Chapter 769: Become His Successor
No matter how gifted a person was, it was simply human nature to want to excel even more.
“Of course, I’m sure. After all, I was able to enter the Cabinet using these methods. If you want to learn them, then pledge yourself as my disciple. I will teach you all that I know. How about it?”
Yao Tang’s eyes lit up at his words.
She was obviously happy with the answer she got. Her lips were even curled into a satisfied smile.
!!
At this point, Elder Nie was fully convinced that Yao Tang was joining the Green Cloud Pavilion.
He was elated.
It might have only been a glimpse, but he was clear on the strength that she possessed.
If Yao Tang was on his side, his own power would increase immensely, and the Green Cloud Pavilion was sure to become a force of nature.
And Elder Nie would hold the highest authority over the Music a.s.sociation.
The old man’s spirits immediately soared at the thought.
He couldn’t keep his delight from showing when he spoke next.
“Listen, Tangtang. Usually, if the members of the Green Cloud Pavilion sought to improve their spiritual powers, they would have to build up credit first. This will later be exchanged with opportunities to develop your cultivation.
“But your case is different. I hold special privileges, you see, and as my apprentice, I can let you advance without a fuss. You won’t have to risk your life or bother with any nuisances.”
Elder Nie was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with pride as he said this.
Under normal circ.u.mstances, he wouldn’t have talked this much about the inner workings of the Green Cloud Pavilion. But if it would get Yao Tang to join them, then it was worth it.
When he saw that she was still smiling, he continued, “Your talent is already beyond anyone’s expectations. Join me, and I will train you as my successor. In the future, you will become the head of the Green Cloud Pavilion.
“Certainly, that is a much better prospect than languishing as a mere disciple under those ancient elders at the Cabinet?”
Elder Nie clasped his hands together behind his back and waited for Yao Tang’s response, his face a picture of tranquil confidence.
Most of his henchmen were from the Cabinet as well, traitors who had wanted to improve their cultivation and turned to the Green Cloud Pavilion for quick results.
‘So he’s using a reward system to increase his men’s spiritual energy,’ Yao Tang thought to herself.
She looked pensive, as though she was weighing something in her mind.
President Tan and Tan Jian watched her, their brows furrowed, their hearts thundering in their chests. They still had no idea what Yao Tang wanted to do, and it made them all the more worried.
What if she fell for Elder Nie’s words, and he eventually cheats her out of his promises? Worse still, what if that old man used his tricks to tamper with her cultivation?
“Tangtang, we have no way of knowing whether he’s telling the truth or not!” President Tan said frantically. “You must think this through carefully.”
At the end of the day, Yao Tang was a precious apprentice that had come to him after what was probably half of his lifetime.
If he were to lose her to a better mentor, at the very least, he wanted the other party to be someone honorable.
He was even willing to hand her over to the Cabinet Elders, just not to this traitor in front of him.
Elder Nie had already betrayed the Cabinet.
Who was to say that it would be the last time he stabbed anybody in the back?
Even so, President Tan didn’t know what more to say to dissuade Yao Tang.
He believed in her judgment, yes, but as her teacher, he couldn’t help feeling the burden of responsibility toward her.
If she ended up taking the wrong path, he would definitely regret it for the rest of his life.
President Tan heaved a deep, defeated sigh.
“Tangtang,” Tan Jian said, “we will support you with whatever choice you make. But please consider it with the utmost discretion. Once you decide, there will be no turning back.”
It was the first time that the mischievous young man had said something so serious.
The father and son’s concern warmed Yao Tang’s heart.
She knew what to do, of course. Did she ever not?
On the surface, she appeared indifferent to President Tan and Tan Jian. The only expression on her face was mild interest in improving her spiritual power.
Elder Nie scoffed and rolled his eyes as the other two fidgeted. He pointed at President Tan and mocked him.
“Are you sure you’re really acting in Tangtang’s best interests? You know of her potential, don’t you? That’s why you insist on clinging to her. You’re just afraid to lose her and the strength she lends you!”