The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3 - 2: Losing as Much as Gaining_1

Prior to his reincarnation, Yang Chen was unable to tread the King's path through martial arts cultivation, yet he found his calling in nurturing geniuses. Beyond his renown as a legendary prodigy in the Way of Alchemy, he also bore the title 'Bo Le'—a testament to his keen eye for talent.

This reflected his deep-seated passion for the martial path.

Now that the opportunity to cultivate martial arts had finally arrived, it represented a beacon of hope in what had once been a bleak existence.

Organizing his memories, Yang Chen began drafting a strategy for his future cultivation. He was acutely aware that haste would lead to ruin; his current reputation was still that of the Yang family’s useless waste—a boy so fragile he had recently attempted to hang himself.

As his mind whirred with possibilities, Yang Chen straightened his attire and rose from his bed. Pushing the door open, he called out, "Mingyue, accompany me for a walk. I need to clear my head!"

"Young Master, you... you want to clear your head?" Gu Mingyue stood by the door, her eyes widening in surprise as she watched him emerge. A sudden sense of helplessness washed over her. Her young master was notoriously lazy; surely this 'walk' was just another excuse to avoid his responsibilities?

"Indeed, just a stroll," Yang Chen replied, stepping out ahead of her.

He understood that in his current role as a common young master of the Yang Family—one of the Hundred Clans—he needed to gather more intelligence regarding their situation.

Gu Mingyue had no choice but to follow in his wake. Her clear, crystalline eyes watched his back with a blend of pity and resignation. She was well aware that her destiny was to become Yang Chen’s concubine, a fate she had accepted long ago. She harbored no resentment about being tied to a weak failure like him.

Her sole desire was that after their marriage, she might inspire him to change his ways and abandon his idle, decadent lifestyle.

Yet, she doubted her own ability to spark such a transformation, leaving her heart heavy with a faint melancholy.

Yang Chen, ever observant of human emotion, noticed the sadness etched onto Gu Mingyue’s face. He smiled inwardly, wondering about her private thoughts. At only fifteen, the girl already possessed the blossoming beauty and graceful figure that made her a target of envy within the Yang family.

As they walked, a group of individuals suddenly blocked their path.

"Well now, I wondered who it was. Yang Chen, I heard you gambled away most of your sister’s fortune and were so mortified you tried to hang yourself. It seemed so out of character that I had to see for myself; I didn't think a pathetic waste like you had the guts to end it all. And look at that—I was right. Suicide? Haha, you haven't got the nerve."

Hearing the mocking tone, Yang Chen looked directly at the speaker and searched his memory.

The youth standing before him was roughly his own age, around twelve or thirteen years old.

In the world of cultivation, fourteen was the threshold of adulthood. At thirteen, they were already considered nearly grown.

The boy was sharply dressed and handsome, clearly a high-ranking scion of the clan. Yang Chen identified him as Yang Heng, the second son of Elder Yang Zheng. He was a practitioner of both alchemy and martial arts, widely regarded as a talent among the younger generation.

Sifting through his memories, Yang Chen realized the truth. Yang Heng frequently targeted 'Yang Chen,' but the real motivation was the maid, Gu Mingyue.

Yang Heng was infatuated with her beauty and had repeatedly tried to win her over, only to be met with constant rejection. This spurned affection fueled his desire to humiliate Yang Chen at every turn. In fact, it was Yang Heng’s relentless goading that had driven the original Yang Chen to the brink of suicide.

Yang Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly at this realization.

For a clansman to treat his own kinsman so wretchedly over a mere maid filled Yang Chen with disdain. He had no respect for such a person.

Still, he wasn't looking for a confrontation just yet. Glancing at Yang Heng, he said indifferently, "Mingyue, let’s move on."

"Yes, Young Master!" Gu Mingyue answered dutifully.

Seeing her obey Yang Chen so submissively made Yang Heng’s blood boil. Gritting his teeth, he snarled, "Mingyue, why are you so stubborn? What future is there in serving this Yang Chen? He is a failure who has been cast aside by the family. You will only know suffering by his side. You should follow me instead. With my potential, I will surely dominate the Land of Hundreds of Clans. Think carefully!"

At these words, Yang Chen stopped and looked at Gu Mingyue.

He was genuinely curious about her response. Logically, anyone would be swayed by Yang Heng’s offer. What prospects did a servant have with a master as disgraced as he was?

