Chapter 79: The Loyalty of Chrysanthemum and Ghost
"That's right. You have two choices," Qin Xuan said. "The first is to follow me. I will lead you to a higher realm, and I promise I will never treat you as disposable pawns. However, to prevent betrayal, I will need a contingency."
"The second choice—"
Before he could finish, a sharp voice cut in. "I choose the first one." It was Yue Guan.
"A smart choice." Qin Xuan gave Jing Ni a look, and the ice trapping Yue Guan shattered. He then tossed a recruitment card to him. "Drip a drop of your blood on this. It's a contract. If you ever think of betraying me, I can take your life instantly."
Yue Guan took the card, his face pale. He hesitated. The thought of entrusting his fate completely to another was daunting. Should I try to escape? The thought barely formed before he met Jing Ni's cold gaze and shivered. Death. He knew with absolute certainty that she would cut him down without a second thought.
Sensing his hesitation, Qin Xuan said, "You don't have to live in fear. If one day you prove your loyalty, I can return your freedom." He then summoned Jing Ni's own recruitment card. Just as he was about to crush it, she stopped him.
"The contract is mutual," she said softly. "Keep it. It allows me to sense if you are in danger."
Qin Xuan shook his head. "The days of cowering are over." In front of everyone, he crushed the card to dust. It wasn't arrogance. Her favorability was already at the point of undying devotion. Holding the contract over her was a thorn he needed to remove. Besides, managing subordinates required a balance of strictness and leniency.
Seeing this, Yue Guan hesitated no longer. He circulated his spirit power and spat a mouthful of blood onto the card. It flared with golden light, and in that instant, they both felt the connection of master and servant form between them.
"May I ask," Qin Xuan said, "don't you want to hear the second choice?"
"Do I have any other choice?" Yue Guan rolled his eyes. The second choice was clearly death. He was a practical man. He was loyal, but not fanatically so. He didn't want to die for a Supreme Pontiff who treated him like a dog when real benefits were being offered right here. He looked at Gui Mei, who had remained silent. "Old Ghost, surrender."
Qin Xuan also looked at Gui Mei. As a transmigrator, he knew Gui Mei's story: a man who had returned from death, who was shunned until Spirit Hall accepted him. His loyalty was to the institution that gave him a home.
"Before I answer," Gui Mei said seriously, "I have one question."
"Speak," Qin Xuan said, signaling for Jing Ni to release him.
The ice shattered, and Gui Mei descended, landing five meters in front of him. "Will you betray Spirit Hall?"
"I am already a member of Spirit Hall. How can I betray it?" Qin Xuan's voice was filled with ambition. "Like you, I grew up on Spirit Hall's food. In the future, I will only make it more glorious in my hands."
Hearing this, Yue Guan's face lit up with excitement. The person he'd just pledged allegiance to was aiming for the top! With Qin Xuan's talent, Jing Ni's power, and the support of the Elder Hall, the Holy Maiden stood no chance. This was a win-win. They would gain power, and when Qin Xuan became the Supreme Pontiff, they would gain status.
Gui Mei, having received the answer he wanted, hesitated no longer. He snatched the card from Yue Guan's hand and signed the contract with his blood. Then, holding the card, he knelt. "Gui Mei greets Lord Qin Xuan."
Yue Guan was even more cunning. While kneeling, he made sure to address both of them. "Yue Guan greets Lord Qin Xuan, and greets Lady Jing Ni." After what he'd just witnessed, Jing Ni's power had left a deep and terrifying impression on him.