Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1438 - 1438 0813 Everyone Competing for It - Part 2

Chapter 1438: Chapter 0813: Everyone Competing for It – Part 2 Chapter 1438: Chapter 0813: Everyone Competing for It – Part 2 “Nonsense.”

Lu Songsheng did not directly answer Sun Xiqi’s question. He looked at Qi Tian and said, “Do not believe Elder Sun’s nonsense. Inviting Qi to join our Wanjie Commerce, we came with ample sincerity. Of course, there is no love without reason in this world. We offered such favorable conditions because we naturally hope that Qi can contribute to our Wanjie Commerce when needed, but there is absolutely no intention of using you as cannon fodder for our Wanjie Commerce. Please rest assured on this point.”

The representative from the major family did not make any statement outright. Everyone isn’t foolish; no one has excess cultivation resources to waste on outsiders. Since such good conditions were offered, it’s natural to hope that Qi Tian would step up when needed.

Lu Songsheng continued, “I have also heard about the events at the National Master Manor these past few days. Qi, from any perspective, you can be considered a disciple nurtured by the National Master Manor. Yet, when you hoped to be recognized by the National Master Manor and return to your ancestral roots, they simply didn’t want you. Begging and pleading were useless. But now, just a few days later, the upper echelons of the National Master Manor have changed their minds. Why? Isn’t it because they need you now, so they are trying to rope you in? Is such a National Master Manor worthy for a figure like you, Qi, to join? They treat you like a brick—remembering you only when needed. If you were in front of them and unnecessary, they would find you an eyesore, at best kicking you away; at worst, they might break you apart, crush you, and throw you away like trash. Qi, you really should consider this situation carefully and not delay your own future.”

Sun Xiqi’s face was ashen. The words that Lu Songsheng had just spoken in front of him were rude, deeply hitting the sore spot of the National Master Manor. He wanted to retort but didn’t have the confidence because it was exactly what they had intended. Yet, could they admit to such thoughts? Sun Xiqi was very annoyed and wanted to come up with something to refute Lu Songsheng, but since he was never good at verbal disputes, he suddenly didn’t know how to respond.

At that moment, a rather domineering voice came from the back of the crowd.

“Vice President Lu, you stand on the land of our National Master Manor and speak these words. Isn’t this like pointing at a monk and scolding a bald man? Your method is quite disgraceful.”

Lu Songsheng turned his head and looked at the person slowly approaching, his smile more a sneer, and said, “I didn’t expect to flush you out, old fellow. What’s the matter, did I say something wrong? Based on what I know about you, your original thoughts are probably even more ruthless than what I speculated. You dare say it’s not?”

Seeing the person approaching, Huang Liuyan, Sun Xiqi, Cheng Daoran, and others hurriedly bowed and simultaneously cried out “Mansion Master.”

The person was naturally the Mansion Master of the National Master Manor, the Nascent Soul Master, Yi Xuwen.

Yi Xuwen appeared to be only in his fifties, with a youthful look and an immortal aura. Lu Songsheng’s words reached his ears, his expression unchanged, leaving no one to know what he was thinking.

Yi Xuwen said, “We are all Nascent Soul Masters, the highest echelon of cultivators in Wanjie City. Whatever we discuss, let’s be open about it and lay everything on the table. Huang Liuyan, all of you who have not reached the Nascent Soul Stage, leave us. The rest may remain.”

Yi Xuwen’s authority in the National Master Manor was profound; no one dared to defy his words. Huang Liuyan, along with those Gold Core cultivators that Sun Xiqi had brought earlier, all withdrew; none dared to stay, they didn’t even dare linger too close to Yi Xuwen and the others.

Once these individuals had all cleared out, Yi Xuwen looked at Qi Tian and said, “The turn of events has been beyond my expectations. I do not wish to comment on the past anymore; let bygones be bygones. Let’s talk about the present. Right now, Wanjie City faces a formidable enemy, and all the major forces, including our National Master Manor and Wanjie Commerce, are under tremendous pressure. Everyone is thinking about one thing—how we can gather as much combat power as possible, especially at the Nascent Soul Level. Qi Tian, you’ve come at just the right time. Otherwise, I would never have considered letting you join the National Master Manor. I won’t go into the specifics; it’s unnecessary.

Now you see it—you have become a contested figure among us three parties, and that’s even before the other forces possibly find out you are in our National Master Manor. If they knew, even more might try to recruit you. However, no matter how many forces try, you can only join one. Now you may make your choice before us.”

Whichever you choose, we will not blame you, but you must fully understand that regardless of the attractive conditions we offer, our sole purpose is to have you fight relentlessly for the force you join and not retreat in the face of formidable ennemies; only then can you do justice to the conditions we’ve provided.”

“Honestly, I hadn’t anticipated so many people competing for you, nor that Wanjie Commerce and other forces would offer such favorable conditions to recruit you. Frankly speaking, Wanjie Commerce, as one of the largest forces in Wanjie City, offers very high conditions, which the National Master Manor cannot match. I wouldn’t blame you if you choose Wanjie Commerce, because I might not even have the opportunity to resent you—you’d likely die in battle. Of course, if you choose our National Master Manor, I would warmly welcome you. I can promise you that once we repel the formidable enemies and peace is restored in the National Master Manor, you can stay with us, Free from any discrimination or differential treatment. That’s all the assurance I can offer—now you can make your choice,”

Lu Songsheng opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately, he stayed silent, knowing that Yi Xuwen had already made everything clear, and any more talk would be of no use.

Qi Tian glanced around and finally said with a smile, “The Mansion Master earlier said he was taken by surprise by many things; well, I’m also taken by surprise—I never thought that one day, I would become such a sought-after prize. No need for more words; I’ll make my decision. I am deeply grateful for your recognition and thinking of me at this time. It means I owe you a favor, which I’ll surely repay in the future. Firstly, and secondly, I choose to stay in the National Master Manor because it raised me, and I have deep feelings for this place. I believe, staying here, I can fully utilize my abilities and intelligence. As for the offers from Wanjie Commerce and the other Sir, I can only say, I’m sorry.”

Lu Songsheng still seemed unwilling to let go, and said, “Qi, are you sure you won’t reconsider your decision? The conditions offered by Wanjie Commerce are much better than those at the National Master Manor, and the support you’d receive there would absolutely surpass what you get here.”

Qi Tian, of course, knew that the conditions from Wanjie Commerce were better than those at the National Master Manor, but he had no intention of joining Wanjie Commerce. He had interacted with them more than once and knew that they always prioritized profit above all. Often, when decisions were made, anything could be sacrificed for enough benefit. Qi Tian didn’t dare join such a force; he feared that one day, if sufficient gains were to present themselves to the upper echelons of Wanjie Commerce, he might unintentionally become the one who is sacrificed.

As for the statement he just made, it was merely pleasantries. Having already decided to join the National Master Manor, of course, he had to say pleasant things—whether Mansion Master Yi Xuwen believed him or not, at least it made the leader feel comfortable, thereby avoiding many potential troubles.