Becoming Guang Ling Douluo's Disciple

At those words, Guang Ling's expression shifted slightly. When he had first taken Su Xianling as his disciple, it was partly because she was talented and likable, but also because her Martial Soul could perfectly carry on his fighting style.

And now, in a sense, Chu Heng was well suited to carrying on that fighting style too.

Once the thought took hold, the interest in Guang Ling's gaze grew unmistakable.

Besides, Chu Heng was around eight years old, already at level twenty-one, and had two hundred-year Spirit Rings. Under Su Xianling's guidance, he had already cleared the most troublesome early stage. If Guang Ling took him as a disciple now, it would hardly cost him any effort. He could simply have Su Xianling pass on everything he had taught her.

Put that way, he would be getting a talented disciple practically for free.

"You really are an interesting little fellow..."

Guang Ling spoke softly.

Chu Heng perked up at once.

He's going to say yes!

Su Xianling's eyes lit up too.

"Teacher?"

Guang Ling leaned against the back of his chair, propping his cheek on one hand as he looked at Chu Heng.

"Your talent is just about passable, I suppose, and your Martial Soul is somewhat interesting."

Chu Heng's eyelid twitched.

Whatever makes you happy, sir.

"But..."

The corners of Guang Ling's mouth slowly rose.

"Since little Xianling brought you here herself, sending you straight back would make it seem as though I had no regard for my own disciple."

Su Xianling knew exactly what he meant. She immediately gave Chu Heng a push.

"Chu Heng!"

Chu Heng jolted and came to his senses.

He agreed?

He was just about to step forward and bow when Guang Ling suddenly raised a hand.

"Wait."

Chu Heng stopped.

Guang Ling looked him up and down.

"Kid, let me make one thing clear. Being my disciple won't be easy. You still have time to change your mind."

Seriously? After saying all that, do you still have to put on a show?

Chu Heng fell silent for a moment, then raised his head with a solemn expression.

"I won't regret it."

Guang Ling studied his eyes for a moment.

"Good. In that case, from this day on, you will be my second—"

Before he could finish, a voice rang through the quiet hall.

"Fifth, aren't you in a hurry to take on a disciple? Shouldn't you let us have a look first?"

The smile froze on Guang Ling's face.

Chu Heng froze too and instinctively looked toward the voice. Yet in the vast hall, there was clearly no one besides the three of them. Then he thought again. Who else could appear in this place?

The next moment...

"Second, you really couldn't wait, could you?"

Guang Ling gave a soft snort. As his words fell, the space to one side of the hall seemed to tremble faintly, and a tall old man with a weighty presence stepped out.

Chu Heng's heart skipped a beat. Of course. Who else could address Guang Ling like that inside the Worship Hall?

Spirit Hall's Second Worship, Golden Crocodile Douluo.

But before Chu Heng could get a better look, another voice spoke, cool and detached.

"If we waited any longer, you'd have already accepted him."

A figure in blue-green landed silently in the hall. The newcomer's expression was calm. His gaze swept over Chu Heng before settling on the Martial Soul in his hand.

Third Offering, Azure Luan Douluo...

Chu Heng recited the name to himself.

Good grief! Were they all coming, one by one?

As if to confirm his suspicion...

"Fifth, if you're taking a disciple, why make such a mystery of it?"

A rough voice followed close behind. Mighty Lion Douluo strode into the hall and swept his gaze over Chu Heng, his brows immediately drawing together.

"Level twenty-one? A bit weak."

"Fourth."

Qian Jun Douluo approached from the other side, his tone calm.

"How old is he? Besides, Soul Power doesn't decide everything. The boy might have a few tricks up his sleeve."

Just then, an amused voice came from behind Qian Jun.

"That's easy enough to find out."

Jiang Mo Douluo walked into the hall with the Coiling Dragon Staff over his shoulder, his eyes going straight to Chu Heng.

"Kid, bring out that thing from earlier again."

Chu Heng's mouth twitched.

Wait, was he already planning to have me shoot him?

Fortunately, Qian Jun only turned to give Jiang Mo a look.

"Don't fool around."

Jiang Mo shrugged.

"I only want to see it."

In the span of a few moments, all six of the Worship Hall's Offerings except Qian Daoliu had gathered here. Seated in the hall, Chu Heng felt the pressure weighing down on him.

What a lineup...

And from the look of it, they all knew what had happened earlier.

Golden Crocodile walked closer, his gaze settling on Su Xianling.

"Xianling, you came back and didn't even think to visit your teachers?"

At that, Su Xianling grumbled to herself: We're all in the Worship Hall. As if you didn't know I was back?

But Golden Crocodile had only said it in passing. His gaze returned to Chu Heng.

"Fifth, is this the child Xianling brought back?"

"Mm."

Guang Ling answered irritably.

"What? Do I need the rest of you to approve before I take a disciple?"

"Of course not."

Golden Crocodile's tone was even.

"But if Xianling brought him here and he's caught your interest as a disciple, I'm a little curious."

Azure Luan spoke calmly as well.

"His Martial Soul is quite unusual. That strike just now was fast."

After those few words, he fell silent again.

Mighty Lion, meanwhile, folded his arms.

"It looked flashy enough. Who knows how he'd fare in a real fight?"

Jiang Mo laughed at that.

"See? I told you. Just let him hit me once and we'll know."

"Be quiet."

Qian Jun gave his younger brother a helpless look, and Jiang Mo reluctantly shut his mouth.

Chu Heng stood to one side, eyes lowered. At a time like this, saying less was the safest choice.

Su Xianling couldn't help laughing a little. She had followed Guang Ling Douluo since childhood and often spent time with the other Offerings. They had even taken to calling her their shared disciple, so she was used to the way they interacted. Now, despite their casual remarks, none of them had objected. She finally relaxed.

Watching his old companions trade pointless remarks, Guang Ling grew more and more impatient.

"You've seen him and had your say. Anything else?"

Golden Crocodile glanced at Chu Heng, then back at Guang Ling.

"He's your disciple. The decision is yours. But since you're taking him in, teach him well. He might become another leading talent of Spirit Hall's next generation."

Among the talented young people of Su Xianling's generation in Spirit Hall, she had been the captain.

With that, Golden Crocodile turned and left. The other Offerings went their separate ways too.

Guang Ling stared toward the hall doors, a vein seeming to twitch at his temple.

"Every last one of them has too much time on his hands..."

Su Xianling stifled a laugh beside him. Guang Ling shot her a glare.

"What are you laughing at?"

Su Xianling immediately straightened her face.

"Nothing."

Guang Ling gave a soft snort, then turned back to Chu Heng.

"Kid."

Chu Heng stood straight at once.

"Those fellows interrupted me earlier."

Guang Ling rose from his seat and walked slowly up to Chu Heng. His usually casual expression turned uncharacteristically serious.

"I'll ask you one last time. Are you willing to become my disciple?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Chu Heng stepped back and knelt on both knees.

"I, Chu Heng, greet you as my teacher!"

The corners of Guang Ling's mouth slowly rose.

"Get up. From this day on, you are my second disciple."