Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Rejecting an Invitation

The next day, Master Yu Xiaogang called Qi Ling early in the morning and brought him to his room.

This time, the master's demeanour was different from his usual gentleness.

He seemed more serious and stern.

"Qi Ling, someone from the Spirit Hall has arrived," Yu Xiaogang said directly.

"It's Father Feroma, the man you met yesterday."

Qi Ling was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

He had already anticipated the arrival of someone from the Spirit Hall.

After all, based on Yu Xiaogang's reaction yesterday, the martial spirit within him was far from ordinary.

The Spirit Hall, being the most powerful organisation on the continent, would naturally seek to recruit him.

What surprised him was how quickly they had acted.

He had only awakened his martial spirit yesterday, and already the Spirit Hall had sent someone to approach him. Given the underdeveloped technology of the time, this level of efficiency was quite terrifying.

It was a testament to how formidable the Spirit Hall truly was.

"You can probably guess why the Spirit Hall is here, Qi Ling. Yes, they want to recruit you," Yu Xiaogang continued.

"The power of the Spirit Hall is beyond your imagination.

If you join them, they will fully support your growth, which could greatly benefit you."

"However, whether or not you want to join the Spirit Hall is a decision you should make after you meet with Father Feroma."

Father Feroma was the elderly man dressed in red whom Qi Ling had encountered yesterday.

As the top official of the Spirit Hall in Notting City, his personal visit today indicated just how much the Spirit Hall valued Qi Ling.

When Qi Ling arrived, Feroma's face lit up with a pleased expression.

"Hello, Qi Ling, my name is Father Feroma,I met you yesterday.

Do you remember me?"

Qi Ling reluctantly took a seat.

The way the older man spoke to him as if he were a child felt awkward.

"I remember, If you have something to say, just get to the point, Father Feroma."

Caught off guard by Qi Ling's bluntness, Father Feroma hesitated.

Although he had sensed Qi Ling's temperament the day before, he hadn't expected him to be this straightforward.

"Well, since that's the case, I won't waste your time with pleasantries," Father Feroma said, gathering his thoughts. "Qi Ling, after I reported your situation to the main hall of the Spirit Hall yesterday, the elders were very interested in you.

They have asked me to extend an invitation.

Are you willing to join the Spirit Hall?"

Having anticipated this, Qi Ling responded calmly, "Oh? And what benefits would I receive if I were to join the Spirit Hall?"

"Joining the Spirit Hall comes with many advantages," Father Feroma replied, clearly confident in his offer.

"You will receive the full support of the Spirit Hall, including the opportunity to meet the Pope himself! This is an honour of the highest order!"

"You will also receive the best education, the finest spirit rings, and access to the best resources!"

Father Feroma continued passionately, "In short, this is an opportunity you should not miss!"

As Father Feroma spoke with great enthusiasm, Qi Ling merely nodded and said, "I understand, Father Feroma. Please give me a moment to think about it."

Once again caught off guard, Father Feroma agreed, though he was convinced no one could turn down an invitation from the Spirit Hall.

Such an opportunity was something that most could only dream of.

So, he left the room, saying, "Alright, I'll discuss something with Master Yu Xiaogang,I'll return for your answer shortly."

After Father Feroma exited, Qi Ling immediately activated his system.

The reason he had asked for time was because he had just received a notification.

[Ding ! The host is facing an invitation from the Spirit Hall. Please choose from the following options:]

[Option 1: Join the Spirit Hall and receive the following rewards: the right to use the resources of the Spirit Hall, a spirit bone, and a three-level increase in spirit power.]

[Option 2: Reject the Spirit Hall and receive the following rewards: a +10% increase in favourability with Master Yu Xiaogang and the Xuan Tian Gong cultivation technique]

There was no doubt that the reward for Option 1 was incredibly tempting, almost impossible to refuse! A spirit bone alone was a lifelong pursuit for many spirit masters. On top of that, gaining the full support of the Spirit Hall would surely elevate Qi Ling to the highest levels of power.

But did they really think Qi Ling would simply follow along? He couldn't help but smile.

What he enjoyed most was surprising those who were overly confident.

'System, I choose Option 2!'

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for choosing Option 2: Reject the Spirit Hall.

You have received the following rewards: a +10% increase in favourability with Master Yu Xiaogang and the Xuan Tian Gong cultivation technique.]

In truth, Qi Ling didn't make this choice just to defy Father Feroma.

After all, he wasn't one to refuse god-level rewards without reason.

The real reason he rejected the Spirit Hall was that joining them would mean he had to submit to their authority and be branded with their mark.

Qi Ling had no interest in being someone else's puppet.

He sought a life of freedom and happiness, not one dictated by others.

Moreover, the reward of Xuan Tian Gong from Option 2 was too valuable to pass up.

As Tang San's cultivation technique, Xuan Tian Gong was definitely worth more than a spirit bone!

While spirit bones were precious, there would always be other opportunities to obtain them.

However, missing the chance to learn Xuan Tian Gong would be a regret that might last a lifetime.

After all, Tang San wouldn't easily share his most treasured techniques.

So, when Father Feroma and Yu Xiaogang returned, expecting Qi Ling's answer, Qi Ling smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Father Feroma.

I'm already a student of Notting College, so I won't be joining the Spirit Hall."

Both Father Feroma and Yu Xiaogang were taken aback by Qi Ling's decision.

After all, an invitation from the Spirit Hall was considered the highest honour for any spirit master one that no one could refuse!

"Qi Ling, you need to think this through carefully.

It's not easy to get into the Spirit Hall.

If you miss this chance, you might regret it for the rest of your life!" Yu Xiaogang urged.

Father Feroma nodded in agreement.

"That's right, Qi Ling.

Even though you've joined Notting College, I can report to the main hall of the Spirit Hall and have the elders..."

"Father Feroma, I think you misunderstand me," Qi Ling interrupted with a smile.

"I'm doing well at Notting College, and I have no plans to leave."

His response was clear and direct.

Father Feroma wanted to say more, but after seeing the resolute look in Qi Ling's eyes, he realised that this was a young man who wouldn't change his mind easily. Persuading him further would be pointless.

"Ah, what a pity," Father Feroma finally said with a sigh. "Very well, I won't insist,I'll report your decision to the main hall."

"Thank you, Father, for your consideration," Qi Ling said.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

With that, Qi Ling turned and walked away, leaving behind two very surprised men.