Soulbound Destiny

Chapter 26: A Hot Potato

Gene’s reply—“I ask for nothing”—fell like a stone tossed into a still lake, sending ripples across the solemn expanse of Zhenhun Hall. The cultivators’ eyes were filled with surprise, curiosity, and even a hint of scrutiny.

Ji Lianyu, seated high on the main throne, allowed a flicker of astonishment to cross his gaze before quickly replacing it with a deeper, more probing look. His voice, calm yet carrying unyielding authority, broke the silence:

“To do good without expecting reward is commendable. But tell me, in this world, does kindness ever go unrewarded? Think carefully before you answer.”

Gene shook his head, fatigue lacing his voice but determination steady:

“If it were someone else, I would have saved them too. Miss Ji is a good person, and the Zhenhun Alliance acts with justice. My injuries have mostly healed—I’ll leave in a few days.”

Once again, he emphasized his intent to leave, drawing a clear boundary between himself and the Alliance.

Ji Lianyu inclined his head slightly, pondering for a moment before asking again:

“Do you wish to join the Zhenhun Alliance?”

Gene shook his head firmly. After surviving Feng Tianyu’s relentless pursuit and feeling the invisible pressure of the grand hall, he had no desire to remain.

“Do you have any personal requests?” Ji Lianyu probed further, his words hinting at Ling Yue.

Gene shook his head once more. Though he harbored feelings for Ling Yue, he would not use them as leverage, nor would he bring her any difficulty.

Ji Lianyu’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, then he posed the most crucial question:

“Then… do you wish to practice martial arts and cultivate your Qi?”

This time, Gene did not immediately shake his head. Which young man had not dreamed of wandering the world with a sword, mastering martial arts and cultivating Qi? His hesitation did not go unnoticed, and all eyes in the hall fell upon him.

“The Yan Jian Sect possesses nine levels of Qi cultivation techniques,” Ji Lianyu continued, his voice imbued with the weight of absolute authority. “The Sanmei True Fire is the ninth and supreme level, a mastery unparalleled. If you are willing, I shall impart it to you, as reward for your courage and endurance.”

Sanmei True Fire! A faint murmur rippled through the hall. Many cultivators wore complex expressions—some of reverence, some of envy, and others, strangely, of sympathy.

Gene’s heart tightened. He had heard of this legendary cultivation method, and he knew vaguely that few had ever mastered it.

“Sanmei True Fire?” he muttered under his breath, instinctively repeating the name, his mind racing. To refuse in front of so many eyes would seem ungrateful; to accept meant shouldering a technique nearly impossible to master—a reward that felt more like a scorching hot potato than a gift.

Ji Lianyu did not allow him long to ponder. Seeing his hesitation, he delivered the final decree:

“Very well. I shall impart the supreme Sanmei True Fire to you, as reward for your hardship and testament to your courage.”

With that, he produced a neatly folded piece of silk from his sleeve and sent it floating through the air, landing lightly before Gene.

“I do not withhold instruction out of selfishness,” Ji Lianyu added, his tone heavy with meaning, “but this method is profoundly mysterious. Even after decades of study, I have not fully grasped it. Imparting it carelessly could ruin your future. You must comprehend it on your own—do not seek shortcuts or instant results.”

Gene took the silk paper in both hands. Its weight was more than physical; it felt like a burden pressing against his soul. He lowered his gaze to the ancient, intricate runes and the complex diagrams for Qi circulation. There was no joy, only the oppressive weight of expectation, and a faint, absurd sense of disbelief.

He bowed deeply and spoke with measured respect: “Thank you, Alliance Leader, for bestowing this method.”

The reward was set. Ji Lianyu said no more. After ensuring Ling Yue’s disciplinary matter was resolved, he dismissed the assembly.

Tian Tongzi escorted Gene back to his residence. His demeanor had softened further compared to before, even carrying a genuine hint of sympathy. Gene followed silently, the silk scroll in his hands feeling like it carried the weight of a thousand burdens.

Once back at the secluded courtyard, Gene unfolded the silk. It was densely filled with archaic runes and complicated diagrams detailing Qi flow, radiating an ancient, searing energy. He attempted to follow the opening instructions, trying to sense the Qi, but found only confusion. The methods were obscure, the flow of energy blocked, and he was utterly at a loss.

As expected, there was a reason no one had ever mastered it. The Sanmei True Fire was less a reward than a symbolic consolation—or perhaps, a polite way of keeping him at the periphery of the Zhenhun Alliance’s inner circle.

Gene could not help but smirk faintly at the irony. The supreme cultivation method, the pinnacle of martial knowledge, had been offered to him—not as a gift—but as a test, a burden, and a challenge he was now compelled to shoulder alone.