A Chaotic World

Chapter 425: One Step Behind

The Inscription Meet had ended with a draw.

This unexpected result was a huge surprise to most people present. However, there were also a small minority who felt bitter about this.

One of them being Grandmaster Xiqin.

No, rather than feeling bitter, it might be more apt to say that he felt humiliated by this result.

There were two winners of the Inscription Meet, and yet he still failed to make the mark. Considering his status as the Head Inscription Master of the Yellow Spark faction, this could even be considered a disgrace to the ancient sect!

"Congratulations to Inscription Master Guiheng and Manor Lord Lu for emerging victorious in today's Inscription Meet!" Xuan Ziying's announcement silenced the cheers in the arena. "As mentioned before, the Timeless Flame Sect has prepared great rewards for the top eight rankers. Now, let me invite Sect Master on stage to present the rewards."

"Hahaha! Sure!" Xuan Yongheng laughed.

He rose from his seat and, instead of flying, slowly walked over to get up the stage. The satisfied smile on his face showed how much he was enjoying the celebratory atmosphere in the arena.

Indeed, the sect master of the Timeless Flame Sect had always been one who enjoyed festivities. Not surprisingly, he was also the one responsible for turning a simple challenge between Grandmaster Xiqin and Lu Tianzi into the full fledged Inscription Meet of today.

Xuan Yongheng slowly walked up the steps and stood at the centre of the stage.

Many people's hearts were filled with admiration as they watched his confident posture on stage.

This was Xuan Yongheng Sect Master of the Timeless Flame Sect and one of the most powerful characters in this world.

To be able to celebrate this event with him could be considered an honour for most!

"Let us have Inscription Master Guiheng and Manor Lord Lu up on stage to join Sect Master," Xuan Ziying continued.

Xuan Yongheng started clapping, and everyone else immediately followed suit.

Under everyone's applause, Inscription Master Guiheng and Lu Tianzi made their way up the stage to stand before Xuan Yongheng.

"The two of you performed very well. I had a great time watching," Xuan Yongheng said while passing a spatial ring each to Inscription Master Guiheng and Lu Tianzi. "Here. As promised, this is your reward for lasting till the end."

"Thank you, Sect Master Xuan."

Inscription Master Guiheng and Lu Tianzi said in unison before sending their perceptions into the spatial rings in their hands.

Lu Tianzi's eyes could not help but light up in surprise when he saw the contents.

Dozens of high ranked beast cores.

Rare inscription materials.

These two alone would have been more than enough to serve as rewards for the Inscription Meet, but there were still two more items on top of that.

A pendant and a bracer.

Just from their looks alone, they were probably no ordinary items. But as for how special they truly were, Lu Tianzi would have to examine them more carefully later.

As for now...

"Thank you for the rewards, Sect Master Xuan," Lu Tianzi clasped his fists towards Xuan Yongheng. "However, I believe there is something else that I should be collecting."

"Something else? What is it?" Xuan Yongheng asked in surprise.

Even Inscription Master Guiheng looked at Lu Tianzi in astonishment. Was Lu Tianzi not satisfied with the rewards that they got?

"As Sect Master Xuan might know, the Inscription Meet started off as a small challenge that someone issued me," Lu Tianzi continued. "And this particular someone happened to also have put something on the line for this challenge. Now that I am standing here, may I ask Sect Master Xuan if this means that it should be considered my win?"

"Oh? Hahahaha!" Xuan Yongheng burst out laughing. "Why don't we ask the person in question?"

Grandmaster Xiqin's face turned red as he felt everyone's attention fall upon him. Nevertheless, he maintained a composed expression and even forced out an amiable smile. "Even though we did not face each other directly so the true victor between us cannot be determined, I am willing to consider this your win since you managed to get further than I did."

His words drew muffled scoffs from the audiences.

Yes, it was true that Grandmaster Xiqin and Lu Tianzi's submissions never went head to head, but they were both pitted against the same opponent in Inscription Master Guiheng.

Grandmaster Xiqin was eliminated by Inscription Master Guiheng, while Lu Tianzi managed a draw. That alone should have been sufficient as proof that Lu Tianzi's inscription was superior.

To phrase it as though he was being generous in giving Lu Tianzi the win... how shameless!

Of course, Lu Tianzi cared not about that. From the start, he had never pursued the recognition of being better than Grandmaster Xiqin. He did not even know Grandmaster Xiqin, so why would he care if he was better or not?

There were only three reasons why he wanted to try his best in the Inscription Meet.

Firstly, it was to test his own skill level.

Secondly, it was for the sake of supporting Young Master Xuan Hao.

Lastly, it was for the material rewards.

"Since that is the case, may I ask Senior Xiqin for the items that you have promised?" Lu Tianzi asked.

Grandmaster Xiqin cursed in his heart.

The items he put on the line?

Disregarding the ten high ranked beast cores that were already enough of a fortune, the Firestorm Amulet was an Overlord rank treasure!

The only reason he had put it on the line was because he thought that there was no way he would lose to the current Lu Tianzi. Who knew that things would turn out this way?

"Hahaha! Xiqin, you really got taught a lesson this time!" Xuan Yongheng said. "Let this serve as a lesson to you as well. One must never let your guard down!"

"Understood, Sect Master," Grandmaster Xiqin answered meekly before taking off the amulet hanging on his neck.

After storing it in a spatial ring, Grandmaster Xiqin gave it one last look before reluctantly tossing it over to Lu Tianzi.

