Eternal Life as False Emperor

"I’ve received your sincerity, Senior, but..." Zheng Yi took a sip of tea, "it’s not quite enough for me."

"Oh?" Wenn Ziyan raised an eyebrow.

She could guess that her offer might not satisfy Zheng Yi. However, she did not expect such a direct refusal from him.

Wenn Ziyan was certain that Zheng Yi absolutely wished to join the Star Ocean Sect.

It wasn’t a direct realization, just a special intuition as a woman and a cultivator.

She believed her intuition would not be wrong.

On the other hand, Wenn Ziyan was very determined to recruit Zheng Yi.

She had already learned about the entire situation in detail from her disciple, Su Yao.

Whether it was the courage to face strong enemies head-on, or the wit to resolve adversaries through various means, all left a very deep impression on her.

With a great battle imminent, having such a person in her sect.

Not to mention the significant benefits he could bring to the Star Ocean Sect, at least he could reduce many losses in future battles for the Sect.

Of course, Zheng Yi understood the other party’s intention well.

What lies between them now is almost like an open card game, where both must rely on their own skills to gain the most benefits.

"What do you mean, Mr. Zheng?" Wenn Ziyan quickly collected her thoughts and said with a smiling expression.

"I don’t care much about my own cultivation resources, but I need you to provide my disciple, Bai Zhirui, with resources sufficient for a breakthrough to the Divinity Transformation Stage."

Zheng Yi stated his requirements with a smile.

Wenn Ziyan knitted her brows, "Divinity Transformation Stage? Let’s not talk about whether we can provide such resources, even if we could barely manage it, does your disciple truly have the qualification, Mr. Zheng?"

The fact that she didn’t explicitly refuse indicated there was still room for negotiation.

The materials needed for a breakthrough to the Divinity Transformation Stage are quite intricate.

If Bai Zhirui had excellent talent, the Star Ocean Sect might not need to provide too many resources.

Because during the cultivation process, Bai Zhirui could naturally gain quite a few resources herself, and the Star Ocean Sect would only need to provide some key items.

However, if Bai Zhirui’s talent were poor, the resources consumed would be substantial.

There is even a risk that no matter how many resources are used, Bai Zhirui might lack the talent for it.

For example, Huiyue Demon Venerable, even as one of the top three experts of the Nether Spirit Race and son of the Azure Moon Flame Emperor, only barely managed to break through to the Golden Core Stage.

Actually, that’s not the most critical issue; the key point is that Bai Zhirui will inevitably leave the Star Ocean Sect one day.

Why invest resources in training someone destined to leave, rather than nurturing someone who will stay?

"No need to worry, Senior, I trust Bai Zhirui will not disappoint you." Zheng Yi maintained his same steady smile, exuding a calmness that inexplicably put others at ease.

Wenn Ziyan was suddenly taken aback, looking at Zheng Yi in disbelief.

His words implied that Bai Zhirui truly intended to join the Star Ocean Sect and would not leave easily.

At least, as her master, Zheng Yi would not take his disciple away.

However, it also meant that Zheng Yi himself would leave eventually.

In this regard, Wenn Ziyan wasn’t really surprised.

From the first time she met this man, she knew he would never be someone who settled under others.

Joining the Star Ocean Sect was simply to find a temporary haven.

"Mr. Zheng, resources for a breakthrough to the Divinity Transformation Level are incredibly precious, even for us at the Star Ocean Sect." Wenn Ziyan was indicating that while she could provide the resources, she needed a promise from Zheng Yi as well.

"In comparison to the continuity and development of the Sect, I doubt resources for a Divinity Transformation Stage breakthrough mean much, do they?" Zheng Yi responded with a laugh.

If he had just arrived at the Canglan Realm, he might not have dared to make such promises to Wenn Ziyan.

However, after seeing the top experts of the Canglan Realm, Zheng Yi was utterly confident.

Wenn Ziyan bowed her head in deep thought, her expressions alternating between brightness and shadow, clearly troubled.

Zheng Yi did not urge her, simply relaxing and drinking his tea.

Unexpectedly, Wenn Ziyan didn’t hesitate for long. After the time it took for a half-cup of tea, she looked up with eyes blazing and said, "Alright, I agree to your terms. Welcome, Mr. Zheng, to the Star Ocean Sect as an Honored Elder."

Then Wenn Ziyan suddenly switched tones: "However, there’s something I need to tell you in advance."

"Although I am the Sect Leader of the Star Ocean Sect, I cannot dictate everything."

"Many within the Sect have their eyes on the resources for your disciple."

"Understood!" Zheng Yi wasn’t concerned: "I’ll handle this issue myself, please don’t worry, Sect Leader."

Having settled the conditions, Zheng Yi naturally adjusted his address accordingly.

Hearing this, Wenn Ziyan expressed concern: "After all, they are fellow disciples, it’s best not to be too extreme."

"Rest assured, Sect Leader, I know what can and cannot be done."

On the day this matter was finalized, Zheng Yi said his farewells to the old Daoist and Zui Jiu.

In front of Wenxian Temple’s gates.

Except for those too severely injured and still unconscious, everyone gathered.

"Kid, our Wenxian Temple owes you a favor. If you ever need anything from us, just ask," said Zui Jiu, drunkenly swaying with his eyes closed.

On a normal day, his demeanor would have earned a scolding from the old Daoist.

However, now, the old Daoist simply frowned, looking as if he couldn’t bear to see, but didn’t say much.