Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 645 Mountain and Rivers Sheji Map

Logically, such a commotion should have attracted the attention of everyone present. Yet, unexpectedly, aside from this young man, no one else even spared a glance in this direction.

Ye Qingchen was curious, but someone was pestering him.

Seeing Ye Qingchen’s slow response, the anger in the man’s chest flared.

"Didn’t you hear me? Hurry up and compensate me! The Mountain and Rivers Sheji Map is a massive opportunity. With that one bump, you knocked my chance away. Now you’re going to pay for it!"

The young man was aggressive, his grip on Ye Qingchen’s clothes tightening steadily until he was nearly lifting him off his feet.

Left with no choice, Ye Qingchen had to forcibly pull the man’s hands away.

"It wasn’t me who bumped into you. You’re the one who bumped into me!" he stated plainly, not forgetting to brush off his robes.

What’s the deal with this Jiang Ancient Clan? Is there something wrong with all of them? So eager to pick a fight!

As Ye Qingchen complained internally, he unexpectedly heard the man’s inner thoughts.

This damn Mountain and Rivers Sheji Map! What kind of damned bastard thought to put it here for comprehension? I’ve nearly studied it to death and haven’t gotten a single thing out of it. What a joke! The Jiang Family is so stingy. They aren’t willing to give out any direct Cultivation Resources, just this vague, confusing nonsense they call an ’opportunity for all’! Who are they kidding? Still, this trip wasn’t a total waste. I actually ran into a perfect sucker! I have to fleece this guy for all he’s worth. Then I can live the high life for the next few months.

"Kid, don’t you try to argue! Everyone knows how important this map is. You ruined my opportunity, so you have to compensate me! Otherwise, you’ll die right here today!"

After carefully assessing Ye Qingchen’s Cultivation, the young man’s arrogance swelled.

Just a mere second-layer Martial Emperor Realm. He might have a little talent, but not much!

A few people in the crowd who couldn’t stand to watch any longer shouted at the man for making trouble.

"Jiang Xiaoyi, what are you up to now? So many people are trying to comprehend the map. If you can’t figure it out, don’t stand here bothering others!"

Jiang Xiaoyi couldn’t swallow that. He shot back, "Don’t you underestimate me! It’s all this kid’s fault. If he hadn’t bumped into me for no reason, how could I have failed to comprehend it? He ought to compensate me!"

"Jiang Xiaoyi, you really know how to twist the truth. I saw you bump into him with my own eyes! Don’t tell me you knew you couldn’t comprehend it, so you’re deliberately picking a fight to avoid making a fool of yourself!" a shorter young man said bluntly, mercilessly exposing Jiang Xiaoyi’s scheme.

"We’ve all been here. This Mountain and Rivers Sheji Map has been here for nearly three days, and not a single person has understood it. You’re just using this chance to scam someone. You’re a disgrace to us all!"

Seeing his plan exposed, Jiang Xiaoyi’s face flushed red, but he tried to maintain a bold front.

"Who says? I have extraordinary talent! I was probably on the verge of comprehending it when this outsider interrupted my Cultivation. It’s his fault, not mine!"

Even as he spoke, the crowd’s stares made him so uncomfortable that he wished he could dig a hole and bury himself.

Jiang Xiaoyi silently shuffled behind others, trying to fade into the background and salvage his lost dignity.

"Young man, you’re new here, so you might not understand some things. Every so often, the Jiang Ancient Clan provides opportunities for outside cultivators. You’ve come at a great time!"

As Jiang Xiaoyi retreated, Ye Qingchen was suddenly exposed to the crowd. The man who had just defended him came over, pulled him aside, and began explaining eagerly.

"This time, the Jiang Ancient Clan has brought out the legendary Mountain and Rivers Sheji Map. If you can comprehend it, it’s an incredible opportunity. You should cherish this time and give it a try!"

"Comprehend what? Him? A whole crowd of people couldn’t make sense of it in three days and three nights. What could a greenhorn who just arrived possibly figure out?"

Jiang Xiaoyi was already fuming. Seeing his arch-nemesis helping the very kid he had just tried to frame, he couldn’t hold his tongue and stepped forward again.

"The Jiang Ancient Clan has really gone downhill, letting any Tom, Dick, or Harry in. They’re polluting the very air here!"

"Jiang Xiaoyi, just because you can’t comprehend it, don’t drag others down. I think this kid looks pretty clever. He might understand far more than you ever could!"

"Stop your boasting! If this guy can actually comprehend it, I’ll give him all the money on me!" Jiang Xiaoyi sneered, shooting Ye Qingchen a dismissive look.

It’s all this guy’s fault for making me lose face in front of everyone. I’ll make sure he pays dearly for this!

"So, what do you say, kid? Dare to make a bet with me? If you can comprehend it, I’ll give you all the money I have. But if you can’t, you’ll kneel on the ground and call me ’Grandpa’!"

Jiang Xiaoyi wore a smug, confident expression as he watched Ye Qingchen, waiting for him to walk into the trap.

Ye Qingchen didn’t speak, only glancing at the people around him.

"Young man, don’t bet with him. Honestly, this painting has been here for three days and nights, and no one has understood it. He’s just trying to humiliate you!"

"That’s right! People with much higher Cultivation than you have stared at this map for ages and gotten nowhere. This is no easy task!"

The surrounding crowd chimed in, most of them trying to persuade Ye Qingchen to back down. They saw him as a newcomer to the Ancient Clan, still naive to the treacherous ways of the world, and as his seniors, they felt they ought to help him out.

With a faint smile, Ye Qingchen looked at the gloating Jiang Xiaoyi and said something that puzzled everyone.

"That’s not necessarily true. Just because you can’t comprehend it doesn’t mean I can’t!"

His words sent a ripple of disapproval through the crowd. They shook their heads, thinking he was unappreciative of their kindness. The risks were laid out right in front of him, yet he was still determined to jump into the pit. What a classic fool!

As the crowd shook their heads, Jiang Xiaoyi beamed. He didn’t know where this kid came from, but he seemed to have a screw loose, willingly walking into a trap he’d dug himself. This was a rare opportunity, and he decided to strike while the iron was hot.

"Are you saying you want to bet with me?"

"We can give it a try. But you’ll have to add more to your side of the bet."

"What?"

"If I can comprehend it, not only will you give me all your money, but you will also have to kneel before me and call me ’Grandpa’ a few times."

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaoyi roared with laughter.

"Fine, fine! I agree! As long as you can comprehend it, not only will I give you all my money, but I’ll also kneel before you and call you ’Grandpa’ a few times!"

He said this very quickly in front of everyone, as if afraid Ye Qingchen might change his mind.