The Grandmaster's "Invitation" and Spirit Hall's "Attention"

Lin Kun's small business was booming, with his points and Silver Spirit Coins steadily increasing, but the unease in his heart grew heavier. He had discovered that among the "customers" patronizing his stall, there seemed to be some people who were not quite what they appeared.

One day, a man wearing ordinary student attire, but with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, arrived at the Seventh Dormitory's entrance and found Lin Kun.

"Fellow student Lin Kun? I'd like to consult you about any more detailed information you might have regarding the recent unusual activity of Spirit Beasts in Wind Chime Mountain Valley. For example, the exact source of the disturbance?" the man asked calmly, yet with an undeniable tone.

Lin Kun's internal alarm bells blared! The source of the disturbance in Wind Cry Mountain Valley? Wasn't that where Little White hatched? Who was this person? Was he from the News Bureau? Ning Rongrong's people? Or... from some other faction?

He forced himself to remain calm and chuckled, "You jest, fellow student. I'm just a seller of information, how would I know such details? Perhaps it's just ordinary Spirit Beast migration?"

The man gave Lin Kun a deep look and didn't press further. He left a Silver Spirit Coin and turned to leave. However, Lin Kun could feel that the man's gaze lingered on him for a long time.

Over the next few days, several more individuals, who appeared ordinary but felt anything but like students, came to inquire about sensitive matters, such as the recent appearance of unfamiliar Spirit Masters in Nuoding City or any abnormal spatial fluctuations near the academy.

Lin Kun deflected them all, citing either "ignorance" or "the price is too high for you to afford." But his mood grew increasingly heavy. He knew he might have attracted the attention of certain organizations, and his information stall might have just run its course.

Indeed, that afternoon, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang personally arrived at the entrance of the Seventh Dormitory.

"Lin Kun, come with me," the Grandmaster's tone was as calm as ever, but carried an undeniable authority.

Lin Kun, his heart pounding, followed the Grandmaster to his office.

The office was piled high with books and scrolls, exuding an scholarly atmosphere. The Grandmaster gestured for Lin Kun to sit down, then got straight to the point:

"Lin Kun, your 'Information Bureau' has been quite active lately."

Lin Kun's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Grandmaster, I was just playing around, earning some living expenses. I definitely haven't violated any school rules!"

The Grandmaster waved his hand, "School rules are a minor matter. I'm not looking for you because of that. Your Book Spirit, it seems to possess an extraordinary ability for collecting and sensing information, doesn't it?"

Lin Kun didn't dare to deny it and could only nod.

"Very good," a glint flashed in the Grandmaster's eyes. "I am currently conducting research on Spirit Soul mutations and bloodline inheritance, which requires a vast amount of complex and detailed data support. Some data is difficult to obtain through public channels. Your abilities might be able to help."

Lin Kun was stunned. Was the Grandmaster... looking to hire him?

"Of course, I won't have you work for free," the Grandmaster took out a small bag and placed it on the table. The pleasant clinking of Golden Spirit Coins could be heard from within. "Payment will be based on the value and accuracy of the information you provide. Furthermore, I can share some Spirit Soul theories that are not core to my research with you."

Lin Kun's heart began to beat uncontrollably faster. Working for the Grandmaster? This was undoubtedly a chance to latch onto a much bigger power! Not only could he earn money, but he could also gain access to core theoretical knowledge and possibly even receive guidance from the Grandmaster! This was crucial for him to understand his own Spirit Soul and future development!

However, the risks were equally immense! Assisting the Grandmaster with his research meant encountering more secrets, getting more deeply involved in the disputes of the Spirit Master world, and... getting closer to Tang San, increasing the risk of exposure exponentially!

Accept? Or refuse?

As Lin Kun wrestled with his internal conflict, there was a knock on the office door.

"Come in," the Grandmaster said calmly.

Pushing the door open was a middle-aged man dressed in a Spirit Hall deacon's uniform, with the Spirit Hall emblem pinned to his chest. He smiled, but his gaze was sharp as it swept over Lin Kun. He then bowed to the Grandmaster, "Grandmaster, forgive my intrusion. You must be the student from your academy with the special sensing Spirit Soul, Lin Kun? You are indeed a fine young man."

Lin Kun's heart leaped into his throat! Someone from Spirit Hall! They had indeed come looking for him!

The Grandmaster frowned slightly, "Deacon Sol, is there something you need?"

Deacon Sol's smile remained unchanged, "I've heard that this young student has a talent for information gathering. Spirit Hall is also currently recruiting young people with special talents for cultivation. I wonder if fellow student Lin Kun would be interested in participating in Spirit Hall's junior talent selection? The benefits are excellent, and the future is boundless."

An invitation from Spirit Hall?!!

Lin Kun felt his breathing become difficult. On one hand, the Grandmaster's offer to be his research assistant; on the other, an invitation from Spirit Hall? This choice was too difficult!

He knew that choosing either side meant embarking on a path of no return. And refusing either party could lead to unpredictable consequences.

The Grandmaster's gaze also turned to Lin Kun, awaiting his answer.

The air in the office seemed to freeze. Lin Kun felt as if he were standing at a crossroads in his life, where each choice would lead to a completely different future.

What should he choose?