The Disciple of a Saint Craftsman
"That's a relief! If his talent were exposed too early, I fear it would not be a good thing for Yao Xuan." Hearing Mu Chen's assurance, Mang Tian let out a sigh, the tension finally leaving his body.
"You are absolutely right," Mu Chen agreed, his voice turning grave. "Those fanatical cults would never wish to see the Sun Moon Federation produce a second Divine Craftsman! Recently, the Holy Spirit Cult has shown signs of resurgence, carrying out numerous attacks and assassinations. If Yao Xuan's talent were revealed, he would inevitably become a prime target."
"A second Divine Craftsman? Do you mean to say..." Mang Tian's voice trembled with burgeoning excitement.
"Yes," Mu Chen confirmed, his tone filled with conviction. "Given Yao Xuan's talent, if the Douluo Continent is to see another Divine Craftsman in this era, I truly cannot imagine anyone else but him! Master Mang Tian," his voice became solemn and earnest, "I formally and sincerely request your permission to take Yao Xuan as my personal disciple. I wish to impart my lifelong knowledge of forging unto him and guide him on the path to becoming a Divine Craftsman."
"Take him as your disciple?" A complex mix of profound gratification and sharp reluctance warred within Mang Tian's heart. Yao Xuan was the prodigy he had painstakingly nurtured for three years. To simply hand him over felt unjust. Yet, he knew that Mu Chen's offer represented a monumental opportunity for Yao Xuan, one that would greatly benefit his future development.
"That is correct," Mu Chen continued, his argument logical and persuasive. "Master Mang Tian, as a sixth-level Master Blacksmith, you are more than capable of guiding Yao Xuan through the stages of Thousand Refining and even Spirit Refining. However, I fear it would be difficult for you to continue providing adequate guidance at the Soul Refining stage and beyond, would it not?"
"The situation is different with me," he pressed gently. "Even when Yao Xuan attempts to reach the Saint Craftsman level, I can provide him with sufficient instruction. Furthermore, should the day come when Yao Xuan challenges the pinnacle of Heaven Refining, I can seek guidance for him from the Divine Craftsman Zhen Hua himself—he is my senior brother."
"I understand your reluctance must be great," Mu Chen's voice was empathetic yet firm, "but for the sake of the future of the forging world and the development of the Douluo Continent, I, Mu Chen, earnestly plead with you to allow Yao Xuan to become my disciple. Of course, even after this, you will forever remain Yao Xuan's teacher. I would merely be instructing him on your behalf. What do you think?"
"Furthermore," he added, presenting a tangible offer, "I am aware that you sustained injuries during your attempt to break through to the Spirit Refining realm due to insufficient soul power, injuries that have permanently hindered your progress. If you can persuade Yao Xuan, I will also seek out spiritual treasures to heal your wounds. What do you say?"
Mu Chen, true to his status as President of the Donghai City Blacksmith Association, presented his case with clarity, logic, and profound sincerity. Under such a compelling proposition, Mang Tian's resolve began to waver.
Yes, Yao Xuan was his disciple, but he was also a jewel born for the forging world and the Douluo Continent. If his own selfishness hindered Yao Xuan's development, he would be a sinner for all eternity.
Moreover, Mu Chen had promised that Yao Xuan would still acknowledge him as his teacher; his contributions would not be erased. And as compensation, Mu Chen could cure his chronic injury. Faced with such terms, he had no reason to refuse.
"Alright, President Mu Chen," Mang Tian's voice held a note of finality, mixed with a fatherly pride. "I agree to Yao Xuan becoming your apprentice. For Yao Xuan's development and for the future of the forging world, I cannot be selfish."
"Thank you, Master Mang Tian!" Mu Chen let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "On behalf of the entire forging world, I thank you for your magnanimity and understanding."
"It is nothing. It is what I should do." Mang Tian paused, then ventured, "By the way, President Mu Chen, I would also like to recommend my other apprentice, Tang Wulin, to become your disciple. Although his talent may not be on par with Yao Xuan's, he has already broken through to Level 2 Blacksmith at nine years old and is not far from Level 3."
"Tang Wulin?" Mu Chen's memory was jogged. "Ah, yes. That boy's talent is indeed at a genius level as well. I agree."
Having been momentarily dazzled by the shock of Yao Xuan's Thousand Refining, he had almost overlooked the other prodigy. Reminded by Mang Tian, Mu Chen naturally would not refuse such a request.
"Excellent! Thank you, President Mu! Then, I will not take up any more of your time." Mang Tian's voice was filled with happiness and relief.
"The pleasure is mine! Here is what we will do: when you next come to Donghai City, I will arrange for a healing-type Soul Master to examine you and procure some spiritual items to aid your recovery."
After exchanging a few more courteous words, Mu Chen finally ended the communication. He then walked back to where Yao Xuan and Tang Wulin were waiting.
"Yao Xuan," Mu Chen began, a warm smile gracing his features, "Mang Tian has agreed to let you become my disciple. Also, Wulin, your talent is exceptional as well. I also wish to take you as my disciple, and Mang Tian has agreed. Would the two of you be willing to become my disciples?"
"I'm willing, Master Mu Chen!" Tang Wulin's eyes lit up, and he agreed without hesitation.
"Excellent, excellent!" Mu Chen's smile widened. "But from now on, there's no need to call me 'Uncle Mu Chen.' You should address me as 'Master.'"
"Greetings, Master!" Understanding immediately, Yao Xuan and Tang Wulin bowed deeply in a formal salute, their voices respectful and clear.
"Rise, rise!" Mu Chen said warmly, his heart full. "Come, let me introduce you. This is your senior apprentice sister, my daughter, Mu Xi. She is currently a fifth-year student at Donghai Academy and also just passed her Level 2 Blacksmith assessment today. By the way, you are both students of Donghai Academy as well, correct? Then Mu Xi is indeed your senior sister."
He gestured to the girl standing behind him.
"Yes, we are both students of Donghai Academy! It is a pleasure to meet you, Senior Sister Mu Xi!" Yao Xuan greeted the girl politely. Tang Wulin beside him followed suit.
"Hello, junior brothers!" Mu Xi replied with a bright, cheerful smile. "Hehe, if anyone bullies you at Donghai Academy, you can come to your senior sister for help. I'll protect you!"
"Thank you very much, Senior Sister Mu Xi!" Although Yao Xuan highly doubted any intermediate division student could pose a threat to him, he naturally would not deliberately rebuff Mu Xi's well-intentioned offer and sour the moment.
"Mu Xi, look at you, sounding like some gang leader!" Mu Chen chided his daughter with a mock stern look, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. He then turned back to the boys. "But, Yao Xuan, Wulin, if you do encounter any trouble at the academy, you really can seek her out. Her reputation there is quite formidable."