Despite all his reluctance, the chief eunuch Zhang Liangxi still took the Mountain and River Immortal Furnace Diagram out of the fine steel case.
"Esteemed pillars of the martial world, let us present this painting to Young Hero Mai together!"
The many renowned masters and powerful figures of the Rivers and Lakes sharing the viewing platform all rose to their feet. They were either sect leaders and elders of prestigious schools, or the leaders and decision-makers of great martial-world associations.
However much they might criticize the imperial court, they had to admit that this time, the court had handled many matters without letting a single drop leak through. Its control over every detail had been absolute.
Presenting the Mountain and River Immortal Furnace Diagram to the victor together also largely ruled out the possibility of switching it for a forgery, leaving no room for complaint.
Zhang Liangxi and several imperial guards leaped from the high viewing platform onto the arena, with the martial elders following close behind.
The group came to stand beside A Fei and Duan Silie.
"Hehehe, congratulations, Hero Mai! Hero Duan is every bit a hero as well!"
As Zhang Liangxi's laughter rang out, the imperial guards slowly unfurled the Mountain and River Immortal Furnace Diagram before the two men.
"The Mountain and River Immortal Furnace Diagram is yours, Hero Mai. Unfortunately, the innate master refuses to appear in public. If you have the opportunity, please deliver it to him yourself."
Zhang Liangxi spoke with feeling, but his words were also a small probe.
A Fei, however, had no attention to spare for such subtleties. This was his first close look at the Mountain and River Immortal Furnace Diagram, and the peerless painting had already captivated him.
He even seemed to sense that the painting possessed unfathomable