Chapter 5

After dinner, the children sat together on the grass bedding, their eyes fixed intently on the storage pouch Feng Yan had taken out. They hoped it contained all kinds of divine weapons, immortal artifacts, miraculous pills, and precious medicines that would help them overcome their difficulties and successfully reach the Qiongxian Sect.

The first things Feng Yan took out were the guide tokens. With over a hundred tokens piled together, it was difficult to distinguish one from another.

Fortunately, each guide token bore a special mark and a name engraved by an immortal using spiritual energy. They only needed to find the ones bearing their own names.

Feng Yan examined the tokens one by one, handing each one to the person whose name appeared on it. Qin Ming sat to the side, feeling increasingly nervous, his back drenched in sweat.

He had completely overlooked the guide tokens! Worse still, he hadn’t expected them to have the names of the children with spiritual roots engraved on them.

He had no idea what name Gou’er had registered under. If it was simply Gou’er, he might still be able to bluff his way through. But what if it was another name?

Qin Ming inwardly cried out in alarm, growing more anxious by the moment.

He’d tried to be clever, only to outsmart himself and make matters worse!

He shrank into a corner without saying a word, watching the other children come forward to claim their tokens one after another. Once everyone else had received theirs, he looked nervously at Feng Yan, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Feng Yan held a guide token between his fingers, rubbing his thumb back and forth across the patterns engraved on its surface. After a long while, just as Qin Ming was about to have a heart attack from fright, he finally handed the token to him.

“Yours.”

Qin Ming swallowed nervously and accepted the guide token with his cold little hands. He quickly examined the writing on it, but when he saw the strange pattern on the back, he froze.

The pattern looked somewhat like writing, yet not quite. He couldn’t recognize it at all.

He secretly glanced at Feng Yan. Seeing that his expression was perfectly normal, with nothing unusual about it, Qin Ming quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed there was no problem. Thank goodness, thank goodness. He’d nearly wet himself from fright.

Pretending nothing had happened, he tried to slip the token into his pocket. After feeling around his waist a couple of times, he finally remembered that he was wearing ancient-style clothing, which had no pockets.

People in ancient times seemed to like tucking things inside their robes.

He pulled open the front of his robe and looked inside, only to discover that there was no inner pocket either. After hesitating for a moment, he stuffed the token into his robe anyway.

“What is it?” Feng Yan asked, turning his head toward Qin Ming.

“Uh?” Qin Ming froze mid-movement and awkwardly withdrew his hand from his robe.

Seeing the guide token in Qin Ming’s hand, Feng Yan opened his palm. A token suddenly appeared in his previously empty hand, only to disappear again a moment later.

Qin Ming’s eyes widened.

How had he done that?

When everyone was receiving their guide tokens, he’d been so anxious about being exposed that he’d apparently overlooked something.

“…Your Highness… this…” Qin Ming held the guide token and blinked at Feng Yan.

“Recite the incantation.”

Feng Yan uttered four words that weren’t in the continent’s common language. Qin Ming repeated them after him and was astonished to discover that the guide token sank into his palm and vanished. When he recited the incantation again, it reappeared.

So that was how it worked!

He pressed his palm excitedly. He’d finally experienced the magic of the cultivation world firsthand. How amazing!

Feng Yan collected the remaining guide tokens and returned them to the storage pouch. Then he addressed everyone solemnly. “These guide tokens were issued by the immortal to verify our identities before we enter the sect. Our future is uncertain, so everyone must remember not to lose them.”

The others nodded in agreement. These tokens were proof of their identities, so naturally, they couldn’t afford to lose them.

Feng Yan took the remaining items from the storage pouch: a bottle of Fasting Pills, three low-grade treasures, and five sets of clothing.

Children weren’t particularly good at hiding their emotions. Several gasped in admiration and leaned forward to touch the items, only for an older boy nearby to suddenly slap away one of the small, tender hands reaching toward them.

Bian Li winced in pain. His face flushed red as he glared at Zhang Chao with an aggrieved expression.

Zhang Chao remained expressionless, showing no sign that he thought there was anything wrong with hitting someone.

Feng Yan laid out the Fasting Pills, treasures, and magical robes before everyone, one by one. “We’re currently in the forest. As long as we can find food, we won’t use the Fasting Pills for the time being. The other items will be distributed according to need.”

According to need?

Qin Ming looked at the perfectly composed prince in confusion. Hadn’t he noticed the longing in everyone else’s eyes?

A group of children were trapped in a dangerous place, where they might encounter ferocious beasts, terrifying Giant Ghosts, demons, and monsters at any moment. Without weapons or protective equipment, they would have no choice but to wait for death.

There were thirteen people and only eight items. No matter how they divided them, an equal distribution was impossible.

But distributing them according to need was even less appropriate.

Everyone needed something. Wouldn’t they end up fighting over the items?

