Chapter 708
Baptism Showdown
Canaan of the Jingzhou Guild and Assange of the Shenzhou Guild, leading their respective guilds' elite forces, arrived at Baidi City one after the other, like two sharp swords cutting through the clouds.
Their arrival was not merely a participation of two top geniuses, but also a manifestation of the will of two major guilds, with their aim being the crown of the Divine Inscription Master Cultivation Competition and the huge cultivation resources allocated by the guild behind the competition.
In order to quickly create momentum in Baidi City and even the entire Danzhou, suppress the reputation of the Danzhou Guild, and create a public opinion atmosphere that "Jingzhou and Shenzhou Divine Inscription Masters are superior" in advance of the competition, Assange and Canaan did something extremely high-profile and impactful after settling down.
They publicly announced that they would be offering free divine rune baptisms to cultivators for three days at the central square of Baidi City!
Furthermore, they claim that they can not only baptize talented cultivators and help them transform their souls, but also guide blacksmiths to improve the essence of their blacksmithing skills!
The news caused an instant uproar throughout Baidi City!
Countless cultivators stuck at the threshold of spiritual enlightenment, blacksmiths yearning for breakthroughs in their skills, and even ordinary people with dreams, surged toward the central square like a tide.
A long queue stretching for miles formed in front of Assange and Canaan's temporary encampment, the noise and bustling atmosphere far exceeding any previous event by a divine rune master in White Emperor City.
"My God! That's Master Assange, the peerless genius of the Divine Continent Guild! He reached the peak of Level Three in less than five hundred years of cultivation, and I heard he created several divine runes!"
"Master Canaan of Jingzhou is no less impressive! He is the personal disciple of the fifth-level divine rune master, Lord Shengui! He possesses ancient secret techniques!"
"What an incredible opportunity it is to receive their personal baptism! Perhaps my soul, which has been stagnant for so many years, can finally break through!"
"Hurry! Get in line! You'll miss it if you're late!"
People were talking excitedly, their faces filled with longing and anticipation.
For many cultivators, receiving baptism from a powerful divine inscription master is an opportunity to change their destiny.
Assange and Canaan's move was undoubtedly a bombshell in Baidi City, instantly propelling the reputations of the two major guilds, Jingzhou and Shenzhou, to their peak, with their influence even subtly overshadowing the local Danzhou guild.
In the secret room of the Danzhou Guild, President Huang Youming looked at the scene of the crowds in the central square projected in the crystal ball, his face so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it.
The jade slip in front of him was still buzzing, conveying urgent reports from all sides and vague inquiries from the General Council expressing dissatisfaction.
"What a clever way to intimidate me!"
Huang Youming gritted his teeth.
"They are trying to show everyone in Baidi City through their actions that the younger generation of Divine Inscription Masters from Jingzhou and Shenzhou Guilds are not only incredibly powerful, but also helpful and willing to benefit the people of Danzhou."
In contrast, our Danzhou Guild, especially the Baidi City branch as the host, seems... inactive, even stingy in sharing the Dao of Divine Runes!
He knew all too well the ins and outs of it.
When a divine rune master performs a baptism for another, it may seem like an act of kindness, but in reality, it is also the best stage to showcase their exquisite control, profound knowledge, and unique understanding of divine rune power.
Assange and Canaan must have absolute confidence in their methods to dare to conduct such large-scale public baptisms.
Once they successfully help many people break through, or even enlighten new divine rune masters, their prestige will be at its zenith.
At that time, the Danzhou Guild held a competition on its own territory, but the limelight was completely stolen by the two major guilds. How could it save face?
More importantly, how will the headquarters view him as the branch president?
If he can't even win over the local people, how can he shoulder great responsibilities? His previous application to upgrade the Baidi City branch to a core branch is probably even more unlikely.
"We must fight back! We must outdo them in this baptism!"
Huang Youming suddenly stood up and paced anxiously in the secret room. Two candidates flashed through his mind: Yun Zhongzi and Zhang Lingfeng.
Yun Zhongzi, needless to say, is a third-level divine inscription master of the Baruch family, with formidable strength. If he were to step in, at least the situation could be stabilized.
As for Zhang Lingfeng... a glimmer of hope ignited in Huang Youming's eyes.
He had personally witnessed Zhang Lingfeng's amazing abilities.
Murong Li, the guild maid who was generally considered to lack talent and almost unable to become a divine rune master, not only successfully awakened her divine runes under Zhang Lingfeng's personal guidance, but also became a first-level divine rune master in one fell swoop.
This ability to turn the rotten into the miraculous is something even Huang Youming himself is ashamed of.
If Zhang Lingfeng were willing to take action, with his strength as a peak level three divine inscription master and his mysterious and unpredictable enlightenment ability, he would definitely be able to completely crush Assange and Canaan in terms of the "results" of the baptism, win back a point for the Danzhou Guild, and even severely dampen the morale of the two guilds!
With this in mind, Huang Youming no longer hesitated and immediately contacted Zhang Lingfeng and Yun Zhongzi simultaneously via the communication jade slip, earnestly requesting a meeting to discuss the matter.
It was still in the backyard of the Divine Craftsman's Shop, where Zhang Lingfeng was playing mahjong with Chen Fenfang, Master Liu, and others.
Upon receiving Huang Youming's message, he listened to the other party's anxious statement and request, but a troubled expression appeared on his face.
"President Huang, it's not that I, Zhang, am unwilling to help."
As Zhang Lingfeng drew the cards, he replied with his divine sense, his tone as lazy as ever.
"It's true... you know me, I don't like doing things that require a lot of public exposure and mental effort."
"Baptizing one person is manageable, but to do what Assange and the others did, facing thousands of strangers for days on end, examining their souls one by one and casting divine runes... that's too exhausting, and not in line with my path of cultivation."
But he was thinking something else entirely.
A large-scale public baptism? What a joke! How much time and energy would that take? With that time, wouldn't it be better to play a few more rounds of mahjong, bask in the sun for a few more days, go fishing with Uncle Ou and the others, and earn some easy points?
This is his fastest and most stable way of "cultivation".
What's the point of guild reputation or suppressing opponents? Nothing beats earning points by lying down. As long as he wins the tournament, he doesn't care about these empty titles in the early stages.
"Master Zhang! This matter concerns the reputation of our Danzhou Guild!"
Huang Youming was practically begging on the other end of the jade slip.
"Assange and Canaan are coming with overwhelming force, clearly intending to ruin the reputation of our Danzhou Guild before the conference even begins. You displayed astonishing abilities when you baptized Murong Li; if you could act again, you would surely..."
"President Huang,"
Zhang Lingfeng interrupted him, his tone calm but carrying an unyielding tone.
“My mind is made up. You should consult with Master Yun Zhongzi about this matter. I believe that with Master Yun’s strength and the Baruch family’s prestige, they are more than capable of handling it.”
After saying that, he cut off the communication, casually played a "Fortune" card, and smiled at Chen Fenfang at the card table, saying, "Master Chen, it's your turn."
Huang Youming held the jade slip, which had suddenly fallen silent, his face filled with disappointment and helplessness.
He knew Zhang Lingfeng had a somewhat eccentric personality, but he didn't expect that at such a crucial moment, the other party would still choose to "lie flat" and stand by and do nothing.
Almost at the same time that Zhang Lingfeng refused, Yun Zhongzi also received a message from Huang Youming.
He was currently in the VIP area arranged by the City Lord's Mansion, observing the grand scene in the central square through his divine sense, and his expression was equally unpleasant.
Assange and Canaan's high-profile actions were not only a slap in the face to the Danzhou Guild, but also, to some extent, a provocation against him, a level-three divine rune master who also came from a powerful force.
