Chapter 7: Han Li’s Sincerity and the Master Disciple Bond

Chapter 7: Han Li's Sincerity and the Master Disciple Bond

Han Li focused his gaze and saw a young looking man standing at the foot of his bed, dressed in a light gray robe. He had a faint smile at the corner of his lips as he observed him.

Though gray clothing often gave off an aged impression, the numerous small accessories adorning the man's attire added an air of extravagance, making the overall style appear quite refined.

Han Li narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind racing. Extravagant clothing, youthful features, and the ability to appear silently and unnoticed these details immediately pointed to one person. Instinctively, he looked at the man's left eye. The silver strands of hair partially covering it couldn't fully obscure the faint traces of icy blue beneath.

So this is Guang Ling Douluo?

Han Li's reaction was swift. While his mind churned with thoughts, he had already dismissed his twin sabers and straightened up. Without hesitation, he bent at the waist and saluted.

"Greetings, Master."

This time, it was Guang Ling's turn to be stunned. His exquisitely handsome face twitched ever so slightly.

Staring at the child bowing on the bed, calling him "Master," he found himself at a rare loss for words.

To be honest, in his eighty plus years of life, he had never expected their first meeting to unfold like this.

His elder brother had warned him not to take his frustrations out on a child, but he had planned to give this brat a tough introduction.

He could understand the kid's opportunistic maneuvering, but his actions had also caused trouble for the Grand Worshipper. Had it only been his own reputation at stake, Guang Ling wouldn't have cared. But anything that affected the Angelic Bloodline was unacceptable in his book.

"You can stand up. I haven't agreed to take you as a disciple yet."

Guang Ling quickly regained his composure and waved his hand impatiently, signaling him to get off the bed.

"Alright."

Han Li swiftly put on his shoes, stepping down to stand before Guang Ling, who had already seated himself at the table and was pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Before coming here, I inquired about the situation at Spirit Hall. That final note word is it was your idea?" Guang Ling set his cup down and stared at him.

"Yes, I requested it to be added." Han Li responded without hesitation.

"Do you realize that because of this, the Worship Hall suffered losses?" Guang Ling's tone sharpened slightly, though he didn't specify what kind of losses.

"I don't know, and I don't care. That's not my concern." Han Li remained composed, speaking unhurriedly.

Hearing this straightforward reply, Guang Ling felt as if he had just punched a pillow his irritation dissipated upon impact.

A flicker of annoyance still surfaced, but recalling the boy's age, he suppressed it.

"Oh? I'd like to hear your reasoning. Your answer will determine my opinion of you."

"Isn't it simple?"

Han Li glanced at Guang Ling before continuing.

"As of now, I am still a Viscount of the Heaven Dou Empire, not a member of Spirit Hall. Awakening a martial soul is just a process I could have paid for it if I wanted.

What you described is no different from an ordinary person looking for a job. Negotiating for better conditions before joining is perfectly normal, isn't it?"

"If Spirit Hall fumbled because of one document and tried to blame it on an outsider like me, wouldn't that be… a bit inappropriate?"

As he spoke, Han Li watched Guang Ling's expression closely, gauging his reaction.

Sure enough, Guang Ling subconsciously nodded what the kid was saying actually did make sense.

But then he caught himself.

Wait…

This brat was analyzing the situation logically. But in front of him, a Titled Douluo, did logic even matter?

He could completely ignore reason if he wanted to!

And yet… Guang Ling's earlier irritation had already dissipated.

At the very least, he had abandoned the idea of intimidating Han Li.

Then, he recalled how the little brat had immediately greeted him as "Master" the moment he saw him.

Another little trick, huh?

Guang Ling's personality was naturally playful.

Now, staring at the sharp witted boy in front of him, he actually felt a bit entertained.

If he had been forced to deal with a completely obedient, docile child, he wasn't sure he'd have had the patience to teach him at all.

"Fine, you pass. Hm, let's make it official acknowledge me as your teacher."

Guang Ling smirked, watching as Han Li's face lit up with joy.

Han Li quickly stepped forward, poured another cup of tea, and presented it respectfully.

"Greetings, Master."

Internally, he sighed in relief. Though the situation had deviated slightly from his expectations, he had finally secured a big backer.

Guang Ling nodded in satisfaction, taking the cup and downing it in one gulp. Then, he gestured to the chair beside him.

"Sit."

Only now did Han Li realize his back was slightly damp with sweat.

