"Don't worry about that for now. I'm only asking you one thing: do you want your Red Flame Dragon Fruit back or not!"
The question made Wang Kaitai's heart race, but the thought of his future prospects made him steel his resolve.
A mere Gang Transformation Pill, though incredibly precious, was nothing compared to his future.
He had to turn things around here, no matter the cost.
"Re-really... In that case, Brother Wang, are you confident you can do it?"
'Confidence?'
Wang Kaitai shot Ye Chenghao a dark look. Seeing his panicked expression, Wang Kaitai's heart hardened.
"Yes, of course I am. In a moment, I'll compete with him using Second-level Spirit Medicine. Think about it. A guy who isn't even a Martial Artist might be able to identify First-Level Spirit Medicine by reading some books, but what about Second-level Spirit Medicine? How many has he actually handled? Has he seen as many as I have?"
As soon as he said this, Ye Chenghao's worries vanished.
He had always felt that a piece of trash like Yang Xiao couldn't possibly be stronger than Wang Kaitai.
Now that Wang Kaitai's explanation made so much sense, of course he believed him.
"Fine, but if you win, you have to give me back the Red Flame Dragon Fruit!"
Wang Kaitai nodded. "That's a given. Don't worry."
Having placated Ye Chenghao, Wang Kaitai breathed a sigh of relief.
If the boy had thrown a fit, it would have been difficult for him to use the Gang Transformation Pill as a stake. After all, the Pill technically belonged to Ye Chenghao's father. But now, with Ye Chenghao's approval, it was all perfectly justifiable.
"So, do you see now? This Gang Transformation Pill is incredibly precious. It's more than enough to bet against that little pile of things you have. Well, Yang Xiao, do you dare?" Ye Chenghao demanded aggressively.
"Since you've been so sincere, I suppose I'll reluctantly agree. Go on, how do you want to play this round?"
Yang Xiao said nonchalantly.
But his words made many people in the crowd want to spit blood.
The Gang Transformation Pill was a Fourth-Level Upper Grade Pill, worth at least ten times as much as a Kunling Pill. If traded for Spirit Medicine, it could fetch one or two stalks of Fifth-level Spirit Medicine, or even more of the Fourth-Level ones—at least seventeen or eighteen stalks.
By this comparison, the things Yang Xiao held weren't even worth one-eighth of the Pill's value.
And yet he had the nerve to say he was 'reluctantly' agreeing.
He was really pushing his luck after getting such a good deal.
However, since the parties involved weren't complaining, the onlookers, though envious, couldn't say anything. They might as well see what kind of bet Wang Kaitai—who had already lost once so bizarrely—would propose.
"We'll still bet on identifying Spirit Medicine. But this time, we won't be betting on First-Level Spirit Medicine, but Second-level Spirit Medicine! A-and it will be a best-of-three! Well? Do you dare?"
Wang Kaitai had originally wanted to settle it in one round, but seeing Yang Xiao's maddeningly composed expression, he couldn't help but feel a little unnerved, so he changed it to a best-of-three.
This time, however, Yang Xiao refused. "You have one Pill and you want to play a best-of-three with me?
No way. This young master will play one round with you. Of course, if you can put up more things to bet, playing another round isn't out of the question. But that Pill of yours is only worth one round."
"You!"
Wang Kaitai was about to explode with rage.
But seeing Yang Xiao's take-it-or-leave-it expression, he could only say, "Fine! One round it is!"
Their decision sent another wave of excitement through Juhua Studio.
Some people were still confused about the first round.
They couldn't understand why the one who scored nine points had won against the one who scored ten.
Now that the two were about to bet again, everyone naturally wanted to see the outcome.
Besides, because Yang Xiao had won a round and received such high praise, no one's opinion was one-sided anymore. They all felt this was getting very interesting.
It felt like the two were evenly matched.
This was the kind of contest people most looked forward to.
"I'll go first this time!"
With the bet reset, Wang Kaitai was the first to approach Steward Cao.
He wanted to seize the initiative.
At the same time, he didn't want to face the onlookers, as he felt humiliated.
Yang Xiao had no opinion on the order.
He let Wang Kaitai go first.
In just a short while, Wang Kaitai returned to the main hall, looking smug and satisfied.
It was Yang Xiao's turn to choose.
He went to the same storeroom, but this time to a deeper section where all the Second-level Spirit Medicine was kept.
"There were originally sixty-three types of Spirit Medicine here, totaling three hundred and seventy-six stalks. Two stalks were just taken, so now there are only sixty-two types and three hundred and seventy-four stalks left."
Steward Cao said calmly.
Yang Xiao's brows furrowed slightly.
Soon after, he smiled at Steward Cao. "Many thanks, Steward Cao."
This time, however, Steward Cao said nothing, as if he wasn't the one who had just given Yang Xiao a hint.
And with his hint, Yang Xiao subconsciously noted the empty Spirit Medicine slot and memorized the name of that Spirit Medicine. What he lacked most was knowledge of Spirit Medicine names.
He didn't need to worry about anything else.
Since the medicinal properties of Second-level Spirit Medicine were purer, it was even easier for Yang Xiao to identify them. He easily looked over all sixty-two remaining types of Spirit Medicine.
Then, he picked up two stalks of the same type of Second-level Spirit Medicine and compared them.
The comparison made him smile.
'No wonder Wang Kaitai is so confident. It turns out that at the level of Second-level Spirit Medicine, even for the same type, the greater span in age causes slight variations in medicinal properties. For an ordinary person, this slight change might not mean much, but for a Pharmacist, the smallest deviation can lead to a world of difference. If I were really just relying on rote memorization from books, I would definitely lose to him!'
Yang Xiao smiled faintly, having made his choice. He casually picked a stalk of Spirit Medicine and walked out of the storeroom.
When Steward Cao saw the Spirit Medicine Yang Xiao had chosen, he couldn't help but be taken aback.
But he immediately understood something.
'This Yang Xiao... he seems easygoing and indifferent, but he's actually a very proud person. I just gave him a hint, and now he's using this method to pay it back. Honestly...'
Steward Cao felt a bit helpless.
Because Yang Xiao had chosen one of the most common types of Second-level Spirit Medicine.
This meant it would be the easiest to identify.
Of course, a deep analysis of its medicinal properties still required true skill. Just now, with his guidance, Yang Xiao had narrowed down the range of possible Spirit Medicines from sixty-three types to two.
But now, he was using this method to lower the difficulty for his opponent.
It was clear this young man was unbelievably proud.
So proud that it made Steward Cao feel helpless, but at the same time, he found it somewhat endearing.
'In any case, his life is safe this time. It doesn't matter if he loses. In fact, winning would only bring him endless trouble.'
With a sigh, Steward Cao also left the storeroom.
Juhua Studio Main Hall.
The two chosen Spirit Medicine Blocks were brought out once again.