The Seven Sisters and Their Hidden King

"Mark, are you sure you don't mind?"

"Haha, I don't mind."

"Really?"

"I really don't mind."

"I'm the inheritor of Queen Cyan's will. A man fated with great opportunity. Aren't you afraid I'll claim the tripod cauldron?"

"If that happens... I can only wish you well."

"You're so damn hypocritical."

John was clearly goading him, and he didn't bother to hide it.

Mark's face twitched. He was about to cry.

How could he not mind?

But could he say that out loud?

Zack had just praised him. If he now admitted he minded, wouldn't it just confirm Zack's words—that he was narrow-minded?

Yet John kept pressing him. It was infuriating! Why keep asking the same damn question?

At that moment, Mark finally realized: John was truly a bitch.

Watching Mark's face grow darker with irritation, John's mood improved immensely. With a smirk, he said, "Since you don't mind at all, I suppose I'll give it a try."

And with that, he descended leisurely to the tenth floor.

The red tripod cauldron stood in the center, its once-brilliant surface now dim after losing the heat of the spiritual fire. Though it seemed less vibrant, it was still awe-inspiring.

John cut his finger and wiped a drop of blood onto the cauldron—an essential step to attempt bonding with a magical artifact.

If the Universe Cinnabar Tripod responded, he could proceed with the next step.

The blood was absorbed swiftly into the cauldron's crimson surface.

One minute passed.

No reaction.

Two minutes.

Still nothing.

Five minutes later...

The cauldron remained completely still.

By common understanding, if the tripod cauldron hadn't responded by now, it meant it rejected him. The item simply wasn't interested. There would be no bonding. No opportunity here.

Mark breathed a sigh of relief.

He even chuckled softly to himself, feigning pity. He walked over and patted John on the shoulder.

"Well, John, it seems fate can't be forced."

Thank heavens, he thought. If the cauldron had chosen John, Mark would have been devastated.

He went on with affected concern, his mood improving with each word.

"Don't be discouraged. Since you were acknowledged by Queen Cyan herself, you're obviously destined for great fortune. A little setback like this? It's nothing."

But just as he was about to continue his benevolent speech—

Buzz.

The cauldron suddenly let out a deep, resonating hum.

Buzz... Buzz... Buzz!

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The vibration grew more intense with each pulse. Red light burst from the cauldron's surface, pulsing like a heartbeat. With every flicker of light, its massive frame shrunk.

Right in front of their stunned eyes, the once half-human-sized Universe Cinnabar Tripod reduced itself to the size of a palm and floated delicately into John's waiting hand.

It spun slowly in his palm, humming softly, nuzzling like a spoiled child seeking affection.

"...What?"

Mark's jaw dropped. His facial muscles spasmed. His eyes widened in disbelief.

This... This isn't how it's supposed to go!

The process of accepting a master wasn't supposed to be this easy. The blood offering was only the first step—if the artifact responded, that just meant it found potential. It would then test the candidate with trials—only if they passed would the item acknowledge them as its master.

But this?

Just one drop of John's blood and the cauldron directly submitted?

No tests? No resistance?

John's blood was that compelling?

Mark was overwhelmed with a blend of shock and pain.

Even Zack, ever composed, showed rare surprise.

It all made sense, though. John was the inheritor of Queen Cyan's legacy. A man blessed with great destiny. Of course his opportunities would be extraordinary.

Some people were simply born favored by the heavens. John, it seemed, was one of them.

Zack gave a soft sigh of admiration. "Incredible."

Then John turned to Mark with a strange expression and said sincerely, "Thank you, Mark."

Mark's heart bled.

Still, he forced a smile. "No need to thank me. You were chosen by the Universe Cinnabar Tripod. It's your fate, your opportunity."

But John insisted. "No, I have to thank you."

"Just as I was about to give up, you comforted me so kindly. I think... it was moved by your sincerity. That's why it accepted me."

Puff!

Mark nearly spat blood.

Comfort? He'd only been comforting John out of smug satisfaction! He was happy that John failed! And now John was saying that was the reason for his success?

This little bastard was mocking him with a straight face!

He wanted to die on the spot.

Calm down... Calm down...

Mark took a deep breath and forced himself to recover. Eventually, he adjusted his posture, his expression turning calm and composed.

"John, this is your destiny. I sincerely wish you success."

He was being honest this time. His voice was steady. His eyes were clear. None of the fake smiles or forced tone from earlier.

Because no matter how much he envied it, the spiritual fire and the Universe Cinnabar Tripod now belonged to John. He couldn't reverse it, nor was it wise to create enmity over it.

Besides, John carried Queen Cyan's legacy. He was bound to rise in the future. Making an ally out of him was far more valuable than bearing a grudge.

Mark had always been pragmatic. He adjusted quickly.

John noticed the change and gave him a nod of respect.

The reason he had taunted Mark earlier was simple—this old fox had tricked him into the Cinnabar Tower. But on second thought... if not for that, he wouldn't have gained so much.

He grinned brightly.

"In any case, I'll remember the Cinnabar Sect's kindness."

Mark's face lit up like the morning sun.