Chapter 110: The Threat
Eight hundred Starsea Stones equated to eight million Star Stones—an astonishing exchange rate. However, such a trade was virtually unheard of, as Starsea Stones were vastly more valuable than regular Star Stones.
Yet, Wang Jie had no hesitation. He boldly placed a bid of eight hundred Starsea Stones, instantly silencing any potential competition.
This was precisely the effect he sought. If someone were truly determined to acquire the Slaughter Stones, he was unsure if he could contend with them. His possession of over a thousand Starsea Stones seemed significant, but in reality, it was merely a token of goodwill from Domain Lord Ning, who hadn’t even required a pledge of loyalty from him.
There were too many affluent cultivators.
All he could do was intimidate them.
Fortunately, his plan succeeded. He secured sixty-two Slaughter Stones for his bid.
With his goal achieved, Wang Jie left the auction house before its conclusion to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
“Move quickly.”
As soon as Wang Jie stepped out, he noticed the Second Princess being ushered into a beast-drawn carriage. The massive creature pulling the carriage accelerated instantly, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Inside the carriage sat a plump man with a lascivious grin, his front teeth gleaming in the light.
Life soon returned to its usual rhythm.
With no pressing matters, Wang Jie spent his time assisting Master Luan with alchemy. Xu, who had visited Master Luan several times before, came again. Each time, though the elder alchemist could not refuse the meetings, he was left in a sour mood afterward.
“If only that man had half the humility of you, Master Wang,” sighed Master Luan.
Wang Jie remained silent. He wasn’t humble—he simply lacked the confidence to act otherwise.
Rumors spread outside the sect, accusing him of disrespecting his seniors by not paying homage to Master Xu upon his arrival. Wang Jie ignored them all.
Even Domain Lord Ning had sought him out, appearing as though he wished to speak yet failing to voice his thoughts.
Xu’s presence was suffocating. He had come to support Domain Lord Han in the battle for the title of Lord of Fog Peak, placing Domain Lord Ning at a severe disadvantage.
Wang Jie had no idea how to help him.
Then came news that made Domain Lord Ning’s situation even more dire—the Berserk Clan of the Ninth Star Chain had launched a counteroffensive, and Vice Domain Lord Yan had perished in battle.
Wang Jie was stunned. “Vice Domain Lord Yan is dead?”
Xia Zhen Zhen’s expression darkened. “Yes. But that isn’t the real issue. The true question is—how did the Berserk Clan regain the strength to retaliate? When Domain Lord Ning returned, he assured the sect that the Berserk Clan was completely subjugated. Only then did the sect agree to split the Ninth Star Chain with the Puppeteer Sect.”
“And now, with the Berserk Clan launching an attack, the Puppeteer Sect immediately came to their aid. Since they were already involved in dividing the Ninth Star Chain, they easily inserted themselves into the conflict. All the advantages the sect initially gained have now been erased.”
“The sect is currently demanding an explanation from Domain Lord Ning.”
Wang Jie hadn’t expected such a turn of events. Domain Lord Ning was truly unlucky. With Master Xu pressing him from the front, and turmoil erupting in the rear, his strongest leverage in the struggle for Fog Peak—the Ninth Star Chain War—had turned into his greatest weakness.
“My grandfather said Domain Lord Ning has completely lost. He will never be the Lord of Fog Peak now,” Xia Zhen Zhen stated.
Wang Jie was about to respond when his gaze abruptly shifted toward the courtyard’s entrance.
At the same moment, Xia Zhen Zhen followed his gaze.
“Is Master Wang present? This old man, Zhu Cheng, has come to visit.”
Both Wang Jie and Xia Zhen Zhen exchanged looks of surprise.
“It’s Domain Lord Han,” she whispered.
Wang Jie stepped outside and saw the elderly figure standing beyond the threshold—it was indeed Domain Lord Han, Zhu Cheng.
As a Hundred Star Realm cultivator, he only showed courtesy because of Wang Jie’s identity as a Celestial Refinement Master. Otherwise, someone of Wang Jie’s standing wouldn’t even be acknowledged.
“So it is Senior Domain Lord Han. Please, do come in,” Wang Jie said, opening the courtyard gate.
Xia Zhen Zhen bowed. “Greetings, Senior.”
Domain Lord Han smiled at her. “Little girl, you’re here too? I haven’t seen your grandfather in some time. How is he?”
