Chapter 1987 - 1984: The Elders’ High-Stakes Gamble

"Alright." Xu Wendong nodded slightly, his tone calm, as if the method of the competition suggested by Zhou Ran posed no pressure to him.

His eyes were steadfast and confident, like the most brilliant star in the night sky, emitting a glow that could not be ignored.

He did not care about the method of the competition, because in his heart, he was certain of his victory.

However, the disciples below the stage were stirred up, whispering among themselves and discussing fervently.

"They’re actually competing in Nether Talisman?"

"Brother Zhou is the most skilled in Nether Talisman Dao among our generation of disciples."

"Who can win against him in a Nether Talisman competition?"

The expressions on everyone’s faces were filled with regret, their eyes full of worry and skepticism, seemingly not optimistic about Xu Wendong’s performance in this Nether Talisman contest.

Qi Lechun stood aside and sighed softly, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "Zhou Ran is still unconvinced? I told him before, even I am not as skilled as Lin Mo."

"He’s developed a competitive spirit."

"Your disciple is actually quite decent." Elder An Guang said with his arms crossed, a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Having the courage to face his opponent directly is already a rare trait."

They had all witnessed Xu Wendong’s astounding talent and formidable strength in Nether Talisman Dao, and had truthfully conveyed these traits to Zhou Ran.

But Zhou Ran still chose to challenge, and this courage was indeed commendable.

"It’s a pity he can’t go to the Nether Ruins this time." Qi Lechun shook his head, his eyes full of pity.

"Humph, is Lin Mo really that formidable?" Second Elder Gu Lingtong snorted coldly, his face full of disdain.

He had never personally seen Xu Wendong’s Nether Talisman Dao skills in action, thus he did not believe Xu Wendong could win against Zhou Ran in a Nether Talisman contest.

"If you said his martial arts could defeat Zhou Ran, I might still believe it somewhat."

"But as for Nether Talisman Dao, what is that kid even worth?" Gu Lingtong’s words sparked discussions among the crowd.

Many nodded in agreement with his opinion.

Elder An Guang and Qi Lechun exchanged glances, a shred of cold laughter flashing in their eyes simultaneously.

They knew well that Xu Wendong’s Nether Talisman Dao skills were far beyond everyone’s imagination.

"Since the Second Elder doesn’t believe it, why don’t we make a bet?" Elder An Guang’s lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming with a hint of cunning.

"What are you betting on?" Gu Lingtong frowned, showing slight caution, but quickly relaxed, secretly thinking that he didn’t believe Xu Wendong could win, making the bet a sure thing for him.

Elder An Guang narrowed his eyes and laughed: "Then let’s bet your Nether Calming Pearl."

At these words, Gu Lingtong’s gaze instantly tensed, and the other elders were stunned.

The Nether Calming Pearl is a fourth-grade treasure, extremely precious.

It contains very intense Yin energy, as if extracted directly from the Nine Nether Hell.

In battles against enemies, if the Nether Calming Pearl is suddenly thrown, the intense Yin energy would surge like a tide, instantly engulfing the opponent, often yielding unexpected results, potentially even directly obliterating the adversary.

Such a miraculous treasure, Gu Lingtong has always regarded as a treasure, careful to keep it hidden and reluctant to reveal it casually.

Unexpectedly, Elder An Guang had set his sights on it...

"Heh, you really trust that kid. Fine, I’ll bet. But what can you offer?" Gu Lingtong carried himself proudly with his hands behind his back, looking defiant.

"If I lose, I’ll give you a fourth-grade treasure." Elder An Guang did not hesitate, reaching out to grab, a simple ancient knife appearing instantly in his hand.

The blade was engraved with mysterious runes, exuding a sharp aura.

"Since that’s the case, let’s wait and see." Gu Lingtong sneered disdainfully, his eyes full of derision.

...

At this moment, Xu Wendong stood upright on the stage, silently gazing at Zhou Ran.

His gaze was deep and calm, like an unfathomable lake.

"Brother Zhou, do you want to compete in engraving Nether Talismans or using Nether Talismans?" Xu Wendong asked, his voice steady and clear.

Zhou Ran’s lips curled slightly, reaching into his embrace and pulling out two pieces of fourth-grade talisman paper.

The talisman paper glowed faintly, vaguely flashing runes. Seeing this, the crowd below gasped.

"Competing in engraving Nether Talismans with you!" Zhou Ran laughed, full of confidence: "Today I will also engrave a fourth-grade Nether Talisman, this talisman paper is prepared for you, the first to engrave a fourth-grade Nether Talisman will be the winner."

Xu Wendong raised his eyebrows slightly, reached out to take the talisman paper, and lightly rubbed the edge with his fingers.

He pondered to himself, Zhou Ran is only a third-grade Nether Talisman Master, how could he possibly engrave a fourth-grade Nether Talisman?

Is there some trick to this?

"Then let’s begin." Xu Wendong did not hesitate, waved his arm, and gently tossed the talisman paper into the air.

In an instant, his eyes emitted a powerful flash of Divine Soul Power, the power illuminating the entire stage like a tangible light.

Zhou Ran stood aside, eyeing Xu Wendong intently, his gaze full of focus and determination.

"It’s starting!" Qi Lechun was red-faced with excitement, watching Xu Wendong intently, afraid of missing any crucial detail.

The eight elders were also drawn in, turning their heads to watch the two on stage.

Li Lingtian’s originally calm face showed a curious expression.

"Huh? Why isn’t he using the Painting Saint Carving Knife?" Li Lingtian asked softly to himself, slightly furrowing his eyebrows.

"Gutong lasts forever in Xuan Gold, the grand world of Nine Heavens breeds Gold Chaos!" Xu Wendong chanted incantations, his fingers swiftly engraving in the air, one after another gray light emerging like agile serpents.

The light emitted a mysterious aura, causing the surrounding space to gently vibrate.

"That kid, does he really have the ability to engrave a fourth-grade Nether Talisman?" Gu Lingtong was dumbstruck, his mouth agape, showing a look of disbelief.

Elder An Guang beside him had a face full of teasing, glancing sideways at Gu Lingtong with a hint of smugness.

On the fourth-grade talisman paper, deep marks gradually formed, like ancient, mysterious symbols, exerting a powerful force.

Then, a terrifying soul power unfolded, waves of Yin energy becoming characters, appearing on the Nether Talisman as if alive.

From the start, Zhou Ran knew he was unlikely to win.

His eyes revealed a hint of enlightened realization, and he gradually began to actively engrave.

His fingers moved through the air, trying to imitate Xu Wendong’s movements, but soon failed, causing the runes on the talisman paper to quickly dim.

Before long, an aura of depth unfolded.

Xu Wendong held the Nether Talisman, the Divine Soul Power in his eyes slowly contracting, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"It’s done." He said softly, the voice light but like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of everyone.

Suddenly, a brilliant light erupted from Zhou Ran, then he sat down immediately, entering a mysterious state of sudden enlightenment.

"He has comprehended this fourth-grade Nether Talisman!"

"Brother Zhou’s understanding is indeed extraordinary!"

"But isn’t Lin Mo’s ability to engrave a fourth-grade Nether Talisman more terrifying?"