217 Tactfully Declining Temptation

Wu Zhangkong said, “His martial soul was originally ordinary Bluesilver Grassand his spirit soul was weak as well. However, his body is extraordinary. Thereason I am perplexed is because his bloodline’s evolution and his martial soulaffect one another. Even stranger is that his bloodline’s mutations havenothing to do with his martial soul. Although they’re two completely differentexistences, they are not twin martial souls. It’s my first time encounteringsomething like this.”

“Do you want to bring him back to the academy? We can ask some of the eldersto examine him,” the white-haired lady said, her words pleasing to the ear.

Wu Zhangkong’s expression grew stern<http://www.wuxiaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1496519250842.jpg>, buthe soon shook his head with resolution. “No. If they’re going to attend theacademy, then it will be through their own ability and nothing else.”

A gentle sigh escaped from the woman’s lips. “Are you still mad at them?Actually, the situation back then—”

“Don’t say anymore. I don’t hold any grudges against them. If I did, then it’sonly toward myself. I’m just a dead man walking now. I wouldn’t mind dying if Iwasn’t still looking for a way to revive her.” Pain flashed through his eyes,sharp and blinding.

“You’re so stubborn,” the lady sighed in exasperation.

Wu Zhangkong’s expression flickered back into a frigid tone, the remnants ofsorrow all but a dream.. “If I wasn’t, then would I still be me?”

The lady laughed. “That’s right! If you weren’t like this, you wouldn’t be theman in white who brandishes a blue sword and is as cold as the frozen heavens.You wouldn’t be the man that Long Bing loved.”

Wu Zhangkong watched the matches silently, but his eyes were glazed over. Inthe deepest depths of his mind, countless memories played back.

A while later, he muttered under his breath, “Shen Yi, I went to visit her afew days ago.”

The lady named Shen Yi stirred. “You visited Heaven Dou? Will you really neverreturn to the academy? Don’t you know how much your teacher grieved after youleft?”

Agony haunted his expression. “I’m not worthy of my teacher. I’m too ashamedto go back.”

Shen Yi said, “Are you raising these children to send off to the academy as anapology to your teacher?”

Wu Zhangkong remained silent.

Shen Yi sighed. “You’re wrong. No one can replace you.The only person who canmake up for it is yourself. After all, you’re still alive. You should returnalready.”

☀

Due to the strict schedules of the round-robin, the four students of classzero arrived at the stadium early. Each group had its own program. With nineteams per group, there would be one bye each day.

Class zero wasn’t fortunate enough to have a bye in the first round. Theiropponent was Skysea Academy’s B-team. For cities as large as Skysea City orEastsea City, it was normal to send up to three teams to compete in onedivision. Tang Wulin’s team was also one of several teams Eastsea Academydispatched, the youngest among them.

Skysea Academy was the greatest intermediate academy within the SkyseaAlliance. As such, even their B-team’s strength ranked at the top.

“Adapt to the situation as you see fit, but we’ll battle according to theplan,” Tang Wulin declared in near whisper.

They had already watched several of their opponent’s matches during theknockout competition. Regardless of combat ability or cultivation, theiropponents stood out in their age group.

Gu Yue said, “Wulin, are you sure you’re fine?” Her concern was natural sincehe had been seriously injured the day before.

A gentle smile blossomed on his lips. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“Tang Wulin.” Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice called out.

Tang Wulin turned to see a white-haired old man and a middle-aged manapproaching him. The white-haired man had two callused hands and walked infront, his large body bursting with vigor. He carried the imposing aura of aprestigious person.

“Hello, you’re looking for me?” Tang Wulin was certain that this man was notpart of Eastsea City’s delegation. Therefore, he did not recognize him.

“I heard you were injured in a match yesterday and couldn’t participate in thefinal round of the blacksmithing tournament.” The old man stopped right infront of Tang Wulin.

He stood abnormally tall, towering over the rest of the crowd. Even TangWulin, who was by no means short among his peers, only reached up to the man’sbelly.

“That’s right! I got a bit injured. I was worried about aggravating thewounds, so I didn’t compete,” he confirmed.

The old man said, “I’m the president of the Skysea Blacksmith’s Association,Duan Xuan. But you can just call me Elder Duan. You’re very talented inforging. It’s a pity you couldn’t participate in the final round.”

