Ye Qing also went to collect the Beast Core, but he was somewhat disappointed—it was only a Tier 4 Beast Core. Still, his standards had risen. Only a few days ago, a Tier 4 Beast Core would have been an out-of-reach treasure. After exchanging it for a Weapon Spirit potion, the two of them headed back.
As they reached the entrance, several figures were standing there.
"You must be Ye Qing, right?" a male student spoke first. "I’m Zhang Qin, president of the Dark Ember Society. You’ve met the requirements to join us, so I’m inviting you to become a member!"
"I’ve heard of you—you’ve risen quite suddenly, and you now meet our entrance criteria."
Zhang Qin’s condescending tone made Ye Qing instinctively tilt his head.
"Tell me," Ye Qing whispered to Zhou Lingxue, "should I slap him, or kick him away?"
Zhou Lingxue: ".........."
Seeing Ye Qing's expression, Zhang Qin assumed he didn't realize the weight of the Dark Ember Society. "Junior, you might not know our society. We are ranked in the top three at Jinling University. If you join us, we can team up to hunt even more powerful beasts. We all contribute to the society, and we even distribute resources monthly."
".........."
As Zhang Qin continued, Ye Qing’s face grew darker. *Isn't this just asking me to be hired muscle? Why would I need to join you just to take orders? It would make more sense if you took orders from me! At the very least, we could drag the carcasses back after a hunt instead of wasting them.*
Nearby, many students had noticed the scene and gathered around.
"Holy crap, Zhang Qin came to invite him personally?"
"Tsk tsk, that’s quite the treatment. If it were me, I’d have joined immediately."
"Hey, look over there—the other big societies are here too!"
As Zhang Qin waited for a reply, other major societies approached.
"Zhang Qin, you got here early!"
"A bit too impatient, aren't you?"
"Junior, come join our Deep Sea Society instead!"
Soon, several societies began competing to invite Ye Qing. However, just like Zhang Qin, they all treated Ye Qing as nothing more than a potential lackey. Each society haughtily introduced themselves, waiting for Ye Qing to make his choice. The other students could only look on with envy—for most, even passing the entrance exam for one society was a feat, let alone being actively recruited!
What would Ye Qing choose?
Under the expectant gaze of the crowd, Ye Qing waved his hand. "I have no interest in joining any of you."
*Boom!*
A single sentence caused everyone's eyes to widen. They couldn't believe what they were hearing! This guy had refused them all! He must be crazy!
Zhang Qin looked at Ye Qing, a cold, vicious glint flashing in his eyes. *Arrogant! This kid is too arrogant! Daring to embarrass me in public! Fine!* Zhang Qin clenched his fists, but now wasn't the time to act. The other society presidents also looked at Ye Qing with hostility, but since he hadn't chosen anyone else, they turned and left without lingering. The other students drifted away as well, though they certainly had plenty to gossip about.
***
Elsewhere, inside the Dark Lotus Society, a mid-tier group.
"The black energy on our little sister seems to be growing even stronger," a woman said, looking at the president and her Spirit Tamer, Zheng Jia.
Zheng Jia’s gaze landed on the girl lying on the bed in the lounge. The girl had delicate features, looking barely an adult, but her brows were tightly knit in visible pain. Thin wisps of black, frigid energy emanated from her, and just standing nearby was enough to feel the chill. The girl was wrapped in a quilt, shivering.
"Sigh," Zheng Jia frowned. "It seems the medicine we used to suppress the cold is wearing off. We need to buy more. But our funds have been tight lately. The society's treasury is the same. We need to go out and hunt beasts, but we're short-handed. We might need to recruit some fresh blood."
Just as the woman finished speaking—*Whoosh!* A gust of wind swept through the room! The girl on the bed began to turn translucent, and a black lotus bloomed on her forehead. It rotated slowly, possessing a texture like glazed glass.
Zheng Jia narrowed his eyes as he watched the lotus. He didn't understand! His little sister's Weapon Spirit, this Black Lotus Glazed Lamp, was only E-rank! It had no offensive power to speak of—so why did it have such a soul-devouring effect? Why? He roared internally, but no one could give him an answer.
***
**Chapter 18: The Green Lotus with Thirty-Six Leaves!**
Zheng Jia fed the girl another dose of medicine, and the black lotus faded. "Let's go. Call everyone together; we need to discuss the recruitment."
A while later, the members of the Dark Lotus Society had gathered. When Zheng Jia explained the plan, everyone hesitated. Recruit now? The good talent had already been snatched up. They were in a transition period; even if they could recruit, it would only be mediocre candidates.
