The Crown Prince's Master: Take the Benefits First

Chen Lin's thoughts raced at that moment.

He keenly sensed that the invisible barrier cutting them off from the outside world was by no means something ordinary mana could construct. The fluctuations within it clearly belonged to a treasure!

Sure enough, this Crown Prince really has some tricks up his sleeve. He can actually use such a precious protective barrier.

Otherwise, with the other's strength alone, how could he block the Imperial Palace's investigations?

Seeing Chen Lin remain silent, Ling Tian assumed he was hesitating because of the pressure brought by his identity. He continued, his tone carrying a trace of sincerity and expectation.

"Senior is an eminent expert of the Dharma Aspect Realm. Such cultivation is more than enough for you to become this junior's master and guide this junior along the road ahead."

He paused, emphasizing his words. "As long as it is within this junior's ability, I will certainly do my utmost to accomplish whatever Senior desires."

Upon hearing this, a teasing smile appeared on Chen Lin's face. He said slowly, "Your Highness, those words are not quite right. Such a promise is rather too weighty."

"This old man may be able to offer Your Highness some guidance, but I have always enjoyed peace and quiet and dislike the tedious bustle of the court. I fear I would find it difficult to take on the position of Your Highness's master."

Ling Tian's heart tightened at once, but he immediately caught the room Chen Lin had left in his words. He instantly understood, a glint flashing through his eyes as he hurriedly said, "Senior, rest assured! This matter will never go beyond this junior, Little Anzi, and Senior. This junior will only pay respects to you as a disciple in private, and will regularly show filial devotion to Master!"

As he spoke, he wasted no time. An ancient-looking Storage Ring had already appeared in his hand, which he offered before Chen Lin. "This is a Storage Ring. It contains some resources this junior has accumulated, and may be counted as this junior's first modest gift upon becoming your disciple. I hope Senior will accept it."

Chen Lin swept his gaze over the ring, and a sharp gleam flashed through his eyes before vanishing.

As expected of the Crown Prince. He knew how to read the room and how to move people.

Though its grade could not be discerned, the fact that the Crown Prince could casually produce this Storage Ring showed enough sincerity.

Having been Crown Prince for so many years, could his resources possibly be lacking?

His thoughts spun rapidly, yet he burst into hearty laughter and declared, "Good! Good! Since Your Highness is so sincere, this old man shall not refuse! From this day onward, I shall accept you as my disciple! As for that position you seek, this old man will help you fight for it as well!"

With the resources inside this Storage Ring, his cultivation would certainly break through even faster.

Though an Earth-tier cultivation technique could only be cultivated to the Dharma Aspect Realm, once he stabilized that realm, he might not necessarily be unable to fight a Cave Reality Realm expert!

Besides, with this Crown Prince as his disciple, would he need to fear that he could not obtain a Heaven-tier cultivation technique?

Once he reached the Dharma Aspect Realm, he might be able to battle Cave Reality Realm experts. And in the meantime, would the Crown Prince really refuse to give him a Heaven-tier cultivation technique?

Take the benefits first. Starving men don't dare eat.

"Crown Prince, please rise quickly. Do not shame this old man!" Chen Lin said with a smile, reaching out in a token gesture of support. Yet without seeming to notice, he slipped the Storage Ring into his sleeve.

Seeing this, Ling Tian was overjoyed, though his face retained a humble expression. "Thank you, Master!"

It had worked!

He finally had a master in the Dharma Aspect Realm. Whether in internal strife or in battles beyond the court, this was wealth beyond measure!

Chen Lin then got straight to the point and continued with a smile. "I see that you have cultivated many techniques, including the Sun Sinking Scripture, Myriad Laws Heavenly Palm, and Heavenly Authority Tilted. You are rather greedy for quantity. Very well. Today, this old man shall guide you in three of those cultivation techniques and Martial Skills, helping you advance toward the realm of Great Perfection."

