A Declaration and a Dignified Farewell
Wu Changkong's attempt at persuasion was earnest, a teacher's final effort to guide his most brilliant student toward what he saw as the pinnacle. Yao Xuan listened respectfully, but the core of his resolve remained unshaken. The Mysterious Heaven Skill, the secret techniques—they were powerful lures, but they came with chains of ideology he would not wear.
Before the discussion could delve deeper, the office door opened once more, and a new presence entered.
The man was elderly, tall and lean, his suit crisp, his hair silver. Wrinkles mapped a lifetime of experience on his face, but his eyes held a bright, penetrating clarity. An aura of natural authority, worn lightly but unmistakably, accompanied him.
Wu Changkong stood immediately. "Vice Hall Master Cao." He then turned to the students. "This is Senior Cao, a Vice Hall Master of the Tang Sect, a Title Douluo, and a Three-Word Battle Armor Master."
A wave of awe washed over Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi. Their bows were deep, faces alight with the thrill of being in the presence of a living legend—a peak existence in the Soul Master world.
Only Yao Xuan and Gu Yue bowed with calm deference. One had seen too many legends tarnished in his past life's knowledge; the other was a legend, older and more primordial than any human title.
"Please, sit," Vice Hall Master Cao said with a mild smile, settling onto the sofa. His gaze was approving as it swept over the four eager new recruits. "Young men, you performed admirably. The Tang Sect welcomes you. Continue to strive." His words were simple but carried the weight of the sect's endorsement.
Then, his focus shifted, its weight settling on Yao Xuan. The kindness remained, but the air grew more attentive. "Young friend, I hear from Changkong that you are reluctant to join our Tang Sect. Would you share your reasons?"
Yao Xuan organized his thoughts. He could not speak of Tang San's tyranny or future sins. He offered the clean, strategic arguments he had prepared. "I have two primary reasons, Vice Hall Master. First, this is an era defined by soul spirits. The Spirit Pagoda's research is at the forefront, and they control the Spirit Ascension Platform. Their environment seems more conducive to progress in that field. Second, they are known for aggressive recruitment and generous resource allocation. For my cultivation and future soul spirit choices, their offer appears more immediately beneficial."
Vice Hall Master Cao listened patiently, then nodded. "I see. Your points are pragmatic. However, let me offer some clarity. The Tang Sect's research into soul spirits and related technologies is in no way inferior. Many of the Spirit Pagoda's advancements, including core principles of the Spirit Ascension Platform, were joint developments. We simply choose not to publicize our role."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone persuasive but not pushy. "We can produce ten-thousand-year soul spirits. Our reserves of resources—for battle armor, mechas, rare materials—are vast and accessible through a contribution system. And our secret techniques, like the Mysterious Heaven Skill, are transformative. They are benefits you cannot find anywhere else in the world, at any price."
The offer was immense, a testament to the Tang Sect's desire for his talent. Yao Xuan felt the pull of it, the sheer opportunity. But his foundation was not built on opportunity alone.
He took a breath, his decision crystallizing. "Thank you for the explanation, Vice Hall Master. If those were my only reasons, your words would have convinced me." He paused, his gaze flicking for the briefest moment to the silver-haired girl beside him. "However, there is a more personal reason. The person I… care for, has already chosen to join the Spirit Pagoda. I cannot walk a separate path from her."
The word 'like' was a simplification, a human term for a bond that was destiny, memory, and choice woven into one. But it was enough.
Gu Yue's breath hitched audibly. A delicate blush rose on her cheeks, vivid against her fair skin. In front of their teacher, a Title Douluo, and their peers, Yao Xuan had publicly, unequivocally, declared his allegiance to her. It was a confession wrapped in a decision of fate. She didn't look at him, but her hand, resting on her knee, shifted. Her fingers found his beside her and laced through them, a firm, silent answer in the space between the sofas.
Vice Hall Master Cao observed the subtle interaction, the young man's sincere tone, and the girl's telltale reaction. A look of genuine, deep regret passed over his weathered face, followed by a sigh of acceptance. "So that is the way of it," he said, his voice softening. "What a pity. It seems fate has other plans for you and our sect."
He was a leader of the Tang Sect, an organization built on stories of profound bonds. He understood that some loyalties transcended even the allure of secret techniques and Title Douluo mentorship.
"However," he continued, his demeanor shifting back to one of dignified generosity, "to express the Tang Sect's goodwill, and in recognition of your exceptional talent, we will keep the Hall of Heroes available to you both for training. Consider it an open door, should you ever wish to test yourselves."
"Thank you, Senior Cao," Yao Xuan and Gu Yue said in unison, their gratitude genuine.
The Vice Hall Master rose. "We only hope that as you grow in power, potentially as future leaders of the Spirit Pagoda, you will dedicate yourselves to the peace of the Douluo Continent and the fight against evil. That would be the finest repayment of our goodwill." His expression grew stern, but not unkind. "Of course, all you have seen and heard here today remains confidential. The consequences for disclosure would be severe. Understood?"
"Understood," they affirmed.
With a final nod to Wu Changkong and a last, appraising look at the two extraordinary teenagers, Vice Hall Master Cao left the room, his departure as quiet as his arrival.
The atmosphere in the office relaxed, yet thrummed with the aftermath of the declaration. Wu Changkong looked at Yao Xuan, the final hope of recruitment extinguished, replaced by a teacher's resigned respect for a student's unwavering choice. "The winter break begins tomorrow. Prepare well for your trip."
As they filed out, the other four boys cast looks of bewildered admiration at Yao Xuan—for refusing a Title Douluo's personal offer, and for the reason why.
Once in the hallway, relatively alone, Gu Yue finally turned her shimmering silver eyes to him. The blush had faded, leaving a soft, radiant warmth. "You did not need to use me as your shield," she said, echoing her earlier probe, but her voice was tender, the sovereign's analysis completely absent.
"It wasn't a shield," Yao Xuan replied, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "It was the foundation. The most important reason. Everything else is just scenery along the road we walk together."
She didn't answer with words. She simply tightened her grip on his hand, the message clear. The Tang Sect's door had closed, but their own path stretched forward, clear and chosen. Together, they walked toward the exit of the Technology Hall, the winter break—and her home in Tian Dou City—awaiting them like the next chapter of a story they were writing side by side.