24 I Have Never Seen One Either (1/2)
In Ji Ling’s extensive memory, there were only a few individuals who could have come close to Yun Yang’s collected manner - and these were the very ancestors of her own family. They had been seniors who had suffered through the vicissitudes of life, endowed with a wealth of knowledge and served as the fount of wisdom for their honorable families. She knew full well what these paragons had to go through to attain such an esteemed stature; risking their lives in countless battles, witnessing an unending stream of births and deaths, suffering immeasurable heartaches and surviving an innumerable count of hopeless situations. It was only through these tribulations that they could become who they were, men and women unimpressed by authority that possessed of incredible foresight. They were always unruffled, a deep pool of clear water that would not be perturbed in any circumstance.
How had Yun Yang achieved all these when he was just nineteen years old? Ji Ling was truly curious about this young man who was wise beyond his years, with an impeccable demeanor and flawless mannerisms. Nobody could fault him on the way he carried himself, bold with a graceful flair. All said and done, Yun Yang was a man with many secrets.
“… we are here today, firstly to witness for ourselves Young Master Yun’s grace.” Their pleasantries had finally given way to the real meat of the conversation. Beiye Qingkong was the first to speak, “Secondly, it was to sate our curiosity. The astonishing wager of the ninth class mystical beast offspring placed by Young Master Yun has indeed astounded the world at large.”
He seemed to be abashed as he rubbed his hands together, “Truthfully, it is a tad embarrassing to admit this. While we come from great, influential families, we have never seen the young of a ninth level mystical beast with our own eyes.”
His words garnered the agreement of the other three young masters as they nodded furiously in unison.
“Yes, I have never seen it.”
“A ninth level mystical beast has always been shrouded in mystery, I had always hoped to be able to catch a glimpse of one…”
“Sigh, my losses the other day can all be attributed to my greed for this being… How could I not come to see it for myself?”
Ximen Wandai was the last to speak, his sigh laced with helplessness. Given a choice, he had initially planned to make this journey alone but the three other young masters, upon hearing his intent, had clung onto him like tenacious leeches. They refused to let Ximen Wandai experience the wonder of seeing the exquisite beast all by himself. If it were not for these troublemakers, Ximen Wandai would have wound up at the Residence of Yun on the very same afternoon of the day he had lost the bet. The young masters were all smiles but the tension in the air had obviously thickened.
Ji Ling, who was by the window, too held her breath, unsure of how Yun Yang would figure his way out of this one. These young masters might be amicable now, but the moment Yun Yang failed to produce the ninth level mystical beast’s offspring, the entire Residence of Yun might very well be razed down to the ground.There would be no exceptions as these people were here to hold him accountable. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that, they were here to divide the bounty!
Whether Yun Yang was able to produce the ninth level mystical beast’s offspring or not, it would be the end of him either way. The moment he brought it forth, the four young masters would certainly covet it. Regardless of who would ultimately end up possessing it, Yun Yang would certainly not be left alive as the original owner! The conviviality of these people now was simply the calm before the storm.
“A ninth level mystical beast baby…” Yun Yang smiled, “It is something wondrous indeed. I do not doubt that the four young masters have never seen it. But then again, never have I..”
As his words tumbled out into the open, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew silent with a sudden chill. Collectively, all four of the young masters’ expressions darkened instantaneously.
You have never seen it?
Ximen Wandai’s face had turned an odd shade of maroon as he gazed menacingly at Yun Yang. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with an eerie calm, “Perhaps I have misheard what Young Master Yun has just said. If Young Master Yun has never seen a ninth level mystical beast offspring, then just what exactly was it that was offered to me as a stake in our wager?”
The other three young masters stared at Yun Yang with wide, unblinking eyes.
“If I had lost the wager, I would naturally have been able to keep my end of the bargain.” Yun Yang was nonchalant, his tone taking on a defensive edge, ”But since I’ve won, that’s all water under the bridge.”
Ximen Wandai could feel his fury rushing up to his head, “If you’ve never seen it, it means you don’t have it. What then was your bet based on?”
Yun Yang smiled, “It was based on a few premises, the first of which was that I was certain I could win. As long as I win, everything would be fine. Second… Young Master Ximen, who was it that told you not seeing means not possessing?” His words confused everyone, as they were meant to.
If he had never seen it, did he or did he not have it?
Dongfang Mingtian’s expression transformed at once, his icy smile replaced by a warm beam as he spoke, “Could it be that Brother Yun has another explanation? I would really love to hear it.”
Yun Yang smiled faintly, lifting the teapot to serve everyone the hot beverage even as he spoke, “Truth be told, I need not explain this. If it were anyone else I had challenged, that’d be the end of it; there would be no long-lasting consequences. However, since you young masters have all paid me a visit… it’d only mean trouble for me if I failed to explain. It would be proper of me to speak further.”
Ximen Wandai’s face was still the same crimson maroon as he said, “I can admit my defeat but I loathe being cheated.”
“To say that you were cheated is an exaggeration.” Yun Yang spoke with a straight face, “If Young Master Ximen had won and I could not hand the ninth level mystical beast baby over, that would be cheating. When I last checked, however, Young Master Ximen had not won.”
“Hmm, this isn’t important actually.” Yun Yang continued, “Please, do drink your tea. To gamble, one must have the capital to back up his wager; if one did not, that would be cheating. I suppose Young Master Ximen’s thoughts are also along this line?.”
All the young masters were thinking, “Who would have come all the way here if not for this?… Are you speaking rubbish?”
“I really have never seen the offspring of a ninth level mystical beast.” Yun Yang was assertive, “It is true, from when I was young until the present, I have never laid eyes on one.”
Boom!
The fuse was lit once again.
You speak of a lot of things, but, you still have never f*cking seen it…
“However,” Yun Yang’s emphasized, “I have an egg of a ninth level advanced mystical beast that is about to hatch.”
“Uh…” Ximen Wandai felt horrible, like his full-force swing had punched nothing but air.