Next, Chen Lin laid out the essence of Great Perfection for the three cultivation techniques and Martial Skills in clear, orderly detail. Their mysteries were boundless, and Ling Tian listened as though intoxicated, his heart surging with wild joy.

With a master like this, one who grasped an ocean of cultivation techniques and possessed unfathomable strength, the bottlenecks in his cultivation would surely be shattered swiftly!

Among those of the same realm, he would absolutely become one of the very strongest!

Meanwhile, Little Anzi had long been dumbfounded by this sudden turn of events. His mouth hung open, and for a long while, he could not utter a word.

After Chen Lin finished explaining, he did not urge Ling Tian further and quietly waited for him to digest what he had learned. At the same time, his Spiritual Sense had silently entered that Storage Ring.

The sight before him suddenly opened up. Spiritual Energy swirled within, while mountain-like piles of spirit stones gave off a gentle glow. Rare spirit herbs of every color released enticing medicinal fragrances. The dazzling abundance far exceeded his expectations.

"Mm, not bad," Chen Lin silently praised. This Crown Prince really was willing to bleed.

After roughly the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Ling Tian abruptly opened his eyes. Brilliant light shot from them, as though tangible flames were burning within.

True Essence surged through his body, hotter and purer than before.

"The Sun Nerve has reached Great Accomplishment!" Uncontainable joy spread across Ling Tian's face. At the same time, he sensed an unusual movement from the Primordial Pill within his Dantian and discovered in astonishment that his realm had risen all the way from the Core Pill Seventh Layer to the Core Pill Eighth Layer!

"Thank you for Master's guidance!" Ling Tian hurriedly rose and respectfully clasped his fists in salute.

Chen Lin waved a hand, a gentle smile on his face. "You and I are master and disciple. There is no need for such formality."

In truth, the most important reason he had chosen Ling Tian was still the other's identity as Crown Prince. No matter how the situation changed, the Crown Prince would always remain a banner, a core.

His actions would provide Chen Lin with the greatest convenience and support.

Chen Lin pondered for a moment, then continued, "If you wish to fight for that position, strength alone will not be enough. Without a group of capable people under your command, you will ultimately be one palm unable to make a clap."

As he spoke, he flicked his fingertip, and several ancient books appeared before Ling Tian. "These are some explanations and annotations on Earth-tier cultivation techniques that I organized in my youth. Though their grades are not high, the cultivation insights and essential methods within are enough to let poor disciples under your command grow quickly and help your subordinates rise to a higher level. Take them and put them to good use."

Ling Tian was startled again, followed by boundless delight.

He had not expected this master to be so generous. Not only did he offer guidance in cultivation techniques, but he even directly gave him ready-made "teaching materials" for training subordinates!

"With this, this disciple will certainly remember Master's great kindness!" Ling Tian carefully accepted the books, his heart filled with gratitude.

The two chatted for a few more moments. Based on the information he had gathered, Chen Lin analyzed several aspects of the current situation for Ling Tian and pointed out places where he could begin arranging his plans.

Only when Little Anzi quietly gave him a meaningful look, indicating that they had stayed too long, did Ling Tian rise to take his leave.

"Master, it has grown late. This junior will take his leave first. Ling Tian will never forget today's kindness."

Chen Lin watched Ling Tian's departing back, the corners of his lips curling into a meaningful smile as he silently thought, Do not disappoint me. You fight for your throne, and I seek my cultivation techniques. As long as you have value, I will naturally lend you a hand.

What he wanted was an endless stream of cultivation manuals, limitless longevity, and strength that could rise without end. In the end, he hoped to find a secluded paradise in this vast world where no one could disturb him, and quietly live out his old age.

Of course, living out his old age was one thing, but strength was something he absolutely could not lose.

Just like those high-ranking old cadres from his previous life: even after retirement, their influence remained. With a single word, countless high officials would have to weigh it carefully.

He, Chen Lin, would have that kind of confidence too.