Before having a private talk with Ling Feng, King of North of the River specifically consulted Ao Dagang, Marquis Zhuge, and Huo Guoqiong, even Guo Wei and others.
He asked them the reasons why Ling Feng rejected them.
And what kind of tone and attitude they used to try to take Ling Feng as a student.
He found a common point: Ao Dagang and othersā method of taking disciples was disconnected from reality. They didnāt find what Ling Feng truly wanted in his heart, nor did they give Ling Feng the hope of obtaining it.
Especially Ao Dagang, who even tried to use the Spiritual Domain to force Ling Feng to agree. It was simply too overbearing, easily provoking Ling Fengās rebellious nature.
Hence, when King of North of the River asked Ling Feng whether he was willing to become his disciple, he did not pressure him or use Mental Telekinesis to control Ling Feng as if he were a puppet, forcing him to kneel down and accept him as a teacher.
Instead, he asked Ling Feng in a peaceful manner.
And said to become a Realm Traveler together with him.
As the top powerhouse of Jiangbei Province, King of North of the River clearly understands that to win over young talents like Ling Feng, whatās most important is to engage him actively and show him the value.
Realm Traveler is the embodiment of value, and itās the power Ling Feng longs for the most right now.
Become a Realm Traveler with meānot only does this phrase have engagement, but it also lets Ling Fengās imagination soar. Their relationship is both mentor and friend, respecting Ling Feng while fulfilling himself.
Hence, King of North of the River is full of confidence.
His eyes are filled with anticipation, and he looks at Ling Feng with a broad grin.
"You are the top powerhouse of Jiangbei Province; countless people would break their heads trying to land in your door. Working with you to protect Jiangbei Province is already a blessing beyond measure for me. To actually take you as a teacher is something I dare not even dream of. To be frank, if youāre willing to take disciples, not just me, but even geniuses from first or second-tier provinces, would queue up to find you."
Ling Feng said earnestly and enthusiastically.
"Hahaha, so would you be willing to accept me as your teacher?"
Even though King of North of the River keeps a calm demeanor, inside his mind, thereās a part that canāt help but swell with pride. His delighted smile reveals pride uncontained by Ling Fengās flattery, making him ask again eagerly.
"Certainly not keen!"
Ling Feng chuckled.
"What?"
King of North of the Riverās smile froze.
"Youāre a Destruction Mentalist, the top powerhouse of Jiangbei Province. Being able to learn from you would be a blessing for three lifetimes. But my aptitude is dull, and I canāt bear the honor of your reputation. I... am not worthy!"
Ling Feng lamented, holding his heart.
"Why, you refuse me and yet you feel afflicted?"
King of North of the River restrained himself.
"In short, I canāt besmirch your reputation."
Ling Feng clasped his hands as if praying.
"I, Zhao Kuo, care little for reputation; you can dishonor it freely. Iāll ask you againādo you want to accept me as your teacher?"
King of North of the River said angrily.
Feeling like heās being played by Ling Feng.
"You could beat me to death, and still I wouldnāt want it."
Ling Feng said decisively.
"You... do you think Iām not worthy?"
King of North of the River wished he could thrust his hand into Ling Fengās mind to see whatās inside.
Regardless, Zhao Kuo is currently the top in Jiangbei Province. Being refused by a Martial Dao student is quite embarrassing, especially when tonightās ceremony to accept Ling Feng as a disciple is known by Ao Dagang and others, who are already preparing the mentorship ceremony and have even spread the news to prevent others from fighting for him.
Now, with Ling Feng refusing, how is he supposed to face everyone?
"I donāt mean that. But as you know, the relationship between master and student relies on fate. They say both mentor and friend. If mentorship doesnāt happen, being friends is also nice, unless you feel Iām not worthy of being your friend."
Ling Feng explained.
"You... your words are sharper than Old Sixās."
King of North of the River felt helplessāhe couldnāt very well just kill Ling Feng with one blow!
"Zhao, you can rest assured that no matter whose door I enter in the future, I will never forget Jiangbei Provinceās nurtures and will find ways to continue contributing to Jiangbei Province and humanity. So I hope with this matter you wonāt trouble me."
Ling Feng said with his arm around King of North of the Riverās shoulder.
After all, this is a big shotāthey canāt be turned into enemies.
"Alright, if youāre not willing, I canāt force you, only... sigh, let it be."
King of North of the River felt helpless, his face full of disappointment as he turned to leave.
"Zhao, could you tell me more about how Mental Telekinesis can assist in nurturing Spiritual Roots in the future?"
Ling Feng knew he couldnāt let King of North of the River leave right now.
If the person turns out to have a petty mind, heād be in trouble later on. So seizing this opportunity, chatting a little more allows easing tensions while giving him compliments, making sure the latter leaves believing their fate hasnāt aligned, rather than considering him insensible.
"Fine, then Iāll discuss carefully with you."
Thinking of the contributions Ling Feng made for Jiangbei Province, King of North of the River sat back down.
[You refused to join King of North of the Riverās tutelage, practiced Coast Along, and earned 21,211 points of Coasting Along Value.]
At this moment, a line appeared before him.
Seeing over twenty thousand points of Coasting Along Value, Ling Feng couldnāt contain his grin. He expected rejecting King of North of the River might earn over ten thousand points, but didnāt imagine it would exceed twenty thousand.
This was truly a fortune.
The largest Coasting Along Value gained in history.
Even beats Ao Dagang and Guo Wei combined by far.
Indeed looking up to Jiangbei Provinceās top powerhouse, the only Destruction Mentalist.