Chapter 37: No Interest in Being Someone Else's Dog

However, Ding Xuan was completely unaware of this and simply continued his pitch: "But right now, there's a chance to turn your fate around, right here before you. Once you join us, not only will you gain protection and no longer need fear the Tang family of Tiandou, you may even obtain a precious Profound-grade top-quality cultivation art."

"Furthermore, if you manage to satisfy that important figure, it's not impossible that you'd receive an Earth-grade lower-quality powerful cultivation art. When that day comes, reaching the Star Wheel realm will no longer be a pipe dream."

Hearing this, Jiang Daoxuan's interest was utterly lacking.

If the former owner of this body had encountered such an opportunity, in pursuit of higher and deeper cultivation arts, he probably really would have agreed.

But he now already mastered three Earth-grade top-quality cultivation arts, and even possessed one Heaven-grade top-quality sword art.

The scene was like a beggar drawing pies for a millionaire, claiming that as long as he joined them and worked hard in the future, he could earn a few hundred coins through begging — utterly laughable.

At the same time, hearing the city lord's promises, Jiang Chen, who stood behind Jiang Daoxuan, also gradually found his expression turning strange.

If not for his strong self-control, he probably would have burst out laughing.

The clan leader himself has already imparted two Earth-grade top-quality cultivation arts to me — how could I possibly still set my sights on your so-called treasure, a mere Profound-grade top-quality cultivation art?

Compared side by side, even an Earth-grade lower-quality cultivation art became bargain-bin goods.

He had originally assumed that the force trying to recruit the clan leader would be incredibly powerful, but hearing all this, he realized it was nothing more than this.

As the two of them remained calm, Ding Xuan gradually noticed something was off.

Not only was Jiang Daoxuan unmoved by the temptation of an Earth-grade lower-quality cultivation art,

even this junior of the Jiang family was astonishingly composed.

Ding Xuan found it hard to comprehend.

One had to know that when he himself first heard these conditions, he was so agitated he couldn't sleep for three whole days!

Seeing Ding Xuan's confusion, Jiang Daoxuan also realized he had been too calm, and promptly changed the subject: "So, the force behind you is?"

Hearing the other party raise this question, Ding Xuan instantly cast all his doubts aside, and said with considerable pride: "This isn't really much of a secret. The one I serve is none other than the Prefect of our Tiandou Prefecture! His lordship is at the peak of the Moon Wheel realm, with hopes of reaching the Sun Wheel realm — a powerful existence conferred the title of Marquis by the imperial court! Once you enter his banner, you'll gain resources beyond your imagination!"

"Of course, you only need to offer a little loyalty. First, set aside the position of clan leader, and let the people the Prefect dispatches take over the Jiang family. After that, you won't be held back by these mundane trivialities, and can focus on cultivating. Go to Tiandou Prefecture, follow the Prefect's arrangements, and serve him personally..."

As Ding Xuan spoke, Jiang Daoxuan gradually figured out exactly what was going on with this force.

Apart from not having signed an indenture in black and white, every other unequal clause was essentially treating these Purple Mansion cultivators as servants — even somewhat akin to death-sworn soldiers.

If one broke through to the Origin Sea realm or the Star Wheel realm, these terms would be upgraded accordingly, earning more attention from the Prefect of Tiandou and gaining more cultivation resources.

Those who performed outstandingly might even be arranged by the Prefect, using his authority, into key positions in the major cities within Tiandou Prefecture.

Ding Xuan himself was one such case, having become the city lord of Wudan City.

But for ordinary people, such excellent treatment was, for Jiang Daoxuan, like a chicken rib — of little value.

Thus, before Ding Xuan could finish speaking, Jiang Daoxuan cut him off: "I have no interest in this. There's no need to bring it up again."

Ding Xuan's face instantly stiffened. He even suspected he had misheard, and immediately looked at Jiang Daoxuan: "Is Clan Leader Jiang speaking in jest with this city lord?"

He truly found it hard to imagine that a clan leader of a small family could resist such temptation.

Jiang Daoxuan calmly sat back down in the grandmaster chair, and under Ding Xuan's gaze, casually picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said softly: "The tea has gone a bit cold. I think it's getting late, and the city lord must be busy with official duties — better head back soon."

Seeing Jiang Daoxuan directly issue an order to leave, Ding Xuan's face suddenly darkened.

He had assumed the other party would join them, which was why he had patiently said so much.

Yet he was rejected with a casual, airy "no interest."

Thinking of this, Ding Xuan's expression darkened, and he could not help but roar in anger: "How dare you! Jiang Daoxuan, I had thought you a wise man, but I never expected you to make such a foolish decision. Do you know what kind of disaster this will bring upon your Jiang family?!"

His voice, brimming with fury, was like a thunderclap, echoing through the great hall, deafening to the ears!

Feeling the powerful aura emanating from the city lord, Jiang Chen could not help but tense his expression.

The overwhelming pressure born of a realm crushing force made his face pale, and he gradually found it hard to breathe.

But just then, a familiar scorching aura descended upon him, like a blazing sun shining down, sweeping away all gloom and erasing the oppressive pressure Ding Xuan had brought.

It was the clan leader!

Jiang Chen instantly felt his whole body relax, and a strong joy could not help but spring up in his eyes!

As the two Purple Mansion realm pressures intertwined.

Jiang Daoxuan looked at Ding Xuan and casually remarked: "Why must the city lord make things difficult for a junior?"

"Hmph! I didn't expect you to actually possess the cultivation base of the fifth layer of the Purple Mansion realm — it seems I underestimated you. But I wonder just how much skill you have with your fists and feet?"

Ding Xuan's face was frosty, his tone icy, with a faint hint of killing intent showing through.

The humiliation suffered today would surely make this Jiang Daoxuan pay a fitting price for his arrogance!

Hearing this, Jiang Daoxuan's expression remained calm as he slowly placed his teacup back on the wooden table.

Seeing the other party unhurried, as if treating him as nothing, that thick contempt made the fury in Ding Xuan's chest burn even hotter!

Without another word, Ding Xuan leaped up and landed before Jiang Daoxuan.

The two were less than three meters apart. Murderous light blazed in his eyes as he violently swung his arm and threw a punch!

Jiang Daoxuan did not move in the slightest, making no attempt to dodge.

Seeing this, Ding Xuan was greatly puzzled, assuming the other party had been scared stiff.

But just as the fist was only two finger-widths from Jiang Daoxuan's face, something unexpected suddenly happened!

Clang—

In an instant, a formless, intangible, terrifying sword intent burst forth from all around Jiang Daoxuan!

Under the empowerment of sword intent, Jiang Daoxuan's body seemed to transform into an unrivaled sharp sword. Wisps of razor-sharp qi swept through the surroundings, enveloping the entire council hall!