Chapter 3178: Whose Turn Is Next? Three Immortal Level Venerables Compete...

Wang Teng spoke with solemn seriousness, directly offering to resolve the issue for the Candle Demon Venerable.

The Candle Demon Venerable immediately forgot about being mocked, hurriedly handing over the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] to Wang Teng. As for the matter of having been tricked by this young man just moments ago?

—Forget it! Forget it!

Who could blame him for being so capable?

Those who possess talent are always granted leniency.

To expect the Candle Demon Venerable himself to seal the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] would truly be a daunting task. By the time he found a method, who knew how long it might take. If too much power leaked from the jade, he’d feel genuine pain. And if, in the end, no sealing method was discovered, he’d likely have to seek help from a secondary profession specialist anyway.

Rather than that, why not let Wang Teng seal it now?

After all, wasn’t this right here a ready-made secondary profession expert?

Tianyan Venerable, Tianlan Yuanghai Venerable, and others glanced at the Candle Demon Venerable with disdain, then wrinkled their noses.

This Candle Demon Venerable truly had no integrity at all!

If only he had held firm to his principles, they might have respected him a little more. But look at him now?

Hmph!

Pathetic!

After receiving the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade], Wang Teng merely glanced at it before beginning the sealing process.

It wasn’t difficult at all!

The power within the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] was relatively mild, and under normal circumstances, its energy remained subdued.

Thus, he needed only to follow the natural flow—no great effort required.

Of course, he had already secretly observed it earlier through the [All-Method True Vision Eye], fully aware of its rune structure.

Now, without hesitation, he began acting.

He had confidence.

Spiritual mental force surged forth, mingling with faint traces of celestial alchemical fire, tracing intricate runes in midair.

The nearby immortal-level venerated ones watched intently, eyes unblinking, flickers of light flashing across their gazes.

For some reason, they were always filled with curiosity toward Wang Teng’s methods.

Perhaps because his techniques consistently left them astonished.

Each of them silently thought this, then focused even more closely.

At that moment, the runes, under Wang Teng’s control, finally began to converge, descending from the sky onto the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade].

They seemed to transform into chains, wrapping around it.

But that wasn’t the most astonishing part.

What was strange was that these rune-chains appeared to merge seamlessly with the patterns on the jade itself.

Had anyone present not witnessed it firsthand, they would almost fail to distinguish the difference.

“What exquisite technique!”

Tianyan Venerable couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Indeed,” replied Tianlan Yuanghai Venerable, staring at the rune chains and nodding slightly.

“Wang Teng’s runes nearly mimic the natural patterns on the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade], so there’s no resistance at all.”

“Candle Demon, you’ve really struck gold,” said Rofort, turning to the Candle Demon Venerable with a grin.

“You’ve let Wang Teng help find treasure, and now you’re letting him seal the energy. This service is simply impeccable.”

Tianyan Venerable, most familiar with such matters, gave the Candle Demon Venerable a knowing glance and said:

“I’ve seen plenty at the Secondary Profession Alliance headquarters. Such things aren’t common.

To get a saint-level secondary profession specialist to provide such service? Fifty chaos coins are practically a bargain.

Of course, whether they can actually accomplish it is another matter.”

The Candle Demon Venerable listened to the murmurs of the others, feeling deeply moved.

Earlier, when he encountered Wang Teng, it had been nothing more than a sudden whim—thinking to pay fifty chaos coins to have Wang Teng assist in finding treasure.

At the time, he hadn’t truly expected much.

It was just a shot in the dark—whether or not there was a chance, better to try.

Even if Wang Teng didn’t find anything particularly valuable, it would still likely be far superior to what he could find himself.

After all, the other party’s abilities were undeniable—that was the baseline.

On this point, he had complete faith in Wang Teng.

So although he hadn’t harbored high hopes, he was still willing to pay fifty chaos coins for Wang Teng’s help.

It wasn’t a matter of who gained or lost—it was simply a mutual agreement.

Besides, given his relationship with Wang Teng, such a small favor was bound to be offered.

Fifty chaos coins were merely a token of goodwill.

Human relationships were built on such exchanges.

But he never imagined Wang Teng would give him such a grand surprise.

Not only had he found a treasure far exceeding expectations, but he had also sealed the energy of the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] as an added bonus.

Most importantly, the other party’s skill was truly beyond comparison with ordinary saint-level secondary profession specialists.

A true value-for-money masterpiece!

Truly, a value-for-money masterpiece!

“Wang Teng, thank you very much!”

The Candle Demon Venerable quickly turned to Wang Teng and said.

