Chapter 286 High Hopes
<Alchemic Rune Peak - Outer Mountains>
Hearing all that ,Lo slowly said, "I can judge for myself whether or not he deserves it."
Sonk let out a mocking laugh as he shook his head and said, "There's no need for you to consider this matter any further, Elder Lo. The income of our peak is very limited, making it impossible to open many of the Diamond Quarters. Hence, there is only a limited number available.
In accordance with our rules, our two factions will split the quarters based on performance, and since the previous 15 have already been allocated, I am determined to win the final one."
"All of your diamond belt disciples already have Diamond Quarters." Lo's expression sunk slightly.
Sonk sneered. "Since you feel that a new outer mountain disciple has the right to use a Diamond Quarters, do my disciples not have the same right?"
Lo's expression turned ugly, but he still managed to control his anger. "I can barter for the Diamond Quarters with other things."
However, Sonk waved his hand and rudely said, "No need. I've already declared that I am determined to win this Diamond Quarters."
A look of ridicule was present in his gaze as he swept a glance in Ezra's direction. Of course, he knew that Lo wanted to give the Diamond Quarters to Ezra Zephyr. This was why he would never let it happen.
Although Sonk did not appear to care when Ezra had chosen to join Lo's earlier, it was obvious that the former held a grudge in his heart.
Moreover, the prince was after all the champion of the peak selection ceremony, making him a potential threat. Hence, cutting his martial prowess resources even a little would reduce the threat he posed.
Therefore, there was no way that Sonk would allow the final Diamond Quarters to land in Ezra's hands.
Sonk smiled coldly inside. Since you value that brat so much, go ahead and give the Diamond Quarters of your other disciples to him. But if you do so, let's see what your disciples will end up saying.
Ezra frowned as he watched the exchange between them. He had at last personally witnessed how vicious Sonk actually was.
"Elder Lo, although a Diamond Quarter is great, there is no need to rush things. There will always be a chance in the future." Ezra cupped his fists together.
However, Lo shook his head. "I know what I'm doing."
From the looks of it, the stubborn elder was not willing to give up.
Seeing the growing tension between the two parties, Elder Lo had no choice but to sigh and say, "Since neither of us wishes to give in, we shall follow the rules and decide its allocation based on our peak's prowess.
The next match shall be held in a month. Whoever wins then will naturally obtain the final Diamond Quarter."
Upon hearing these words, Sonk let out an icy chuckle, before leaving with a swish of his sleeves.
"Then we'll see who's more capable in a month, your alchemy or my imprints."
However, he cast an icy, mocking gaze at Ezra as he left. Although he did not say anything, the prince could guess what the former was thinking.
You don't deserve that Diamond Quarter.
In the wake of Sonk and his disciples' departure, the atmosphere began to relax. However, Lo's expression was still somewhat ugly, clearly not expecting that Sonk would not give any face even after he had lowered himself to ask.
Aily walked over from the side and sighed helplessly. "You know full well that he looks down on us, grandfather has been blinded by Blood Slaughterer Peak. He is not what he used to be, why did you still have to ask?" She stayed behind and didn't depart with Elder Sonk.
She shot a glance at Ezra. The truth was, Aily did know why in her heart. Ezra was likely very important to Lo, and he wanted to create the best conditions for the former.
A Diamond Quarters was definitely necessary.
Lo's expression darkened with anger as he said, "He's just a lesser man in a position of power."
Aily shook his head, before he asked, "Elder, do you have any confidence in the next quarter match?"
Lo's expression turned rather depressed.
The spiritual quarters of Alchemic Rune Peak were originally occupied by him and Sonk's disciples. However, ever since Lopap and other disciples came from Blood Slaughterer Peak, there was no longer any peace in Alchemic Rune Peak, they had even changed the mind of Elder Sonk who was once a good friend of Elder Lo.
Sonk's faction also needed spiritual quarters so they had to be redistributed once again.
This was how the spiritual quarter matches had come about.
A quarter match was basically a competition of arts between the disciples from the two factions. The alchemist show their progress in alchemy and rune masters would reveal their imprints, the winner would obtain the spiritual quarter.
Alchemy faction has never won against Rune faction but there was respect and cooperation amongst them in past, but that cooperation turned into enmity as Blood Slaughterer Peak came.
Even the final Diamond Quarter was now being eyed by Sonk.
Lo naturally also coveted the final Diamond Quarter, but he knew that no one on his side could match Sonk's disciples.
In accordance with the rules, each disciple could only participate once in a quarter match per year. Currently, the strong disciples under Lo such as Mubarak had already used their turns in the most intense matches. Hence, he was left with only gold belt disciples to vie for the next quarter match.
Although Sonk's diamond belt disciples had likewise used up their chance long ago, Lo knew that there were still quite a few exceptionally strong gold belt disciples under Sonk, for example, Distio.
In comparison, Lo's gold belt disciples were quite lacking.
Therefore, Lo did not have much confidence in the match to be held a month later.
Aily was also aware of the situation, and thus said in a low voice, "Why not wait a while longer, elder? At the beginning of next year, the matches will start over once again."
Lo's expression fluctuated for a moment. However, he still stubbornly shook his head in the end and declared, "I will find a way."
After which, he waved to Aily before shooting a glance at Ezra and the rest as he lifted his legs to leave.
"Junior brother Ezra, we'll be fellow brother disciples in the future." Mubarak smiled at Ezra. From the looks of it, the former was a rather straight forward individual.
The prince returned the smile and cupped his fists together. "Greetings senior brother Mubarak."
Mubarak shook his head to avoid formalities and replied. "Although Elder Lo seems very unapproachable, he has high hopes for you."
To which, the prince smiled, a black bolt flickered in his scarlet eyes as he answered. "Then I am obligated to stand up to his hopes."