The Art of Chaotic Divinity

Chapter 250: Old Friend from the Past!

"I bid forty thousand!"

Just as everyone assumed General Deng, the Ascendant Eagle General, would secure the Sword Enlightenment Stone, a highly discordant voice suddenly erupted.

The voice originated from Ling Feng's box, where Yan Cangtian had taken up the bidding paddle and announced his bid.

That single utterance instantly made Ling Feng's box the target of everyone's criticism!

"Damn! Even I, Luo Shao from South City, withdrew from bidding out of respect for General Deng. Who do you think you are? You're just too ignorant and fearless!"

"I must say, what a fool. I, Ye Tianchen, may not be accustomed to this, but I'm dumbfounded by your ignorance and fearlessness!"

The rest of the auction attendees couldn't help but stare at Ling Feng's box, pointing fingers and even shouting insults.

"The audacity of this ignorant fool! How dare he not show respect to General Deng!"

"Get out of the auction hall! Trash like you has no right to participate!"

"Yes, get out!"

The auction hall descended into chaos at that moment, with opportunists seizing the chance to shout, "We can't let this scum take away the Sword Enlightenment Stone. I bid forty-one thousand!"

Ling Feng shook his head with a sigh. General Deng, renowned for his loyalty and patriotism within the empire, commanded immense respect.

Even though Ling Feng had been nothing more than a wandering physician's assistant before, traveling with his grandfather Ling Kun, he had still heard of General Deng's reputation.

At a time like this, it seemed inappropriate not to show respect to this seasoned general and continue bidding.

"Elder Yan," Ling Feng began hesitantly, "Perhaps..."

Although Ling Feng was reluctant to give up the Sword Enlightenment Stone, he also didn't want Yan Cangtian to bear the brunt of the criticism for it.

"Hehe, leave this matter to me," Yan Cangtian chuckled, stroking his beard. "Old Man Deng owes me a favor, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to repay it."

"Uh..." Ling Feng glanced deeply at Yan Cangtian, feeling grateful in his heart.

Yan Cangtian was seeking repayment of an old favor from General Deng for Ling Feng's sake. It was worth noting that among experts of this caliber, favors were not easily repaid...

"What's a single favor compared to my life?" Yan Cangtian remarked with a faint smile. If it weren't for Ling Feng, he might still be a madman, and his days would be numbered.

Although Yan Cangtian didn't say it outright, he already regarded Ling Feng as his junior.

With no family or children of his own, Ling Feng was akin to a grandson in his heart.

In VIP box number three, Deng Xian furrowed his brow slightly. In truth, Deng Xian was not inclined to use his status to pressure others into ceasing their bidding. However, having already set aside his dignity, it was frustrating to find that some individuals still refused to show respect. It was no wonder why he was displeased.

"Grandpa, keep bidding, keep bidding!"

Beside Deng Xian stood a young women of about seventeen or eighteen, clad in a flowing emerald gown. Clinging to Deng Xian's arm, she pouted, "I must get my hands on that Sword Enlightenment Stone!"

Deng Xian sighed softly. If it weren't for his granddaughter pushing him relentlessly, he wouldn't bother getting involved in this mess.

While others might show him some leniency, he didn't want to pressure anyone using his own status.

After all, the auction was meant to be a fair competition.

"Girl, you're still very far away from completely grasping sword will," Deng Xian shot his stubborn granddaughter a disapproving glance. "Forty thousand top-grade elemental stones have nearly exceeded the value of that Sword Enlightenment Stone. Your grandpa has lived a frugal life, with little wealth beyond his salary and the emperor's rewards."

Of course, Deng Xian wasn't actually poor; he simply wanted to impart some life lessons to his granddaughter.

"I don't care, I don't care, I just want it!" Deng Yongshi's little mouth pouted high, her eyes turning red in an instant. "Mean grandpa, you don't care about Little Shi at all!"

Feeling helpless, Deng Xian sighed and raised his voice, "Forty-two thousand top-grade elemental stones. My friend, such a price has already surpassed the value of the Sword Enlightenment Stone itself. I hope you won't act rashly."

"Hehe, old Deng's temperament seems as gentle as ever," Yan Cangtian chuckled with a grin. "If it were any other generals, they would have started arguing with me by now!"

Ling Feng's mouth twitched at the thought of arguing...

Would Spiritual Element Realm experts really resort to street quarrels like common market women?

"Kid, for your sake, I guess I'll have to offend my old friend this time!"

Yan Cangtian burst into laughter, his face showing no hint of shame. Instead, he grinned and exclaimed loudly, "Old Man Deng, don't tell me you can't even recognize my voice anymore? Let me tell you the truth. I've already decided to claim this Sword Enlightenment Stone. If you're not afraid of being branded ungrateful, then feel free to continue competing with me! Forty-five thousand!"

As these words were spoken, the guests below reacted with visible surprise.

Is the plot taking a turn?

Could it be that the person bidding against General Deng is actually his benefactor?

In VIP seat number three, General Deng's pupils contracted upon hearing this.

"Now that I think about it, this voice does sound quite familiar..." General Deng stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. Then, a glint of recognition flashed in his eyes. "Could it be him?"

He couldn't help but gulp hard, thinking, "Didn't they all say this old man has already gone mad?"

Deng Xian's heart was suddenly hit by a wave of shock.

It had been over forty years since he and Yan Cangtian were classmates at Tianwei Academy. Deng Xian embarked on a military career while Yan Cangtian stayed in the empire, delving deep into alchemy.

However, during a major battle against the demon race, Deng Xian sustained severe injuries. When he was brought back to the empire, several Daoist physicians were at a loss. If it weren't for Yan Cangtian deciphering an ancient pill formula and personally crafting a medicinal pill to neutralize the demonic poison, his life would have been over.

If that happened, how would Ascendant Eagle General Deng Xian come to be?

"That old lunatic!" A smirk crept onto Deng Xian's lips. "Hahaha, well played, you old rascal! This favor must be repaid!"

As Deng Yongshi heard her grandfather murmuring to himself, unease welled up within her. Gritting her teeth, she uttered, "Grandfather, you must not give up!"

"Yongshi, I can promise you anything else, but this person is your grandfather's lifesaver. I'll take you to meet my old friend later." Although Deng Xian hadn't seen Yan Cangtian in almost twenty years, memories of their past rushed back vividly at the mere thought of him.

"Darn it! What old friend? He's just an old scoundrel, actually competing with a little girl like me for things. He's a bad person, a big bad person!" Deng Yongshi pushed Deng Xian with a pout, filled with grievances.

"Nonsense!" Deng Xian's brow furrowed as he glared fiercely at Deng Yongshi, evidently filled with anger. "Yongshi, that's your grandfather's best friend. How could you casually insult someone like that!?"

That was the first time Deng Yongshi had seen her grandfather so angry. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes as she lowered her head, saying, "Grandfather, I spoke wrongly. I won't dare to do it again!"

Deng Xian drew in a deep breath and gently stroked his granddaughter's head as he sighed, "I must blame myself for spoiling you too much, which has led to your rude temperament."

With that, he picked up the communication crystal from the table and declared loudly, "I've decided to relinquish my bid over this Sword Enlightenment Stone! I also urge everyone not to compete with the friend from earlier, as a personal favor to me. I am truly grateful!"