Soul Emperor Awakening

After Huang Qianyun left, the people around them swarmed over to greet Lin Xuan enthusiastically. It was a complete reversal of their earlier indifference. Their warmth was so intense they could have been his parents; the change was just too shocking.

Lin Xuan’s expression didn’t even flicker. He wasn’t about to act warmly toward them after their previous coldness. There was no need.

"It’s true what they say about heroes and youth. The way I see it, you’ll probably become a Fourth Grade Pattern Master in just a few years. I wonder, do you have any interest in joining the Pattern Master Association?" Luo Xiao smiled. After learning Lin Xuan’s true identity, any thought he had of taking him as a disciple was instantly shattered.

"Join the Pattern Master Association?" Lin Xuan’s eyes lit up. He wasn’t opposed to the idea. ’The more backing I have, the better. I definitely like the sound of that.’

"That’s right. You wouldn’t have to do much of anything. Just inscribe some patterns occasionally, and you’ll not only earn points but also receive a decent payment. If you accept missions, the rewards will be even greater. And if your Grade increases, your compensation will increase accordingly. To put it plainly, you’d be a Honored Guest of the Pattern Master Association, able to collect a stipend every month. What do you say?" Luo Xiao extended an olive branch.

Everyone gasped. Normally, one had to be a Fourth Grade Pattern Master or higher to become a Honored Guest, yet Lin Xuan was being offered the position as a mere Third Grade Pattern Master. His status as an Inner Hall Disciple must have added greatly to his standing. They also agreed with Master Luo’s earlier assessment: Lin Xuan was bound to become a Fourth Grade Pattern Master sooner or later, so it was better to recruit him early.

If a talent like him were snatched up by another family, it would be a huge loss for the Pattern Master Association.

"Since Master Luo has extended such a kind invitation, I would be honored to accept. I look forward to your guidance in the future," Lin Xuan said humbly.

"Excellent! I’m the one who should be asking for your help with the Association, not the other way around." Luo Xiao laughed happily. "Go to the registration desk later to pick up your Guest Minister Token. I very much look forward to your future performance."

After a few more brief words, Luo Xiao left to attend to his duties. As the vice president, he was a very busy man.

When he arrived at the counter, the attendant was blushing furiously as she looked at him, her gaze completely transformed. It was a stark contrast to her earlier coldness; now, she was staring at him as if he were the man of her dreams.

"Master Lin, are you here to collect your Guest Minister Token?" The attendant’s smile was saccharine sweet—a world of difference from before.

"Yes," Lin Xuan said flatly. He paid the change no mind; he was long used to this sort of thing.

After receiving the Guest Minister Token, he turned and left without another word. He couldn’t be bothered.

"To become a Honored Guest of the Pattern Master Association at such a young age, and an Inner Hall Disciple on top of that... he’s simply a peerless genius."

"Yeah, we all completely misjudged him. If only we’d been a bit warmer to him earlier..."

...

The crowd buzzed with discussion, and the attendant was filled with the deepest regret. If she had been nicer to Lin Xuan, now that he was a Honored Guest, he might have looked out for her. But there’s no cure for regret.

There was a price to pay for judging others so poorly.

"So you’re Lin Yunlong. It’s true what they say—seeing you in person is more impressive than all the rumors. Your bearing, your Cultivation... it’s all simply astounding." Shang Zhihao only approached to greet him after he had finished his business.

"I’m still a ways off from you, Brother Shang. You’re so unflappable—no matter how I tried to provoke a reaction, you weren’t shaken in the slightest." Lin Xuan had a good impression of Shang Zhihao. ’He was even going to help me earlier. Even if it was just because we both dislike Huang Qianyun, he was still willing to step in.’

"I wouldn’t dare make such a comparison. Just watching your technique... I’m afraid I couldn’t catch up even with several more years of Cultivation. And now that you’re a Honored Guest, Brother Lin, I’ve fallen even further behind." Shang Zhihao sighed. This wasn’t flattery, but his honest opinion.

Lin Xuan possessed the memories of a Sixth Grade Pattern Master, so of course his technique was beyond their comparison. If he allowed that entity to possess him, the results would be even more staggering.

"Don’t be so down on yourself. Anything is possible if you work hard enough," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

Shang Zhihao shook his head. ’Everyone knows you have to work hard, but there are many things for which hard work is simply not enough.’

"Speaking of which, Brother Lin, are you really a member of the Liu Family?" Shang Zhihao asked in a low voice.

"You could say so. I’m a Honored Guest of the Liu Family. While I’m not a true member of the Liu Family, you could consider me an honorary one," Lin Xuan replied with a faint smile.

Shang Zhihao’s eyes widened in understanding. So he was a Honored Guest for the Liu Family. As a Honored Guest, he could indeed represent the Liu Family to a certain extent, so Lin Xuan wasn’t wrong.

"There’s something I wanted to ask. Brother Lin, will you be participating in the Pattern Master tournament?" Shang Zhihao inquired quietly.

"Of course. Is there some issue with that?" Lin Xuan didn’t try to hide it; it was something that would become public knowledge sooner or later anyway.

Shang Zhihao’s eyes lit up. "In that case, I’ll be eagerly awaiting your performance, Brother Lin! If you can manage to outshine the disciple from the Divine Rune Sect, it would shock the entire nation."

"A disciple from the Divine Rune Sect?" Lin Xuan frowned. The words reminded him of the incredibly arrogant carriage that had charged into the city—the Divine Rune Sect’s carriage. "Are you saying a disciple from the Divine Rune Sect will be participating in this Pattern Master tournament?"

"You don’t know about this?" Shang Zhihao was taken aback for a moment before continuing, "It’s common knowledge by now. They were invited by the Fang Family, and it’s being treated as a very big deal! Rumor has it this disciple has already reached the Level of a Fourth Grade Pattern Master, though whether that’s true or not is anyone’s guess."

"A Fourth Grade Pattern Master..." Lin Xuan nodded, a flicker of pressure tightening in his chest. A Fourth Grade Pattern Master would certainly be a tough opponent, but he was no pushover himself.

"Then thank you for the warning, Brother Shang. I’ll be careful," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

"It’s not really a warning. I know you weren’t going all out earlier, Brother Lin. If you can put the Fang Family in their place, I’ll be just as happy," Shang Zhihao chuckled. "Of course, you already took care of the Huang Family, so we don’t need to talk about them."

He chuckled, a hint of schadenfreude in his expression.

"Put the Fang Family in their place, hm..." Lin Xuan smiled. "One can hope. But they have a disciple from the Divine Rune Sect on their side, after all."

As he spoke, his tone carried a defiant edge. ’So what if they’re a powerful disciple from the Divine Rune Sect? Are they a match for a Sixth Grade Pattern Master?’

"No need to be so modest. I know for a fact you weren’t using your full strength earlier, Brother Lin. You can’t fool me..." Shang Zhihao laughed. "If you have the time, please feel free to visit us at the Shang Family. You’re always welcome!"

With that, he took his leave, not wanting to disturb Lin Xuan any further. Saying too much would only become tiresome, so he stopped there. It was enough of a good thing to have simply made his acquaintance.

Lin Xuan naturally held a favorable opinion of the Shang Family. This was mainly because they, like several other families, stood with the Third Prince. They would be allies in the future, so of course he felt no aversion to them.

’I should go back and let Miss Liu know. Time to prepare properly for this Pattern Master tournament. I’m actually starting to look forward to it!’ Lin Xuan smiled, then turned and left the Pattern Master Association.

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