Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 553 Do you want to be my disciple?

The clamor in the hall did not subside; instead, it intensified, shifting from shock to outright ambition.

The gazes that once held mere admiration now glinted with calculation.

Mu Linyue's victory in the competition had transformed her into more than just a winner; she was now a coveted future that many aspired to secure.

Mu Qingyuan keenly observed this subtle change. His eyes swept over the assembled crowd, noting the princes, elders, and envoys from various empires.

They were all watching intently, their minds already racing as they assessed their options and began formulating strategies.

He recognized that his daughter's standing would change dramatically henceforth.

While some would undoubtedly seek to forge alliances, his gaze, notably drifting towards the Vermillion Pill Empire, confirmed that their adversaries would certainly attempt to eliminate her.

A subtle smile touched his lips, yet his eyes grew decidedly colder.

"With the winner decided, the alchemy competition officially concludes."

The tournament ended rather abruptly, though it had certainly provided significant entertainment.

Despite the Vermillion Pill Empire's underlying motives, the outcome proved advantageous for the Mu Clan.

This competition was set to further elevate the Mu Clan's influence.

The ongoing festivities celebrating Mu Tianxuan's breakthrough continued.

However, the focal point was no longer solely on him. "Grandmaster Mu truly possesses a remarkable granddaughter!"

"The Mu Clan is destined for unprecedented prosperity!"

"Grandmaster Mu, my son achieved the Soul Formation Realm at a mere twenty years old. What are your thoughts on-"

The accolades resumed, but now they lauded both Mu Tianxuan and Mu Linyue.

Furthermore, numerous individuals expressed a desire to arrange marriages for their sons with Mu Linyue, recognizing that aligning with her inevitable ascent would also elevate their own standing.

The atmosphere once again became buoyant, as if the preceding tension had never occurred.

Then, Huo Zhouchen stepped forward once more, capturing everyone's attention with his movement.

Huo Zhouchen's gaze fixed directly upon Mu Linyue. "Young Lady Mu."

His voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight.

"Might I inquire if you would be willing to accept me as your master?" A profound silence descended!

All eyes instantly turned towards the pair.

Even Mu Qingyuan's expression shifted subtly.

Huo Zhouchen's intent was unmistakably clear.

Mu Linyue's prodigious talent was too extraordinary to overlook, virtually guaranteeing her an unimagined pinnacle in the world of alchemy.

Given this certainty, why not claim her as his own disciple?

His esteemed position, capabilities, and influence provided him with every justification to make such an offer.

Mu Linyue herself was momentarily taken aback.

She had never envisioned that someone of Huo Zhouchen's caliber would personally extend an invitation to take her as a disciple.

"Should you become my disciple, you will gain access to all my resources, connections, and my entire inheritance."

His voice gained a firmer cadence.

"Within ten years, I can guarantee your advancement to the Grandmaster level."

A brief pause ensued.

"And beyond that... reaching even greater heights will not be impossible!"

The implicit promise was evident.

A Grade-8 Alchemist!

Perhaps even higher.

Without hesitation, Mu Linyue offered a slight cupping of her hands.

"Grandmaster Huo, I am deeply honored by your offer, but I must respectfully decline."

Her tone remained polite.

While becoming a disciple of someone like Huo Zhouchen represented the ultimate aspiration for most young alchemists, Mu Linyue did not perceive it as a necessity.

She already had Bai Zihan, whose tutelage far surpassed what anyone else could offer.

Her progress in just one month under his guidance had been nothing short of astonishing.

There was no query Bai Zihan could not resolve, and his teachings were consistently imbued with profound insight.

While she held no disrespect for Huo Zhouchen, she doubted he could rival Bai Zihan's caliber.

Admittedly, this was purely her personal assessment; Huo Zhouchen, as a Grade-7 alchemist, might indeed possess superior skills.

Nevertheless, becoming his disciple was unnecessary. If she aimed for Grandmaster status, her own grandfather, already a Grandmaster, could readily provide the necessary guidance. This offer might have been tempting three months prior, but it held no allure for her now.

Moreover, accepting Huo Zhouchen's patronage would inevitably create complications regarding her allegiance, potentially leading the Desolate Heaven Empire to view her as a traitor.

Her personal freedom could be curtailed, and she might be barred from sharing her pill recipes with her own clan.

Consequently, Huo Zhouchen's generous offer, encompassing resources and connections, felt more like an encumbrance than a boon.

The drawbacks outweighed the advantages significantly.

For her, the choice was straightforward, though others might perceive it as her squandering a golden opportunity.

After all, Huo Zhouchen was not merely any Grandmaster; he was widely regarded as one of the most exceptional among them.

Compared to him, Mu Tianxuan could only be regarded as a novice Grandmaster.

Huo Zhouchen gazed at Mu Linyue, finding it difficult to accept her refusal.

He remained quiet for a moment, his eyes locked onto her.

A thought then occurred to him.

Perhaps... her rejection was a consequence of their earlier encounter.

However, to him, such trivial matters were insignificant when weighed against the grander scheme.

Should Mu Linyue decide to become his disciple, any lingering animosity between the Mu Clan and the Vermillion Pill Empire would be obliterated in an instant.

Not only would they cease to be apprehensive of the Mu Clan, but they might even actively embrace such a turn of events.

In his estimation, clinging to fleeting resentments in the face of such a golden opportunity was simply foolish.

Then again, she was still quite young.

It was understandable.

With this realization, he spoke once more.

"May I inquire... as to your reason?"

His tone was composed, yet the very act of asking this question somewhat diminished his stature.

A figure of his caliber should not be required to ask twice.

But he needed to know.

If his suspicion was correct, he might still be able to sway her.

Mu Linyue offered her reply without hesitation.

"I already have a master."

Huo Zhouchen's expression shifted subtly.

A ripple of murmuring went through the crowd.

Even the members of the Mu Clan displayed visible surprise.

A teacher?

Mu Linyue... had a teacher?

To their knowledge, her talent had always been cultivated independently.

Even esteemed alchemists had been reluctant to mentor her, their apprehension stemming from certain overly complex questions she posed, fearing a loss of face if they could not provide satisfactory answers.

As for Mu Qingyuan and Mu Yuelan, while they offered guidance occasionally, they were frequently occupied with their own pressing duties.

Mu Yuelan, in particular, had numerous obligations, especially those pertaining to Bai Zihan.

Mu Qingyuan, conversely, was deeply involved in the management of the clan's affairs.

There had never been a solitary individual who could be legitimately termed her dedicated mentor.

Yet now, she proclaimed she was already under the tutelage of one.

The Mu Clan members even entertained the possibility that this was merely a ploy to allow Huo Zhouchen to withdraw with dignity.

Huo Zhouchen's eyes narrowed slightly.

He had not anticipated encountering such an impediment.

Ultimately, all he could do was concede a step back.

"My offer remains open. Should Young Lady Mu ever desire to become my disciple, you are welcome to send word."