Chapter 112: Brothers (2/2)
“Mu Jianyao greets father,” the woman called out. She did not care at all about what she had been called the moment before. On her face was no anger or hostility. When he saw the complete lack of response, a sigh could be heard from within the shadows.
“I saw you smile earlier today. A smile from you is as rare as a crimson moon,” the voice from before said. “I thought that perhaps I could see more of your emotions today, but you are truly like your mother. She never let any of your emotions show. She displayed the same expression till the day she died. Will you not give in and allow for emotions to once more become part of your life? Will you not try to live again?”
Although Xu Min had been filled with anger before he was now filled with curiosity about the life of his Master. However just as he thought he’d hear more, Mu Jianyao’s voice cut through the office.
“Father, I came to inform you that I have taken an apprentice. I wish to teach him the arts of spiritual energy and the control of elemental affinities.”
There was truly no emotion within her voice. The excitement Xu Min had sensed in her voice when they had been in the medicinal garden had completely vanished. Even so, Xu Min did not mind. He felt that although this woman was an ice queen but deep within her were raging emotions. One day he would help her say what she truly felt.
“I have no reason to refuse you, and considering the killing intent your student displayed when I called you a mixed blood bastard, I can tell he already appreciates you. I can accept him as your student. Who knows, one day you might become a gentle soul once more.”
Mu Jianyao did not wait for any longer. She touched Xu Min again. His body returned to his control, but he did not speak. He followed behind his master as the two of them once more stepped on board the floating leaf before they landed on the ground. By now the square where the mission tower was located was filled with elves and fairies. The word about Xu Min and Mu Jianyao had long since reached them all, and many were curious as to what was happening.
As they landed on the ground, Mu Jianyao turned around and looked at Xu Min.
“Now that you are my disciple let’s begin. Your first task as my apprentice is simple. I wish for you to take a mission to kill twenty five-star beasts within the Immortal Valley. Bring me all the beast cores. Do not use your snake or your lion. They can tag along, but they are not allowed to attack. Oh, and you are only allowed to use your elemental affinities when you attack them.”
Having said that Mu Jianyao started moving away. However, before she got far away, she turned around once more and looked at Xu Min before she threw a vial towards him.
“This is the present you get from taking me as your master. Spend today and tomorrow to consume this pill and leave the day after, as soon as you return, see me. Also, don’t die out there. I have never had an apprentice before, and I would prefer not losing you already.”
Hearing the words, Xu Min bowed deeply to Mu Jianyao before he turned around and left. The crowd in front of him made way for him to walk through. Although they were filled with jealousy and hate, now no one dared to attack him now. He was the direct apprentice of an Immortal. Only a handful of students at the academy could brag of such results. Those who could were already at the top of the heavenly rankings.
Not to mention that this was no ordinary immortal; this was immortal Mu Jianyao! She was a goddess amongst the students, but she had always been an ice queen. How had Xu Min managed to become someone that she deemed acceptable?
Many were filled with a belly full of anger, but what could they do apart from returning to their mansions? Ganging up on Xu Min would cause Mu Jianyao to take revenge. She had already said that she did not want him to die and he was her first apprentice. It was clear that she cared about him to some extent. No one wished to become enemies with an Immortal.
Seeing everyone bewildered about what just had passed, Xu Min could not help but snicker. He said nothing, though, as he returned to his room. In his hands was the present he had received from Mu Jianyao. On his neck was Cao Cao who was looking around, constantly ensuring that no one sneaked up on them. When they reached the cabin, they found that Ye Ling was awaiting them.
Ye Ling was free to move as he wished. Everyone knew he belonged to Xu Min, and no one wished to fight with such a fierce beast. For some reason, though, Ye Ling decided to stay in the cabin, acting more like a guard dog rather than t walk around unless necessary.
“What happened today?” He asked curiously as he saw Xu Min’s excited face. Xu Min’s lips split into a great smile, “I gained a new master,” he said seriously as he sat down on his bed, “A new Immortal master who is capable of using both elemental affinities and spiritual energy. She is also very pretty, but of course, she does not compare to my Meilin,” Xu Min laughed out loud.
“I am in a hurry. I need to consume this pill and refine the medicinal properties of it, but I also need to sit down and meditate and comprehend the element of fire which I absorbed today. I need to gain some basic understanding of it so that I can use it on the mission I need to undertake.”
Looking at Ye Ling, Xu Min smiled, “Wanna go out with me to the Immortal Valley once more?” He asked excitedly. Ye Ling showed a toothy grin, “Wherever you go, I will follow you. We are brothers and companions, and we will forever experience hardships and joyous occasions together!”
Hearing Ye Ling’s words, Xu Min felt warmth in his heart. He gave both Cao Cao and Ye Ling a big hug, “With brothers like the two of you, who needs other friends?” he said emotionally.