C20 Snatch Disciple!!

"You think you can challenge me, you wretch?" Mengyao's eyes glinted with an icy chill as she glared at Gui Hsing, her body language anything but friendly. A subtle energy pulsed through her, emanating a palpable wave of cold.

Unyielding, Gui Hsing scoffed with disdain. "What a farce. You all hid away, too scared to lose face. Now that you've seen someone else's talent, you're all eager to pounce. Shameless, the lot of you!"

Mengyao retorted icily, "When did I say I wouldn't step in? Show me the proof. I didn't utter a single word before you swooped in and stole my chance!"

Gui Hsing paused, momentarily taken aback. Indeed, Mengyao hadn't spoken before he had stepped forward, leaving him feeling rather embarrassed.

"Ahem, well, let's just leave it at that. You've got a handful of disciples already. No need to compete with me for another," he tried to deflect.

Mengyao brushed off the comment with ease, "What does it matter if I have five or six? They're all useless. Years have passed, and not one has become a Grandmaster. None compare to Yang Chen!"

Gui Hsing's face soured, but before he could respond, Elder Wang chimed in with a chuckle, "Are we really going to quarrel over this now? Besides, shouldn't we have the consent of the person in question?"

Elder Wang rose and approached Yang Chen with a benevolent smile. He channeled a stream of spiritual energy, enveloping Yang Chen before merging it into his body.

Instantly, Yang Chen felt a comforting warmth coursing through his veins, revitalizing him. The weakness that had gripped him vanished, replaced by a surge of robust power.

Brushing himself off, Yang Chen stood up, his recent skirmish with Gui Hsing a stark reminder of the formidable might of Grandmaster-level adversaries. Despite his own Grandmaster status, he felt dwarfed by the true power of such experts.

Yet, Yang Chen had held back his ace during the fight—his Devouring Ability. With the room full of No.98 Grandmasters, revealing his unique skill could mean never leaving the building, as it would surely attract unwanted attention.

Yang Chen had overheard Gui Hsing and Mengyao's exchange and couldn't help but smile wryly, "Esteemed seniors flatter me too much. What merits do I possess to become a disciple of such stature?"

His implication was clear—he had no desire to become their apprentice.

Chen Tianxin's eyebrows arched in surprise at Yang Chen's audacity. Was this young man suggesting that none present were worthy to be his master?

Yang Chen, indeed, felt no need for a master. With the system at his disposal, time was all he required. Sign-ins would suffice; cultivation was unnecessary. Sign-ins alone would make him powerful.

"Kid, do you even understand how the Grandmaster Level is classified?" Chen Tianxin inquired, sipping his coffee leisurely.

Yang Chen blinked, taken aback. He had assumed Grandmaster was the pinnacle, unaware of any further distinctions.

"How are they classified?" he asked.

Chen Tianxin explained, "The term 'Grandmaster' is a catch-all for those above S-grade Ability Users. Within the Grandmaster rank, there are several stages. You think our strengths are determined arbitrarily? These details are known only to S-grade Ability Users. But since you possess a Grandmaster's physique, you're practically on the threshold. It's time you learned."

He paused, then continued, "Within the Grandmaster rank, there are the Grandmaster, Shackles, and Heaven Sect stages. Each breakthrough brings immense power."

Yang Chen's mind raced. The Grandmaster rank was far more complex than he'd realized. He had underestimated this world where spiritual energy was resurgent.

"Among us five, three are at the Shackles Stage, one is a standard Grandmaster, and as for the Heaven Sect, there are fewer than ten on the entire planet," Chen Tianxin revealed.

"Your Grandmaster Body has just about reached the early phase of the Grandmaster Stage. Gui Hsing is already at the Shackles Stage; it's only natural you couldn't best him. Against another early-phase Grandmaster, you might have stood a chance."

Chen Tianxin's explanation brought clarity to Yang Chen, who now understood why he felt so outmatched against Gui Hsing.

"Heh, kid, what do you say? Me, a Shackles Stage being, as your master—am I qualified enough? Mengyao is merely a Grandmaster, after all!" Gui Hsing declared, his excitement palpable.

He saw great potential in Yang Chen, who had achieved Grade A Ability User status at such a young age. Even Gui Hsing himself had only reached Grade A in his mid-twenties.

Moreover, Yang Chen is not just any A-grade talent—he possesses the physique of a Grandmaster. Although it's unclear how he achieved it, that in itself is a remarkable gift!

"What's the big deal about being a Grandmaster? Shackles Stage? Got a problem with that?"

