Chapter 1084

Ji Qingzhu and Ji Hongzhuang’s faces were full of anxiety.

They naturally did not wish for Qin Qi to agree, yet could not think of any reason why Qin Qi would refuse.

However, none could have anticipated what happened next.

Soon, Qin Qi responded, "Junior is very grateful for Senior Wu Xi’s kindness, but please forgive me, I cannot agree to your request!"

With Qin Qi’s words, Monk Wu Xi narrowed his eyes into a thin line.

The aura around him surged forth; being refused by Qin Qi, he was clearly somewhat displeased.

Yet, as a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, he refrained from exerting forceful pressure upon Qin Qi because of his status.

Still, his expression was tinged with surprise as he spoke: "Oh? This humble monk does not believe the terms I offered to be unreasonable. Tell me, are you truly unsatisfied somewhere?"

"Qin Qi, I implore you—give me a reasonable answer!"

Facing Monk Wu Xi’s pressure, Qin Qi felt no regrets about his response.

His greatest concern was that following these Nascent Soul Stage experts would mean living under another’s roof.

Looking at it now, that is exactly so!

The strength of these Nascent Soul Stage experts is overwhelming—even in refusing them, they exert pressure, let alone if one chose to follow them.

Qin Qi replied in a measured tone, "Junior entered the major battle arena seeking to forge achievements through my own abilities, thus tempering myself in the life-and-death struggle against Fiend Demons!"

"Tell me, if I follow you, Senior, and have your great tree to shelter me from the wind and rain, can I truly temper myself any further?"

"Could I still rely on my own strength to build my legacy?"

"Therefore, forgive me, Senior, but I cannot accept your request!"

Hearing Qin Qi’s answer, quite a few people drew in sharp breaths.

This Qin Qi truly has courage.

For the sake of self-improvement, he even dared refuse a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

Yet the truly shrewd saw immediately that Qin Qi’s explanation was full of loopholes, clearly just brushing Monk Wu Xi off.

But, with matters spoken to this point, even knowing Qin Qi’s words were dubious, Monk Wu Xi had no reason to press further.

After all, he was a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

Being refused by a Fake Core Stage cultivator, how could he seek to recruit further?

He could only snort coldly, deeply displeased, and said, "Since Qin Qi has other plans, it appears this monk was only acting out of misplaced affection."

With that, Monk Wu Xi flicked his sleeve and departed.

Once Monk Wu Xi had left, the other captains naturally began to scheme in their hearts.

Originally, they thought Qin Qi would agree to Monk Wu Xi, and leave them out of the matter. But now that Qin Qi had refused, it was undeniable that they felt they still had a chance.

"Miss Ji, as you see, we are all here. Why not let us into your manor for a chat?"

"Indeed, with so many gathered, won’t you invite us in for a seat?"

Ji Qingzhu’s face flushed red with anger.

This bunch truly has no shame.

It’s obvious they’re here to poach from my team, but they want me to let them in?

How could she possibly be willing?

Yet, so many captain-level figures were calling out; she didn’t feel it was proper to refuse, and found herself conflicted.

Suddenly, Qin Qi spoke up, "Captain, in these next two days, I intend to undergo closed-door training!"

"Closed-door training?" Ji Qingzhu exclaimed in surprise, "Qin Qi, you’re planning to..."

Qin Qi replied calmly, "I wish to attempt a breakthrough to Core Formation Stage!"

On hearing this, the assembled cultivators all exchanged glances.

Ji Qingzhu was overjoyed, "You... plan to break through to Core Formation Stage? Qin Qi, how confident are you?"

"I’m not sure, but I’d say fifty percent certainty!" Qin Qi answered honestly.

Ji Qingzhu’s joy increased, "Excellent! Qin Qi, you needn’t worry—just focus on your closed-door training. Don’t fret, these days, I’ll fully seal the manor! No one will disturb you!"

"And, I will personally issue strict orders on all access, and protect you myself!"

"Everyone, you’ve heard it, haven’t you? Qin Qi will be entering closed-door training and attempting Core Formation Stage. Our team’s manor will not receive any guests. I ask you all to leave unless you have urgent business!"

With that, all the captains, realizing they had no grounds to press further, refrained from making additional demands.

"Qin Qi is actually attempting Core Formation Stage?"

"No matter—when he breaks through, we can try to recruit him again. Don’t be fooled by Ji Qingzhu’s current pride. When Qin Qi achieves Core Formation Stage, will he still concern himself with her team?"

"By then, considering his prospects, Qin Qi will surely seek a team more worthy of his talents!"

As the cultivators made their exit, they conversed amongst themselves.

Seeing the crowd depart, Qin Qi wasted no time, "Very well, Miss Ji, Second Miss Ji, if there’s nothing else, I’ll begin preparing for my closed-door training these next few days!"

"Alright!" Ji Qingzhu gently nodded.

Only after Qin Qi had left did the sisters look at each other, their eyes heavy with concern.

For a long while, Ji Hongzhuang finally opened her cherry lips, "Sister, do you think... if Qin Qi really breaks through to Core Formation Stage, will he stay with us?"

Ji Qingzhu bit her lip lightly, unable to give an answer.

Thinking now, Qin Qi’s lack of urgency to change teams likely stems from his impending breakthrough to Core Formation Stage.

Seeing her sister’s silence, Ji Hongzhuang couldn’t help but say, "With Qin Qi’s abilities, if he truly reaches Core Formation Stage, how could we possibly keep him..."

Ji Qingzhu let out a slow breath, "Hongzhuang, don’t overthink it. Whether Qin Qi succeeds is still uncertain!"

But this time, Ji Hongzhuang was uncharacteristically resolute, "Sister, how can we think that way? Even if Qin Qi fails this time, with his talent and strength, breaking through is only a matter of time!"

"Moreover, I’ve heard that Qin Qi has already refined the Breaking Nether Pill, so his success rate shouldn’t be too low. We must keep Qin Qi with us!"

"Looking at it now, only Qin Qi can help us earn enough battle merits, so we can use them to save Father and Mother!"

Ji Qingzhu furrowed her willow brows, "Hongzhuang, are you saying you have some method?"

Ji Hongzhuang lightly bit her lip, her cheeks blushing.

She took a light breath.

Earlier, she had perhaps still felt some hesitation, unable to make up her mind.

But thinking now...

For the sake of her sister’s wounds, for the family, for her parents, what else was there to hesitate over?

If it meant keeping Qin Qi, even if she had to use her own body, she would not regret it!

"Qin Qi is only preparing for closed-door training these days. I’ll use this opportunity to talk with him..." Ji Hongzhuang said.

Hearing her sister say this, Ji Qingzhu did not think much of it, simply replied, "Mm, it’s good that you spend more time with him. I imagine it could have some unexpected effects!"