Chapter 120: Mentored by Two Halls
"This treatment... It's heart-wrenching, Hall Master..."
Many young first-tier Rune Masters and Alchemists looked on, feeling a pang of jealousy as they watched Mu Feng bask in the attention of two Hall Masters.
The rest of the crowd stood dumbfounded. How could this "Maple Leaf" be so sought after?
In truth, it was only natural. The number of individuals capable of activating soul power was already limited. Splitting talent among the four main branches—sigil, alchemy, forging, and array—further reduced the pool of prodigies. A rare gem like Mu Feng, excelling in multiple branches, was a prize worth fighting for.
The Bickering Intensifies
"Shaw, last time we let your Alchemy Hall take a few talents. What now? You still want to grab this one?"
"Hmph! I can't sit by and let this boy's potential be buried. I'm thinking of his future!"
"Buried? Sure. Just like you 'buried' those students you took last time!"
"How dare you! Didn't everyone here see his extraordinary alchemical talent firsthand?"
"But he came to us first, and this recommendation letter is addressed to my Sigil Hall. Don't you understand the concept of 'first come, first served'?"
Neither side was willing to concede, their argument growing increasingly heated.
Mu Feng stood awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to say.
"Alright, Shaw, if you insist on taking him, how about we settle this with a fight?"
Mo Lian's hand flashed, summoning a sigil that crackled with energy.
"I'm not falling for that. Your Sigil Hall specializes in combat. Why should I play to your strengths?"
Shaw crossed his arms defiantly.
The crowd exchanged incredulous glances. The two Hall Masters—both of whom were among the most respected figures in the Rune Master Guild—were practically ready to come to blows over Mu Feng.
Mu Feng Proposes a Solution
"Enough! Both of you, please listen!"
Mu Feng's loud interjection silenced the two, and they turned to him with piercing gazes.
"Gulp."
Swallowing nervously, Mu Feng mustered the courage to speak.
"Since both of you value me so much, why don't I... join both halls?"
"What?"
Both Hall Masters froze, their brows furrowing as they processed his suggestion.
"Young man, that's quite greedy of you. The Rune Master Guild has never allowed someone to belong to two branches at once," Shaw said, his tone firm.
"Exactly! What kind of nonsense is this? Are you saying I'm not good enough to teach you?" Mo Lian retorted, her voice laced with indignation.
Mu Feng sighed. "If that's the case... I might as well show you something."
He pulled out two sigils he had drawn earlier and handed them to the Hall Masters.
"What are these?" Mo Lian asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just take a look."
The two scrutinized the sigils carefully. As they activated the first one, a burst of fire erupted in a controlled explosion, the heat rippling across the space.
"Second-tier Fire Rune!"
Mo Lian's eyes lit up with delight.
Shaw, unwilling to be outdone, activated the second sigil. A golden sword light slashed through the air, sharp and radiant.
"Second-tier Golden Sword Rune," he muttered, stunned.
The two Hall Masters exchanged incredulous looks.
"This boy isn't just a second-tier Alchemist—he's also a second-tier Sigil Master!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
"What kind of monster is this?"
"A seventeen-year-old, already a dual-discipline prodigy?"
Even Xiao Ziyu widened her eyes in disbelief.
"Preposterous!" she muttered under her breath.
A Decision is Reached
"Senior Shaw, Senior Mo," Mu Feng began, his voice steady, "I deeply respect both of you. I'm equally passionate about sigils and alchemy, but I made a promise to Elder Qian Ping that I would join the Sigil Hall. I cannot go back on my word."
Turning to Mo Lian, he bowed respectfully.
Mo Lian's smile broadened as she patted Mu Feng's shoulder.
"Good boy. You're honest and principled—just the kind of disciple I like."
"Wait a moment!" Shaw interjected, clearly unwilling to let go. "Joining the Sigil Hall doesn't mean you have to give up alchemy entirely. If you ever need guidance in alchemy, my doors are always open."
"Of course, Senior Shaw. I wouldn't dare forget your generosity," Mu Feng replied with a warm smile.
"Hmph! At least you know who's the better teacher," Mo Lian teased, her tone playful yet triumphant.
Bowing deeply, Mu Feng declared, "From this day forth, I recognize both of you as my teachers!"
The Hall Masters exchanged glances, a silent truce forming between them.
"Well, let's see how this unique arrangement pans out," Shaw muttered, rubbing his temples.
A New Chapter
The onlookers were buzzing with excitement and envy. To be mentored by both Hall Masters? Such a thing was unprecedented!
Meanwhile, Lu Chuxue's expression darkened. With the protection of two Hall Masters, any attempt to harm Mu Feng would now come at a steep cost.
"Let's see how long you can keep this up, boy," she muttered under her breath.
As the commotion died down, Xiao Ziyu approached Mu Feng with a mischievous glint in her eye. Clutching his arm, she asked sweetly, "Senior Brother, will you teach me your three-drug simultaneous refining technique?"
"Of course, but only if you call me 'Senior Brother' loud enough for everyone to hear," Mu Feng teased, his grin widening.
Her cheeks puffed up indignantly. "Hmph! Fine! Senior Brother!"
"I can't hear you."
She jumped onto his back, grabbing his ears and shouting, "Senior Brother, Senior Brother, Senior Brother!"
"Ow, ow! Alright, alright, I'll teach you!"
As the two bickered playfully, the Hall Masters and Mu family members exchanged amused glances.
For Mu Feng, this was only the beginning of his ascent. But for those plotting against him, the path ahead would only grow more treacherous.