Becoming a chuma, and having one's lifespan extended.
This prospect sounds rather appealing.
After all, to become a chuma of Wudi Dong signifies being affiliated with the Grey family of Wudi Dong, a symbol of power wherever one goes.
However, it also indirectly establishes a karmic connection with these wild immortals.
If they commit evil deeds, one's own fortune will be affected.
Similarly, if one accumulates virtue, these wild immortals will also benefit from the good fortune and merit.
Of course, if I were to commit evil, the Grey family would also be implicated.
This is a transaction where one loses, both lose, and one prospers, both prosper.
In the Northeast region, the practice of chuma is prevalent.
And these wild immortals dwelling in the mountains are exceedingly cautious when selecting their disciples.
Therefore, there is a tradition of undergoing trials of five illnesses and three calamities before becoming a chuma.
Yet, in my case, there were no such trials. All it takes is my assent to immediately become a chuma of Wudi Dong.
The temptation, it can be said, is immense.
But I, myself, am rather stubborn.
My master saved my life, guided me into this path, and imparted his cultivation to me.
Now that I have inherited his legacy, I feel I am already failing him by not propagating his lifelong work.
However, if at this juncture, I were to switch allegiance and become a chuma for the Grey family,
Would I be true to my master?
How would others perceive it? They would only think that I, seeing the might of Wudi Dong, betrayed my master's teachings and defected to the Grey family of Wudi Dong.
Even if the Old Mother of Wudi Dong were to say it was merely an additional title and not an act of betraying my master,
I still couldn't bring myself to do it.
Furthermore, I have an intricate connection with Qing Dai.
And Qing Dai is an elusive spirit wanted by the Underworld.
Should any misfortune arise, it would inevitably implicate the Grey family of Wudi Dong.
At this very moment, Uncle-Master, Old Mo, Xiao Yao, and everyone else in the divine hall are staring at me with wide eyes.
Such immense temptation, such a monumental opportunity.
They all believe that I have no reason to refuse.
The Grey family of Wudi Dong, what kind of power is that?
It ranks among the top three demonic forces in the present world.
Its clans are spread throughout the Central Plains. If the Old Mother of Wudi Dong coughs, the rat swarms in major cities would tremble in fear and obey her commands.
To become a representative chuma for such a formidable power, what an immense honor and fortune that would be.
And this honor and fortune, precisely at this moment, has coincidentally fallen upon me.
Seeing that I remained still, Uncle-Master and the others did not speak.
Uncle-Master took a deep breath and said to me,
"Xiao Qin, the situation has come to this. Make your own decision!"
Uncle-Master's tone was calm, neither objecting nor agreeing.
After all, this was my destiny, but as an Uncle-Master, he could not actively guide me to pledge allegiance to other powers.
After Uncle-Master spoke, Old Mo also chimed in,
"Old Qin, this is a great opportunity. Having another title means having the support of a major power. Why wouldn't you embrace it?"
"Yes, Senior Brother Qin, I feel it's also quite good. With the support of Wudi Dong in the future, we can better slay demons and devils, and help more people."
Xiao Yao echoed the sentiment.
Rat Auntie, standing by the divine hall, also said with a grin,
"Xiao Qin, aren't you going to thank the Old Mother? From now on, you'll be our Grey family of Wudi Dong's, number one chuma disciple."
"..."
Voices of similar persuasion echoed around, all believing I wouldn't refuse.
And I, at this moment, took a step forward.
Everyone's eyes widened as they watched me.
After stepping forward, I looked up at the Old Mother of Wudi Dong.
She was still smiling, her face kind and benevolent, awaiting my final answer.
I cupped my fists towards her and then spoke in a deep voice,
"Thank you, Old Mother, for your regard. However, Qin Ze, in his most perilous time, already took Daoist Long Teng as his master.
Though my master has passed away, he passed on his legacy to me, and Qin Ze shall carry it forward.
Therefore, Qin Ze cannot accept your offer, Old Mother. I apologize!"
Having said that, I bowed to the Old Mother of Wudi Dong.
But upon hearing my words, everyone present was taken aback.
"Qin Ze, have you thought this through? To become a chuma of our Grey family of Wudi Dong, this is such a great honor and destiny, are you truly going to give it up?
Moreover, making you a chuma of our Grey family does not require you to betray your original sect."
Rat Auntie was the first to speak, her tone filled with disbelief.
To refuse such a grand opportunity without hesitation.
Becoming a chuma of the Grey family of Wudi Dong would allow one to summon hundreds of immortal beings and command millions of the Grey family's rat legions.
This was something countless people dreamt of.
Yet, I actually refused...
"Old... Old Qin, are you... are you really sure?"
Old Mo was also somewhat surprised.
Xiao Yao's mouth gaped open, and she covered it with her hand.
Only Uncle-Master's lips curved into a slight smile.
In fact, Uncle-Master's inaction was the most significant decision.
He likely did not wish for me to join Wudi Dong.
Wudi Dong's power was indeed great, and it would bring me immense benefits.
But ultimately, it was not my Yin Sect, Mount Tai Sect, nor was I worshipping the Ancestral God of Mount Tai.
Having entered the sect, I should remain loyal to the end.
However, Uncle-Master did not want to hinder my development, hence he remained silent.
Allowing me to make my own choice.
Clearly, my choice pleased him.
But the Old Mother of Wudi Dong, seated on the throne, frowned slightly, her previously benevolent expression changing:
"Qin Ze, have you considered this carefully? By becoming a chuma of Wudi Dong, you will gain myriad benefits. And I have already stated that I am not asking you to abandon your sect, merely to establish a karmic connection with my Grey family of Wudi Dong."
The Old Mother of Wudi Dong's tone also grew a bit heavier.
But I still shook my head and answered resolutely,
"I apologize, Old Mother, but I find it difficult to go against my own conscience."
The entire hall was shocked, and murmurs erupted.
"Does this kid not see the situation clearly?"
"Doesn't he know how great our Grey family's power is?"
"Indeed! How dare he refuse the Old Mother's invitation, showing no regard for our Grey family."
"Let alone becoming a chuma of our Grey family of Wudi Dong, even some people aspire to become chuma for minor demons, and they must undergo five illnesses and three calamities. Yet this kid, with a mere nod, can achieve it, and he actually rejected it!"
"..."
Within the divine hall, the assembled Grey Immortals were incredulous, believing me to be ungrateful.
But they had no idea that my current standing, my survival, and my cultivation were all bestowed by my master, given with his very life.
Without my master, I would have perished long ago.
My master owed me a great debt, and I must also be mindful of my duty to my master.
I cannot, simply because my master has passed away and faced with temptation, find a grand excuse to join the Grey family's forces and become their chuma.
Similarly, I do not wish for my relationship with Qing Dai to ultimately implicate the Grey family and entangle them in further karma...