Chapter Five: Becoming a Disciple?

An unbelievable scene unfolded before Li Quan and Liao Qing’s eyes, leaving them speechless with astonishment. Originally, both believed that Xia Yan and Lan Xin were doomed. Yet the Xia Yan who had stood motionless for three full minutes suddenly executed an extraordinary maneuver, driving back the mutated beast of lesser intelligence.

It was a gamble relying entirely on wit and luck—something only humans could discern so clearly. It was truly astonishing. How could he possess such courage, when his life hung by a thread?

Both Li Quan and Liao Qing felt a pang of inferiority; they hadn't even dared to come to the rescue, while Xia Yan had stood his ground for three minutes, fighting for that final chance, that last hope. Was this girl, Lan Xin, his lover? Otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have risked so much.

“My friends, hurry up!” Li Quan landed the flying vehicle and opened the hatch. Xia Yan, carrying Lan Xin in his arms, jumped aboard.

“I’ll take you both to the institute in Quning City for treatment,” Li Quan said, startled by their appearance. “There’s an emergency medical kit here; take care of your wounds first.”

“Thank you.” Xia Yan took the kit.

He produced two healing sprays and activated the energy shield in the rear compartment. Handing a bottle to Lan Xin, he said, “Miss Lan Xin, you should treat your wounds quickly.”

“I can’t move,” Lan Xin replied, lying down, her eyes shimmering faintly, her body utterly immobilized.

“What?” Xia Yan was surprised.

“My ability is quite special. I can maintain it for only three minutes; after that, I lose all mobility,” Lan Xin shook her head. “You’ll have to administer the emergency treatment for me.”

Her clothes were badly torn, exposing a glimpse of her chest and slender waist where the fabric had ripped. Yet Xia Yan’s heart remained unmoved as he swiftly tended to her wounds.

Lan Xin’s neck was tinged with a soft blush; she turned her head aside, choosing not to watch.

Once their injuries were treated, their breathing gradually stabilized. With the energy shield isolating the rear compartment, the pair up front could not overhear their conversation.

“I know why Gong Kui did this,” Lan Xin gazed at Xia Yan, as if pondering something.

“Hm?” Xia Yan was puzzled.

“If you wish to survive a year from now, you must fulfill one condition,” Lan Xin murmured, “and that condition is tied to me.”

“What condition?” Xia Yan asked.

“To surpass the former director Ai You… it’s very difficult, extremely so,” Lan Xin explained. “At minimum, you must hone your ancient martial arts techniques to a level no less than Tang Yun.”

“That’s impossible…” Xia Yan was taken aback. “All my combat skills were forged through life-and-death struggles, while Tang Yun comes from a family of ancient martial artists, training since childhood for years on end.”

“That’s why Gong Kui arranged for you to meet me,” Lan Xin smiled bitterly. “I wouldn’t have believed in you, but now I feel helpless… because you saved my life.”

Xia Yan smiled wryly.

“My physical development is sixteen percent,” Lan Xin revealed without reservation. “My cerebral development is thirty-two percent; the second ability remains undeveloped.”

“Hmm?” Xia Yan was utterly astonished. Her physical development was half that of her cerebral development, something ordinary people could never achieve.

“But when we fought, Miss Lan Xin, your ability activation made your physical strength surpass mine. The amplification shouldn’t be that strong, right?” Xia Yan was perplexed.

Amplification abilities come in many forms. But those that boost all attributes generally don’t increase by much; enhancing sixteen percent to twenty-four percent or higher should be impossible.

“My ability is extreme amplification,” Lan Xin explained. “It lasts three minutes, boosting physical development by one-third—so up to twenty-four percent. After three minutes, I lose all strength and can’t move, entirely at others’ mercy.”

Xia Yan marveled; such an ability was rare and powerful, though its aftereffects were severe.

“Miss Lan Xin, your strength is remarkable—even without your ability, you easily suppressed me, though my physical strength was superior,” Xia Yan sighed.

