NOVEL WEB Chapter 13: Choosing random
Suddenly, the old soul beside Wei Jin erupted into an extravagant, thunderous laughter that echoed in Wei Jin's mind like the roar of an emperor addressing his court.
The grandeur in his tone was palpable, dripping with exaggerated theatricality as if he had uncovered the grandest plot of the millennium.
His voice resonated deeply, laced with amusement and pride.
"Hahahaha! Oh, kid, oh, my clever, cunning little kid!" the old soul bellowed, his words stretching with dramatic flair.
"I see it now! The brilliance, the sheer genius of your plan has finally dawned upon this old wisp! How could I have been so blind? This isn't just youthful arrogance or a foolish display of bravery—it's a masterstroke! A masterpiece of cunning and strategy!"
The old soul's voice grew louder, as if addressing an invisible audience that didn't exist.
"You, Wei Jin, are not merely a boy challenging beasts or some arrogant family member. No, no, you're an artist painting strokes of brilliance in a world that fails to recognize its own canvas! I finally see the layers beneath your every word, every move! This is not recklessness—it's a calculated gamble!"
Wei Jin sighed internally but said nothing, letting the old soul's theatrical outburst play out.
"Listen to me, young man!" the old soul continued, his tone rising with the kind of grandeur one might associate with legendary orators.
"You've done the unthinkable! You've provoked that insufferable little brat Wei Zhuxan, drawing him into your trap like a spider luring a fly.
"You've baited him with insults, taunted him into a competition he can't refuse. But it's not just a competition—it's a stage where you'll showcase your strength, your cunning, and your undeniable resilience!"
The old soul paused dramatically, as if giving Wei Jin time to absorb the weight of his words, then pressed on with renewed enthusiasm.
"And what's more? You'll make a fortune in the process! You've gambled on yourself, and when you emerge victorious, not only will you claim the prize of public admiration.
"but you'll line your pockets with wealth, all from the bets that people will place on this so-called 'disgraced' Wei Jin. Hahaha! You'll laugh all the way to the treasury!"
The old soul's voice softened but retained its reverence, as if delivering a final divine revelation.
"And let us not overlook the most delicious irony of all—your family. Ah, yes, those hypocrites who would punish you for lacking Inverse Eyes. They'll be silenced, forced to acknowledge your potential.
"How can they punish someone who not only holds his own but crushes a fellow family member and proves his worth without the so-called family blessing? Two birds with one stone, indeed! No, three birds! Or four!"
Wei Jin rolled his eyes but couldn't help the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His mental voice was casual, almost dismissive.
"You're overreacting, old man. That was the idea. But let's not make it too grand. All I want is to prove a point, make some money, and avoid unnecessary trouble. Nothing more."
The old soul, undeterred by Wei Jin's modesty, laughed again, louder and heartier than before.
"Modesty! Hah! A true master never flaunts his genius openly, and here you are proving your brilliance by keeping it understated.
"Don't you dare downplay this! You've turned a dire situation into an opportunity for victory. My dear boy, you are a legend in the making!"
Wei Jin shrugged his shoulders, his inner voice carrying a hint of humor.
"If you say so, old man. But don't forget—I also did this so the family won't come after me as hard. If I show potential despite lacking the Inverse Eyes, they'll think twice before deciding my fate. So, yeah, I guess I'm shooting two birds with one stone. Happy?"
The old soul clapped his nonexistent hands in delight. "Oh, I'm more than happy, kid. I'm ecstatic! Just remember, when you become the legend I know you will, don't forget to acknowledge this old soul's role in your rise!"
Before Wei Jin could respond, the attendant interrupted his thoughts with a polite bow, gesturing for him and the others to follow. "This way, sir. To proceed with the competition, you'll need to sign the contract agreement."
They followed the attendant through the bustling registration area.
It was an enormous space with a distinctly old-school cultivation aesthetic.
Ancient, towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings of beasts and mythical creatures lined the hall, their surfaces glowing faintly with spiritual energy.
Scrolls hung from the ceiling, bearing the names of past participants, their deeds immortalized in bold calligraphy.
The air was thick with excitement and tension as cultivators of various ages and realms milled about, some whispering anxiously, others radiating confidence.
At the heart of the registration area was a massive wooden desk where clerks worked tirelessly, their ink brushes flying across parchment as they documented each participant's information.
Nearby, participants engaged in heated discussions about strategies, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony.
The attendant led them to one of the clerks, who looked up with a sharp, assessing gaze. He wasted no time, addressing Wei Jin with professional efficiency. "Name and realm?"
Wei Jin replied smoothly. "Wei Jin. Tenth Stage of Mortal Cultivation."
The clerk nodded, making quick notes before gesturing to an ancient scroll on the desk.
"This is the contract. By signing it, you acknowledge that the Grand Beast Hall holds no responsibility for any injuries or death you may face during the competition.
"Furthermore, you agree to imbue your soul imprint here, binding your consent to the terms spiritually."
As Wei Jin read the terms, Wei Rutong, standing nearby, let out a mocking snort.
"Are you sure about this, Wei Jin? Signing this contract means you're putting your life on the line. Considering you've never stood out in the family, isn't this a little too ambitious for you?"
Wei Jin didn't even glance at Rutong, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he signed the contract without hesitation. "Ambitious? Maybe. But you'll see soon enough—it's not ambition. It's certainty."
Rutong sneered, clearly unimpressed. "Certainty? More like overconfidence. We'll see how long that lasts when you're face-to-face with a savage beast."
Wei Jin turned to him, his expression unreadable but his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You're welcome to place a bet on me losing, Rutong. Just don't cry when you lose your money."
The crowd, overhearing the exchange, murmured in excitement, their anticipation for the competition growing by the second.
