Published: September 8, 2025
Chapter 756: Temptation
"We three naturally also know there’s something fishy about this, but when the Mulan people attacked earlier, they captured quite a few cultivators. Most of them were fellow cultivators from the Nine Nations Alliance, but many disciples from our various sects and factions were also caught. According to the messenger, this group is as many as a thousand people," Master Zhiyang said with a dark expression.
"What do you mean? You’re saying if we refuse this gambling battle, they would dare to kill the captives? If that’s the case, wouldn’t the Mulan people fear our retaliation by other means?" The old man surnamed Kuang was shocked and blurted out.
"The messenger didn’t actually say they would kill the captives, but insisted on giving us a chance to save them. In ten gambling battles, besides staking these rare materials, each battle would also add over a hundred captured cultivators. If we win, these people can be released," Master Zhiyang continued.
Hearing this, the old veterans exchanged glances.
At first glance, a thousand cultivators didn’t seem like many, and most were low-stage cultivators with weak cultivation bases, so it appeared there was no need to yield to such threats. But if anyone really proposed to abandon these people, they would immediately become a target of scorn.
It must be understood that while these cultivators themselves weren't that important, they represented many families and large sects. Especially since many of these captives were taken to delay the spellmasters’ offensive by the Mulan people. If they weren't rescued, morale among the troops might plummet even before the battle began, and the low-stage cultivators would be disheartened. Many might not give their all to fight to the death.
"I never thought these prairie barbarians could come up with such a scheme. In previous invasions, they rarely used tricks, but this time it’s truly insidious. Even knowing it’s not right, we have no choice but to get involved," Long Han sighed, nodding in agreement.
His words were well understood by the others, who also felt helpless inside and silently cursed the Mulan people for their cunning.
"It seems everyone understands now. Whether we accept this gambling battle or not, we have to participate. Regardless of their intention, we must defeat their spellmasters decisively, or the impact on morale will be severe. From the way they propose the battle, it doesn’t seem like they plan to cheat during the fight. They probably have other motives. So those participating need not worry about suffering unfair losses. If anything goes wrong, we will directly intervene to stop this battle. Of course, since this is a life-or-death fight, participation is entirely voluntary. The three of us will not coerce anyone," Master Zhiyang said gravely, scanning the people inside the hall.
"Voluntary?" As these words reached the ears of the old veterans, everyone sneered inside but remained silent with flickering glances.
No one was foolish! Even if this gambling battle had no tricks, no one was willing to die for it. After all, everyone here had cultivated for centuries to reach their current level. How could they risk their lives so easily?
Han Li also remained calm, not intending to step forward. Although he didn’t mind contributing to this great battle, it had to be without endangering his life. The last battle at Huanglong Mountain had almost cost him his life; he didn’t want to experience that again.
Seeing the expression of everyone in the hall, Heartsong Old Demon’s face darkened as he snorted coldly. The sound was so chilling it made the cultivators present change expression slightly, but no one stood up or responded.
Master Zhiyang shook his head in helplessness. Wei Wuya squinted his eyes, silent, lost in thought.
To break the awkward silence, Master Zhiyang spoke again:
"Before coming, the three of us discussed it. This gambling battle is indeed dangerous. Therefore, if the participating cultivators win, all the rare materials obtained will belong personally to the victors, which compensates for the risk. What do you fellows think? Also, as far as I know, several of you seem to lack certain rare materials and have been searching everywhere with no success. We three have some collections that can satisfy those needs."