“That comes from my family’s ancient martial arts tradition,” Lan Xin said seriously. “My skills are inherited from the ‘Thousand Lineages’ school.”

“No wonder you’re so formidable,” Xia Yan nodded in understanding. “Miss Lan Xin, I know it’s shameless to ask, but I would like to learn ancient martial arts. My physical development is high, but my combat skills are mediocre… that’s always been my weakness.”

Xia Yan gritted his teeth. “If possible, I’d like to become your disciple.”

This was the sole reason Gong Kui arranged their meeting; Xia Yan understood it was his opportunity. Lan Xin was the most proficient practitioner of ancient martial arts he had ever met.

Lan Xin was taken aback, a faint smile on her lips, but she shook her head and refused. “I won’t agree. I can’t be anyone’s teacher.”

“But…” Xia Yan protested anxiously.

“No buts. I’m only seventeen this year, uninterested in becoming anyone’s master,” Lan Xin refused outright.

Xia Yan sighed, full of helplessness. He hadn’t expected to fail after all; Gong Kui would surely be disappointed.

Then, as if destiny had turned, Lan Xin spoke again.

“You’ve earned my recognition,” Lan Xin smiled. “I won’t teach you ancient martial arts, but I can take you to see my grandfather. If he’s willing, you can become his disciple. I learned my skills from him—and his mastery far surpasses mine!”

“Miss Lan Xin, I’m deeply grateful.”

Xia Yan’s eyes lit up; it was hope after despair! He thought he had no chance to learn the ancient techniques, but now he could seek out Lan Xin’s grandfather—a man likely of masterful renown. If allowed to study under him, Xia Yan might quickly advance and reach a level comparable to Tang Yun.

But how could he earn the old master’s approval?

...

After tending to their injuries, Xia Yan followed Lan Xin to District Ten, to the Lan family estate where her grandfather resided.

As for the recovery of their flying vehicle and the valuable materials from the mutated beast, relevant personnel would handle that later. Based on the materials’ worth, they would receive additional contribution points.

District Nine, Number Ten Baihui City, was a city akin to Fuxiang City in size, with no striking features from the outside. The Lan family estate was located in the more secluded southeast, where the population was sparse—a suburban area.

It was an ancient manor, steeped in history, the very cradle of the ‘Thousand Lineages’ tradition.

Contrary to Xia Yan’s expectations, there were no scenes of disciples training; the grounds were empty, and not a soul was seen from the gate to the inner courtyard.

“My grandfather rarely takes disciples. For nearly twenty years, he hasn’t accepted a single one,” Lan Xin noticed Xia Yan’s confusion. “I’ve trained here with him since childhood, only joining the institute at fifteen. I quickly rose to management, graduated successfully, and joined the Guardians squad.”

Lan Xin’s past was indeed legendary—rising rapidly through the institute’s ranks. Judging by her prowess, Xia Yan estimated she was the top member, aside from Gong Kui, whose abilities remained enigmatic.

Compared to his own journey, Lan Xin’s was far more illustrious—worthy of a novel.

At this moment, Lan Xin stopped.

“My grandfather is in the room ahead. Go in and meet him,” Lan Xin said to Xia Yan. “If you fail to win his approval, you must leave on your own, without pestering him.”

“I understand,” Xia Yan nodded.

“And if you fail, our connection ends. Gong Kui sent you to me precisely for this purpose,” Lan Xin added seriously. “If you fail, seek other paths and don’t entangle yourself with me.”

“Alright,” Xia Yan nodded quietly.

“I don’t dislike you,” Lan Xin added, “just stating the facts. You stayed and risked your life to fend off that level-4 mutant—I was genuinely moved.”

Seeing Lan Xin’s expression remain calm, Xia Yan could only smile wryly. This girl’s comfort was truly lacking.

“Go on,” Lan Xin said, escorting him to the entrance before turning away, not even greeting her grandfather. As a Guardian, she had many duties and seldom lingered here.

“Alright.” Xia Yan stepped forward, arriving at the door of the spotless chamber.