According to the training and cultivation schedule, they were supposed to begin the second session after breakfast. However, due to Gregory Xander and Scarlett Jennings’s sudden "competition," the instructor specially made time for them to resolve their "grievances."
The newcomers, seeing such a lively event, were more than happy to join in on the fun.
Everyone returned to the open space in front of the stone body. Gregory Xander spoke first,
"I have been cultivating for three years longer than you. Although this is a competition, I never take advantage, nor do I bully the weak. So, for this match, I will take on both of you."
The two he referred to were, of course, Scarlett Jennings and Evander Simpson.
Off to the side, Amber Livingston once again felt left out as if he wasn’t considered at all.
He was, after all, also a mysticism influencer!
"Agreed." Scarlett nodded, and Evander, standing at her side, asked,
"Senior Brother Xander, how do you propose we compete? What would count as a win?"
"My primary study is the Mountain First Sect, which includes elixirs, herbs, mystical classics, boxing, and talismanic spells. I also have a secondary focus on the Sycamore Sect. You can choose any type from these for a challenge."
Gregory spoke with a hint of pride.
And he indeed had reason to be proud.
After all, an ordinary Master who could master just one sect was already impressive.
Moreover, mastering a sect didn’t mean mastering the entire category; most people were specialized in subcategories.
For example, what he mentioned as elixirs, herbs, classics, boxing, and talismanic spells are actually five major categories within the Mountain First Sect. They refer respectively to herbology, elixir technique, mystical classics, martial arts, and talismans.
There are very few who have dabbled in all five, like Scarlett Jennings, who specializes solely in talismanic magic.
Not to mention that the Sycamore Sect also divides into the study of the star phase, geomancy, and people’s physiognomy.
By daring to mention these two sects, he indicated that he had at least studied every category within them.
The newcomers present had a basic understanding of the Mystical Sect. When they heard Gregory speak, they couldn’t help but show admiration.
The show’s guests and audience in the live broadcast didn’t quite understand, but seeing Evander and Scarlett’s serious expressions, they could easily guess that Gregory Xander was somewhat formidable.
Ariel Zimmerman originally had great confidence in Scarlett Jennings, but seeing the other side so confident, she couldn’t help but worry for both Scarlett and Evander.
Evander was quickly thinking about their strengths.
Scarlett was a master, and with her talismanic magic, she might outmatch Gregory. But what about his strengths?
Though he grew up in a Taoist Temple and learned many things comprehensively, his knowledge might not align with Gregory’s.
While Evander was pondering, Scarlett spoke up directly,
"Simple dueling doesn’t make sense. The Mystical Sect teaches our magic not for us to duel. I suggest we compete by solving actual mystical events."
"What do you mean?" Gregory asked.
Scarlett calmly pointed to the camera beside her,
"The ’Inspiration’ program has a live help segment. We can directly receive viewer requests during this segment and determine the winner by the number of actual events resolved."
Hearing this, not only the newcomers and guests present but also the audience in front of the live stream were stunned.
["What, what, what? We also get a piece of this wealth?"]
["I thought we were just here to watch, but now we’re participating too?"]
["That’s my girl! Balancing both the competition and the live broadcast task!"]
["Ha, didn’t he scorn the live stream as just a show? Let him experience firsthand whether this is merely a show!"]
["Agreed, let him connect!"]
The help-seeker was a slightly plump middle-aged man. Upon successfully connecting, he initially appeared nervous seeing the crowd of heads at the other end, but soon he regained his composure and explained his problem.
"The thing is, I’m a blade collector. Since I have some money, I like to collect knives, swords, and daggers, and even have a dedicated collection room at home.
But a week ago, something odd happened in my collection room... Actually, let me show you."
As the man spoke, he picked up his phone and stood up. The background of his house appeared as he moved, showing a small two-story villa with grand decor, just like he said, with a "bit of money."
When everyone followed him to the basement and saw the collection room prepared for his treasures, they fell silent.
This guy certainly didn’t look like he just had "a bit of money."
His collection room occupied nearly the entire basement.
Rows and rows of glass display cabinets stood there, each shelf showcasing uniquely styled or exquisite knives and daggers.
Just entering gave one the feeling of stepping into a museum.
But soon, both the live-streaming audience and those with Scarlett Jennings noticed something amiss.
As the middle-aged man walked inside, it was evident that the swords in the glass cabinets were severely rusted.
Originally, if only one or two were rusty, everyone might have assumed they were old antiques.
But through the man’s phone view, nearly every sword was extensively rusted.
To such a degree, it seemed like they might break with just a touch.
Some designs were clearly recent productions, and without deliberate neglect, they couldn’t possibly become so rusted.
In the live broadcast, the middle-aged man’s face reappeared on camera, visibly showing pain and conflict.
"As you can see, all my collections severely rusted overnight a week ago. I invited many experts, but they couldn’t identify the cause.
Several times, I also heard strange noises below, but nothing showed up on surveillance. So I suspect... that there might be something unclean in my collection room."
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