Chapter 650 - 382: Opening the Door and Showing Sincerity (Part 2)

Hu Weidong continued, "Then it’s Wade, an Artifact Master against another Artifact Master."He Kao: "I don’t know much about Wade’s strength. Do you think Wade can win?"

Hu Weidong shook his head and said, "I’m afraid Wade won’t win..."

The sorcerers of the Micro Realm Sect are usually excellent craftsmen. High-tier Sorcerers excel at Artifact Refining, and their grasp and understanding of various Magical Treasures are much deeper, making them adept at using various treasures.

A duel between two Artifact Masters is not only a competition of one’s own cultivation and mana, but also a contest of the sect’s resources.

Wade has been promoted to an Artifact Master for about ten years and is one of the representative figures of the Supreme Council. But on the other hand, Kang Rulin has been a renowned expert for decades.

Since it is a private duel, and according to the Magic Sect’s regulations, Sect’s Sacred Artifacts cannot be taken out of the Sect Grotto Heaven unless under special necessary circumstances, Kang Rulin cannot use the Micro Realm Sect’s Sacred Artifact, the Law Breaking Cone.

However, with Kang Rulin’s status and background, it’s not difficult for him to privately borrow one or two other Divine Artifacts. The options are plentiful, and the Magic Sect’s foundation is definitely more profound than the Xiao Alliance’s.

In comparison on both sides, Wade’s chances of winning are indeed very slim, so Hu Weidong doesn’t have much hope for him.

He Kao also shook his head and said, "If someone else loses, they can explain it away by differing strengths in skills, but if an Artifact Master loses to another Artifact Master, it’s a clear failure.

It’s not worth doing this for the mere Stone Gang, and Arthur wouldn’t agree to let Wade the Great Elder take action. Senior Brother Hu, since we’re having an open exchange, let’s not beat around the bush."

Hu Weidong awkwardly smiled a bit and mused, "If the Xiao Alliance wants to win the duel, they could invite one person, the former Great Elder of the Supreme Council, Arthur’s master ancestor, Water."

The statement was accompanied by a Divine Thought, introducing Water’s identity.

About eighty years ago, Water advanced to Tier Six Cultivation, becoming a Great Elder of the Supreme Council. He held a seat in the Supreme Council for forty-nine years, becoming the de facto ruler of the Xiao Alliance.

In terms of heritage, Arthur is Water’s second-generation disciple, but Water practically raised him and considers Arthur as his most promising junior, having personally passed on his techniques.

Thirty years ago, Arthur broke through Tier Six Cultivation to become a Great Elder of the Supreme Council. Water, seizing the opportunity, announced his retirement to reclusive cultivation, seemingly emulating the Supreme Elders of the Magic Sect’s Hall of Sect Rules.

Though Water retired, for a considerable time, he remained the greatest support behind Arthur, clearing obstacles for Arthur to continue advancing reforms, transforming the Supreme Council into what it is today.

Today’s Arthur has already firmly established his position as the First Elder, while Water has not been heard from for a long time. If he were still alive, he should be over one hundred and ten years old.

According to Hu Weidong’s knowledge, Water is still alive and frequently meets with Arthur. It is rumored that his cultivation has broken through to an even higher realm... but he isn’t very sure about just how high.

In Hu Weidong’s perspective, if Arthur could persuade his master ancestor to act against Kang Rulin, it would be the most assured approach.

He Kao was also a bit surprised upon hearing this. That the Supreme Council had such a figure behind them was something he was previously unaware of. It was the first time he learned of this from Hu Weidong today, and he mentally noted it, planning to inform the Ancestral Hall later.

At the same time, he shook his head again, "The person Water that you mentioned might have assurance in dealing with Elder Kang Rulin, but he wouldn’t involve himself in matters like these."

Seeing Hu Weidong still in contemplation, He Kao asked another question, "Does the Supreme Council have an imperative reason to win? What if they lose, what loss would there be? This duel itself is absurd!"

Hu Weidong hadn’t been focusing on the Xiao Alliance’s intention to annex the Stone Gang or paid much attention to it. He was a bit put off by this approach but found no reason to oppose it, so maintained a detached stance.

After He Kao’s reminder, he re-analyzed the matter seriously—

As He Kao said, this so-called duel is indeed absurd and utterly nonsensical.

The disparity in strength between the Xiao Alliance and the Stone Gang is crushing; they have the complete ability to destroy the other side. But the Stone Gang has never sought to provoke the Xiao Alliance, only wishing to manage their own territory well.

Moreover, the Stone Gang wishes to establish a good relationship with the Xiao Alliance, ceasing proactive expansion in the Stone District. They’re willing to prioritize collaboration on profitable business channels with the Xiao Alliance’s forces.

However, the Xiao Alliance is not satisfied. Just then, disruptors appeared, specifically Kang Rulin and Wild Phoenix who had arrived in North America, and due to a series of incidents, Kang Rulin proposed the duel.

The Xiao Alliance found it hard to refuse because both parties have unique backgrounds as sorcerers.

Kang Rulin is undoubtedly a sufficiently distinguished opponent, but for this matter, it’s impossible to call upon Water who has been retired for thirty years. To put it bluntly—are the younger generation of experts all gone?

In fact, this duel itself is unfair. As He Kao said, it would be best if the Xiao Alliance wins, but losing actually entails no tangible loss, merely maintaining the status quo.

The one who truly cannot lose is precisely Kang Rulin.

For the Xiao Alliance, winning brings great benefits, but losing causes no substantial loss, only a loss of personal prestige for the one stepping forward. Therefore, who is to lose this duel becomes intriguing...

Suddenly realizing this, Hu Weidong squinted his eyes, looked up and said, "You mean... me?"

He Kao countered, "Think carefully, is there a more appropriate person than yourself for Arthur and the Supreme Council?"

Hu Weidong slightly opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.

If no one in the Xiao Alliance has assurance of winning, then they must ensure a reasonable defeat. Hu Weidong, newly advanced to Tier Six Alchemist and whose cultivation realm is still unstable, is bound to be no match for the renowned Kang Rulin.

But this would only be an explanation after the fact; no one would say this before the result of the duel is out.

Hu Weidong had just become a Great Elder and had previously been focused on cultivation, rarely involving himself in sect affairs, but in his position, he must fulfill his responsibilities. This is his chance to contribute to the Xiao Alliance, proving his strength and worth.

If all other Great Elders unanimously "nominate" him, he cannot refuse, otherwise, it would amount to a break with the Xiao Alliance. Even if as a Great Elder he holds a veto power, it cannot be used in such an occasion.

Better to lose than to falter.

Hu Weidong was still pondering when He Kao asked again, "Senior Brother, can you ensure victory against Elder Kang Rulin?"

Hu Weidong shook his head helplessly, "I should not be an opponent."

Though not having faced him directly, Hu Wei himself acknowledges it would be extremely difficult to defeat Kang Rulin in a direct duel. If lost, in the eyes of the ordinary Xiao Alliance disciples, unaware of the truth, his prestige would be greatly diminished.

Some things seem intangible, but once lost, the potential influence should not be underestimated.

What made Hu Weidong even more uneasy was that even if by some fluke he won the duel, he would offend many, potentially becoming a "public enemy" in the eyes of the Magic Sect’s disciples.

Would he then still be able to collaborate with the Magic Sect... Yes, he is currently in collaboration with them!

At this thought, Hu Weidong noticed He Kao’s expression seemed to be smiling and immediately bowed deeply, "Since we are meeting candidly today, if things are truly as they seem, Junior Brother Huo Qing, what should I do?"

**