A Chaotic World

Chapter 375: Comparing Contributions

During his stay at Sacred Cliff City, Lu Tianzi had heard a lot of stories about the incredible Burning Titan Overlord.

Lu Tianzi did not know how true these stories were, but there was one point that he truly believed.

The Burning Titan Overlord was a man who could single-handedly stand against the leaders of the ancient sects!

After all, this had to be true to make it possible for him to establish his own territory in a land dominated by the four ancient sects.

But looking at him now, Lu Tianzi did not see the man whom he had expected to see.

Despite all the strength and power that he wielded, the Burning Titan Overlord looked rather plain to say the least.

He was dressed in a simple long robe, one that any commoner could have afforded to buy. He had a head of short black hair, complete with a rough stubble that almost looked unkempt. His facial features, however, were sharp and suave, salvaging his appearance to make him look like a handsome man in his mid-forties.

The Burning Titan Overlord seemed to be used to the reaction from the two Overlord realm powerhouses, putting on an amiable smile as he nodded in acknowledgment.

He then turned towards Young Master Xuan Hao, "How is Sect Master Xuan Yongheng? There hasn't been news of him for a while."

"Thank you for asking, Your Excellency. The sect master is well," Young Master Xuan Hao quickly clasped his fists respectfully. "It is an honour to finally meet Your Excellency!"

"Mm," the Burning Titan Overlord nodded. "Enjoy yourselves, kids. Feel free to let my men know if you need anything."

"Yes, Your Excellency!" the group answered in unison before the Burning Titan Overlord walked away towards the front of the chamber.

On top of being the lord of Sacred Cliff City, the Burning Titan Overlord was also the official host of the Artificers' Conference.

Even if that was not the case, he naturally would not spend too much time with a group like theirs, which comprised only of two Overlords and a bunch of Origin Core realm martial artists.

Instead, he took his seat at a table at the very front of the chamber. This was naturally the best seat, and had the best view of the stage where all demonstrations would be held later.

When the Burning Titan Overlord took his seat, the Artificers' Conference also began in earnest.

Most of the invitees had already arrived by now. For those who had yet to arrive, they were considered late.

The entire city was centred upon the Burning Titan Overlord, and the Artificers' Conference was no different.

For this event, there was no fixed starting time.

Instead, the starting time of the Artificers' Conference only depended on one thing the Burning Titan Overlord's arrival.

After all, who would dare start the event without the Burning Titan Overlord, and who could possibly be important enough to let him wait?

The event was kick-started by a few renowned artificers, demonstrating to everyone how certain equipment tempering processes could be executed. While doing so, they did not forget to ask for opinions from the other guests, who responded with their own ideas, quickly turning it into an active discussion.

Everyone here was an expert in their respective field, and their contributions brought a new level of insight to the subject at hand.

One after another, experts talked about the issues that they had been thinking about in recent years, trying to hear the others' thoughts.

Just from listening to their exchange of ideas, Lu Tianzi was able to gain certain insights into the art of artificing.

Unfortunately, his starting point was simply too low. Even with these unexpected gains, it was still not at a level where he could use to any great effect.

The only time he could keep up was when the topic shifted towards the art of inscriptions. That was where he benefited the most.

But Lu Tianzi realised that as time passed, the topic gradually shifted, becoming less and less to do with artificing.

It seemed that with the gradual increase in attendance of non-artificers, the topics discussed during the Artificers' Conference had started to extend beyond mere artificing, and now included various matters under the sun.

"Your Excellency, the Radiant Raven Sect has been acting far too audaciously lately. We need to teach them a lesson and make them learn their place!"

"That's right, we cannot allow them to continue doing as they wish! I heard that two weeks ago, they massacred the Firestone Clan's guards and robbed them of their Flamestint Sword!"

"What? They acted again? Wasn't the last time just a month ago?"

"They really are not putting His Excellency in their eyes!"

"These bastards need to be taught a lesson!"

