Chapter 1344: Astounding Gamble

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's gaze turned to Yu Yanluo.

“I met him by chance among the human race a while ago. I suppose you could call him a friend,” Yu Yanluo replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

Shang Liuyu smiled faintly, “The Medusa Queen truly lives up to her word. To dare admit he’s a friend under these circumstances, she is indeed a role model for our generation.” Fearing others might seize the opportunity to cause trouble, she spoke up for Yu Yanluo first, while also feeling a hint of admiration — Zu An hadn’t misjudged her either.

Hu Yong also laughed heartily, “Excellent. Our demon race values loyalty above all else. I truly admire the Medusa Queen’s courage.”

The Little Golden Roc King also nodded, “In the army, the most important thing is not to betray one’s comrades. Though the Medusa Queen is a woman, she possesses the heroism of a military man.”

Shi Min and others had originally planned to use this as an opportunity to cause trouble, but with these individuals speaking up for Yu Yanluo, they found it difficult to risk public disapproval.

The Second Prince’s gaze swept across the room, his expression a faint smile. “The Medusa Queen certainly has good connections.” However, he wasn't truly planning to avenge his elder brother, so he didn't press the matter further. “Since that human won fairly against the Crown Prince, our demon race will not seek retribution for it afterwards. However, there was an assassin incident in the palace earlier, and according to the Crown Prince, that person named Zu An is a major suspect. Therefore, if the Medusa Queen has any clues, she should report them, or she might get implicated.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Second Prince,” Yu Yanluo said, bowing politely.

At this point, Hu Yong spoke up, “I heard that the assassin approached the Crown Prince silently, almost instantly dealing him a severe blow, then effortlessly departed unscathed even under the attacks of Grandmasters. They even evaded the Demon Emperor’s divine sense scan and the Golden Crow Guards’ comprehensive search of the entire palace. Is that Zu An truly that formidable?”

The others’ expressions also subtly changed, as they realized that if they were in the same situation, they probably couldn't achieve even one of those feats.

The Second Prince nodded, “That assassin is indeed somewhat mysterious. But the reason the Crown Prince was severely injured must be because he was ambushed then.” Though he was speaking up for the Crown Prince, a faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips. Everyone present was a master, naturally understanding that being ambushed was no excuse; rather, it proved one's carelessness, as enemies wouldn't adhere to martial ethics in a real fight.

At this moment, the Little Golden Roc King looked at Yu Yanluo, “Medusa Queen, would you mind telling us about your friend named Zu An? We’d like to know why he’s so powerful.”

Yu Yanluo’s expression was strange, knowing Zu An was right beside them. Zu An also felt odd; it was the first time he had ever experienced a group of people discussing him right in front of him.

Yu Yanluo replied, “He wasn't very powerful when I first met him. He seemed to have just started cultivating then and was even being chased by some ordinary mountain bandits.” Thinking of how he had "overestimated himself" to rescue her when she was in danger outside Brightmoon City, the corners of her lips unconsciously curved upward.

The others were astonished. Shi Gong sneered, “So the Medusa Queen has known him for such a long time? Then he’s probably more than just an ordinary friend, isn’t he?”

“Not long, just two or three years ago,” Yu Yanluo replied.

Now everyone was even more surprised; even the Second Prince unconsciously straightened up. “You mean he only started cultivating two or three years ago?”

“Yes, early on, everyone said he had poor talent. So, it was by chance that he later began cultivating,” Yu Yanluo said lightly, yet a hint of pride unconsciously appeared on her face.

Upon seeing this, Yun Jianyue secretly grumbled, “This woman has also learned to be cunning. She clearly wants to boast about her lover but deliberately pretends to belittle him.”

Yan Xuehen’s expression was also strange. In fact, Chu Yan had mentioned this to her back then, and Chu Yan’s expression at the time was exactly like Yu Yanluo’s. Ah, what an entanglement.

“To cultivate to this level in just two or three years, what kind of heaven-defying talent is that?” Everyone in the room turned pale. Even the Second Prince and the Little Golden Roc King, who prided themselves on being geniuses, seemed like mere dregs compared to this speed.