"Think about it. Are there any good candidates?"
"I actually have someone in mind," one member said. "Ye Qing, who’s been quite the talk of the school lately. He might have contracted an S-rank Weapon Spirit! And his strength is definitely at Tier 4 or higher!"
Oh? An S-rank Weapon Spirit! That was a good candidate. Zheng Jia had heard some things about Ye Qing.
"You want to invite Ye Qing? Don't bother," the vice-president said, walking in. "I passed by earlier and saw that the top societies—Deep Sea, Dark Ember—were all trying to recruit him."
*Hiss!* Zheng Jia gasped. Those presidents were all above Tier 6, much higher than his own mid-Tier 5. And those societies were much larger. It seemed Ye Qing was destined to be snapped up by one of them.
"But," the vice-president added, "Ye Qing didn't join any of them."
*Huh?!* Everyone was stunned. That guy was too arrogant, right? He refused all those big societies?
"That gives us an opportunity. Let's go find him this evening and extend an invitation," Zheng Jia said.
"But... so many top societies invited him and he refused. Can we really succeed?" the vice-president asked.
"Bah! You never know if you don't try," Zheng Jia waved his hand. "I know for a fact those top societies are all arrogant and stuck-up. It's fine. I’ll bring some wine tonight, talk to him, and see how it goes. Sincerity is the only surefire trick. Once he’s drunk and happy, getting him to agree is just a matter of words, isn't it?"
Vice-president: "..........." *That does sound plausible, those big societies are indeed arrogant. Wait! Why does this wine-drinking scheme sound so familiar? Hey! Didn't you use that exact trick to rope me in?!*
Seeing the vice-president’s dark expression, Zheng Jia scratched his head and quickly changed the subject. He looked at his Weapon Spirit, "Lu Fang, come with me tonight. Get that good wine I found; I’m going to drink until Ye Qing and I can’t drink anymore."
Lu Fang nodded and began to prepare.
"By the way, President," a member said, "Teacher Xu Bing is holding a victory banquet tonight and invited Ye Qing. We could join that!"
That was perfect! There was plenty of room to maneuver there. After hearing more about Ye Qing—not only was he strong, but he could also brew medicine—Zheng Jia grew even more respectful. He was a real talent!
That evening, after everything was ready, Zheng Jia announced, "Alright, wait for my triumphant return. I believe that by tomorrow, our society will have one more member."
He set off with Lu Fang and the other member.
When they arrived at Ye Qing's villa, Zheng Jia’s mouth twitched. *Damn, living in such nice housing.*
After they knocked, Ye Qing and Zhou Lingxue emerged, looking puzzled.
"Let's go, Ye Qing! Teacher Xu’s banquet is about to start!"
"And who is this?"
"This is Zheng Jia, president of our Dark Lotus Society, a mid-Tier 5 Spirit Tamer... he's coming with us tonight."
After the introductions, Zheng Jia extended his hand. "I’ve heard all about you—you’re the talk of the school! Let’s have a few drinks tonight."
"Sure," Ye Qing said, shaking his hand. *The president is a mid-Tier 5. This society isn't bad. Although not as big as those top ones, it’s at least at the front of the second tier.*
At the banquet, everyone was stunned to see Zheng Jia and Lu Fang. Learning their identities, the students were amazed! The president of the Dark Lotus Society had come too!
Xu Bing watched from the side, a smile on his lips. The students might not get it, but he saw through it. This senior student was using his victory banquet for his own ends. But seeing that the guy brought good wine, he decided to turn a blind eye.
A while later, Xu Bing announced the start of the banquet. After a collective toast, several students came over to toast Ye Qing, who drank every glass.
Ye Qing felt a sense of helplessness. *Damn, the alcohol enters my system, and my Vajra Indestructible treats it as a harmful substance and breaks it down immediately. I’ve drunk so much, and I don’t even feel tipsy.* It was truly ironic; he hadn't expected the Vajra Indestructible to have this side effect.
Zheng Jia raised his glass. "Ye Qing, I’ll toast you too. If it weren't for you, I’m afraid my society would have lost a valuable asset! I’ll finish mine, you drink as much as you like!"
Zheng Jia downed his drink, then started another round of toasting. He smiled to himself—he needed to fan the flames a bit more. He kept plying Ye Qing with drinks, and eventually, he drank one after another himself. Zheng Jia’s face grew flushed, and his consciousness began to blur. *He’s drank so much and still doesn't look drunk! This won't do! Damn it, go big or go home!*
He grabbed a whole bottle and walked over to Ye Qing. "Come, let’s have a drink just between us."
