Lin Xuan was surprised to see the infamous young master of the Bai Clan—the one everyone in the sect had been talking about recently.
Although he was just a handyman, that didn’t mean he was ignorant of the rumors and news that circulated in the sect, especially when most disciples were constantly discussing it.
(Is the young master coming toward me?)
He grew nervous as he noticed Bai Zihan heading in his direction. After all, there were plenty of rumors about how Bai Zihan mistreated servants.
The closer Bai Zihan came, the more certain Lin Xuan became that the young master was indeed coming for him.
(Did I offend him somehow?)
Lin Xuan thought nervously.
But he quickly dismissed the idea—he had been doing nothing but the most menial tasks for the Heaven Sword Sect’s disciples.
If he had offended someone like Bai Zihan, he would definitely remember.
So his next conclusion was simple: Bai Zihan was coming to bully him. Just like some other disciples did.
What he didn’t expect was that the infamous young master would begin targeting him the moment he arrived at the sect.
Lin Xuan braced himself for the worst.
However, despite waiting for quite some time, Bai Zihan didn’t do anything. He just stood there, staring at him.
(Is there something wrong with him?)
It was the first thought that popped into Lin Xuan’s mind as Bai Zihan silently stood before him, saying nothing.
Bai Zihan was sizing up Lin Xuan—someone who could potentially be an enemy... or perhaps an ally.
There was no sign of animosity from Lin Xuan, and there shouldn’t have been any grudge between them.
However, Bai Zihan wondered—since he was a villain, perhaps by Heaven’s will—whether Lin Xuan might harbor some natural resentment or hidden grudge against him.
But there was nothing like that, at least for now.
What he did notice, though, was that Lin Xuan seemed somewhat afraid of him—not to the point of cowering, but there was definitely caution and a certain... persistence in his gaze.
A quiet refusal to bend completely.
That alone made Lin Xuan different from most handymen. Normally, they would either run away or bow immediately upon seeing him.
(Indeed, a protagonist!)
Just their presence was quite different from others.
Of course, Bai Zihan wasn’t going to do anything that would make Lin Xuan resent him.
If he had concluded that Lin Xuan was a threat, perhaps he would’ve—but for now, there was no need.
(Now, how shall I win over Lin Xuan?)
As that thought occupied him, he remained standing still, which only made it look like he was silently staring at Lin Xuan for no reason.
After thinking about it, Bai Zihan decided that for now, he would like to bring Lin Xuan by his side.
This was the first protagonist he had encountered, and he neither knew what to expect nor had a clear plan.
If it turned out to be pointless trying to bring a protagonist to his side, then he’d know not to bother with the others in the future.
Besides, Lin Xuan was weak right now—but that might not be the case for other protagonists he would meet later.
It was better to use this opportunity to understand what it meant to be Heaven’s Chosen and figure out how to deal with them—starting with Lin Xuan.
Bai Zihan finally asked after a long silence.
Lin Xuan nodded stiffly.
"I heard from Chu Ziyan that you’re the most hardworking handyman of the Heaven Sword Sect," Bai Zihan continued—with a lie, of course.
"I’m missing someone to look after my courtyard. So, I want to give you the opportunity to serve me. What do you say?"
Lin Xuan was immediately shocked—he hadn’t expected anything like that.
And the other disciples around were equally stunned.
"What? Bai Zihan wants Lin Xuan to serve him?"
"Damn! What arrogance. Does he think this is the Bai Clan, where he can do whatever he wants?"
"It hasn’t even been one full day, and he already wants a servant?"
Bai Zihan, meanwhile, was thinking that by keeping Lin Xuan close, he could keep an eye on him.
And perhaps, if fate truly favored Lin Xuan, he might be able to intercept an opportunity meant for him.
Lin Xuan was stunned by the unexpected proposal—and by the unexpected reason for Bai Zihan approaching him.
He had braced himself for insults, maybe even a slap or a kick—but a job offer? From Bai Zihan?
His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.
