"Then I'll get straight to the point."
Tuoba Zhan nodded and dispensed with further pleasantries. "Lin Jin, you've probably guessed why I'm here. I came for two reasons."
"First, on behalf of the Tuoba Clan, I invite you to become our guest elder. Money, resources, status-whatever you ask for, our clan can provide."
"My father said that, if you're willing, my younger sister Tuoba Lan could even marry you, making you an official member of our clan's inner circle."
"What do you think?"
"And if I say no?" Lin Jin's tone was calm. Tuoba Zhan's words had stirred nothing in him.
"That would be expected!" Tuoba Zhan smiled slightly. "If you were still the man you were a month ago, refusing an elite clan's overtures would indeed bring endless trouble to your door."
"But..." Tuoba Zhan paused before continuing, "now, I don't think any fool would consider making trouble for someone about to take fourth place on the Heavenly Rankings."
"I made the offer because my family asked me to. I expected your refusal. After all, with your strength, those things are yours for the taking."
He picked up the sheathed black saber beside his feet and planted it on the ground. The bottom of the scabbard struck the bluestone paving with a dull thud.
"If you've heard my name, you should know how much I love a fight. My real reason for coming today is to fight you."
Fierce battle intent blazed in Tuoba Zhan's eyes. "I'm a saber wielder, and I hear you're skilled with a blade too. I hope to test my bladework against a powerful opponent like you."
"I know there's a huge gap between our strengths. I'm not asking you to go all out. I only hope you'll take three strikes from me. After those