I'm sorry, but I have a specific use for the Sky Demon Oracle Bone."

The treasure in question held immeasurable value, far beyond mere worldly riches. In his current stage of cultivation, opportunities to come into contact with such extraordinary items were rare. Perhaps, once he advanced to the immortal foundation realm, such encounters would become more frequent. But for the present moment, he had a pressing need for the Sky Demon Oracle Bone. Selling it to Zhao Yuyan was out of the question.

With this declaration, Qin Wentian nodded to Han Luo and made his way forward, signaling his intent to leave without further delay.

As the diverse group of competitors dispersed, one individual refused to yield to the inevitable. Xie Yu's eyes gleamed with malice, and he swiftly followed in Qin Wentian's footsteps. He was not alone in his pursuit, for many others among the defeated participants shared his ambition. They trailed behind, drawn by the allure of the Sky Demon Oracle Bone, resolute in their determination to obtain it at any cost.

Qin Wentian led the procession of onlookers as they moved forward, a motley crew of curiosity seekers and those who yearned for the coveted Sky Demon Oracle Bone. To the spectators, this unfolding drama was like a gripping tale that had yet to reach its climax. However, the direction Qin Wentian was taking left them with raised brows and perplexed thoughts. Was this seemingly naive young man too trusting of the world? His audacious demeanor didn't quite align with his relatively modest cultivation base.

The pursuing pack included none other than Zhao Yuyan, who managed to catch up and walk alongside Qin Wentian. Her voice carried a tone of earnest persuasion. "Hand over the Sky Demon Oracle Bone. I'll offer you something of equal worth in exchange. You won't lose out."

Qin Wentian's patience seemed to wear thin. "I already said no," he retorted curtly.

An aura of cold determination emanated from Zhao Yuyan as she continued her relentless pursuit, her voice laced with veiled threats. "Listen to reason. Refusing me might lead to unforeseen consequences, including your own safety and the fate of the Sky Demon Oracle Bone."

"Are you trying to intimidate me?" Qin Wentian's eyes flared with defiance as he locked his gaze onto Zhao Yuyan.

Undeterred, Zhao Yuyan met his icy stare with her own haughty one. "And if I am?"

Their proximity seemed to intensify the clash of their auras, creating an electric tension that hung in the air. The pressure inched upward as Qin Wentian snapped, "Get lost."

A stern warning echoed in his words, and he broke away from Zhao Yuyan's presence, hastening his pace. His parting words reverberated through the followers trailing behind him, momentarily quelling their determination.

Zhao Yuyan frowned, her frustration evident. Qin Wentian had dared to dismiss her with such insolence?

"Is combat prowess enough to grant you the freedom to act so arrogantly?" Zhao Yuyan muttered under her breath. She wasn't wrong—Qin Wentian was undoubtedly a formidable opponent, but he stood at the second level of Celestial Phenomenon. Without augmentation sources, what could he hope to achieve? His impudent behavior was simply tempting fate.

However, Qin Wentian didn't falter. His pace quickened, and a radiant light formed beneath his feet. With a single decisive stomp, he catapulted into the heavens, a streak of determination amidst the cerulean sky. He possessed treasures of his own, acquired from the tragic downfall of the Royal Sacred Sect, and these artifacts endowed him with newfound strength and speed.

Zhao Yuyan couldn't help but sneer at his audacity. With a flourish of her hand, a resplendent rainbow-hued aura materialized beneath her feet. She, too, took flight, chasing after Qin Wentian with remarkable velocity.

Astral energy enveloped her form, illuminating the skies as her astral shackles manifested—a dazzling display of power and control. Like a relentless storm, countless chains and shackles surged forth, each bearing down on Qin Wentian with unstoppable force. There were ten million of these ethereal restraints in pursuit, closing in on him with every passing moment.