Chapter 48: I Clearly Already Refused

Everyone’s eyes were filled with envy. No matter whose disciple Li Jian San became, his fate would undergo a tremendous transformation; under their guidance, he could soar to unimaginable heights and achieve great success.

Yet, there was one person among them who was now seized with terror: Yang Zishuo.

Li Jian San had caught the attention of those three elders. With their experience and vision, Li Jian San’s future achievements would surely reach a daunting level. And considering how he had previously targeted Li Jian San, even if Li Jian San himself didn’t care, those three old men would never let it go unpunished. Once Li Jian San became their disciple, they would certainly take action against him. How could he possibly defend himself then?

His family, renowned for their alchemy? Ha! Compared to the mighty Alchemist Guild, his clan was nothing. Moreover, if Yang Zishuo angered such influential figures, his family would likely expel him to ensure their own safety. At that thought, cold sweat trickled down Yang Zishuo’s back.

He no longer dared to look down upon or mock Li Jian San; in fact, he began to regret offending him. Often, it’s not power that makes someone formidable, but extraordinary talent that truly inspires fear.

“Um... Brother Li, you’re really incredible. Congratulations on winning first place.” Yang Zishuo, with a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum, shamelessly approached Li Jian San.

Li Jian San glanced at him and replied coolly, “Is there something you want?”

Yang Zishuo’s heart sank at that indifferent tone. Gritting his teeth, he knelt with a thud, slapped himself hard several times, and pleaded, “Brother Li, Elder Li, Grandmaster Li, I was blind before and failed to recognize your greatness. Could you please let me off and let bygones be bygones?”

The crowd was utterly stunned by this spectacle. This was Yang Zishuo from the alchemist family—the previously famed genius most likely to claim first place—now kneeling before Li Jian San.

Surprised, people glanced at the three masters standing behind Li Jian San and instantly understood.

“Li Jian San has now earned the favor of the three masters; his future is bright indeed.”

“And Yang Zishuo previously targeted Li Jian San, who is now the sought-after disciple of those three masters.”

“To win over this disciple, they might even take action against Yang Zishuo.”

“In this light, Yang Zishuo’s actions are simply a prudent move for self-preservation.”

The crowd sighed, “In the past, disciples would beg to become apprentices; now, it’s the masters who strive to win the disciple’s favor. Ah, comparisons are truly maddening…”

Li Jian San glanced at Yang Zishuo again and said, “I have always been benevolent and refined; such trivial matters are not worth my concern.”

“Ding.”

“System detects that Chu Xier’s affection for the host has increased by ten points.”

Hearing the system’s prompt, Li Jian San smiled with satisfaction. It seemed that acting kind in front of women was indeed an effective way to win favor. As for Yang Zishuo, such a minor character was hardly worth his attention. As the main villain, his focus should be on the protagonist, not small fry like Yang Zishuo.

The three elders were visibly surprised by Li Jian San’s response. Despite Yang Zishuo’s previous hostility, Li Jian San could laugh it off after winning first place. Even they would have sought retribution in such circumstances...

For someone barely in his teens to possess such magnanimity was truly astonishing.

At that moment, the three masters’ gazes towards Li Jian San burned even brighter.

Li Jian San noticed their fervent looks and felt speechless.

Is it really necessary?

I’m just trying to make an impression in front of a girl.

Do you men have to look at me as if you haven’t seen a woman in three years and suddenly spotted a sow?

As the three old men stared longingly at him, Li Jian San finally spoke, “Gentlemen, I don’t wish to become an apprentice for now.”

Not wishing to apprentice for now?

Everyone was instantly dumbfounded by Li Jian San’s words.

No one had expected him to choose not a single master.

These weren’t ordinary alchemists. They were the three giants of the Alchemist Guild! The esteemed chief alchemists, top-tier third rank alchemists.

He just rejected them.

Was his mind muddled?

Anyone else would have agreed without hesitation.

The three elders were surprised as well. The more they saw of this disciple, the more perfect he seemed; their gazes grew even more intense. If it were anyone else faced with such temptation, they would have lost all composure by now.

Yet Li Jian San remained calm and unhurried, showing a steady heart—precisely what an alchemist needed most.

Li Jian San was utterly speechless.

I’ve already refused, yet you still persist...

Why are you so determined to make me your disciple?

Frankly, your skills are hardly impressive in my eyes.

Honestly, I truly have no interest in becoming your disciple. Please, spare me; it’s really difficult...

After absorbing the system’s alchemist experience, Li Jian San was already a third rank alchemy master in his own right. Becoming their apprentice seemed laughable to him. With his current abilities, he’d be more fit to teach them. Truth be told, there wasn’t a single soul here whose alchemical skills could rival his own.

“Well, then, take your time to consider. When you’ve decided, come find me. I’ll be waiting for you, little one,” Master Mo said kindly to Li Jian San.

Hearing Master Mo’s words, the other two could no longer hold back.

“You old fool, what are you doing? He’s my chosen disciple—what business is it of yours? Waiting? At your age, do you even care about dignity anymore? Get lost!”

“I think it’s you who should get lost! Chosen disciple? Bah! He hasn’t said a word, and you’ve already claimed him. Who do you think you are?”

“Why are you two arguing? Is this really necessary?”

Master Qi’s calm demeanor puzzled the others. “What, old man, are you planning to withdraw?”

Master Qi paused. “Withdraw from what?”

“I mean, you don’t intend for this youngster to be your disciple?”

Master Qi replied earnestly, “What’s the point of this contest? He’s already my disciple. See, he’s accepted my gift.”

“Accepted your gift? Shameless! You forced it into his hands...”

Watching these elders lose all decorum and bicker openly, the surrounding crowd was speechless.

These elders, with their flaring tempers and wild gestures, left everyone stunned once more.

Were these really the dignified elders of the past?

Where was their aloofness, their authority?

All for the sake of one disciple, they’d abandoned all pretense of propriety.

Standing aside, Li Jian San heard the words “gift for accepting a master,” glanced at the item in his hand, his eyes lit up, and he quietly slipped away.