C123 A Gentle Temptation

The one who reveled in delight the most was Princess Diaoman, who let out a triumphant laugh and taunted the Third Princess, "At this rate and with such a high success rate, Sima Ci is no match for Ning Qi. Third Sister, you'd better hurry and send over your Golden Cicada and Skyhowl White Tiger. I've got plenty of Spiritual Nourishment Pills here; feeding them will be a breeze. Hahaha."

The Third Princess managed a strained smile. "Ninth Sister, let's not rush things. Let's keep watching."

Sima Ci glanced at Ning Qi, his face betraying a flicker of panic. He was still maintaining a 100% success rate? This took him completely by surprise.

How could an alchemist from the Qintang Empire be this formidable?

"It's just luck, that's all!" Sima Ci muttered to himself, trying to stay positive.

Ning Qi consistently produced a Unique Battle Pill every two hours without a single failure.

Sima Ci, on the other hand, needed one and a half hours for each pill, and he'd fail three to four times out of every ten attempts.

In just one day, Ning Qi had amassed over ten Unique Battle Pills on the silver plate before him, while Sima Ci had a mere five.

The result was clear as day; there was no point in dragging out the contest.

The gap between them was stark, akin to comparing an Alchemist Grandmaster with a mere alchemist – and Sima Ci was, in the eyes of all, the latter.

The Third Princess's entourage felt the sting of humiliation, unable to retort against the jeers from Princess Diaoman's servants.

"Ninth Sister, just give me a moment. I'll have someone deliver the items to your estate," the Third Princess declared as she rose to her feet.

She then gave Ning Qi a piercing look and said icily, "You've done quite well."

With those words, she led her group away. Her followers, too embarrassed to remain, quickly followed suit.

Sima Ci, in the midst of his alchemy, witnessed this and was so enraged that he spat out blood. The concoction above his palm erupted, splattering his face. Ignoring the scalds, he called out to the departing Third Princess, "Third Princess, the contest isn't over yet!"

The Third Princess seemed oblivious to his cries, not even bothering to glance back.

Sima Ci's expression darkened at the sight. Casting a venomous look at Ning Qi, he rose to his feet and stormed off.

Ning Qi offered a slight smile, "Safe travels, Master Sima."

Stumbling, Sima Ci made a hasty exit amid the crowd's roaring laughter.

"That old crone has finally been bested by me! Deng San, spread the word—we're celebrating for ten days and nights at the Prefecture!"

Princess Diaoman declared with a triumphant laugh.

"The Princess is incredible!"

The servants cheered, throwing their hands up in jubilation.

Approaching Princess Diaoman with a grin, Ning Qi said, "Your Highness, I've emerged victorious in the alchemy contest. About that Dragon Seeking Mouse..."

With a contented pat on Ning Qi's shoulder, Princess Diaoman assured him, "Rest easy, I never renege on a promise. Wu Maji, fetch the Dragon Seeking Mouse from my Demonic Beast Garden. And while you're at it, bring a Sixth Rank Demonic Beast contract—I intend to reward our esteemed Ning Qi!"

Wu Maji nodded and promptly departed.

Deng San's underlings watched Ning Qi with a mix of envy and jealousy. A Sixth Rank Dragon Seeking Mouse! Once it reached maturity, it would rival the might of a Peak Battle Emperor!

Soon, Wu Maji returned with a palm-sized, light-golden furred mouse. She handed the creature to Ning Qi along with a Sixth Rank Demon Pet Contract.

"A Sixth Rank Demonic Beast, the Dragon Seeking Mouse."

After inspecting its attributes, Ning Qi activated the Demon Pet Contract in full view of the assembly, officially claiming the Dragon Seeking Mouse as his demonic pet. With this, his quota of three pets was filled. Any future acquisitions would necessitate an Extension Card from the Dragon Slaying Shop.

The Dragon Seeking Mouse, previously drowsy, now awakened by the spiritual bond with Ning Qi, clambered onto his neck and affectionately nuzzled him.

Ning Qi chuckled and gently stroked its chin, "From now on, you'll be known as Jin."

Jin seemed to grasp his words, burrowing into Ning Qi's collar with glee, peeking out with its bright, inquisitive eyes.

Princess Diaoman watched, a flicker of reluctance in her gaze—after all, she had intended the pet for herself. But the thought of the imminent arrival of the Golden Cicada and Skyhowl White Tiger from the Third Princess balanced her emotions. The price of victory was steep, but well worth it. And now, the more she observed Ning Qi, the more agreeable she found him.

Princess Diaoman flashed a smile and instructed, "Deng San, please ensure Ning Qi has suitable accommodations."

With a nod, Deng San replied, "Certainly, Your Highness."

Princess Diaoman then turned to Ning Qi with a grin, "You'll be staying at the Princess Residence to focus on your alchemy. Rest assured, I'll treat you well. Right now, Little Grey is in dire need of a substantial supply of Spiritual Nourishment Pills. I expect you to deliver four thousand pills each month."

"Four thousand?" Ning Qi's face betrayed a hint of concern.

"Is there an issue?" Princess Diaoman asked, her chin tilted up as she eyed Ning Qi with a hint of mischief.

Internally, Ning Qi lamented, 'I need to find a way out of here soon. She's using me like a common laborer.' Yet outwardly, he offered a warm, affable smile, "No problem at all."

Princess Diaoman affectionately patted Ning Qi's shoulder, saying, "Deng San will take care of all your needs, and he'll be responsible for supplying the spiritual grass. If you require anything, just let him know. If he can't help, come directly to me. Now, I must go to the entrance to await my Third Sister, who's bringing the wager."

With that, she and Wu Maji turned and departed, followed closely by Deng San's men. Deng San then turned to Ning Qi with a reassuring smile, "Master Ning, the princess can be a bit hasty, but she's truly kind-hearted. You'll grow accustomed to her ways. Please, follow me."

Deng San led Ning Qi to a lavish courtyard adjacent to the alchemy chamber within the Princess Residence. He also provided Ning Qi with eighteen stunningly beautiful maidservants and twenty servants.

The maidservants, each a vision of loveliness, regarded Ning Qi with admiration upon learning of his status as an Alchemist Grandmaster and his role in securing the Ninth Princess's victory in her wager with the Third Princess.

Ning Qi surveyed the maidservants with a discerning gaze, nodding his approval.

Deng San watched this exchange with a knowing smile. The allure of beauty and riches was irresistible to most.

He mused that a man of Ning Qi's age should indeed revel in the company of beautiful women, and Ning Qi's behavior seemed to confirm his suspicions.

"Master Ning, my quarters are just next door. Should you need anything, don't hesitate to call on me. I'll leave you to settle in. The maidservants are here to attend to you; they are at your service, to do with as you please."

As Deng San took his leave, he shot Ning Qi a knowing glance, flashing a grin that spoke volumes among men.

Ning Qi observed Deng San's retreating figure with a smile. Once he was entirely out of sight, Ning Qi's smile faded, and he let out a derisive chuckle.

"Trying to tempt me with these beauties? I'm not one to succumb to temptation so easily!"