Chapter 769, An Interesting Game

Translator: Silavin

 

Jin Zhan rode his Three Legged Fire Bird, hovering before Lu Fan, looking down at him without uttering a word.

 

He similarly bore no expression whatsoever. Such a demeanour made it impossible for Lu Fan to discern what he was truly thinking.

 

To suggest he had come over for a chat would be absolute nonsense.

 

After all, previously in front of Tu Jing, he had not given Lu Fan any pleasant looks. Now, with no one else present, Jin Zhan naturally would not be softening the relationship between them either.

 

Originally, Jin Zhan found Lu Fan thoroughly irritating. Forget chatting, it would be remarkable if they did not come to blows.

 

As for actually having a proper fight, that would be even more impossible.

 

Jin Zhan had now taken over Tu Jing’s mantle and was the Supreme Commander at the frontlines.

 

Meanwhile, Lu Fan was Dragon Country’s Spark. Though he did not wield practical power like Jin Zhan, his status and position were established facts.

 

Between the two, Lu Fan’s status was naturally somewhat higher.

 

Moreover, Jin Zhan held an important position. If he were to actively pick a fight and have a proper scrap with Lu Fan here, his Grandfather, Elder Jin, would probably come personally to give him a thorough dressing-down the very next day.

 

Dragon Country’s Spark being at odds with Dragon Country’s Supreme Commander … Wouldn’t that be a laughing stock?

 

One had to ask, if Dragon Country’s two highest-ranking individuals could not cooperate effectively and instead harboured mutual grudges, how could Dragon Country’s strength be consolidated?

 

Therefore, from a certain perspective, even if Jin Zhan found Lu Fan disagreeable, in front of so many people, even if it was just an act, he had to pretend their relationship was decent.

 

At the very least, they could not become enemies.

 

Given this situation, Jin Zhan’s proactive approach to strike up a conversation with Lu Fan left his true purpose rather difficult for Lu Fan to fathom.

 

Just as Lu Fan raised his head to meet Jin Zhan’s gaze, the latter did not maintain his mysterious air for long. Instead, he took the initiative and spoke. “Lu Fan, you’re very strong.”

 

Lu Fan had not expected Jin Zhan to approach him only to utter these five words.

 

After pondering for a moment, adhering to the principle of not striking someone who approaches with a smile, Lu Fan nodded and replied. “I know.”

 

[I know!?]

 

Now it was Jin Zhan’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

 

[What kind of response was that!?]

 

However, Lu Fan immediately followed up with. “You’re quite strong as well.”

 

This did soften Jin Zhan’s expression somewhat.

 

Jin Zhan tugged at the reins in his hand and continued coldly. “I’m someone who prefers to be direct. I won’t beat about the bush. You’re quite familiar with Uncle Tu, so you should know my identity, understand what sort of connection exists between us, and why I find you so disagreeable.”

 

When Jin Zhan said these words, his voice was not loud so only those in the nearby outpost could hear him.

 

They naturally understood that Lu Fan and Jin Zhan had special identities, and how their relationship developed might affect Dragon Country’s national strength.

 

Therefore, both emotionally and rationally, the two should get along harmoniously.

 

Yet here was Jin Zhan, immediately stating that he found Lu Fan disagreeable, instantly shocking and alarming those at the outpost.

 

[Is this something we should be hearing!?] At this moment, they almost wished they could plug their ears, terrified of hearing something they shouldn’t and consequently being ‘silenced’.

 

In reality, neither Lu Fan nor Jin Zhan paid any attention to whether they had overheard their conversation.

 

Hearing Jin Zhan’s candid admission that he found him disagreeable, Lu Fan felt no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

 

On the contrary, he genuinely appreciated Jin Zhan’s straightforward character.

 

Speaking directly was far better than maintaining surface harmony while everyone acted like Brothers, only to stab each other in the back behind closed doors.

 

Dealing with someone like Jin Zhan was straightforward: if they got along, they got along; if not, then they don’t’. Mental energy saved.

 

Therefore, after Jin Zhan finished speaking, Lu Fan actually smiled. “Yes, I know you find me disagreeable. So what?”

 

Jin Zhan sneered. “I find you disagreeable, yet you happen to be very strong. This makes you quite interesting to me. I’d very much like you to be an enemy. That way, I could legitimately eliminate you. Unfortunately, you’re not. Moreover, you’re Dragon Country’s Spark, so I can’t make a move against you.”

 

Lu Fan laughed heartily. “I’m actually quite fond of people who find me disagreeable yet can’t eliminate me. But, seeing you in such discomfort does pain my heart somewhat. How about you and I have a match then? We’ll stop at the right moment and see whether you can actually eliminate me or not?”

 

Jin Zhan shook his head and spoke honestly. “What you’ve suggested isn’t something I haven’t considered.”

 

As Jin Zhan spoke, he looked towards the distant city walls.

 

“Given our identities, a life-and-death battle wouldn’t be appropriate. However, if it’s merely sparring, I don’t think anyone would object. But after thinking it over, I felt that sparring with you would be meaningless. So, I’ve thought of a better method that could allow us to determine who’s superior!”

 

Upon hearing this, Lu Fan asked with keen interest, “What is it?”

 

Jin Zhan retrieved something from his Inventory and tossed it towards Lu Fan.

 

Lu Fan caught it smoothly and saw it was actually a medal.

 

This medal resembled the Griffin Legion Medal but was somewhat different. It seemed to originate from the Griffin Legion as well, but was not used for calculating Military Merits.

 

Lu Fan examined its Item Panel and discovered this item was called a ‘Soul Medal’. Its function was to collect a portion of a Monster’s Soul each time one was killed, then keep count.

 

Overall, this item could record exactly how many Monsters the wearer had slain.

 

It was rather an interesting item.

 

Jin Zhan spoke at this moment. “Rather than you and I having the energy to spare to take each other on, we might as well reserve that strength for killing the Mobs below. This medal is something I used for entertainment with friends during my training exercises. Generally, when we execute Missions, we wear this type of medal to see who can kill more Monsters. I believe this game is perfectly suited for you and me to determine who is superior today. What do you think?”

 

Lu Fan smiled and directly removed the Gold Wing Medal from his chest, then put on the Soul Medal. “That is interesting. In fact, I find you even more interesting. I like your suggestion. I accept! But competing without stakes would be rather dull. How about we wager something?”

 

“Heh heh, exactly what I had in mind!” Jin Zhan’s mood seemed to improve considerably as he nodded in agreement.

 

Lu Fan thought for a moment, then said directly. “Then let’s make it one Epic Grade equipment. Whoever loses gives the other party an Epic Grade equipment. This stake isn’t large for either of us, nor is it small, just about right!”

 

After considering this, Jin Zhan nodded in agreement. “Sure. Whoever loses shall give the other party one Epic Grade equipment.”