[Option 1: Watch the argument between them as a spectator and don't intervene.
Reward: Nightshade Fang Dagger (Uncommon-Grade).]
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[Option 2: Provoke protagonist and help the young man.
Reward: Twilight Edge Sword (Rare-Grade).]
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[Option 3: Provoke both of them and engage in a fight.
Reward: Cultivation Stage+1.]
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[Option 4: Instigate both of them into a fight in front of the crowd, then seize the opportunity by setting up a betting booth for everyone to place their bets on the outcome.
Reward: Bladesong of the Silver Moon Technique (Rare-Grade).]
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Reon was startled by the sudden notification, but quickly began scanning through the options.
His eyes landed on the first option: simply observing their argument as a spectator. It seemed like a safe and easy choice, but the reward offered felt underwhelming, lacking any real incentive.
He glanced at the second option. Provoke the protagonist? What the hell! Are you kidding me?
I barely survived my near-death encounter with the protagonist yesterday after Xue Taiyang provoked him during the Sect Disciple Selection Ceremony, and now you're telling me to provoke him myself and help this young man?
You've got to be kidding me! I'm not an idiot. Sure, the reward is tempting, but I'm not signing up for my own demise. No way.
He then looked at the third option: Provoke both of them and engage in a fight? Are you kidding me? Screw off!
The protagonist and Niu Ling are already more than enough of a threat, and now you want me to add another one into the mix? Forget adding—if I provoke both of them and get into a fight, I'll be dead on the spot!
Finally, he glanced at the fourth option: instigate both of them into a fight and set up a betting booth. It wasn't a bad idea at all; he wouldn't have to fight anyone himself, yet he could earn Sect Points and possibly secure a reward.
Although he wasn't sure what this technique was, the fact that it was labeled as Rare-Grade made it worth pursuing. It certainly wouldn't hurt to give it a shot.
[Ding! The Host has selected the Fourth Option. Please proceed to complete the task in order to claim your reward.]
He turned to Xu Yang and explained the plan. Xu Yang nodded, quickly fetching a large table while Reon set up a tent nearby.
"Attention, everyone!" Xu Yang's voice thundered across the Weaponry Hall.
"A fight is about to unfold between Yang Lie, one of our sect's most promising new disciples, and Ming Yuen, the rising star who has awakened his Sword Aura. Place your bets on who you believe will win, or you'll miss your chance to get in on the action!" His announcement reverberated through the hall, capturing the attention of everyone present.
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All the disciples present began murmuring among themselves, their voices rising in excitement and disbelief.
"What? Yang Lie—the same disciple who defeated Lin Jie in just two moves during yesterday's Weekly Dueling Event?"
"Yes! I saw that match myself! It was incredible, though I lost all my Sect Points because of it."
"Wait, are you serious? A newcomer defeated Lin Jie, one of the top five hundred Outer Sect disciples? That's insane!"
"I watched it too. Yang Lie's only at the Peak Stage of the Qi Refining Realm, while Lin Jie's in the Mid Stage of the Qi Solidification Realm. And Yang Lie still took him down in just two moves!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Maybe so," another voice chimed in, "but Ming Yuen is ranked among the top hundred of the Outer Sect. He's already reached the Awakening Stage of Sword Aura. Even though he only awakened it last month, he's still leagues ahead of Lin Jie."
"Exactly! Sword Aura is divided into four stages: Awakening, Refinement, Mastery, and Pinnacle. Even the Awakening Stage alone makes an overwhelming difference. Swords wielded by those without it feel dull and lifeless in comparison."
"That's true. Ming Yuen is in the High Stage of the Qi Solidification Realm. His strength is on par with some Peak Stage Qi Solidification cultivators. There's no way Yang Lie can stand a chance against him."
"Right! We need to hurry if we want to place bets on Ming Yuen!"
"Yes, let's go before it's too late!"
Every disciple present in the Weaponry Hall began to gather in a tight circle around Yang Lie and Ming Yuen, their excitement palpable.
Whispers of anticipation filled the air as they placed their bets on the makeshift betting booth set up just off to the side.
Reon sat behind the betting counter, diligently handing out tickets to eager disciples as they approached. The booth was a flurry of activity, with the excited chatter of the crowd creating a vibrant backdrop.
He carefully noted each wager, his hands moving swiftly as he dispensed tickets in exchange for Sect Points.
Meanwhile, Xu Yang stood nearby, expertly managing the lines of eager bettors. He called out to the crowd, urging them to keep the lines moving, while also ensuring that everyone had a fair chance to place their bets.
As the crowd swelled, some exchanged opinions and predictions about the upcoming fight, while others eagerly counted their points, deciding how much to wager.
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Meanwhile, Yang Lie scanned the crowd, puzzled by the sudden gathering, while Ming Yuen felt a sense of pride as the crowd began to praise him, declaring their bets in his favor.
Unbeknownst to him, this spectacle had transformed into a duel between himself and Yang Lie, igniting a surge of confidence within him.
"Yang Lie, get ready to be beaten to a pulp," Ming Yuen said, a confident smirk spreading across his face.
"WHAAT!"