Jiang Chen did not press the Grand Monarch in the Well.
This kind of opportunity — the Grand Monarch in the Well should be able to understand it. Once he accepted this opportunity, it would mean that he, just like the Peerless Grand Monarch, had been fully incorporated into Jiang Chen's ranks. There would be absolutely no turning back.
So Jiang Chen did not press. Instead, he waited for the Grand Monarch in the Well to make his choice.
The Grand Monarch in the Well understood perfectly well. He knew this was the olive branch Jiang Chen was extending to him. This opportunity — once he, the Grand Monarch in the Well, accepted it, he would have to follow Jiang Chen through life and death.
This was like the unspoken bond of inheritance between master and disciple. In the world of martial cultivation, no one could defy this rule.
Even if the Grand Monarch in the Well was a senior veteran and Jiang Chen was a young genius — Once the Grand Monarch in the Well accepted the opportunity bestowed by Jiang Chen, he would have to acknowledge himself as Jiang Chen's man. He would have to accept that from this day forward, he bore Jiang Chen's seal, and he would have to pledge his loyalty to Jiang Chen.
The tempest raging inside the Grand Monarch in the Well's heart continued to crash against his soul.
"Heaven-grade opportunity… I never imagined that at my age, I would receive such an opportunity. If I let it slip, it would be a lifetime of regret. If I seize it, then for the rest of my life, I must bear the mark of the Blissful Royal City and serve Young Master Jiang Chen with unwavering loyalty."
The Grand Monarch in the Well turned this matter over in his mind, weighing it deeply.
"I have lived to this age — what warmth and coldness of human relations have I not seen? What kind of person have I not encountered? The Peacock Grand Monarch of the Blissful Royal City, the Pill Supreme Grand Monarch of Pill Fire City — both were dazzling figures of the human domain, yet neither of them could compare to the surprises Young Master Jiang Chen has delivered. This young man, at such a tender age, has already stirred up such a grand vision. Given time, he will surely become a leader of the human race seen once in ten thousand years, perhaps once in a hundred thousand years. Would following such a person truly make this old face lose its luster?"
The Grand Monarch in the Well's vast experience spoke for itself. Calming his heart and thinking it over, he truly saw great potential in Jiang Chen. Moreover, he had never hidden his admiration for the young man.
Now, with this temptation laid before him, he truly found it difficult to refuse.
"Heaven-grade opportunity — perhaps some people would never encounter one in their entire lives, not even in ten lifetimes. If I miss this chance, I may never get another in this lifetime."
The Grand Monarch in the Well thought to himself: "That Peerless Grand Monarch — in just a few short years, he completed a qualitative leap. After breaking through, his strength showed signs of surpassing even mine. This proves that the opportunities gained from following Young Master Jiang Chen are truly not lacking."
At this thought, the last bit of hesitation in the Grand Monarch in the Well's heart slowly faded away.
Yes — he had made his decision.
"Young Master Jiang Chen, this Heavenly Kun Bloodline — this old man truly cannot refuse it." The Grand Monarch in the Well let out a soft sigh. "From this day forward, these old bones of mine belong to Young Master Jiang Chen. Whenever you need this old man to run errands, to risk his life — through mountains of blades and seas of fire, I will never refuse."
The Grand Monarch in the Well swore this oath, which meant he had accepted the olive branch Jiang Chen had extended.
Jiang Chen smiled leisurely and clapped his hands. "Grand Monarch in the Well, congratulations. A heaven-grade opportunity — in this world, most people are destined never to encounter one in their entire lives. I have three drops of Heavenly Kun Bloodline. The first two recipients were the Peacock Grand Monarch and the Peerless Grand Monarch. You, sir, are the third."
"What?" The Grand Monarch in the Well was somewhat surprised. "This old man is so honored?"
The Grand Monarch in the Well was genuinely taken aback. He had assumed that Jiang Chen might possess quite a few drops of the Heavenly Kun Bloodline. He had not expected there to be only three.
And the three recipients shocked him.
The Peacock Grand Monarch was the ruler of the Blissful Royal City — receiving a drop was only natural.
The Peerless Grand Monarch had joined Jiang Chen's side early on. He and Jiang Chen were as close as brothers, and when Jiang Chen needed him, the Peerless Grand Monarch had done a great deal. So there was no surprise that he received a drop either.
But this last remaining drop — it had been given to him, the Grand Monarch in the Well. This left him deeply puzzled. After all, the Grand Monarch in the Well felt that, no matter how he ranked himself, he couldn't possibly come third in Jiang Chen's heart.
How could such an opportunity have been given to him?
Seeing the look of surprise on the Grand Monarch in the Well's face, Jiang Chen was not the least bit fazed.
"Brother Hui, you must be wondering — since the Heavenly Kun Bloodline is so rare, why was this third drop given to you?"
Jiang Chen asked with a smile.
The Grand Monarch in the Well chuckled, his weathered cheeks flushing slightly red. He had been thinking exactly this, and he hadn't expected Jiang Chen to see right through him.
"Young Master Jiang Chen's perception is extraordinary — this old man's petty thoughts cannot escape your notice." The Grand Monarch in the Well did not deny it.
Jiang Chen said meaningfully, "Among the Grand Monarchs of the Blissful Royal City, few possess cultivation that matches this bloodline. Grand Monarch Nian is closest in strength, but his temperament is fated to be incompatible with this drop of Heavenly Kun Bloodline. The Coiling Dragon Grand Monarch and the Nirvana Grand Monarch, whom I admire most, will have their own opportunities in the future. The timing of this Heavenly Kun Bloodline is not quite right for them."
"As for the remaining candidates, the most likely choice would have been the Jiao brothers of Huaishan. However, with only one drop left, giving it to either of them would tear the brothers apart and damage the bond between them."
Hearing Jiang Chen's analysis, the Grand Monarch in the Well felt a wave of clarity wash over him.
But he still had one unanswered question: "Young Master Jiang Chen, if that is the case, why didn't you keep this drop of Heavenly Kun Bloodline for yourself?"