"So good that I don’t even know how to properly praise it..."
Zhang Lan thought quietly to himself, then continued:
"But your Spiritual Root, as well as your physique, are indeed... less than desirable..."
Zhang Lan spoke somewhat euphemistically, but Mo Hua could tell by his expression that when he said "less than desirable," he really meant "much less than desirable."
However, Mo Hua didn’t blame him; those who know themselves are wise. He was aware that his Spiritual Root and physique were indeed his weak points.
After Zhang Lan finished saying these things, he changed his tone and said:
"This is an invitation from the Taoist Court, whether to go or not is up to you. The following is my effort on behalf of the Zhang Family to recruit you..."
Zhang Lan was straightforward, listing some conditions: including the status the Zhang Family would give him, what future prospects he would have, what inheritance he would receive in Formation, and so on.
"And about marriage, if you choose to stay with the Zhang Family, it’s likely that marriage will be inevitable."
"But if it’s a regular marriage, your partner can only be found among the collateral branches, and the children would carry your surname."
"However, if you’re willing to marry into the family, you could wed a direct line female disciple. You and your future children would have to change your name, but in return, the family would treat you as one of their own, and you would truly become a person of the Zhang Family..."
...
Zhang Lan explained everything about joining a family in great detail to Mo Hua.
After speaking, Zhang Lan shifted his tone, "These are the responsibilities I bear as a disciple of the Zhang Family and the words I should say..."
"The following words are my personal advice to you."
Looking at Mo Hua with a serious expression, Zhang Lan said:
"Do not marry into a family. Unless it’s an absolute last resort, do not cling to a clan!"
"Marrying into a family is like abandoning your surname and losing your self to expedite your rise to success... Unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s better not to do so."
"If you don’t marry in, relying on your own abilities, the Cultivation World is vast with endless possibilities. But if you wed into a Noble Clan, you’ll be stepping into a stagnant pond with unfathomable depths."
"Better to be a wandering crane in the clouds, than a dragon trapped in stagnant waters."
"What’s more, in my eyes, there isn’t a family worthy of you marrying in, and that includes my Zhang Family!"
Mo Hua was surprised; he hadn’t expected Zhang Lan to value him so highly, and he felt thankful for Zhang Lan’s kindness.
As Mo Hua gradually firmed up his decision to never join a Noble Clan or marry into one, who knew Zhang Lan would again change the direction of the conversation:
"Of course, if you really want to marry in, it should still be with my Zhang Family..."
Mo Hua looked at him with a complex expression.
Zhang Lan said helplessly, "Why let the good water flow into someone else’s field..."
"Isn’t what you’re saying a bit improper..." Mo Hua responded, somewhat speechless.
Zhang Lan waved his hand, "These are trifles, as long as the intention is clear, don’t mind the details."
"If it really doesn’t work out, then you can settle for the next best thing... and even further down the line, you can consider the Yang Family..."
Zhang Lan’s expression showed a hint of disdain.
Mo Hua asked, puzzled, "Is there some kind of feud between the Zhang and Yang Families?"
"The Zhang Family and the Yang Family have a very good relationship. It’s just me and that kid Yang Jiyong who don’t get along."
Zhang Lan spoke earnestly, "Disciples of the Yang Family are brave and good at fighting, veterans of the battlefield, and they are worthy of respect..."
"Except for that kid Yang Jiyong..."
"With your mastery of Formation, you could indeed make a name for yourself on the battlefield. Joining the Yang Family and having their support could make you very successful in the Taoist Soldiers Court."
"Only, campaigning with the Taoist Soldiers is much harder and far more dangerous."
"Think it over on your own..."
After saying this, Zhang Lan also advised Mo Hua to consider it carefully, not to rush his decision, and then swiftly finished his meat and drink and stood up to take his leave.
He was a Supervisor in the Taoist Court. Although he could usually slack off, now that Feng Xi had appeared in this world and the cultivators were migrating, he had much to attend to.
Zhang Lan bid farewell to Mo Hua and left.
But as he took his leave, he looked back at the eatery and couldn’t help feeling a bit heavy-hearted.
Coming here to eat and drink had become a habit for him.
After the migration, he too would have to leave.
As a disciple of a Noble Clan, he couldn’t follow the Loose Cultivators of Tongxian City; it was very likely he would return to his family or seek another position with brighter prospects.
After his departure, he might never experience this simple and noisy atmosphere again.
He might never taste this food and drink again, nor might he have another small Cultivator like Mo Hua to share light-hearted banter with...