C15 I Was so Angry That I Fainted

Meng Huo showed no intention of rising to his feet.

He remained kneeling, resolutely expressing his intentions.

"To possess such advanced cultivation at such a young age is truly admirable, and your character commands even greater respect."

"I wish to take you as my master and seek your guidance."

After Meng Huo stated his intentions, Xiao Han sighed, taken aback by his directness.

The abrupt shift left Xiao Han somewhat bewildered.

With a hint of resignation, Xiao Han found Meng Huo's persistence challenging; multiple attempts to get him to stand were unsuccessful.

Xiao Han's words once again reached Meng Huo's ears.

"If you're unwilling, then there's nothing I can do. However, if you truly wish to take me as your master, then you must at least give me two days to consider it."

"Let's choose an auspicious time. It won't be too late to conduct the ceremony then."

Xiao Han was merely trying to dismiss Meng Huo, suspecting the old man's sudden decision might be a fleeting impulse.

"Master, you've said it yourself. Whether you acknowledge it or not, I, Meng Huo, have recognized you as my master."

With that, Meng Huo stood up, briefly advised Xiao Han on a few matters concerning the Yu family, and then departed.

Once Meng Huo had left, Xiao Han mulled over their conversation and then returned home as well.

Upon arriving home, Meng Huo found the Yu family members already waiting near his residence.

As soon as they saw Meng Huo, they approached him eagerly, their faces filled with anticipation.

"Master Meng, how did it go? Was it the outcome we've all been hoping for?"

"Did you give that guy a good thrashing to avenge us?"

The Yu family's words rang in Meng Huo's ears, and his expression darkened with displeasure.

"Scoundrels, if you dare to insult my master in my presence again, you'll regret it."

"I will certainly see your heads roll."

Meng Huo's declaration left the Yu family members in attendance quite astonished.

They were perplexed by the meaning behind Meng Huo's words.

"Master Meng, what are you implying?"

"What connection does your master have with Xiao Han?"

The Yu family's inquiries echoed in Meng Huo's ears as they expressed their confusion.

It was understandable. How could they have guessed that Meng Huo was now Xiao Han's disciple?

The idea was so far-fetched that not only would they struggle to believe it, but it would also seem incredible to anyone else.

"Indeed, there is a connection. Xiao Han is my master."

Meng Huo's admission caused a collective gasp among the onlookers. They realized that the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

"Don't play games with us, Master Meng. We've come to you for help against Xiao Han."

"Whether or not you have the capability, you wouldn't concoct such an absurd excuse to mislead us."

It was evident that the Yu family suspected Meng Huo of fabricating the story as an excuse for his failure.

Upon hearing their words, Meng Huo's face betrayed his irritation.

"Why would I deceive you? You're correct; I truly lack the power to confront Xiao Han."

"His strength is such that he could have easily ended my life, but he chose not to. I respect his integrity and admire his power."

"Strength commands respect. I've taken him as my master and sought his mentorship. What's wrong with that?"

Meng Huo's response left the Yu family members feeling anxious and unsettled.

They had not anticipated the situation unfolding in such an unpredictable manner.

They exchanged bewildered glances, uncertain of their next move.

Meng Huo was aware of their intent to target Xiao Han, which gave him a sense of foreboding.

Should they seek out someone stronger to confront Xiao Han, his life could be at risk.

Yet, finding someone of that caliber seemed a daunting task.

Regardless, Meng Huo's hope was that the Yu family would remain forthright.

A cold look crossed his face as his words reached the ears of the Yu family members.

"I'm not sure what transpired between you and the Master."

"However, I must inform you that Xiao Han is now my Master. If you have designs on harming him, then you'll be making an enemy of me."

Meng Huo's declaration left the Yu family in a collective shiver of dread.

His message was crystal clear; it served as a warning.

Should they persist in their hostilities toward Xiao Han, Meng Huo might retaliate.

Handling Xiao Han alone was challenging enough, but with Meng Huo as an adversary, they would be plunging into a deadly abyss.

Despite the Yu family's formidable strength, they were ill-equipped to handle such a dire predicament.

Momentarily, everyone was plunged into contemplative silence.

"If there's nothing else, then return promptly and deliver my message. Make sure it's conveyed accurately."

The moment Meng Huo finished speaking, the Yu family's leader's face twisted with resentment.

They had sought to undermine Xiao Han, only to inadvertently strengthen him with a formidable disciple.

This left him feeling somewhat powerless.

With a look of anger, he led his men back to the Yu family compound.

Upon his return, he relayed every detail of Meng Huo's words to the Patriarch.

The Patriarch's complexion darkened as he grasped the gravity of the situation.

"How could this happen? Meng Huo, a respected master, taking that young upstart as his mentor—it's preposterous! Isn't he worried about becoming a laughingstock?"

The Yu family Patriarch had not anticipated such a turn of events.

Shock was written all over his face.

Meanwhile, his heart swelled with frustration, knowing that Meng Huo was now aligned with Xiao Han.

If he continued to employ underhanded tactics against Xiao Han in secret, it would be tantamount to digging his own grave.

The future looked increasingly bleak.

Panic and unease spread across his face, and in a moment of distress, he failed to catch his breath.

He collapsed, overwhelmed.

His subordinates quickly came to his aid, propping him up and seeking immediate medical attention.

Indeed, the Yu family found themselves in a most vexing situation.

He failed to handle Xiao Han and instead sought someone to take him out. Little did he know, he was inadvertently making an even greater enemy for himself. Now, trying to contend with Xiao Han seemed a task more daunting than reaching the heavens.

Xiao Han, for his part, was hardly influenced by Meng Huo. He dismissed Meng Huo's words as mere jest and didn't take the idea of apprenticeship to heart. In the time that followed, he dedicated himself to deep cultivation with unwavering focus.

Xiao Han understood that in a world where might makes right, his strength was the key to establishing a firm presence. To avoid any threats, he knew he needed to achieve Foundation Building status as quickly as possible. At the very least, given the current circumstances, reaching Foundation Building would offer him a more secure chance of survival.

​