I created the Bureau of Anomaly Control

Chapter 370 368. Apprentice Ceremony (4K)

Ma En's primary reactions to this proposal were worry and vigilance. Although he indeed wanted to obtain the anti-mind metal, what was happening now wasn't a good thing for him.

Because according to his own plan, obtaining the anti-mind metal was only a matter of time, and there was absolutely no need to have any contact with a dangerous Rank Ⅴ ability user like Daoist Xiaoyao. After all, his motives were too difficult to predict.

Ma En didn't believe in luck. He didn't think that he would suddenly have some special cultivation physique. Even if Xiaoyao really saw something extraordinary about him, it must be something he already possessed.

And he did have something that could attract Rank Ⅴ ability users, but no matter which one Daoist Xiaoyao took a fancy to, it wouldn't be a good thing for him. Especially the "Divine Firmament Blood" and the Control Bureau itself, their existence was a trouble.

But this wasn't the worst part. The real problem was what Shadow had just said about "stopping the work at hand," and the work at hand obviously referred to the negotiations with Divine Firmament. Ma En even suspected that Shadow had said it on purpose.

Regardless of whether it was intentional or not, he couldn't directly propose accepting the proposal and continuing to work at the same time, because even if it didn't completely expose his desire to stay on this mission, it would leave seeds of suspicion in their minds.

If the Federation was willing to hand over the anti-mind metal to him directly, then he could consider agreeing and running away. Unfortunately, neither Xiaoyao nor the Federation were stupid enough to do that, and they had no trust in him at all.

If Xiaoyao really coveted something on him, he definitely wouldn't give him a chance to run away with it.

"This condition is quite good," Ma En said, facing the enthusiastic proposals, without directly agreeing or refusing. "But this news is a bit too sudden for me, and I may need some time to consider it carefully."

Since he couldn't directly propose performing the two tasks at the same time, and judging from the current situation, it would be difficult to have another chance to obtain the anti-mind metal if he directly refused, then delaying the time until the end of this mission was the best choice.

When Ma En said these words, he also revealed a bit of resistance, mixed with some hesitation due to the generous reward, so that the people who were watching him could realize that he was actually full of vigilance towards this proposal.

Seeing this, Shadow, who was responsible for communication, didn't put pressure on Ma En, but nodded and said:

"I can understand your thoughts. This isn't something that needs to be answered immediately. As long as you make up your mind, you can always become a disciple under Daoist Xiaoyao through us. As long as Xiaoyao confirms that there are no problems, you can obtain the anti-mind metal.

"We won't hide it. This is actually a deal between Xiaoyao and the Federation. He knows that you want our anti-mind metal, and he also knows that the Federation wants his longevity technology, so he made this win-win-win deal with us.

"And I can see that he really wants to ask you to be his disciple. You must be wondering if he has ulterior motives, but to be honest, you should realize that you don't have anything worth coveting by a Rank Ⅴ ability user.

"You can think about it carefully, don't rush to refuse. If you have other conditions you want, you can also negotiate with the Federation through me or Tang Xueluan. I believe many politicians are willing to give you concessions in this regard."

At this time, Shadow also sent a complete piece of information to the edge of Ma En's mind:

'I said just now that the Federation wouldn't allow politicians to arbitrarily give up benefits in exchange for their own longevity, but they have already proposed the demanding "Fountain of Youth Project" through quite ingenious and magical means, and the main purpose of politicians proposing this plan is naturally to extend their own lives, but they have made the plan itself in line with the interests of the Federation through various complex conditions.

'However, there are very few longevity-related anomalous items that meet the requirements of the Fountain of Youth Project. The need for repeatability has already blocked most anomalous items. I think you should also know that some politicians once wanted to become vampires to obtain eternal life, but were blocked by Divine Firmament.

'In a sense, that can also be regarded as the Federation's own obstruction, because Divine Firmament was a very important part of the Federation at that time, but longevity pills are one of the very few anomalous items that meet the requirements of the "Fountain of Youth Project". They come from another civilization that we have not yet discovered, and we even suspect whether it exists at all.

