Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 553 Do you want to be my disciple?

The hall did not calm. If anything, it grew louder-not with shock this time, but with intent.

The eyes that had once held only awe now carried calculation.

Mu Linyue had not merely won a competition; she had become something far more significant-a future that many now sought to grasp.

Mu Qingyuan naturally noticed the subtle shift. His gaze swept across the crowd, taking in the princes, the elders, and the representatives of the various empires.

All of them were watching intently, their minds already moving as they weighed their options and formed their plans.

He knew that after today, the status of his daughter would be very different.

Some might try to form an alliance with them, but those who were their enemies as his gaze naturally shifted toward the Vermillion Pill Empire-would definitely try to take her life.

A faint smile appeared on his face, but his eyes grew colder.

”Since the winner has been decided, this concludes the alchemy competition.”

The competition ended somewhat abruptly, but it had turned out to be quite entertaining.

Although the Vermillion Pill Empire had its own intentions, in the end, the result was beneficial to the Mu Clan.

With this competition, the Mu Clanʼs influence would only increase further.

The celebration for Mu Tianxuanʼs breakthrough continued.

Only this time, the focus was no longer on him alone. ”Grandmaster Mu truly has a remarkable granddaughter!”

”The Mu Clan will surely rise to unprecedented heights!”

”Grandmaster Mu, I have a son who has broken through to the Soul Formation Realm at only twenty years old. What do you think about-”

Praise flowed once more, but now it was directed at both Mu Tianxuan and Mu Linyue.

Moreover, many now wished to marry their sons to Mu Linyue. She was certain to soar, and by establishing ties with her, they too would rise alongside her.

The atmosphere grew lively again, as if the earlier tension had never existed.

Then Huo Zhouchen stepped forward once more. His actions drew everyoneʼs attention.

Huo Zhouchenʼs gaze settled directly on Mu Linyue. ”Young Lady Mu.”

His voice was calm, yet it carried undeniable weight.

”I wonder if you would be willing to become my disciple?” Silence!

All attention instantly shifted toward the two.

Even Mu Qingyuanʼs expression changed slightly.

Huo Zhouchenʼs intention was clear.

Mu Linyueʼs talent was far too terrifying to ignore. Her future in the alchemy

world was almost guaranteed to reach unimaginable heights.

Since that was the case, why not claim her as his disciple?

With his status, ability, and influence, he had every qualification to do so.

Mu Linyue herself was momentarily surprised.

She had never imagined that someone like Huo Zhouchen would one day personally invite her to become his disciple.

”If you become my disciple, I will grant you access to all my resources, connections, and inheritance.”

His voice grew firmer.

”Within ten years, I can ensure that you reach the Grandmaster level.”

A slight pause.

”And beyond that... it will not be impossible!”

The implication was clear.

Grade-8 Alchemist!

Perhaps even higher.

Mu Linyue did not hesitate. She cupped her hands slightly.

”Grandmaster Huo, I appreciate your offer, but I must decline.”

Her tone was respectful.

While becoming the disciple of someone like Huo Zhouchen might be the dream of every young alchemist, Mu Linyue did not think it was necessary.

There was already Bai Zihan, who taught her better than anyone.

In just one month with him, her progress had been astonishing.

There wasnʼt a single question Bai Zihan couldnʼt answer, and when he taught something, his explanations were always profound and insightful.

While she did not look down on Huo Zhouchen, she did not feel that even he could match Bai Zihanʼs level.

Of course, this was only her personal feeling. Huo Zhouchen might very well be superior, given that he was a Grade-7 alchemist.

However, there was no need to become his disciple. If she wished to reach the Grandmaster level, her grandfather was already one and could guide her. Perhaps it might have been a tempting offer three months ago, but now it was not something she was interested in.

Not to mention, if she became his Huo Zhouchen, there would be issues regarding allegiance. She might be treated like a traitor by the Desolate Heaven Empire.

Her freedom might be restricted, and she might not even be able to share her pill recipes with her own clan.

Thus, Huo Zhouchenʼs offer-including resources and connections-felt more

like a burden than an advantage.

More cons than pros.

For her, it was a simple decision, though others saw it as her missing a great

opportunity.

After all, Huo Zhouchen was not just any Grandmaster-he was considered one of the most outstanding among them.

Compared to him, Mu Tianxuan could only be considered a newly advanced Grandmaster.

Huo Zhouchen looked at Mu Linyue, unwilling to accept the rejection.

He remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her.

In his mind, a thought surfaced.

Perhaps... This rejection stemmed from what had happened earlier.

But to him, such matters were insignificant when compared to the bigger

picture.

If Mu Linyue became his disciple, then all enmity between the Mu Clan and the Vermillion Pill Empire could be erased instantly.

Not only would they no longer be wary of the Mu Clan, they might even

welcome such a development.

In his eyes, clinging to temporary grievances over such an opportunity... was

foolish.

But then again, she was still very young.

It was understandable.

With that thought, he spoke again.

”May I ask... your reason?”

His tone remained calm, though this question itself slightly damaged his

standing.

A figure like him was not someone who should need to ask twice.

But he needed to know.

If it was what he thought, he could still persuade her.

Mu Linyue did not hesitate.

”I already have a teacher.”

Huo Zhouchenʼs expression changed slightly.

The crowd stirred.

Even the Mu Clan members were visibly surprised.

A teacher?

Mu Linyue... had a teacher?

As far as they knew, her talent had always been self-driven.

Even high-grade alchemists had been hesitant to teach her because some of her questions were too profound. They feared losing face and thus avoided

instructing her.

As for Mu Qingyuan and Mu Yuelan, while they guided her at times, they were often occupied with their own responsibilities.

Mu Yuelan had many matters to deal with, especially those concerning Bai

Zihan.

Mu Qingyuan, meanwhile, was busy managing the clan.

There had never been a single figure who could be called her dedicated master.

Yet now she claimed she already had one.

The Mu Clan members even wondered if this was merely an excuse to make

Huo Zhouchen withdraw gracefully.

Huo Zhouchen narrowed his eyes slightly.

He hadnʼt expected to encounter such an obstacle.

In the end, he could only take a step back.

”My offer still stands. If Young Lady Mu ever wishes to become my disciple, you

may send me a message.”