Mu Chen Takes a Disciple

"Your terrifying talent could easily draw you into conflict."

"So I suggest that, if possible, you take Mu Chen, the president of our Eastsea Forging Masters Association, as your teacher."

"With his strength as an Eight-Star Saint Craftsman, he can teach you for quite some time."

"As for a Divine Craftsman, that will have to wait until you are strong enough to face those disputes..."

Teacher Mang Tian's words echoed clearly through Bai Lin's mind, filled with deep concern and the worry of someone planning ahead.

His teacher was protecting him, using his wealth of experience to choose a relatively safe starting point for him on a road lined with flowers but concealing thorns beneath them.

Bai Lin gently shook his head and pressed that heavy memory down into his heart.

He raised his head, a warm and polite smile returning to his face. Facing President Mu Chen and all the forging masters present, he bowed deeply.

"Thank you, President."

"Thank you, esteemed masters, for your recognition."

His voice was clear, carrying a youth's distinctive purity, yet it also possessed a steadiness far beyond his years.

That calmness and humility undoubtedly earned him even more favor in everyone's eyes.

Geniuses were common enough, but a genius with such terrifying strength at his age who remained so composed and unassuming was simply unheard of!

Mu Chen looked at the crowd and spoke steadily.

"Everyone, Wulin became a Level 4 forger at the age of nine."

"I trust I need not explain what that means..."

"Now that turmoil is rising throughout the Federation, Wulin's talent could very well draw the pursuit and assassination attempts of many factions..."

"So I hope everyone will voluntarily swear an oath and sign a confidentiality agreement, burying today's events in your hearts. Can you do that?"

Before his words had even faded, Cen Yue stepped forward. Beneath his gray-white brows, his eyes blazed like torches.

He swept his gaze across the crowd, his hoarse voice carrying a ruthless edge that brooked no doubt.

"Whoever leaks even the slightest word will become my enemy, Cen Yue!"

"When that time comes—"

His right hand clenched in the air, and a crimson forging hammer appeared out of nowhere, faint magma-like patterns flowing across its surface.

"Don't blame my forging hammer for showing no mercy!"

Everyone's expressions turned solemn, and they nodded in agreement.

They understood the Federation's unrest all too well—

The struggle between the Spirit Pagoda and the Temple of War, the secret infiltration of evil soul masters... If those forces set their sights on Tang Wulin...

Soon, after these matters had been settled.

Mu Chen turned toward the quietly standing boy and said warmly.

"Wulin, come with me."

Bai Lin obediently followed, but as he took a step forward, he heard an almost inaudible sigh from behind him.

Cen Yue stood where he was, his rough palm repeatedly stroking the handle of his forging hammer. His gaze was like that of someone seeing off a rare piece of metal he had personally shaped but no longer had the ability to continue refining.

His lips moved, but in the end, he merely cupped his fist toward Mu Chen heavily before turning and striding away—

His departing figure carried an unusual hint of loneliness.

The fragrance of tea drifted through the office, dispelling the metallic scent from the assessment hall.

Bai Lin sat properly on the soft sofa as instructed. He respectfully accepted the teacup Mu Chen handed him with both hands, and its warmth slightly eased the tension in his heart.

"Thank you, President."

Bai Lin's voice held a youth's distinctive brightness, yet also a composure beyond his age.

Mu Chen looked at this child, only nine years old yet already standing at a height countless forgers could never reach in their lifetimes. The admiration and delight in his eyes nearly overflowed.

He picked up his soul communicator and dialed Mang Tian's number.

The call connected quickly. Mu Chen skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

"Old Mang, this child Wulin..."

"He's incredible."

The admiration in his tone was undisguised.

"A Level 4 assessment!"

"At nine years old!"

Mang Tian's hearty laughter, carrying a trace of relief, came from the other end of the call.

"Haha, I knew it!"

"That brat already emptied out everything I had hidden away."

"Those hands of his were born for forging."

"I really have taught him all I can."

His voice paused and turned serious.

"From now on, I'll leave him to you."

"Refine this uncut jade properly for me. Don't waste a talent that appears only once in ten thousand years."

"Don't worry!" Mu Chen replied decisively, his burning gaze fixed on Bai Lin as he quietly drank his tea.

"With me, he'll only go farther."

The two exchanged a few more words about confidentiality and the subsequent arrangements before Mu Chen finally ended the call.

He set down the communicator, took a deep breath, and turned to Bai Lin. The warmth on his face was replaced by solemn anticipation.

"Wulin."

Mu Chen's voice was low and powerful.

"You heard your teacher's words as well."

"He has already taught you all of his forging skills, yet your potential goes far beyond that."

"With your talent, remaining in Aolai City will indeed limit your development."

Bai Lin set down his teacup and sat up straight, his clear blue eyes focused intently on Mu Chen as he listened carefully.

"I am Mu Chen, president of the Eastsea Forging Masters Association and an Eight-Star Saint Craftsman."

Mu Chen spoke each word distinctly, carrying the pride and responsibility befitting a Saint Craftsman.

"Today, I witnessed your perfect Thousand Refinement of Heavy Silver, and I also know that your future is boundless."

"Mang Tian has entrusted you to me..."

"So, you, Tang Wulin."

"Are you willing to formally enter my tutelage and let me guide your future forging training?"

Without any hesitation, Bai Lin immediately rose to his feet and bowed deeply to Mu Chen, his movements smooth and full of respect.

"Disciple Tang Wulin greets Teacher!"

"This disciple is willing to study forging under Teacher. I will certainly work hard and never disappoint Teacher's expectations!"

"Good! Good! Good!" Mu Chen said three times in succession, the smile on his face fully blossoming as even his eyes seemed faintly moist.

He hurriedly stood, helped Bai Lin up, and heavily patted Bai Lin's shoulder with his broad, powerful hand. That overwhelming joy seemed almost to pass through his palm.

At that moment, Mu Chen felt his heart filled with immense satisfaction and anticipation.

A nine-year-old Level 4 forger, respectful toward his teacher and elders, steady in temperament, and blessed with talent that could shake the ages!

How was this merely taking in a disciple?

He had clearly found a star destined to illuminate the heavens for the future forging world—and perhaps even the entire continent!

To become this star's first guide was the greatest fortune of Mu Chen's life, and the supreme glory of the Eastsea Forging Masters Association!

"Haha, good child!"

"Sit down quickly!"

Mu Chen laughed heartily and personally refilled Bai Lin's cup with hot tea. The light in his eyes burned hotter than any forge fire.

"From this day forward, you are my, Mu Chen's, final disciple!"

"All the Association's resources will be open to you!"

"Your path in forging has only just begun!"

"You must strive to scale even higher peaks!"

Feeling his teacher's heartfelt joy, as well as that weighty trust and expectation, warmth surged through Bai Lin's heart.