novelapdf Chapter 110 Refusal to Recruit
Chapter 110 Refusal to Recruit
Chapter 110 Refusal to Recruit
The silence in the hall lasted for a moment, with only the rich aroma of the Earth Spirit Tea flowing quietly in the air, as if frozen in this decisive moment.
The First Qilin's gaze was sincere and fervent, his eagerness to recruit talent almost overflowing. He believed that the conditions he offered were unmatched by any other power in the entire prehistoric world, and would be an irresistible temptation for any cultivator aspiring to the Great Dao.
However, Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun's reactions were neither the surprise nor the weighing of options he had anticipated.
Zhen Yuanzi slowly put down his teacup. The ancient ceramic cup made a crisp sound as it touched the stone table, breaking the silence in the hall.
He raised his head to meet the expectant gaze of the First Qilin, his face still bearing that captivating peace and composure, showing no sign of being shaken by the earth-shattering conditions.
He smiled slightly, a smile that conveyed gratitude for the kindness shown to the First Qilin, and also contained an unwavering determination rooted in his very Dao heart.
"Fellow Daoist Qilin," Zhen Yuanzi began, his voice gentle yet incredibly clear, each word seemingly carrying the weight of the earth, "Your kindness and sincerity are deeply appreciated by this humble Daoist, Hongyun and I, and we offer our heartfelt thanks."
He first solemnly bowed to the First Qilin to express his gratitude. This bow made the First Qilin's heart sink slightly, already anticipating what was to come.
As expected, Zhen Yuanzi straightened up, his gaze clear and profound, and continued, "What you say, fellow Daoist, is that the Qilin clan upholds benevolence and seeks peace and harmony for all living beings in the primordial world. I deeply admire such a grand aspiration. It is truly an honor to be able to discuss and exchange ideas with such a benevolent ruler as you."
He first affirmed the Qilin's ideals, then changed the subject, his tone slow but firm: "However, regarding the invitation to join the Qilin clan and share the power over beasts with you—" Zhen Yuanzi shook his head slightly, a hint of apology on his face, yet an unwavering smile, "Please forgive me, I can only accept your offer, but cannot comply."
Upon hearing this, even though the First Qilin had a premonition, a clear look of disappointment and confusion still flashed in his eyes.
He couldn't help but ask, "Why is that? Do you feel that my conditions are still insufficient? Or do you have any concerns, fellow Daoist? Please speak freely." He really couldn't understand why such generous conditions would be rejected so decisively.
Hongyun, standing to the side, remained calm, clearly already in sync with Zhen Yuanzi. She didn't interrupt, leaving the matter entirely to Zhen Yuanzi.
Zhen Yuanzi looked at Shi Qilin, knowing he needed to give a reason that would be understandable and wouldn't damage their relationship. After a moment's thought, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying a transcendent Daoist aura: "Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. It's not that the conditions are insufficient, nor that there are any concerns. Heaven and earth can bear witness to your sincerity." He first soothed Shi Qilin's emotions, then pointed out the core issue: "Ultimately, it lies in the fact that the path that I and Fellow Daoist Hongyun seek is different from the path of relying on a clan and wielding power."
His gaze seemed to pierce through the dome of the Qilin Palace, looking towards the boundless primordial world. His tone carried a sense of ethereal yet firm pursuit of the ultimate: "The foundation of my existence lies in Longevity Mountain. What I seek is to use the earth to bear chaos, to evolve all laws, and to pursue the supreme transcendence of primordial chaos."
This path is arduous; one must be single-minded and gather all the opportunities from heaven into one's own being, rather than being bound by the power and karma of a particular clan or place.
He looked at the First Qilin with a sincere gaze: "If you join the Qilin Clan and enjoy its resources and power, you will have to bear the consequences of the clan's rise and fall, and be drawn into the increasingly turbulent waves of conflict in this primordial world."
"At that time, will my path still be a pure path of seeking truth? Perhaps it will have degenerated into a tool for vying for supremacy in the primordial world and protecting one's race. This would be a complete departure from my original intention."
"The same applies to Fellow Daoist Hongyun." Zhen Yuanzi gestured to Hongyun. "He achieved Hunyuan through the return of the Four Symbols to the origin. His path lies in being carefree and unrestrained, evolving from chaos. If one is bound by authority, it is like a bird in a cage. How can one talk about being carefree? How can one talk about transcendence?"
His words, like the resounding toll of a bell, struck the heart of the First Qilin.
Shi Qilin was stunned. He carefully pondered Zhen Yuanzi's words, and the disappointment on his face gradually turned into a complex sense of realization and emotion.
He understood. Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun, the heights they stood at, the goals they pursued, had already transcended ordinary racial struggles and power divisions.
Their gaze was fixed on the more distant and essential realm of primordial supremacy! For them, racial authority and vast resources were certainly attractive, but the heavy karmic consequences and constraints that came with them would become invisible shackles that prevented them from climbing to even greater heights!
What they pursue is "freedom," "transcendence," and "the Great Way that belongs only to themselves," rather than reaching the pinnacle of power within a particular faction.
Having figured this out, Shi Qilin couldn't help but feel a surge of sincere admiration.
To remain clear-headed and steadfast in one's path in the face of such temptations demonstrates a level of resolve far beyond that of ordinary people. At the same time, there is a touch of melancholy; such a talent ultimately cannot be used by the Qilin clan.
"So that's how it is—" Shi Qilin sighed deeply, the disappointment on his face disappearing and replaced by understanding and respect. "I was too attached to appearances."
I only saw the strength of these two fellow Daoists, but failed to perceive their lofty aspirations and determination in seeking the Dao. Forcing one's way is certainly not the right path; it may even jeopardize their future.
He stood up and once again solemnly bowed to Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun: "I was presumptuous, and I hope you two fellow Daoists will not take offense."
Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun also rose to return the greeting. Zhen Yuanzi said, "Fellow Daoist, you flatter us. We will remember your kindness and generosity. Although we cannot join the Qilin Clan, we will never forget the friendship we shared during this discussion."
If the Qilin Clan ever needs anything in the future, we will not refuse, provided it is within our power and does not violate our own path.
This is a goodwill promise that leaves room for future cooperation but draws a clear line.
Upon hearing this, the last trace of resentment in Shi Qilin's heart vanished. To receive such a promise from two Hunyuan Golden Immortals was already a rare honor.
A warm smile returned to his face: "With your words, fellow Daoist, I am content! I hope we can have more exchanges and discussions in the future, exploring the mysteries together."
"That's exactly right," Zhen Yuanzi agreed with a smile.
An invitation that could have strained relations was transformed into a purer friendship between Daoists thanks to Zhen Yuanzi's honest and firm response.
The three sat down again and began to discuss their ideas, no longer mentioning recruitment. The atmosphere was even more relaxed and harmonious than before.
After exchanging words for a while, Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun got up to take their leave.
The First Qilin personally escorted the two out of the Qilin Palace, and they parted ways only when they reached the edge of Qilin Cliff.
Watching Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun transform into streaks of light and disappear into the horizon, Shi Qilin stood alone on the cliff edge, filled with countless emotions.
He knew that the situation in the primordial world had become even more delicate because of the existence of these two Primordial Golden Immortals who were independent of the three races.
The path they chose, the path of pursuing ultimate transcendence, may be the true way to immortality—but for him, who bears the weight of the rise and fall of his clan, this path is already too far away.
He turned, his gaze once again becoming firm and steady, returning to his duty as the King of the Qilin, to protect his people and maintain peace. The winds of the primordial world seemed to blow even more fiercely.