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"Not bad… not bad at all!"
The old, echoing voice swirled through the quiet room, wrapping around Xiao Tian like an invisible net, brushing past his skin like an ancient wind. Yet despite the heavy pressure of that unseen presence, Xiao Tian's face remained perfectly calm. His expression didn't flicker, his heartbeat remained steady, and even his breathing stayed smooth.
Inside, however, his sharp mind was racing at lightning speed.
'Yao Chen… the master of the Flame Emperor, Xiao Yan,' he instantly recognized, a flicker of knowing amusement hidden deep within his dark eyes. He quickly schooled his features into polite surprise, hiding every trace of his true thoughts. He needed to play this part carefully.
Rising slightly from his seated posture, Xiao Tian clasped his hands respectfully in front of him, his back straight, voice clear but humble. "Senior, may I know who you are?" he asked calmly, projecting just the right balance of reverence and curiosity.
From across the room, the old figure hovered faintly, his translucent form shimmering with a faint glow. Yao Chen's sharp gaze observed the boy closely, amusement dancing in the old master's eyes.
'Hoh? This kid's temperament is excellent,' Yao Chen thought with a faint chuckle, stroking his ethereal beard. 'If it were someone else, they'd have panicked or even fainted by now just from sensing my soul form… but this boy, he keeps his calm. Impressive indeed.'
With a casual wave of his ghostly hand, Yao Chen floated a little closer, his presence like a calm sea hiding great depth. "I am Yao Chen," the old voice finally declared, proud and steady, carrying the weight of countless years.
Xiao Tian's eyes widened slightly—not in real shock, but in a perfectly measured display of acted surprise. "Y-you… you're the renowned Medicine Venerable of the Central Plains, right?!" he asked, letting his voice rise just the right amount, showing awe without overacting. "What is senior doing here in a small, remote place like this?!"
While Xiao Tian smoothly played his part, Yao Chen, on the other hand, was genuinely a bit surprised.
'Hmm… even here in this backwater, they know my name? Heh! That saves me some introductions at least!' the old master mused, a trace of amusement curling his lips.
Suddenly, a thought flickered through Yao Chen's mind, and his eyes gleamed with playful interest. 'This might save me quite a bit of trouble…'
Softly but clearly, his voice echoed out again, warm and a little teasing. "I am currently looking for a student… and you, young one, are quite promising!" His gentle chuckle rolled through the air like a breeze. "So, what do you say? Do you want to become my student?"
Xiao Tian lowered his eyes slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his delicate, youthful features. Inside, his mind was already spinning with precise calculations.
'This is it… the moment that will change everything. But if I appear too eager, it'll look suspicious. Best to show careful thought.'
After a pause that felt just long enough, he slowly raised his head, his voice polite and measured. "Senior… may I ask for a little time to think it over?"
For a heartbeat, Yao Chen was quiet. Then, with a soft, amused laugh, the old master nodded. "Sure! Take your time, young one."
The air between them settled into a gentle hum, a delicate balance of ancient power and youthful ambition, crackling softly like a string pulled tight. Xiao Tian knew: the stage was set. One wrong move could shift everything, but if played right, this moment could open the road to unimaginable heights.
As time passed, the moonlight drifted through the window, casting pale silver across the quiet room. Xiao Tian took a deep, steadying breath, his sharp eyes gleaming faintly with excitement—though most of it was carefully hidden beneath a composed, respectful front.
Finally, with a determined voice, he spoke, "Senior… I accept!"
His words rang out crisp and clear, cutting through the stillness of the night like a blade. Without waiting for further formalities, Xiao Tian smoothly dropped to his knees. He bowed low, pressing his forehead to the ground in a deep kowtow, his voice soft but filled with unwavering resolve.
"Kowtow to teacher!"
From within the flickering light, Yao Chen watched, his ethereal face breaking into a wide, satisfied smile. His soul form rippled faintly, a shimmer of warmth flashing through his ancient eyes.
'Good, good! He didn't hesitate when it mattered… sharp mind, respectful, decisive. Much better than that bastard Han Feng!'
As Xiao Tian completed the third kowtow, Yao Chen's laughter echoed softly, filling the room with a comforting, ancient warmth. "Alright, alright! Good disciple… from today onward, you are this old man's student!"
The moment the words were spoken, a faint ripple of energy stirred through the room, like the quiet acknowledgment of heaven and earth sealing a destined bond. Xiao Tian slowly raised his head, his heart thudding with a quiet surge of excitement.
'Finally… with Yao Chen as my master, the road ahead will open wider and faster!' he thought inwardly, a cunning light flashing deep in his eyes.
"Teacher," Xiao Tian said softly but firmly, "I will do my best not to disappoint you!"
Yao Chen chuckled fondly, stroking his long, translucent beard.
"Okay, okay! Let's put aside the formalities for now!" he laughed gently, his old eyes twinkling. "We don't need to stand on ceremony between master and disciple."
Xiao Tian gave a soft, respectful nod in response.
Yao Chen's sharp gaze swept over him, eyes narrowing slightly with amusement. "It seems you've reached the level of Dou Fighter, haven't you?"
"Yes, Teacher," Xiao Tian answered respectfully. "It's been a while since I broke through to Dou Zhe, but… I haven't been able to break further because I lack a proper Qi Method." His voice was calm, explaining the situation fully without complaint.
After all, no one could perceive that he had quietly reached Dou Zhe second star—the thin, faint Dou Qi energy in his body only appeared as if it were at the peak of Dou Zhe first star. Only Xiao Tian himself understood the truth.
"So… you lack a Qi Method!" Yao Chen mused thoughtfully, his brows lifting. In an instant, with a faint flick of his sleeve, two scrolls appeared, floating gently in the air before Xiao Tian.
Placing them down carefully, Yao Chen gestured to the first one. "This one is an Earth Tier Qi Method called Blaze Spirit," he said, pointing to the black-colored scroll with its faint, fiery emblem glowing softly on the cover.
"And this one here," Yao Chen continued, his voice turning a bit more meaningful, "is called Flame Mantra."
His eyes gleamed faintly, watching Xiao Tian's reaction carefully. There was no rush—after all, the true path was only just beginning.
Xiao Tian gazed at the two scrolls, his mind humming with possibilities. His lips curved into a subtle, confident smile.