"Thank you for the pointers, Senior Xiqin," Lu Tianzi said in passing before putting away the spatial ring, much to the envy of Inscription Master Guiheng beside him.

"The two of you more than deserve this spot right now," Xuan Yongheng continued. "Especially you, Manor Lord Lu. Considering your age, it is truly an amazing feat for your to be standing here right now. I have to say that you have really given me a great surprise. As long as you are willing to continue working hard, your future will be limitless!"

"Junior thanks Sect Master Xuan for the compliments," Lu Tianzi replied respectfully, somewhat surprised at the sudden praise.

Right now, everyone's attention was gathered upon him.

With that compliment from Xuan Yongheng alone, even Inscription Master Guiheng suddenly seemed to pale in comparison despite standing right beside Lu Tianzi.

Those who knew Xuan Yongheng well, especially those of the Timeless Flame Sect, knew that the man did not give out such compliments easily. For him to do so, and in front of millions of audience to boot, bore a huge significance.

It showed everyone just how much Xuan Yongheng valued Lu Tianzi.

Because of this, the elders of the ancient sect could not help but take note of Lu Tianzi's name as well.

If their sect master placed great importance on an individual, they as his loyal subordinates similarly had to align their actions accordingly.

Grandmaster Xiqin grinded his teeth in frustration. What had originally supposed to be a stage for him to display his capabilities had ended up backfiring, and was now being stolen by Lu Tianzi to show off in front of everyone!

Xuan Qinshang rubbed his chin in contemplation. Winning the Inscription Meet was already good enough, but receiving such compliments from the sect master had caused his impression of Lu Tianzi to rise even further.

Young Master Xuan Hao grinned in excitement, while Ruan Ling subconsciously grabbed Nanlan Qianxue's hand. All of them were ecstatic about what they were seeing right now.

Taomie Lianhe let out a faint smile, born of a mixture of both relief and pride. Relief in that her son's companion did not let them down, and pride in his son for possessing foresight that was possibly beyond her own.

But while everyone was still immersed in their own thoughts, Xuan Wen suddenly stood up from his seat and flew over to the stage.

Everyone watched in surprise as Xuan Wen landed lightly before Xuan Yongheng.

"Sect Master, please allow me to say a few words," Xuan Wen asked respectfully.

"Go ahead," Xuan Yongheng nodded.

"Thank you, Sect Master. Then I shall speak my mind," Xuan Wen stepped forward. "Since this is a day of celebration, let me add to the cause for celebration by officially inviting Brother Tianzi to join our Timeless Flame Sect. If you do, our Yellow Spark faction will definitely do our best to aid in Brother Tianzi's growth, providing all the resources you would ever need in terms of both cultivation and your pursuit of the art of inscriptions! I trust that Sect Master will not object to my decision?"

Xuan Wen's words drew gasps of surprise from the audience once more, and looks of envy were shot towards Lu Tianzi from all directions.

As though being acknowledged by Xuan Yongheng was not enough, he was even being directly invited to join the Timeless Flame Sect in front of everyone!

What luck!

And what honour!

Not just that, but the ancient sect even promised to provide all the resources he needed in both cultivation and the pursuit of the art of inscriptions.

If there ever was a dream offer, this had to be it!

"Oh? Brother Tianzi? It seems like you two knew each other from before?" Xuan Yongheng mused. "Anyway, as long as Manor Lord Lu is willing, I naturally will not object to how your Yellow Spark faction does things."

"Reporting to Sect Master, I had the honour of treating Brother Tianzi to a meal when he first arrived at Eternal Flame City," Xuan Wen answered.

"I see, I have to say that your connections are as amazing as always!" Xuan Yongheng laughed.

"Junior still has lots to learn from Sect Master," Xuan Wen answered before turning towards Inscription Master Guiheng. "I would have loved to invite Inscription Master Guiheng as well, but I believe that the True Dragon Forge has a strict rule about this matter?"

"No, you are right. We are not allowed to establish an exclusive association with other influences," Inscription Master Guiheng nodded.

"Members of the True Dragon Forge have always honoured its tradition, truly admirable," Xuan Wen clasped his fists towards Inscription Guiheng before turning back to Lu Tianzi. "Well then, may I know Brother Tianzi's opinion on this matter?"

At this moment, the entire arena had fallen silent as they waited to hear what he would say.

To most people, it was a no-brainer.

Who would reject a direct invitation from the Timeless Flame Sect, especially in such a situation?

With how Xuan Yongheng praised him, and how Xuan Wen promised to provide all the support he needed, Lu Tianzi would enjoy unprecedented luxury and status if he joined the ancient sect!

But that was precisely the reason why some in the audience suddenly felt nervous, especially those of the Blue Ember faction.

Young Master Xuan Hao's excitement turned into anger as he watched his elder brother once again try to recruit Lu Tianzi right before his very eyes.

Unfortunately, all he could do was watch. It would be far too inappropriate for him to step out to stop Xuan Wen right now, for that would be akin to showing the world the internal conflict within the Timeless Flame Sect.

And in that same regard, if Lu Tianzi turned down Xuan Wen here, it would be akin to not giving face to the Timeless Flame Sect in front of not just the millions of audiences, but also Sect Master Xuan Yongheng himself.

Damn it, Xuan Wen must have considered all these before he made his move!

Young Master Xuan Hao clenched his fists in frustration.

Once again, he had fallen one step behind Xuan Wen!