Martial Universe: The Eyes That Determine the Fate

Chapter 38 Taking on Disciples, Battle Suit

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the bamboo hut became slightly tense.

Zi Yue, standing to the side, remained calm, not surprised that Master Yan would consider taking Li Yi as a disciple. With Li Yi's talent and strength, he was indeed worthy of the favor of this top talisman master in Yan City.

It should be noted that Master Yan has been in charge of Yan City for many years and holds an extremely prestigious position. Countless talented young people throughout Yan City have tried their best to become his disciples, but they have all been politely refused by him.

For an ordinary cultivator, receiving even a single word of guidance from Master Yan is an immense stroke of luck, let alone the position of a personal disciple, which is something others would beg for but cannot obtain.

Everyone assumed that Li Yi would readily agree.

However, faced with this opportunity that others could only dream of, Li Yi remained calm, slightly cupped his hands, and said in a calm yet firm tone, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Yan. I appreciate it."

"It's just that I'm used to cultivating alone and don't want to join a sect and be bound by its rules and etiquette for the time being. However, I do have a deep longing for the path of talisman masters, and if I have any questions in the future, I may have to ask Master Yan for guidance."

A direct refusal, without the slightest hint of tact or politeness.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere inside the bamboo hut immediately became subtle.

Master Yan was taken aback, clearly not expecting that his initiative to accept a disciple would be rejected on the spot by a young man.

As the leader of the Flame City Talisman Master Association, a powerful figure of the fourth rank, his status and position were extremely prestigious. He was usually the leader of various forces in the city...

When elders of prominent families saw him, they would all bow respectfully and address him as Master Yan.

Countless talented individuals have longed to become his disciples, but he has always been dismissive of them. Today, however, he was unusually moved by their talent and took the initiative to accept them as disciples, only to be rejected outright for the first time in his life.

Anyone else would probably be showing anger and feeling utterly humiliated by now.

Master Yan remained silent for a moment, but did not get angry. Instead, he was taken aback for a moment, then slowly shook his head, and suddenly chuckled softly. There was no anger in his laughter, but rather a hint of interest.

He carefully examined Li Yi and saw that the young man was calm and composed, neither arrogant nor humble, without any deliberate attempt to curry favor or youthful arrogance. His temperament was far more mature than that of his peers.

The more he saw this, the more he appreciated it and the more interested he became.

"Very well, a solitary cultivator, unbound by etiquette." Master Yan spoke slowly, his gaze profound, and said, "I have been stationed in Yan City for many years, and this is the first time I have been refused when I took the initiative to accept a disciple. You young man are indeed different from others."

Having lived most of his life, he had seen countless sycophants and those who fawned over the powerful. A young man like Li Yi, who was talented and capable yet remained calm and composed, indifferent to fame and fortune, was truly rare.

He rejected his master's sect but not the Dao of Talismans. With his clear mind, firm will, and extraordinary talent and combat power, this boy's future achievements are probably immeasurable.

"Very well, everyone has their own ambitions, and I will not force you." Master Yan waved his hand, his expression returning to calm, but his eyes were full of inquiry and expectation. He said, "If you really want to comprehend the Dao of Talismans, you are welcome to visit the Talisman Masters Association often in the future. You can consult and use any kind of classic texts or spiritual manuals that I, as a Talisman Master, possess. If you have any doubts, you can also come to me for answers at any time."

In his eyes, Li Yi was already regarded as a prodigy with unlimited potential. Even if he did not take him as a disciple, he was willing to deliberately befriend him and carefully guide him.

Li Yi nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your help, Master Yan."

Zi Yue stood to the side, her cool eyes flickering slightly as she watched the scene unfold before her, a feeling of melancholy washing over her.

Even Master Lianyan looks at Li Yi with special regard, which is enough to show that this young man is extraordinary. Bringing him to the Talisman Master Association this time was a correct choice.

The lingering aura of talismanic arts within the bamboo hut had not yet dissipated. Master Yan looked at Li Yi and finally nodded slowly, saying, "Yan City is not large, but it is full of hidden talents. With your temperament, you will have fewer entanglements. Starting tomorrow, you can come here, and I will first explain to you the basics of talismanic arts. Listen carefully."

Li Yi bowed in acceptance, and Master Yan waved his hand, indicating that the two should make themselves at home, but his gaze remained fixed on Li Yi, with a hint of undisguised expectation.

Stepping out of the bamboo hut, the ancient pine trees and rune-inscribed stone pillars in the courtyard came into view. Zi Yue walked ahead, slowing her pace, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the clothes Li Yi was wearing, which were worn out by the dust and battles.

The hem of his robe was frayed, and there were even a few dried bloodstains on the fabric of his shoulder armor. The cuffs were also worn and torn. Compared with the glamorous cultivators on the streets of Yan City, he looked rather shabby.

Her cool brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, then slowly relaxed. She turned her head to look at Li Yi, her tone still indifferent, but with a touch more gentleness, and said, "It's getting late today, Master Yan should also rest. We can discuss the matter of the Talisman Master Association tomorrow."

"Hmm." Li Yi responded, his gaze still lingering on the flowing rune aura on the distant stone pillar, clearly quite interested in this land of runes.

Seeing his expression, Zi Yue's lips curled slightly, but she quickly regained her cool demeanor and added, "There are still some interesting places to visit in the streets and alleys of Yan City. Why don't you come with me to explore them some more? You should probably change your clothes."

Li Yi looked down at his clothes and didn't think there was anything wrong with them, except that the fabric at the shoulder armor was a bit uncomfortable. Hearing this, he nodded and said, "That's fine."

The two walked out of the Talisman Master Association side by side. Zi Yue led Li Yi into the most bustling clothing street in Yan City. Shops lined both sides, displaying a dazzling array of silks, satins, and armor. Cultivators came and went, picking and choosing, their clothes fluttering, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Yan City.

Zi Yue led Li Yi into a shop specializing in cultivator battle armor. The shop assistants greeted Zi Yue respectfully upon seeing her, but quickly suppressed their curiosity when their eyes swept over Li Yi.

Zi Yue was too lazy to deal with these pleasantries. She simply pointed to the several sets of battle suits on the shelf and said indifferently, "Pick one that fits you."

Li Yi's gaze swept across the shelves, which were mostly black and blue brocade battle suits. They looked exquisite, but he felt they lacked a certain ruggedness.

His steps faltered when his gaze fell upon the innermost set of clothes.

It was a set of armor with black as the main color. The shoulder armor was made of silver and gold with intricate cloud patterns, sharp edges and corners, exuding a sharp and fierce aura.

The breastplates were as white as jade, outlining smooth lines, with a faint spiritual light flowing between the seams; a gilded belt was tied around the waist, with ancient rune ornaments hanging from it; the hem of the robe was designed with distinct layers, with a silver-white battle skirt on the outside and a moon-white brocade lining on the inside, making the whole look dashing and noble, which was the most popular style among the cultivators of Yan City.

Li Yi ran his fingertips over the cool nail plates and nodded: "This set will do."