Chapter 119: The Two Hall Masters

Chapter 119: The Two Hall Masters

"Grandpa!"

When Xiao Ziyu saw the man approach, she immediately ran to him, clinging to his arm with a coquettish charm.

Xiao Zhen, though appearing no older than forty, was well over a century old, his vitality preserved by his Yuan Dan cultivation.

"Little Yu'er, now do you understand? There's always a higher peak in the mountains," Xiao Zhen chuckled, affectionately tweaking her petite nose.

"Hmph! I don't believe it! Grandpa, look at him! With that full head of white hair, how can he possibly be a seventeen-year-old? He's probably an old man pretending to be young!"

Xiao Ziyu's dismissive remark made Mu Feng roll his eyes under the mask. An old man? I'm the epitome of youthful brilliance.

"Hahaha! You stubborn girl! If that's your logic, then I must be an ancient relic at over two hundred years old!"

Xiao Zhen laughed heartily, gently patting Xiao Ziyu's head. Then, turning to Mu Chen and Lu Chuxue, he greeted them with respectful bows.

Finally, his gaze rested on Mu Feng, brimming with appreciation.

"Brother Mu, may I ask who this young man is? His alchemical skills are truly extraordinary."

Mu Chen chuckled. "Ah, him? He's the adopted son of my late brother, General Mu Tian. The boy has been honing his craft within the family, and we thought it time he stepped out to experience the world."

"Mu Tian's adopted son? Truly remarkable. He's inherited Mu Tian's noble legacy."

Xiao Zhen nodded approvingly, impressed.

Meanwhile, Lu Chuxue's sharp eyes glinted with suspicion.

"Mu Tian's adopted son? Strange... I've never heard of him before…"

"Mu Feng," Xiao Zhen addressed warmly.

"Senior."

Mu Feng bowed respectfully.

"Would you be willing to study under me? Join the Alchemy Hall, and I'll personally guide you."

The room erupted in murmurs of astonishment.

"Did the Hall Master just offer to take on a disciple?"

"Mu Feng's truly lucky. Becoming Xiao Zhen's student is a dream for many!"

Jealousy flared in the eyes of many alchemists present, while the Mu family members were visibly thrilled.

Xiao Zhen was not only the head of the Alchemy Hall and a fourth-tier Rune Master but also a Yuan Dan-level cultivator. His influence within the Rune Master Guild and the Southern Spirit Nation was unparalleled.

"Grandpa, are you serious? Weren't you done taking disciples?"

Xiao Ziyu exclaimed, astonished.

Mu Feng, too, was caught off guard. He hadn't expected such a prestigious figure to offer him a mentorship.

"Mu Feng, quickly agree!" Mu Chen urged via sound transmission, excitement evident in his tone.

Becoming Xiao Zhen's disciple would undoubtedly grant Mu Feng and the Mu family unprecedented protection.

Yet, Mu Feng hesitated, his face reflecting his inner conflict.

"What's wrong, young man? Are there any issues?" Xiao Zhen inquired, his tone kind but curious.

"Hmph! Idiot! My grandfather offering to teach you is an honor beyond measure. Do you even realize how many people would kill for this opportunity?" Xiao Ziyu huffed indignantly.

Mu Feng scratched his head, offering a wry smile.

"Senior, I'm deeply honored, but I must decline. I can join the Rune Master Guild, but I cannot join the Alchemy Hall."

The room fell silent, shock rippling through the crowd.

"Decline? Why?" Xiao Zhen asked, his brows furrowing.

"Because of a promise."

"A promise?"

"Yes, senior. I previously made a vow to an elder that I would join the Sigil Hall. I must honor my word."

The crowd's astonishment deepened.

"Sigil Hall? Is he also a Sigil Engraver?"

Gasps echoed among the onlookers, especially the sigil engravers, who scrutinized Mu Feng with newfound interest.

Mu Feng nodded, producing a letter of recommendation penned by the elder Qian Ping, as part of their prior agreement.

Xiao Zhen examined the letter, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise.

"Joining the Sigil Hall is admirable, but your primary strength lies in alchemy. Diverting your focus could squander your natural talent."

"Master Xiao, I object!"

A melodious yet assertive voice interrupted, and a striking woman in a black dress entered the room, flanked by several Rune Masters.

She exuded a commanding presence, her porcelain skin and graceful demeanor accentuated by her form-fitting attire.

"Hall Master Mo!"

The crowd greeted her with deference.

Mo Lian, head of the Sigil Hall and a renowned fourth-tier Rune Master, had arrived.

"Mo Lian, why are you here?" Xiao Zhen asked, already sensing trouble.

"I heard there was an intriguing competition and decided to take a look. Imagine my surprise when I found you trying to poach talent from my Sigil Hall," Mo Lian said with a playful smile, though her tone carried a sharp edge.

"Poach? You misunderstand. I merely wish to guide this young man's extraordinary talent," Xiao Zhen countered, his voice calm.

"Hah! The Sigil, Alchemy, Array, and Forging arts are interconnected. If he excels in one, he can surely thrive in another. Who's to say his sigil talents won't surpass his alchemy skills?" Mo Lian retorted, standing her ground.

The crowd exchanged astonished glances. Two hall masters, both giants in the Rune Master Guild, were openly vying for the same student.

Mu Feng, meanwhile, felt increasingly overwhelmed.

Mo Lian approached him with a disarming smile, her elegant scent subtly invading his senses.

"Young man, who recommended you to us? Tell your future teacher."

"Uh… it was Elder Qian Ping," Mu Feng replied, avoiding her captivating gaze.

"Ah, Qian Ping. That old man still has an eye for talent."

Mo Lian gently patted Mu Feng's head, her demeanor both warm and commanding.

"Mu Feng," Xiao Zhen interjected, "I urge you to reconsider. Your abilities in alchemy are truly rare. Diverting your path would be a loss for you—and for the craft."

"Xiao Zhen, how shameless can you be? This young man came under Qian Ping's recommendation to join my hall, yet you dare to meddle? Where's your honor?"

Mo Lian placed her hands on her hips, her fiery temperament on full display.

Xiao Zhen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I'm merely trying to ensure his gifts aren't wasted, Mo Lian."

The scene left the crowd speechless. Two titans of the Rune Master Guild, openly bickering like children, all for a single youth.

For Mu Feng, this attention was both flattering and exhausting.