She returned his smile politely. “Grandfather is well. Thank you for your concern, Senior.”
He nodded, then turned to Wang Jie. “I have some matters to discuss with Master Wang.”
Xia Zhen Zhen glanced at Wang Jie before excusing herself and leaving.
“Senior, please step inside,” Wang Jie offered.
“There is no need,” Domain Lord Han replied. “Tell me, Master Wang, have you heard the latest news?”
“Senior is referring to?”
“The Berserk Clan’s counteroffensive. Domain Lord Ning has already departed for the Ninth Star Chain. He has lost all claim to Fog Peak.” Domain Lord Han spoke with a faint smirk, making no attempt to hide his satisfaction.
His expression unsettled Wang Jie.
There was an air of complete disregard—Domain Lord Han didn’t even pretend to be courteous. To him, Wang Jie was no more than an object, a commodity to be acquired.
Holding Wang Jie’s gaze, he continued, “You should care, given that you reside in Fog Peak.”
A flicker of realization crossed Wang Jie’s eyes, but before he could speak, Domain Lord Han raised a hand to silence him.
“A Guest Elder may remain in the sect—or be expelled from it. If you were no longer a Guest Elder of Frost Radiance Sect, where would you go next?”
Wang Jie’s eyes narrowed. “What are you implying, Senior?”
Domain Lord Han gave a knowing smile. “Merely reminding you to choose your position wisely. Anything Domain Lord Ning can offer, I can provide as well. That Xia Zhen Zhen girl—she was likely sent as a mediator by her grandfather. But let me be clear: her grandfather has no chance of contesting me.”
“I will be the Lord of Fog Peak.”
His gaze swept the courtyard. “Mooncrown Mountain is vast, and Fog Peak even more so. But if you take the wrong path, Master Wang, you may never find your way back.”
With that, he turned and left.
Wang Jie watched his retreating figure, uneasy. Domain Lord Han had spoken to him with absolute authority, making no effort to conceal his dominance.
This attitude unsettled him deeply.
His greatest security in Fog Peak wasn’t Domain Lord Ning—it was Master Luan.
With this in mind, he resolved to wait until Master Luan emerged from his alchemy session and consult him. Even if Domain Lord Han succeeded in seizing control, he couldn’t possibly dictate Master Luan’s decisions.
Xia Zhen Zhen returned, a look of concern in her eyes as she asked Wang Jie, “What happened?”
Without hesitation, Wang Jie recounted the threat from the Cold Domain Master.
“He threatened you directly?” Xia Zhen Zhen’s surprise was evident.
Wang Jie nodded. “In his eyes, I’m nothing more than a minor figure. He has Master Xu on his side and cares little about my status as a Celestial Refinement Master.”
Xia Zhen Zhen furrowed her brows. “Does he really think of himself as the Lord of Fog Peak? I never realized he was so arrogant before.”
Wang Jie asked, “If he truly were the Lord of Fog Peak, would he have the authority to expel me?”
Xia Zhen Zhen answered with certainty, “No. You were appointed as a Guest Official by the sect. However…” She paused, contemplating. “He may not be able to expel you, but he can restrict you.”
“What do you mean?”
“How many Celestial Refinement tasks does the sect require you to complete each year?”
“Thirty.”
“And if that number were fifty? Or sixty? Perhaps even a hundred? What would you do then?”
Nothing much, just another night’s work—but of course, he couldn’t say that out loud.
Xia Zhen Zhen continued, “You’d have no time to leave, let alone cultivate. The sect is vast, but power is fragmented. The matters of Fog Peak are managed by its lord, and even the Sect Master finds it difficult to interfere.”
Wang Jie thought back to what he had witnessed at the auction house. Reality was cruel.
Especially now that there was another Celestial Refinement Master, one far more skilled than him. The sect wouldn’t care about his plight.
He couldn’t leave. If he left, the Blue Star people would be in trouble in the Silver Radiance Empire.
“By the way, why doesn’t your grandfather vie for the position of Lord of Fog Peak?”
Xia Zhen Zhen sighed helplessly. “That’s just how he is. He dislikes competition. But if you’re willing, my grandfather would definitely protect you.”
Wang Jie understood what she was implying—she wanted him to become her grandfather’s personal Celestial Refinement Master, refining materials exclusively for him to help him break through to the Star-Refining Realm.
