novelzi Chapter 78 Accepting a Master
Chapter 78 Accepting a Master
The moment Wen Ran knew he was safe, he moved quickly, his steps sure and confident as he reached the top. His eyes met the figure seated before him: an old man, sitting cross-legged, surrounded by an aura of fire that felt sacred, as if the flames themselves bent to the man's will. The energy radiating from him was unlike anything Wen Ran had encountered, its purity and power almost overwhelming.@@@@
"Congratulations, junior," the old man said, a smile stretching across his aged face. There was something in his eyes—a tinge of madness, but also something more. A vitality that seemed impossible for a man of his age. "You have successfully passed my trial and become my third disciple in this lifetime."
Wen Ran's heart sank. When did I agree to become your disciple? he cursed inwardly, but the words never left his lips. Instead, he knelt before the old man, bowing deeply with the utmost respect. It was a traditional gesture, one that recognized the master-disciple relationship. Once a disciple accepted a master, the bond was like that of a father to a child. Wen Ran wasn't willing, but he understood the weight of this moment. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and refusing it would only hinder his growth.
Even if he had his doubts about this old man, Wen Ran knew that learning from him would make him stronger. And that strength was something he desperately needed.
Because Wen Ran could feel it in the old man, the power he possessed was endless, boundless, and unmistakably profound. Despite his age, this man radiated the presence of a true expert. It was the kind of power that Wen Ran longed for, the kind that could bend the very elements to his will. What Wen Ran lacked most was the understanding of the elements, and it was here that the old man could teach him everything he needed. Yet, there was more that caught Wen Ran's attention.
Beside the old man sat a small pill furnace. The moment Wen Ran saw it, everything clicked into place, and he immediately understood. This person would not only teach him about the elements but would likely train him in the ancient art of pill concoction.
I must learn this, Wen Ran thought, his mind racing. The ability to create powerful pills will let me exploit the system, especially if I can learn to make pills that restore the years I've lost. And those who master pill concoction are some of the wealthiest, most powerful people in the world—resources, connections, influence, they have it all. If I want to carve my way into the heavens, I need a solid foundation. Once I have that, my dear brother, I'll come for your life. I'll take everything you hold dear, just like you took mine. Even though I love you more than the world, I can't help but thirst for your blood. You knew how much I hated gods, we both did—we wanted to be the devils who slay them. But you... you betrayed me.
Suddenly, the old man's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Do you know why I chose you, out of all the young males in this sect?" the old man asked, his gaze sharp.
Wen Ran hesitated, searching for an answer. But he couldn't find one that satisfied him. In his mind, there was nothing particularly special about himself... he was talented, yes, but nothing outstanding.
"This disciple would humbly request master's guidance," Wen Ran responded respectfully.
The old man locked eyes with him, a glint of something sharp and calculating passing through his gaze. A smile spread across the old man's face, but it held something darker.
"Because you caused quite a stir not long ago in the Fang Clan," the old man said with a glint of amusement. "And I've always wondered whether a demonic cultivator like you could also make a good alchemist."
A wild, almost crazed smile spread across the old man's face, and an overwhelming pressure washed over Wen Ran. He felt as though the old man were scanning him, stripping him of all his secrets.
Wen Ran's heart sank as the weight of the old man's words crashed down on him. I'm doomed... The thought flickered through his mind, and his chest tightened.