A few more glasses down, and Zheng Jia was completely muddled! *Clatter!* A moment later, he blacked out! His body began to sway, and he could barely stay seated.
"Ye Qing," he mumbled, looking at him. "Let's toast again. A thousand cups are not enough when you meet a soulmate. From now on, let’s be brothers! Big Brother! You’re my Big Brother from now on!"
Lu Fang and the others stared in disbelief. *What? This isn't what we planned! We were supposed to recruit him, not swear brotherhood! And what’s with the "Big Brother" routine? This has gone completely off the rails!*
Lu Fang quickly hurried over and whispered in Zheng Jia's ear.
"Oh! Right, right! I have business, Big Brother! Come join my Dark Lotus Society! You can be the president, I’ll be the vice-president! Let’s build glory together! How about that?"
Zheng Jia draped his arm over Ye Qing’s shoulder, acting as if they were the best of friends.
*Boom!*
Lu Fang was stunned. The members were stunned. All the students looked over, their mouths twitching. *What? Did he just say he's giving away the position of society president? Holy crap! Is that allowed?*
*Pfft!* Xu Bing spat out his drink! He thought Zheng Jia was here to recruit Ye Qing, but he was literally handing the society over to him! Was Zheng Jia this reckless?
The entire room fell silent for a moment.
Ye Qing looked at Zheng Jia’s sincere face and considered it. *That’s actually not bad. At least I’ll have people to take orders from and help me handle those beast carcasses.*
"Fine."
"Great! It's a deal then!" Zheng Jia looked satisfied and shot a triumphant look at Lu Fang!
Lu Fang: "..........." *What have you done?! Oh my god! You not only swore brotherhood but also gave away the presidency! And what’s with that look? Are you bragging about recruiting Ye Qing?*
Lu Fang was completely numb. But the words were out, and Ye Qing had accepted! With all these students and Teacher Xu Bing as witnesses, if they reneged now, the blow to their society's reputation would be catastrophic! *What do I do now?* Lu Fang felt that coming here today was a huge loss—not only did they lose the "wife" and the "army," they even lost their dignity!
Zheng Jia continued to call Ye Qing "Big Brother" affectionately, making Ye Qing feel a bit embarrassed. The other students watched on, their mouths twitching. *Is this guy a total bootlicker? He’s licking way too hard!*
Finally, Lu Fang couldn't take it anymore and dragged Zheng Jia away to get him to sleep.
"Big Brother! Come to the society tomorrow! You have to come!"
"Don't worry, little brother, I'll be there!" Ye Qing waved.
After Zheng Jia left, many students came over to toast Ye Qing. After all, he was now the president of the Dark Lotus Society! Maybe he would recruit them later!
***
When the banquet ended, they returned home. Zhou Lingxue ran straight to her room, pretending to go to sleep. Ye Qing watched her fleeing figure and muttered to himself, *Am I really that terrifying? If I was scary before, now that my Vajra Indestructible is at Tier 4, am I even worse?*
He walked into his room. Liu Lianmeng had just woken up and was about to run out to coordinate with Zhou Lingxue when Ye Qing walked in.
*Whoosh!* Liu Lianmeng jumped like a little rabbit and hid on the other side of the bed. "Wait, let's, let's discuss this."
"Ah!"
Before she could finish, she was grabbed by the ankle. She let out a soft cry, knowing in her heart—it was over! There was no escaping overtime tonight!
[...]
[Compatibility improved, Vajra Indestructible upgraded to Tier 5!]
Finally! Ye Qing looked at the floating screen. *Damn, it’s almost dawn, but we finally succeeded!* He realized that the early stages usually peaked at Tier 5; to improve compatibility further, he would need special opportunities—or simply let time take its course.
"Sleep, sleep!" Ye Qing lay down next to Liu Lianmeng.
"Husband, can we discuss something?" Liu Lianmeng looked at him, mustering her last bit of strength. "Tonight, let Big Sister Zhou..."
A while later, dawn broke. Zhou Lingxue opened her eyes, her gaze darting around. *This life is just too wonderful!* She got up, noticed Ye Qing wasn't awake yet, and went to make breakfast. Today, they were finally going to the Dark Lotus Society!
Meanwhile, in another lounge at the Dark Lotus Society, Zheng Jia woke up and stared at the ceiling, feeling like he had lived a lifetime. *Where am I? How did I get here?*
He struggled to sit up, his head still spinning. He remembered the banquet last night, drinking with Ye Qing! *Wait, I had a blackout! Thank god the wine was good, or I’d be in agony, not just dizzy!* He got up, ready to head out.