"Please wait a moment, Immortal Lord. Our young master will be here shortly."
A young attendant in a green robe and small cap courteously led Xu Yi into a spacious courtyard, with blue-brick walls, green-tiled roofs, and a winding pond.
Xu Yi stood by the lotus pond and enjoyed the breeze. Before long, a young man with a bluish complexion strode out. He looked Xu Yi over for a moment, and a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes.
Desolate Wraith sent a thought: See? He's not interested in you at all. This deal might be hard to make.
Xu Yi replied with a thought: Once the bowstring's drawn, there's no turning back. I'm set on making this deal.
Sure enough, after only a few exchanges, the Lu family's young master tactfully explained that the Lu family had stopped recruiting guest retainers. He apologized profusely, then offered Xu Yi several Immortal Spirit Beads as thanks.
Xu Yi knew that, seeing as he had reached the pinnacle of the Unity Dao, the other man was offering them as a mark of respect.
Xu Yi did not accept the Immortal Spirit Beads. "I understand what you mean, Young Master Lu. You think I might not be of much use. Rest assured, I've never accepted a reward I haven't earned. If I can't help the Lu family, I won't take a single coin in payment."
The young master's eyes lit up, and he said with some embarrassment, "Thank you for understanding, fellow Daoist. It's just that you came a little late. We've recruited so many guest retainers that even with our family's vast wealth, we're struggling to shoulder the burden. Since you put it that way, Lu Mou thanks you for your willingness to help." As he spoke, he called loudly for an attendant