The Eccentric Research Institute Elder

The Great Elder beside him seemed to notice Zhou Huan's little maneuver and privately said, "Elder Zhou Huan, you need not involve yourself in this boy's apprenticeship for now. I have my own arrangements."

Zhou Huan was startled. He had not expected the Great Elder to have noticed Lin Yi as well.

Could he be trying to compete with me for a disciple?

"Great Elder, Lin Yi was personally discovered by me. He and I have long formed a deep bond..."

The Great Elder chuckled. "If you had not embezzled his Heaven-grade ruin, I might have believed in this bond you speak of. As for why I am not letting you hastily take him as a disciple, naturally it is because someone of my rank is also watching this boy."

Zhou Huan felt somewhat embarrassed by the Great Elder's words, yet he still did not want to let a genius like Lin Yi slip away.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Lin Yi would encounter no obstacles in reaching the Emperor Realm. Even the mid-Emperor Realm would not be his endpoint.

Zhou Huan said, "Great Elder, there are so many people in the Academy at your level. If you will not tell me exactly who it is, then I will not give up. Besides, even if I am not qualified to take him as a disciple, my master can."

Zhou Huan's master was the current Vein Master of the Seventh Vein, a great existence among the strongest at the late Emperor Realm.

The Great Elder glanced at Zhou Huan. "You cannot bear to suffer even the slightest loss. You are practically cast from the same mold as your master. As for the person who has taken an interest in Lin Yi, I cannot tell you yet. I can only