'He must have caused her a lot of suffering.'
The more he thought about it, the more dissatisfied he became.
"I understand your feelings," Zhu Shan said. "But I refuse."
Ye Chen's expression changed immediately.
"Why?"
Her voice carried a hint of urgency.
Zhu Shan shook his head.
"Not everyone can cultivate," he said. "It depends on talent. And more importantly, I have to follow the sect's rules. I cannot teach cultivation to outsiders."
Ye Chen didn't give up.
"I can join your sect," she said quickly.
Zhu Shan looked at her again.
This time, his tone turned more serious.
"Joining the sect is not that simple," he said. "You would have to leave the secular world behind. Until you reach a certain level, you won't be allowed to return."
He paused slightly before continuing.
"Family. Friends. And everything you have."
"Can you give all of that up?" His question was direct. Which also probed her attitude.
He expected hesitation.
