DEMON EMPEROR

CHAPTER 17 BAO XI FALLS INTO THE TRAP

“Old Man Bao, my mind is truly a mess right now because of some sect problems. I'd bet that Bel'er alone could defeat you.” Jiang Ji said, massaging his forehead theatrically.

“Hmm, it seems your loss this time truly stems from a problem in your head,” Bao Xi shook his head.

“Old Man Bao! Do you dare to bet? If you don't dare to bet, I'll count it as one win for me, making your lead only two wins against me.” Jiang Ji smirked at Bao Xi, then pulled out a red bottle containing the blood of a Level 9 Spirit Beast. “I'll bet the blood of a Level 9 Spirit Beast python.”

“A bet?” Bao Xi sensed Jiang Ji was just trying to mess with his head and break his winning streak.

“Fine, if you dare to bet, why shouldn't I?” Bao Xi then pulled something from his robe. “A Silver Jade Pill. Its value is no less than your python blood, is it?”

Jiang Ji nodded, satisfied. While Python Blood had the effect of strengthening a martial artist's bones and blood, the Silver Jade Pill could cure 100 types of poisons when used as an antidote, or it could increase a person's inner energy by three to five circles.

“Agreed!” Jiang Ji then pulled Ba Bel closer and whispered, “Bel'er, you must win this match. I'll give you a prize if you do!” Jiang Ji coaxed and motivated Ba Bel.

Ba Bel scratched his cheek, not having anticipated being involved in such a situation. After all, Jiang Ji was the Sect Leader of the sect Ba Bel belonged to, so he was obligated to obey his commands in the current circumstances. One could say it was Ba Bel's duty to follow the orders of the Heaven and Earth Sword Sect Leader.

“I won't toy with a child like you; I'll give you five points!” Bao Xi felt it was impossible for Ba Bel to win against him. In fact, playing chess with Ba Bel was already beneath his dignity, which was why Bao Xi felt it necessary to concede five points to Ba Bel.

Jiang Ji cheered inwardly. Previously, when he had conceded just three points, Ba Bel had managed to defeat him without a fight. Jiang Ji could already envision the Silver Jade Pill in his grasp.

Sure enough, within ten minutes, Bao Xi's face was covered in cold sweat after witnessing Ba Bel's chess skills. Bao Xi could only stare at Jiang Ji and curse loudly in his heart, "Damn it! This old fox trapped me!" Bao Xi thought furiously.

Bao Xi couldn't place his piece for two minutes, indicating he had no more moves. Jiang Ji, with a wide grin, extended his hand, asking for the winnings of the bet.

“Wait a minute!” Bao Xi tried to make excuses, realizing he had been defeated by Ba Bel.

“What? Don't tell me you want to go back on your word?” Jiang Ji raised both eyebrows.

“Old Man! You clearly set me up. If you want to show off that the Heaven and Earth Sword Sect has talented disciples, this isn't the way to do it.” Bao Xi said, clenching his teeth.

The two began to argue while Ba Bel cleared the chessboard in front of him. He was actually a little surprised because Bao Xi and Jiang Ji were, in fact, so different from the stories he had heard in his previous life.

One thing was for sure: Ba Bel could see that they were close friends in their own way.

“Old Man, let's bet again!” This time, Bao Xi pulled out a small bottle. “Ten grams of civet coffee powder, filtered and extracted from the droppings of a Level 8 Spirit Beast, which I've processed with various medicinal plants!”

Jiang Ji's eyes widened. Ba Bel also immediately looked at the bottle in Bao Xi's hand. The processed Civet Coffee was a highly valuable type of coffee, effective in making the drinker's mind much clearer, thus enabling them to learn any knowledge quickly. Although the people of the Shu Empire were not coffee drinkers, for a martial artist like Jiang Ji, this processed Civet Coffee was more delicious than any tea in the Shu Empire.

Jiang Ji, who was facing a deadlock while delving into one of the arts he was studying, naturally craved that Civet Coffee. Ten grams of Civet Coffee, processed by a martial artist who was also an alchemist like Bao Xi, was certainly invaluable to a martial artist like Jiang Ji. Because 10 grams of processed Civet Coffee was so expensive and precious, Jiang Ji had to bet with both the Silver Jade Pill and Python Blood.

Ba Bel let out a soft sigh. He hadn't expected to be involved in a bet this serious. Ba Bel suddenly felt a burden on his shoulders, knowing that regardless of who won or lost, someone might be offended by his actions.

Bao Xi no longer underestimated Ba Bel. He suggested playing fairly and used all his skills from the start. Ba Bel could feel that Bao Xi's level of concentration in the second game was truly different.

No one spoke throughout the game; they even breathed slowly. Jiang Ji, the sole spectator, also became tense watching each move made by both Ba Bel and Bao Xi.

Ba Bel realized that although the Python Blood, Silver Jade Pill, and 10 grams of processed Civet Coffee were not critically important resources for martial artists who had reached the King Martial Artist level, like Jiang Ji and Bao Xi, the real wager they were fighting for was their respective pride.

The longer the game went on, the more time Bao Xi needed to place his pieces; at least five minutes for each move. As the fourth hour began, Bao Xi let out a long sigh, raised both hands, and surrendered.

In the end, despite using all his abilities from the start of the match, Bao Xi still couldn't defeat Ba Bel, but Ba Bel himself didn't achieve an easy victory.

Ba Bel's head also ached, and his concentration was completely drained. Bao Xi inherently had a greater mastery of chess techniques than Jiang Ji, making him a much harder opponent for Ba Bel to face.

Jiang Ji grinned so widely it could be said it was one of the broadest smiles that had ever graced his face. In contrast, Bao Xi's expression was one of deep vexation, his pride wounded, especially after hearing from Jiang Ji that Ba Bel was only six years old.

“Senior, it's getting dark. I should take my leave.” Although he had only played two games, the second match with Bao Xi had lasted an incredibly long time.

Jiang Ji held Ba Bel back, as he hadn't yet given Ba Bel the prize for helping him win two bets. However, Ba Bel refused to accept the prize. He could guess that Jiang Ji intended to groom him as a disciple, but in Ba Bel's heart, Wong An alone was his master, so he had no interest in being under Jiang Ji's tutelage. Moreover, he already had a master whose rank was higher than Jiang Ji's—his own self from his first life, who had reached the Emperor level and stood at the pinnacle of the martial arts world in the Shu Empire.

Jiang Ji's expression turned grim upon learning of Ba Bel's refusal, while Bao Xi's eyes suddenly lit up as he looked at Ba Bel.