In the outer region of the Star Dou Forest, under the bright moonlight, Cheng Xiao and Qian Renxue simultaneously looked up. In midair, they saw a man clad in golden armor with a bewitching appearance, looking down at them.
For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense.
Seeing Qian Renxue standing with Cheng Xiao, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan was momentarily stunned. What's going on? Why is the Grand Worshipper's granddaughter here? Isn't she supposed to be undercover within the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family? While Chrysanthemum Douluo was frozen in surprise, Qian Renxue was also slightly taken aback. Though she hadn't returned to the Spirit Hall in a long time, she was still familiar with the elders of the Elder Hall. What she didn't expect was to run into one here, in the Star Dou Forest. Judging by his earlier words, it seemed his target was Cheng Xiao, who stood by her side.
At this thought, Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze and focused it on Cheng Xiao. If her guess was correct, that woman had sent a Titled Douluo here for one of two reasons: either to recruit him into the Spirit Hall or to eliminate him. However, Qian Renxue leaned towards the former. She believed that woman wasn't foolish enough to take the latter approach.
"Uh, senior, are you perhaps looking for my companion, Senior Qian Xue?" Cheng Xiao asked deliberately as he looked at Chrysanthemum Douluo in midair.
Hearing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo coughed awkwardly before descending slowly to the ground.
In the Spirit Hall, apart from the Pope, the elders of the Elder Hall held the highest authority. However, above the Elder Hall was the Douluo Hall, which only those who had broken through level 95 could enter. The woman in front of him, Qian Renxue, was a member of the Douluo Hall, her status far surpassing that of the elders! Nonetheless, from Cheng Xiao's words, Yue Guan could tell that Qian Renxue hadn't revealed her true identity, and "Qian Xue" was just a pseudonym. Since that was the case, he decided to pretend not to recognize her, avoiding any unnecessary complications.
"Heh, boy, I'm not here for the one beside you. I'm here for you." Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled and said faintly.
"For me?" Cheng Xiao was slightly surprised, casting a sideways glance at the unmoved Qian Renxue before clearing his throat and asking with feigned confusion, "Senior, may I ask why you are seeking me out?"
"Boy, I am an elder of the Spirit Hall. I've come to find you because I recognize your potential. Are you willing to join the Spirit Hall?" Chrysanthemum Douluo explained, stealing a glance at Qian Renxue. He wasn't sure why she was in the Star Dou Forest with this boy, but to avoid offending her, he felt it was necessary to state his position.
"The Spirit Hall? Senior, are you saying you want me to join the Spirit Hall?" Cheng Xiao asked curiously.
"That's right, boy. If you join the Spirit Hall, you'll receive top-tier cultivation resources and guidance from Titled Douluo-level experts. If you're lucky and catch the eye of a particular Titled Douluo, you might even be taken in as a disciple."
"Additionally, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament will be held in two years. If you represent the Spirit Hall and win the championship, you'll be rewarded with a precious spirit bone. So, what do you say? If you join the Spirit Hall, you'll gain both wealth and prestige!" Chrysanthemum Douluo extended his right hand with a smile. "Grab this hand, and you'll be one of us."
At this point, Cheng Xiao pursed his lips slightly, his eyes flickering. Chrysanthemum Douluo's offer was tempting, and it stirred his heart. If he could rely on the Spirit Hall, it would give him a solid backing. After all, he wasn't particularly interested in spirit bones or the like; using the Spirit Hall's name as a shield for his own purposes was his real goal.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, having observed Cheng Xiao's momentary hesitation, sighed inwardly. He had thought this boy would reject the Spirit Hall's invitation and choose to become a free spirit master, marking him as a true talent. But now, it seemed he wasn't that different from anyone else. Just as Chrysanthemum Douluo was lost in thought, Cheng Xiao sighed softly. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he looked at Chrysanthemum Douluo's outstretched hand and asked slowly, "Senior, what would happen if I refused your offer?"
"Hm?" Chrysanthemum Douluo was startled by the question. "Boy, do you understand what you're saying? With your talent and strength, if you join the Spirit Hall, you'll become a Titled Douluo within twenty years! Refusing me means giving up a bright future!"
"Apologies, Senior. I'm not fond of aligning myself with any faction," Cheng Xiao replied, shaking his head and rejecting Chrysanthemum Douluo's offer.
Rather than joining an existing power, Cheng Xiao wanted to create his own. He wasn't worried about growing his strength; as long as he continued to advance, his Shadow Army would grow endlessly. He would rather be the one controlling the chess pieces than a pawn manipulated by others. His confidence came from his Shadow Monarch spirit. As the inheritor of the third generation monarch, how could he allow himself to remain under someone else's control for long?
Cheng Xiao's words both shocked and impressed Chrysanthemum Douluo. For some reason, looking at this young man, Yue Guan saw a reflection of his younger self. Back then, life hadn't been easy, and in pursuit of a better future, he and Ghost Douluo had joined the Spirit Hall. They sought wealth and status, serving the Spirit Hall loyally. Now, their efforts had paid off—both had reached level 95, though not part of the Douluo Hall. Still, their strength was formidable. Even if Cheng Xiao rejected joining the Spirit Hall, taking him on as an apprentice was an entirely different matter. After all, Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart had softened.
"Good boy, if you don't want to join the Spirit Hall, then I ask you this: would you be willing to call me 'teacher'?" Chrysanthemum Douluo changed tactics, smiling as he asked.
Cheng Xiao was taken aback by the sudden proposal. Taking a master? Was this appropriate? Although confused, Cheng Xiao voiced his doubts, "Senior, are you offering to take me as a disciple on your own behalf or on behalf of the Spirit Hall?"
Yue Guan laughed, "Don't worry, boy. I'm offering to take you as my disciple because I recognize your extraordinary talent. If you want to join the Spirit Hall, I won't stop you. If you don't, I won't force you. How about it?"
"Is there really such a good deal?" Cheng Xiao muttered under his breath.
"Of course! If you call me 'teacher,' no one in this continent will dare touch you. Even if some factions wanted to harm you, they'd have to think twice about offending a Titled Douluo! Do you know the consequences of angering one of us?" Chrysanthemum Douluo's tone suddenly turned cold, and his expression became much more serious.
The reason Chrysanthemum Douluo was so insistent was because he truly admired Cheng Xiao's talent. Even if he didn't join the Spirit Hall, he was still a Spirit Hall elder, and no one would question his decision. Letting such a talented young man die would simply be too much of a pity.