Beneath Me to Bully You

Beneath Me to Bully You...

"So many people want this? But since Princess Shang Yue has spoken, there should be no more contest," Qin Wentian chimed in.

After Shang Yue's voice ceased, a profound silence gripped the entire assembly. All eyes remained fixed on the spatial brush in the old man's grasp.

Spatial manipulation had always been a coveted and rare ability, highly sought after for its potent offensive and defensive capabilities. Those who attained a deep understanding of the Mandate of Space could even achieve spatial transference, a form of teleportation.

The spatial energy emanating from the brush indicated that those skilled in the Mandate of Space could significantly enhance their combat prowess with its assistance.

Furthermore, the brush possessed a unique function. A highly-ranked Divine Inscriptionist could use it to inscribe spatial divine inscriptions on scrolls, creating spatial transference scrolls capable of saving lives during moments of peril. Qin Zheng had used such a scroll to rescue their group from the Vermilion Bird Formation World.

Naturally, many experts coveted this treasure.

Yin Cheng and the princess both hailed from influential factions, assuring them access to powerful Divine Inscriptionists who could create such scrolls. They could even sell them at considerable profit, enriching their resources.

"To many, this spatial brush may seem like a mere accessory, but to those who possess the connections to seek out high-ranking Divine Inscriptionists, it is nearly priceless," many spectators mused. For a top-tier Divine Inscriptionist, however, its value soared to another realm.

And as it happened, Qin Wentian was precisely one such top-tier Grandmaster.

Closing his eyes, he delved into his memories and found what he sought. The ancient divine inscription scroll he had acquired from the Xia Emperor contained the requisite knowledge for crafting a spatial transference scroll. However, the difficulty was staggering, requiring the inscriptionist to possess Mandate of Space insights. Obtaining the spatial brush would significantly ease the process.

His eyes snapped open, determination gleaming within them.

"Song Jia, assist me in acquiring these items," Qin Wentian sent a voice message to Song Jia as he tossed an interspatial ring to her.

Song Jia's eyes widened, inwardly cursing Qin Wentian for treating her like a true servant, issuing orders left and right. Yet, she reluctantly nodded, yielding to his request.

Shops run by cultivators dotted the ancient path up the Heavenly Mountain, offering a wide array of common materials.

Yin Cheng's laughter broke the tension. "Since the princess requires this item, I will gladly withdraw my request."

Following Yin Cheng's lead, the representative from the major power also nodded. "I too will withdraw my request. Since the princess desires it, it shall rightfully be hers."

Shang Yue, a princess hailing from a branch of the royal clan assigned to oversee Xuan King City, boasted a fourth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivation. Her impressive background and status made the major power members hesitant to challenge her. The treasure was undoubtedly exceptional, but competing with the princess was akin to inviting her wrath. Furthermore, they had little hope of outmatching her in combat.

"Given that this brush is destined for the princess, it's best to hand it over now. The princess will reward you with an Ascendant-level cultivation art," Yin Cheng suggested, addressing the black-robed old man.

The old man nodded slightly, his eyes shifting to Shang Yue. "May I inquire about the specific cultivation art the princess intends to offer in exchange?"

Shang Yue regarded him, lips moving as she transmitted her response directly. The black-robed man's expression remained unchanged. After a brief pause, he said, "This cultivation art meets my requirements."

"In that case, let's proceed," Shang Yue replied coolly.

"Wait a moment," another voice interjected from the crowd. To everyone's surprise, it was an elderly man dressed in a green robe who spoke this time.

"This old man is also interested in the spatial brush."

The green-robed man appeared relaxed despite projecting an air of superiority.

"Grandmaster Qiu," Shang Yue exclaimed in surprise upon recognizing him. Grandmaster Qiu was a peak-tier fourth-ranked Divine Inscription Grandmaster with a formidable fifth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivation. Competing against Shang Yue for the treasure would pose a formidable challenge.

"Princess, this old man truly requires this treasure," Grandmaster Qiu declared in an indifferent tone.

"I am well aware of Grandmaster Qiu's exceptional prowess in the Dao of Divine Inscriptions. How about this—I will personally invite Grandmaster Qiu to my manor if I acquire the spatial brush," Shang Yue proposed with clear intent. She would provide Grandmaster Qiu with the opportunity to gain insights from the brush while acquiring his spatial inscriptions. Her offer piqued Grandmaster Qiu's interest, prompting him to smile and agree, "Since the princess is so accommodating, I shall withdraw my request."

"Thank you, Grandmaster," Shang Yue responded with a smile that betrayed no emotion.

Qin Wentian's eyes remained fixed on Shang Yue. He sensed her indifference, understanding that Shang Yue had never truly regarded Grandmaster Qiu as a serious competitor.

Yin Cheng chimed in with congratulations, implying that the treasure was already Shang Yue's.

Shang Yue's composure remained unwavering as she continued to gaze ahead. Rarely did a treasure pique her interest, and when it did, it was unwise for others to vie for it.

"I, Qin, desire this treasure as well."

Amidst the silence, an unwelcome voice shattered the stillness, causing the crowd's eyes to stiffen as they swiveled toward the source. Once again, their gazes settled on the white-clad young man.

However, the young man, surnamed Qin, remained unperturbed. He locked eyes with the black-robed old man, determination burning in his gaze as he aimed to compete with Princess Shang Yue for the spatial brush.

