Upon learning that Dugu Bo had kept the headmasters of Blazing Academy and Botanical Academy behind, Lin Yu's mind immediately began to stir. He gestured for Dugu Bo to lead the way and instructed Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling to wait for him. Together with Dugu Bo, Lin Yu made his way to a resting room on the first floor of the marketplace.
As they reached the room, Dugu Bo opened the door, revealing a well-lit, warm-colored space adorned with gleaming ceramic tiles. Two luxurious sofas and an elegant tea table were arranged in the center, while a chandelier hung above, casting a soft glow over the room.
Seated on one of the sofas was a middle-aged man with a stern face, dressed in fiery red robes embroidered with golden flames. His red hair and eyes gave him an imposing presence as he sipped from his teacup. On the opposite sofa sat a dignified, curvaceous woman in a flowing green gown, her long green hair framing her face with an air of grace and composure.
At a glance, Lin Yu quickly identified the two. The woman must be Lin Man, the headmistress of Botanical Academy, while the man was likely Huo Xiaotian, the headmaster of Blazing Academy.
As Dugu Bo pushed open the door, both Huo Xiaotian and Lin Man noticed the arrival of Lin Yu and Dugu Bo. They quickly stood up in acknowledgment.
"Poison Douluo, Young Master Lin Yu!" they greeted in unison.
"Haha, no need for such formality, please, have a seat," Lin Yu replied with a friendly smile, gesturing for them to sit back down as he took a seat on the sofa beside Lin Man. Dugu Bo, on the other hand, sat next to Huo Xiaotian.
"Poison Douluo mentioned that Young Master Lin Yu has something important to discuss with us. May I ask what it concerns?" Huo Xiaotian asked without preamble, his directness matching his fiery nature. He wasn't one for subtlety or beating around the bush.
Lin Yu chuckled at the bluntness of Huo Xiaotian's question. Glancing briefly at Lin Man, who was also looking at him with curiosity, Lin Yu decided to get straight to the point.
"Indeed, I have something good to offer..."
Something good? Both Huo Xiaotian and Lin Man perked up at this, their full attention now on Lin Yu, eager to hear what this "good" thing could be.
"What I want to discuss with you two involves a proposition. You both likely know by now that I intend to establish a new faction, which I plan to call Immortal Palace. While it's still in the preparation phase, the funds raised from this auction will be more than enough to begin constructing our headquarters."
"However, while the issue of constructing a sect is well in hand, the matter of recruiting disciples is far from settled. Even though we already have the Nine Hearts Begonia Clan, the Jade Phosphor Clan, and the Four Great Clans, we still don't have nearly enough members."
"So, my proposal is this: I hope that, in the future, both of your academies—Blazing Academy and Botanical Academy—will recommend your graduating students to join our Immortal Palace."
Lin Yu's tone was calm and confident as he laid out his request, his smile never wavering.
He wants our students? Huo Xiaotian and Lin Man exchanged surprised glances. Why would someone like Lin Yu, who held such high standing across the continent, need to ask for their students?
With Lin Yu's current reputation and influence, a mere announcement on the livestream about recruiting disciples would no doubt attract countless eager young soul masters from across the continent. So why single out the students of Blazing Academy and Botanical Academy?
Both headmasters began to ponder the possible reasons.
Blazing Academy wasn't the most powerful academy in Heaven Dou City. Comparable institutions like Tianshui Academy, Divine Wind Academy, Thunderclap Academy, and Elephant Armored Academy existed. Of these, Thunderclap Academy and Elephant Armored Academy were backed by powerful sects—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Elephant Armored Clan, respectively—so it was unlikely Lin Yu would be able to recruit from them.
Still, if Lin Yu was specifically asking for Blazing and Botanical Academy students, it must mean something. But what?
Neither Huo Xiaotian nor Lin Man had any experience with alchemy, nor did they fully understand the potential value of pill-making in this world, where the crafting of potions was the closest equivalent. Yet they knew one thing: if Lin Yu was asking for something, there was value in it. Agreeing would no doubt bring benefits, but they would need to negotiate terms carefully.
"Ah, Young Master Lin Yu, while we would be honored to assist you, I must admit that when it comes to our graduates choosing their future paths, our academy takes a hands-off approach. We believe in allowing our students the freedom to make their own decisions, so I'm afraid this might be a bit difficult..."
Huo Xiaotian spoke with a sigh, his face painted with a look of regret. But Lin Yu could see through his words. It was obvious the man was angling for something in return.
Lin Man, seated gracefully beside him, echoed similar sentiments. "Indeed, Young Master Lin Yu. Our academy's principle has always been to nurture students without influencing their choices after graduation. It's not that we're unwilling to help; it's just that such a request presents certain challenges."
But Lin Yu wasn't fazed. He chuckled lightly, seeing through their intentions.
"Haha, there's no need to beat around the bush. If the two of you have conditions, feel free to state them. I understand it may conflict with the values of your academies."
"All I'm asking for is recommendations, not a mandate. I'm not expecting every single graduate to join Immortal Palace. Surely that wouldn't be too difficult?" Lin Yu's voice was calm but firm, making it clear that he wasn't going to be brushed off so easily.
"Well, when you put it that way..."
Huo Xiaotian seemed to consider it for a moment, then offered a sly smile. "If we are to recommend our graduates to join your esteemed Immortal Palace, then naturally, we'll need a good reason to convince them. Something to show them that joining your sect is beneficial."
"And what better reason than offering a discount on the pills you'll be selling in the future? That would surely be enough to attract their interest!"
With that, Huo Xiaotian revealed his true intentions—a clever smile crossing his face as he put forth the condition.