Attendants and Guest Elders

Qin Fei was not surprised that the Lin and Lu families, along with Yunxiu, did not leave.

But what's the deal with this Beast Taming Sect Master?

Qin Fei pondered for a moment, then turned to look at several acquaintances, his voice somewhat cold:

"Fellow Daoists, please wait a moment."

After saying this, he led the old man from the Beast Taming Sect into the cave abode, leaving the three of them standing outside the door.

Yunxiu, however, seemed indifferent, leaning against the wall alone, waiting patiently.

The Lin and Lu families were now in an awkward position.

"This Qin Fei far too arrogant. We kindly invited him to join us, but he turned us away at the door."

"Isn't it all because of you? Back then, your Lu Household hunted him down, but did you ever foresee that one day he would become Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

"Well... sigh, he was just a Qi Refinement Realm cultivator back then, easily crushed. Who would think so much about it?"

"That's true, but now only the two of us from each family have reached the Foundation Establishment, so it's best to keep a low profile. If we can get him to join us, our strength will increase significantly."

The two were the only two remaining Foundation Establishment in Shangyu Market: the Lin Household patriarch and the Lu Household second elder.

Since the beast tide, the Lin and Lu families have lost almost 99% of their cultivators, with only a few lucky ones escaping.

The two great Lineage had completely declined, and upon hearing the news of Qin Fei's Foundation Establishment, they rushed over immediately.

After Qin Fei led the old man into the cave abode, they each took their seats.

He didn't mince words and asked directly:

"Fellow Daoist, is there anything else? If it's about the invitation, then forget it. I have no intention of joining any faction at the moment."

The old man sighed softly and said sincerely:

"I am Guo Nanshan, the sect leader of the Beast Taming Sect. I have come here with the intention of inviting you to join me."

"Fellow Daoist, please don't be so quick to refuse. Listen to my conditions first."

"The Beast Taming Sect is different from other forces. I am old and my lifespan is not long."

"If you are willing to join, after my death, the Beast Taming Sect will be yours. This is far better than becoming a retainer of other forces."

"Fellow Daoist may not know the financial strength of my Beast Taming Sect. We own four shops in Repel the North City, all in prime locations, and have over a thousand disciples, among whom Qi Refinement..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Fei shook his head.

"I can sense your sincerity, fellow Daoist, but I have just broken through and currently only wish to focus on my cultivation. I truly cannot grant your request."

He had certainly witnessed the immense wealth of a Foundation Establishment Realm power.

The Lin Lineage's treasury was once overflowing with treasures, and the Beast Taming Sect likely possessed even more.

However, once you join a faction, you will inevitably be drawn into conflict.

If this delays one's cultivation, no matter how many treasures one possesses, it will be a loss that outweighs the gain.

Especially after reaching the Foundation Establishment, the amount of Spiritual Qi energy required for each level of cultivation increases dramatically. He's too busy cultivating to have time to manage any forces.

Guo Nanshan did not give up easily and continued:

"I've heard that you possess a Purple Flame Deer, fellow Daoist. Is that true?"

Qin Fei didn't hide anything; he used to ride that deer every day, so it was normal for people to recognize him.

Seeing this, Guo Nanshan smiled slightly and asked again:

"Fellow Daoist, are you puzzled as to why your cultivation level hasn't improved despite raising this deer for so long?"

Hearing this, Qin Fei nodded thoughtfully.

He had been raising this deer for several years, during which time he had fed it various spiritual herbs, but its cultivation level had increased extremely slowly.

He started at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer, but now he hasn't even advanced to the first level.

He had consulted the Big Yellow about this, but unfortunately the Big Yellow itself didn't know how to cultivate and didn't understand what was going on.

This matter was put on hold for a time, until now.

"The art of beast taming is profound and complex; it's not simply a matter of feeding a spirit beast to make it grow."

"Spiritual herbs that are too high-grade can actually cause vein blockages in spirit beasts, creating a medicinal barrier. Spiritual herbs with the wrong properties can also damage the spirit beast's essence, making it weaker the more it is fed them."

"Our Beast Taming Sect is an expert in this field. If you join us, I am willing to impart all my knowledge of beast taming."

"Furthermore, I have cultivated deeply in the Foundation Establishment Realm for many years, and I can share some of my insights on cultivation with you, fellow Daoist, without any reservations. I hope you will consider this carefully."

Guo Nanshan stopped hiding his intentions and directly stated all his conditions.

