"Fine. I agree," Su Qi said without hesitation.
Ye Renxin took a moment to process that. "Your Highness truly agrees? My clan wants Spirit Hall's protection and support without being fully under its control. Doesn't that seem like taking from Spirit Hall while giving nothing back?"
Su Qi shook his head. "Not at all. Spirit Hall isn't like the two empires. In a sense, we serve the people too. The stewards of our branch halls awaken people's Martial Souls for free, and they bring rogue Soul Masters who prey on the public to justice without charging a thing."
"Your clan would practice medicine under Spirit Hall's name, free of charge from start to finish. That fits the way we operate. It would also build Spirit Hall's reputation and bring its good work closer to the people. How could that be taking without giving back?"
Those words strengthened Ye Renxin's resolve to turn his back on the Heaven Dou Empire.
He suddenly dropped to one knee and cupped his fists respectfully toward Su Qi. "Your Highness the Holy Son is wise. I, Ye Renxin, am willing to lead every member of the Ye Clan into Spirit Hall!"
"No need for ceremony. Get up first." As he spoke, Su Qi took a treasure called Millennium Pith Ganoderma from the Ruyi Treasure Pouch at his waist.
Its smooth, milky-white body glimmered with a soft radiance. Its rich, lingering medicinal fragrance soothed anyone who smelled it, washing away their fatigue.
Ye Renxin's gaze settled on the Millennium Pith Ganoderma, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt.
After years of practicing medicine, he could tell at a glance that it was an exceptionally rare, high-grade life-attributed treasure of immeasurable value.
Yet as a physician, he did not recognize such a wondrous herb at all?
His