Chapter 370 Bettings Between The VIP Guests
By noon, rankings from 5th to 8th were decided while the semifinalists took a rest.
When the sun is at its peak position, the semifinal battles were announced.
The first battle is between the respective winners of Quarterfinals 1 and 2, i.e. Sui Weisheng and Ai Qing.
It was an intense battle between close combat and ranged combat that lasted for a whole hour, keeping the audience standing on their toes until it was over.
In the end, Sui Weisheng managed to acquire the win with a bloodied body while an equally injured Ai Qing went unconscious.
Both of them received grand applause from the VIP guests. Some of them were praising Sui Weisheng while some of them were praising Ai Qing for showing a tough spirit and never giving up attitude even while losing.
But then again, not everyone would shower their praises on the participants. Some criticized that they dragged the battle for a very long time while some commented that Sui Weisheng purposely went easy on Ai Qing, further criticizing him for being a fool to chase after skirts.
All of this has no importance for a few people, like for example Lan Ju and his companions. Their attention was only on the guy they were supporting. There were also some who were waiting to see the skills of the so-called heavenly child (Xie Mei).
Soon, the proctor announced the start of the next battle.
"Next up, Lu Zhen of the Kunlun sect vs Xie Mei of the Xianshu sect"
As Mark and his opponent proceed to the battle platform, someone decided to make things interesting at the VIP section.
"Venerable Xie, I wonder whether you are interested to make a bet with me," said the Grand Elder of Poison Sect. Their sect's representative lost in the quarterfinals but he doesn't want to miss any opportunity to make things difficult for their rival sect.
Keeping his hope on Mark, he continued to speak with his wager, "How about 1000 high-quality ether crystals for starters? My money is on Lu Zhen. What do you say?"
Xie Zhong furrowed his brows in response. "What do you think you are doing, Brother Wan?"
Wan Shui then tried to provoke him, "Why? Are you scared that your granddaughter will lose?"
"Hmpf, who do you think you are, talking to our Patriarch like that?" Lian Chin, one of the grand elders of the Xianshu sect came in support of Xie Zhong.
Wan Shui then sharply stared at him, "if you aren't confident in your representative, then, say so… no need to spout nonsense, Lian Chin."
"I'll bet with you, Brother Wan," The third grand elder took this opportunity to impress Xianshu. "Isn't it just 1000 crystals? I'll pay you from my pocket. It is not appropriate for the hosting sect to be involved in gambling."
"Ho… now this looks interesting…" commented the grand elder of the Blue Lotus sect. As her representative lost against Mark, she had a light grudge against Lan Ju.
Taking a glance at him, she said while taking out a pendant from her storage ring, "I wonder whether anyone is interested in having a bet with me too. I would like to put a semi-divine artifact as a wager. I won this in last year's grand auction. It increases one's comprehension and makes it easier when mastering techniques."
Her words drew the attention of every guest in the VIP box, especially those from the sects. Based on the description, this artifact is extremely valuable for their disciples. Even Xie Zhong couldn't help but look at her in surprise.
However, it was the fourth prince who acted before anyone else. "Senior, if you don't mind, I would like to bet with you."
"Your highness?" Everyone's attention shifted to him including his father's. More than the fact that the imperial prince is willing to join the fun, they were surprised to see that he is supporting Mark.
"So, the Imperial family indeed has friendly relations with Lu Zhen?" A lot of people had this thought in their mind as Qin Zhi took out an exquisite-looking saber.
After taking permission from the emperor, the fourth prince put forth the saber in the bet, "Not sure whether you think this can be considered in the same level as the pendant but I want to say that this saber is a high-level Semi divine weapon, forged from the bones of a pure red dragon."
"Oh! Your Highness, you are quite generous indeed." The woman from the Blue Lotus sect let out a giggle as she praised the prince.
Meanwhile, the crown prince's expression turned worse. The last thing he wanted is for his brother to get into good books of the weapon seller. Mark promised him the throne but that promise might be broken if he develops a friendship with Qin Zhi.
As if the heavens are helping him, just when the deal between his brother and the lady from the Blue lotus sect is finished, the Emperor joined in the conversation too.
However, his attention was on the middle-aged looking fellow who defeated Xie Zhong in front of everyone. "Mr. Wu, what do you think of this battle?"
Naturally, his words would attract the attention of everyone nearby for he is the ruler of the Kun Empire.
As they looked at Lan Ju for his response, the latter glanced at the emperor from the corner of his eyes and replied in a firm tone, "I will say the same thing I said to Mr. Xie, a while ago. The outcome of his battle always depends on his wishes, not the opponent's. But, if you want me to speak directly, the little girl's strength is no match for my master."
If these words were spouted by someone else, the listeners wouldn't have taken them seriously. However, the one who spoke is a supreme being, probably the strongest guy in the VIP box. Hence, their curiosity toward Mark only increased further.
Of course, there ought to be someone who might get riled up by his words too. And it was the Patriarch of the Wuji sect.
His representative just lost the battle and if Xie Mei wins the battle, then, Mark will be facing Ai Qing. It would be the perfect timing for revenge. Or so, he thought as he spoke, "I would bet a 50,000-carat-sized ether ore of high quality that Lu Zhen will lose. If you are so confident in your master, do you dare bet with me?"
Lan Ju didn't even bother to take a glance at him and scolded him, "Are you dumb? Just watch the battle. You will understand what I meant."
"You…" Wuji sect's Patriarch clenched his fist in anger, almost losing control. He was, after all, an advanced-stage Supreme realm cultivator. How could he be brushed off like this?
But, since he also has the dignity to keep, he kept his composure and calmly commented that he'll see whether Lan Ju's words are just bragging without any weight behind them or not.
Lan Ju didn't bother to speak again and put his attention on the battle platform as both of the semifinals reached their spots.
"Phew… this was a bit nerve-wracking…" Xie Zhong felt at ease, seeing that the matter didn't erupt between these supreme realm experts. After all, both of them were respectable figures.
Unfortunately for the Patriarch of Xianshu sect, the trouble is far from over...