Chapter 407 - 202: Unquenchable Fires, S-Class Custom Contract
Chapter 407: Chapter 202: Unquenchable Fires, S-Class Custom Contract
His tone was level, as if he were stating a well-known fact.
"We have noted your accomplishments on the virtual platform. In light of those, as well as your overall performance in winning the top spot, we’ve decided after careful consideration to make an exception and extend you a formal invitation."
While his words sounded like praise for Lin Ye, every syllable dripped with a lingering arrogance.
It was as if this opportunity were a gift bestowed upon Lin Ye by Kunlun.
Min Yutang paused before finally revealing his offer.
"We can offer you a B-rank contract for a term of five years."
"You can review the specific terms of the contract on Kunlun’s official website. I can assure you, for a rookie, the benefits are already quite generous."
"Will you accept?"
With that, he fell silent, simply watching Lin Ye, awaiting the tearful, grateful acceptance he anticipated.
A hint of smugness, nearly imperceptible, rose in Min Yutang’s heart.
The contract he had actually prepared for Lin Ye was A-minus rank.
For a rookie, this was the highest-level contract the Kunlun Martial Hall could possibly offer.
But he had deliberately offered only a B-rank contract to knock this young man down a peg.
’Geniuses are always arrogant and unruly.’
’You have to make them understand who sets the rules first.’
’It makes them easier to manage later on.’
This time, however, Lin Ye’s brow furrowed deeply.
He was really starting to lose his patience with this Kunlun Martial Hall Master who looked down his nose at everyone.
From the very beginning, the man’s casual, entitled arrogance had rubbed him the wrong way.
Just as Lin Ye was considering how to respond politely and let both parties save face,
A gentle, refined voice spoke up at the perfect moment.
Lv Yongze could see it plain as day: the man from Kunlun had just about destroyed any goodwill he might have had with Lin Ye.
And right now, the young man needed an out.
So, he made his move.
Lv Yongze took a step forward, positioning himself squarely beside Long Bohan.
Unlike Min Yutang, who had forced his way into the conversation, he first gave Lin Ye a slight nod—a gesture of respect between equals.
This small action instantly stunned everyone around them.
"Lv Yongze, Envoy of the Recruitment Department at the Firewood Martial Hall headquarters. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lin Ye."
Lv Yongze’s voice was as pleasant as a spring breeze, instantly putting one at ease.
He wore a sincere smile, with no hint of condescension. In fact, he presented himself with great humility.
This was in stark contrast to his status as an Envoy.
"Signing with a Martial Hall is a momentous decision for any Martial Artist. It determines their future path and must be approached with the utmost care."
Lv Yongze continued to speak in an unhurried manner, his gaze level with Lin Ye’s.
"So, why not hear what Xinhuo has to offer?"
Then, his tone shifted. Without a moment’s hesitation, he played his trump card.
"We are offering you an S-rank Freedom Contract."
S-rank!
A Freedom Contract!
The moment those two terms were spoken, they hit the crowd like a pair of depth charges, sending massive shockwaves through everyone’s minds.
Even Min Yutang looked utterly shocked.
As if oblivious to the stunned reactions around him, Lv Yongze continued to smile and explained the details to Lin Ye.
"A ’Freedom Contract’ means we don’t set a fixed term."
"You can terminate the contract whenever you see fit, without any penalty for breach of contract."
"Furthermore, we won’t bind you with a standard, boilerplate contract."
"Xinhuo’s Legal and Resource Departments have already assembled a dedicated team to create a personally tailored contract for you."
"Provided our mutual interests are not harmed, we will make the maximum possible concessions to ensure all of your reasonable requests are met."
"We also booked a table at the Spring River Restaurant before coming. It’s nearly noon now. If you’re free, we would be honored if you’d join us. We can discuss this further over lunch."
"Of course, you don’t have to give us an answer today."
"The doors of the Firewood Martial Hall will always be open to you."
Having said his piece, Lv Yongze fell silent. He simply stood there, smiling, as he waited for Lin Ye’s decision.
It was the very picture of humility and sincerity.
Lin Ye knew perfectly well that whether it was Xinhuo or Kunlun, they coveted him for the same reason. Ultimately, it all came down to the potential profits he could generate for their Martial Halls.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
It was just that the two top-tier Martial Halls’ approaches to recruitment were worlds apart, and the superior one was immediately obvious.
One was imperious, acting as if they were doing you a favor that you should be eternally grateful for.
The other, however, treated him with the utmost courtesy, viewing him as an equal partner and affording him the greatest respect imaginable.
The choice was obvious.
Min Yutang’s expression completely changed at this moment.
His mind was in turmoil. He could barely suppress the urge to confront Lv Yongze right then and there.
’Xinhuo... you motherfuckers are insane!’
’An S-rank contract?’
’For a rookie who hasn’t even graduated yet?!’
’And a goddamn custom-tailored Freedom Contract?!’
Even though Min Yutang looked down on the Firewood Martial Hall’s methods from the bottom of his heart, he had to admit that Xinhuo was no pushover.