Intern Disciple

Xiao Huo rarely had the patience to persuade a student who did not meet the requirements.

On one hand, what Qin Yan had said earlier truly resonated with him;

on the other hand, he genuinely felt that Qin Yan possessed exceptional talent in the Spear Path.

He could not bear to see the young man delay his future by making the wrong choice.

"Mentor Xiao Huo, thank you very much for your earnest guidance and consideration."

Qin Yan bowed respectfully, his tone sincere.

Xiao Huo revealed a gratified expression, as though thinking, "This child can be taught," believing that Qin Yan had been persuaded.

However, Qin Yan's next words left him speechless.

"But—"

Qin Yan raised his head. The fire in his eyes had not gone out; instead, it burned even hotter. "Mentor Xiao Huo, I still want to give it a try!

"If I do not try it myself, how can I know for certain that I cannot do it?"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable resolve and sharpness. "The Martial Path is like rowing against the current!

"I believe that a true Martial Artist must dare to imagine what others dare not imagine, and dare to do what others dare not do!

"Do what others fear to do, and achieve what others cannot achieve!

"If one does not even have the courage to try, how can one speak of climbing the heights of martial arts?"

His words rang out like metal striking stone, powerful and resounding.

They carried the vigorous spirit and unyielding will of a newborn calf unafraid of tigers!

Standing behind Xiao Huo, Lu Youyou looked at the resolute youth before her and felt as though his entire body was glowing!

Seeing the unshakable fire of conviction in Qin Yan's eyes, Xiao Huo could not help sighing inwardly. Sigh, this kid... His temperament is tough, his will is like iron. He really is excellent material for the spear!

He became even more convinced that Qin Yan had gone astray by choosing the Alchemy Path.

Yet at the same time, deep down, he was slightly moved by Qin Yan's stubborn determination to refuse to turn back until he hit a wall.

Alchemy likewise required focus and perseverance. Perhaps...

Just as Xiao Huo weighed the pros and cons and began to waver, Lu Youyou spoke again.

Her voice was soft and sweet, yet she proposed a solution:

"Teacher,"

she gently tugged on Xiao Huo's sleeve, "I think Qin Yan truly wants to learn alchemy, and his conviction is very firm.

"How about... giving him a chance?

"You could first take him on as an 'Intern Disciple.'"

Blinking her large eyes, she continued with her idea. "Set an internship period.

"If, during that period, Qin Yan truly fails to display any talent in the Alchemy Path, "or if his rate of improvement cannot meet your standards, then the two of you can peacefully dissolve the master-disciple relationship.

"Neither side will delay the other, and Qin Yan can seek out another suitable mentor.

"What do you think?"

At her words, Xiao Huo's eyes brightened slightly.

Lu Youyou's suggestion truly was a solution that benefited both sides!

It would give Qin Yan a chance to try while also leaving Xiao Huo enough room to maneuver, avoiding the embarrassment and enormous losses that could come from misjudging or holding back a student.

Xiao Huo looked at Qin Yan again, his expression turning more serious. "Qin Yan, you have heard Youyou's proposal.

"I can give you a chance now and accept you as an Intern Disciple. The internship period will be one year.

"If, within that year, your progress in alchemy is too slow or your performance truly fails to meet my expectations, then you will fail to become a formal disciple.

"Our master-disciple relationship will automatically end, and you will be free to seek another mentor.

"Of course, if you perform exceptionally well, you may become a formal disciple ahead of schedule."

He paused, then added, "But rest assured, even as an Intern Disciple, I will fulfill my responsibilities and obligations as your mentor.

"This includes guiding you in choosing a Body Tempering Martial Art and providing the necessary protection when you attempt to break through to become a Martial Artist. I will arrange all of that."

To Xiao Huo, there was not much difference between an Intern Disciple and a formal disciple at this stage.

After all, truly profound alchemy techniques, core pill formulas, and alchemy practice requiring immense Mental Strength generally could only be accessed and studied after a student became an intermediate Martial Artist.

Even if he wanted to teach them now, Qin Yan would not be able to learn or put them into practice.

Qin Yan pondered for a moment.

This was undoubtedly the best outcome he could secure at present.

A chance to come into contact with the Alchemy Path and become the disciple of a Sixth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster!

"I'm willing!

Disciple Qin Yan greets Teacher!"

No longer hesitating, he solemnly bowed to Xiao Huo.

From this moment on, Qin Yan had become an Intern Disciple under Xiao Huo, the Sixth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster of Magic Capital Martial University!

Though he was only an intern, it was still a precious starting point.

"All right, there's no need for so much formality. Just relax from now on.

Come stand behind me."

Xiao Huo waved a hand, his tone becoming much more easygoing.

As he looked at Qin Yan, he still had some doubts in his heart. He did not know whether taking in this Spear Technique genius who had switched paths halfway through to study alchemy was the right choice.

"Let me formally introduce you."

Turning slightly, Xiao Huo pointed at the petite girl behind him. "This is Lu Youyou. She joined me one step before you, and she's also part of your freshman class, ranked fourth.

From now on, you're fellow disciples. Look out for each other."

"So her name is Lu Youyou."

Qin Yan understood at once.

He still vividly remembered her imposing figure during the Freshman Trial, wildly wielding that exaggerated giant hammer and brutally smashing Murloc Warriors to death. The contrast was simply too great.

"Hello, Lu Youyou."

Qin Yan turned to Lu Youyou and politely greeted her, his eyes carrying sincere gratitude.

He knew very well that if Lu Youyou had not made that suggestion at the crucial moment, he likely would not have obtained this internship opportunity.

"Hello, Junior Brother Qin Yan!"

Lu Youyou replied with a cheerful smile, revealing two adorable little canine teeth. She looked lively and friendly. "We're fellow disciples from now on!"

Qin Yan naturally followed her lead and nodded with a smile. "Hello, Senior Sister."

Afterward, Qin Yan began quietly chatting with this newly acquainted "senior sister."

After talking for a while, Qin Yan was even more astonished.

This adorable girl, who looked harmless to humans and animals alike, not only possessed a fierce Hammer Technique at Peak Second Stage, but her alchemy skills had also reached High Second Stage!

Not to mention her martial cultivation—she was already at Mid First Grade, only a single step away from Late First Grade!

"She's practically an all-around genius!"

Qin Yan secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

They were both freshmen, yet she had flourished across every aspect of strength and skill. Aside from his Spear Technique, he had been utterly crushed in nearly every other area.

The gap at the very start was anything but small.

"Fortunately, I have the System Panel!"

Under this immense pressure, Qin Yan did not become discouraged. Instead, his resolve to work hard and become stronger only grew firmer.

He knew that his only advantage was that "effort" of his—effort that let him see his progress and guaranteed rewards for every bit he put in.

Meanwhile, several Spear Technique instructors in the distance had been watching Qin Yan closely. When they saw him ultimately take his place behind Xiao Huo, their expressions all turned somewhat stunned.

Naturally, they understood what this meant—Qin Yan had chosen Xiao Huo as his mentor!