Becoming Golden Crocodile Douluo's Disciple

The hoarse voice seemed to drift down from the heavens. Before Duan Fan could even react, a tall figure had already appeared at his side.

This man wore gold robes embroidered with silver, his hair and beard as white as snow. Standing over two meters tall, he loomed like an ancient wall, casting Duan Fan entirely into his shadow.

Upon seeing this man, Bibi Dong's gaze sharpened.

Ghost Leopard Douluo, having recognized the newcomer, appeared incredibly respectful—even more so than when he faced Bibi Dong. He bowed and cupped his fists, saying, "Greetings, Second Consecrated!"

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded slightly, his tone indifferent as he said, "You may withdraw."

"Yes!"

Ghost Leopard Douluo replied, not even glancing at Bibi Dong again before his figure vanished into thin air.

Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly regained her composure and asked, "What is the meaning of the Second Consecrated's presence here?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo's hand landed on Duan Fan's shoulder, his palm as heavy as iron: "I am taking him away."

"Impossible. I have important matters to discuss with him."

Bibi Dong's voice was filled with majesty, now tinged with a hint of irritation, her expression cold as she stared at Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"I have already heard the 'important matters' you speak of."

Golden Crocodile Douluo let out a hoarse laugh: "You wish to take him as your disciple, but he is unwilling."

With that, Golden Crocodile Douluo pulled Duan Fan backward. Their figures were swallowed by golden light, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Second Consecrated, do not push your luck!"

Bibi Dong's words seemed to choke in her throat. She gripped her scepter tightly, her nails digging into the crevices of the gemstones.

The hall entrance was empty, leaving her sitting there alone. Her brows were tightly furrowed in fury, and it was only after a long while that she slowly relaxed her grip.

Consecrated Hall.

Golden light flickered, and the figures of Duan Fan and Golden Crocodile Douluo slowly materialized.

Having been dragged back and forth by a Titled Douluo powerhouse, Duan Fan was almost getting used to it.

The moment his feet touched the ground, he immediately began to survey his surroundings.

This was also a grand hall, but compared to the golden splendor of the Pope Palace, this place was far more ordinary, exuding an ancient and solemn atmosphere.

Dusty stone pillars supported the vaulted ceiling, and even the furnishings carried a sense of antiquity.

Whether it was his imagination or not, the moment he arrived, Duan Fan felt an inexplicable weight press down on him, making his heart feel stifled and his breathing difficult.

After scanning the environment, Duan Fan's gaze gradually settled on the tall, gold-robed old man beside him.

Naturally, this was Duan Fan's first time seeing this man.

However, back at the Pope Palace, he had heard both Ghost Leopard Douluo and Bibi Dong address him as the Second Consecrated, so he already knew the old man's identity.

The Second Consecrated among the seven great Consecrated of Spirit Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo.

His Martial Soul was the Golden Crocodile King, and he was a ninety-eighth-level peak Douluo.

His status was incredibly exalted, and his strength was second only to the First Consecrated, Qian Daoliu, among the seven.

So it really is Golden Crocodile Douluo. No wonder he spoke so arrogantly and didn't even give the Pope, Bibi Dong, any face. He truly has the strength and qualifications to do so.

If he is Golden Crocodile Douluo, then where am I right now...

The Consecrated Hall?

Seemingly sensing Duan Fan's gaze, Golden Crocodile Douluo cast a faint glance at him: "Little fellow, don't fidget. Stand still."

Golden Crocodile Douluo's words seemed to possess some magical power, causing Duan Fan to subconsciously straighten his posture and look ahead.

Immediately afterward, Duan Fan saw a figure step out from thin air.

It was a man who appeared to be in his thirties, lean and tall, dressed in a simple gray robe. His long hair was neatly draped over his shoulders, and he possessed a handsome face, exuding a calm and tranquil aura.

His eyes seemed capable of seeing through all things, while simultaneously carrying an indescribable sense of vicissitudes.

"Greetings, First Consecrated!"

Golden Crocodile Douluo turned to the side and bowed, his movements casual.

Yet, Duan Fan noticed the angle of his bow and his respectful attitude; even the slight trace of negligence at the corner of his mouth had been wiped clean.

Hearing how Golden Crocodile Douluo addressed the middle-aged man, Duan Fan instantly knew his identity.

Even if Golden Crocodile Douluo hadn't spoken, Duan Fan would have already guessed it.

The man before him was none other than the First Consecrated of Spirit Hall, a ninety-ninth-level Peerless Douluo, one of the people standing at the very pinnacle of the entire continent: Qian Daoliu.

"You've worked hard."

Qian Daoliu nodded toward Golden Crocodile Douluo, then shifted his gaze to Duan Fan, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"To be a two-ring Great Soul Master at such a young age, with a soul power level reaching twenty-four, a second Soul Ring of thousand-year quality, and possessing Twin Martial Souls."

"Little fellow, you are quite impressive."

Hearing Qian Daoliu's words, Duan Fan's heart skipped a beat.

This tone, this opening line—why did it sound so familiar?

Could he be planning to take me as his disciple too?

If I could become Qian Daoliu's disciple, that actually wouldn't be too bad.

Qian Daoliu continued, and just as Duan Fan had expected, he really did want Duan Fan to take on a master—but the target of the apprenticeship was not him.

"Since that is the case, let the Second Offering take you as his disciple."

Duan Fan was stunned.

Golden Crocodile Douluo was also taken aback, frowning as he said, "I have no intention of taking on a disciple."

Qian Daoliu said, "This child is very outstanding."

Golden Crocodile Douluo still shook his head: "I know, but I don't have the time to teach, nor do I know how to teach."

Qian Daoliu looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo with a smile, then added, "His future is limitless."

Golden Crocodile Douluo paused, suddenly understanding Qian Daoliu's meaning. He raised an eyebrow and beckoned to Duan Fan: "Why haven't you called me Master yet?"

Duan Fan hadn't been able to interject a single word from start to finish, and now, he had no room to refuse.

Golden Crocodile Douluo had forcibly brought him out of the Pope Palace; if he didn't accept this master, he feared he wouldn't even have a place to stand in Spirit Hall in the future.

Besides, Golden Crocodile Douluo was, at the very least, a level 98 peak Douluo. Setting aside what he could teach, his strength and status alone were more than enough.

Duan Fan cupped his hands and bowed, calling out respectfully: "Duan Fan greets Master!"

In this world, there was no need for kneeling to take a master; a bow sufficed.

"Mm."

Golden Crocodile Douluo responded, a rare smile appearing on his stern face.

He opened his palm, where a golden token and a ring lay quietly.

"I don't have many worldly possessions, but these two things should be of some use to you. Take them as a welcoming gift."

Duan Fan looked blankly from the token to the ring.

Qian Daoliu said gently from the side, "Accept them. The ring is a Space Soul Tool; you can use it by injecting soul power into it. The token is your master's Offering Token. With this token, even the Pope would not dare to touch you."

Duan Fan's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He quickly took them and bowed in thanks: "Thank you, Master!"

"Mm."

After giving the gift, the smile on Golden Crocodile Douluo's face vanished, returning to his original stern appearance: "Your current strength is insufficient. Striving to cultivate is what you must do every day. Once you reach the Soul King realm, I will provide you with some guidance."

"I am going into seclusion. Unless there is an urgent matter, do not disturb me."

Before his voice had even faded, Golden Crocodile Douluo's figure had already vanished.

Duan Fan was left somewhat bewildered.

He had just finished the apprenticeship, and his master had already run off?