Chapter 914

In the sky outside Floating Island No. 3, a muscular man clad in crimson armor stood firm.

His face radiated solemn authority, and faint crimson flames danced across his body.

With his arrival, the surrounding temperature surged rapidly, as if the very space twisted and warped.

Lei Ding!

A powerhouse from the Second Civilization Era, who achieved breakthrough in the Ember World and became an Ultimate Power.

He possesses an SSS-class elemental fire ability and is revered as the Flame Divine Sovereign.

"Is it truly the Divine Sovereign himself who has descended?"

"He's here for that Blue Star man, isn't he?"

"Of course—he's a rare Aurora-class prodigy; the treatment is naturally different."

"If Xu Jingming accepts, the Lei Ding family will have two Aurora-class members."

"..."

Strongholds across dozens of kilometers of floating islands sensed the disturbance.

All turned their attention, whispering among themselves.

Xu Jingming's rating certification, completed over ten minutes ago, had already spread throughout the Ember Temple.

Everyone knew a new Aurora-class had emerged; no one was surprised by the Flame Divine Sovereign's arrival.

What they awaited was Xu Jingming's final choice.

"Divine Sovereign."

Xu Jingming stepped out of the villa and bowed respectfully; Su Qingli and Ling Shuang followed, bowing equally.

On Blue Star, few beings required such reverence from them.

But in the Ember World, everyone encountered was either a Peak Ninth Stage or an Ultimate Power.

For such powers, even they must show sufficient respect.

"Xu Jingming, you are excellent and strong. I came here specifically for you."

Lei Ding's furnace-like eyes fixed on him, cutting straight to the point:

"Join my Lei Ding family, and you will receive the same treatment as Allen.

Unlimited resources, equipment, and combat technique scrolls.

The strongest lightning-elemental Law Saint in the Ember World is in my Lei Ding family.

With him, you need not worry about lacking guidance."

His voice echoed like thunder, making the entire sky hum.

Upon hearing this, the strongholds around erupted in envy.

"No wonder Lord Lei Ding—this recruitment offer is luxurious."

"Who can deny it? Without Lei Ding family support, Allen could never have become a High-Grade Grand Master at just twenty-eight."

"Too bad I'm not Aurora-class; under Lord Lei Ding, it would indeed be an excellent choice."

"..."

An offer from an Ultimate Power was a deadly temptation for nearly everyone.

Especially so for Ninth Stage cultivators.

After all, only Ultimate Powers possessed the experience to break through to that realm.

"Unlike the Ember Temple's laxness, joining my family requires obedience to family orders.

You must complete ten missions annually; success brings rewards, failure brings penalties."

Lei Ding's voice continued—he did not land.

He stood high in the sky, looking down upon Xu Jingming:

"I offer you only this one chance: join, or refuse.

Join us, and you become our ally, enjoying all the family provides.

Refuse, and my Lei Ding family will grant you no conveniences whatsoever.

Including the strongest lightning-elemental Law Saint I mentioned—or even the attitude of other lightning-elemental Law Saints toward you.

Everything hinges on your next answer. Consider carefully."

Arrogant!

Utterly arrogant!

After speaking, Xu Jingming felt an overwhelming, forceful attitude bearing down on him.

"Thank you for your kindness, my lord, but I have no intention of joining your family."

Xu Jingming's expression darkened as he replied loudly.

With his system, he needed no external resources.

As for combat techniques, the Ember Temple had them too—he had no need to join a family with such rigid constraints.

"A pity. You've missed the best opportunity since entering the Ember World."

Lei Ding shook his head, withdrawing his gaze without hesitation.

Crimson flames surged—he vanished instantly from his spot.

"He actually refused."

"Tsk tsk, Lord Lei Ding remains as arrogant as ever."

"Without guidance from a lightning-elemental Law Saint, Xu Jingming's cultivation will be difficult from now on."

"Not necessarily—if the High Priest or Lord Ers intervenes, there's still a chance."

"..."

After Lei Ding left, the strongholds around withdrew their gazes.

Of the three Ultimate Powers in the Ember World, Lei Ding was the strongest in combat.

Xu Jingming's refusal meant rejecting a brilliant future.

"What an attitude!"

Eva emerged from her smart bracer, indignant:

"Back in Jin State, he was merely a lackey beside an Ultimate Power.

Now, lucky enough to reach Ultimate Power status, he won't even land to speak to us!"

"Jingming, this Ultimate Power's attitude seems poor—could he hold some grudge against us?"

Ling Shuang looked at Xu Jingming with concern.

On Blue Star, whether Peak Ninth Stage or Ultimate Power, all had been gentle toward Xu Jingming.

But this Ultimate Power's tone was full of arrogance, forcefulness, even veiled threats.

"It's not about holding a grudge—it's just how he's always been."

Xu Jingming stared at the lingering flames still radiating terrifying energy:

"In his eyes, we're probably no more than ants.

To ants, there's no need for pretense—he treats them as he pleases."

Lei Ding was an Ultimate Power with an SSS-class ability.

He, a Low-Grade Grand Master of Eighth Stage—even with an SSS-class ability—was truly like an ant.

"Lei Ding is indeed as arrogant as the records say," Su Qingli murmured in agreement.

"Arrogance is fine, but to block me from seeking guidance from other lightning-elemental Law Saints just because I refuse to join? That's excessive."

Xu Jingming's voice turned icy; deep in his eyes, a flicker of fury surfaced.

He had his system—he could learn combat techniques regardless of guidance.

But others didn't know that.

Meaning, Lei Ding's move was a deliberate threat against him.

Simply because he refused to yield.

Thinking of this, Xu Jingming's anger swelled—but quickly subsided.

A weakling's rage serves only self-deception.

"Once I become an Ultimate Power, I will sweep away all obstacles."

He exhaled slowly, his gaze hardening once more.

With his system, Ultimate Power was merely a destination he would inevitably reach.