Chapter Forty-Eight: Refusal

No matter how difficult the conditions set forth by Master Xu might be, Wang Haochen would surely agree to them. Even if it meant risking his own life, he would repay Master Xu for saving him, for this was his principle as a man. If a person lacked principles, such a person would surely become a fiend.

Seeing Wang Haochen accept without a moment’s hesitation, not even asking what the conditions were, and his eyes filled with resolute sincerity, Master Xu’s lips curled into a faint smile. He seemed quite satisfied with Wang Haochen’s response and silently reaffirmed the decision he had made in his heart.

“My condition is not difficult for you; in fact, it is extremely easy. Moreover, it may bring you immense benefit,” Master Xu said. “My condition is simply this: I wish you to become my disciple. Are you willing?” Master Xu addressed Wang Haochen, who stood before him.

The inner sect disciples who had gathered to witness the contest were stunned by Master Xu’s proposition. Silence fell over the crowd, so still that only the urgent, heavy breathing of the disciples could be heard. Suddenly, explosive murmurs erupted among them.

“Did I hear that right? Master Xu wants to take that boy as his disciple!”

“You didn’t mishear. Master Xu really intends to accept him. That boy is truly lucky.”

They could not believe that Master Xu would choose Wang Haochen, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, as his disciple. For someone like Chen Yi, an outer sect disciple in the Qi Refining stage, Foundation Establishment was impressive and awe-inspiring. But to the inner sect disciples watching, it was insignificant.

All these disciples had cultivation above the Core Formation stage; someone like Wang Haochen, at Foundation Establishment, was no more than an ant, easily crushed. Yet, the one they considered an ant had caught Master Xu’s eye and was to be taken as his disciple.

Master Xu, as the chief alchemist of the Five Elements Sect, held a position of great honor, second only to the sect leader, the supreme elders, and Master Ouyang. Not only was Xu the master of the Alchemy Peak, but he was also the second elder of the sect’s council of elders, while Master Ouyang was the first elder.

Within the Five Elements Sect, there were three vital peaks: Alchemy Peak, Artifact Peak, and Formation Peak. Each played an essential role: Alchemy Peak crafted pills, Artifact Peak forged treasures, and Formation Peak laid out formations. It was said that the sect’s protective array was arranged by Formation Peak.

Master Xu, as the master of Alchemy Peak and the second elder, possessed a status of utmost prestige. His honored standing attracted countless disciples seeking to become his apprentices, but all left disappointed—Master Xu had never accepted a single disciple. Many of those present had themselves sought to be his apprentice, only to fail.

None of them had ever imagined that Master Xu would voluntarily offer to take a Foundation Establishment cultivator as his disciple. Their hearts were filled with resentment, yet they dared not direct it toward Master Xu; instead, they vented their dissatisfaction at Wang Haochen.

Wang Haochen himself was stunned by Master Xu’s proposal. He had never expected that Master Xu would wish to take him as a disciple, knowing that the master had never accepted anyone, not even sons of elders or exceptionally gifted talents. So Wang Haochen was at a loss. Yet, thinking of Fu Aotian, who had risked his life to save him, he calmed his agitated heart.

Master Xu saw that Wang Haochen did not immediately answer, but stood frozen. He was not angry, for he understood Wang Haochen’s feelings—he would have been equally stunned in the young man’s place.

After regaining his composure, Wang Haochen seemed to reach a decision. Bowing deeply to Master Xu, he said, “Thank you, Master, for your great favor. I feel my conduct is not worthy of becoming your disciple, and I have failed your generous intentions. I am willing to accept whatever you decide for me, but I ask that you grant me the life-restoring pill as promised before the contest.”

“How dare you! A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator defying Master Xu’s will? You must be courting death!”

“Indeed! Master Xu offers you such a great fortune, and you do not treasure it. You deserve to be punished!”

“Master Xu, allow us to teach this boy a lesson. We will show him the cost of disobedience!”

The surrounding disciples were overjoyed and excited by Wang Haochen’s words. They relished his refusal of Master Xu’s offer. Moments ago, they had been full of envy toward Wang Haochen, but now only pity remained.

“Let it be,” said Master Xu. “I am curious, Wang Haochen, why do you not wish to become my disciple, and only ask for the life-restoring pill? You must understand that if you became my apprentice, you could have as many of those pills as you desired.”

Master Xu was surprised by Wang Haochen’s answer, but not angry; instead, he asked with interest.

“I am the chief alchemist of the Five Elements Sect. I lack neither cultivation resources nor the finest manuals and techniques. If you become my disciple, all these would be yours. Moreover, you must know that if I so much as hinted at seeking a disciple, countless would come begging to be accepted. Yet today, when I offer to take you in, you refuse. Why?”

“Master, I once swore brotherhood with two companions, pledging to share fortune and adversity alike. Now, my brother’s life hangs by a thread, while I am to become your disciple, gaining great power and status as a prominent figure in the Five Elements Sect. This violates my principles and conscience. I ask for your understanding, and for the pill, so I may save my brother.”

Wang Haochen spoke from his heart when Master Xu asked why he would not accept.

“Very well. Since you have spoken thus, I am not a petty man who would deny you what you deserve for refusing me,” said Master Xu. He took out a life-restoring pill and gave it to Wang Haochen, so he might save Fu Aoxuan’s life.

Receiving the pill, Wang Haochen thanked Master Xu deeply, then hurried off into the distance.