The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 1589: Chapter 1687: Becoming a Disciple of Fang Lin

Fang Lin truly had no intention of standing up, even though you are a distinguished Prince of Tang Country.

Li Zhongxin observed Fang Lin, then bowed with clasped hands, his words carrying respect: “I am Li Zhongxin, having long heard of Master Fang’s fame, I am truly honored to meet you today.”

“Prince Yang Wanshan is too polite. I am just a Pill Refiner; your highness need not be so ceremonious,” Fang Lin said waving his hand, though it seemed that he was merely speaking out of politeness.

Seeing Fang Lin’s casual demeanor, the faces of the four guards grew even grimmer. If they didn’t know that the person before them was Fang Lin, they would have probably rebuked him by now.

Li Zhongxin said, “Compared to Master Fang, my identity as a prince is hardly worth mentioning. Both in Alchemy Tao and Martial Arts, Master Fang is truly worth learning from.”

Fang Lin’s smile held a trace of amusement: “Then I dare to ask, how is your highness’s cultivation in Martial Arts? And what about your realm in Alchemy Tao?”

Upon hearing this, Li Zhongxin showed an embarrassed look, and chuckled bitterly, “Master Fang, please don’t spotlight my shortcomings. My talents are dull; my cultivation in Martial Arts is mediocre, and my accomplishments in Pill Refining are even more limited. It’s truly indescribable—if I speak out, I’m afraid I might become a laughingstock to Master Fang.”

Fang Lin chuckled heartily and did not linger on the topic, pointing to a stone stool nearby: “Feel free to sit.”

Li Zhongxin then sat down on the stone stool, while the four guards remained dutifully stationed behind him, positioning themselves strategically to protect him from any potential attacks, evidently experienced and extraordinary.

Moreover, Fang Lin felt that these four rogues had already locked their qi onto him, appearing ready to react at any slightest abnormal movement from him.

To this, Fang Lin was indifferent, as after all, the Prince was their charge, protecting him was these martial artists’ responsibility.

“May I ask, what brings your highness here today?” Fang Lin asked directly.

Upon hearing his words, Li Zhongxin did not rush and said, “There’s nothing of great importance. It is merely my admiration for Master Fang that brought me here. Having the opportunity to meet Master Fang and converse with him satisfies me greatly.”

Fang Lin amused internally, ‘Coming here just to see me and chat for a bit and that satisfies you? Who would believe that?’

“Your highness, there are no others around, and the array is set around this courtyard, you can speak freely,” Fang Lin said nonchalantly, hinting to Li Zhongxin to state his real purpose.

Li Zhongxin then replaced the smile on his face with a serious expression.

He spoke, “Truth be told, I wish to learn from Master Fang and become your disciple, listening to your teachings.”

Fang Lin was taken aback, quite unexpected that Li Zhongxin would pull such a move, actually wanting to become his disciple? That was indeed curious.

The four guards showed no reaction; they clearly knew their master’s purpose for this visit, but in their hearts, they were probably scoffing—After all, how could a distinguished prince bow to take a younger man as his master? It did seem somewhat improper.

Furthermore, Fang Lin seemed somewhat arrogant and disrespectful—if such a person worthy of becoming the Prince’s master?”

Li Zhongxin continued, “I know my request is abrupt and impolite, but I am truly fascinated by Alchemy Tao, and have long aspired to become Master Fang’s disciple, receiving your teachings constantly. However, I never got the chance until now when Master Fang has come to Tang Capital. I had to see Master Fang no matter what, and request that you accept me.”

Saying this, Li Zhongxin stood up and actually bowed deeply to Fang Lin.

This was not an ordinary bow, but one that only disciples perform to their elders in the sect, treating Fang Lin as an elder of his sect.

Fang Lin squinted his eyes, still serenely leaning back in his lounge chair, showing no sign of being flattered or surprised.

Seeing Fang Lin’s lack of response, Li Zhongxin maintained his bowing posture without rising, seemingly clinging on to Fang Lin.

After a moment, Fang Lin finally spoke: “I appreciate the Prince’s kind intentions, but I’m afraid I must disappoint His Highness regarding the matter of accepting disciples.”

Li Zhongxin straightened up, his face expressing sincerity: “Does Master Fang disdain me for my lack of talent?”

Fang Lin looked at Li Zhongxin and nodded seriously.

Li Zhongxin: “····”

The four guards were about to lose their temper, thinking this fellow was too disrespectful, openly admitting disdain for the Prince’s abilities? Is that how one behaves? Even if you truly disdain him in your heart, shouldn’t it be concealed better?

Li Zhongxin also showed a look of astonishment, surprised by Fang Lin’s blunt response. He had thought Fang Lin would refuse more tactfully, but he was caught off guard by such directness.

“Ah, Master Fang jests. Although I may lack talent, as the saying goes, diligence can make up for deficiencies. If poor talent can be compensated with acquired effort, and if Master Fang feels that it would tarnish his status and face to accept me as a disciple, then I am willing to become a registered disciple under Master Fang,” said Li Zhongxin, his tone even carrying a plea.

Fang Lin still shook his head: “Your Highness misunderstands. Talent is secondary; I simply do not take disciples, a decision I made long ago. I accept no one as my disciple.”

At these words, Li Zhongxin’s face displayed slight disappointment.

“Master Fang, can’t even a registered disciple be considered?” Li Zhongxin asked cautiously again.

“No,” Fang Lin flatly refused.

Li Zhongxin sighed, showing no annoyance, but the four guards behind him had grim expressions, feeling that Fang Lin’s attitude was appalling.

“Fang Lin, do you not know what’s good for you? It’s your fortune that the Prince wants to apprentice under you!” a middle-aged man couldn’t help but speak up.

“Scoundrel!” Li Zhongxin immediately burst into anger, slapping the middle-aged man across the face, the sound resounding loudly.

The middle-aged man instantly became meek, bowing his head in silence.

“Master Fang, I truly apologize for the lack of discipline among my subordinates,” Li Zhongxin said, apologizing to Fang Lin.

Fang Lin smiled: “It doesn’t matter, I won’t lower myself to his level.”

Li Zhongxin’s eyes flashed with surprise, wondering how Fang Lin could remain so calm and unangered?

“If there is nothing else, Your Highness may leave now. I have another esteemed guest to receive,” Fang Lin stated, effectively issuing an order for Li Zhongxin to leave.

ps: Fourth update here, time to have dinner, will continue tomorrow, don’t forget to vote

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