"Daoist Wen, I'm truly sorry. Lu's abilities are limited, and I cannot spare too much attention for earning Spirit Stones. I'm already content with things as they are now."
"Besides, I have known the Artifact Spirit Qianbei for many years and received many favors from him. My ties with the merchant guild run too deep, so it would not be proper to sever them just like that."
"Therefore, for the time being, I have no intention of leaving the Sea Pavilion Merchant Guild. If a suitable opportunity arises, I will cooperate with the Taiyi Alliance then."
Lu Xuan pondered for a moment, then spoke with sincere words.
"What a pity. A formidable logistics-type Nascent Soul Cultivator like Daoist Lu is hard to find."
The old man shook his head, a hint of regret in his expression.
Faced with Lu Xuan's tactful refusal, he could only accept it helplessly.
After all, the other party was a Sword Sect cultivator, and he was also at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage. Even if the old man wanted to exert pressure, he could only do so in the direction of the merchant guild, for fear of provoking Lu Xuan's displeasure.
If he had been a rogue cultivator, that would have been fine; there were plenty of methods to bring him under the Taiyi Alliance. But Lu Xuan held a crucial position within the Sword Sect, so those petty tricks could not possibly be used on him.
As for Lin Beihai, he merely listened throughout the entire exchange and never expressed any opinion, showing Lu Xuan great respect.
The two did not stay long in the Cave Mansion. After drinking a few cups of Spirit Brew, they took their leave.
Lu Xuan watched their figures vanish into the Sword Qi Cloud Sea. As he turned