The atmosphere in the chamber became significantly more agitated after someone mentioned the Radiant Raven Sect.

"The Radiant Raven Sect?" Lu Tianzi was surprised to hear that familiar name here. "Are they causing trouble in the Sacred Cliff City?"

"You can say so," Young Master Xuan Hao replied. "Even though the presence of the Burning Titan Overlord is able to deter them from causing trouble within the city, I have heard of many incidents in which the Radiant Raven Sect members acted outside the walls of the city, targeting those who were travelling to or from the city."

"So that's the case" Lu Tianzi nodded in understanding.

The Radiant Raven Sect was truly unrestrained in their actions.

Even though they were not directly targeting Sacred Cliff City, their actions could still be seen as challenging the rule of the Burning Titan Overlord.

Considering that the Burning Titan Overlord was someone with strength on par with the leaders of the ancient sects, wouldn't this be similar to challenging one of the four ancient sects?

How daring!

Then again, he could kind of understand why the Radiant Raven Sect was willing to take such a risk.

After all, the Sacred Cliff City was not called the City of Artificers for nothing.

Its reputation naturally attracted influential people from all over the continent, which also meant that the rewards for targeting these travellers would be that much higher.

"All right, all right, I get it," the Burning Titan Overlord waved his hand lazily, showing an expression that could easily be interpreted as boredom. "What does everyone suggest then?"

"Your Excellency, I suggest that we comb through a radius of one hundred kilometres, rooting out all those Radiant Raven bastards hiding in the vicinity!"

"That's a good idea! It's the only way to show them not to mess with Your Excellency's Sacred Cliff City!"

"What do you think?" the Burning Titan Overlord turned to ask the man seated directly beside him.

It was stern-looking man who appeared to be in his forties. His well-built body was protected by a green coloured flexible armour.

Lu Tianzi might not recognise this man, but he was one of the rare exceptions.

To almost everyone else, this man's name rang in their minds the moment they saw him.

Captain Emerald Wind also known as the strongest captain within the Sacred Cliff City Guards.

Within Sacred Cliff City, his fame and authority was second only to the Burning Titan Overlord himself!

Captain Emerald Wind casually put down the teacup in his hand before answering, "If everyone is in favour of rooting out the Radiant Raven Sect remnants in the vicinity, I don't have any objections. But this matter essentially has nothing to do with us, so we should only send those who volunteer to go on this expedition."

Many of the attendees could not help but let out a bitter smile when they heard his words.

Nothing to do with them?

Is it because these incidents happened outside of the Sacred Cliff City walls?

Isn't it a little too irresponsible of him to say that?

Is he not afraid that everyone will boycott Sacred Cliff City after hearing that the Sacred Cliff City Guards have no intention to ensure the safety of its people outside of the city walls?

No, he really isn't afraid of that.

After all, Sacred Cliff City did not need the help of visitors to thrive. On the contrary, it was the visitors who needed the expertise of the city.

Damn it...

At this moment, Squad Leader Sanlong who was seated with Grandmaster Xiangling suddenly stood up to speak.

"We of the Sacred Cliff City Guards are more than willing to fight for the sovereignty of Your Excellency, even if it means putting our lives on the line for it. After all, we live and fight for the reputation of the city, and we are honoured to do so as well!" Squad Leader Sanlong spoke with pride before shooting a glance at Lu Tianzi. "On the other hand, we must condemn those martial artists who put in no effort to help the city whatsoever. That is especially the case for certain people who spend their time dwelling over petty matters like avoiding taxes, at the same time hiding within the safety of the city walls without the slightest bit of contribution!"

With his words, the atmosphere in the chamber changed once again.

Everyone's thoughts, which was previously focused on the Radiant Raven Sect, now fell upon Squad Leader Sanlong and, following his gaze, to Lu Tianzi.

"By your words and gestures, do you happen to be referring to me?" Lu Tianzi asked.

It was not his intention to stand out in an event like this, but Squad Leader Sanlong's actions gave him no other choice.

