MTLNOVEL Chapter 234: Choice
Zhi Qing, a disciple with the Martial Soul brain, was indeed his name.
However, he had no relation to Zhi Lin, the third seat of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Hearing Zhongli's words, Zhi Qing was somewhat confused and puzzled.
"Patriarch, everything I have comes from you and the sect. I..."
Zhi Qing's meaning was simple: there was no need to ask for his opinion—he would follow Zhongli's arrangements without hesitation.
He would go through fire and water without a second thought!
Wait, wasn't this about giving gifts?
Before Zhi Qing could finish speaking, Zhongli stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Young man, full of vitality, you need to have your own thoughts!"
"In the future, the heavy responsibilities of the Body Sect will ultimately rest on your shoulders. How can you shoulder those without your own ideas?"
These words left everyone stunned.
Especially the members of other factions, including spies—they were all shocked.
They had always followed the sect's orders without ever having their own ideas.
But this man...
He was actually encouraging the younger generation of the sect in such a way!
In that instant, the feeling of dying for a confidant surged in their hearts.
It wasn't that they thought poorly of their own sect, but they couldn't help but feel that others' sects were better!
"If only our Patriarch could be as supportive as he is..."
But halfway through the thought, they shook their heads and cast this impossible idea aside.
Their leader wasn't Zhongli, and they weren't Zhiqing.
Even Shui Bing'er and the others were stunned. They knew Zhongli was remarkable, but they didn't know he could be so approachable.
No wonder this group of people only glanced at them briefly and withdrew their gazes without any ulterior motives.
With such a supportive Patriarch, how could they not train with all their might?
"If only I could become his disciple..."
Shui Bing'er stared at Zhongli, her eyes full of admiration.
In a world of fantasy like this, it was perfectly normal to admire strength.
Most intelligent beings would naturally gravitate toward the stronger side.
"Last time, the Pope visited and discussed the finals with me."
"The champion's reward includes a spirit-type head soul bone over 50,000 years old."
"This soul bone is a small treasure among soul bones and would be very suitable for you."
After everyone had taken their seats again, Zhongli spoke without any pretense.
"Do you have confidence in winning the championship?"
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison.
Especially Zhiqing, whose face flushed red as he clenched his fists tightly.
Zhongli told him about this reward, clearly intending for him to win the championship.
Outsiders were still in the dark about the rewards, while Martial God Zhongli had already decided where the prize would go.
This...
And it was even the Pope who personally came to discuss it!
Gasp!
Everyone took a sharp breath, contributing slightly to warming the extreme northern region.
As if recalling something, Zhongli took out an ancient-looking cube-shaped box and placed it on the table.
This box itself was a fine collectible.
It exuded a unique fragrance, and placing it in a room had a calming and sleep-inducing effect.
Additionally, it could isolate soul power.
"This is a head soul bone of the ten-thousand-year level. It can significantly enhance spiritual power and comes with an auxiliary-type soul bone skill."
"Zhi Qing, if you choose this soul bone, then regardless of whether you win the championship in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, that other soul bone will no longer be yours."
"But if you choose that championship soul bone, then strive for it and win the championship!"
"This soul bone will then go to other disciples."
As Zhongli opened the box, a radiant head soul bone appeared before everyone's eyes.
The entire tavern fell silent inside and out.
Only Martial God Zhongli would dare to display such a treasure openly and offer it to his disciples as a choice.
Wait, a choice??
Wasn't the Body Sect supposed to be impoverished?
Why were they suddenly so "wealthy"?!
No soul master could resist the temptation of a soul bone, let alone a ten-thousand-year-level head soul bone.
Among the conventional six soul bones, the head and torso bones were the most precious.
Take Huyan Li's thousand-year head soul bone, for example—despite it being only a thousand years, countless people coveted it.
Fortunately, Huyan Zhen wasn't to be trifled with, deterring those with ill intentions.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhi Qing cupped his hands toward Zhongli and said, "Thank you for your support, Patriarch. Zhi Qing chooses the championship reward!"
"This soul bone, please take it back!"
He... actually refused!
Everyone stared with wide eyes, incredulous.
The championship reward was still far away. Of course, no one doubted the strength of the Heaven Dou Royal Team—winning the championship was only a matter of time.
But the ten-thousand-year soul bone was right in front of him, and he directly turned it down!
Just this single decision displayed a level of determination that surpassed 99% of soul masters.
"Very well."
Zhongli responded with a nod, closing the box and putting it away again.
"You all continue. I'll take Paimon back to the sect for now."
After Zhongli left with Paimon, everyone turned to Zhiqing.
"Zhi Qing, are you sure you won't regret this?"
Du Siji patted Zhi Qing on the shoulder and asked bluntly.
This time, no one used the group chat.
"The Patriarch wanted me to choose that soul bone."
"???"
Everyone was puzzled, confused.
Wasn't he giving you the choice?
How did it turn into the Patriarch wanting you to choose?
Zhi Qing glanced around at his companions and sighed.
Sometimes, he truly felt out of sync with his teammates.
Was this a side effect of the brain Martial Soul?
Too smart!
It wasn't that his companions were foolish—he was just "a little" smarter than them.
"Think about it. If he didn't want me to choose that soul bone, why would he let me choose?"
"Wouldn't it have been easier to directly bestow this soul bone upon me?"
"Besides, I also prefer that soul bone. I just feel a little sorry for you all..."
He had already secured one reward, which meant there would be one less prize later.
"Yeah, if you'd chosen this one, we could've at least had a chance to compete for the other one..."
Of course, they were just joking.
Resources like soul bones naturally went to those most suited for them.
That was the sect's long-term strategy.
As if remembering something, everyone turned their gaze to Xiao Feilian.
After all, she was the Saintess, one of the sect's future pillars.
Any good resources should be prioritized for her.
"No need to look at me. The sword bestowed by my master is enough."
"As for soul bones, don't worry—the three teachers have gone to make another application."
Xiao Feilian said calmly.
She wouldn't reject the royal family's goodwill, but she wouldn't go out of her way to assist them either.
The past was best left as it was, a clean slate.
The group twitched their eyes, speechless.
It had to be those three old fellows again!