Not bothering with formality, he flipped the chair around, sat astride it, and rested his arms on the backrest, facing Guang Ling directly.

As he moved, Guang Ling caught sight of the sweat stained fabric on his back and chuckled.

The more he observed this kid, the more he liked him.

It seemed he wouldn't be bored in the future.

"You've got guts. Keep it up." Guang Ling teased.

"I just took a gamble for a better starting point. Even if I lost, who would seriously hold a grudge against a child?"

Han Li grinned sheepishly. Now that their relationship was established, he opted for honesty.

"Actually, I'm curious if Spirit Hall's response hadn't met your expectations, what was your backup plan?" Guang Ling asked casually.

"Four days from now, I would have headed to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Han Li answered without hesitation.

Guang Ling was momentarily speechless.

After a long pause, he finally chuckled.

"You're certainly clear headed. Seems I arrived just in time."

"A child your age already knows exactly what he wants. That's commendable. Can you tell me why?"

For a moment, Han Li felt like he was on China's Got Talent.

After gathering his thoughts, he replied earnestly.

"This world operates on survival of the fittest. I want strength. Even if I can't be the strongest, I have to be among the strongest. That way, the things I desire… won't be so easily taken away from me."

Guang Ling smirked at first, amused by the kid's bold declaration until he heard the last part.

Then, recalling the report mentioning his parents' deaths, he fell silent.

Was he thinking about his parents?

The thought crossed Guang Ling's mind involuntarily.

Han Li, meanwhile, noticed Guang Ling lowering his head and furrowing his brow.

Huh? Why does Master look… emo?

Did I say something wrong?

He had been about to add "Ruling the world by day, reclining with beauties by night," but he swallowed the words and shut his mouth.

And thus, a beautiful misunderstanding was born.

It wasn't until years later after being wrongfully blamed countless times that Guang Ling finally realized:

"Damn it! I was such an idiot back then… How did I fall for that brat's half baked speech?!"

Chapter 8: An Unconventional Martial Soul Development and Guang Ling's Stirred Emotions

Sensing the atmosphere growing heavy, Han Li was about to change the subject when a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Young Master, may I come in? Master Matthew Nuo and Brother Su are here they said they have something to discuss with you."

Xiu'er's voice came from outside.

Han Li glanced at Guang Ling. Seeing no objections, he answered.

"Come in, Sister Xiu'er."

The door swung open, and Xiu'er's gaze immediately landed on Guang Ling, seated at the side. Her smile vanished, and she rushed to Han Li's side, shielding him protectively behind her as she snapped, "Who are you? What do you want? Spirit Hall's people are just outside I suggest you leave immediately."

Guang Ling gave Xiu'er a once over, his eyes lingering on the raccoon like ears atop her head. Only then did he recall that she was the girl from back then.

He remembered Xiu'er more clearly than the case he had handled years ago. Watching her now, standing guard over Han Li like a mother hen protecting her chick, Guang Ling couldn't help but glance at his disciple with an amused glint in his eyes.

Han Li hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Xiu'er. He quickly grabbed her hand, and as she looked at him in confusion, he pointed at Guang Ling and said, "Sister Xiu'er, this is my teacher His Grace, Guang Ling of Spirit Hall."

"Ah?"

Xiu'er's face turned bright red. She didn't even bother pulling her hand away. Instead, she hurriedly bowed in apology. "I'm so sorry, Your Grace! It was a misunderstanding. Please don't blame the young master for my rashness."

Han Li hesitated briefly, then tightened his grip on her hand. He looked at Guang Ling and said, "Teacher, stop teasing Sister Xiu'er. You're scaring her."

Guang Ling looked at the two children and smiled. "Alright, get up. I'm not blaming you. Since you care so much for this little troublemaker, you deserve a reward."

Han Li's eyes lit up, and he quickly pulled the still flustered Xiu'er into a bow. "Thank you, Teacher, for your generosity."

Then, he lifted his head and simply stared at Guang Ling, wordlessly urging him to follow through.

Guang Ling tapped Han Li's forehead with a finger, exasperated. What a cunning little brat seizing every opportunity to milk his master. But honestly, he found this personality quite likable.

"Most of my belongings are in Spirit City. When we go back, take her to pick something."

"No problem! Sister Xiu'er, hurry, thank Teacher."

Han Li nudged Xiu'er and winked at her. It took her a second to catch on before she hastily bowed again to express her gratitude.

