"Master Si Long, it's been a long time."
Prince Xue Xing removed his disguise and looked at Si Long before him.
Seeing Prince Xue Xing, Si Long said in shock:
"Your Highness Xue Xing, why are you here?"
Si Long could hardly believe it. He had met Prince Xue Xing once before, several years ago, when he had been invited to Heaven Dou to forge a batch of strange and unusual components.
At the time, Prince Xue Xing had warmly invited him to join the Heaven Dou Empire, but he had refused.
He never expected to encounter him here again. This was Gengxin City, within Star Luo Empire territory.
Suddenly, Si Long felt somewhat moved.
"To recruit me, a dignified prince of Heaven Dou actually came here personally and put himself in danger."
Although this world had no tale of paying three visits to a thatched cottage, Si Long still found himself wanting to leave with Prince Xue Xing and follow him.
Prince Xue Xing did not hesitate either. Though Lou Gao was actually his target this time, luring in another Soul Saint-level blacksmith would certainly be a good thing.
So he said, "Master Si Long, I'm sure you can guess why I came here. Well? Are you willing to return to Heaven Dou with me?"
"This..." Si Long thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Your Highness Xue Xing, the terms you offered me last time were indeed very tempting. But if all of that comes at the cost of my freedom, then I'm sorry—I still cannot join the Heaven Dou Empire."
As a blacksmith, having a faction to rely on was actually a good thing, and Si Long himself was not opposed to it.
However, when Prince Xue Xing had recruited him last time, he had said