At this moment—
Seeing how calm and polite Liu Yuan was, the tension in Dai Yueheng's heart instantly eased.
What followed was an overwhelming sense of pleasant surprise.
After all, geniuses were usually arrogant and difficult to deal with.
Before coming here, Dai Yueheng had already prepared himself for resistance—cold attitudes, sarcasm, even the need to alternate between persuasion and pressure.
But instead…
This so-called "peerless genius," personally acknowledged by Xuan Zi, was unexpectedly calm, composed… even friendly.
To Dai Yueheng, this was the best possible start.
A polite genius meant a reasonable genius.
And a reasonable genius—
Was someone who could weigh benefits.
And as long as he could weigh benefits…
Then there was no way he could refuse Shrek.
---
Dai Yueheng's smile grew more sincere.
He stepped forward slightly, posture flawless—humble enough to show respect, yet still carrying the natural authority of the White Tiger Duke's heir and a Shrek Inner Court elite.
"Brother, we've come to ask you for a favor," he said gently, his tone confident and composed.
Liu Yuan nodded lightly.
"Go on."
Encouraged, Dai Yueheng straightened, his presence subtly rising.
He knew—
Every word from here on would shake the boy in front of him.
"I am Dai Yueheng, a student of Shrek's Inner Court… and the eldest son of the Star Luo Empire's Duke of White Tiger."
His voice carried weight.
This was status.
Power.
Prestige.
A double halo—Shrek Academy and noble lineage.
He was certain—
No one could remain indifferent after hearing this.
And indeed—
He noticed Liu Yuan's brows twitch slightly.
Dai Yueheng smiled inwardly.
Perfect.
---
Without pausing, he continued, his voice lowering slightly, carrying a tone of irresistible temptation:
"I have come on behalf of Shrek Academy… the Sea God's Pavilion… and Elder Xuan himself…"
"To formally invite you."
His gaze sharpened.
"Elder Xuan already understands your talent."
"You are a once-in-a-century genius."
"Someone like you… deserves a better place to cultivate."
"And Shrek… is that place."
---
Then—
He delivered the offer.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Like laying down pieces of an unbeatable hand.
"As long as you agree…"
"You may bypass all rules—"
"And directly enter Shrek's Inner Court."
"Become a Core Disciple."
"All resources—treasures, spirit tools, techniques—fully open to you."
"Even the elders of the Sea God's Pavilion…"
"…including Elder Xuan himself—will personally guide you."
He paused.
Letting the weight of those words settle.
"This… is a privilege even I do not have."
---
Each condition—
Was enough to drive any Spirit Master mad.
Direct entry into the Inner Court.
Core Disciple status.
Guidance from peak experts of the continent.
This wasn't just an offer.
It was a destiny rewrite.
---
Dai Yueheng fell silent.
Arms crossed.
Chin slightly raised.
Watching.
Waiting.
In his mind, the outcome was already decided.
There was no reason—
No possible reason—
For refusal.
Behind him, even the scout stood proudly.
This… was Shrek.
Who could reject Shrek?
---
And then—
Liu Yuan finally spoke.
His expression hadn't changed.
A polite smile still rested on his face, as if he had just listened to something… interesting, but irrelevant.
"Thank you for your kindness."
A pause.
Then—
Calm.
Clear.
Unshakable.
"However…"
"I refuse."
---
Boom.
Those two simple words—
Were like thunder crashing down from the heavens.
They exploded directly in Dai Yueheng's mind.
---
His smile froze.
His confidence shattered.
The composure, pride, and certainty he carried—
All crushed in an instant.
---
Dai Yueheng stood there.
Completely stunned.
------------Author---------------
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