Volume One, Chapter 37: The Challenge Registration Office

In the heart of White Cloud City, on its busiest street, two youngsters named Shi Ming and Yun Qianzhu had set up a small stall. A large sign hung prominently beside them: "Changshang Temple Challenge Registration Office."

As Changshang Temple was currently a trending topic, the stall immediately attracted a large crowd.

"Little sister, what is this all about?" a martial artist asked curiously.

Though she was just a child, Yun Qianzhu possessed an imposing aura. She explained fluently, "There are so many people coming to challenge our Changshang Temple lately, but my Second Senior Brother is only human—he cannot accept too many challenges every day. Therefore, those who wish to challenge him must register here. From now on, our temple will only accept one challenge per day. Furthermore, to prevent people from causing trouble by signing up and then not showing up, there is a registration fee of one hundred taels of silver."

The crowd erupted in shock. A fee to challenge? And it cost money to register?

"We have to pay to challenge?" a young man asked indignantly. "This is clearly just a money-grabbing scheme!"

"Exactly! Charging for registration is unreasonable!"

"Why should we pay to challenge?"

The announcement caused widespread dissatisfaction, and the scene grew noisy. Many stepped forward to protest, while others watched from the sidelines. Shi Ming, being honest and unaccustomed to such conflict, was momentarily tongue-tied, not knowing how to respond. He dared not defy the rules set by Li Hanzhou.

However, Yun Qianzhu was unfazed by the commotion. She channeled her inner energy and announced loudly, "You all traveled thousands of miles to challenge us because you covet my Martial Uncle’s divine weapon, Autumn Burial. This fee is necessary to ensure that those who come to challenge are serious. If you cannot even afford one hundred taels of silver, there is no need to participate, as we cannot expect you to provide a decent wager either."

"Take it or leave it," she said, tapping the table. "First come, first served. If an earlier challenger wins and takes the Autumn Burial, don't come crying to us."

The crowd fell silent. They realized she was right. Whoever challenged first had the best chance; if they won, the blade would be gone.

"We'll sign up!" A group of young men pushed through the crowd. The leader, dressed in blue, slapped a banknote onto the table and said, "We are registering for tomorrow. I am a disciple of the Yellow River Sect!"

"Alright." Yun Qianzhu looked at Shi Ming. "Senior Brother, write it down: Yellow River Sect, first match tomorrow."

Shi Ming quickly recorded it in his ledger.

"May I ask what your sect's wager is? We need to evaluate if it is appropriate," Yun Qianzhu asked, as instructed by Li Hanzhou. Though young, she read extensively and was better at appraising treasures than her senior brother.

The disciple produced a yellow pouch and placed it on the table. Inside was a large seal.

"The Heaven-Turning Seal?"
"A spiritual treasure?"

Yun Qianzhu examined it before looking back at the disciple.

"That's right, the Heaven-Turning Seal, crafted by the master artisan Sun Haiquan," the disciple said proudly.

"Master Sun Haiquan's Heaven-Turning Seal?" The crowd stirred. Sun Haiquan was a renowned master whose creations could rival the power of those in the Profound Realm.

"While it is indeed Master Sun's seal, it is still inferior to the Autumn Burial blade," Yun Qianzhu stated. "How about this: in addition to the treasure, you must grant our Martial Uncle access to your sect’s library for three months. We won't look at your secret martial arts, of course."

The disciple hesitated. "I need to consult my sect elders."

"Fine, go discuss it. Does anyone else wish to register?" Yun Qianzhu called out.

"I’ll sign up!"
"I'm from the Hengyang Sword Sect."
"I was here first, I'm from the Ten Thousand Flowers Valley."

Suddenly, a cold chill swept through the crowd, as if an icy presence had arrived. People hurried to clear a path. Standing before them was a stunningly beautiful young woman.

Her icy eyes seemed to look through the vanity of the world, and she was surrounded by an aura of frost. Though she was at the ninth rank, her presence felt like a mountain pressing down on the other ninth-rank martial artists present. She was accompanied by several maidservants, whose own auras were equally extraordinary. Her mere presence silenced the crowd.

She was breathtakingly beautiful. The men present were mesmerized, staring in awe. Yet, in the face of such beauty, they felt no desire to be disrespectful, only a deep sense of inferiority. What kind of man could possibly be worthy of such a woman?

"It's the Heartless Fairy!" someone exclaimed.

"The Heartless Fairy is here in person?"

"The Heartless Valley wishes to register." The Heartless Fairy walked slowly to the stall, and her maid produced a banknote.

"Third Senior Brother, what are you staring at? Write it down!" Yun Qianzhu nudged Shi Ming, who was gaping at the fairy.

"Oh, right." Shi Ming snapped out of his trance, blushing as he recorded her name.

"The Heartless Valley's wager is this," the Heartless Fairy said, opening her palm to reveal a small jade bottle. "A thousand-year cold jade marrow. This should be enough to match the value of the Autumn Burial. Furthermore, if you win, I will allow the people of Changshang Temple to study in our valley for three months—even our cultivation techniques are open to you."

"You're very generous," Yun Qianzhu said with a smile, preferring to deal with someone so straightforward. "Then the Heartless Fairy's challenge is set for seven days from now."

The Heartless Fairy nodded and turned to leave.

"The Heartless Fairy is going to challenge Changshang Temple! I have to see it!"
"Too bad the temple won't let people watch."

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Yun Qianzhu added with a smile, "Starting tomorrow, Changshang Temple will be open. Anyone who buys a ticket is welcome to come and watch the matches."