"It's not that I want to say this, but can Manor Lord Lu mention just one instance in which you have contributed to the safety of the city?" Squad Leader Sanlong questioned. "I'm afraid not!"

The other attendees were not fools. By now, it was obvious to everyone that Squad Leader Sanlong was out to get Lu Tianzi.

However, nobody stepped in to intervene.

To most of these people who had the right to attend the Artificers' Conference, both Squad Leader Sanlong and Lu Tianzi were just small characters. However, the two Grandmaster Artificers seated by their sides were not.

Of course, there was also the fact that one side was a member of the Sacred Cliff City Guards, while the other was the leader of Sky Snow Manor that recently rose to fame, or perhaps infamy.

It was only understandable that they would be at loggerheads.

Since the two sides wanted to go at each other, others would naturally choose to stay out of it.

Grandmaster Tiequan and Grandmaster Xiangling exchanged glances as well, but remained silent as they leaned back in their seats. It looked as though they had come to a tacit agreement that neither of them would butt in.

Lu Tianzi stared back at Squad Leader Sanlong, sparks flying as their gaze met.

However, that was only for a moment.

Then Lu Tianzi's expression suddenly softened, letting out an amiable smile.

"I have nothing but praise for the Sacred Cliff City Guards' efforts in maintaining law and order in the city, but I would have to disagree with the Squad Leader Sanlong's words here," Lu Tianzi said. "I am an inscription master. While my work does not bring me into direct confrontation against our enemies, it does increase the overall strength of the populace. Isn't that a contribution in and of itself? Or are you also implying that all those who employed my services did not use their inscribed equipment to aid the city?"

"Tch!" Squad Leader Sanlong clicked his tongue in irritation. "Don't put words in my mouth! But even with that, your contribution is far too insignificant. You aren't the only inscription master out there. Do you think the other party would not have inscription masters of their own? In fact, I would say that most of them are surely more skilled than yourself. Their works would naturally outshine yours in the battlefield!"

"Oh?" Lu Tianzi raised an eyebrow. "You are saying that my work as an inscription master is insignificant because they have inscription masters on their side? By the same logic, wouldn't that make you, a warrior, insignificant as well just because they have warriors on their side too?"

"What are you trying to say?" Squad Leader Sanlong sneered. "Did you just call my contributions to the city insignificant?"

At the same time, he nervously sneaked a peek at the Burning Titan Overlord.

How dare this bastard put me down in front of His Excellency!

"I am just trying to confirm the true meaning behind your own words," Lu Tianzi shrugged. "Why do you have to get so agitated?"

"You!" Squad Leader Sanlong gritted his teeth in anger. "Since Manor Lord Lu is acting so confident, why don't you join me for a simple demonstration? Face me in battle, and I shall use a non-inscribed weapon to show you how insignificant your inscriptions are in battle. Between my strength and your inscribed weapons, let's prove to everyone just which is more effective!"

"Are you saying that you want to fight here?" Lu Tianzi laughed in his heart.

Squad Leader Sanlong was only at the Fifth Cycle Origin Core realm.

Even though that was two full boundaries above Lu Tianzi, he was still absolutely confident in his chances of victory!

"Aren't you very cocky just now? What? Are you afraid?" Squad Leader Sanlong scoffed.

At this point, someone else finally decided to speak up.

"Squad Leader Sanlong, restrain yourself. Did you forget that you are in the presence of His Excellency?" Captain Emerald Wind commented sternly.

"No, let them do it," the Burning Titan Overlord had a grin on his face as he hurriedly raised his hand to stop Captain Emerald Wind. "The Artificers' Conference has been too boring up till now. It is about time for us to take a break and enjoy some entertainment!"

"Hahaha!" Squad Leader Sanlong roared in laughter before flying onto the stage. "Now that even his Excellency has given his approval, don't even try to escape. Then again, who knows? Perhaps you were right, and these inscriptions that you are so proud of might just be able to overcome the difference in our cultivation levels? Let's find that out right now!"