Tang Wulin was stunned. Skysea Blacksmith’s Association’s president?

“Hello, Elder Duan. I’ll do my best next time,” he said respectfully.  

Duan Xuan smiled. “So here’s the situation: Skysea City has a recommendationprogram for talented individuals. When I saw your work, I could tell you havegreat potential. Are you interested in coming to Skysea City to developyourself?”

He’s recruiting me? Tang Wulin instantly understood Duan Xuan’s intentions.

“Elder Duan, I’m afraid I’ll have to refuse,” he said hastily.

Although he hadn’t lived in Eastsea City for more than a year, he had alreadylaid down roots in the city. Wu Zhangkong and Mu Chen were both excellentteachers to him. It was thanks to their guidance that he had grown so much inthe past year. He had no reason to uproot his life.

Duan Xuan said, “Don’t refuse so quickly kid. Hear out this old man’sconditions first. I’m sure you’re aware that Skysea City is the largest city onthe east coast. It stands above Eastsea City in both political and economicpower. Whatever Eastsea Blacksmith’s Association can give you, we can also dothe same. Furthermore, we can pay for all of your forging expenses before youbecome a Saint Blacksmith. You should know just how much money and time itcosts to attack Spirit Refinement. Many blacksmiths waste enormous amounts oftime, money, and energy once the time comes. Considering your talent, we’remore than willing to pay for your expenses until you break through SpiritRefinement. We also guarantee to support you in the future and foster yourgrowth to at least a Soul Emperor. This is what we’re offering. How about it?”

Tang Wulin had to admit, this Duan Xuan really knew how to tempt people.Covering the costs of becoming a Saint Blacksmith and guaranteeing to make hima Soul Emperor was too alluring. It was an irresistible offer for anyblacksmith and even Tang Wulin was shaken.

If he accepted Elder Duan’s offer, then Skysea’s Blacksmith’s Associationwould assist him in becoming a sixth rank blacksmith. That rank alone wouldmake him an influential person in the blacksmithing world.

“Thank you for your offer.” Tang Wulin bowed to Elder Duan. “But I cannotaccept. I already have a teacher. I am a member of Eastsea Blacksmith’sAssociation. Your offer is tempting, but I cannot betray my conscious.”

His words were polite, but his refusal was as firm as a mountain.

Duan Xuan was taken aback. “Kid, do you have any idea just how much resourcesand money I’m offering you? It’s simply an astronomical figure. Even if you’relucky and capable, you’ll probably need an extra ten years to accomplish thesame thing. In fact, it might take even longer. How much do you think ten yearsof a person’s life is? If you miss the golden period, you will have a muchharder time becoming a Saint Blacksmith. I’m certain that Eastsea’sBlacksmith’s Association cannot give you what I can.”

Tang Wulin carried himself with determination. “Elder Duan, I must thank youonce again. However, I truly cannot accept. I understand how valuable whatyou’re offering me is, but I already have a teacher. I cannot betray myteacher.”

His words were resolute and quick. After expressing his refusal once more, hehung his head low like a child guilty of a mistake.

Duan Xuan’s brows creased. The middle-aged man beside him stepped forward andwas about to put in a few words, but Duan Xuan raised a hand to stop him.

The old man sighed. “What a good kid. Mu Chen is so lucky. If Eastsea Cityisn’t enough for you one day, then you may join us. Our doors will forever beopen to you.”

He rubbed Tang Wulin’s head before turning around, leaving with large strides.As a man of his status, it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to insist afterrejection.

Not a single word left Tang Wulin’s mouth until Duan Xuan was long gone.

“The conditions seemed pretty good. Why did you reject it? Do you not want toleave us?” Xie Xie grinned like a fox.

Tang Wulin forced out a bitter smile. “How was that just ‘pretty good’! It wasso amazing that I don’t think it could have gotten any better! You guys mightnot know this, but Spirit Refinement is something only fifth rank blacksmithscan do and it’s one of the most important steps in a blacksmith’s life. It’sextremely hard to breakthrough that wall and to do so requires a lot ofexpensive metals. And if the forging fails, then the metal is no better thanscrap metal! Just think about all that money down the drain!”