"So, I want to give you the opportunity to serve me. What do you say?"

Hank was stunned by the unexpected proposal. He expected insults, maybe even a slap or a kick— but a job offer? From Tony?!

His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. ’Is this some kind of trap?’

Tony was arrogant, domineering, and treated others like dirt under his boots.

He wasn’t the kind of person who offered opportunities— especially not to beggar like him.

"I... I appreciate Young Master Tony’s offer," Hank said slowly, choosing his words with care. "But I wouldn’t be able to fulfill your expectations."

It was a polite rejection—but a rejection nonetheless. Some nearby spectators gasped.

"He actually declined?"

"Is Hank tired of living?"

"No matter what, this is a good opportunity for him.

"Oh? So you’re rejecting me?" Tony turned around without waiting for a reply, his robes fluttering as he walked away like nothing had happened.

Hank ’s heart skipped a beat. But as he watched Tony 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— Tony stopped in his tracks.

"Are you sure you want to reject me?" He asked again.

Hank didn’t raise his head. "I really won’t be able to do it. Please... find someone else."

The crowd watching held their breath.

"He’s done for."

"Why would he say no again? He’s practically asking to get killed."

"A beggar dared to refuse Tony? He better be prepared for what’s coming."

Everyone believed Hank would suffer now. After all, with all the rumors going around, Tony was not the type to take rejection lightly. The fate of those who did often ended worse than stray dogs.

Tony turned fully this time, facing Hank once more.

"Then how about this... I’ll offer you something no one else in this Academy will... An Earth Grade weapon crafting Method!"

A stunned silence fell over the courtyard.

The words "Earth Grade weapon crafting Method" struck like a bolt of lightning.

The disciples who had been whispering moments ago were frozen in disbelief.

"Earth Grade...? Did I hear that right?"

"That can’t be true. Although the Clark family has Earth Grade weapon crafting Methods, those are reserved for their elites. How can the Tony be allowed to give one to another? He would instantly be expelled even if he was an heir!"

"He’s definitely bluffing. It has to be a trick."

Hank ’s eyes widened ever so slightly. His heart, which had been full of suspicion and caution, now trembled for a different reason.

Earth Grade weapon crafting Methods weren’t just rare— they were mythical.

In the entire Heaven Sword Sect, even inner disciples only had access to Human Grade.

Core disciples might have access to Peak Human Grade, but Earth Grade weapon crafting Method? Only disciples with powerful backgrounds or the Academy Leader and the next Leader— would ever see such things.

As for the Heaven Grade weapon crafting method, no one in the Earth possesses which means Earth-Grade is the highest grade for weapon crafting method.

But Tony... he was claiming he had one in his possession and was willing to offer it to a beggar?

What... kind of game is he playing?

Hank didn’t speak. He couldn’t. He was still trying to process whether Tony was insane, lying, or actually... serious.

Tony stepped closer, his tone calm but carrying the weight of utter confidence.

"Not only that, I promise that you will get every resource you need for cultivation." He then proceeded to take something out of his storage ring.

"Here! I’ll give you this as a present for our first meeting."

Tony tossed a jade bottle containing best quality life energy Pills, all of high quality.

Hank caught the jade bottle and immediately recognized what pills they were.

There were at least twenty of them... each of unusually high quality.

Though Tony didn’t think much of them, it was different for others... especially Hank , who had no background.

Hank couldn’t believe his eyes for a second... With those pills,he definitely became a cultivator. In the next sect assessment, he might even have a chance to become the outer disciple of Nine Lotus Academy.

However, he also knew that nothing came free in this world. There had to be appropriate compensation.

"Young Master, this is too much. I can’t accept it!" Suppressing his desire, Hank declined the offer.

Anyone could see that Tony was going far and beyond for just a servant which confused everyone.

Was Hank really that valuable?

"Hank , think carefully," Tony said. "Serving me will bring you benefits far beyond what you can imagine. As for those pills— you can keep them, whether or not you agree to serve me."

Tony didn’t want to push too hard. That would make things too suspicious— though he figured his offer was already suspicious enough.

Still, if not today... Perhaps Hank might change his mind in the future.

Even if that weren’t the case, those pills would still be valuable to Hank and enough to place him in his debt. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Hank was still deep in thought. Those pills alone would be a tremendous help.

And if Tony was telling the truth, and Hank could practice crafting with an Earth Grade weapon crafting Method, then becoming an outer disciple of the Nine Lotus Academy would be a simple matter.

"Think about it," Tony added. "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life scrubbing stone paths for scraps while others cultivate their way to immortality?"

Hank ’s fingers tightened around the jade bottle.

Nothing came free. This was too generous... too strange. An Earth Grade weapon crafting Method? Dozens of high-quality pills?

This was beyond anything he had ever dared to hope for... There had to be a catch. But even with all the doubt gnawing at his heart... part of him wanted to believe.

He had dreamed of becoming a powerful cultivator and make his Titan lineage survive.

He’d worked tirelessly, hoping for just one opportunity to change his fate.

And now... it was here.

"If I agree, what exactly would I be expected to do?" Hank asked.

"I only expect loyalty." Tony said curtly.

Hank ’s gaze sharpened. ’Loyalty, huh?’

He wasn’t stupid. Tony wasn’t doing this out of kindness— he wanted something in return.

But if that something didn’t involve his life... and if it could change his destiny... "Alright," Hank said after a long pause. "I’ll serve you, Young Master Tony."

Tony smiled as the system quest bar moved.