Chapter 208: Shi Hao's Choice

Lin Yang looked the old man up and down, seeing only that the old man had his hands clasped before his chest, gazing at him expectantly like a child, his face full of anticipation.

Lin Yang, however, shook his head without hesitation and bluntly said, "No."

Upon hearing that, the old man nearly fainted from anger.

He excitedly said, "Little friend, I sincerely want to share a drink with you!"

Lin Yang narrowed his eyes, a hint of teasing flashing in his gaze, and slowly said, "Give me a reason."

The old man scrutinized Lin Yang with sharp eyes.

After clearing his throat, he spoke with a rather pleased expression, "Little friend, I can give you three reasons that will surely move your heart."

Lin Yang's mouth curled slightly, his eyes showing a hint of amusement.

Immediately, he made a gesture of attentive listening, nodding to indicate the old man should continue.

Seeing Lin Yang's interest, the old man grew more enthusiastic, straightened his back, and loudly said, "First, I have always loved drinking; fine wine to me is like a cultivator's yearning for a supreme technique—a passion etched into my bones."

"Every fine wine in this world has its unique flavor, just as each stage of life has its own brilliance; missing even one is a regret in life."

Lin Yang raised an eyebrow, still wearing that half‑smile, clearly not particularly bothered by this reason.

The old man, however, was not at all flustered; after a pause he continued, "Second, I know there's a famous fried‑chicken shop in Cloud City."

"The taste of that fried chicken—crisp skin, tender meat, aroma filling the air—is so good you could practically swallow your tongue."

"Coincidentally, I brought two with me today, hoping to find someone fate‑bound to share them with."

"Fine wine with fried chicken—that's a perfect match!"

As he said this, the old man licked his lips, as if already tasting the chicken's deliciousness.

Lin Yang, hearing this, narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint interest flickering in his gaze.

The old man, reading Lin Yang's expression, saw his genuine interest, felt secretly pleased, and seized the moment to offer a third reason: "Third, I know of a beautiful pavilion."

"Located in the mountains outside the city, it is surrounded by green trees, filled with floral scents and bird song."

"There it is tranquil and secluded, far from worldly clamor—an ideal spot for drinking and singing. In such a setting, sharing fine wine with a confidant and discussing life, how could it not be delightful?"

Lin Yang couldn't help laughing after hearing them, clapped his hands, and said, "Congratulations, I'm quite satisfied with your three reasons."

"Alright, for this sincerity of yours, let's go—head to the place you mentioned; I'll bring enough wine."

Upon hearing that, the old man's face broke into a grin, his wrinkles deepening a bit.

He said no more, tapped his foot, spiritual power surging through him, and instantly turned into a stream of light flying toward the outskirts.

Lin Yang watched the old man's receding streak of light, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile, thinking to himself, "This old fellow is actually quite interesting."

Immediately, his aura shifted, and he too became a streak of light, chasing after the old man like a bolt of lightning.

The two sped ahead one after another at breakneck speed, drawing sideways glances from passersby; in a flash of light and shadow, they vanished from sight.

Not long after, they arrived at the pavilion the old man had mentioned.

All around, trees formed shady groves, blossoms lay like brocade; a gentle breeze brought waves of floral fragrance and bird song, resembling a heavenly realm on earth.

Lin Yang couldn't help praising, "Indeed, a great place!"

The old man, face full of pride, pulled two steaming fried chickens from his storage ring, their aroma instantly filling the air.

Lin Yang, not to be outdone, produced his treasured Hero's Wine; its rich scent wafted over, making the old man gulp.

The two sat on the ground, raised their cups, drank freely, chatting and laughing, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

——————————

Elsewhere.

Within Cloud City, in the luxurious and elegant villa of the Great Dao Sect, the atmosphere was fervently extraordinary.

In the spacious banquet hall, lights blazed, and the carved beams and painted pillars displayed utmost luxury.

Great Dao Sect Sect Leader Chu Xiong sat high in the main seat, his posture straight, his face stern, exuding authority without anger, his presence radiating the mighty aura of a superior.

Below, a host of young guests gathered, all talented youths from various parts of Azure Province.

They wore fine garments, their expressions varied, yet their eyes all shone with the same anticipation.

When these talented youths received the invitation from the Great Dao Sect, they realized it was an excellent opportunity to change their fate.

As long as they gained the sect's favor and became its disciples, it meant stepping onto a broad, smooth road to success, with rapid advancement imminent.

At this moment, they harbored dreams and ambitions, secretly competing with each other amid the lively banquet.

Chu Xiong's gaze was like a torch; he slowly swept over the crowd, cleared his throat, and spoke in a booming voice: "O youths of Azure Province, the fact that you have received the Great Dao Sect's invitation and gathered here proves that your talent and potential have already entered the sect's sight."

"I won't beat around the bush; today I set this banquet to invite you, hoping to widely recruit talent and strengthen the Great Dao Sect's new forces."

After a brief pause, his eyes full of expectation, he continued: "Anyone who joins my Great Dao Sect receives a monthly stipend of one hundred thousand spirit stones and enjoys the cultivation resources afforded to core disciples."

"Furthermore, you may select a king‑level technique from the sect's scripture pavilion for cultivation; outstanding performers even get a chance to cultivate an imperial‑level technique."

"Moreover, each new disciple may choose a king‑level treasure."

As Chu Xiong's words fell, the crowd below erupted in an uproar.

The youths whispered to each other, their faces full of shock and excitement.

A monthly stipend of one hundred thousand spirit stones was, to them, practically an astronomical figure.

Plus the core‑disciple treatment meant they could receive the sect's finest cultivation.

King‑level techniques and treasures are what countless cultivators dream of, enough to give their strength a qualitative leap.

With such generous terms, who could remain unmoved?

At that moment, a fierce‑eyed youth in the audience stood up, dropped to one knee, and declared firmly: "Sect Leader, Disciple Shi Hao wishes to join the Great Dao Sect!"

The speaker was indeed Shi Hao, his eyes revealing resolve and unwillingness to accept defeat.

While in the Azure Cloud Sect, overshadowed by the brilliance of Li Yilan and Ye Xiaoxie, he—a disciple with golden talent—felt utterly insignificant, neglected, and his heart brimmed with resentment.

Now that the Great Dao Sect has extended such an alluring olive branch, he will seize it without hesitation.

In his view, before achieving fame and strength, what harm is there in betraying the Azure Cloud Sect?

As long as it can make one stand out, everything is worth it.

Shi Hao's declaration was like a stone tossed into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

Seeing this, the other youths could no longer hold back, and one after another declared their willingness to join the Great Dao Sect.

For a moment, the hall buzzed with activity.

Voices of declaration rose and fell among the crowd.

Chu Xiong watched the scene, nodding in satisfaction.

However, when he looked at Shi Hao, a faint, hardly noticeable smile appeared on his face.

【66】..........

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