After all, Ye Ruoshui looked no more than twelve or thirteen. She probably could not even recognize many spiritual herbs, so how could she know alchemy?
Xiao Minghuang's expression remained calm. She shook her head slightly and said:
"There are no absolutes in this world. Since it is a wager, Seventh Elder should put up something as stakes."
"Hmph!"
Seventh Elder snorted coldly and said:
"If this old man loses, I'll take this little girl as my disciple... No! If I lose, this old man will take this little girl as my master! Satisfied now?"
Upon hearing Seventh Elder's words, strange expressions appeared on both Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui's faces.
"Th-That actually seems pretty good."
Hearing their answer, Seventh Elder trembled with rage and gritted his teeth.
"You two..."
Xiao Minghuang smiled faintly. "If Seventh Elder loses, you will have to take Ruoshui as your master. You are a venerable senior, Seventh Elder—once a word leaves your mouth, four horses cannot chase it back!"
Hearing [>
"This old man will never go back on his word!"
"Good!"
Xiao Minghuang said loudly:
"Then let us invite several witnesses to watch this contest between alchemists!"
Seventh Elder said nothing. He merely watched to see what other tricks the Ninth Princess had up her sleeve.
Before long.
The eunuch's shrill, affected voice came from outside the pavilion.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Xiao Minghuang raised her eyes and saw Emperor Xia, dressed in plain clothes yet carrying an imposing air, walking into the hall.
Wang Jin followed closely behind Emperor Xia, step for step.
"Your daughter greets Father Emperor."
Xiao Minghuang bowed in salute.
"Rise!"
Emperor Xia raised a hand in a gesture of support. He glanced over the furnishings in the hall, then noticed Seventh Elder standing to one side with a