The gift wasn’t valuable, but one can’t visit empty-handed, as that is the custom.
mins later, Song Ziyue was led into Academician Fang Shihan’s study.
Naturally, Academician Fang Shihan was aware of Song Ziyue’s purpose.
After the two sat down as host and guest, and after tea and pastries were served, Song Ziyue bowed and said, "About the wager, I request Academician to enlighten this student."
Upon hearing this, Academician Fang sighed deeply and said, "This Xu Jin, has extremely strong practical combat ability. I have also asked Qingqiu before, if her cultivation level could be improved to the Fifth Layer of Refining Star, whether she could break through the 80th level; Qingqiu said she was confident.
If we spare no expense, half a month later, Qingqiu’s cultivation level could possibly reach the Fifth Layer of Central Star Palace, the Fourth Layer of Lower Star Palace, and if the Star Pattern engraving goes smoothly, she should be able to reach about the 88th level.
The 90th level of the God-Killing Battlefield, she is not confident."
"Roughly, my disciple Ji Hongli, if she invests all her efforts regardless of the costs, her cultivation level should be slightly lower than Qingqiu’s, but reaching around the 85th level of the God-Killing Battlefield shouldn’t be a problem," said Song Ziyue.
"But Ziyue, you should realize that this isn’t the key issue.
The key issue is, half a month later, what level could Xu Jin have reached?" asked Academician Fang.
"Given Xu Jin’s current cultivation speed, within half a month, if his cultivation level stops at the Third Layer of Refining Star, he probably can’t break through the 90th level," Song Ziyue said.
"Ziyue, normally, with half a month, Xu Jin’s cultivation level could at most reach the Third Layer of Central Star Palace.
But now, Xu Jin is not lacking cultivation resources. According to the latest news, due to war merits in the Fire Radiant Star Domain, he has been rewarded with a third-class baron title, granted 10,000 Taoist Merits and a thousand strands of Starlight!
Just with this, Xu Jin would not lack cultivation resources for three months, let alone Liu Qingzhu also increasing her investment!" Fang Shihan said.
Song Ziyue was taken aback, his expression suddenly turned incredibly bitter.
"Academician, does this mean there’s no way? There’s no chance even if we compete?"
"Compete, as long as you are willing, there is still a chance, but the odds of victory won’t exceed one-tenth, at most half of that."
Upon hearing this, Song Ziyue’s expression grew even bitterer.
It’s okay to keep benefits within but requiring him not to bankrupt himself.
A single attempt would suffice to severely harm his vitality.
If such cultivation resources were doubled, it would almost bring him to bankruptcy, years of efforts in vain!
The odds of half a tenth....
Academician Fang Shihan looked at Song Ziyue, wanting to say something but hesitated, and eventually did not say anything, only silently sent a message through the Star-picking Order.
In the side hall, Academician Fang Shihan’s butler Fang Zhong was chatting leisurely with Song Ziyue’s servant, Song Feng.
Despite both being butlers and servants, it depends on whom they serve.
Outside, their status remains quite high.
Now, tea and pastries are abundantly served.
A seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister’s gate, is nothing out of the ordinary.
Suddenly, Fang Zhong glanced at his Star-picking Order and suddenly laughed, "Ah, Academician Song was also tricked by someone with the surname Liu, and she even fell into a big pit."
"Isn’t that the truth!
A sure thing was ruined by a freak," said Song Feng helplessly.
"I even specifically inquired today, looking at Xu Jin’s cultivation speed, in half a month, he will probably be in the top three of the God-Killing Battlefield!" Fang Zhong said.
Song Feng sighed deeply, expressing agreement and his own frustration.
"If you ask me, there’s probably only one way to win."
"What method?" Hearing there was a chance to win, Song Feng quickly asked for advice.
But Fang Zhong kept silent. Under Song Feng’s eager urging, after promising a few drinks, Fang Zhong finally spoke,
"From what I see, the only way to win is through fraud."
"Fraud?" Song Feng pondered.
Soon after, Vice Academician Song Ziyue left Fang Mansion. Seeing his master’s gloomy face, Song Feng suddenly whispered, "Young Master, should we use a bit of fraud?
Using a bit of fraud, we should be able to secure a victory, right?"
No sooner had Song Feng’s words fallen than a strong slap swelled his cheek.
Song Ziyue’s melancholic expression abruptly turned stern, "If you ever suggest such a thing again, you can leave!"
With those words, Song Feng was frightened into kneeling on the ground, continuously apologizing and hastily assuring it wouldn’t happen again.
"Within the limits of the rules, any fighting and struggling are permitted!
This is allowed by the State Preceptor!
But using things outside the rules, once discovered, means ruin for the household!
My Song Family has stood in Dachen for several hundred years by precisely treading carefully!
Besides, it’s just a conflict of pride within the National Taoist Institute!
If I used fraud, how could I face anyone?"
After scolding, Song Ziyue coldly glanced at Song Feng and said, "Whose idea was this, yours or did someone teach you?"
"Your discernment, Young Master, it was the idea given by the butler of Fang Mansion, Fang Zhong, just now!"
"Fang Mansion’s butler!"
Song Ziyue turned back, his eyes filled with coldness.