“I already have a sword,” Lin Lin suddenly said. His gaze had remained fixed on the iron sword, which was clearly no ordinary weapon. Yet he restrained himself and resolutely withdrew from the competition.

The longsword on his back was named Jinghong. It was a fine, sharp weapon that stolen content his father had commissioned a skilled craftsman to forge.

Lin Lin treasured Jinghong immensely and couldn’t bear to see it suffer the slightest mistreatment. Today, however, he’d been forced to use it to kill pheasants and rabbits for their survival. Afterward, he’d washed it repeatedly and even torn a corner from his robe to wipe the blade over and over, his face full of distress.

Qin Ming couldn’t help looking at Lin Lin with admiration. As expected of the son of the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, he was strong-willed and upright.

“I know swordsmanship. I want the sword,” Rong Niefeng said next, afraid that if he spoke too slowly, His Highness the Prince would claim it first.

Once someone had taken the lead, the others could no longer restrain themselves. They all began talking at once, voicing their own desires.

“I want a magical robe!”

“I want that beautiful fan.”

“I want a magical robe too.”

“I want the bells. I can hang them from my waist as decorations.”

“There are only five magical robes. That’s not enough for everyone!”

“These robes are all so big. Zikui can’t wear them.”

Qin Ming felt helpless.

Just as he’d expected, children were straightforward when it came to fighting for their own interests. Feng Yan’s idea of distributing the items according to need simply wouldn’t work. Not only would it fail, but it could also damage their relationships.

“Stop arguing! Stop arguing!” Qin Ming couldn’t help shouting.

His shout stunned everyone. More than a dozen pairs of eyes turned toward him, their gazes so cold that he felt a chill.

Cold sweat broke out on Qin Ming’s forehead. Under the pressure of everyone’s scrutiny, he cautiously voiced his suggestion.

“I think… we should settle it with rock-paper-scissors. Whoever wins gets the item,” he said.

“What is rock-paper-scissors?” Feng Yan asked. He seemed completely unaffected by the earlier commotion and remained as calm and composed as ever.

Being stared at by those dark phoenix-shaped eyes almost made Qin Ming lose his nerve. But since he’d already spoken, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue. “Rock, paper, scissors. Do you know how to play?”

Everyone looked confused.

Qin Ming decided he had nothing left to lose. Ignoring Feng Yan’s probing gaze, he extended his right hand and demonstrated the different gestures. “Rock crushes scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. The winner gets to choose a treasure first.”

After listening to Qin Ming’s explanation, everyone exchanged glances and discussed it briefly. Surprisingly, they all thought it was an excellent method.

Excluding Lin Lin, exactly twelve people remained. They would compete in pairs, leaving six winners. Those six would compete in pairs again, leaving three. The remaining three would simultaneously show either [bailiantales.com]the palm or back of their hands. Whoever showed a different side from the other two would be eliminated. The final two would then play rock-paper-scissors to determine first and second place. The top two would have priority in choosing their magical treasures. The remaining contestants would repeat the process until eight winners had been determined.

Everyone would have several chances. Even if someone lost and was eliminated without receiving anything, they wouldn’t be allowed to complain. They could only blame their own bad luck.

After Qin Ming finished explaining, all the children unanimously agreed, raising no objections.

Once the game began, the children immediately found opponents.

Everyone else had already paired up, leaving Qin Ming with no choice but to face the prince beside him.

His Highness the Prince’s eyes were clear and bright. Qin Ming steeled himself and extended his hand. “…Come on! Rock, paper—scissors!”

“…”

Qin Ming’s index and middle fingers twitched twice. His scissors met Feng Yan’s rock, and he lost.

He awkwardly withdrew his hand.

Damn it! He couldn’t see Feng Yan’s movements at all. This prince was a sly one who kept everything hidden!

Before long, the first round produced its winners.

Unsurprisingly, first place went ​unauthorized copy​to the noble Prince Feng Yan, while second place went to Rong Niefeng, the gloomy-faced young master of a prestigious clan.

When it came time to choose their treasures, Rong Niefeng stared intently at Feng Yan’s movements, terrified that he would take the sword. When Feng Yan’s hand hovered above it, Rong Niefeng’s breathing quickened. If Long Mu hadn’t tugged him back, he probably would have lunged forward.

Feng Yan’s hand passed over the sword, and he picked up a magical robe with defensive properties instead.

The robe was pale ivory, exquisitely made, and fashioned from smooth, silky fabric. Faint talismanic patterns were embroidered across its surface. It was precisely these patterns that gave the robe its defensive abilities.

Feng Yan didn’t immediately put on the magical robe. Instead, he handed it to Qin Ming, returned to his seat, and sat there without moving.

Qin Ming held the robe in confusion. Assuming Feng Yan wanted him to help him dress, he shook out the garment and prepared to assist the young prince.

