Lin Xiao was momentarily speechless, somewhat surprised that these sects were all vying to recruit him.
However, upon reflection, it made sense.
He was the top performer at the Southeast Region Youth Gathering and had entered the Shengshi Temple. With such achievements, even if he couldn’t become a figure like Dongfang Kaiyuan or Sikong Jian, he likely wouldn’t fall far behind.
Regardless of his future, the treasures he obtained from the Shengshi Temple would surely tempt the sects present.
Even if their recruitment wasn’t sincere, once he joined a sect, the treasures he possessed would likely become theirs.
It seemed these sects had a similar approach to other youths: if they couldn’t be used, their gains would be taken.
Thus, they adopted an “all are welcome” attitude to recruit them.
With the reputation of the eight major sects, and with no Martial Emperors from other families currently present, plus countless eyes watching, many youths without strong backing would likely choose to join the eight major sects.
However, the Burial Sect was notably absent.
“Choose the most suitable sect to join first. With all the Martial Emperors entering the Holy Emperor Ruins, the coming days won’t be peaceful,” Lin Xiao transmitted to Ling Hu and Ziling.
Both nodded, understanding the logic. The Wanxiang Pavilion could protect them temporarily, but not for long, especially after the Martial Emperors of the eight major sects appeared.
Ling Hu was less of a concern, his appeal limited to what he gained in the Shengshi Temple.
Ziling, however, was different. With her Substitute Holy Spirit Vein, even the Martial Emperors of the eight major sects would likely stop at nothing to seize her.
At this moment, the crowd’s gazes were fixed on the fifteen people in front of the Shengshi Temple, curious about their choices.
Most eyes, however, were on Lin Xiao.
“Thank you for your kindness, seniors!”
Lin Xiao stepped forward, looked at Zhong Moyang of the Qianglong Sect, and said decisively, “Thank you, Elder Zhong. I am willing to join the Qianglong Sect!”
Joining the Qianglong Sect was something he had decided early on, and since the sect’s elder had spoken, he saw no need to beat around the bush.
Zhong Moyang’s face lit up with unconcealed joy. Stroking his beard, he said, “The Sect Leader’s efforts were not in vain, nor was my trip.”
Hearing Lin Xiao’s words, the other Martial Emperors who had tried to recruit him showed disappointment.
Some even had a cold glint in their eyes.
However, Lin Xiao’s choice was within their expectations, given that Dongfang Kaiyuan had once protected him.
“I am willing to join the Jiuxiao Sect!” Ling Hu declared straightforwardly.
“Excellent!” The Jiuxiao Sect’s Martial Emperor nodded approvingly, a pleased expression on his face.
“I am willing…” Ziling began, but at that moment, Shi Jindou’s voice interrupted, “Ziling, I have a friend in the Jiuxiao Sect, a sixth-grade senior Spirit Controller, absolutely trustworthy. Why not join the Jiuxiao Sect?”
“A sixth-grade senior Spirit Controller?” Ziling’s eyes scanned the surroundings, realizing something, and nodded, “Alright, I am willing to join the Jiuxiao Sect!”
As a Spirit Controller, it made little difference which sect she joined.
Originally, she had planned to join the Qianglong Sect with Lin Xiao.
But since the Jiuxiao Sect had a sixth-grade senior Spirit Controller, joining them would be the best choice.
For her, the assistance of a sixth-grade senior Spirit Controller would be immensely beneficial.
“Hahaha, welcome to you both!” The Jiuxiao Sect’s Martial Emperor was overjoyed, gaining two genius disciples, a significant achievement.
Moreover, with Ziling being a sixth-grade junior Spirit Controller, her joining would greatly benefit the Jiuxiao Sect.
“I am willing to join the Demon Sect!” Li Renchou spoke up.
Lin Xiao wasn’t surprised by Li Renchou’s choice.
With his Black Heavenly Demon Body and Black Demon Vision, joining the Demon Sect was his best option.
Thereafter, others began to speak.
Except for Sheng Li, all the non-sect youths chose to join one of the eight major sects.
Shi Jiuming of Baichuan Sea and Qiu Liao of Jinxuan Hall joined the Ling Jian Sect.
Qu Shang of Wanxiang Pavilion joined the Ming Sect, and Zhuang Yuan of Yunwu Tower joined the Juedao Sect.
Although these four were talents nurtured by the four major chambers, the chambers didn’t mind them joining the sects.
After all, no matter how wealthy the chambers were, they lacked Martial Emperors to guide these four, limiting their growth.
At a certain level, relying solely on external resources wasn’t enough.
They also knew that once these four grew stronger, they would repay the chambers.
At the very least, if the chambers needed help in the future, these four would spare no effort.
This was one reason why the four major chambers, despite lacking Martial Emperors, remained standing.
The chambers had connections or interests tied to too many people.
Yin Mu of the Yin Family chose to join the Evil Sect.
“If there’s nothing else, we’ll set off and return to the Qianglong Sect!” When Lin Xiao, Lu Chuyou, and Chen Long approached Zhong Moyang, he spoke to Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao nodded, first bowing to Shi Jindou and the Wanxiang Pavilion Master, “Pavilion Master Wan, Pavilion Master Shi, I will repay today’s kindness in the future!”
The Pavilion Master smiled, “Young friend Lin Xiao, you’re too kind. You won us the exclusive trade rights to a thousand cities.”
At these words, the faces of the other three major chambers darkened, regretting their participation in the bet.
“Good, kid, I’ll be waiting for your repayment!” Shi Jindou’s face broke into a sly, merchant-like grin.
Lin Xiao nodded, then turned to Ziling and Ling Hu, who stood beside the Jiuxiao Sect elder, “Take care of yourselves.”
“Heh, don’t worry. Next time we meet, I’ll give you a surprise!” Ling Hu grinned.
“I hope next time we meet, you’ll surprise me, hmm, by defeating Jian Wudi soon,” Ziling said to Lin Xiao.
Zhe Renfeng’s face darkened, a cold glint in his eyes.
“Don’t worry!” Lin Xiao glanced at Zhe Renfeng, “Jian Wudi, I’ll take him down sooner or later!”
The atmosphere grew tense.
“Hmph, overestimating yourself, just seeking death!” Zhe Renfeng snorted coldly, saying no more. Arguing with a junior wasn’t wise.
Most importantly, with Yang Xiu and Jian Wuqu dead by Lin Xiao’s hand, words were useless now.
Lin Xiao said no more, bidding farewell to Zijingchen, Ziling, and the others from their teams before boarding Zhong Moyang’s void ship, leaving Shengshi City.
The other youths departed one after another.
The most eventful Southeast Region Youth Gathering finally came to an end.
As for the city wager among the three major forces, it would have to wait until the Martial Emperors emerged.
The forces of various factions also left one by one, and the commotion in Shengshi City spread far and wide.
Soon, Shengshi City would likely be left with only the troubled Sheng Family.
Of course, many were watching the void ships departing Shengshi City. Seven Martial Emperors, each taking disciples from the Shengshi Temple, including Lin Xiao, the controversial top performer of the Southeast Region Youth Gathering, left many wondering what would happen next.
