At this moment, Wang Zhengang spoke up, “Everyone, calm down. Master Yu is doing this for the benefit of the metaphysical community. In the past, we were all scattered, but now, by forming an alliance and choosing a leader, we can work together and make things more efficient. This is a good thing.


“As for concerns about expertise, the leader must be someone well-versed in all five disciplines—Mountain, Medicine, Fate, Divination, and Physiognomy. Only such a person is qualified to take on this role.”


While some people strongly opposed this, others were secretly tempted by the idea.


After all, the winner could claim an item from the loser—and the ultimate champion would rule over the entire metaphysical community of Nan Guang.


Metaphysics wasn’t just about theoretical study; it was tied to a vast industry, with deep connections to wealthy and influential figures.


The temptation of money and power was hard to resist, and some people were already eager to participate.


“Of course,” Yu Jinghai stood up and said, “I’m not forcing anyone. If you’re scared, you can leave now. But if you do, you will never be allowed to join the Nan Guang Metaphysical Alliance in the future.”


Everyone hesitated. The risks were high, but the opportunities were even greater.


Each person was calculating their odds, believing they had a real shot at becoming the leader.


Meanwhile, Ye Chen remained seated, silent.


He could see Yu Jinghai’s ambition—this wasn’t just about the Nan Guang region. He was laying the groundwork to expand his influence nationwide.


But Ye Chen had zero interest in this so-called metaphysical alliance. He just sat back, ready to watch the show.


The First Challenge Begins


Soon, a middle-aged man with a short beard stood up.


He casually pulled out a palm-sized jade tablet. When he waved it in the air, it gleamed brightly.


He declared, “I am Zhang Yang from Yun City. I challenge Master Yu in a test of fortune-telling.”


The Zhang family was a renowned metaphysical clan, specializing in divination. They were descendants of Shao Yong, a great divination master from the Northern Tang Dynasty.


Zhang Yang was the 46th generation heir of the Plum Blossom Numerology tradition and had a huge reputation in Yun City. Naturally, he was proud and confident, and his first challenge was directed at Yu Jinghai!


“Good!”


The audience erupted in cheers.


Zhang Yang lifted his chin arrogantly. “This jade tablet has been passed down since the Northern Tang Dynasty and has helped many great divination masters with their predictions! If we’re talking about the best fortune-teller in Nan Guang, my Zhang family deserves the title.”


Yu Jinghai stepped forward, nodding slightly. He smiled and said, “This jade tablet is indeed a fine item, but soon, it will no longer be yours…”


He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch.


Inside, he retrieved a golden talisman, glowing faintly, inscribed with vermillion-colored symbols.


“Luohan Golden Talisman!”


The crowd gasped in awe.


Song Wanting turned to Ye Chen and whispered, “The Luohan Golden Talisman is consecrated by eighteen monks chanting scriptures for forty-nine days. It’s a powerful talisman for repelling evil.”


Ye Chen smirked and said indifferently, “It’s nothing special. Just a mediocre item.”


His words immediately drew glares from the surrounding people.


Even Yu Jinghai sneered, “You may lack real skills, but you certainly don’t lack arrogance.”


Everyone knew that the Luohan Golden Talisman was extremely rare. Finding eighteen highly skilled monks alone was difficult, and even if you had them, the success rate of consecration was only 10%.


Yet, Ye Chen had the audacity to dismiss it as ordinary?


“Enough talk. Let’s begin the divination!”


Zhang Yang snorted. He swiftly formed a hand seal, chanted an incantation, and then declared, “According to my reading, there will be wind and thunder from the west within the next fifteen minutes.”


Yu Jinghai smiled slightly. He made no gestures, yet he calmly said, “The hexagram shows Zhen over Xun—this wind carries thunder, but it’s not a natural storm. It is caused by human activity—a landslide due to illegal mining. And the person responsible will be arrested.”


Zhang Yang frowned. “Impossible! My reading doesn’t indicate human involvement.”


But Yu Jinghai simply smiled confidently and said nothing.


The crowd grew anxious, waiting to see the outcome.


Fifteen Minutes Later…


Boom!


Suddenly, from the west, a loud explosion echoed.


A strong gust of wind swept through the area, and the ground shook slightly.


Wang Zhengang took out his phone and announced, “Breaking news! A group of illegal miners in West Mountain caused a landslide, triggering a small-scale earthquake. The police have arrested the culprits.”


Zhang Yang’s face turned pale. He had only predicted wind and thunder, but Yu Jinghai had foreseen the exact cause—human involvement and the arrest.


He looked up, his previous arrogance completely gone.


Forcing a smile, he admitted, “Master Yu, you are truly superior. I concede defeat. I’m withdrawing from this competition.”


With that, he picked up his jade tablet and turned to leave.


“Wait!” Wang Zhengang shouted.


“Master Zhang, since you accepted the challenge, you must follow the rules.”


Zhang Yang’s face darkened. “What rules?”


“The winner has the right to claim one item from the loser. And, you must publicly acknowledge Master Yu as the supreme leader!”


“Ridiculous!” Zhang Yang laughed angrily. “This is just a banquet! You think you can steal my artifact and make me your subordinate? Keep dreaming!”


Yu Jinghai simply smirked.


He suddenly pulled out another talisman, made a few strokes on it with his fingers, and then chanted:


“By celestial command, let it be done!”


Crack!


Under everyone’s astonished gaze, Zhang Yang’s jade tablet suddenly shattered in half and fell to the ground!


“Y-you…!”


Zhang Yang’s face twisted in shock and rage. His prized artifact was destroyed before his eyes.


Yu Jinghai said coldly, “Those who don’t follow the rules deserve to be punished. Besides, a mere trinket like this isn’t even worth taking!”


Zhang Yang’s face turned ashen.


He knew that compared to Yu Jinghai, his skills were far inferior.


Yu Jinghai had broken his artifact with a single move, while Zhang Yang himself couldn’t even resist.


Clenching his fists, he gritted his teeth and said, “I acknowledge my inferiority. I’m leaving.”


He didn’t even bother picking up the broken jade tablet as he stormed out.


The entire crowd fell silent.


Everyone suddenly realized—Yu Jinghai was terrifyingly powerful!


Many who had previously felt confident in their abilities now hesitated.


Li Tailai, the richest man in Haicheng, whispered to Guo Ming, then abruptly stood up.


He waved his hand and said, “This is a complete farce. I’m leaving. Goodbye, everyone.”


As he turned to go, four burly men in black suddenly blocked his path.


Li Tailai’s face darkened. “What’s the meaning of this?!”


Yu Jinghai smiled and stepped forward.


“Mr. Li, since you’re already here, why the rush? My banquet isn’t a place where you can come and go as you please.


“If you wish to leave, then leave something behind—and acknowledge me as your superior!”