Unexpectedly, the prince waved his hand in refusal. Yet he didn’t explain what he wanted, leaving Qin Ming sitting beside him with the robe in his hands, utterly bewildered.

Rong Niefeng swiftly snatched up the sword and happily cradled it in his arms.

Li Piaomiao gave a cold snort, clearly looking down on his behavior.

Having obtained the sword, Rong Niefeng was delighted, so he didn’t bother arguing with her.

The second round ended quickly, and the winners turned out to be Huang Zikui and Jin Xiaochi.

Huang Zikui happily chose a beautiful magical robe, while Jin Xiaochi selected the fan.

Only one treasure and three sets of robes remained. The others wore solemn expressions, and the third round of rock-paper-scissors was filled with a palpable sense of hostility.

Having lost two rounds in a row, Qin Ming was growing anxious.

To tell the truth, without anything to defend himself with, his frail little body would probably have a difficult time surviving in the wilderness.

In the third round, he faced Tang Xiao. Having already gained experience from the previous two rounds, Tang Xiao gave Qin Ming no chance at all. His paper beat Qin Ming’s rock, securing an easy victory.

Qin Ming was thoroughly depressed.

He was clearly a veteran at rock-paper-scissors, so why was his luck so terrible? Why did he keep losing?

He’d lost to that little girl Long Mu in the second round, and now he’d lost to the little brat Tang Xiao in the third. His luck was truly rotten.

Seeing him hang his head, Feng Yan suddenly patted his shoulder.

Comforted, Qin Ming sat beside him and resolved to turn things around in the final round.

The winners of the third round were Long Mu and Li Piaomiao.

The two girls tacitly chose the magical robes, [stolen content]completely ignoring the seemingly useless pair of bells.

The competition in the fourth round was exceptionally fierce. With six people remaining, they would first compete in pairs, then the three winners would face off in one final match to determine the result.

Qin Ming’s luck really had gone to the dogs. Even when facing Bian Li, who was only nine years old, he still lost!

He lost!

Qin Ming held up his clenched fist, on the verge of tears, and watched the little brat happily join the other two contestants for the three-person showdown.

The atmosphere during the final round was extremely tense. Han Ting showed her palm, while Bian Li and Tang Xiao both showed the backs of their hands. Han Ting was eliminated.

After being eliminated, the little girl silently began to cry, but no one stepped forward to comfort her.

Since Bian Li and Tang Xiao had already secured the final two places, there was no suspense left regarding the distribution. In the last game of rock-paper-scissors, Bian Li won. He chose the bells and left the magical robe for Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao gave him a grateful smile and took the robe.

Qin Ming crouched on the ground in frustration, drawing circles in the dirt.

The four people who hadn’t managed to obtain any treasures were all village children. As for the odds of that happening, well, it was hard to say.

Those who had received magical robes immediately put them on.

The robes were peculiar. Although they were clearly sized for adults, once the children put them on, they actually shrank to fit their bodies perfectly.

Qin Ming secretly marveled at this and hurriedly handed the robe he was holding back to Feng Yan.

“Your Highness, please put this on quickly.”

Feng Yan accepted the robe, only to drape it over Qin Ming instead.

Qin Ming was shocked. “Th-this won’t do!”

He was currently following Gou’er’s role and pretending to be a loyal servant. How could a “servant” steal his master’s “spoils of victory”?

A bet was a bet, and a loss was a loss.

No matter how desperate he was, he wouldn’t fight over a piece of clothing with someone younger than himself.

Qin Ming refused adamantly, determined not to accept it. Feng Yan, however, displayed a rare moment of forcefulness. With just one sentence, he made Qin Ming afraid to move.

“If you die an early death, who will serve this prince?”

Qin Ming: …

Could he speak like a normal person?

No matter what, he shouldn’t go around cursing people to die young!

Qin Ming grew rather irritated. His expression darkened, and he boldly glared straight at Feng Yan.

“A life-saving debt should be repaid by offering yourself in marriage,” Feng Yan added casually.

Qin Ming stood there dumbfounded, his body stiff as a wooden puppet as he allowed Feng Yan to do as he pleased and dress him in the miraculous magical robe.

After he’d fallen from the treasure ship, it was His Highness the Prince who had carried him to safety, preventing him from being devoured by the Giant Ghosts.

But the person Feng Yan had saved was Gou’er, not him.

“Don’t be afraid.” Feng Yan gently stroked his head.

Afraid?

No!

He was just a little shocked.

Offer himself in marriage?

He wasn’t some little girl! What the hell was he supposed to offer himself for?

Qin Ming grumbled inwardly, secretly thinking that there was something seriously wrong with the way this prince’s mind worked.

A cultivator’s clothing not only provided protection but also kept the wearer warm and shielded them from the cold. It felt incredibly comfortable against his skin.

Touching the smooth, silky fabric of the robe, Qin Ming lowered his head and remained silent.

The thoughts of this young prince were utterly impossible to fathom.