Nan Xingkong approached Ming Zhitian. "I believe you are capable. I appreciate talent, and I wonder if you would be willing to establish a new sect within my Qishan Zhangtianyue?"
"Holy crap!"
The disciples murmured amongst themselves. "What's going on here? The Sect Master isn't going to pursue Ming Zhitian's identity, and he's even letting him start a new sect?"
Ming Zhitian waved his hand. "Sect Master, I appreciate your kind offer, but I am accustomed to a life of leisure and have no such plans. Moreover, I am alone and find it difficult to lead a grand banner."
Nan Xingkong said, "It's alright. If you wish, I can dispatch a thousand disciples from each of the Three Sects and Nine Gates to serve under you."
"Whoa! . . . . . . What kind of perks are these? This is too much consideration, isn't it?" The crowd erupted in a new wave of whispers.
Just as they thought Ming Zhitian would readily accept, he surprised them again. "I apologize, Sect Master, but please respect my decision."
Nan Xingkong frowned. "Very well. Since you are unwilling to establish a sect, I will not force you. The Heavenly Gate of the Five Peaks Sect is currently without a gate master. You can take on that role."
Ming Zhitian wanted to refuse. "I..."
Nan Xingkong's face grew cold. "Ming Zhitian, do not make this difficult for me. You must choose one: establishing a sect or taking charge of the Heavenly Gate."
It was clear that Nan Xingkong was determined to bind Ming Zhitian to Zhangtianyue. He would rather forcefully retain talent than let him join a rival sect and become a formidable force.
One should not forget their roots. Seeing Tian Nan Jie's expectant gaze, Ming Zhitian chose the Heavenly Gate. "Alright, I will choose the Heavenly Gate. Sect Master Tian Nan, are you willing to let me take charge?"
Tian Nan Jie was overjoyed. "Of course, I am willing! Effective immediately, you are the master of the Heavenly Gate, one of the four gates of my Five Peaks Sect, with three thousand disciples at your command."
He then added, "No one else is to object!"
The crowd secretly discussed, "The first gate master in history to possess the Asura realm?! Unheard of!"
"He has the chance to be a Sect Master but isn't? Is he foolish?"
"Mind your own business. Regardless, he earned it through his own strength. He can do as he pleases. What right do we have to judge him? We should focus on cultivating diligently and breaking through to the Ascending Dragon realm as soon as possible."
Nan Xingkong flicked his wrist, tossing ten Grade 100 elixirs to Ming Zhitian. "Take these elixirs. They will be very beneficial for consolidating your cultivation after your recent breakthrough to the Asura realm."
He then produced several Emperor-grade spiritual artifacts and Emperor-level cultivation techniques. "Take these as well. Do not refuse me. I do not wish to be refused."
Ming Zhitian nodded and accepted them. "Thank you, Sect Master."
Nan Xingkong said, "I am making an exception for you, granting you the privilege to enter and exit the Three Sects and Nine Gates of Qishan Zhangtianyue freely at any time. Do you have any other requests?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head. "Nothing comes to mind for now."
Nan Xingkong said, "Then come and tell me when you do. For now, that is all."
Space tore open...
Ming Zhitian quickly asked, "Wait, Sect Master, your mount is quite impressive. What is its name?"
Nan Xingkong stopped. "It is called the Black Flame Qilin. What, do you want one too?"
Ming Zhitian rubbed his hands together and nodded. "Yes, and are there any more?"
Nan Xingkong shook his head and smiled. "There is only this one. The Black Flame Qilin has been with me for over three hundred years. It has long recognized me as its master, so it would be of no use to you. When it has offspring, I will give you a Qilin egg. How about that?"
Ming Zhitian smiled slightly. "A female? Thank you, Sect Master! Please take care, Sect Master."
Nan Xingkong, half-entering the spatial rift, said, "You know I reside in the Immortal Mansion."
Ming Zhitian nodded.
Xiao Le clenched his fists. "The Sect Master is treating him so well? How infuriating!"
The crowd dispersed unhappily, leaving only some members of the Five Peaks Sect. Tian Nan Jie said, "Xiao Qiang, I entrust Brother Ming to you to familiarize him with the affairs of the Heavenly Gate. I will continue my seclusion and should not be disturbed unless it is a major matter."
Guo Qiang bowed. "Yes, Master."