Zhao Jie and the others grew solemn.
"There are too few human cultivators. I can't protect everything on my own."
Chen Lin tapped his fingers against the table.
"The military has already established a special operations base here. But I need people of my own whom I can trust completely."
His piercing gaze fixed on Zhao Jie, Wang Ye, and Wang Shuo.
"Want to fly on a sword like your Brother Lin?"
The moment he said that,
even the temperature in the courtyard seemed to rise.
The three men's breathing instantly quickened.
"Linzi... you mean we can cultivate immortality too?!" Wang Ye sprang to his feet, knocking over his chair.
"Obviously." Chen Lin smiled. "Did you really think I invited you here today just to show off?"
Zhao Jie's face flushed red. He grabbed Su Mei's hand. "I'm in! Linzi, just tell us where to strike! My life is yours!"
Wang Shuo nodded repeatedly, too excited to speak.
"Linzi, hurry! Teach us!" Wang Ye rubbed his hands together, bouncing on the spot with excitement.
Chen Lin did not agree right away. He picked up the Spirit Spring Tea from the Stone Table and took an unhurried sip, his gaze sweeping over the three men and their loved ones behind them.
"Cultivating immortality isn't a dinner party. It means fighting heaven for your life." Chen Lin set down his cup. His voice was calm, yet carried a chilling severity. "Tens of thousands died in that battle in the East China Sea. Think carefully. Once you take this path, you might die without even knowing what killed you."
Zhao Jie put aside his usual slick manner and glanced at Su Mei beside him. "Linzi, the world has changed. If I don't cultivate, I won't even be able to protect my wife someday.