Chapter 211: Pay Respect to Two Masters?
To be honest, Fang Lin really had not decided who to take as his mentor, and deep down, he was somewhat reluctant to have one at all.
In Fang Lin’s view, no one was qualified to be his master, especially in the realm of Alchemy Tao. Having been the Pill Sovereign in his past life, there was no one left who could instruct him.
If he really were to take a master, Fang Lin seriously doubted who would be teaching whom.
Despite his reluctance, Fang Lin knew he had to choose someone to be his mentor.
Accepting a mentor was not ordinary. To a large extent, it was not about finding a master, but finding a support.
If Fang Lin wanted to gain a solid foothold in Purple Mist Sect, finding a support was indeed necessary, apart from improving his strength.
Although Han Yinyue could offer Fang Lin a considerable amount of help, considering her status and relationship with Fang Lin, this help would be very limited.
But if Fang Lin were to have a mentor, it would be entirely different.
If Fang Lin had a mentor with a high status, even if Gu Daofeng had the courage, he would not dare to suppress Fang Lin openly.
In the Purple Mist Sect, who had a higher status than Han Luoyun? Fang Lin really wanted to have Han Luoyun as a mentor – he would become the Sect Master’s direct disciple, unrivaled in honor. Even if he met Gu Daofeng, he could hold his head high.
However, Fang Lin didn’t know much about Han Luoyun, and had some reservations. If Han Luoyun had his own motives, wouldn’t it be like leading the lamb to the slaughter if he took him as his master?
Those three elders had a high status, too. They were the seniors of Purple Mist Sect, and Han Luoyun was only their junior.
If Fang Lin took them as his mentors, it should also be a good choice, not to mention that these three old monsters had treasures on hand, which Fang Lin longed for.
After some thought, Fang Lin looked at the three old monsters, then at the smirking Han Luoyun above, and carefully broached the topic: “Can I choose the Sect Master as my mentor?”
Hearing this, the three old men didn’t seem surprised, as if they had expected Fang Lin would say so.
Han Luoyun smiled faintly. Originally, Fang Lin thought he would agree immediately, but to his surprise, Han Luoyun just shook his head.
“Fang Lin, although I really want to accept you as my disciple, your talent lies more in Alchemy Tao. I know very little about it and can’t teach you anything. If you accept me as your master, I’m afraid it will hold you back,” Han Luoyun said regretfully.
Fang Lin felt puzzled, as he suspected there was more to Han Luoyun’s words.
He looked at Han Yinyue, and saw Han Yinyue winking at the three elders and then at Han Luoyun.
It took Fang Lin a moment to understand that she was hinting at him. But what did she mean?
“Fang Lin, in all of Purple Mist Sect, I am the only one who can guide you in Alchemy Tao. What are you hesitating for?” The bamboo pole-like elder glared at him, rather unhappy.
“Fang Lin, apart from the three ancient medicinal herbs, I also have a volume of ancient incomplete scriptures, full of mysteries. I can let you have a look at it,” Elder Hu said.
“Humph, besides a bottle of Ancient Beast’s blood, I also have two Beast Bones of Ancient Beasts. They are priceless!” The bald elder said coldly.
Fang Lin scratched his nose, looked at Han Yinyue’s expression again, and seemed to understand all at once.
Seeing the look of sudden realization on Fang Lin’s face, Han Yinyue’s eyebrows furrowed. Did this guy really get her point?
Then Fang Lin saluted Han Luoyun and the three elders, saying, “I have made my decision.”
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall perked up, curious about Fang Lin’s choice, whether they were Han Luoyun, the three elders, or anyone else.
Fang Lin slowly said, “I have a request.”
Han Luoyun raised his eyebrows, “What’s your request? Say it.”
Fang Lin said, “I would like to have the Sect Master and this elder as my mentors.”
When these words came out, the whole hall fell silent. For a good while, not even a whisper ensued.
Everyone looked stunned and shocked, even the few top echelons of the Purple Mist Sect, who didn’t take much interest in Fang Lin, had convulsive expressions on their faces.
What a bizarre scenario!
Was there ever such greed? Was having one mentor not enough so one has to take two at once?
Moreover, those two chosen were the Sect Master of Purple Mist and a sect elder, both of whom were not easily handled.
“Absurd! It’s simply absurd!”
“A greenhorn! A trouble-maker!”
“Too presumptuous!”
Elder Jin and some others immediately stood up to criticize Fang Lin, while most of the people remained silent, waiting and watching.
The three elders looked at each other, taken aback by Fang Lin’s unexpected move. Their minds were a little chaotic.
Han Yinyue rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Fang Lin really hadn’t understood her point and had completely misinterpreted it.
She was hinting to him to choose between the three elders and her father, not to widen the scope. Only by accepting one of these people as his mentor, could Fang Lin’s value be truly reflected.
However, Fang Lin singularly deciphered it as Han Yinyue wanting him to worship two mentors, hence this farce.
Han Luoyun and the bamboo-pole-like elder were confused: What was he doing? Want to worship the two of us together? Was he kidding?
Especially Han Luoyun, who had an odd expression on his face. He was the master of the sect, and countless disciples dreamed of being his disciples. Yet, Fang Lin was so greedy that worshipping him alone was not enough; he even wanted to keep a foot in both camps?
Exactly, to Han Luoyun and most people, Fang Lin’s behavior seemed like trying to keep a foot in two boats, and two rather weighty ones at that.
Fang Lin had an embarrassed look on his face, feeling that he had been a little greedy. But having said it already, how could he take it back?
It was at this moment that Fang Lin noticed Han Yinyue’s helpless expression, and finally understood that he had misunderstood.
Elder Hu and the bald elder both shot Fang Lin resentful glances. So, this young man never really considered them. It’s not surprising though, they might have many treasures in hand, but to Fang Lin, they themselves were not that appealing.
The bamboo-pole-like elder’s eyes flickered, and then he broke into a smile. “Sect Master,” he said, “I think Fang Lin’s words make great sense.”
What? It makes sense? Fang Lin was dumbfounded. Had the elder become senile?
Quite a few people looked at the bamboo-pole-like elder with strange expressions, quietly wondering if the long years of seclusion had caused the old man to become confused.
“Oh? How so?” Han Luoyun said with a smile.
The bamboo-pole-like elder said, “There’s no doubt about Fang Lin’s aptitude in Alchemy Tao. If properly cultivated, he could become the fifth saint of our Purple Mist Sect. His aptitude in martial arts is also extremely extraordinary. At such a young age, he has already reached the fifth stage of the Earth Element. We should focus on cultivating him. As per my opinion, the Sect Master should become his martial arts mentor while I teach him Alchemy Tao. It would indeed be the best of both worlds.”
“I disagree!”
“I also disagree!”
Just as the bamboo-pole-like elder finished his words, several people immediately voiced their strong opposition.