'But if Xiaoyao is not lying in this regard, then this kind of thing, although the cost itself is quite high, has an extraordinarily high degree of repeatability, and it is even possible to master the technology to manufacture these things through learning.

'Therefore, if you are willing to slowly pull with them, you can definitely strive for even better conditions than this, or if you really only want anti-mind metal, you can also obtain a larger amount of metal than before. You must know that there are also huge differences in the anomalous entities within Rank Ⅴ.

'This matter has no connection with my interests, so my suggestion is purely out of a small return for your help back then.'

Ma En quickly received this information, and then, in the few seconds after Shadow finished speaking, the old man, who had always appeared relatively calm, also stopped keeping silent and said to Ma En:

"Although we have reached a tripartite agreement with Xiaoyao, what you can get is not only these things on the surface. What Xiaoyao possesses is advanced technology from other civilizations. If you can learn the essence of it, it will also be of great benefit to you.

"You also heard what Xiaoyao said just now. With your talent, as long as you can receive good guidance, there is a high possibility of advancing to Rank Ⅴ through this technology. I think a smart ability user like you wouldn't miss such an opportunity—even if there are risks involved.

"After all, most people's advancement to Rank Ⅴ is inherently dangerous."

As he finished speaking, Shadow immediately transmitted a message from Zhao Guanwu to the vicinity of Ma En's mind.

The old man's voice quickly flashed through Ma En's mind:

'And let's assume that Xiaoyao really wants to deal with you—although this possibility is very low, it's not entirely a bad thing for you.

'Because even if he really has bad intentions, you will learn the longevity technology that the Federation craves before advancing to Rank Ⅴ, so even if you really encounter danger at that time, it's not like there's no way to fight back. The existence of the Federation is your fuse.

'If you can also master the technology to extend lifespan, we can also provide you with shelter, and even join forces to kill him and hand over his relics to you, who have already mastered the technology of another civilization, to interpret.

'You are obviously a better partner for us.'

The old man's statement wasn't completely unreasonable, it was just a little idealistic. Xiaoyao might not give himself such an opportunity, after all, he was actually very clear about what was important to the Federation.

But what Zhao Guanwu said in front of Xiaoyao was very reasonable. Since taking Xiaoyao as a teacher had the possibility of advancing to Rank Ⅴ, then the risks, which might not all be real, actually didn't seem so bad, and in fact, if he had "confidence," then using the Federation to deal with Xiaoyao was actually a reasonable final resort.

It was just a pity that the premise for this statement to be meaningful was that Ma En himself had no way to advance, but unfortunately, he was one of the very few exceptions.

In reality, Ma En showed a struggling expression after Zhao Guanwu finished speaking, but after a few seconds, he slowly calmed down, and then, still maintaining his previous firmness, said:

"What you said makes some sense, but I still need to think about it carefully. In the face of such a proposal, I can't and am unwilling to give an answer hastily. Give me some time and space to think about it.

"Don't worry, I will give you an answer sooner or later."

Having said that, Shadow and Zhao Guanwu had nothing more to say. As for Shen Zongdao, Tang Xueluan, and Kania, it wasn't appropriate for them to speak at the moment—although they all had things weighing on their minds at this moment.

And the protagonist of this matter, Xiaoyao, also walked towards Ma En, and then looked at him sincerely and said:

"I know you must be wondering if I want to avenge Du Jin, and I understand that you don't understand our concepts and culture. You can't understand why I would be angry at Du Jin's murderous behavior, but that's not important to you and me.

"The reason why I want to take you as a disciple is very simple. You are the most talented young man I have seen since I entered this world, and you also have a physique that is extremely suitable for cultivating and inheriting my skills, not to mention your outstanding character.

"You once followed that innate demon god whom the Federation was wary of without hesitation, and I have also heard of her ideas. To be honest, in a place like yours where etiquette and music have collapsed, she has a more noble character than many disciples and grandmasters of famous sects, so simply following her and starting a war with the Federation is enough for me to believe in your character.