Guang Ling glanced at her and then instructed, "Leave us for now. Tell the others to wait I have more to discuss with this brat. I'll be there shortly."

Xiu'er didn't dare delay and turned to leave, but Han Li stopped her to have the kitchen prepare food and send word to the city lord's residence before finally letting her go.

"Summon your martial soul. Let me take a look."

Once Xiu'er had left and the door was shut, Guang Ling spoke again.

"Yes, Teacher."

As Han Li replied, twin curved blades, each radiating opposing energies, materialized in his hands. He stepped forward and presented them to Guang Ling.

Guang Ling accepted them with curiosity, unbothered by their elemental energy. After examining them closely for a moment, he returned them with a subtle glance. Han Li instantly understood and manipulated the blades, transforming them into their bow form before passing the magnificent Ice Fire Bow to Guang Ling.

Before even touching it, Guang Ling's eyes gleamed with appreciation. This martial soul… is excellent.

After admiring it for a moment, he tossed it back.

"Not bad. Even better than the report suggested. In their dual blade form, they rank as mid tier among high level martial souls. However, considering the opposing elements and their ability to be wielded simultaneously, they can barely qualify as high tier.

When transformed into a bow… it's hard to believe, but the two conflicting elements have merged flawlessly. Even among top tier martial souls, this is one of the strongest. In terms of raw power, it's nearly on par with mine."

Guang Ling analyzed carefully, clearly pleased with his disciple's talent.

Although Han Li had always known his martial soul was extraordinary, he had never had a concrete comparison. Now, with Guang Ling's assessment, he finally grasped its true potential.

"But…"

Guang Ling suddenly changed his tone as Han Li dismissed his martial soul. The young disciple immediately focused, eager to hear what came next.

Guang Ling's expression turned serious as he spoke with gravity. "But your future soul ring selection will be a major issue. Your martial soul possesses both ice and fire attributes, but each soul ring can only enhance one. Furthermore, you must ensure that adding soul rings doesn't trigger another mutation due to imbalance. Have you considered this?"

Oh, that's what he was worried about?

Han Li relaxed upon hearing the concern. He had thought it was something worse.

After a brief moment of thought, he answered, "Teacher, I've already given this a lot of thought over the past few days. I do not intend to acquire ice or fire attribute soul rings."

"Oh?"

Guang Ling seemed to have an idea of what Han Li was suggesting, but his brows remained furrowed.

"Teacher, I plan to prioritize soul rings that provide amplification abilities." Han Li's voice was firm. "Only by doing this will the soul rings I obtain early on remain useful in my later stages."

"Even so, the available amplification skills are quite limited. Additionally, if you take this path, your elemental abilities won't improve further, and your offensive power in the early stages will be severely lacking. Have you truly thought this through?"

Guang Ling scrutinized him carefully.

"I have you, don't I? I am your disciple. Until I'm strong enough, why would I actively seek fights?"

Han Li grinned at Guang Ling.

That was when Guang Ling remembered his disciple was as slippery as an eel.

He was no obedient, naive child.

Han Li wiped the grin from his face and turned serious. "Teacher, beyond standard amplification abilities, I have another idea I'd like to discuss with you."

Seeing his disciple's solemn expression, Guang Ling straightened up.

"As I mentioned earlier, I don't plan to obtain soul rings with singular ice or fire attributes. Instead, I aim to acquire a unique type of soul skill one that ties directly to my future cultivation path."

Han Li paused before continuing slowly, "That skill is Elemental Affinity or Elemental Control.

Since my martial soul inherently possesses both ice and fire attributes, both the Ice Fire Blades and the Ice Fire Bow are merely vessels. If I learn to manipulate these elements through my martial soul itself, then once I master them, not only will I resolve the issue of elemental strength, but I'll also unlock new forms Ice Fire Hammer, Ice Fire Spear… the possibilities are endless."

"Of course, this is merely my theory. Additionally, this method would likely require a martial soul of at least high grade with elemental properties.

What do you think, Teacher? Is my development path viable?"

Han Li looked up at Guang Ling, awaiting his verdict only to find his master staring at him, eyes blazing with excitement.

"You little bastard… You're a damn genius!"

The ever composed Guang Ling, overwhelmed by emotion, actually cursed.

He hadn't expected it just as Golden Crocodile had predicted this was only his first day as a master, and already, his disciple had shown him a path toward greater heights.

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