Taking a Disciple

Xu Jiawei waved his hand, and the Titled Douluo surrounding Chi Yuan withdrew their auras and returned to his side.

Seeing that Chi Yuan harbored no hostility, they all breathed a sigh of relief. This was the capital of the Star Luo Empire, and they were inside the imperial palace. If a fight broke out, it would be the Star Luo Empire that suffered the losses. It was best if they could avoid fighting.

No matter what Chi Yuan's purpose was, as long as they did not start fighting on the spot, everything could be discussed.

Chi Yuan looked at the Titled Douluo who had retreated, her gaze calm. These Titled Douluo were no match for her, so she did not take them seriously. Of course, she had not come here to cause trouble either.

Chi Yuan looked at Xu Jiawei and met his eyes. "Your Majesty, I mean no harm. I came here only because I wish to take this child as my disciple."

"Take him as a disciple—"

Xu Jiawei exchanged looks with the others, and all of them saw the astonishment in one another's eyes.

The Shattered Star Douluo's gaze shifted, and he immediately sent a voice transmission to Xu Jiawei.

"Your Majesty, this Chi Yuan Douluo has always traveled alone. She has no family, no relatives, no sect or faction. She has never involved herself in the continent's struggles between powers, staying far from worldly clamor and living in seclusion among the mountains and forests. Countless factions have tried to recruit her, but most of them never even managed to meet her. This is a good opportunity. We should see whether we can recruit her into the Star Luo Empire. I can sense that she is stronger than I am—at the very least, she is a level 97 Super Douluo. If she is willing to join our Worship Hall, the Star Luo Empire will gain another trump card."

Xu Jiawei's eyes flickered. Truthfully, he was tempted. No one could refuse the addition of a Super Douluo.

Xu Jiawei immediately stepped forward and said to Chi Yuan, "It would be this child's honor if Your Excellency Chi Yuan wishes to accept him as a disciple. However, this child's parents are disciples of the Star Crown Sect, so by rights, he is also a disciple of the Star Crown Sect. I can agree to let him take you as his master, but I have one condition."

"Oh? What condition?" Chi Yuan asked with a frown.

"As long as Your Excellency Chi Yuan joins the Star Luo Empire's Royal Worship Hall, we will be family. Then no one will oppose your taking a disciple."

"Join the Star Luo Empire's Worship Hall? You should know that I have always traveled alone and never joined any faction." Chi Yuan frowned and deliberately spoke as though she were troubled.

She didn't refuse outright! Xu Jiawei rejoiced inwardly. As long as there was even the slightest opening, there was still hope. Her hesitation merely meant that their offer was not good enough.

"Your Excellency Chi Yuan would only need to hold a nominal position in the Star Luo Empire's Worship Hall. I guarantee that Your Excellency's freedom will not be restricted. We only ask that you lend us your aid when the Star Luo Empire is in danger," Xu Jiawei hurriedly added.

Chi Yuan crossed her arms and pondered for a while before nodding. "Very well. I am willing to hold a nominal position in your Star Luo Empire's Worship Hall and lend you aid in times of crisis. However, under normal circumstances, I will only be responsible for guiding this child's cultivation and protecting his safety. I will not concern myself with anything else."

"Good, it's a deal." Xu Jiawei agreed in delight. He had just been troubled over who should protect Ji Lin and serve as his guardian. The Titled Douluo had to remain stationed in the imperial capital and could not follow Ji Lin around at all times. A Soul Douluo could handle ordinary dangers, but Ji Lin possessed an ultimate martial soul. The dangers he would face in the future were not something a Soul Douluo could resolve. Xu Jiawei had been worrying over this when a Super Douluo bodyguard practically delivered herself to his door. For a moment, Xu Jiawei even suspected that Ji Lin was the legendary Child of Fortune.

If Ji Lin knew what Xu Jiawei was thinking, he would definitely roll his eyes in speechless exasperation. I may not be a Child of Fortune, but sorry, I've got cheats.

"Since that's the case, little Ji Lin, are you willing to take Her Excellency Chi Yuan as your master?" Xu Jiawei asked Ji Lin gently.

After all, becoming someone's disciple was a major matter, so he still had to ask the little fellow's opinion. But Xu Jiawei believed that no one could refuse the temptation of becoming a Super Douluo's disciple.

"I am willing." Ji Lin agreed without the slightest hesitation.

He immediately stepped forward two paces, knelt on the ground, and performed the ceremony of becoming a disciple.

Just as expected, Xu Jiawei and the others watched the pair with smiles on their faces. Xu Jiujiu also looked at Ji Lin happily, delighted for him.

Chi Yuan stepped forward, reached out to help Ji Lin up, and patted the dust from his clothes.

"Good. From this day onward, you are my disciple. I will do everything in my power to help you become the strongest soul master," Chi Yuan said, staring into Ji Lin's eyes and enunciating every word.

"Good, wonderful! Today truly brings double joy. Little Ji Lin awakened his martial soul today, and so much has happened as well. He must be tired. Jiujiu, take little Ji Lin and Her Excellency Chi Yuan to find a palace where they can rest. I imagine this master and disciple have much to discuss next, so we will not disturb them. Worship Hall members, let us go. Her Excellency Chi Yuan, farewell."

Xu Jiawei left with the members of the Worship Hall. The matter here had come to an end, and everyone was happy—except Cheng Gang, who was the only one injured.

On their way back, Xu Jiawei and the others took the injured Cheng Gang with them. With the Medicine Immortal Douluo present, such a minor injury was nothing at all.

"Congratulations, Little Lin." Xu Jiujiu happily hugged Ji Lin's arm.

"Your Excellency, this way. I will take you and Little Lin to your residence."

Xu Jiujiu led the way in front, with Ji Lin and Chi Yuan following behind. Watching Xu Jiujiu skip along ahead of them, Ji Lin revealed a gentle smile. He could tell that Xu Jiujiu was genuinely happy for him—she was even happier than he was.

The two followed Xu Jiujiu to the entrance of a grand hall. Ancient trees towered around it, lush greenery cast shade everywhere, and its red walls and yellow tiles gleamed magnificently.

They entered the palace and stepped into a room where bright sunlight streamed through the windows and spilled brilliantly across the bed. A fresh scent lingered in the air, creating a relaxing feeling. The room was arranged with great neatness, every corner kept spotless. The bedding had all been carefully selected high-quality pure cotton, soft and extremely comfortable.

Xu Jiujiu turned to Chi Yuan and said respectfully, "This is the place, Your Excellency Chi Yuan. I hope it is not beneath your standards."

"The environment here is quite nice, and the conditions are far better than on my mountain. What is there to dislike?" Chi Yuan replied gently. She had a good impression of Princess Jiujiu. As long as someone sincerely treated the Young Master well, she liked them.

"That is good. Then Jiujiu will not disturb Your Excellency any longer. Jiujiu will take her leave now."

Before leaving, Xu Jiujiu told Ji Lin that she had already sent people to retrieve his former daily necessities and personal belongings. He did not need to make the trip back himself.

Watching Xu Jiujiu's departing figure, Ji Lin stretched lazily and gave Chi Yuan a look. Chi Yuan understood, and her Mental Power spread out, enveloping the entire room.

"Young Master, I have used my Mental Power to shield the entire room. No one will be able to hear our conversation from here on."

"Alright, Chi Yuan. You don't need to call me Young Master anymore. You are my teacher now, so just call me A'Lin."

"Alright, A'Lin."

Chi Yuan nodded and replied obediently.