Though he had already expressed gratitude earlier, he still wanted to thank him again.

This time, the debt was enormous!

Ah, forget it.

After all, debts piled up don’t crush one’s spirit.

He had already owed Wang Teng a life—what did a little more favor matter?

A trivial matter!

Just a drop of water!

"Senior, you're too polite!"

Wang Teng said with a cheerful smile:

"By the way, I've not only sealed the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] for you, but also applied a little trick."

"Oh?" The Candle Demon Venerable was startled and hurriedly asked, "What kind of trick?"

"Nothing much, actually just a rune structure to regulate energy."

Wang Teng said calmly.

"In the future, if Senior wishes to use its power, simply activate the runes I left behind—convenient and effortless."

The Candle Demon Venerable was overjoyed, never expecting Wang Teng had already thought of this step.

He had been worrying about how to solve this problem, and before he could even speak, Wang Teng had already resolved it.

This was truly a great surprise!

Everyone had witnessed what happened earlier.

As soon as the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] approached him, it would erupt uncontrollably.

This wasn't something that could be solved merely by sealing the energy.

You couldn't keep it sealed forever—he would need to use it eventually.

But once the seal was broken, the energy would spiral out of control.

And as for asking him to suppress his own energy? That was nonsense.

If he could do that, why would he need the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade] in the first place?

So this was a dilemma.

Tian Yan Venerable, Tian Lan Yuan Hai Venerable, and Lord Rolfert all exchanged surprised glances, staring at Wang Teng in astonishment.

They had assumed Wang Teng had merely sealed the energy of the [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade].

Who would have guessed he had also effortlessly solved the Candle Demon Venerable’s major predicament?

This kid…

They didn’t know what to say anymore.

Was he really this considerate?

They had to admit—Wang Teng truly thought through everything, making things smooth and flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

"Perfect!"

The Candle Demon Venerable took a deep breath, grasped Wang Teng’s hand tightly, and beamed with joy:

"Wang Teng, you’ve done me a tremendous favor.

Your regulation runes alone will save me at least half the energy of this [Clear Heart Crimson Flame Jade]."

This wasn’t an exaggeration!

Judging from how violently the jade had erupted earlier, it had clearly treated its own energy like nothing—so much so that he felt pain just watching.

Now, however, he could use as much as he wanted, effectively harnessing the energy to its fullest potential.

What else could this be but saving?

Only now did he truly understand what a secondary profession holder's ability meant.

Those usual secondary profession holders who acted all high-and-mighty were merely showy—none of them could compare to Wang Teng.

Other secondary profession holders: This is slander! This is defamation!

Anyone capable of interacting with immortal-level venerated ones must be at least saint-level.

And those who reached saint-level had their own achievements—nowhere near as foolish as the Candle Demon Venerable imagined.

Wang Teng was indeed impressive—but could anyone really compare to him?

There was simply no comparison.

For the Candle Demon Venerable to equate them with Wang Teng was like comparing a true god-level prodigy to an ordinary genius.

The gap was immense.

Wang Teng, facing the Candle Demon Venerable’s excitement and gratitude, merely smiled faintly, remaining calm.

"Who’s next?"

Tian Yan Venerable, Tian Lan Yuan Hai Venerable, and Rolfert glanced at each other, suddenly seeing a flicker of eagerness in one another’s eyes.

They… were anxious now!

Seeing that the Candle Demon Venerable had already found such a perfect, fitting treasure, they wanted one too.

At first, they had been somewhat reserved, thinking order didn’t matter much.

But now, they finally realized the issue.

There were only so many treasures.

Yet with Wang Teng’s abilities, at least eighty percent—no, ninety percent—could help them find the most suitable treasure.

Provided, of course, that no one else snatched them first.

Once someone else claimed them, even if Wang Teng had the capability, it would be hard to find something suitable for them.

They’d have to settle for second-best.

Thus, whoever went first would have the advantage.

No more delay!

"I’ll go first. After all, I’m Wang Teng’s protector—I should get some advantage, right?"

Rolfert looked at Wang Teng, winking playfully and grinning.

"Cough cough, you can’t say that,"

Tian Yan Venerable muttered under his breath, cursing his shamelessness.

Using “protector” as leverage? Utterly disgraceful.

But there was no time for hesitation. He quickly spoke up:

"Being a protector is your duty—you can’t use that to pressure Wang Teng."

These words were already a trap for Rolfert.

Rolfert called it an advantage; he called it pressure. Each side had its own argument.

Who was right or wrong no longer mattered.

