NOVEL NEXT Chapter 340: None
Chapter 340: None
Zhao Ming said indifferently, “Junior brother, maybe you should change your answer.”
Xu Lian replied, “I’ll stick with my guess-Origin Tracing Light . Maybe Elder Brother should reconsider his answer instead.”
Zhao Ming’s expression darkened, and he glanced at Xu Lian with a peculiar look. In his view, Qin Feng had always been introverted and soft-spoken, showing great respect for him as his senior brother and almost never daring to oppose him. Why was he acting so unusually today, actually competing with him?
Xu Lian also knew that this kind of confrontation might be inappropriate, but he desperately needed the Origin Tracing Light . No matter what, he had to secure it. Even if Zhao Ming were incredibly intelligent, there was no way he could suspect that Xu Lian wasn’t actually Qin Feng. After all, no one would casually entertain such a thought.
In short, even if his behavior occasionally deviated from Qin Feng’s usual personality, it didn’t matter. Pretenders often acted overly cautious, so deliberately exposing such a flaw would only make him appear more like the real Qin Feng.
It was reverse psychology – if he calmly displayed a slight inconsistency in Qin Feng’s character, it would ironically reinforce the illusion that he was indeed Qin Feng.
Human nature was complex; no one remained perfectly consistent all the time. What was wrong with someone who was usually introverted and mild-mannered occasionally showing a bit of assertiveness?
The onlookers exchanged puzzled glances, unable to understand why both men were so certain that the item inside was Origin Tracing Light , the cultivation resource for the Origin Tracing Realm . Did they somehow know the answer in advance?
Everyone present was either a noble or a minister-none of them were fools-and they began to vaguely grasp the underlying truth. Origin Tracing Light was an ultra-high-grade controlled cultivation resource for the Origin Tracing Realm . Even the most powerful factions had limited reserves of it, and the Qian Dynasty certainly wouldn’t have much either. It made sense that the Fifth Prince would tip off Zhao Ming, whom he favored, about such a valuable item. But why had he also informed Qin Feng?
The Fifth Prince felt slightly uncomfortable, unsure of how to handle the situation now that Qin Feng had complicated things. He forced a smile and said, “You two, esteemed Grand Ministers of Revenue, are truly worthy disciples of Grand Minister Chi Sui. Your minds are so attuned that you guessed correctly right away.
Since you both guessed correctly, let’s move on to the next step. Each of you can guess the number inside. Whoever guesses the closest will receive the Origin Tracing Light .”
Xu Lian immediately replied, “I guess ten strands.”
Zhao Ming, who had just opened his mouth to speak, suddenly looked troubled. Before the banquet began, the Fifth Prince had already informed him that the final item was ten strands of Origin Tracing Light . Yet, Qin Feng had beaten him to it. What could he say now?
Zhao Ming coldly snorted and said, “I also guess ten strands!”
The Fifth Prince looked at Xu Lian in confusion. It made sense that Zhao Ming knew-it was expected since he had been tipped off-but how did “Qin Feng” also know that it was exactly ten strands?
The Fifth Prince was at a loss for words. He wanted to ask Qin Feng to back down, but it wouldn’t be appropriate. After all, the Marquis Qin’s household was an important supporter, and this segment was meant to distribute gifts to the supporters. According to the rules, everyone present had the right to participate. Since Qin Feng had guessed correctly, there was no reason to ask him to give up.
Ning Meixue anxiously gave Xu Lian a meaningful look, signaling him not to compete with Elder Brother Zhao Ming. She believed that it wasn’t necessary. Once they killed Zhao Ming, they could still obtain the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light . By arguing with Zhao Ming now, Xu Lian would become the prime suspect if anything happened to Zhao Ming later. After all, her argument would provide a clear motive that could jeopardize her plan to eliminate Zhao Ming.
Xu Lian understood this reasoning, but he had considered it more deeply. Zhao Ming was only at the seventh stage of the Unity Realm. There was no possibility of him advancing to the Origin Tracing Realm within the next few centuries. Xu Lian feared that Zhao Ming might give the Origin Tracing Light to Marquis Zhao for his use. In that case, even if they killed Zhao Ming later, they wouldn’t be able to retrieve the Origin Tracing Light . That was why he had no choice but to compete for it.
