Strongest Replication

Currently, Chu Yuping was caught in a dilemma; he had no idea that his next decision would decide the path he would travel in the future. In the face of the numerous chips on the table, Chu Yuping felt uncertain. He wondered if he should give in or hold on.    

To Chu Yuping, Qi Yiloong's offer seemed like a reasonable one, and he couldn't see how giving in could bring him any harm. Breaking through Level-7 was just a matter of time; he didn't need the Hidden Dragon Pavilion for that. However, if he were to exchange his spot for those chips, he would've to never worry about cultivation resources and such in the future.    

'Agree or not?'    

Confused, Chu Yuping subconsciously looked toward Chu Zhongtian, hoping to get an answer from him. However, he found that Chu Zhongtian wasn't paying attention to him. Instead, he was looking at the three big words "Administration Hall in front of him.    

It was as if the words Administration Hall contained a huge secret.    

Since Chu Zhongtian wasn't paying any attention to him, Chu Yuping could only close his eyes and try his best to calm his mood. Right now, he was doing a mental tally. Pros and cons. What benefits did accepting bring; what losses did refusing bring.    

After noticing the confused expression on Chu Yuping's face, although Qi Yiloong kept smiling, his heart was burning with anxiety    

Qi Yiloong took out so many bargaining chips to exchange for Chu Yuping’s quota because he felt provoked by Chu Zhongtian and Liu Yongjun.    

Since Qi Yiloong had no chance of getting into the top three, he had accepted the fact that he had failed. However, Liu Yongjun's challenge and Chu Zhongtian's fearless acceptance made Qi Yiloong feel even more pressured.    

As a genius of the same level, Qi Yiloong knew very well how quickly a genius could improve under pressure. Cultivating inside the Hidden Dragon Pavilion under that kind of pressure... Qi Yiloong was sure that after a month and a half, the entire Qi country would know about Liu Yongjun and Chu Zhongtian, but no one would care about the equally talented fifth prince. This could easily affect his ascension to the throne.    

Consequently, he spent all his efforts to make Qi Heng a few key ministers envision the same bleak future he had imagined. His efforts made them realize just how bad the impact would be for the royal family if Qi Yiloong, as the strongest of the younger generation, did not rise again.    

"Yuping... Actually, if you really think about it, this transaction would only bring you benefits. I mean, you have to agree that with your current strength, there was no way you could've entered the top three, right? You only got that spot because Chu Zhongtian helped you get it. So, even if you give me just a small part of the reward, that jade pendant, you won't really be losing anything."    

Qi Yiloong thought that he was being smart. He felt that he could definitely convince Chu Yuping and make him willingly exchange the Hidden Dragon Pavilion's quota.    

However, he had no idea that precisely what he said helped Chu Yuping make a decision. A decision that wasn't in his favor.    

"Fifth Prince, I'm sorry, but I still want to enter the Hidden Dragon Pavilion. The Chu Family's younger generation needs all the experts it can get." Qi Yiloong's words reminded Chu Yuping of something.    

He could enter the Hidden Dragon Pavilion because he ranked second in the Hunting Contest. And the only reason he could rank second was that he got help from Chu Zhongtian. Why did Chu Zhongtian help him? Was it because he was a Chu Family disciple? It couldn't be since there were 17 other Chu Family disciples present on the scene then. Perhaps it had something to do with his potential and his loyalty to the Chu Family?    

So, if he agreed to Qi Yiloong's deal due to a moment of greed, Chu Zhongtian might not say anything now, but Chu Zhongtian's impression of him would definitely hit rock bottom. Consequently, if Chu Zhongtian got some opportunity, he would never consider sharing it with Chu Yuping.    

In fact, Chu Yuping wouldn't even have a chance to develop in the Chu Family in the future. He would gradually be marginalized. Thinking of this, Chu Yuping couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.    

"You!" Initially, Qi Yiloong thought that his words would make Chu Yuping agree to the exchange, but he didn't expect it to have the opposite effect. Qi Yiloong was so angry that he was actually at a loss for words.    

"Brother Yuping, let's go in!" Chu Zhongtian secretly heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Chu Yuping reject the offer. At the same time, he felt delighted in his heart.    

It seemed that Chu Yuping did not let down the care he had given him in the past. In the end, he had made the right decision. The second Chu Yuping rejected the offer, Chu Zhongtian began regarding him as his confidant.    

Chu Zhongtian and Chu Yuping strode into the Administration Hall. The first thing they welcomed was a questioning look from Chu Tianyun. Chu Zhongtian nodded, indicating that he didn't need to worry. Chu Tianyun looked at Chu Yuping with a much friendlier visage and secretly decided to improve Chu Yuping's treatment in the future.    

'Such an outstanding and loyal disciple must be nurtured at all costs.'    

Not long after Chu Zhongtian and Chu Yuping entered the Administration Hall, Liu Xiaozong brought Liu Yongjun to the Administration Hall. He greeted Qi Heng and then stood beside Chu Tianyun.    

After learning about the exchange between the Chu Family and the Qi Family from Chu Tianyun, Liu Xiaozong decided to join Chu Tianyun in urging Qi Heng to send their disciples into the Hidden Dragon Pavilion quickly.    

Since even Qi Yiloong failed to carry out the exchange, Qi Heng had no choice but to accept Chu Tianyun and Liu Xiaozong's request. He could only helplessly lead Chu Zhongtian and the other two to the Hidden Dragon Pavilion.    

As the palace treasure of the royal family, the Hidden Dragon Pavilion was located in a forbidden area deep within the palace. Usually, a peak Level-10 Body Refiner and a dozen other weaker but still Body Refining Realm experts would be guarding it. Saying that it was one of the safest places in Qi Country would be no exaggeration.    

Under Qi Heng's lead, they made countless twists and turns, and no one knew how long they had walked. Chu Zhongtian felt that they had walked for at least two hours and more than ten miles.    

After what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at a fog-filled place; Qi Heng finally stopped.    

He first bowed deeply toward the front, then took out a jade pendant from his sleeve. The jade pendant Qi Heng took out was exactly the same as the jade pendant he gave to Chu Zhongtian. The only difference was that five small purple dragons were carved on Qi Heng's jade pendant. After looking at the five dragons, Chu Zhongtian couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly.    

This was because he felt that there was a special connection between Qi Heng's jade pendant and the pendant in his hand. In fact, that wasn't true for just Chu Zhongtian's jade pendant. Chu Yuping and Liu Yongjun's jade pendants also had a special connection with Qi Heng's jade pendant.    

Chu Zhongtian knew better than to worry about the strange connection now, so he ignored the issue for now. After Qi Heng took out his jade pendant with five small purple dragons, the jade pendant gradually absorbed the fog in front of them. Once the fog was cleared, they finally had a clear view of what was ahead.    

A white jade building stood in front of them. This white jade building was about 15 meters tall and was divided into five levels. The first to third floors were now in clear view, but a thin layer of mist still covered the fourth and fifth floors. Thus, one could only vaguely see them.    

"All right. The Hidden Dragon Pavilion is now open."    

Putting away his jade pendant, Qi Heng said in a cold tone, "Liu Yongjun, you can only enter the first floor with your jade pendant."    

"Chu Yuping, you can enter the second floor with your jade pendant. As for you, Chu Zhongtian, I'm sure you know what floor you can enter."    

Chu Zhongtian nodded his head. He didn't say anything, nor did he express his gratitude to Qi Heng. Instead, he took the lead and walked into the Hidden Dragon Pavilion.    

When Chu Yuping saw Chu Zhongtian taking the lead, he also didn't delay any longer and walked into the Hidden Dragon Pavilion.