For now, he decided to seek out Master Luan and see if there was another solution. If all else failed, he would consider Domain Master Ning or Xia Zhen Zhen’s grandfather.
Several days later, Wang Jie went to find Master Luan, but was intercepted by Xia Xiao Nian.
“That big leek is inside,” Xia Xiao Nian quipped.
Wang Jie was speechless. “Say that to his face next time.”
Xia Xiao Nian, looking serious, replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”
“Has Master Luan come out yet?”
“Almost.”
“Then I’ll go in.”
“Aren’t you going to avoid him?”
“No need.”
Wang Jie entered, and the sight of deep green robes filled his vision. This was his first face-to-face encounter with Master Xu.
Upon seeing Wang Jie, Xu’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “So, you are Wang Jie?”
Wang Jie glanced at him and replied, “I am.”
Xu narrowed his eyes. “Is that your attitude upon meeting me?”
Xia Xiao Nian watched silently from a short distance away.
Wang Jie asked, puzzled, “And what attitude should I have?”
Xu’s voice turned icy. “Such arrogance from a mere junior. Originally, I had considered taking you as my disciple, teaching you the Celestial Refinement Method, but now, it seems you need to learn proper etiquette first.”
Wang Jie was taken aback. “Master Xu, you would be willing to take me as your disciple?”
Xu withdrew his gaze and took a sip of tea, exuding arrogance. “That depends on whether you are worthy.”
“I’m not,” Wang Jie replied bluntly.
Xu was momentarily stunned. This brat…
At that moment, Xia Xiao Nian seemed to hear something and stepped forward. “Master Xu, my master requests your presence.”
Xu shot one last look at Wang Jie before following Xia Xiao Nian inside.
Before leaving, Xia Xiao Nian gave Wang Jie a nod, indicating for him to wait.
The discussion between Master Xu and Master Luan didn’t last long. Soon, Xu departed, his expression sour.
Master Luan followed shortly after, looking somewhat exhausted. He turned to Wang Jie and sighed. “That man is petty and narrow-minded. You must be careful, young friend. He actually had the audacity to ask me to expel you from Mooncrown Mountain—absolutely outrageous.”
Wang Jie was stunned. “I never even offended him.”
Master Luan explained, “He supports the Cold Domain Master, and Cold Domain Master is a sworn enemy of Domain Master Ning. It’s only natural for him to target you. Besides, you don’t seem to hold him in high regard.”
Wang Jie shrugged. “A little.”
Master Luan chuckled. “You are refreshingly candid. That only means you must be even more vigilant.”
“I understand, and I appreciate your concern, Master,” Wang Jie said respectfully. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
Master Luan pulled out a bottle of pills and handed it to him. “These medicinal pills—I will have to trouble you to refine them.”
Wang Jie accepted them. “It’s no trouble. Refining Celestial Artifacts and medicinal pills is the same to me.”
Master Luan observed his expression and asked, “You seem troubled. Have you encountered difficulties?”
Wang Jie sighed and explained the Cold Domain Master’s threats.
Upon hearing this, Master Luan was furious. “Zhu Cheng dares to threaten a Celestial Refinement Master? Where does he get such audacity? Rest assured, young friend, you may stay here in Mooncrown Mountain without worry. Even if Zhu Cheng becomes the Lord of Fog Peak, he cannot touch you.”
“As for the sect’s tasks, don’t concern yourself. Helping me refine medicinal pills already serves the sect’s interests. Those Celestial Refinement tasks for artifacts are unnecessary.”
Wang Jie rose and respectfully bowed. “Thank you, Master.”
Master Luan nodded. “Rest easy, young friend. This sect is not Zhu Cheng’s to control.”
With that, Master Luan departed, needing rest before refining a new batch of pills.
This particular batch was no ordinary one. It contained Starseed Pills. Wang Jie didn’t ask about their effects—it didn’t matter to him, as he never paid attention to such things. However, they were said to be for those at the Hundred Star Realm, useless to all others.
Must be expensive.
Walking along the mountain paths, Wang Jie reflected on Master Luan’s kindness. Of course, it was because he could refine medicinal pills, but still, kindness was kindness.
Moving forward, he decided he should increase his refinement success rate, though not too much. Too much success would bring its own complications.
Now, his collection of medicinal pills had grown considerably. Aside from basic ones, he had also obtained a batch from Master Luan, called Primal Bone Pills, designed for those at the Full Star Realm.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation