CHAPTER 834: CHAPTER 834: SHOW THEM WHAT WE’RE MADE OF

This is, of course, the Star Illusion Thousand Machine Technique that Han Yan taught him. These days, while Han Yan is busy casting swords and enjoying leisure activities, Ji Gaoxian has not been idle, persistently researching the hand formation, and has already grasped its essence.

To let the others see more clearly, his movements were extremely slow, taking a full seven and a half minutes to complete the two hand formations.

"What... what kind of hand formation is this?" With the profound skills of Shen Moce and the others, how could they not recognize the depth and boundless mystery of these two hand formations? When Ji Gaoxian finished the formations, they asked excitedly, with Weng Yixiao grabbing his arm eagerly.

"This is called the Star Illusion Thousand Machine Technique, the hand formation taught to me by Young Master Mu Han Yan. I believe you all see the subtle brilliance of this technique, so there’s no need for me to elaborate further." Seeing their excited expressions, Ji Gaoxian felt a certain satisfaction in his heart.

Don’t look at his considerable reputation; most of it comes from his Master’s backing. Although Shen Moce and the others give him some face due to his Master’s requests, they don’t really take him seriously otherwise. Seeing them both excited and eager, scratching their heads with anticipation, he naturally felt a little pride.

"Didn’t you mention something about the Nanyan Commerce to us? Why did you suddenly bring up Han Yan?" Shen Moce, more cautious in thought, suddenly asked suspiciously.

"To be honest, I am commissioned by Han Yan to invite you to join the Nanyan Commerce." By this point, Ji Gaoxian couldn’t be bothered to beat around the bush. Over the past few days at the Nanyan Commerce, he saw that Han Yan rarely showed up and that Che Hao never mentioned him in front of servants, likely preferring not to be too ostentatious, so he didn’t explicitly mention certain things.

As a Star Divination Master, naturally, keen insight and agility of thought are indispensable. Since Han Yan didn’t want to be ostentatious, he certainly wouldn’t ruin others’ matters.

"Nanyan Commerce, Han Yan." Hearing Ji Gaoxian’s words, Weng Yixiao and the others quickly made connections.

Speaking of it, in the Capital, these chambers of commerce basically have families backing them, or they are fundamentally family enterprises. However, a big tree attracts the wind; a large business that invites suspicion isn’t good, especially if it invites Royal suspicion, which would be even worse, so such matters usually aren’t flaunted; understanding it internally suffices.

Thus, connecting Han Yan with Nanyan Commerce, none of them were overly surprised.

"So that’s how it is." Pu Tiandi pondered for a moment, then fell silent.

With such a hand formation, Han Yan was indeed someone worth forming an alliance with, but thinking of tying the hard-earned reputation to the small Nanyan Commerce made him hesitant.

"If that’s the case, it might be worth considering further." Weng Yixiao was quite tempted.

Despite their significant reputation, they knew exactly how competent they truly were. To be blunt, it was one-third skill, one-third luck, and four-tenths bluffing. If Han Yan were willing to impart the whole formation, his Star Divination Technique would definitely advance further, benefiting his descendants as well.

"But it’s merely a couple of hand formations. Our reputation today is one thing because of our skill, another because of the legacy of our ancestors. To stake the reputation of all our ancestors just for a few hand formations is not wise." Shen Moce outright rejected it without hesitation. Compared to others, his path to fame was much harder, making him cherish his reputation even more.

Hearing this, Pu Tiandi and Weng Yixiao couldn’t quite find the words to counter. Although the three had sworn brotherhood, even if not seeking to be born or die on the same day, month, and year as they vowed when they bonded, they still needed to remain united in thought. Since Shen Moce resolutely declined, what more was there to say?

"Master Shen, don’t forget what you told my master when he passed away. I respect you as an elder, which is why I’m saying so much to you. Are you going to break your word?" Having come this far, with even Pu Tiandi and Weng Yixiao relenting, Shen Moce still stubbornly held his ground, which Ji Gaoxian found intolerable, so he said angrily.

"I won’t forget my promise to Master Duhu. However, just for a few hand formations, staking all our assets and the reputations of our ancestors is truly unreasonable. A word more would be superfluous. Farewell." Although outwardly treating Ji Gaoxian as a peer, Shen Moce internally regarded him as a junior. Seeing him dare to get angry at himself, he couldn’t help but get annoyed, scoffed coldly, and stood to leave.

"Master Ji, sorry about this. You know we three have pledged brotherhood. With Brother Shen speaking like this, we’re at a loss as well." Weng Yixiao and Pu Tiandi stood up, their faces full of apology.

"Fine, I won’t blame you. Alas." Ji Gaoxian sighed helplessly.

"Is this Shen Moce, Master Shen? What would it take for you to change your mind and join the Nanyan Commerce?" Just then, a voice filled with slight displeasure and cold arrogance sounded at the door — it was Han Yan.

Actually, Han Yan wanted to be more amicable since he needed something from them. But it was impossible as the voice of Star Illusion Thousand Machine kept angrily roaring in his mind, "Presumptuous, too presumptuous! How dare he disregard my Star Illusion Thousand Machine Technique! It’s simply disrespectful to the ancestors! Scold him harshly, clean up my house!"

Fortunately, this guy was merely a Divine Sense residing within the Star Plate, or he would’ve jumped out long ago to scold someone directly.

To accommodate this face-saving and extremely vain old freak, Han Yan’s demeanor had to be more coldly arrogant.

"Who are you?" Seeing Han Yan so aloof, not taking him seriously at all, Shen Moce’s face darkened with evident displeasure.

"I am Han Yan." Han Yan glanced at Shen Moce indifferently and repeated, "I heard Master Shen say that mere hand formations wouldn’t make you stake your reputation. I would like to know what it would take to persuade Master Shen?"

When speaking, Han Yan’s gaze showed traces of disdain — the requirement from Star Illusion Thousand Machine was that the rebellious student should not be given a good face and should be shown up.

"So you are Han Yan. Don’t think that just because you’ve learned a few hand formations by chance, you can be arrogant before me. Those hand formations mean nothing to me. Unless your Star Divination Technique surpasses mine, I will never work for you." Shen Moce, already provoked by Ji Gaoxian, saw the disdain and provocation in Han Yan’s eyes and grew even more fired up, speaking with a face full of arrogance.

"Very well, then let’s have a competition." Han Yan had been waiting for this particular statement from Shen Moce, and he agreed without hesitation.