C18 Accepting a Disciple

Ye Zonglei was renowned in the academy as the earliest student to possess a talent for pill refining, having even achieved the level of self-taught mastery.

Yet Zuo Qiu seemed indifferent to this fact, apparently holding Ye Tian in higher regard.

Standing before his peers, Ye Zonglei was mortified. If he didn't comply with Zuo Qiu's directive, he would not only disrupt the upcoming lesson but also jeopardize his own aspirations to become Ye Tian's disciple.

"Ye Tian, I apologize. I was a bit rash earlier. Please, return to your seat and pay attention to Elder Zuo's lecture," Ye Zonglei said, regaining his composure before addressing Ye Tian.

Ye Zonglei was determined to handle any situation as best as he could, provided it didn't interfere with his goal of becoming Ye Tian's disciple. That was his top priority.

"Hehe, don't you know how to apologize? Standing so rigid, as if I'm the one at fault!" Ye Tian mocked Ye Zonglei with a cold laugh. "Or is it that your back is too stiff to bend?"

Ye Zonglei's anger intensified after Ye Tian's taunt. Despite being a senior figure in Ye Tian's generation, bowing to him was out of the question.

Zuo Qiu, however, remained stoic, not intervening in the dispute, clearly indicating that he intended to side with Ye Tian's perspective.

Ye Zonglei, feeling utterly humiliated with countless eyes upon him, knew he had no choice but to bow and apologize.

"Ye Tian, I was wrong. Please accept my apology!" With great effort, Ye Zonglei suppressed his rage and bent forward, his body forming a precise right angle.

"There you go. That's more like it. You're showing some remorse. Considering our relationship, I'll let this slide," Ye Tian said, visibly pleased. He waved his hand dismissively, exuding generosity, and turned back to his seat.

Bent over, Ye Zonglei was seething with humiliation, as if he had swallowed something vile. Publicly ridiculed by Ye Tian, his face burned with embarrassment, and even upon standing, he couldn't immediately regain his composure.

The commotion ceased with Ye Tian's departure. Zuo Qiu, pursued by a throng of students, ascended the stage to begin his lecture.

Yet Zuo Qiu felt a wave of embarrassment. Despite being a Level Three alchemist, more than qualified to teach these students, the presence of Ye Tian in the audience was daunting. His techniques seemed trivial before Ye Tian. If Zuo Qiu only knew the full extent of the situation, he'd realize his own insignificance in comparison.

Noticing Zuo Qiu's reluctance, Ye Tian understood the old man's thoughts. With a discreet glance, he bolstered Zuo Qiu's confidence, encouraging him to commence the class.

Zuo Qiu spoke with fervor about the origins of the Heavenly Pill Alliance, the intricacies of pill refining, and the craft's stringent requirements. This was his life's passion and pride, and he spoke with unbridled joy.

The students hung on every word of this exceptional lesson, reaping immense benefits. Even Ye Zonglei recognized the numerous errors in his previous pill refining attempts.

"Students, we'll conclude our basic theory here for today," Zuo Qiu announced. "Should you wish to apply what you've learned, visit the Heavenly Pill Alliance and craft your own pills. It will surely enlighten both your mind and vision."

The hour-long session flew by, and as the students yearned for more, Zuo Qiu brought the lecture to a timely end, honoring the agreement with Spirit Wind Academy.

Before Zuo Qiu could step down from the podium, Ye Zonglei sprang from his seat and approached him, kneeling down with utmost respect.

"Elder Zuo, I have long admired you and humbly request to become your disciple. It is my deepest aspiration," he declared.

Now was the moment for Ye Zonglei to enact his plan, presenting his sincerity and the pills he had refined solo—without any guidance. Initially irregular, his pills had gradually taken on a semblance of quality through persistent practice, a testament to his promising talent.

Ye Zonglei had also discovered that Zuo Qiu had a particular fondness for individuals with a talent for alchemy. If he found someone with that potential, there was a strong likelihood he would take them on as a disciple.

"We can discuss this matter later. I have other things to attend to right now..."

What Ye Zonglei hadn't anticipated was Zuo Qiu's lack of immediate response. Instead, Zuo Qiu swiftly exited the stage and, to everyone's surprise, whisked Ye Tian away to a quiet corner.

The students were stunned by this turn of events, unable to fathom what drew Zuo Qiu, such a distinguished master, to Ye Tian, whom they considered worthless.

"Senior, at last, I have the chance to seek your advice. During my lecture, I noticed you shaking your head from the audience. Did I make a mistake somewhere?" Zuo Qiu asked earnestly, like a student eager to learn, cornering Ye Tian.

If other members of the Heavenly Pill Alliance witnessed this scene, they would surely think they were seeing ghosts. It was unusual, considering Zuo Qiu, as the branch head, typically stood in Ye Tian's place.

"You made several errors in your lecture. Alchemy isn't as intricate as you described. With a tranquil mind, success will follow naturally..." Ye Tian had indeed noticed Zuo Qiu overcomplicating the process, which not only made it more cumbersome but also increased the chances of failure.

As the Heaven Soaring Great Monarch, Ye Tian's insights could elevate Zuo Qiu to a level four alchemist.

"This is indeed profound truth!" Zuo Qiu had an epiphany upon hearing Ye Tian's clarification.

He now realized his prior methods were gravely mistaken, and with Ye Tian guiding him onto the correct path, clarity dawned upon him.

"Senior, I must pay my respects to you!" Zuo Qiu was about to bow deeply, hands clasped, but Ye Tian quickly steadied him.

The previous incident had already caused enough of a stir. If Zuo Qiu were seen bowing deeply to him, Ye Tian would find himself at the center of controversy.

"I have no use for such formalities. Right now, there's just one thing I need your help with." Ye Tian spoke as he pulled a list from his pocket, detailing several medicinal herbs with precise proportions.

"Collect these herbs according to the prescription listed here and bring them to me. I'll compensate you for the cost of concocting the elixir."

Ye Tian had penned the pill formula the day before, and now that the opportunity had presented itself, he naturally intended for Zuo Qiu to take on the task.

In the Heavenly Pill Alliance, a Level Four medicinal pill recipe was a treasured commodity. By nonchalantly handing it over to Zuo Qiu, Ye Tian's esteem in Zuo Qiu's eyes soared even higher.

"Senior, you're too kind. I'll get right on it, and please, don't give the cost another thought!"

Zuo Qiu was so elated he nearly burst into laughter. This was a Level Four pill recipe, after all. If he could master the refinement of this Level Four pill, his three pill marks would ascend to four.

And then, Luoshui City would seem no more than a mere puddle to him!

"What about Ye Zonglei? How would you like me to handle him?"

Zuo Qiu sought Ye Tian's guidance, sensing the discord between them. With Ye Tian's word, his decision was clear.

Despite Ye Zonglei's decent talent, Zuo Qiu harbored no regrets.