Halfway through the banquet, Zhao Mai, seated at the head of the hall, raised a hand for silence.
The noisy hall quickly fell quiet.
"Lu Ren, you took first place in the Artifact Forging Competition. Tell me what reward you want. As long as it doesn't go against the Zhao family's principles, we can grant it!"
Zhao Mai spoke.
Everyone turned to Lu Ren, eager to know what reward he wanted from the Immortal Ancient Zhao Family.
Lu Ren cupped his fists. "Senior Zhao Mai, I'd like to make my request in private."
"Oh? In private? Aren't you afraid I'll go back on my word?"
Zhao Mai looked taken aback.
"I trust your character, Senior!"
Lu Ren smiled.
"Hahaha! Good. We'll talk after the banquet!"
Laughing, Zhao Mai raised his cup again. "Come, come, drink!"
The banquet lasted a full six hours. After the various clans had left, Lu Ren followed Zhao Mai into a reception room.
"Lu Ren, tell me what you want."
Zhao Mai got straight to the point.
He was curious what Lu Ren wanted badly enough to ask for it in private.
If Lu Ren had made a reasonable request before everyone, Zhao Mai would have had little choice but to agree. In private, he could refuse outright.
"I want a fragment of an Ultimate Dao Immortal Weapon. Does the Immortal Ancient Zhao Family have one?"
Lu Ren asked.
"A fragment of an Ultimate Dao Immortal Weapon?"
Zhao Mai was startled. "What do you need it for?"
"I have my reasons."
Lu Ren kept his tone mild.
"The Zhao family does have a fragment. Since you want it, I'll give it to you. But I must warn you: do not try to melt it down. You cannot bear the consequences!"
Zhao Mai spoke gravely.
Even Shattered