Shi Rong couldn’t help but say, “You must be exaggerating. How could anyone go from being an ordinary person to reaching such a realm in just two or three years of cultivation?” At this point, no one suspected he was questioning it due to his animosity towards the Snake race; it was simply too incredible to believe.

Yu Yanluo said calmly, “Princess Shang also knows him. You can verify it with her.”

Everyone looked at Shang Liuyu, who smiled faintly, “The Medusa Queen is correct. Zu An was indeed just an ordinary person two or three years ago. Compared to others, his biggest difference was his immense courage.” That guy, back then, had no idea where he got the nerve to ask her for wine.

Hearing Shang Liuyu’s confirmation, everyone present no longer had any doubts. Many even began to feel disheartened. “Is the human race destined for great prosperity, that any ordinary person can cultivate to such a level in just two or three years?”

Princess Sulun’s beautiful eyes sparkled with wonder, recalling Zu An’s power in the Sui Marquis tomb. To think he had only cultivated for two or three years—this talent was probably unprecedented and would never be seen again.

At this point, the Second Prince snorted, “I don’t think so. Perhaps some old demon possessed his body, or a venerable master poured their lifelong cultivation into him. Otherwise, no matter how talented, it wouldn’t be possible. Such a person’s cultivation might improve quickly in the short term, but their future potential is capped, destined to never achieve greatness.”

“The Second Prince is right, that’s most likely the case.” The others nodded in agreement, as this was the most probable explanation.

Yu Yanluo snorted inwardly. Didn't she know if Zu An was an old demon? Moreover, Yun Jianyue and Yan Xuehen, two Grandmasters, and even the Earth Immortal Emperor had met him; if there were truly any issues, they would have been discovered long ago. Of course, she had no interest in refuting these people, so as not to attract too much unwanted attention to Zu An.

“Let’s stop talking about others,” the Second Prince chuckled. “Aren’t you planning to gamble on stones? It’ll be a good eye-opener for us. I’ve been eyeing many raw stones on this floor, but I’ve never been sure about them. Today, thanks to you, we can see what treasures are inside.”

The Little Golden Roc King also laughed, “That’s an excellent idea. There are many raw stones on this floor that I’ve been reluctant to open. Today is a perfect opportunity to observe.”

Hu Yong then looked at Shi Min, “You’re scheming against the Snake race, but don’t end up digging your own grave.”

Shi Min snorted, “Don’t talk nonsense. Stone gambling itself cannot be faked, so how can there be any scheming?”

The Second Prince nodded, “Indeed, no matter how high one’s cultivation, it’s impossible to perceive what’s inside a raw stone. It entirely depends on your experience and discerning eye. But since it’s a gamble, it would be more fun to have some stakes.”

Shi Min thought, *This is exactly what I wanted*, and said with a smile, “What stakes do you think are appropriate, Second Prince?”

The Second Prince pondered for a moment, “In my opinion, let’s do this: the value of the cut items will determine the winner. The one with the more valuable item wins. The losing side will hand over the cut item to the winner and also forfeit ten thousand Heavenly-tier elemental stones. How does that sound?”

Hu Yong’s expression beside him turned solemn. *Why does it feel like the Second Prince is somewhat biased towards Shi Min? Have the Lion race and the Second Prince established a relationship I don’t know about?*

Solun Shi’s expression also changed slightly. She also sensed the Second Prince’s bias. *Could the Snake race have offended the Second Prince? But the discord between the Second Prince and the Crown Prince is well-known among the high-ranking members of all races. How could he truly be sticking up for the Crown Prince?*

Only Shang Liuyu remained calm, seemingly unconcerned.

Shi Min, on the other hand, was overjoyed. He hadn’t known how to propose the stakes, but now with the Second Prince speaking, it saved him a lot of trouble. “We naturally have no problem with that. It’s just, I wonder if the Medusa Queen dares to gamble?”

Yu Yanluo’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Zu An, from beside her, then said, “This crude taunt is useless. The reason our clan leader hesitated is because she finds these stakes too trivial. How about this: one hundred thousand Heavenly-tier elemental stones. If you dare, then let’s do it.”

Yu Yanluo was startled inwardly, but she chose to trust Zu An and calmly nodded, “Indeed. It depends on what the Lion race decides.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room changed their expressions.