However, this also caused a few strands of dissatisfaction to surface in Feng Wu Yu's heart...
As an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion and a Saint Craftsman-level Forging Master, was he not worthy of becoming this youngster's teacher?
With that thought, his entire demeanor suddenly changed...
Gazing intensely at Tang Wulin in front of him, he snarled, "Boy, do you think I'm not qualified to be your teacher? I am a Saint Craftsman-level Forging Master!!"
This statement caused Tang Wulin's pupils to contract sharply as he exclaimed, "What? A Saint Craftsman-level Forging Master??
The Elder before him was so formidable in forging!!
Xu Sheng smiled and said, "Indeed! Elder Feng is a Saint Craftsman-level Forging Master. If you were to become his disciple, your forging abilities would greatly improve."
He was very open-minded about teachers; a Soul Master did not necessarily have to have just one teacher for a lifetime!
Feng Wu Yu snarled, "Did you hear that? Even Elder Xu says so!"
This remark caused another jolt in Tang Wulin's heart as he silently thought, "Elder Xu??
Could Teacher Xu have become an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion?
Even Elder Feng refers to the former as an Elder!!
But now was not the time to think about that!
Seriousness flickered in his pale blue eyes as he looked at Feng Wu Yu, "Elder Feng, it would be an honor for me if you took me as your disciple, but I already have a teacher in forging, so I cannot agree to become your disciple!"
Feng Wu Yu's eyes widened incredulously, "What?? You already have a teacher?"
Damnit! Who was the bastard that got there first?
But as he thought about it more carefully, it made sense!
If Tang Wulin didn't have a teacher, no matter how incredible his talent was, it wouldn't have been possible for him to reach level 4 blacksmith at such a young age!
Tang Wulin nodded in confirmation, "Yes, Elder Feng, my teacher is Mang Tian, a Grandmaster-level Forger!"
Feng Wu Yu stroked his chin in thought, "Mang Tian??"
Someone who has reached Grandmaster-level must have some reputation...
It seems that to take this child as a disciple, he will have to work around this Mang Tian...
With that thought, he spoke again, "Tang Wulin, although you have not become my disciple, in light of your loyalty to that Mang Tian, I will make an exception and give you an opportunity to join the Shrek Forge Association. Are you willing?"
Upon hearing these words, Tang Wulin's cheeks flushed with sudden joy...
Joining the Shrek Forge Association meant that he could utilize the Foundry Platforms and other facilities for free, an entirely advantageous proposition without any downsides!
Consequently, he expressed his gratitude with a face full of thanks, "Many... many thanks, Elder Feng!"
The corners of Feng Wu Yu's mouth curved upward, "Don't be too quick to thank me. Before that, I need you to prove your capabilities as a level 4 blacksmith."
Once you join the Shrek Forge Association, will you still be able to slip out of my hands?
Confidence shone on Tang Wulin's face, "Alright!"
But the next second, he asked in confusion, "However, Elder Feng, where should I forge?"
"Right here. You can use all the forging equipment in the room, and if you succeed in creating something, it's all yours. Consider it a little reward from me!"
Seeing the elder and the young talking amicably, Xu Sheng said with a light smile, "Elder Feng, Wulin, I'll leave you to it then!"
Feng Wu Yu, eager to witness Tang Wulin's forging capabilities, waved a dismissal, "Go on, go on. It's a hassle to bother you, Elder Xu, so late at night!"
Tang Wulin also promised, "Teacher Xu, goodbye! I will attend class on time tomorrow!"
...
The following day!
Just as Tang Wulin entered the classroom of Class One...
Xu Xiaoyan and the others were looking at him with eyes filled with terror...
Not long ago, as soon as they had arrived in the classroom, Xie Xie had told them that Tang Wulin had been kidnapped by an evil Soul Master yesterday, leaving everyone anxious and fearing the worst.
But now he had shown up safe and sound for class? How could this not surprise them!
Xie Xie exclaimed in shock, "Wulin, weren't you kidnapped by an evil Soul Master? How come..."
Hearing these words, an exhausted Tang Wulin flopped down into his chair, gave the former a disdainful look, and said helplessly, "What kidnapping by an evil Soul Master? The red-haired weirdo who appeared yesterday is one of the Elders of the Sea God Pavilion!"
Xie Xie cried out again in shock, "Sea... Elders of the Sea God Pavilion?? No way! Are you saying the evil Soul Masters have infiltrated the Sea God Pavilion?"
At this statement, Gu Yue couldn't help but giggle behind her hand. "Pfft, what kind of thought process is that, Xie Xie? It must have been that Elder of the Sea God Pavilion had some business with Tang Wulin and that's why he took him away!"
Xu Xiaoyan nodded in agreement, "That's right. Look at the two huge dark circles under Wulin's eyes; he definitely didn't get any rest last night!"
Wei Xiaofeng curiously asked, "Wulin, what did that Elder of the Sea God Pavilion want with you?"
Tang Wulin shook his head, not wanting to say much, and deflected vaguely, "It's nothing, just some forging stuff!"
Although he was tired from the previous night, he had nevertheless made a killing!
At least for the short term, there was no need to worry about everyday expenses!
As everyone was talking, a burly old man with long crimson hair walked into the classroom...
Immediately, he captured the attention of the entire class...
Wu Dousi asked in confusion, "Who is this? Shouldn't it be Teacher Xu teaching us?"
Luo Guixing frowned and said, "Is our class getting a new homeroom teacher?"
"No way, Teacher Xu teaches so well, why would he leave?"
"Maybe it's just a substitute teacher for now, let's see what this teacher has to say."
And Tang Wulin naturally saw the newcomer too, the corners of his mouth twitching involuntarily as he thought to himself, "No... no way, he's actually followed me to the classroom??"
That's right, the elder before them was none other than Feng Wu Yu!
He sauntered up to the teacher's desk, full of pride, and announced, "Kids, from now on, I, an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion and a Saint Craftsman Forging Master, will personally teach you all about forging!"
While saying this, his gaze was firmly fixed on Tang Wulin down below!
He wanted to make the latter realize that while others could only dream of becoming his disciple, this kid had actually declined, which would surely be his regret!
Upon hearing this arrogant self-introduction, the entire class instantly erupted into chaos...
"What, did I hear that right?? A Saint Craftsman Forging Master... could you be Feng Wu Yu, Elder Feng??"
"Sss... to have an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion personally take up the role of our teacher, this is amazing!! Now we don't have to worry about forging at all!"
"A Saint-tier Forging Master, someone with a widely acclaimed reputation even across the entire federation, I can't believe he would come to teach us about forging, this is simply fantastic!!"
Basking in the adoration of the students, he smugly raised an eyebrow at Tang Wulin...
Seeing this, Tang Wulin's face darkened instantly, and he complained internally, "This Elder Feng, how can he act so childishly..."
...