When Yun Zhongzi heard Huang Youming relay that Zhang Lingfeng refused to take action and placed his hopes on him, he was taken aback at first, and then his face showed undisguised disdain and anger.
"Hmph! He really is a worthless fellow! He has a lot of cultivation, but no sense of responsibility or courage! He spends all his time playing cards and frolicking, and when it comes to serious matters, he shrinks back. He is truly unworthy of being a third-level divine inscription master!" Yun Zhongzi sneered at his disciple Mu Chen beside him, his voice full of contempt for Zhang Lingfeng.
The initial sense of apprehension and complex emotions he felt due to Zhang Lingfeng's strength were now largely diluted by this irresponsible behavior, replaced by an even stronger sense of superiority.
See, when it matters most, we still have to rely on Yun Zhongzi!
"Master, what about Chairman Huang's request..."
Mu Chen asked cautiously.
Yun Zhongzi stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked out the window, his eyes burning with fighting spirit: "Since Zhang Lingfeng is afraid of fighting, then I will show the younger generation of Jingzhou and Shenzhou what a true level three divine inscription master is! What the divine inscription foundation of the Baruch family is! Want to show off your power in Baidi City and Danzhou? You'll have to ask me for my permission first!"
He immediately replied to Huang Youming via jade slip, his voice strong and confident: "President Huang need not worry. Since Zhang Lingfeng is hesitant, then I will uphold the dignity of my Danzhou Guild. Isn't this just a public baptism?"
"I'll see just how capable Assange and Canaan really are! I'll immediately head to the guild and set up a special baptism session. I'll not only compete with them in the number of people baptizing, but I'll also completely surpass them in the results! Let everyone in White Emperor City know that my Danzhou Guild is not without its strength!"
Having received such a positive reply from Yun Zhongzi, Huang Youming finally felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.
Although it is regrettable that Zhang Lingfeng is unwilling to make a move, Yun Zhongzi is willing to fight with all his might. With his strength and background, he can at least stabilize the situation and prevent the Danzhou Guild from being completely passive.
He immediately set about making arrangements to promote Yun Zhongzi's public baptism.
The following day, an unprecedented spectacle appeared in Baidi City.
In the central square of the eastern part of the city, Assange and Canaan each occupied one end, their divine runes forming a light curtain that enveloped them, creating a temporary baptismal barrier.
Assange's body was covered in crimson runes, and his baptism was both bizarre and efficient; Canaan, on the other hand, held the Fallen God Shuttle, which activated pure divine runes, and his steady movements were imbued with an ancient charm.
Before the two stood a long line of people, some of whom were being baptized, sometimes groaning in pain, sometimes showing ecstatic joy, and faint divine runes emanating from their bodies.
Although they did not directly become Divine Inscription Masters, their souls were significantly nourished or found direction, drawing gasps of amazement and cheers.
Meanwhile, in the west of the city, a high platform was also erected in front of the headquarters of the Danzhou Divine Inscription Master Guild.
Yun Zhongzi, dressed in a black robe, sat upright with a cold and stern expression.
The news that a third-level divine rune master from the Baruch family was personally giving free baptisms to cultivators in White Emperor City, promoted by the guild, attracted a large number of people.
Many people came with the mindset of giving it a try or comparing it with others.
Yun Zhongzi's baptism style was upright and powerful, and the power of the divine runes surged like a river, showing an extremely solid and profound foundation.
After each baptism, he would give a brief comment on the recipient, pointing out their spiritual qualities or shortcomings, which made him appear both professional and superior.
For a moment, Baidi City seemed to be divided into two battlefields.
To the east are mysterious and powerful foreign geniuses, and to the west are local powerhouses with profound heritage.
People discussed and compared the efficiency, success rate, and feedback from practitioners after the baptism on both sides.
In the first few days, the two sides seemed evenly matched.
