Chapter 234 - 233: The King of Assassins Takes a Disciple
Come on, old man, I’m here to perform, not to sell myself.
"Not bad, I’m very satisfied. This time you’ve found a good seedling."
Fang Yan, after his surprise, let go of Chen Tianlong, stepped back, and looked him over.
Suddenly recalling something, he hurried forward, slipped behind Chen Tianlong, and ran his palm over his back, frowning instantly.
"Ah... although it’s a good seedling, it hasn’t sprouted yet."
Fang Yan sighed deeply, speaking with some regret.
"Huh? What do you mean? Old Yan, this is the best I’ve found so far; you’re not giving up on him, are you?" Sima Dong was taken aback and asked with some confusion.
"Who said I was giving up on him? I just said he hasn’t sprouted yet but never said I don’t want him. Don’t even think about stealing him from me, or I’ll get mad at you."
Fang Yan sighed, but he was definitely taking this disciple. However, Chen Tianlong’s Divine Vein hadn’t been activated, so he couldn’t teach him anything advanced just yet.
"So Old Yan, what do you mean?" Sima Dong was still unclear.
"The kid’s physique is extraordinary. For now, I’m not sure if it’s the legendary physique, just that it hasn’t been activated, and his Divine Vein hasn’t opened. Right now, he’s an uncut gem, needing some time." Chen Tianlong explained.
"Haha, so that’s how it is. Old Yan, you really gave me a scare. It’s fine, this young guy is my son-in-law Lin Batian’s bodyguard. When I need him, I’ll just give you a call to bring him over."
Sima Dong sighed in relief; he thought Fang Yan was dissatisfied with Chen Tianlong. This young man was so versatile, such a good talent. If Fang Yan didn’t want him, Sima Dong would.
Even though, compared to this ace assassin, his own skill was slightly inferior, in South Sea City, besides Fang Yan, he ranked second; no one dared to claim first.
After finishing, Chen Tianlong gestured for Chen Tianlong to follow him into the wooden house. After all, the sun was blazing outside, and the weather was quite hot, making everyone sweat after standing for a while.
The house was air-conditioned and very cool inside. Chen Tianlong was invited to sit in a wicker chair, and he sat opposite Fang Yan without politeness.
"Young man, what’s your name?" Fang Yan asked in a neutral tone.
"Chen Tianlong... How should I address you, sir?"
Chen Tianlong asked curiously. This old man was indeed formidable; to be honest, if they sparred, Fang Yan could probably take him out in just a few moves.
Therefore, Chen Tianlong was eager to learn from him. If he could be half as good as him, he wouldn’t have to worry about encountering masters anymore. Although he was invincible in school, rarely meeting a match,
Chen Tianlong knew there is always someone better. If one day a master appears whom he can’t handle, how would he protect Wu Mengting?
"My name is Fang Yan; you can call me Master Fang from now on." Fang Yan said with an intentionally suggestive tone, watching to see if Chen Tianlong would catch on.
"Oh, Master Fang..."
Chen Tianlong didn’t immediately catch on, but within a couple of seconds, he suddenly got up from his chair, dropped to his knees with a "thud," and said, "Thank you, Master, for taking me as your disciple."
"Haha, you’re smart. I never offer a second chance when taking a disciple. If you’d missed this, after finishing this cup of tea, we’d have been saying goodbye."
Fang Yan thought it was a close call. It was his style and his rule for taking disciples. As an assassin, it’s crucial to be perceptive. Although their conversation was simple, it was in these easily overlooked subtleties that one’s meticulous mind could be shown.
As an excellent assassin, without such keen insight to discern information between the lines, you’d only end up being abused by others.
"Hehe, thank you, Master. Please accept this apprentice’s bow."
Even though Chen Tianlong hesitated a bit, otherwise, without the other’s agreement, he would’ve already bowed to the master.
But there’s no choice. To protect those around him, Chen Tianlong needs higher strength. Only by standing invincibly can he protect those around him and earn his living.
Remembering the recent appearance of some masters, Chen Tianlong felt his strength was gradually falling short. If he didn’t improve quickly, he’d end up being the one abused.
So what if he has to be humble now?
If kneeling to this master allows him to protect Wu Mengting and Lin Wushuang, he’d rather kneel all day.
"Haha, good! Stand up, my apprentice. You’re straightforward and direct; I like that personality. It’s exactly how I was when I was younger, truly sent by the heavens just for me."
Fang Yan was obviously overjoyed. He liked this Chen Tianlong a lot, both his talent and personality.
"Alright."
Chen Tianlong immediately stood up. For some things, one shouldn’t be overly respectful, as going too far might make one seem insincere, possibly causing resentment.
So, he decided to act decisively.
"Congratulations, Chen Tianlong, for being accepted as a disciple by Senior Fang Yan. Truly worthy of celebration!"
Sima Dong knew what it meant for Fang Yan to accept Chen Tianlong. He was the master of the assassin group, and now Chen Tianlong, as his sole disciple, would command considerable respect.
It seems the Black Panther Assassin Group will soon have another young leader.
"Chen Tianlong, today I won’t teach you anything as the time isn’t right. You need to undergo some trials, and when the time is right, I’ll notify you to come over."
Fang Yan had a faint smile on his face, a rare and precious smile.
To know Fang Yan, as the leader of the Black Panther Assassin Group, had been retired for years, not moved by external events nor his own feelings, seeing everything lightly. He wouldn’t appear in front of outsiders, and certainly not casually smile.
Chen Tianlong’s appearance brought him a bit of joy.
Sima Dong, watching this scene, couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional. This time, he made the right decision.
While the three were chatting leisurely, something was happening outside...
Lin Batian waited in the house for an hour and hadn’t seen Chen Tianlong come out. Unable to sit still, he started to wander towards the back hill, curious about where his father-in-law had taken Chen Tianlong in such a secretive manner.
As he set off for the back hill, four men were following behind him. These four were evidently kidnappers sent by the Hao Family, including Profound Void and his three assassin accomplices.
Admiring the beautiful scenery of the back hill with a gentle breeze, Lin Batian relaxed his mood, genuinely amazed to find such a Peach Blossom Spring behind Tianshu Manor.
Honestly, he had stayed at Tianshu Manor for several months but had never been here. This area used to be a vast forest but had been redecorated, looking much nicer and less eerie.
After walking a little while, he saw a big rock with "No Trespassing" written on it. Lin Batian chuckled bitterly; he wasn’t a trespasser but the manor’s son-in-law.
So he continued forward, following along Zhao, realizing he had climbed a small hill. The hill was so low that without noticing, one wouldn’t even realize they’d ascended.
A few minutes later, he came upon a small cabin enclosed by a fence, and in front of it was a small forest extending about ten to twenty meters.
Just at that moment, he felt as though someone was following him, suddenly turned around, but saw nothing.
As he was about to enter the small bamboo grove, a shadow suddenly appeared in front of Lin Batian, wearing a ghost mask that blurred his features.
Lin Batian realized something was wrong. He never expected someone to kidnap him even at Tianshu Manor.