Chapter 372 - 22: Frenzy, Invitations from Various Factions, the Celestial Sea King Appears

Chapter 372: Chapter 22: Frenzy, Invitations from Various Factions, the Celestial Sea King Appears

It wasn’t just the surrounding Cultivators who were filled with curiosity. Even Zhong Ming, who had just suppressed two sources of Evil Spirits with his Sword Heart by transforming into a Great Sun, found himself wondering about the Qi Family’s conditions.

"Qingyue, what did they ask for?"

The moment he said this, Ji Qingyue’s face flushed a deeper shade of crimson, and the Qi Family Patriarch standing nearby also looked somewhat embarrassed.

But he quickly composed himself and sent a voice transmission to Zhong Ming. "My Qi Family wishes to arrange a marriage alliance with you, young friend Zhong Ming..."

Seemingly afraid Zhong Ming would refuse, he hastily added, "My Qi Family does not ask for the position of primary wife. We would be content with her being a concubine or even a handmaiden. We only ask for your consent, young friend Zhong Ming, and that the child born to the Qi Family woman be raised by our family."

"Huh?!"

The words struck Zhong Ming like a clap of thunder, leaving him with an expression of utter disbelief.

"Stud service... you’d really go this far?"

This was Zhong Ming’s first thought after hearing the Qi Family’s proposal.

But after recovering from his shock, Zhong Ming realized that the Qi Family really had been pushed to this point.

Due to a poor matchup, Body Cultivators had a very difficult time dealing with Evil Spirits and other aberrations. In the coming era, this kind of conflict would become the norm, which put the Qi Family in a precarious position.

It wasn’t just a matter of their status declining. After the second great cataclysm arrived, it was even possible that powerful and bizarre Evil Spirits, seeking to rapidly harvest life and blood essence, would make Body Cultivators their primary targets for slaughter.

If they wanted to preserve their clan and avoid decline during the cataclysm, the Qi Family only had two paths: either switch to other Cultivation Techniques, or find a way for their physiques to combat Evil Spirits and their ilk. Seeking an outside protector was not a long-term solution.

Others might be able to protect the Qi Family for a time, but not forever.

Unfortunately, switching cultivation paths was no easy feat. Finding a way to fight Evil Spirits and aberrations was no simpler—the Path of Purgatory had been their attempt, but it was clear they had not succeeded.

It was at this time that Zhong Ming’s appearance became their only hope.

This hope was not just because Zhong Ming could fight Evil Spirits, but also because of a unique characteristic of Body Cultivators.

As a major school of cultivation passed down from ancient times—perhaps even the one with the most practitioners—Body Cultivators had certain unique advantages, despite the need for constant tempering of body and will.

Being difficult to kill and having high resistance went without saying.

Beyond that, the benefits of Body Cultivation could be passed down. Body Forging could alter one’s very genes, and the union of man and woman—the purest path of yin and yang—was the means of continuing a genetic bloodline.

Therefore, powerful Body Cultivators could pass down the physiques they had painstakingly developed to the next generation through their bloodline.

The Sun Body, Dragon Blood Awakening, Giant Spirit Martial Body, Asura Battle Body, and even the classic Sacred Body and Azure Heaven Dominating Body—all were passed down through bloodline.

The Qi Family hoped to have a daughter from their direct line unite with Zhong Ming, thereby obtaining a few special bloodline "seeds" they could use to combat Evil Spirits and ensure the continuation of their family’s legacy.

And the Qi Family’s calculations were not wrong in the slightest.

Even if Zhong Ming’s most fundamental Talent—Heaven Rewards Diligence—could not be inherited.

He still possessed numerous Divine Treasures. Whether it was the origin of Demon Star Tai Sui, the Great Dream of Thousand Years, the Candlelight Heart Eye, or the True Dragon Body... if even one of these could be inherited, the Qi Family could use it to rise again, perhaps even to reach new heights.

However, as well-laid as the Qi Family’s plans were, Zhong Ming ultimately refused.

"I’m sorry. I will not casually allow my bloodline to be spread, and I most certainly will not neglect my own child."

"..."

Zhong Ming’s reason for refusal left the Qi Family Patriarch speechless.

Before he could try to persuade Zhong Ming further, with a SWOOSH, a figure instantly appeared before Zhong Ming.

This newcomer was a Director from the Demon Suppression Bureau, dressed as a scholar. His subordinates took the opportunity to lead the surrounding crowd away, leaving him and Zhong Ming a private space to talk.

"Young friend Zhong Ming, are you interested in joining our Demon Suppression Bureau?"

The scholar-like Director’s tone was humble, but Zhong Ming subconsciously shook his head, preparing to refuse.

"I’m sorry..."

However, before he could finish, the Director cut him off with a light chuckle. "If I were you, I wouldn’t be so quick to refuse. Although the New Army being formed now is the core of the future fight against evil, the power of our Demon Suppression Bureau is not to be underestimated."

"More importantly, the New Army is being formed under the leadership of the various great families and sects. No matter how powerful you are, the highest rank you could achieve within it is Divine General."

"Even with your immense power, you would only ever be a Divine General."

"Even with your connection to Prince Qinghe’s Mansion, you would still be a Divine General. You would never have the chance to become a Military Commander."

"But things are different in the Demon Suppression Bureau. Here, everything is based on strength and Merit Points. If you join, I will stake my position as Director and guarantee that you will be groomed as the Bureau’s next leader."

At this, he added with a hint of pride, "Furthermore, the New Army being established now primarily draws its power from the Four Continents. The Demon Suppression Bureau is different. Our reach extends throughout the entire Immortal Dynasty."

"If you join us, you could very well become the General Director of the entire Demon Suppression Bureau. Then, you would truly be on equal footing with the largest sects. You would transcend the role of a chess piece and become one of the players."

Whether for the sake of resources or authority, the Demon Suppression Bureau was unwilling to be relegated to a subordinate role.

And to command that respect, they needed sufficient power.

Zhong Ming’s current strength and future potential were both unquestionable. Therefore, the Director of Immortal Martial City was painting a very grand picture for him, hoping to entice him to join.

And his proposal was not without merit; in fact, it was extremely tempting.

However, before Zhong Ming could make his choice, a scornful laugh echoed from nearby.