Chapter 197: The Jade Box Is Empty

Everyone in the hall froze, staring at Jiang Fan without blinking. Why had he suddenly turned hostile?

Tie Bubai was also stunned. Hadn't this young man just looked like he was sacrificing himself for the sect? Why was he suddenly so unyielding, spouting wild words and calling him an old geezer?

"Presumptuous!" Tie Bubai snorted heavily through his nostrils. "How dare you speak to this elder like that!"

Jiang Fan, righteous and fearless, retorted, "You are the one being presumptuous! An elder from an outer sect dares to act so brazenly in my Azure Cloud Sect, dares to be so arrogant in front of my master? What audacity!"

The elders came back to their senses. They were all pleased by Jiang Fan's resolute spirit. Regardless of whether his actions were reckless, his backbone alone was commendable. Even Liu Wenchen, for once, found Jiang Fan somewhat agreeable. At least Jiang Fan dared to speak and scold the Giant Sect's elder, and he knew how to defend his master.

"Jiang Fan, do not be rude," Liu Wenchen interjected, though his voice lacked its usual sternness. Then, looking quite content, he turned to Tie Bubai and said, "While my disciple may be rude, you can see what is in the hearts of my Azure Cloud Sect disciples. Your actions today will undoubtedly provoke the unanimous resentment of Azure Cloud Sect disciples against the Giant Sect. If any Giant Sect disciples suffer bloodshed or casualties in the future, it will be entirely your own doing!"

Since Tie Bubai dared to extort them, he was not afraid of these threats. With a cold face, he impatiently said, "Enough nonsense! Are you going to protect the person, or pay one million crystals?"

Liu Wenchen had said his piece. Any more unnecessary talk would be pointless. He immediately waved his hand and instructed the elder in charge of the sect's treasury, "Go and retrieve one million crystals!" The Azure Cloud Sect would have to bear this loss for now. A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years! The Giant Sect would eventually fall on hard times, and that would be the moment for double retribution!

"Master, wait!" Jiang Fan called out, stopping him. "How can my Azure Cloud Sect be extorted by such a shameless wretch?"

Liu Wenchen was starting to appreciate his spirit. With rare patience, he advised, "Between heaven and earth, one naturally needs a proud backbone to stand tall. But one must also understand that a true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm. Yielding temporarily is not weakness, and an unyielding spirit is not always a sign of true talent. Your master assures you, the humiliation of today will be repaid twofold in the future!"

Wen Hongyao, her eyes full of affection, also instructed, "Your master is right. Life has its ups and downs; everyone experiences troughs and peaks. Remember the shame of this low point, and exact your revenge at your peak!"

Zhao Wuji stroked his beard and added, "Jiang Fan, a person is like a sword. When it's time for brilliance, draw it from its sheath to awe the four directions! When it's time to endure, hide the sword in its sheath and await the opportune moment."

The advice from the sect master and the two elders greatly benefited Jiang Fan. He cupped his hands slightly and said, "Thank you, Master, thank you, Elder Wen, thank you, Elder Zhao, for your guidance."

The three nodded. They appreciated Jiang Fan's willingness to accept good advice.

However, Jiang Fan continued, "However, what this disciple wants to say is... before we hand over the money, shouldn't we confirm whether this Elder Tie truly possesses the Jade Talisman with a Nascent Soul-level strike? We can't just believe his threat simply because he says so, can we?"

At these words, Liu Wenchen's eyes flickered. He looked at the jade casket on Tie Bubai's lap. After a slight pause, he said, "Elder Tie, what my disciple said is not without reason. My Azure Cloud Sect will accept this setback. But, you must let us confirm if the jade talisman is real, right? You can't just take a million crystals from my Azure Cloud Sect with an empty box, can you?"

Elder Wen, Zhao Wuji, and the other elders all echoed their agreement.

Tie Bubai chuckled. "What's there to see? When I bid at the auction, it was witnessed by countless people, and your sect's Grand Elder was present and saw it with his own eyes. How could it be fake?"

The elders present naturally knew that the jade talisman had indeed fallen into Tie Bubai's hands. Given the status of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets auction house, it was impossible for them to collaborate with him in such a deception. However, they all tacitly wished to take a look at the jade talisman. They were curious about what this rumored Nascent Soul-level strike jade talisman actually looked like.

Liu Wenchen said, "Seeing is believing, whether it's real or fake."

Jiang Fan also added, "Elder Tie, you seem so uneasy. Could it be that you're just putting on an act with an empty box?"

Tie Bubai was so annoyed he laughed. But he quickly realized what was happening, and with a cold grin, said, "So, you want to see the Nascent Soul Jade Talisman, do you? You should have said so earlier. What's so difficult about that? I'll let you all witness it then!"

With that, he carefully peeled open the seals on the jade casket. The sect master and elders present watched intently. They were extremely curious about what this Nascent Soul Jade Talisman, capable of deterring the nine major sects, looked like. Jiang Fan subtly retreated to stand beside Liu Wenchen. This was a precautionary measure. After all, anyone who discovered that an artifact they bought for two million crystals had suddenly disappeared would lose control. There was no telling what Tie Bubai might do then. Keeping a safe distance was the best course of action.

Tie Bubai had already peeled off two seals. There were ten seals in total. He leisurely continued peeling, clearly enjoying the eager expressions of the Azure Cloud Sect members. As he peeled, he said smugly, "As far as our Giant Sect knows, this Nascent Soul Jade Talisman is not simple. It was very likely crafted with immense effort by a peerless grand cultivator on the verge of breaking through to the God Transformation stage. Even though most of its spiritual light has dissipated, its power is still far greater than an attack from a first-level Nascent Soul cultivator. Anyone below the second level of Nascent Soul cultivation who takes a strike from this jade talisman will be severely injured, if not killed! I didn't expect your Azure Cloud Sect wouldn't even buy it."

Upon learning the jade talisman's formidable origin, Liu Wenchen and the other elders glared angrily at Feng Guchan! Their Azure Cloud Sect had needlessly missed out on such a powerful sect-guarding jade talisman, and they were now being held hostage by the Giant Sect. All thanks to Feng Guchan. Feng Guchan's face stiffened, and his heart was filled with even deeper regret. If he had another chance, he would buy it at all costs.

Tie Bubai triumphantly said, "I bought it for two million crystals. Now, I've instantly recouped one million crystals, haven't I? This jade talisman, you could say, is half thanks to your Azure Cloud Sect!"

Liu Wenchen's face was ashen. He bellowed, "Enough nonsense, open it quickly!"

By this time, Tie Bubai had torn off the last seal. While guarding against any attempts to snatch it, he unhurriedly opened the jade casket. He said mockingly, "You spent a million crystals just to get a glimpse of the jade talisman. This elder truly admires your Azure Cloud Sect! Considering your generosity, I'll let you all get a good look at the jade talisman's true form!"

He laughed heartily and opened the jade casket. His gaze swept inside.

The next moment, the smile on his face froze. His eyes stared intently at the jade casket. He seemed to be completely frozen in place!