What mattered was planting a thorn in Wang Teng’s heart.

It wouldn’t ruin their relationship, but it could influence the order of turn.

Wang Teng gave Tian Yan Venerable a speechless look, his eyes filled with strange expressions.

Unexpectedly, you're this kind of Tianyan Zunzhe.

A bit too tea-like!

Tianyan Zunzhe pretended not to notice, for the sake of finding a treasure he truly desired, what was such a thing anyway?

Even an old man like me isn't above having a little tea once in a while!

He tilted his head back, his battle spirit surging.

"...”

Rofort glared at him with irritation and said, “When did I ever say I wanted to overpower Wang Teng?”

“You’re slandering me!”

“Whether it’s slander or not, you know best,” Tianyan Zunzhe murmured softly.

“In my opinion, the three of us might as well draw lots to decide,” Tianlan Yuanhai Zunzhe suddenly interjected, his eyes flickering.

He realized he held no advantage among the three.

Rofort was Wang Teng’s protector—no need to elaborate on that.

Tianyan Zunzhe and Wang Teng belonged to the same secondary profession alliance, sharing a bond of mutual reverence.

And himself? He had nothing!

Though he had some acquaintance with Wang Teng, it was only forged during the great war, and mainly because Wang Teng had done him a favor.

In that light, he clearly couldn’t compare to either Tianyan Zunzhe or Rofort.

If they were to rank by friendship, he’d end up last. So better to draw lots—leave it to chance.

That way, it would be fair to everyone.

Wang Teng glanced at the three, unsure how to decide.

All were Immortal-level Zunzhes—truly hard to choose.

Though he longed to pick Rofort, doing so would undoubtedly leave the other two Immortal-level Zunzhes feeling uneasy.

It wouldn’t be worth it.

Fortunately, Rofort and Tianyan Zunzhe both sensed Wang Teng’s dilemma and stopped pressing.

They nodded, agreeing to Tianlan Yuanhai Zunzhe’s proposal.

Fine, draw lots then.

Better than letting this matter sour relations.

Whatever result came out, everyone would just chalk it up to luck—no one could complain.

“I have three paper balls here, each marked with the numbers one, two, and three. Please, esteemed elders, take your picks.”

Wang Teng smiled, producing three paper balls in his palm, offering them to the three Immortal-level Zunzhes.

With spatial concealment, even Immortal-level Zunzhes found it difficult to discern what lay within his hands.

The three Immortal-level Zunzhes stared intently at the three paper balls, then each selected one.

“Hahaha… I’m first!”

Rofort suddenly burst into laughter, unfolding his paper ball to reveal the character “one.”

“I’m second,” Tianyan Zunzhe also laughed.

“…”

Tianlan Yuanhai Zunzhe stared at the slip in his hand bearing the character “three,” speechless.

What the hell was this?

After all that fuss, the order hadn’t changed at all—Rofort still ranked first, Tianyan Zunzhe at least got second.

And he? The worst off—still third.

“Pfft!”

Wang Teng couldn’t help but laugh, his facial muscles twitching violently, his expression grotesquely odd.

Who could blame him?

Tianlan Yuanhai Zunzhe’s luck was simply terrible.

“Congratulations, my fortune is quite good,” Rofort chuckled.

He hadn’t expected to go first either.

“Wang Teng, didn’t you cheat?” Tianyan Zunzhe, seeing his expression, felt a twinge of annoyance and muttered suspiciously.

“Respected elder, you shouldn’t speak without proof,” Wang Teng replied flatly.

“My every move is under your watchful eyes—do you really think I could make any trickery under your scrutiny?”

“How should I know? You’re a crafty little rascal, always pulling surprises,” Tianyan Zunzhe grumbled.

“So you don’t trust my integrity?” Wang Teng retorted sharply.

“Tianyan, that’s going too far. How can you question Wang Teng’s character?” Rofort chimed in.

“Shut up. You’ve got vested interests—no right to speak,” Tianyan Zunzhe snapped.

“Alright, alright! Let’s hurry up and get started—stop dawdling,” Tianlan Yuanhai Zunzhe interrupted their bickering, urging them.

Regardless of the final outcome, nothing would change. Better to begin soon.

Otherwise, only he would suffer the loss.

Tianyan Zunzhe and Rofort ceased their complaints and both turned to look at Wang Teng.

“Rofort, what kind of treasure do you want? A weapon? Or celestial herbs and minerals? Or perhaps a cultivation technique?” Wang Teng asked instead.

“No, we can actually choose?” Tianyan Zunzhe widened his eyes in surprise. (End of chapter)