Ji Xuan was entirely unaware and continued speaking with confidence.
"But now, a tremendous opportunity lies before you—one that could change your destiny. If you join us, you'll not only gain protection from the Feng family in the capital, but you'll also have access to advanced martial techniques. There's even a chance to earn earth-level skills—just like those possessed by elite cultivators. If you manage to win favor with certain high-level figures, breaking through to the Spiritual Essence Realm or even the Dharma Realm would no longer be a dream."
Upon hearing this, Long Chen lost all interest.
Had this opportunity come to the body's original owner before he transmigrated, perhaps it would have seemed like a blessing. But now, he had already mastered two earth-level techniques—one of which exceeded the known classification altogether. With enough luck points, he could obtain any skill or technique he desired, regardless of its tier.
This pitch sounded like a beggar offering a millionaire a chance to earn a few coins by joining his group.
Behind Long Chen, Long Nian's expression grew strange as he listened to Ji Xuan's offer. Were it not for his discipline, he might have burst into laughter. The clan leader had already taught him two advanced earth-tier skills—why would mere human-level techniques seem valuable anymore?
Compared to what they now possessed, even basic earth-level skills seemed as trivial as scraps of food.
Long Nian had once assumed the force recruiting their patriarch was an extraordinary power. Now, after hearing Ji Xuan's words, he realized how far off that assumption had been.
As both remained calm and expressionless, Ji Xuan began to sense something was off.
Not only was Long Chen unmoved by the tempting offer, but even the young man behind him showed no reaction. Ji Xuan couldn't comprehend it.
"You know, when I first heard of these skills, I was so thrilled I couldn't sleep for three nights!" Ji Xuan said incredulously.
Sensing Ji Xuan's confusion, Long Chen realized he might have been too detached and casually redirected the topic.
"So then—who exactly is the force behind you?"
Eager to impress, Ji Xuan forgot his doubts and answered proudly,
"It's no great secret. The one I serve is the Tiandu Palace in the capital. Its master is a Dharma Realm cultivator, blessed by the First Prince of the imperial court. He's destined for the Heavenly Realm. Under his banner, you'll receive resources beyond imagination!"
"Of course," he added with a smirk, "there's only one small request. First, you'll need to step down as clan leader and allow representatives of the Palace Master to manage your Long family. With that burden lifted, you'll be free to train, travel to Tiandu Palace, and follow the master's direct orders..."
As Ji Xuan elaborated, Long Chen gradually pieced together the picture.
Though no formal slave contracts were signed, these so-called "alliances" essentially treated cultivators like indentured warriors. Those who managed to ascend into higher realms received marginally better treatment—more resources, and perhaps appointments to govern cities, just as Ji Xuan had become governor of Star City.
But for someone like Long Chen, such benefits were meaningless.
Before Ji Xuan could finish, Long Chen calmly cut him off:
"I'm not interested. Let's not discuss this further."
Ji Xuan froze, unsure he had heard correctly.
"Clan Leader Long—surely you're joking?"
He couldn't fathom how the head of a minor clan would refuse such an enticing offer.
Long Chen remained seated in the grandmaster's chair. Under Ji Xuan's gaze, he lifted his teacup, took a sip, and replied coolly,
"The tea's gone cold. It's getting late, City Lord Ji. You must be busy. You should head back."
The atmosphere soured instantly.
Ji Xuan's face darkened. He had spoken patiently, expecting Long Chen to submit. Yet he had been casually dismissed.
His voice thundered through the hall:
"Absurd! I thought you were a wise man, Long Chen—but I see now you're a fool! Do you understand the disaster this decision will bring upon your family?"
The sound was like a roaring storm, shaking the hall.
Long Chen's face paled under Ji Xuan's immense pressure. The oppressive energy weighed on him, stealing his breath.
But in that moment, a familiar, purifying presence enveloped him—like a radiant flame dispersing all shadows. The pressure vanished.
The patriarch had arrived.
Relief flooded Long Chen's heart. Amidst the clash of two overwhelming auras, he turned to Ji Xuan and said lightly,
"Are you planning to die here, City Lord Ji?"
"Hmph! Don't think breaking into the innate realm makes you my equal. You have no idea what real power looks like," Ji Xuan spat, his voice cold and laced with killing intent. The humiliation had crossed a line.
Still calm, Long Chen gently set the teacup down.
His composure enraged Ji Xuan even more. That look of indifference—of disdain—was unbearable.
With no more words, Ji Xuan lunged.
In a flash, he stood just three meters from Long Chen, eyes gleaming with malice. He struck—his fist slicing the air!
But Long Chen didn't flinch. He didn't even raise a hand.
Ji Xuan sneered. "So, you're frozen in fear?"
Just two fingers away from Long Chen's face, the air snapped—
Zheng—!
A sudden, invisible burst of sword intent erupted from Long Chen!
Empowered by it, his entire body transformed into a blade. A storm of razor-sharp energy surged forth, blanketing the hall with lethal intensity!