With his solid skills as a level three divine rune master and the guild's advantageous location, Yun Zhongzi attracted a considerable number of people and successfully helped many cultivators stabilize their divine souls, even enabling several cultivators who had been stuck at their bottlenecks for many years to achieve breakthroughs.
Huang Youming breathed a slight sigh of relief.
However, as time went on, subtle changes began to emerge.
In Assange and Canaan, not only has the number of cases not decreased, but some notable cases have begun to emerge.
For example, an old blacksmith who had struggled for many years and was deemed "hopeless" by many divine rune masters actually succeeded in integrating his long-stagnant understanding of forging techniques into his soul under the baptism of Canaan.
He vaguely touched the edge of a divine rune. Although he failed to become a divine rune master, the artifacts he forged unexpectedly acquired a trace of spirituality, greatly increasing their quality.
For example, a young Soul Master who originally just came to join in the fun actually endured the painful baptism of Assange's aggressive blood-red divine runes, and his soul underwent a violent transformation.
Although the process was perilous, his soul strength increased dramatically afterward, and he was considered to have excellent potential to become a powerful blacksmith.
These "legendary" cases, through word of mouth and embellishment by those with ulterior motives, quickly gained traction.
People began to feel that Assange and Canaan's baptism was not only powerful, but also more "innovative" and "breakthrough," seemingly more capable of creating miracles.
On the other hand, while Yunzhongzi's success rate is high and the process is stable, it lacks this kind of eye-catching "explosive moment".
Gradually, some of the people who were originally queuing up on Yun Zhongzi's side began to waver and turned to the east of the city.
What made Huang Youming and Yun Zhongzi even angrier was that people from Jingzhou and Shenzhou Guilds began to spread rumors, intentionally or unintentionally.
"Master Yun Zhongzi is indeed formidable, but his methods seem... somewhat rigid? Not as creative as Master Assange's."
“Master Canaan is a disciple of the God and Ghost Lord. His knowledge and skills are probably not comparable to those of an ordinary third-level divine rune master.”
"I've heard that the Zhang Tianshi who enlightened Murong Li is the most mysterious master in Danzhou, but unfortunately... he seems too afraid to come out and challenge me?"
These comments were like fine needles piercing the heart of the Danzhou Association.
Upon learning this, Yun Zhongzi was even more enraged. He worked even harder during the baptism, even at the cost of sacrificing his own divine runes, striving to achieve the best effect on each recipient and attempting to overpower them.
However, those rare and precious "miracle cases" cannot be created simply by having abundant resources.
As Huang Youming watched Yun Zhongzi's power dwindle while his efforts yielded diminishing results, and the momentum in the east of the city grew ever stronger, his anxiety intensified.
He tried to contact Zhang Lingfeng again, and even went to the Divine Craftsman's Shop in person, only to find Zhang Lingfeng still leisurely playing cards with someone in the backyard, seemingly oblivious to the storms in the city.
Faced with Huang Youming's almost tearful pleas, Zhang Lingfeng simply waved his hand and handed him a cup of tea: "President Huang, please calm down. It's just a baptism, why be so insistent? The results will be clear at the conference."
Huang Youming was completely speechless and could only leave dejectedly.
He knew that in this reputation baptism battle initiated by Assange and Canaan before the official start of the Divine Inscription Master Cultivation Conference, the Danzhou Guild had already fallen into a passive position because Zhang Lingfeng refused to take action.
Yun Zhongzi is alone and cannot stand alone; although he has not been defeated, it is difficult to say that he has won.
The Jingzhou and Shenzhou Guilds successfully gave Danzhou a resounding warning, leaving a deep and powerful impression on countless cultivators in Baidi City regarding these two guilds and their geniuses.
A storm is brewing beneath the calm surface of the sea.
Everyone sensed that the upcoming Divine Inscription Master Cultivation Conference would be far more intense than any previous one.
P.S.: Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you a prosperous Year of the Horse and all the best! (End of Chapter)