Maya was startled for a moment.

She awkwardly took two steps forward and stood next to Alex. She then reached out and gently held his arm and dubiously asked, “What does the sect master want from me?”

Alba looked at Maya carefully with a strange expression. “You are Maya Howards?” she asked. “Great. You have a decent aptitude, which matches the temperament of the Snow Dragon Valley. My sect master has taken fancy on you, so she would like you to join Snow Dragon Valley and become her disciple.”

A suppressed laugh escaped Maya.

However, she then refused. “Sorry, I’m not interested.”

Alba went on, “The Snow Dragon Valley has accumulated rich inheritance over ten millennia. Ordinary sects can’t be compared to us. If we were to start a real fight, the Returning Sword Sect might not be a match for the Snow Dragon Valley. It will be in your best interest with your talent and spiritual roots if you join. Besides, you will become the master’s disciple. How dare you refuse?”

Maya still sh