Shang Yue's elegant brows furrowed, her beautiful eyes betraying a hint of displeasure as she shifted her attention to Qin Wentian. She inquired, "What cultivation art do you propose for the trade?"

The black-robed old man also turned his gaze to Qin Wentian. To vie for his treasure, the cultivation art offered in exchange had to genuinely pique his interest, granting Qin Wentian the qualifications to challenge Shang Yue.

"The neighboring Grand Xia Empire boasts nine ultimate arts. The cultivation art I'm offering in exchange for the spatial brush is known as the Great Solar Universe Art. Practitioners develop new sets of Great Solar meridians, and upon mastery, emit an incendiary aura capable of immolating nearby objects. I wonder if this cultivation art meets your requirements?" Qin Wentian transmitted his voice to the old man. After a few moments of contemplation, the old man's eyes sparkled with intrigue.

He was well aware of Grand Xia's stature. The cultivation art Qin Wentian proposed was one of Grand Xia's nine ultimate arts, and its value far surpassed that of the cultivation art Shang Yue intended to trade. However, the value of items hinged on necessity. While Qin Wentian had no use for the Great Solar Universe Art, he coveted the spatial brush, motivating his willingness to barter.

Nonetheless, the black-robed old man couldn't simply reject Shang Yue and accept Qin Wentian's offer. He had publicly affirmed that Shang Yue's cultivation art met his criteria.

With a glint in his eyes, the old man spoke, "This cultivation art also meets my conditions."

As his words resonated, the crowd's expressions wavered. Did this mean there would be a showdown? Would the white-clad youth seize the treasure from Shang Yue?

"Sir, would you consider giving me some face?" Yin Cheng addressed Qin Wentian with a hint of chill in his voice.

Qin Wentian glanced at Yin Cheng, unfazed. He shrugged indifferently and retorted, "What does the Treasure Seizing Assembly have to do with saving face?" In an instant, an ominous light flashed in Yin Cheng's eyes, his killing intent thinly veiled.

"This treasure isn't within your reach," another person chimed in, unmistakably from the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect, seated beside Yang Ting, whom Qin Wentian had previously defeated.

"Be mindful, not everyone is entitled to sit in these pavilions. We've extended you the courtesy of not bothering you thus far. You'd do well to know when to retreat," a member of the Wind Roc Aristocrat Clan warned with a menacing undertone.

"I'm here in accordance with the rules, fully prepared to seize the treasure if necessary. Yet, you all think you can intimidate me into withdrawing?" Qin Wentian coldly sneered, his voice unwavering. "If you're determined to use force to determine ownership, why bother inviting treasure presenters at all? Or perhaps you don't grasp the meaning of 'Treasure Seizing'?"

Qin Wentian's audacity caught many by surprise. The eyes of the members from Xuan King City's major powers flickered with cold amusement and a hint of pity as they regarded him.

Even a newborn calf didn't fear the tiger, but it wouldn't be this foolish. The Treasure Seizing Assembly indeed allowed people to compete for treasures, but participants needed to possess the intelligence to gauge their competition.

When the royal princess of Xuan King City declared her desire for the treasure, who dared to challenge her?

"Of course, everyone has the right to seize treasures during the Treasure Seizing Assembly," Shang Yue retorted, her expression somewhat displeased. Her eyes glittered with sharpness as they bore into Qin Wentian, her oppressive aura making it difficult for anyone to meet her gaze directly.

"Your highness, every part of your body is too precious to risk in an ordinary battle. May I request to fight on your behalf? If I defeat him, he will have no claim to challenge the princess," a representative from a major power offered, volunteering to be Shang Yue's champion.

"I am stronger than him. How about I represent the princess in this duel?" another member of the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan proposed.

"You all should quickly decide who will fight. I will only engage in one round," Qin Wentian interjected suddenly, his words piquing the crowd's interest.

This individual had showcased remarkable strength by easily defeating Yang Ting. However, among the major powers, Yang Ting was considered one of the weaker members. Did he truly believe he could maintain his pride after overcoming Yang Ting?

Shang Yue was more than just a pretty face. Her talent and strength equaled her beauty. Her entourage consisted of cultivators from Xuan King City's major powers.

What standing did Qin Wentian have?

"What is your cultivation level?" Shang Yue inquired, fixing her gaze on Qin Wentian.

"I'm at the third level of Heavenly Dipper," Qin Wentian replied.

"You're beneath me; there's no thrill in bullying you," Shang Yue responded calmly, oozing self-assurance. It wasn't that she looked down on Qin Wentian's strength; she was simply aware of her own formidable prowess.

As a princess of the Royal Clan, she had access to top-tier cultivation techniques. Her comprehension and mastery of Mandates were extraordinary, often making her unmatched even among cultivators of the same level. In fact, she could defeat ordinary fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns with ease.

Qin Wentian was a mere third-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator. She knew with certainty that she could easily overpower him.

Shang Yue jabbed her finger toward the spatial brush held in the old man's hand. Her expression carried a tinge of disdain as she directed her words at Qin Wentian. "You should reconsider your claim to this treasure. I would rather not stoop to bullying someone without a strong background and lower cultivation level."

Qin Wentian, however, remained steadfast, unmoved by her attempt to persuade him.