Li Jian becomes a Disciple

"Yes Big Brother" Lin Tian replied in a heartbeat.

Li Jian's eyes sparkled with hope as he looked up at Lin Tian, eagerly awaiting his response. The boy's innocent expression was one of desperation mixed with a faint glimmer of excitement. For someone who had spent most of his life as a commoner, the chance to learn cultivation from a true practitioner was a dream come true.

Lin Tian studied him for a moment longer, then raised an eyebrow. He had already received the system's report, which stated that the boy's talent was nearly nonexistent. Still, something about Li Jian's determination made Lin Tian curious. After all, people with no talent could still become useful—if they had the right attitude.

"Are you sure?" Lin Tian asked, his voice casual but probing. "Cultivation is a long and difficult road. It's not all glory and power. It's about dedication, hard work, and understanding your limitations."

Li Jian's face lit up even more. "I understand, Big Brother! I'm willing to work hard. I know I don't have any special talent, but I'll give it my all. Please, teach me."

Lin Tian chuckled softly at the boy's enthusiasm. He hadn't expected such an earnest response from someone so young. His curiosity piqued, Lin Tian leaned in a little closer.

"Hmm… very well. But first, I need to test your commitment."

Li Jian nodded vigorously, his hands gripping the doll tightly in his lap. "I'll do anything, Big Brother! I'll work harder than anyone else!"

Lin Tian turned slightly, glancing around at the arena once more. He knew it wouldn't be enough to simply give the boy a few pointers. If Li Jian was truly determined, he'd need to understand the harsh reality of cultivation. It was about survival just as much as it was about growth.

"Alright, here's your first lesson. There's a test of your willpower and your ability to endure. No words can teach you as well as this. Follow me."

Lin Tian gestured toward the edge of the arena, where the fighters were taking a short break before resuming their next rounds. Without waiting for a response, he led the boy through the bustling crowd.

Lin Tian stopped at a training area just outside the arena, where the more experienced fighters were sharpening their skills. Nearby, a tall, grizzled instructor was overseeing a group of young martial artists. The instructor looked at Lin Tian and the boy curiously but said nothing.

"Pick up that stone over there." Lin Tian pointed to a large, jagged rock on the ground. "Lift it over your head and hold it for as long as you can. That's your test. No shortcuts."

Li Jian hesitated for only a moment before he hurriedly walked over to the stone. With all his might, he grasped the rough edges and attempted to lift it. The stone was much heavier than he had expected, and his arms trembled under the weight.

"Hold it!" Lin Tian's voice was firm but encouraging. "If you truly want to become a cultivator, you have to embrace the pain. There's no such thing as an easy path."

Li Jian's face turned red as he struggled to keep the stone in place above his head. Sweat dripped down his brow, and his legs shook with exhaustion. The boy was clearly on the verge of collapse, but Lin Tian kept his gaze unwavering.

Minutes passed, and still, Li Jian held the stone, his body trembling with every second. His face was pale, but there was a fire in his eyes—a burning desire to prove himself.

Lin Tian crossed his arms, observing the boy silently. He wasn't sure whether the child would last, but the persistence was certainly impressive.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Li Jian's arms gave way, and the stone dropped with a thud. He collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily and covered in sweat, but a smile broke out on his face.

"I… I did it, Big Brother! I didn't give up!"

Lin Tian nodded, stepping forward to help the boy to his feet. "You've passed the first test. It's not about talent, Jian Li. It's about your will. The stronger your will, the farther you'll go."

Li Jian's eyes sparkled with hope once more. "Thank you, Big Brother! I won't let you down!"

Lin Tian patted the boy on the shoulder, his expression softening. "We'll see. This is just the beginning."

Lin Tian stood with his hands casually held behind his back, confident air of superiority surrounding him. His gaze was fixed on Li Jian, the boy who had shown more determination than he'd expected. It was time to make things official.

"Jian Li, are you willing to take me as your master and become my eldest senior brother under my teaching?" Lin Tian asked, his voice calm but firm.

Li Jian froze for a moment, his eyes widening in shock. He had been working hard to prove himself, but this? To become a disciple under Lin Tian, the very person who had tested him, who had already shown so much strength and wisdom—it was beyond what he had imagined.

For a moment, the boy hesitated. He had come to this arena with nothing but a desire to learn cultivation, escape the dull life of a commoner, and prove that he could be more. But to be under someone like Lin Tian, someone who radiated power and confidence, was an overwhelming thought.

But then, Li Jian remembered the words of the older cultivators in the villages he passed through, how they had spoken of finding a master to guide them—a teacher who could shape their future. This was his chance. It was a path to a better life, a chance to prove himself.

The boy clenched his fists, determination returning to his eyes.

"Yes, Big Brother, I am willing to take you as my master!" he exclaimed, his voice full of passion and resolve. "I'll do everything I can to become strong, to live up to your teachings!" he kowtowed three times to Lin Tian.

Lin Tian's lips curled into a slight smile. It was exactly the answer he'd expected, yet it felt oddly satisfying to hear the boy speak it aloud. He knew that his decision to take Li Jian under his wing was not made lightly. The boy might not have talent, but his determination could turn him into something useful—or at the very least, a loyal companion.

"Very well," Lin Tian said, his voice softening slightly as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "From this day forward, you will be my first disciple. As your master, I will guide you, teach you, and prepare you for what's ahead. But you must understand that being a disciple isn't easy. It comes with responsibility, hard work, and sacrifice. Do you still want this?"

Li Jian nodded eagerly, his heart pounding with excitement. "I do! I'll work harder than anyone! I won't let you down, Master!"

Lin Tian's smile grew a little wider, though there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Good. As my first disciple, you'll have to prove yourself again. You'll be the eldest senior brother, the one who sets an example for others to follow. And trust me, there will be challenges ahead."

Lin Tian's words hung in the air, heavy with expectation. Li Jian, still kneeling before him, was overwhelmed with emotion. His heart raced in anticipation as he absorbed the significance of the moment. He had been accepted as a disciple by Lin Tian, a cultivator who radiated power and authority, someone who seemed worlds apart from his humble beginnings. But it wasn't just the title of disciple that mattered to him—it was the promise of something greater, a chance to change his destiny.

Li Jian stood up slowly, his expression serious. He had been given a rare opportunity, one that many could only dream of, and he wouldn't squander it.

"Thank you, Master!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude and determination. "I'll do everything I can to honor your teachings!"

Lin Tian nodded, his gaze steady as he studied the boy. There was still much to be done, but this first step was crucial. For someone with no talent, like Jian Li, the road ahead would be treacherous. But Lin Tian was confident that with the right guidance, even the most unlikely of individuals could rise to greatness.

"Good," Lin Tian replied, his voice calm. "Now, let's go meet your parents. I have something I need to discuss with them."

Li Jian's eyes widened at the mention of his parents. He hadn't expected his new master to want to speak to them. But the gravity of the situation soon dawned on him. If Lin Tian were to truly take him under his wing, there would be decisions to make, and arrangements to be set in motion. And those decisions would require the consent of his family.

"Of course, Master. I'll take you there right away!" Li Jian said, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

The two of them made their way through the bustling streets of the town, passing by the martial arena where fighters continued their intense battles. The energy in the air was palpable, but Lin Tian and Li Jian were oblivious to the noise. Their focus was solely on the task at hand.