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When Jiang Wannian finished dealing with A Teng and Niu Dali, he intended to focus on having a serious conversation with Lu Fei Fan. However, he was taken aback to find Lu Fei Fan indulging in food and drinks, engaged in a fierce battle with the snacks laid out before him.
This sight made Hu Xu roll his eyes in disbelief. Could this young man really be one of those simple-minded, brawny types who only cared about eating? If that were the case, his potential was quite disappointing. With that thought, he shook his head, a hint of disappointment crossing his face.
Meanwhile, Gu Li observed everything quietly, his eyes darting as if pondering something. Li Wei and several other instructors stood nearby; he maintained a calm demeanor to avoid drawing attention to himself.
Jiang Wannian sat down next to Lu Fei Fan and sighed, "Being young is great; you can eat well and sleep well without a care in the world."
"Since I'm here, I might as well enjoy it," Lu Fei Fan replied through a mouthful of food.
"Haha! What a great saying!" Jiang Wannian laughed heartily before changing the subject. "Do you know why we brought you here?"
Lu Fei Fan swallowed his food, took a sip of his drink, and glanced at the bottle. It resembled beer, but since there was no such thing in this world, he felt a twinge of disappointment as he set it down.
"Are you planning to recruit us into the guild as Advanced Students?" A Teng chimed in excitedly, nudging Niu Dali with his elbow.
Niu Dali scratched his head, seemingly processing the idea for a moment. "It feels like Jiang Wannian is here for something more flashy."
"Haha!" Jiang Wannian laughed again, neither denying nor confirming it. He turned to Lu Fei Fan and said, "I saw your sparring match with Yang San earlier. How about joining our Xuanwu Guild?"
"Really?" Lu Fei Fan stroked his chin, appearing to contemplate seriously. "What benefits would joining your Xuanwu Guild offer?"
Jiang Wannian glanced at Bai Xu, who understood the cue and spoke up. "You would become a core disciple of our Xuanwu Guild and receive access to core resources for focused training until you become an outstanding Empowered Individual."
"Core resources?" Lu Fei Fan seized on that key point. "That concept seems rather vague."
Bai Xu seemed prepared for this question. He waved at Li Wei standing behind him, who brought over a folder. Bai Xu handed the contract to Lu Fei Fan.
"This contract outlines everything in detail; feel free to take a look," Bai Xu said while gesturing for him to examine it.
As Lu Fei Fan hesitated, A Teng and Niu Dali leaned in to look at the contract first. A Teng even read aloud from it excitedly: "To become a core member of Xuanwu Guild requires thorough evaluation by the guild leader. Exceptional individuals may directly sign the contract to receive the following core resources:"
D-Class Cell Gene Liquid - 10 bottles!
A basic Fumai Energy cultivation manual!
A luxurious standalone five-star villa worth seven million!
All relatives of core members will be protected by special forces!
Quarterly cultivation startup funds of fifteen million!
Access to the Intermediate Hunting Area Pass is fully covered!
Weaponry and equipment are not counted towards the limit...
During breakthroughs, advanced instructors will provide personal guidance, along with various super membership privileges at hotels... This... this made A Teng tremble slightly as he read.
In fact, it wasn't just A Teng and Niu Dali; even Lu Fei Fan was somewhat overwhelmed by these enticing conditions. However, such excellent terms must surely come with stringent requirements, right?
"What are your demands?" Lu Fei Fan asked, hitting the nail on the head.
Jiang Wannian nodded in satisfaction, while Bai Xu scrutinized Lu Fei Fan. This young man was clearly no simpleton, and his seemingly carefree demeanor appeared to be an attempt to mislead them. Bai Xu felt a mix of doubt and surprise.
"It's quite simple," Jiang Wannian replied earnestly. "Once you become an Empowered Individual, as long as you remain part of the Xuanwu Guild, we will evaluate whether you are ready to graduate. If you prove capable, for ten years, the Fuser will need to pay twenty percent of their personal income to the guild each year and grant us the right to purchase items in your possession at fifty percent of their value. After ten years, this clause will become void; the Fuser will no longer need to remit anything to the guild but must recommend valuable students annually. Furthermore, if you hold any high-ranking position in the Free Federation, you must provide maximum convenience and support to the Xuanwu Guild."
"Paying twenty percent of personal income each year for ten years... and granting rights to purchase items at fifty percent... that's quite a lucrative deal you're offering, Mr. Jiang." In regard to this clause, Lu Fei Fan thought of how banks in his previous life offered loans for home purchases, though the latter clause about purchasing items at fifty percent felt like an additional predatory term.
"What happens if a student fails to comply with these terms?" A Teng suddenly asked out of curiosity.
