Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate - Chapter 475

Chapter 475: Interrupted at the Final Moment

Once Zhang Sha was gone, Zhang Chuan shifted his attention back to Lu Yi. “Sir, that cultivation method you showed me is extraordinary. Forgive me if I’m being rude, but… which sect taught you such a thing? And how did you end up in this situation?”

Lu Yi’s brow creased. “If you already know it’s rude, why ask?” He didn’t look like he wanted to dig up old memories.

The cultivation method he had revealed wasn’t something ordinary at all. It had been left behind by the mother of his predecessor, Lu Tingyun—a secret art so profound it was second only to the legendary Purple Crest Immortal Gold Record.

And unlike that supreme record, this cultivation method had no ties whatsoever to the Purple Crest Immortal Sect.

Lu Yi was certain there was nothing in the method that could be traced back to the Purple Crest Immortal Sect.

“I see. Forgive me for prying.” Zhang Chuan gave a small smile and personally poured tea for him.

Meanwhile, Zhang Sha was on his way to the treasury, his lips curling into a sly grin. Heh… a nobody from who-knows-where, yet he’s holding a cultivation method even Grandfather treasures so much.

If I can get my hands on it, our Zhang Clan will finally shake off the Yang Clan’s grip and rise again.

But the thought soured as he clenched his fists. Three hundred thousand low-grade spirit jades… that’s almost everything we have left.

His eyes grew colder. Father died fighting demons on the front lines, leaving me the only heir of the direct line. If I don’t grow stronger, what future does the Zhang Clan have?

The problem is—we have no resources left. What good is a cultivation method if we can’t fuel it with spirit jades?

His steps quickened, the desire burning in his chest. That outsider’s nothing but a weak stray dog. If I kill him and take the method, wouldn’t it all belong to me?

Zhang Sha was the clan’s brightest hope, yet he was held back by a lack of resources.

Compared to the Yang Clan, the natural treasures and cultivation methods at his disposal were pitiful.

He had the talent and the potential, but without enough support he could never reach his true limits. Over time, frustration had turned into despair, and that despair had led him down a path of wine and women.

That was why his grandfather had scolded him earlier in the study.

But now, with the sudden appearance of Lu Yi, an outsider carrying such a powerful cultivation method, a spark lit in his heart.

Don’t blame me. The path of cultivation is cruel, he thought, eyes flashing with icy resolve.

He walked quickly through a corridor crowded with clan cultivators and soon arrived at the treasury doors.

Rumble!

The massive door opened, the protective formation unraveling with it, and the storeroom came into view.

Inside lay piles of spirit stones and jades, stacked so high they looked like waves on a glittering sea.

Zhang Sha pulled out a storage artifact and carefully filled it with three hundred thousand low-grade spirit jades.

As he worked, his brows furrowed. The treasury still had plenty of spirit stones, but the number of spirit jades was pitiful. For someone at the Third Step of the Cultivation Path, spirit stones were almost useless.

“This has to be done,” he muttered, staring at the near-empty piles before taking a steadying breath and heading out.

In the next instant, he was back at Zhang Chuan’s study. He stopped outside, bowed low, and waited.

“Back already? Come in,” Zhang Chuan called, clearly pleased the matter was moving quickly.

In his eyes, trading three hundred thousand low-grade jades for such a powerful cultivation method was more than worth it.

“Yes.” Zhang Sha stepped inside and handed over the storage artifact for inspection.

Though he had already made up his mind about Lu Yi, he knew this wasn’t the moment to act. Not until he was certain the cultivation method was real.

So for now, he hid his thoughts deep in his heart.

“Well done.” Zhang Chuan checked the storage artifact, gave a satisfied nod, then looked toward Lu Yi.

Lu Yi’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes lingered on the artifact a moment too long. Zhang Chuan could tell he was eager, no matter how calm he looked on the surface.

“Please, honored guest, confirm the amount.” He gestured lightly, inviting Lu Yi to use his divine sense.

“Alright.” Without hesitation, Lu Yi swept through the storage artifact with his divine sense. A moment later, he pulled back and allowed himself a small smile. “The count is correct. Good. Now let’s finish this trade—spirit jades for the cultivation method.”

“Wait.” Zhang Chuan drew back his hand, his expression turning solemn. “This concerns the very future of my clan. Even the smallest mistake in a cultivation method can lead to disaster.”

He leaned forward slightly. “So I must ask you to remain here at the Zhang residence for a time. Only after we confirm the cultivation method’s authenticity can the deal be considered complete.”

“What? You doubt my cultivation method?” Lu Yi’s face darkened, irritation flashing across it. “What about trust between people?”

“Sir, even among family, it’s hard to see someone’s heart clearly. A man may spend his whole life with another and still not truly know him. And we’ve only just met.” Zhang Chuan’s words were steady but respectful, his expression firm. “If you can’t accept this condition, then I must ask you to leave.”

Lu Yi let out a long breath and gave a small nod, as if giving in. “Fine. Then give me half of the spirit jades first.”

One hundred and fifty thousand low-grade jades—enough to push his system through a single upgrade. Even the full three hundred thousand would only buy him one chance, so half was already acceptable.

“Good! Sir, you are refreshingly straightforward.” Zhang Chuan’s face lit up with relief. He quickly offered the storage artifact again. “Please provide the full cultivation method, and we’ll complete the exchange.”

“It’s all here.” Lu Yi produced a jade slip etched with the full cultivation method.

“Good!” Zhang Chuan’s eyes lit up as he reached for it.

“Wait.” Lu Yi’s sudden interruption froze him mid-motion.

“You—what now? Grandfather just praised you for being straightforward, and suddenly you’re stalling.” Zhang Sha cut in with a scowl. “If you don’t want to sell, then forget it.”

Lu Yi gave a cold laugh, completely unfazed. “Heh. In that case, I’ll take this to the Qiu Clan. Your Zhang Clan can watch them rise while you miss the only chance to change your fate.”

“Sir, please, no need to be hasty!” Zhang Chuan forced a smile, then turned and shot Zhang Sha a fierce glare. “You—silence!”

Zhang Sha bit his tongue and fell quiet at once.

“Sir, if you have any other conditions, just say so.” Zhang Chuan turned back to Lu Yi with a practiced smile.

“I’ll be blunt. You know your own situation.” Lu Yi’s eyes were like ice. “If you dare think of playing tricks, I’ll make it public—and let the Yang Clan deal with you.”

“You—!” Zhang Sha jabbed a finger at him, his face twisting with fury. “You’re threatening us!”

Lu Yi let out a cold laugh. “That’s right. I am.”

“Rest easy, honored guest.” Zhang Chuan’s smile didn’t waver, but there was steel in his words. “No one outside this room will know. As for those who stopped you earlier—or anyone who’s seen you—I’ll handle them myself.”

He leaned forward slightly. “Now, will you hand over the cultivation method with peace of mind?”

“Fine.” Lu Yi gave a small nod and passed the jade slip across. Zhang Chuan exchanged it for the storage ring, the deal seemingly complete.

But before their hands could meet, two ghostly hands tore through the air—one snatched the jade slip from Lu Yi, the other clamped down hard on Zhang Chuan’s arm!