Recruitment

Shu Wei clearly could not hide the obvious, so he just guided the Moon Valley guests and showed them around the place.

And every time they would stop by a spot, Shu Wei would introduce them to the member of his family in-charge of the place and prensented them any addition or improvements in the plateau.

The four guests were awestruck when they got to the Treasury Hall. Even their beloved Moon village didn't have one.

But when they chanced upon the northwing of the plateau, they felt confused at the sight of the 'tamed' beasts. They could not seem to reconcile why would a family of cultivators make a livestock of 'mortal' beasts.

But even before they had a chance to ask, Shu Wei already took the opportunity to explain.

"All of these developments are all Little Qai's ideas," he said. "I never asked what these wild beasts are for.. but I just felt that my son has a great foresight.. better than mine at least.."

Shu Wei sighed obviously embarrassed.

"So whatever he's planning," he said, "I am just as curious as everybody else.. but so far, he has done nothing bad."

"Ah," the chief remarked, "that reminds me.. we came here for your son."

'Oh no,' Shu Wei said to himself, 'don't tell me your marrying off one of your own to my son as well.'

"You see..," the chief went on, "I heard a lot of interesting things about your son.. and I'm quite curious about him as well.. so.. we came here because we'd like to talk to him.."

"Please Shu Wei," Elder Lu interjected, "we don't have any ill intention with our purpose of coming here.. truly we're here just to speak with Shu Qai."

Shu Wei saw the look of seriousness in his guests faces so he just gave in to their request.

"Well," he said. "It's not like I intend to selfishly hide my son from anyone.. so.. why don't we save the chat in the hall.."

He then gestured as if asking the guests to go ahead first.

"My eldest son's alchemist wife brews a great tea you know."

***************

Inside the lobby of the manor, the said nutricious tea made out of special herbs was served.

"You are not recruiting my son in my stead, are you?" Shu Wei asked them right on their faces.

The Moon Village guests were not offended in the slightest by his words. In fact, that was indirectly part of their intention.

"Not necessarily!" The chief quipped.

"Eh!?"

"While that idea would definitely be great," the village chief explained, "..it is not like we can simply take Shu Qai and purposely bring him with us."

"Ahem," Elder Lu mumbled, "we're simply here to see him actually.. and to know him more.. and perhaps make some connections."

Right there and then, Qai together with Shandian made an appearance and started to greet and talk with the guests. He was, on the other hand, introduced to Elder Lu's nephew and found Su Yu to be quite intriguing—particularly his Metal elemental affinity and crafting skill.

Obviously, Qai was still young to know all the elemental attributes and cultivation paths available in the world so it always astonished him everytime he was able to learn something new.

The guests this time found that all the recent buzz about Qai were not only true but that the more they conversed with him, the more they were amazed. To them, it was a feeling of respect and envy at the same time.

"So tell us Shu Qai," the village chief asked, clearly driving at the main agendum, "we would like to make 'friends' with you.. what can we do to accomplish that?"

"I don't know about that," Qai answered.

"Father is already aquainted with all of you," he continued, "..so I don't see any reason why would I not to do the same?"

"Ho ho ho.. indeed.. indeed..," the village chief remarked but deep within himself mere aquaintance was wanting.

"I am well aware how you tried to recruit my father in the past.. but..," Qai described and paused as he already deduced the intentions of Moon Village.

Everyone held their breaths and waited what words would come out from Qai's lips.

"But like my father," he said, "I would like to mantain neutrality at least with respect to the two villages surrounding our terrain.."

Everyone was speechless.

"Instead of recruiting me to your fold, why not we recruit one of you to our family?" Qai suddenly said and intentionally looked at Su Yu.

The Moon village guests and also his father were all taken aback by what he said—obviously they did not see it coming.

'Shu Qai's foresight knows no bounds,' Elder Lu thought.

He instantly sensed that Qai was referring to his nephew and found it right when Qai confirmed it with the next words.

"Allow us to have Su Yu join us..," Qai continued obviously not done exposing his intentions, "..and let our family take care of him and his cultivation."

"What say you, Elder Lu?"