"Senior, you don't seem to be lacking disciples, do you?"
"The Heart Demon Thunder Palace is a renowned force in the Myriad Heavens."
"There are countless disciples within the palace."
"Quite a few among the younger generation have already made a name for themselves or stand head and shoulders above their peers."
"Besides, I already have masters."
"Strictly speaking."
"I have three teachers with whom I share the bond of master and disciple."
"Though one of them is a teacher in my secondary profession."
"She specifically taught and guided me in alchemy."
"She does not interfere much with my cultivation."
"However, my other two teachers are both masters who imparted knowledge, taught me cultivation, and resolved my doubts."
"If I were to acknowledge you as my master as well, you would be the fourth."
"To you, that identity does not seem like a suitable choice."
"What do you think?"
Lu Yuan's underlying meaning was to dissuade him.
To return to the matter of a trade.
Even if they could not return to a trade and he merely owed him a favor, that would also be acceptable.
In short.
Any of the choices that had seemed possible before were better than the current one.
Unfortunately, Heart Demon Thunder Emperor trusted his instincts more. Or rather, he was now absolutely certain that the boy standing before him and politely declining his offer was the most suitable successor he could possibly find. No one knew what the future might bring. Perhaps some young person even more suited to inherit his legacy would emerge someday. To be realistic, that was entirely possible. But at least at this very moment, that was how things stood.
Thus, he would rather suffer a slight loss.
He wanted no favor.
Nor did he want any trade.
He simply