Long Haochen was the first to respond to Elder Ling and Ling Xiao's enthusiastic invitations.
"Sorry, Grandpa Ling, but I can't accept. I will only ever be a knight," Long Haochen said apologetically.
"Sorry, Grandpa Ling. I-I can't accept either. I will only ever be a knight too," Yue Chen said with a hint of anguish.
"I see." Elder Ling seemed to have known all along that Yue Chen would refuse, yet hearing the refusal only strengthened his desire to snatch Yue Chen away from the Knight Temple.
"Ten years." Elder Ling smiled. "I guarantee I can get you to the ninth tier within ten years."
Ling Xiao, who had been about to tempt Long Haochen with an offer of his own, froze. He turned to his grandfather in disbelief.
"Grandpa, are you serious?" Ling Xiao swallowed, recalling how Hall Master Yang of the Knight Temple had specifically come to give him trouble over this boy.
Ignoring his grandson's interruption, Elder Ling counted off on his fingers. "If you're willing, I can have you withdrawn from your Demon Hunt Squad right now. You won't have to keep risking your life. All you'll need to do is spend a few years cultivating in seclusion at Zhennan Pass."
"As for spirit furnaces, I'll personally select the finest light-attribute priest spirit furnaces for you and help you absorb and fuse them." A keen gleam shone in Elder Ling's narrowed eyes. "Besides, Ling Xiao will be about ready to step down after another few years. You would become the next head of our Priest Temple, with us old fellows supporting you. By then, even securing the position of Temple Alliance Leader for you wouldn't be difficult."
Yue Chen: "..."
Seeing no response from Yue Chen, Elder Ling continued patiently, "Give it some thought. You