Chapter 251: Stop Asking, I'm Not Going

The young Daoist was stunned, clearly not expecting such a blunt reply. One must know, the status of the Tang Sect in the world of Outsiders is extraordinary. Not only are they one of the Eight Great Sects, but in the path of alchemy, they are peerless under heaven. For an ordinary person to receive an invitation from the Tang Sect, let alone agree immediately, even kowtowing in gratitude would not be an overstatement.

The Tang Sect's envoy clearly did not expect this outcome either. He stepped forward quickly, suppressing the displeasure in his heart, and bowed respectfully: "Lin Daozhang, our Sect Master sincerely invites you to be a guest at the Tang Sect. With your attainments in alchemy, I believe you will surely be able to... with our Tang Sect..."

"No need to say more." The tone remained calm, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, "I said I am not going, so I am not going. Any more words are useless."

The envoy stood frozen in place, not knowing what to do for a moment. He looked at the people around him, hoping to get some help, but whether it was Fang Dongtian or Luo Daming, they acted as if they hadn't seen anything, talking to themselves about other matters.

In the end, the envoy could only leave in low spirits. But from his tightly clenched fists, one could tell that this result left him very unwilling.

"Lin Daozhang," Feng Shayan couldn't help but ask, "Why refuse so bluntly? The Tang Sect's attainments in alchemy are indeed very high, perhaps they could..."

"High?" Lin Xuan turned his head to look at her, his gaze as deep as an abyss, "It is nothing more than being hidebound by tradition, clinging to some incomplete heritage and feeling self-satisfied."

These words were spoken with great weight, and everyone present couldn't help but gasp. The Tang Sect's status in the world of Outsiders is transcendent; no one had ever dared to evaluate them like this before. Even Fang Dongtian frowned upon hearing this. Although he also felt that what Lin Xuan said made sense, speaking such words aloud would likely invite no small amount of trouble.

Inside the Tang Sect's council hall, the antique rosewood furniture gleamed faintly under the candlelight. Tang Miaoxing picked up a teacup, savoring this cup of noble pre-Qingming Longjing tea. Amidst the curling tea fragrance, his gaze reflected off the "Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl" painting on the wall, lost in thought.

As the Tang Sect Sect Leader, he deeply understood the way of power and strategy, realizing that sometimes, the force of soft water is easier to break a strong fortress than the power of thunder.

Upon learning that Lin Xuan had refused the invitation, Tang Miaoxing set down the teacup, his voice steady and carrying a hint of profound meaning: "A true master like Lin Zhenren should naturally be treated with sincerity."

A disciple to the side quickly echoed: "The Sect Leader is absolutely right. Although this old one is advanced in years, I have never seen a pill that could trigger such celestial phenomena. This Lin Daozhang's methods have likely exceeded our scope of cognition."

"Indeed," Zhao Fangxu's eyes flashed with a sharp glint.

"Go and invite him again, and this time, bring that set of 'Nine Dragons Awakening the World' with you."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire council hall fell into a deathly silence. All the Tang Sect disciples held their breath, their eyes filled with utter disbelief. The Nine Dragons Awakening the World is not only the Tang Sect's treasure of the sect, but it also contains a complete inheritance of alchemy. This set of diagrams has historically only been shown when a Sect Master inherits their position; now, Tang Miaoxing actually wants to use it as a welcoming gift.

"Sect Leader, this..."

Tang Miaoxing waved his hand, his tone firm: "No need to worry. Since this Lin Daozhang has such attainments, he surely has unique insights into our Tang Sect's alchemy. If we can take this opportunity to discuss it with him, it may not be a bad thing for our Tang Sect."

The crowd looked at each other, all seeing the shock in each other's eyes. With these words, Tang Miaoxing had completely set aside the status of a Tang Sect Sect Leader. But thinking about it carefully, it seemed to be within reason. There are very few figures in the contemporary world of Outsiders who can trigger celestial phenomena; Lin Xuan is indeed worthy of such solemn treatment from them.

Meanwhile, at Baiyun Guan, a low-profile sedan slowly drove into the mountain gate. The car door opened, and Zhao Fangxu stepped out. As the helmsman of the Na Du Tong Company, he has always been known for being forceful and decisive. But at this moment, his demeanor carried a rare severity and apology.

"Daoist Master Luo." Zhao Fangxu took the initiative to bow to Luo Daming, performing the etiquette with great thoroughness, "I was too reckless some days ago; I hope the Daoist Master will not hold a grudge against a petty person."

Luo Daming looked at the posture of this entrepreneur who was usually so decisive, and couldn't help but feel a thousand emotions in his heart. He remembered that during their last call, the other party still had an aggressive attitude; in the blink of an eye, he had become so polite. Such a transformation all highlighted the weight of Lin Xuan in the world of Outsiders.

"Chairman Zhao is too modest." Luo Daming quickly returned the salute, "That day, it was indeed our lack of consideration that caused your company a lot of trouble. However..." He looked at Zhao Fangxu meaningfully, "Those things are all in the past."

Zhao Fangxu heard the subtext and couldn't help but smile bitterly. He understood Luo Daming's implication all too well—with Lin Xuan here, Baiyun Guan is no longer the kind of small Daoist temple that needs to rely on Na Du Tong. This subtle shift in the balance of power was the reason for his honorable visit today.

"Is Lin Daozhang in the temple now?" Zhao Fangxu went straight to the point, his tone revealing a hint of anticipation. Although he had inquired about Lin Xuan's whereabouts in advance, the necessary etiquette could not be skipped.

"He is." Luo Daming nodded, "He is meditating in the back mountain. Chairman Zhao, please this way."

Passing through several courtyards, the bluestone path wound upward. Surrounded by ancient pines, that white-clothed silhouette was sitting cross-legged on a bluestone at the mountain peak. A breeze blew by, the Daoist Robe fluttering gently, the whole person appearing like an exiled Immortal descending to the world, exuding an otherworldly temperament.

Zhao Fangxu stood on the mountain path, watching this scene, and a trace of awe couldn't help but rise in his heart. He had been in the business world for many years; what kind of person had he not seen? But facing this young Daoist at this moment, he felt an inexplicable sense of inferiority.

"Lin Daozhang." Zhao Fangxu took a deep breath and stepped forward to greet him, "I have long admired your name; to see you today is truly a great honor."

Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes and looked at him calmly: "Chairman Zhao, what is the purpose of your visit?"

A simple sentence, yet it exerted an invisible pressure on Zhao Fangxu. He forced himself to remain calm and revealed a sincere smile: "To tell you the truth, I have come this time to invite Lin Daozhang to join our company. The conditions can be discussed in detail; as long as you say it, everything is negotiable."

"Oh?" Lin Xuan's tone remained flat, but a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes, "Let's hear it."

Receiving this response, Zhao Fangxu's spirits lifted. As a successful businessman, he understood the art of negotiation too well. As long as the other party is willing to listen, there is hope for success.

"First, regarding the compensation," Zhao Fangxu began to introduce in detail, "the annual salary will be no less than ten million, and there will also be five percent of the company's equity. Secondly, regarding the authority, Lin Daozhang can completely and independently decide the direction of research, and the company will fully cooperate. Whether it is equipment or manpower, Lin Daozhang will have full authority to allocate them. In addition, we can also..."