Chapter 146 Taking in a Disciple?
================¶¶================
"I will make you strong enough to clear the Sword Tower and become a Core Disciple in three months," Arthur declared.
These words took Balor by surprise, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"What?!" Balor managed to utter in response.
Arthur had just proposed something that seemed utterly impossible.
Balor knew that his talent was mediocre at best. His only strength lay in his unwavering willpower, but he believed it wouldn't be sufficient.
His cultivation would always lag behind the true geniuses. Balor was among the few who knew that Arthur hadn't concealed his true strength but had achieved his current level of cultivation in just six months.
Whenever Balor attempted to compare himself to Arthur, he couldn't help but feel inadequate. He recognized that his leader belonged to an entirely different league.
They were worlds apart.
Meanwhile, Arthur, aware of Balor's thoughts, smiled and said, "You heard me correctly."
"But that's impossible, Young Master. I believe Luke would be a better choice, as he possesses greater talent than I do," Balor humbly suggested, thinking his friend deserved the opportunity more.
"I appreciate your honesty and modesty, Balor. However, you shouldn't underestimate yourself. And why do you doubt me?"
"There is nothing I cannot achieve," Arthur replied confidently, his expression radiating utmost self-assurance and even pride.
Balor saw the conviction in his eyes and knew Arthur meant every word. He fell silent, pondering the situation.
"If he believes in me, despite knowing how limited my talent is, then he must have a plan," Balor concluded.
He refused to believe that Arthur was a naive fool. Such thoughts never crossed his mind. In his heart, Arthur was becoming a figure greater than the legends of the past.
However, Balor was not lacking in intelligence or ignorant of the workings of the cultivation world like Sun Wukong.
Curiosity piqued, he asked, "What's the catch, Master?"
There was always a price to pay for something. The cultivation world operated on the principle of exchange. The price could be equal or disproportionate, but there was always a cost.
"Especially for such a rapid power-up."
Arthur nodded, becoming more certain of his decision.
"You will accept me as your Master. You will become my disciple, and we will form a soul pact, binding you to me and preventing any future betrayal. I cannot reveal certain secrets to you without this condition being met. Additionally, as my disciple, you will serve me," Arthur explained calmly, his tone neutral but conveying the seriousness of the matter.
"So, what do you say? Are you willing?" Arthur inquired.
Balor stood in silence as his mind raced with thoughts, realizing he was faced with a decision that would shape the course of his entire life.
He weighed the pros and cons of the proposal, but above all, he contemplated Arthur's potential and character.
"Even if my original path has changed and I may never become a nameless nobody in the cultivation world, even if I alter my fate to achieve great things on the continent, there is a limit I may never surpass—a limit that even the greatest geniuses of the past couldn't breach. Ascension."
Balor's gaze grew resolute. After all, Arthur had already helped him surpass his own expectations, without asking for anything in return. What would happen if Arthur went all out for him?
"I agree... Master," Balor finally spoke, dropping to one knee with determination etched on his face and his head bowed.
Arthur smiled, having expected Balor's agreement. He could also sense the sincerity and resolution in his disciple's heart.
"Good!"
"From this moment forward, you are my disciple, and your title shall be..."The Sword Emperor," Arthur proclaimed with regal authority. "You shall attain the pinnacle of the Sword Dao and command the most formidable sword army across the infinite realms."
Upon hearing Arthur's words, Balor's heart surged with emotion. The heights his Master spoke of seemed unfathomable, but he couldn't help but feel excited and believe in the possibilities.
What good would doubt do?
"Yes, Master," Balor replied, his voice filled with determination.
Arthur nodded approvingly. "Now, for the soul pact. Clear your mind and willingly accept it."
Balor followed his Master's instructions, and soon, he sensed a powerful presence entering his mind. Before he knew it, an inscription materialized in his soul, vanishing as though it were an illusion.
For some reason, Balor could perceive the effects of the inscription.
"It cannot monitor my thoughts, nor can it force me to act against my will," Balor contemplated. "However, it prevents me from revealing certain secrets to anyone but my Master. And if I were to betray him, all my cultivation would be nullified."
Remaining calm, Balor realized he was never an ungrateful person, but people could change. Nevertheless, he welcomed the pact as it didn't reduce him to a mere slave.
Moreover, he felt a soothing sensation spreading from the inscription, nourishing his soul and strengthening him. He even sensed a minute improvement in his comprehension, willpower, and mental faculties.
"What?!" Balor exclaimed, amazed by the unexpected gift.
"How do you like my gift, Balor?" Arthur grinned.
Unable to find adequate words, Balor's satisfaction overwhelmed any lingering doubts.
"Thank you for this gift, Master!" Balor expressed his gratitude, bowing respectfully.
Such gestures were customary in the cultivation world.
Arthur nodded, acknowledging Balor's appreciation. "Consider it my first gift to you as my disciple. But there is more."
With the progress he had made in refining the soul gem, Arthur possessed the ability to create such a seal. Although it was merely a small achievement in the vast realm of possibilities, it allowed him to accomplish certain feats.
Such as now.
Arthur infused an exceedingly minuscule amount of the soul gem's power into Balor through the seal.
Although this amount was barely a fraction of a drop in an ocean, it would nourish Balor's soul and support him until the Nascent Soul Realm.
Additionally Arthur already prepared certain resources to aid in Balor's cultivation.
==================================
------------End of Chapter------------
==================================
Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are published on freew(e)bnove(l).𝓬𝓸𝓶