"Others may think that your behavior in front of Divine Firmament just now was a bit embarrassing, but I can feel that you behaved like this only because you are kind by nature and a bit confused due to your experience, but this is exactly the virtue that I value.

"If you can't speak in front of her today, then you won't be able to do evil deeds like deceiving your master and destroying your ancestors in the future.

"Therefore, you are a young talent with outstanding talent and excellent character, while my incompetent disciple Du Jin is a mediocre and despicable villain who would kill his opponent in sparring. Do you think I would retaliate against you for Du Jin?

"I heard from the people of the Federation that you want that anti-mind metal. As long as you are willing to become my disciple, that will be your apprentice gift, and you will never lack natural treasures in the future. Your teacher can personally forge a life-protecting magic weapon for you, how about it?"

Faced with the enthusiastic Xiaoyao, Ma En's choice was to take two steps back slightly:

"Thank you for your appreciation, but I really can't agree to you immediately. I have already decided to live an ordinary life, which is why I came to seek the protection of the Federation. I really can't make up my mind…"

Seeing this, Xiaoyao didn't chase after him to become his disciple:

"What I cultivate is the Way of Xiaoyao. If you become a disciple, you don't need to care about anything, just focus on cultivation. But I won't force a fate that can't be achieved. Since you haven't made up your mind, then think about it carefully.

"But if you have some doubts, you can directly come to my residence to take a look. Maybe seeing it with your own eyes can dispel your doubts."

Ma En nodded:

"If I have time, I will definitely come to visit."

Since Xiaoyao didn't intend to let him go, then he couldn't really just avoid it, and if he could obtain the Overturning Sea Scepter according to the original plan, he might not be able to cope with potential conspiracies.

Seeing this, the others didn't say anything more. Shadow and Zhao Guanwu didn't show their true thoughts. Kania looked at him with a bit more curiosity, as if she wanted to know what Ma En was thinking.

And Shen Zongdao also nodded at him with a smile. He was actually a bit gloating over Ma En's refusal. Although he, as a member of the Federation, couldn't stop this, he certainly didn't want to see Ma En get the anti-mind metal in his heart.

If he really became a disciple of Xiaoyao, then the Shu family's power in the Rongbang faction would increase again.

As for Xiaoyao's longevity technology, it wasn't that important in Shen Zongdao's eyes. After all, Ma En not joining his sect didn't mean that the Federation wouldn't be able to obtain longevity technology from Xiaoyao again in the future. Of course, this was also because he was still young.

In fact, he didn't even expect that Ma En would really disagree with this request. If Ma En accepted, then Shen Zongdao felt that he might not even be qualified to cause him trouble again, but if Ma En really refused, then he probably wouldn't be able to get the anti-mind metal again.

Ma En would make this decision either out of stupidity or cowardice.

Anyway, Shen Zongdao felt that if he were in Ma En's position, he would definitely not let go of this opportunity to advance to Rank Ⅴ.

"Let's go too," Tang Xueluan said after they had all left, and glanced at him somewhat obscurely.

'You seem to have something to say,' Ma En established a telepathic channel.

Tang Xueluan replied in her heart:

'Sorry, I couldn't say it just now, but actually they have already discussed it, which is to let me inform you that the Federation will not let you obtain the anti-mind metal under the original conditions, even if our Shu family uses its own connections and resources.

'This was first proposed by Shen Zongdao, but I think they also know deep down—you obviously want the anti-mind metal very much, so much so that you betrayed Divine Firmament to come here, so they plan to use this weakness of yours to "force" you to accept Xiaoyao's invitation.

'If you really want to refuse me, I can refuse them forcefully for you, but this will definitely anger many ability users in the Federation, and I guess Shen Zongdao was already expecting your refusal when he said this.

'Because if you still want to get the anti-mind metal, you must at least let the Federation obtain the same benefits as now, in other words, we will have to pay a huge price, but your vigilance is not without reason.

'So the final choice is in your hands.'

Faced with her sincere words, Ma En only replied:

'I think we need to talk about this again.'

Open code~