met free Chapter 29: The Master Deceiver Mu Chen
Chapter 29: The Master Deceiver Mu Chen
If these two youths were disciples of one of his own, then taking them as disciples would be a simple matter of a word. But if they were Mang Tian's disciples, then it would be a little more troublesome, though only a minor one.
With a plan in mind, Mu Chen began his grand scheme of poaching talent.
However, he didn't rush to speak. Instead, he asked a seemingly unrelated question:
"Yu Chen, before Mang Tian sent you to Donghai City, did he tell you who you could contact if you encountered trouble in the association?"
Yu Chen paused slightly before answering truthfully, "My teacher only said that if we encounter any unsolvable problems in forging, we can try to mention his name and find a master named Cen Yue."
A knowing smile flickered across Mu Chen's lips, as if confirming a certain guess. He looked at Cen Yue: "Old Cen, that guy Mang Tian has never proactively asked someone to contact you before. Nor has he ever sent a student here for this 'assessment' with such solemnity."
Cen Yue was taken aback, then realized what he meant, raising his thick eyebrows: "What does the president mean...?"
"He didn't send students here for the assessment," Mu Chen's voice was calm, yet it carried an all-knowing power.
"He sent students here to 'test the waters.' A stone to probe the waters of Donghai City, and also to probe the path of Mu Chen."
Cen Yue's eyelids twitched as he listened.
Thinking to himself, "The president's imagination is too strong! That stubborn mule Mangtian doesn't have such thoughts!"
Mu Chen's gaze returned to Yu Chen, sharp and direct. "Didn't Mang Tian tell you that if I discovered anything special about you, you wouldn't need to deliberately hide it, but you also wouldn't need to actively flaunt it?"
Yu Chen's heart stirred slightly; Mang Tian had indeed given similar instructions before his departure. This was because Mang Tian knew that Yu Chen was too skilled in Thousand Forging, and that high-level blacksmiths could recognize his abilities at a glance.
Yu Chen nodded in agreement.
"That's right."
Mu Chen leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the smooth surface of the tea table, producing a crisp, soft sound.
"It's not that he doesn't trust you, it's that he doesn't trust me. He wants to see if I, Mu Chen, have the discernment to entrust you to me. After all, your teacher is only a level six blacksmith. With your talent, you'll surpass him in a few years. By then, he won't have much to teach you, which will hinder your growth."
"But I am different. As an eight-star Saint Craftsman, I can guide you further. Moreover, the only Divine Craftsman on the continent is my senior brother. Even if you reach the eight-star Saint Craftsman level, I have connections to help you advance further. Your teacher truly has good intentions."
Mu Chen sighed and took a sip of tea, his gaze becoming clearer and more solemn. He looked at Yu Chen, no longer asking questions, but speaking in a declarative and sincere tone:
"Yu Chen, I have seen your talent and foundation. Brother Mang Tian has a far-sighted plan for you. If you are willing, I, Mu Chen, hereby formally invite you to become my disciple."
I don't need you to forget Mang Tian; on the contrary, I want you to forever remember everything he laid the foundation for you. From me, you will gain guidance on another path, broader resources, and the full experience and support of a master craftsman as you strive for higher realms.
After listening to Mu Chen's analysis, Yu Chen was a little confused. Mang Tian had only said it casually at the time. Had he really considered so much?
Although Mu Chen spoke sincerely, Yu Chen felt that he was overinterpreting things.
Although he had doubts, Yu Chen could sense his seriousness.
After a moment's hesitation, Yu Chen didn't immediately say "yes" or "no," but instead raised a more crucial question:
"President Mu Chen, if I follow you to learn, do I need to focus all my efforts on learning forging and move to your residence in Donghai City for an extended period? Wu Lin and I have already enrolled at Donghai Academy."
Mu Chen smiled slightly, clearly appreciating this pragmatic way of thinking:
"No need. The way of forging, apart from talent, relies heavily on comprehension and guidance on key points. Of course, soul power is indispensable. You only need to come to the association a few times a month, and I will arrange specific studies, observations, and answers to your questions. On weekdays, everything at the academy will remain the same."
This arrangement was reasonable and relieved Yu Chen's biggest concern.
Yu Chen nodded, his expression softening. He then took the initiative to say, "This matter, both morally and logically, needs to be informed of my teacher, Mang Tian."
"That's only right." Mu Chen wasn't surprised at all; on the contrary, he felt it was the proper thing to do. "Why don't we go together now and explain this to Brother Mang Tian? It's more appropriate for me to do it."
After saying that, Mu Chen picked up the soul-guided communicator and found Mang Tian's number. Before dialing, he looked at Yu Chen and Tang Wulin: "This is a formal communication, you two should listen in as well."
After the call connected, Mu Chen didn't stand on ceremony and said directly, "Brother Mang Tian, it's me, Mu Chen. Yu Chen and Wu Lin are right beside me."
"...President Mu." Mang Tian's voice came through, revealing little emotion.
"To make a long story short, I saw the 'stone' you sent, and I also understood your 'road sign'."
Mu Chen's words left Mang Tian somewhat confused. Although he was bewildered, he understood that Mu Chen was trying to poach his employee. Just as he was about to refuse, he heard:
"Yu Chen's talent and temperament allow him to go far in forging. The path you've paved for him is incredibly solid. Now, I wish to invite Yu Chen and Wu Lin to become my disciples and learn from me. They will still respect you as their master, and we will address each other as brothers. What do you say?"
After hearing these words, Mang Tian fell silent. He had no choice but to accept such high praise.
"President Mu..."
"Brother Mangtian, I know that you were injured when you tried to break through to the Spirit Forging Realm because of insufficient soul power, and you will never be able to break through. I will send you the appropriate spiritual items to heal your injuries in a few days. Please do not refuse."
"this……"
"And I know you incurred a lot of debt because of your breakthrough to Spirit Forging. So, to express my apology, I'll settle these debts for you." Before Mang Tian could speak, Mu Chen continued to add to the deal.
After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the communication line, Mang Tian let out a relieved sigh: "...As expected, it still came to this. I understand. Xiao Chen, Wu Lin, listen to this."
His voice turned serious: "President Mu Chen is a trustworthy mentor. From now on, you will need to follow the teachings of both teachers on your forging journey. President Mu, I'm entrusting this person to you."
"I will certainly live up to your expectations," Mu Chen replied solemnly.
The call was disconnected cleanly and efficiently.
Mu Chen put down the communicator, looked at the two young men in front of him, and gave them a gentle yet formal smile: "Then, from this moment on, you are my disciples, Mu Chen."
Tsk, why do I feel like I've been sold out?
Yu Chen silently grumbled in his heart, but having another teacher, the Holy Craftsman, who was related to him couldn't be a bad thing.
"Disciple Yu Chen wishes to become a disciple of Master!"
"Disciple Tang Wulin wishes to become a disciple of Master!"
Mu Chen stood up, accepted the bow with composure, and then stepped forward to help the two of them up.