Mengyao's mood soured instantly. She planted her hands on her hips and unleashed a tirade at Gui Hsing.

Gui Hsing offered an awkward smile, clearly unwilling to further provoke this woman. Sometimes, there's just no reasoning with them!

Yang Chen didn't bother responding to Gui Hsing. Instead, he fixed his fervent gaze on Chen Tianxin, licked his lips, and asked, "Grandmaster Chen mentioned three at the Shackles Stage, one Grandmaster, and one at the Heaven Gate Stage. Could that be you? Are you at the Heaven Gate Stage?"

A serene light danced in Chen Tianxin's eyes as he confirmed with a smile, "Indeed, I am!"

"Come on, boss, this isn't fun. You said you were done taking disciples, remember?"

Gui Hsing was visibly upset, casting a look of mild discontent at Chen Tianxin.

"Do you object?"

Chen Tianxin's expression turned stern as he locked eyes with Gui Hsing, as if ready to challenge him should he dare to disagree.

As expected, Gui Hsing clammed up at Chen Tianxin's words and withdrew into his own thoughts.

Yang Chen, undeterred by their exchange, continued to gaze at Chen Tianxin with shining eyes, pressing, "So, would you consider taking me on as your disciple?"

Despite previously not being keen on seeking a disciple, Yang Chen had a change of heart after hearing Chen Tianxin's words, realizing that finding a master might be a wise move.

After all, there are many levels beyond the Grandmaster realm, and Chen Tianxin is an entity at the Heaven Gate Stage. Whether for guidance or as a shield, having him as a mentor would be advantageous.

Imagine the future benefits—merely mentioning that he is Chen Tianxin's disciple would garner him great respect and privileges, even without the need for further cultivation!

Yang Chen found this prospect quite appealing.

With a faint smile, Chen Tianxin declared, "I'm not looking to take on disciples."

His statement left Gui Hsing dumbfounded. So, all that talk was for nothing? And why go on about it if you're not interested in discipleship?

A hint of disappointment flickered in Yang Chen's heart, but he quickly bounced back. If not a master from the Heaven Gate Stage, then a mentor from the Shackles Stage would suffice.

"However, I can assist you in finding a suitable master," Chen Tianxin offered, his voice echoing once more.

Yang Chen looked up sharply, only to see Chen Tianxin smiling back at him.

Gui Hsing's enthusiasm waned at the revelation. With Chen Tianxin's endorsement out of reach, he knew his chances were slim. But the thought of Mengyao, that young girl, also being out of the running brought him a twisted sense of relief.

Not too shabby—nobody gets the prize, heh!

"May I inquire as to which master you're referring to?" Yang Chen asked earnestly.

He was intent on choosing a master of some renown; his cultivation was already commendable. Though he may be one of the weaker Grandmasters, he was unbeatable beneath that tier. Among his peers, none could rival him.

Thus, Yang Chen had certain expectations for his future master.

Chen Tianxin's smile broadened slightly. He could empathize with Yang Chen's aspirations; every genius seeks a formidable figure for a mentor. Hadn't he done the same?

"Don't worry, you won't be disappointed. He's coming to Jiangnan soon, and I'll introduce you then. Trust me, he's no less capable than I am," Chen Tianxin reassured him.

With that assurance, Yang Chen felt a measure of relief. If Chen Tianxin, a Heaven Sect powerhouse, claimed this master was his equal, then surely he too was of the Heaven Sect caliber.

The Grandmasters in the vicinity exchanged knowing glances. Even Gui Hsing fell silent, while Shan Shou gave Yang Chen a rare, scrutinizing look before turning away.

"By the way, you haven't signed up with No.98 yet, have you? Later, Elder Wang will help you with the paperwork, and then you can tackle the mission. That will officially induct you into No.98."

Chen Tianxin seemed to recall something and continued, "Then... Elder Wang, assign him that particular mission. Since it's him, an ordinary task won't suffice. It'll be a good opportunity for that person to gauge his capabilities. Otherwise, he might not take an interest in him!"

His words were unequivocal.

Yang Chen's brow furrowed. Who was this person with such high standards? Well, he'd make sure to impress!

A surge of competitiveness welled up within Yang Chen.

"Got it!"

Elder Wang laughed heartily and led Yang Chen out to handle the mundane details of joining No.98.

Back in the room, as Yang Chen departed, Chen Tianxin stroked his chin, a smile playing on his lips.

"I've found you an excellent disciple. You'll owe me a big favor for this!"