Elder Tren's jaw twitched slightly as he heard Cassia's two proposals.
The Heaven Mixing dan was a medicinal pill used at the eighth stage of body refinement. It might help a martial artist advance to a higher level. Not only did it establish a better body refining foundation, but it also increased the chances of breaking through. Compared to the cost of Leo's previous Bone Cleansing Dan, this product was entirely unmatched in price.
In the entire Zephyr Blade Sect, the amount of Heaven Mixing dans produced were not too many. In the secular world, no matter how much gold was spent, one would not be able to buy one.
The storage ring was similarly priceless. A typical martial artist in the body refining stage wouldn't even think of getting one. Only someone like Cassia, with an extraordinary background, would have the opportunity to acquire one.
The combined price of these two objects was not similar to two lesser grade treasure grade items, but it was close. Cassia was actually not at a disadvantage.
"Hehe, Niece Cassia really isn't one to be at a disadvantage." Elder Tren gave a dry laugh.
"What is it? Could it be that Elder Tren is unwilling to bet?" Cassia smiled softly and spoke without any pressure.
"Of course, I will bet. How could this elderly man retract his statements? Although a storage ring and Heaven Mixing Dan are not cheap, this elderly man simply happens to have both." Elder Tren said it forcefully.
Anyway, this was only a gamble. As long as he emerged victorious, there was no need for him to give anything. He was also quite confident in Franklin. Although Leo had defeated him in the strength test, in Elder Tren's opinion, Leo was just born with supernatural might. The difference between the body refining fifth and fourth levels was difficult to bridge. Aside from the mental strength and perceptual evaluations, there was also the final combat examination.
Cassia grinned and bowed towards the other elders in the judgment area, saying, "Since it's this way, then may Ninth Uncle and the other elders help act as witnesses for this bet between me and Elder Tren."
"Haha, it is fine. However, it will be difficult for this Leo to win."
"Alright, however, just watching them will be boring for us; adding some fun is not a bad idea. I will serve as a witness.
The other two elders in the judgment area concurred, although they also thought Franklin would win because of the strength differential.
Cassia remained unconcerned about the perceptions of others, displaying a confident demeanor. She did not feel Leo's strength was limited to what he demonstrated.
While the people in the judging area were discussing, the evaluation in the plaza continued. After Leo made an explosive entry with 3000 jin of strength and won first place, the other martial artists got highly interested in the rest of the evaluation.
It was only a shame that the martial artists that came up next couldn't match Leo, Franklin, or Russell's incredible accomplishments.
Another martial artist with a body-refining fifth level emerged, but he was simply an ordinary fifth level practitioner, and his age had already reached the evaluation limit of twenty years. In the end, he only achieved a 2200 jin performance, disappointing the other martial artists who had waited in expectation.
The few top body refining fourth level martial artists typically achieve between 1800 and 2000 jin, which is far below Russell's 2600 jin or Leo's 3000 jin.
The crowd of martial artists believed that Leo and two others should be the ultimate top three in this evaluation due to their exceptional performances, but the decision on the first-place winner remained uncertain. Although Leo's strength evaluation came in first, the results of the subsequent tests may differ.
Soon, Alden moved up and had a result of 1050 jin, barely passing. Achieving over 1000 jin shortly after reaching the third level of body refining is a commendable feat.
Following the exam, Leo sought a peaceful spot to sit and waited for the evaluation to finish, utilizing the opportunity to cultivate his skills. His bones have just been thoroughly cleansed of all contaminants. He could continue to strengthen his bones by consistently applying his cultivation method.
Leo experienced a severe feeling of panic upon learning that Franklin's strength had advanced to the fifth degree of body refinement. His chances of winning first place would significantly improve with a slight increase in strength.
Leo gently opened his eyes and noticed Elder Tren standing up in response to the sound of a drum, adding to the suspense of the moment. It appeared that the assessment's first round had already concluded.
"The assessment of strength testing has concluded its first round. Everyone who passed follow me to the sword testing hall. The Sword Testing Hall will host the forthcoming test."
Elder Tren concluded his speech and led the way, moving neither swiftly nor slowly as he made his way to the Sword Testing Hall.
"Let's go, brother Leo, let's leave. The assessment's second round has begun." Excitement filled Alden's voice. He was ecstatic to have completed the assessment's first round with success. However, Seeing Leo was cultivating, he hadn't interrupted him before.
"I recently heard from others that rumors suggest that if you pass the first round of the assessment, you have an 80% probability of passing the remainder. If I can join the Zephyr Blade Sect, my father will most likely be overjoyed till death." Alden had restrained a bellyful of conversation and was now letting it all out via Leo's ears.
"Next up is the mental strength assessment. With your mental strength, be careful not to stumble." Leo teased.
Upon hearing this, Alden blushed, revealing his embarrassment. To be honest, his main concern was mental strength. The rest was fine, but if it was a trial of lust, he couldn't guarantee anything.
At that moment, a soft voice sounded out, "Leo."
Leo instantly stopped and looked around as soon as he heard this. It was Cassia, as it turned out. She had come here especially to wait for Leo; she had not entered the sword testing hall with Ninth Uncle.
"Miss Cassia, why haven't you gone in?" Leo inquired, surprised.
Cassia smiled slightly and said, "Do not call me Miss Cassia. Please call me Cassia. I stayed here, especially to tell you something." Leo stared at Cassia with curiosity, waiting for her to continue.
"Eh… yeah, just say what's on your mind."
Cassia took a deep breath before speaking, her eyes locking with Leo's. "Let's talk as we walk."
Standing at Leo's side, Cassia walked with him and said, "Do you have confidence in taking first place this time?"
"Ah, confidence... I believe more in strength!" Leo did not respond directly, but he had clearly stated his aim.
Cassia smiled pleasantly as she saw Leo's battling attitude, saying, "That's fine. This time, you must win first place! Otherwise, Ninth Uncle's personal weapon will be gone."
Leo was taken aback, unsure of the connection between his first-place finish and Ninth Uncle's weapon. He questioned, "Eeh… Personal weapons will be gone…? What's going on?"
"That Elder Tren had a bet with Ninth Uncle. If Franklin wins first place, Elder Tren will inherit Ninth Uncle's weapon, the lower grade Shadow Claw. If you win first place, Elder Tren will give out a storage ring and a Heaven Mixing Pill as a bet." Cassia said, peering deep into Leo's eyes, "If you win, those two betting materials, the storage ring and Heaven Mixing Dan, will all be yours!"
Cassia sought the betting materials from Elder Tren with the intention of supporting Leo's advancement.