Retake *Discontinued*

Chapter Fifty-One: The Tournament Grounds

The sun was shining harshly over the Northern Martial Field, which was the sight of the tournament. There were several large tents outside the viewing stands that could sit tens of thousands of people. Within the tents, there were smaller competitions being held. The largest tent acted as a betting center and was fairly close to the tournament grounds.

The Heavenly Marks Family was sat in the northern section of the viewing stands near the Sacred Family. Nie Hai took a minute to calm himself, for in the past none would give his Family the light of day. Now, there was no shortage of those trying to curry favor with him.

"Ah, Little Sister Nie Tai, Little Brother Nie Li! It is wonderful to see you again!" Greeted Yang Xin, walking up to the twins with three elders of the Alchemist Association behind her. Smiling amicably, the twins returned the greeting.

"Big Sister Yang Xin! I'm happy to see that you were able to make it!" Replied Nie Li.

"Of course. When Patriarch Nie Hai sent the invitation, how could I refuse?" Asked Yang Xin rhetorically while giving a chance for the man to join the conversation. Soon, others from the Heavenly Marks Family joined the exchange with excitement. The growing group was gaining the jealous gazes of spectators who cursed themselves for not bothering with the Heavenly Marks Family in the past.

"Anyway, you two nearly got me killed with that treasure of yours. Surely, you will repay me for all the danger you put me in," said Yang Xin with a slight smirk.

Chuckling, Nie Tai replied, "Ah, I'm glad that you are safe! We definitely owe you a favor."

"Right," nodded Yang Xin good naturedly, "When is the tournament going to start? I'm getting bored. You are both going to participate, correct?"

"Of course," answered the twins simultaneously.

"Director Yang," sounded a male voice. Nie Tai turned to see an older man walking over with some following behind. She recognized him to be Shen Ming: the Main Affairs Elder of the Sacred Family. He kept his attention on Yang Xin, ignoring the twins, "I was not aware that you held an interest in material tournaments."

"While I'm not interested in the regular competitors, my adorable Little Sister Nie Tai and Little Brother Nie Li are participating. I plan to place a bet or two, in favor of them of course," said Yang Xin, "I even heard that the Sacred Family is the banker this year. Is that true?"

When she mentioned the twins so warmly, Shen Ming glanced at them with concealed worry in his eyes. He could not offend the Alchemist Association, and he was curious as to how the Heavenly Marks Family gained the politically powerful woman's favor. With the current market for elixirs, the Sacred Family was not a match for the Alchemist Association's resources. Shen Ming's smile became stressed and he said, "You have heard correctly."

"Ah, don't worry. I'm just playing around. I will bet solely on the twins, so you've nothing to worry about!" Assured Yang Xin.

Seeing a movement behind Shen Ming, Nie Tai noticed Shen Fei snarling at her brother. She almost laughed when Nie Li lightheartedly said, "Mister Shen! Long time no see!"

Growling, Shen Fei didn't bother to reply. If he had, then he might have saved himself some face as Nie Li continued, "You really are very friendly! Ning'er has often told me of how kind and generous you are!"

Nie Tai hid her snickers behind her hand as Shen Fei turned an ugly shade. Nie Li, however, wasn't finished, "Ning'er's cultivation has also been steadily increasing! It's pretty amazing! When I massaged her to rid her of the Arctic Disease, I never would have imagine how strong she would become; after all, her disease is almost cured. Oh, you still haven't thanked me for healing your fiance!"