Chapter 176: Chapter 112: Gaining Another Treasure, the Zhenyuan Stele

Ji Qingyue was relieved that she finally had a trump card.

Granted, this trump card didn’t have the best personality, and his actions were marked by a certain arrogant disdain for others.

But because Zhong Ming could secure victories for her, Ji Qingyue had no choice but to patiently indulge him.

For instance, when Zhong Ming demanded resources, she agreed with barely a moment’s hesitation.

She even promised Zhong Ming she would find a way to acquire an Earth-level top-grade cultivation method.

"What element of Cultivation Technique are you looking for, Young Master?" Ji Qingyue’s tone was filled with sincerity.

"..."

Her attitude, however, made Zhong Ming feel a little embarrassed.

In particular, Zhong Ming could clearly sense that Ji Qingyue wasn’t investing so much in him simply as part of a transaction.

She was supporting him out of a genuine desire to "strengthen humanity as a whole to better combat the Demonic Fiends."

This pure intention made Zhong Ming feel a little ashamed.

’I get the feeling that even if I sided with Ji Qinglian and still asked her for resources, she’d probably give them to me.’

This wasn’t just wishful thinking. Zhong Ming hadn’t forgotten what Ji Qingyue had said when she gave him the chance to study the Star Heaven·Divine Monarch: "It doesn’t matter who else you support, as long as you do not collude with Demons and Evil Spirits."

Of course, Zhong Ming had no intention of actually doing so.

After composing himself, Zhong Ming said directly, "I’m looking for a Cultivation Technique related to water, sword, dragons, or stars... Preferably from the All Heaven Stars Sect. It doesn’t matter if it’s incomplete."

Ji Qingyue’s brow twitched at his words, but she quickly nodded. "I’ll make a note of it. I will certainly find one for you, Young Master."

...

While Ji Qingyue was feeling a glimmer of hope, Ji Qinglian, on the other hand, wore a grim expression.

Noticing this, her followers immediately began to rail against Zhong Ming.

"Princess, don’t let it bother you. That Zhong Ming was just... lucky..."

"That’s right! He has Talent, but he’s arrogant, contemptuous, and utterly foolish. A man like that won’t get far..."

"Exactly! He refuses to ally with the strong, spouting some nonsense about how it would diminish his own brilliance and importance. Heh. Winning is all that matters. Just wait until he enters the Star Moon Treasure Vault and sees how pathetically weak his faction is. He’ll be crying then!"

Her followers said many things to try and make Ji Qinglian feel better.

However, their words didn’t cheer Ji Qinglian up in the slightest. In fact, a hint of disgust flickered deep in her eyes.

"I’m a bit tired. I’d like to rest. You may all go back for now."

"Yes..."

After dismissing the crowd, Ji Qinglian didn’t actually go to rest. Instead, she walked toward her brother’s room.

As soon as she pushed open the door, Ji Qinglian saw that her brother was not alone. With him were several disciples from prestigious sects, all of whom possessed extraordinary auras and bearings.

They were in the middle of discussing something.

Seeing her enter, Ji Qinghui immediately smiled and began the introductions.

"Qinglian, you’re here. Let me introduce you. This is Zhu Junfeng, a True Disciple of the Void Moon Sect—Senior Brother Zhu. And this is Lin Kong—Senior Brother Lin."

"They’re more than just True Disciples in the Void Moon Sect. Senior Brother Zhu is the direct grandson of the Void Moon Sect’s Fourth Elder, and Senior Brother Lin is the Sect Leader’s personal disciple. With their help in this assessment, first place is guaranteed to be ours!"

Ji Qinghui clearly held Zhu Junfeng and Lin Kong in high regard.

The two men also had an impressive bearing. When they looked at her, their eyes lit up with clear admiration.

Zhu Junfeng was the first to rise, offering a cupped-fist salute with the smooth polish of a young master from a great house. "Back at the sect, I often heard the Third Young Master speak of his naturally beautiful sister. Seeing you today, I find the rumors don’t do you justice. Junfeng greets Princess Qinglian."

The young man named Lin Kong was less concerned with pleasantries. His aura was sharp, characteristic of a Sword Cultivator. Still, his gaze was one of satisfaction as it swept over Ji Qinglian. "You’re quite impressive."

Neither of the young men’s attitudes toward her could be considered impolite.

But the highly perceptive Ji Qinglian still sensed something more in their gazes. Beyond their admiration, there was a sense of satisfaction and possession.

There was also a faint undercurrent of rivalry and hostility between the two of them.

At this point, how could Ji Qinglian not understand? Her own brother intended to marry her off to either Zhu Junfeng or Lin Kong.

And whichever one of them won, would win her hand.

To be fair, Ji Qinghui wasn’t just selling his sister. Both Zhu Junfeng and Lin Kong were young and accomplished. A union between Ji Qinglian and either of them would be considered a perfect match of talent and beauty, a marriage between equals.

What infuriated Ji Qinglian, however, was that she had been kept completely in the dark about the entire affair.

And the experience of being treated like a prize to be casually awarded to the victor filled her with utter humiliation.

Beyond the humiliation, a deep-seated resentment toward her brother and mother began to fester.

’I’m your family, not a piece of merchandise.’

...

"Greetings, Senior Brothers."

Though suppressed grievances and resentment churned within her, Ji Qinglian’s expression remained placid.

As if she hadn’t noticed a thing, she acted like a naive young girl, cheerfully recounting everything that had just happened to her.

Then, she went on to suggest to her brother, "Zhong Ming might be a bit wild and completely arrogant, but there’s no denying that his Talent is quite remarkable."

"He learned the Star Heaven·Divine Monarch in half a day. He’s worth recruiting."

Before Ji Qinghui could even respond, Lin Kong, whose aura was even sharper, spoke with disdain. "Princess, you think too highly of him, and you underestimate our strength."