"Hmph." Bai Xu answered on behalf of Jiang Wannian. "Then they would be blacklisted by the Xuanwu Guild, losing all privileges and credentials. At that point, they would find it impossible to move about freely. We might even contact underground alliances to issue bounties, hiring assassin organizations or bounty hunters to hunt them down until they are captured or killed."
"Isn't that making an enemy of the entire Xuanwu Guild?" Niu Dali realized with sudden clarity.
"Exactly," Bai Xu nodded. "The guild focuses on nurturing you, not to have you betray us. There have been precedents for this, and those who betrayed us faced dire consequences. The best outcome for them was still a severe penalty that they would likely never be able to repay in this lifetime."
His words clearly left A Teng and Niu Dali shaken, but Lu Fei Fan seemed unfazed. He picked up the contract and glanced at it; it clearly bore the legitimacy of the Free Federation, indicating that signing it would mean a one-way commitment.
Finally, Lu Fei Fan set the contract down and said, "I'm sorry, but the terms are indeed tempting. However, I have other plans. I won't be signing this contract."
This statement took Bai Xu and Jiang Wannian by surprise, leaving even Gu Li and Li Wei, along with the other mentors, stunned.
"Youth, you might want to think it over a bit more before making such a quick refusal. If the terms aren't sufficient, we can certainly negotiate further," Bai Xu urged quickly.
"Yeah, Hua Hua, maybe you should reconsider?" Niu Dali chimed in.
"Yes, yes! Boss, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! It could even help with your uncle's condition!" A Teng added enthusiastically.
"No thanks," Lu Fei Fan replied firmly, turning to Jiang Wannian. "I've made up my mind not to sign. I appreciate your kind offer; for someone like me from an ordinary background, this contract is indeed a huge opportunity. Even considering the return terms later on, it's not insignificant. But I already have my own plans. I'm truly sorry."
Jiang Wannian sat there slightly taken aback, while Bai Xu found himself at a loss for how to persuade this young man.
"Alright then," Jiang Wannian finally spoke up. "Everyone has their own aspirations; we can't force you. Since you've made your decision, we won't press you further. However, this contract remains valid until you pass the Fu Tong Kao. If you decide to join us later, we will always welcome you back and keep this contract reserved for you."
"Thank you," Lu Fei Fan said as he stood up; it was time to say goodbye.
"Also, take this Xuanwu membership card with you. At any branch of the Xuanwu Guild in the Free Federation, you can present it under my name—Jiang Wannian—and receive preferential treatment and assistance." Jiang Wannian handed over a black card. Lu Fei Fan took it and flipped it over; the card appeared to be embedded with a special energy array. He didn't examine it further and simply tucked it into his pocket.
"Thanks for today's hospitality. However, I have one small request—would Mr. Jiang be willing to oblige?" Lu Fei Fan asked somewhat sheepishly.
"Oh?" Jiang Wannian looked at the young man curiously, wondering if he had changed his mind.
"Um, could I get a few of these exquisite pastries packed up? My mom and brother haven't had the chance to try such high-end delicacies; I'd like to bring some back for them," Lu Fei Fan said.
"Hahaha! That's no problem at all." Although slightly disappointed, Jiang Wannian readily agreed to Lu Fei Fan's request and immediately asked the waiter to pack several portions of the specially made pastries for them, ensuring that even the packaging looked exceptionally elegant and upscale.
Lu Fei Fan, along with A Teng and Niu Dali, left the place fully loaded with goods, surprising many trainees who had just finished their training. When did this place turn into a restaurant?
After Lu Fei Fan departed, Bai Xu and Jiang Wannian sat down again at the tea table. Facing each other while sipping tea, the atmosphere was much tenser than before.
“Why didn’t you try to delay that young man a bit? He might change his mind,” Bai Xu suggested.
“This young man is resolute. I sensed a hint of killing intent from him; he is clearly not an ordinary person. Moreover, when he heard those enticing conditions, his demeanor was exceptionally calm, indicating that his willpower is extraordinary. Convincing someone like him is no easy task,” Jiang Wannian remarked. After taking another sip of tea, he murmured thoughtfully, “This young man is not simple. Given some time and refinement, he might become a great talent in the future.”
Bai Xu was left speechless after hearing this. It was rare for him to hear his friend speak so highly of someone.
“Do you know who I felt he resembled when I first saw him?” Jiang Wannian suddenly asked.
“Who?” Bai Xu couldn’t help but inquire.
Jiang Wannian sighed and pondered for a moment before answering.
“His teacher.”
Bai Xu was somewhat taken aback. Reflecting on it, he realized that the young man did share some personality traits with Jiang Wannian’s teacher. However, where could that renowned figure known throughout the Jiangnan Continent and the entire Free Federation—someone powerful enough to surpass the Master Fu level and reach the Storm Champion level—be at this moment in the Devil's Abyss Sea?
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