Just as he said when he came, he was determined to get Qin Fei.

Qin Fei was indeed somewhat tempted, but after thinking about it for a long time, he shook his head.

"I'm grateful for your kind offer, but I'd rather not. However, I am quite interested in the Beast Taming Technique. If possible, I'd be willing to purchase it with Spirit Stone."

Guo Nanshan sighed deeply. He had offered the most generous terms, but still failed. It seemed that the other party's ambitions were not in this area.

The art of beast taming was his specialty, so naturally he wouldn't sell it.

However, he had prepared for this situation before coming.

At this point, a compromise solution was proposed.

"Since you insist on not doing so, I will try another method."

"Would you be willing to become a guest elder of my Beast Taming Sect? Although I cannot teach you the art of beast taming, I can send someone to help you raise spirit beasts."

The terms "guest minister" and "official" may seem to differ by only two characters, but they are actually completely different.

The relationship between the worshippers and the sect is close. They rely on the sect's resources on a regular basis, and they must also fulfill certain responsibilities when the sect encounters difficulties.

Guest elders and sects have a mutually beneficial relationship, and the guest elders are more like figureheads.

When the sect is in danger, one can choose to intervene or stand by and do nothing; there is no mandatory requirement.

Of course, the salary is also much lower.

Qin Fei fell into deep thought.

If the problem with the Purple Flame Deer can be solved, becoming a guest retainer wouldn't be a problem.

If it involves other things, they can just quit.

"Very well, congratulations fellow Daoist, you've successfully persuaded me."

Guo Nanshan's face lit up with joy, thinking to himself that this trip had finally yielded some results.

Regardless of the circumstances, after his passing, Qin Fei's title as a Foundation Establishment Guest Elder will be enough to make those who covet the Beast Taming Sect think twice.

"From now on, Fellow Daoist Qin is one of us. This is my Beast Taming Sect's guest elder token. With this token, you can enjoy a 20% discount on all spiritual materials purchased at any of my Beast Taming Sect's shops."

"As for the disciple who raises the spirit beast, I will recommend him to my Beast Taming Sect when you have time to visit."

Qin Fei readily agreed, and after chatting for a while, he saw him off.

The group of people waiting outside the cave abode had been getting impatient, and they all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the two finally emerge.

Qin Fei glanced at the Lin and Lu families and said calmly:

"Please follow me, both of you."

At the same time, he secretly sent a telepathic message to Yunxiu:

"Please wait a little longer, Fellow Daoist Yun. Neither of these two are magnanimous people. If they see you first, they might cause you trouble later."

Yunxiu dared not have any objections and nodded almost imperceptibly.

The group arrived in the lobby. This time, Qin Fei skipped the formalities and got straight to the point:

"No one visits the Three Treasures Hall without a reason. What brings you two fellow Daoists here? Please speak freely."

Although he had no personal grudges against the Lin Household, he had not forgotten the Lu Household's repeated attempts to kill him.

Now that they have Foundation Establishment and possess the ability to protect themselves, they will naturally no longer submit to fate.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, you should already know that Shangyu Market has suffered a great upheaval. Now is precisely the time when your help is needed."

"We're all from the same place, are you really not going to consider it?"

The second elder of the Lu Household, seemingly high and mighty, hadn't quite grasped his place.

No wonder, after all, he had been cultivating in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage for more than ten years, while the opponent was just a young upstart who had just broken through.

Qin Fei remained completely unmoved, simply watching him quietly.

"Before inviting me, shouldn't you apologize for your previous actions?"

He narrowed his eyes slightly. If it weren't for the presence of the Lin Household patriarch and the uncertainty of his attitude, he might have even released the Iron Guard to keep this person here forever.

Seeing that the atmosphere was tense, the Lin Household patriarch quickly tried to smooth things over.

"It's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. Both of you, calm down."

"We do indeed wish to extend an invitation, but if Fellow Daoist Qin is unwilling, then so be it."

"However, I have some good news to share with you, fellow Daoist, and I hope you will consider it."

Upon hearing this, the second elder of the Lu Household looked at him with suspicion.

They didn't mention having any other things to do before they came.

Qin Fei raised an eyebrow, wondering what this person was up to.

"Fellow Daoist, please speak."

The Lin Household patriarch smiled slightly, looking quite expectant:

"I wish to marry my daughter Lin Man, to you, fellow Daoist, so that we may become a divine couple. What do you think?"