Xue Zihan had never expected Tu Kun to propose a test of mathematics. That threw her original plan out the window. She was about to refuse when Xu Yi said, "May I ask what reward King Tu has in mind? I'd like a Fire Tunic of rare quality. I wonder if King Tu would be willing to grant me one."
As he spoke, he sent Xue Zihan a telepathic message. "Agree to it. It's fine."
A flicker of surprise crossed Xue Zihan's eyes, then she smiled. "Since King Tu is in the mood, the Winter Palace will do its best not to disappoint him."
Tu Kun said, "I don't have a Fire Tunic of rare quality. Is there anyone who could help me out? I'll be sure to repay the favor."
As he spoke, he sent Niu Tongtian a thought. "Brother, you wanted me to step forward. I've done my best. You wouldn't want to see me lose face, would you?"
Before considering victory, one had to prepare for defeat.
Though Tu Kun was confident he'd win, no one could be certain how things would turn out. Niu Tongtian had pushed him into this, so naturally he'd have to bail him out.
Niu Tongtian sneered to himself, then said aloud, "Whoever can produce a Fire Tunic of rare quality, I'll exchange it for a set of high-grade Five Elements Spirit Stones."
As he spoke, three black Spirit Stones appeared in his palm, each marked with five different elemental symbols that seemed to drift upward and fly away.
"When did Fire Tunics become so valuable?"
"This is a Fire Tunic of rare quality, impervious to all flames. But exchanging it for a set of high-grade Five Elements Spirit Stones is just..."
"Chancellor Niu is certainly generous. If Xu loses, won't that