Seeing the Fifth Prince remain silent, the nobles and ministers understood-the box definitely contained ten strands of Origin Tracing Light!
This revelation filled them with envy and admiration. The Fifth Prince was indeed generous. Ten Strands of Origin Tracing Light – a cultivation resource coveted by all cultivators in the Origin Tracing Realm .
However, the only thing they couldn’t understand was how Zhao Ming and Qin Feng had correctly guessed not only the item, but also the exact amount. This was quite confusing. Who was the Fifth Prince intending to give it to?
From the Fifth Prince’s earlier bias toward Zhao Ming, it seemed obvious that the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light were meant for him. But how could Qin Feng have guessed so accurately? Could it be that Qin Feng had learned about it beforehand through some other channel?
The Fifth Prince himself was also puzzled. He couldn’t figure out how Qin Feng had guessed so accurately. Glancing at the head eunuch, he couldn’t help but suspect that the eunuch might have leaked the answer to Qin Feng. That was the only plausible explanation.
The head eunuch visibly trembled, his face turning pale as he knelt on the ground. “Your Highness, please investigate thoroughly! This lowly servant did not give Qin Feng the answer!”
With these words, the entire hall fell silent.
What did this mean?
It meant that Qin Feng hadn’t been told the answer – he had guessed it on his own… whereas Zhao Ming had clearly been informed beforehand!
That was the implicit meaning behind the eunuch’s statement. If the eunuch had meant to deny leaking the answer to both parties, he would have said, “I did not tell Zhao Ming and Qin Feng”. Instead, he specifically denied telling Qin Feng alone.
The nobles and ministers weren’t fools-they immediately understood the full implications. The Fifth Prince had indeed tipped off Zhao Ming in advance, while Qin Feng had guessed correctly on his own. This realization caused everyone’s expressions to change uncomfortably. The Fifth Prince’s actions now seemed somewhat unfair.
Realizing he had misspoken, the head eunuch turned ashen, nearly fainting from fear. He wished desperately that he could slap himself. Panicking, he hastily tried to backtrack: “I… I didn’t tell Zhao Ming either!”
“…” The Fifth Prince was livid, his face turning a deep shade of green as he glared at the head eunuch with dagger-like eyes. The damage had already been done – what the eunuch had said earlier had revealed far too much. The nobles and ministers now clearly understood that Zhao Ming had been tipped off in advance. What use was there in trying to cover it up now?
The prince once again stepped in to smooth things over. “Since both Zhao Ming and Qin Feng have guessed correctly, why don’t the two of them engage in a friendly competition? Whoever wins will receive the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light .
There’s no need for a physical contest-it wouldn’t be appropriate to use violence during this banquet celebrating His Highness’s ascension to the Crown Prince’s position.
Besides, they’re fellow disciples of the same master, so we shouldn’t harm their relationship.
Let’s suggest a gentler form of competition instead. How about an alchemy contest?”
The nobles and ministers exchanged knowing glances. They were all experienced individuals who knew better than to reveal the fact that the Fifth Prince had tipped off Zhao Ming. Instead, they smiled and chimed in with approval.
“The two disciples under Grand Alchemist Chi Sui are truly remarkable – they both guessed that the item inside was ten strands of Origin Tracing Light . Truly, great teachers produce outstanding disciples.”
“An alchemy competition is an excellent suggestion, Your Highness. Both of them are disciples of Grand Alchemist Chi Sui, and this will give us the opportunity to witness the extraordinary alchemical skills that Master Chi Sui has passed down through their hands.”
“To hold a friendly alchemy duel during the banquet celebrating His Highness’ ascension to the Crown Prince’s throne – what a fine story this will make!”
Marquis Zhao immediately agreed. “This is indeed the best way to determine who should receive the Ten Strands of Origin Tracing Light .”
Marquis Qin remained silent. He was well aware that Qin Feng’s alchemy skills were inferior to Zhao Ming’s. In such a competition, Qin Feng would have no chance of winning. However, since the suggestion had come from the prince and was supported by the nobles and ministers, he couldn’t object without appearing unreasonable.