(What is going on? Is this some kind of trap?)
He had heard the rumors—everyone in the sect had.
Bai Zihan was arrogant, domineering, and treated others like dirt under his boots.
He wasn’t the kind of person who offered opportunities—especially not to handymen like him.
(He’s probably just looking for another lackey to torment.)
After all, he was parentless and had no background—a perfect target. And even if someone did torment him, who would speak up for him?
Bai Zihan’s expression remained calm—maybe even polite—but Lin Xuan couldn’t shake the sense of danger.
He lowered his head slightly, trying to avoid direct eye contact.
(If I say no, he might get angry... but if I say yes, I might end up suffering even worse.)
A bead of sweat slid down his temple.
He didn’t expect to be so unlucky that Bai Zihan would target him the moment he arrived at the sect.
"I... I appreciate Young Master Bai’s offer,"
Lin Xuan said slowly, choosing his words with care.
"But I already have many tasks assigned by the inner disciples. I wouldn’t be able to fulfill your expectations."
It was a polite rejection—but a rejection nonetheless.
Some nearby handymen gasped softly.
"He actually declined?"
"Is Lin Xuan tired of living?"
"No matter what, this is a good opportunity for him..."
Even though they were fellow handymen, they knew that if Lin Xuan didn’t accept, Bai Zihan might pick someone else—maybe even them.
And although the Heaven Sword Sect didn’t force handymen to serve disciples, it was a different matter when someone backed by the powerful Bai Clan gave an order.
Who knew what would happen if they refused Bai Zihan?
They didn’t want to serve him either, especially after all the rumors about how he treated others.
So, they silently hoped Lin Xuan would accept and take the hit for them.
Bai Zihan smiled faintly—not in anger. He had already expected a possible rejection. After all, he was aware of his own reputation.
But he still had other ways to make Lin Xuan accept.
"Oh? So you’re rejecting me?"
He turned around without waiting for a reply, his robes fluttering as he walked away like nothing had happened.
Lin Xuan’s heart skipped a beat. But as he watched Bai Zihan leave, he felt a hint of relief, thinking the trouble might be over.
Just when he thought the infamous young master would let it go—
Bai Zihan stopped in his tracks.
The air around them shifted slightly, as if even the wind paused to see what would happen next.
Then, Bai Zihan turned his head halfway, his voice calm and sharp like a blade wrapped in silk.
"Are you sure you want to reject me?"
Lin Xuan didn’t raise his head. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"...I really won’t be able to do it. Please... find someone else."
(Why is Young Master Bai Zihan so insistent? There must be some kind of scheme here.)
The crowd watching held their breath. Some shook their heads.
"Why would he say no again? He’s practically asking to get killed."
"A handyman dared to refuse Bai Zihan? He better be prepared for what’s coming."
Everyone believed Lin Xuan would suffer now.
After all, with all the rumors going around, Bai Zihan was not the type to take rejection lightly.
The fate of those who did often ended worse than stray dogs.
Bai Zihan turned fully this time, facing Lin Xuan once more.
His next words weren’t loud, but they cut through the courtyard like a cold breeze.
"Then how about this—"
He stepped forward again, just enough to bridge the gap between them.
"I’ll offer you something no one else in this sect will. Not even the Sect Leader."
The crowd’s whispers fell silent.
Even Lin Xuan looked up, eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion.
Everyone knew Bai Zihan was arrogant—but this arrogant?
The Sect Leader of the Heaven Sword Sect was one of the strongest cultivators in the Desolate Heaven Empire, leading the most powerful sect.
How could someone like Bai Zihan—still a junior—have something the Sect Leader couldn’t offer?
Even Bai Tianheng, Bai Clan Leader wouldn’t be able to utter such nonsense.
Many including Lin Xuan already thought that Bai Zihan was bluffing and trying to trick Lin Xuan with words.
Bai Zihan didn’t care about what they were thinking and continued as he muttered.
"An Earth Grade Cultivation Method!"