Wei Rutong knit his brows tightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Wei Jin.
Something about Wei Jin's unyielding confidence made him hesitate, as if the previously unremarkable cousin had suddenly gained an aura that demanded respect.
Rutong's hesitation grew as he considered his options.
He had been ready to casually support Wei Zhuxan—after all, Zhuxan's reputation was solid, and he rarely failed to live up to his boasting. But now, he couldn't shake the nagging thought: What if Wei Jin had something up his sleeve?
Sensing Rutong's hesitation, Wei Zhuxan smirked, his arms crossed and his voice dripping with condescension as he broke the silence.
"Why wouldn't Rutong bet on me?" Zhuxan's tone was loud enough for the surrounding crowd to hear.
"Wei Jin, you are nothing more than a bug in the Family, a pebble under my feet. And yet, this little bug will be useful for once—he'll draw attention, bring in bets, and help fill my pockets as I crush him in front of everyone here."
Wei Jin's lips curled into a cold smile, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. His retort came smoothly, laced with biting sarcasm. "Heh. Even if you team up with the beasts, Zhuxan, I'd still smash you into the arena floor. You're nothing more than a loudmouth with an inflated ego."
The crowd collectively gasped at the escalating tension, their murmurs filling the air like the buzzing of bees.
Suddenly, the weight of their animosity seemed to settle tangibly around them, thick and suffocating.
The surrounding cultivators stepped back slightly, creating a makeshift circle around the two Wei family members.
The air grew heavy with spiritual energy as their hostility crackled like an unseen flame.
An attendant, clearly uncomfortable with the brewing confrontation, stepped forward hastily, bowing deeply to both young men in an effort to diffuse the tension.
"Esteemed Wei Family members," the attendant said politely but firmly, "I must remind you that fighting is not permitted in this area. The arena will serve as the stage for your rivalry. Now, let us discuss the beasts you wish to face in the challenge."
The attendant gestured for both of them to follow.
The three moved to a slightly secluded area near the registration desk, where a large scroll was unfurled on a carved stone table.
The scroll depicted countless savage beasts, their ferocious depictions almost leaping off the page.
The attendant began explaining.
"Each challenger has the option to select the type of beast they wish to face," the attendant began in a measured tone.
"You may choose based on realm, species, or even specific traits such as speed, strength, or elemental affinity.
"For instance, there are lightning-scaled serpents known for their agility and paralyzing venom; magma bears whose brute force and molten skin pose a significant threat; or spectral wolves, who utilize illusions and shadow attacks.
"Of course, there are also random selections, which add an element of unpredictability to the match."
He continued with painstaking detail, outlining the dangers and intricacies of each beast type.
The crowd around them began to grow as more cultivators leaned in to listen, their curiosity piqued.
"Be warned," the attendant added gravely.
"While choosing specific beasts allows you to prepare for their strengths and weaknesses, selecting randomly is a true gamble.
"You may face a weaker opponent—or one that perfectly counters your skills. Historically, random matches have claimed more lives than planned ones. It is not a choice to be taken lightly."
The gathered cultivators exchanged murmurs, many commenting on the options with barely restrained excitement.
"Did you hear that? A magma bear? Even seasoned Core Formation cultivators have trouble with them!" one voice said, laced with disbelief.
"Forget the bear—if they pick a spectral wolf, it's over. Illusion techniques are nearly impossible to counter in hand-to-hand combat!"
"Random selection is insane. Only someone truly confident—or truly foolish—would make such a choice."
Wei Zhuxan smirked smugly, the reaction of the crowd fueling his arrogance. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "No need for all these choices. I'll make it simple—random selection."
The crowd erupted into an uproar, their excitement and shock spilling out in waves of commentary.
"He's picking random?! That's insane!"
"Wei Zhuxan must be confident in his Inverse Eyes. That's the only reason he'd risk it!"
"It's bold, but what if he draws something beyond his realm? Even the strongest cultivators can be outmatched by the right beast!"
"It's a gamble, but if he wins, his reputation will skyrocket. And if he loses… well, at least it'll be entertaining!"
Wei Zhuxan glanced at the crowd, clearly pleased with the attention. His smirk widened as he turned to Wei Jin, his tone dripping with mockery. "What's the matter, Jin? Feeling scared? Or are you planning to back out before you embarrass yourself further?"
Wei Jin, however, remained unfazed. His eyes held a calm intensity, and a sly grin crept across his face.
"Scared? Hardly. If you want to choose randomly, I'll do the same. But don't come crying to me when you find out you're not as invincible as you think you are."
The crowd's cheers grew even louder, their excitement reaching fever pitch.
"Did you hear that?! Both of them are going for random selection!"
"This is going to be legendary—a true gamble of fate!"
"The Wei Family's younger generation is really something else!"
Wei Zhuxan's confidence didn't waver, but a flicker of surprise crossed his face at Wei Jin's lack of hesitation. He had expected Jin to falter or try to negotiate, not to match him blow for blow. Still, he smirked again, brushing off the unease.
The attendant coughed lightly, drawing their attention back. "Very well. Both of you have chosen random selection. Please follow me to sign the contract."
As they moved, the old soul's booming laughter filled Wei Jin's mind. "Oh, you sly little devil!" the soul exclaimed, his voice brimming with admiration.
"You've turned the crowd, your opponents, and even fate itself into tools for your victory! This, my boy, is not just a competition—it's a spectacle! A brilliant move!"
Wei Jin shrugged mentally. "I just want to prove a point, make some money, and keep my family off my back. The theatrics are just a bonus."
The old soul continued to laugh, clearly delighted. "Whatever you say, kid. Just make sure to win—and make it spectacular!