Well-Deserved

"This disciple is ashamed to have failed the sect's trust and everyone's expectations."

Zhi Zhen deeply bowed to Dao Venerable Dao Hong. She knew the Dao Venerable had placed great hopes on her. But Gao Xian's swordsmanship had reached the divine; she had lost utterly and clearly, with nothing to say.

Dao Venerable Dao Hong said gently, "Victory and defeat are common matters. In this battle, you witnessed the heroes of the Nine Provinces and tested what you have learned, tempering your cultivation. That is enough."

"Yes." Zhi Zhen felt ashamed, but there was no need to say more. Only after saluting the other Dao Venerables did she drift away.

The several Dao Venerables did not look at Zhi Zhen. Their gazes turned toward Daoist Lord Xuanyang. The corners of Daoist Lord Xuanyang's lips curled upward, his pride and delight wholly undisguised, making Northern Dark Dao Venerable and the others feel somewhat uncomfortable.

A loss was a loss, but Xuanyang's smug winner's face was truly unpleasant to behold.

Dao Venerable Dao Hong wore a smile instead. "Congratulations, fellow Daoist. You have won this wager."

He then asked, "As for our prior agreement?"

The Three Flowers Pill was extraordinarily precious. Xuanyang was somewhat lazy and unrestrained by nature, so Dao Venerable Dao Hong had to make things clear. He could not let the old fellow renege when the time came.

Daoist Lord Xuanyang nodded. "Naturally, we will proceed according to our agreement."

"Good." Dao Venerable Dao Hong also felt this would be better for Gao Xian. With such talent, he might one day attain the Dao of Pure Yang.

He did not mind having one more Pure Yang fellow Daoist. The Nine Provinces were vast; one more Pure Yang could not turn heaven and earth upside down. Besides, with the changes