Chapter 30: A Sudden Leap

The voices of the onlookers inevitably reached Cheng Xiao's ears. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see Song Changsheng inscribing two formations simultaneously, each nearly complete. 

"Th-this… how is this possible?" Cheng Xiao could hardly believe his eyes. 

Every formation master dreamed of mastering the ability to focus on two tasks at once, but nearly all had failed Cheng Xiao among them. 

This had led him to question whether such a thing was even possible. 

That question had just been answered. It was possible… but it had manifested in someone he had looked down upon. 

A surge of unwillingness and resentment rose in Cheng Xiao's heart. He couldn't accept it why was it that, with all his talent and effort, he found no path forward, while this guy, someone so beneath him, could do what he could not? 

His emotional turmoil immediately disrupted his focus. The third array he had been halfway through inscribing collapsed in an instant. Cheng Xiao felt a sharp stab in his spiritual sea, an unbearable pain tearing through his consciousness. 

With his mental sea in chaos, his spiritual energy ran wild throughout his meridians and dantian. He instantly coughed up a mouthful of blood with a loud "Wah!" 

His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious on the spot. 

Bai Ruofeng was startled. He quickly rushed over to catch Cheng Xiao and, after a quick examination, found signs of Qi deviation a dangerous internal backlash from losing control of spiritual energy. 

At that point, Bai Ruofeng couldn't be bothered with appearances anymore. Looking around at the crowd, he announced loudly, "We, Hundred Treasures Pavilion, concede this match!" 

With that, he carried Cheng Xiao in his arms and hurriedly left through the crowd. 

Everyone was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events. 

One cultivator muttered in disbelief, "Hundred Treasures Pavilion just… gave up?" 

"Didn't you see Cheng Xiao spit blood? I bet it's serious. Bai Ruofeng looked like he just lost his son." 

"If you ask me, it's the smart move. I mean, come on dual formation inscription! There's no way to win. Might as well fake a collapse and call it quits." 

In no time, a flood of rumors and speculations spread through the crowd like mushrooms after a rainstorm dozens of different theories popped up in under fifteen minutes. 

Suddenly, someone had a realization. "Wait! If the Earthfire Sect has conceded, doesn't that mean it's time to settle the bets? I wagered on the Song family to win!" 

"That's right it's payout time!" 

In an instant, those who had bet on Song Changsheng's victory erupted into a sea of celebration, eagerly flocking to the bookmakers to settle their winnings. 

Meanwhile, those who had backed Cheng Xiao were left devastated, wearing expressions as bitter as if they'd swallowed flies. 

When Song Changsheng finally opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the chaotic scene before him Cheng Xiao was nowhere to be found, only a conspicuous patch of blood remained on the ground. 

"What… happened here?" Song Changsheng asked, clearly confused. 

"You won, my dear nephew," Song Luyuan said excitedly at his side. "That Cheng Xiao from the Earthfire Sect fainted halfway through the match. They've already admitted defeat and withdrawn." 

"Withdrawn?" Song Changsheng couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. He had treated Cheng Xiao as a serious opponent, even going so far as to craft a decoy artifact to mislead him. In hindsight, he had overestimated the man. 

Looking at the artifact in his hands, Song Changsheng felt quite satisfied. Due to time constraints, both he and Cheng Xiao had chosen to inscribe the simplest tier-one low-grade formations. 

Within the allotted three hours, Cheng Xiao could have inscribed at most four formations. Song Changsheng, however, had completed six in just two hours a difference that spoke for itself. 

That gap wasn't just due to superior skill; his ability to multitask was a critical factor. 

It was a technique he had stumbled upon while practicing the Water and Fire Dual Control method, and on a whim, he tried applying it to formation inscription unexpectedly, it worked quite well. 

Putting away the artifact, Song Changsheng glanced around and cupped his hands toward the crowd. "Fellow cultivators, I will be stationed at the Treasure-Seeking Pavilion for some time. If you need custom artifacts, feel free to place an order no request will be refused." 

This match wasn't just about putting Hundred Treasures Pavilion in its place it was also a strategic move to promote himself. After all, refining one's artifact-crafting skills required hands-on experience. 

And just as he'd expected, business exploded in the following days. Song Changqian and the others were so busy they barely had time to breathe. 

In contrast, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion saw barely a trickle of visitors. Rumors and criticism swirled around it endlessly it had lost all prestige. 

.... 

"Bai Ruofeng, you've truly disappointed me." 

Inside a hidden chamber within Hundred Treasures Pavilion, a middle-aged man in blue robes stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his voice cold. 

Bai Ruofeng, pale and panicked, tried to explain, "Elder Cheng, I never expected that Song Changsheng would " 

"Enough!" the man snapped. "Xiao'er nearly ruined himself under your watch, and you dare make excuses? You didn't even investigate Song Changsheng's background what use are you?" 

Fury exploded across the elder's face. A single match had nearly led to Cheng Xiao's Qi deviation, and he was itching to strike Bai Ruofeng down on the spot. 

Bai Ruofeng immediately dropped to his knees, trembling. "I swear I meant no harm!" 

"Hmph," Elder Cheng growled. "That Song Changsheng has interfered with the sect's affairs more than once I will not allow him to leave this market alive." 

His eyes burned with killing intent as he looked down at Bai Ruofeng. "Send someone to tail him. Report to me the moment he leaves the market." 

"At once!" Bai Ruofeng replied, visibly relieved to be spared, and hurried off to make arrangements. 

Unbeknownst to Song Changsheng, an elder of the Earthfire Sect had already arrived at the market in secret and was preparing to strike. 

At that moment, Song Changsheng was still immersed in the refining room, tirelessly pushing his skills to new heights. 

"Finally… the last one is done." 

Inside the forge, he exhaled deeply, a wave of relief washing over him. He could finally take a break. 

Nearly six months had passed since the match, and through a mountain of orders, he had undergone a complete transformation he had successfully upgraded the Treasure Gourd to a top-tier tier-one artifact. 

This marked a new milestone: he had officially become the youngest top-tier tier-one artifact master in the Song clan. 

Song Changsheng stepped out of the forge and handed the completed artifact to Song Luyuan. "Uncle, I'd like to take a short break. If anyone wants a custom piece, please delay the orders for now." 

"You've worked hard these past few months," Song Luyuan said warmly. "You've completed more orders in six months than most manage in a year. You deserve a break take a month off." 

These days, Song Luyuan would grant Song Changsheng anything he asked for. Let alone a break if he asked for his daughter's hand in marriage… Ahem, he wouldn't even bat an eye. 

"A month, huh?" Song Changsheng nodded thoughtfully. He had yet to properly explore the market this was the perfect opportunity. 

Just as he was about to head downstairs, Song Luyuan called out and handed him a storage pouch. 

Opening it, Song Changsheng found five hundred neatly stacked spirit stones. He looked up in surprise. "What's this?" 

"That's your pay for the orders you've completed," Song Luyuan replied, equally surprised. 

Only then did Song Changsheng recall that in the Song clan, completing shop orders earned rewards. He had assumed it would be contribution points he hadn't expected actual spirit stones. 

Noticing his confusion, Song Luyuan chuckled. "For those of us stationed outside the clan, spirit stones are far more practical. I take it this is your first time staying in a trade market? Go out and enjoy yourself." 

"That was my plan, Uncle. Thank you." Song Changsheng finally accepted the pouch and made his way toward the bustling streets. 

It had been half a year since he arrived he was long overdue for a proper stroll. 

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