Chapter Ninety: What Is True Genius (Third Release Upon Launch, Seeking First Subscriptions)

As expected, Lin Ze’s expression had already grown cold. He waited in silence for the other to continue.

"My old friend happened to visit the Jiachen Hall and discovered a rather promising child," Huang Long said, glancing around before asking, "Is Xiao Bao Elder Lin’s disciple?"

Hearing that name, the corners of Lin Ze’s mouth lifted slightly and he nodded slowly. There was no point in denying it. Since the other had come all the way to Greenhill, he must have already investigated thoroughly.

Seeing this, Huang Long laughed. "It’s always been the inner sect turning others away, never the other way around! But your disciple didn’t give my old friend the slightest bit of face—didn’t even hesitate before turning and running off, leaving that old man fuming."

"If that’s all you wish to say, I believe our conversation can end here," Lin Ze replied with a faint smile. "I have never had the habit of forcing my disciples."

If Xiao Bao one day truly encountered a remarkable opportunity and felt drawn toward it, he would never stand in the way. To put it bluntly, in the face of the simulator, some mere inner disciple position at the Dongyue Sect was hardly a great opportunity. In just three months, Lin Ze had found him several superior cultivation techniques and even a spiritual breathing method.

What about three years? Thirty years?

The others, including Qin Hongxiu, all thought Lin Ze was merely putting on a brave face, unwilling to let go. After all, being chosen as an inner disciple was an immense fortune—there was no question of reluctance.

Only Huang Long looked at the Daoist appreciatively, silent for a long time before finally sighing, "No wonder."

Seeing everyone’s astonished expressions, he smiled helplessly. "Did you all misunderstand something? If anyone wanted Xiao Bao, it would be my old friend who’d come to Greenhill, not me."

Qin Hongxiu frowned. "Then what do you want?"

Huang Long’s gaze swept over the group before settling on Lin Ze. "I am here to recruit as well, but the one I want is… you."

At these words, everyone froze.

He Lin was first shocked, then his eyes filled with bitterness.

It’s over! Elder Lin’s talent in alchemy has finally been exposed!

Qin Hongxiu smacked her forehead. "Have you lost your mind? If he joins the inner sect, what’ll become of my Greenhill?"

Lin Ze frowned and corrected her, "Mine."

The elders fell silent.

Is this really the time for that?

Ignoring them, Huang Long continued, "Let’s set Xiao Bao aside. Three months ago, Wang Yao was just an outer disciple at the early stage of Qi Refining, making no progress with the Inch-Step Mountain-Crushing Palm of Huayang Peak. Now, he’s already able to surpass the foundation-building disciples of Huayang."

"Su Bailu, a personal disciple of Li Qianchen here at Greenhill, had been stuck at late-stage Qi Refining for over two years. Three months ago, she left the sect, and now she’s undergone a complete transformation—breaking through to Foundation Establishment in one leap, and her aura is perfectly stable."

"Most importantly, those who trained with the palm still use the palm, those who learned the sword remain with the sword. They don’t appear to have been influenced in the slightest."

He fixed his gaze on Lin Ze. "At first, I found it unbelievable—such a thing is simply impossible. Even were I to intervene personally, I couldn’t achieve as much. Even with forced advancement through pills, it would require an extensive understanding of pharmacology to ensure a swift breakthrough without compromising one’s foundation."

"But on further thought, it’s not so impossible after all."

"As long as there is someone well-versed in the various arts of every peak—swordplay, fist techniques, alchemy, pharmacology, and with deep cultivation experience—blessed with wealth and a keen eye for talent…"

At this point, even Huang Long himself found it hard to believe. How could any cultivator be so broadly accomplished, and excel in every field? It was nearly unthinkable!

But the evidence was right before his eyes, and he had no choice but to believe.

With a look of genuine admiration, Huang Long regarded Lin Ze. "You are the true genius."

So many revelations left Lin Ze almost stunned.

The others were equally bewildered, staring at the blue-robed Daoist beside them with growing reverence.

"So, come with me," Huang Long said, his lips curving in delight as if he had discovered a priceless treasure. "The inner sect has all you could desire."

Every method, every alchemical formula, everything one could wish for was there. He could think of no possible reason for refusal.

Pan Yang was consumed with envy. He recalled how, relying on his own Foundation Establishment and sword intent, he failed to attract the inner sect’s attention. Now, Elder Lin only needed to nod and could have it all with ease.

The smile gradually faded from Qin Hongxiu’s face.

She quietly looked away, a trace of agitation flickering in her eyes. She hated to see Greenhill decline, but she had no grounds to stop him. Even if she could draw her sword and easily imprison Lin Ze on Greenhill, all she could do now was stand there and play dead.

To block another’s path to immortality is like killing their parents.

Lin Ze could sense the sincerity in Huang Long’s gaze; that appreciation for talent was genuine.

Unfortunately…

The other party had no idea where all these things had come from. As was clear from extracting Qin Hongxiu’s character card earlier, everyone in the inner sect was ambitious to the extreme. If he went there, he would be just another among countless disciples, and raising his trust value would become exponentially more difficult.

If he only simulated himself, he might enjoy more time than most, but some things could not be accumulated simply by time alone. The limit of one’s potential was not something to be ignored.

Superior techniques had already cost Lin Ze decades or even centuries of hard work; with spiritual-grade methods, he even doubted whether he could comprehend them at all.

One last thing.

Lin Ze never denied his cautious nature. With better options available, to venture into the domain of Foundation Establishment, let alone Golden Core or Nascent Soul cultivators, was not his style.

So.

He could only shake his head at the other. "I’m sorry."

Huang Long lifted his gaze slightly, quietly meeting Lin Ze’s eyes, as if wishing to discern his thoughts.

"Think again."

"No need."

"What a pity."

More than a pity!

Pan Yang clutched his chest, nearly fainting—such talent wasted!

Yet Huang Long did not insist, merely shook his head with some disappointment. The minds of extraordinary people were always elusive. Still, the world is often tolerant of genius, and he was no exception.

Qin Hongxiu was briefly taken aback before slapping Lin Ze’s shoulder with exaggerated vigor.

Though she said nothing, Lin Ze understood her meaning.

You may be an idiot, but your little martial aunt is satisfied with your choice… or something like that.

"The inner sect has never been rebuffed, yet here on the same mountain, it has stumbled twice," Huang Long said ruefully, picking up a wild fruit.

"Would you mind if I stayed for dinner?"

"Wang Yao," Lin Ze called, pointing to the young man emerging from the wooden house. "The fruit’s too sour. Cook a bowl of noodles for our guest."

The night deepened.