To his amazement, Gu Mingyue didn't hesitate. Biting her lip, she declared firmly, "Yang Heng, I acknowledge only Young Master Yang Chen. I have turned you down many times and my answer remains the same. Even if life is hard with the Young Master, I choose to stay. Stop harassing me!"

Yang Chen felt a spark of intrigue.

His inherited memories held no specific details regarding Gu Mingyue’s true background.

Her defiance sent Yang Heng into a rage. Seeing her remain unmoved, he barked, "Fine! Fine! Gu Mingyue, you really don't know what’s good for you, do you?"

"And what do you intend to do about it?" Yang Chen stepped forward, pulling Gu Mingyue behind him. This protective gesture caused her to tremble, stunned by the unexpected move.

When had her master become so courageous? Usually, Yang Chen was the first to cower when faced with hostility.

Yang Heng and his followers were equally shocked by this display of backbone. Yang Heng let out a bitter laugh, "What’s this? Yang Chen, have you finally grown a spine? I won't bully you with martial arts; you wouldn't last a second against me. All you have is alchemy. But your 'talent' there—haha—is it even worth mentioning? When you faced the Wang family, you ruined a furnace of rare herbs and failed to produce a single pill, bringing shame to the Yang name. Tell me, what are you actually good for?"

Throughout his previous life, Yang Chen had faced many challenges, but this was the first time someone had the audacity to insult his alchemy.

He rubbed his chin with an amused glint in his eye. "Since you claim my alchemy is so poor, I’m rather curious to see yours."

"Young Master, please... let’s not argue. Let’s just leave," Gu Mingyue pleaded, tugging at his sleeve. She was terrified that this would end in another disaster for him.

The last time Yang Chen had been goaded by the Wang family, his impulsive anger had led to a humiliating defeat.

Noticing her anxiety, Yang Heng became even more aggressive. "What? You want to challenge me? Yang Chen, if you have any pride left, then compete. Otherwise, get out of my sight."

"Hahahaha!"

"He actually wants to challenge Young Master Heng? Does he not know the Young Master is a Tier 1 Middle-Stage Alchemy Master?"

The servants behind Yang Heng erupted in mocking laughter.

Unfazed, Yang Chen spoke calmly, "If you’re game, I don't mind testing my skills against yours!"

Pills were categorized into nine grades, each with four sub-stages: low, middle, high, and perfect. For his age, Yang Heng’s Tier 1 Middle-Stage status was impressive to commoners. To the former Yang Chen, however, such a level wasn't even worthy of a lowly apprentice.

Yang Heng sneered at the challenge. "Are you certain? Don't come crying to me when you lose."

"Young Master, please..." Gu Mingyue was frantic, unsure of how to stop the impending collision.

Yang Chen dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand. "A simple contest is dull—nothing but a fight for ego. If we’re doing this, let’s make it interesting. I have no interest in a match without stakes. If we bet, let’s bet big."

Yang Heng laughed as if he’d heard the world's best joke. "A bet? Yang Chen, didn't you lose almost everything your sister owned to the Wang family? Are you so eager to throw away whatever little she has left?"

"I’m only asking if you have the courage to wager," Yang Chen’s face darkened, feigning a look of desperate rage. "Without a bet, this is a waste of my time."

Seeing Yang Chen’s 'angry' state, Yang Heng smirked. "How much are we talking about?"

"300 Spirit Stones!" Yang Chen declared instantly.

"300 Spirit Stones..." Gu Mingyue’s face went ghostly white.

That was the exact amount he had lost to the Wang family, which had decimated Yang Caidie’s savings. Another loss of this magnitude would leave his sister with absolutely nothing after years of hard work.

Even Yang Heng was taken aback; 300 Spirit Stones was a significant sum.

Spirit Stones were the primary currency of the continent, essential for both trade and cultivation.

To Yang Heng, losing such an amount would be devastating.

However, recalling Yang Chen’s pathetic history with alchemy, a cruel smile touched his lips. He mocked, "Why not? 300 Spirit Stones it is. I just hope you’re prepared to lose your sister’s last penny. Even she might stop doting on you after this."

It was a massive sum, but he was certain there was no way he could lose to a failure like Yang Chen.

"Hmph, my family matters are none of your concern. Since the bet is on, let’s finalize the terms," Yang Chen said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Yang Heng had no idea that the boy standing before him was no longer the same person.

Yang Chen hadn't been worried about the challenge—only that Yang Heng might be too cowardly to accept the wager.

300 Spirit Stones.

It was time to reclaim everything the previous owner of this body had lost before his death.