Chapter 1385: Chapter 695: Lin Beichen Hesitates (2)
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi laughed in a way that showed all teeth but no eyes, realizing that it was someone seeking apprenticeship. But this kind of approach seemed too insincere.
"So you’re here to seek apprenticeship? I thought you had urgent business with Lin Beichen, given your determination. But isn’t this approach rather insincere?" Zhou Yi sarcastically remarked from the side.
The person glanced at Zhou Yi but didn’t bother responding. In his mind, Lin Beichen was the eternal idol.
Thus, the person dismissively said, "I’m not here to apprentice under you. Aren’t you aware of your own worth?"
Zhou Yi was provoked to the point of almost taking action, but his hand stopped mid-air before he lowered it. Resorting to violence would only show his humiliation.
After some thought, he decided to let it go.
"I see you’re not understanding. If you’re apprenticing under Lin Beichen, do you even know what I am to you? How could you speak to an elder like this?" Zhou Yi said.
Surprisingly, Zhou Yi’s words left the person speechless. But he still turned his gaze to Lin Beichen, looking at him with longing eyes, and pleaded, "I joined because of you; I have many questions I wish to ask. Will you accept me as your disciple?"
Without hesitation, Lin Beichen directly refused, "Apprenticeship? I never take disciples, so let’s forget about this."
Unexpectedly, Lin Beichen straightforwardly rejected Hu Yi, causing Zhou Yi to break into laughter, catching Hu Yi’s attention.
Lin Beichen was puzzled; why was Zhou Yi so amused by his rejection of Hu Yi? The atmosphere became incredibly awkward as both of them stared at him.
Hu Yi pouted, discontentedly addressing Zhou Yi, "What are you laughing at? Is it really funny that Lin Beichen rejected me? Or do you think I’m unworthy to be his disciple?"
Seeing Hu Yi’s emotional reaction, Zhou Yi quickly stifled his laughter and said sternly, "I wasn’t laughing at you; I suddenly thought of something pleasant."
Lin Beichen also quickly helped Zhou Yi out, "I don’t have the qualifications to be your master. I still have a lot to learn myself. But since you’ve already joined the church, let’s progress together."
Upon hearing Lin Beichen’s words, Hu Yi slowly shifted her gaze. Zhou Yi scratched the back of his head, grateful that Lin Beichen helped him ease the awkward situation.
Unexpectedly, Hu Yi suddenly plopped to the ground, insisting stubbornly, "If you don’t agree to take me as your disciple today, I’ll lie here and not leave."
Despite wanting to laugh, Zhou Yi, having learned from past experiences, realized Lin Beichen has his own way of handling such situations without needing his intervention.
Lin Beichen also discerned that Hu Yi was in disguise, feeling helpless about her outrageous behavior, and could only advise her not to make a scene.
"Lying here won’t help; I’ve decided not to take any disciples. No matter what you do, it’s futile. I hope you won’t take any extreme actions!"
But Hu Yi seemed not to hear and continued to lie on the ground, acting insolently without saying a word. Frustrated, Lin Beichen said to Zhou Yi, "Why are you standing there? Help escort her out."
Zhou Yi slowly stood up, walked towards Hu Yi, ready to pull her out. But upon contact, he realized she was female, causing some embarrassment.
Clearly, Zhou Yi’s attempt to pull Hu Yi had no effect, as she continued to roll on the ground acting insolently.
"I already said, if you don’t take me as a disciple today, I’ll lie on the ground and not leave."
Zhou Yi shrugged, deciding it was better for Lin Beichen to handle this himself. He already felt awkward, unsure of what Hu Yi might do next.
As the two realized there was no dealing with her antics, Hu Yi appeared somewhat smug. Just then, Lin Beichen pulled out a Talisman and casually tossed it; Hu Yi disappeared along with the Talisman from the room.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself outside the temple. She tore off the Talisman from her body and pondered, understanding the reason for her instantaneous transportation.
Zhou Yi was puzzled, while Lin Beichen said, "I’ll continue to meditate. I’ve transported her outside the grounds, but she will surely return. Go help block her from interrupting me again."
Zhou Yi understood, nodded, and headed outside the temple, blocking Hu Yi’s entry attempt.
"Stop right there!"
"Lin Beichen’s attitude is clear; give up already. Once he decides on something, no one can force him. Don’t make me resort to actions."
Displeased, Hu Yi responded, "I haven’t done anything wrong; I just want to be his disciple and exchange insights. What’s wrong with that?"
"You did nothing wrong, but the way you’re doing this is insincere."
Hu Yi completely ignored Zhou Yi’s sarcastic remarks.
To make her abandon this notion, Zhou Yi continued questioning, "Aren’t you upset at how he treated you earlier? Do you still wish to apprentice under him?"
Zhou Yi tried to use provocation to discourage Hu Yi, but unexpectedly, Lin Beichen’s actions earlier didn’t make her resent him; instead, it increased her admiration.
"We’re not on the same path, and I don’t want to waste time with you. How he treats me is none of your business. Regardless, I’m determined to apprentice under him."
No matter what Zhou Yi said, Hu Yi remained adamant about being Lin Beichen’s disciple. Zhou Yi had no way to deal with it but firmly decided he wouldn’t let Hu Yi step forward.
The key to becoming Lin Beichen’s disciple was meeting him. But Zhou Yi had become her biggest obstacle.
Thus, Hu Yi decided to leave initially, making Zhou Yi think she abandoned the idea, then find a way to return to Lin Beichen and explain properly.
"Fine, I won’t go in; I’m not desperate to enter anyway. But you’ve missed out on a great disciple." With this, Hu Yi turned and left.
Zhou Yi gazed at her departing silhouette, muttering to himself, "That’s more like it. People need to recognize the situation, not crash around like headless chickens."
After a long time passed without seeing Hu Yi’s figure again, Zhou Yi felt convinced she must have given up on becoming an apprentice and finally left at ease.
However, Hu Yi had been secretly observing Zhou Yi the whole time, and once Zhou Yi left, she smugly appeared at the entrance, muttering, "How could I easily give up? I’m determined to become his disciple."
Hu Yi sneaked all the way to Lin Beichen’s meditation place, peering through the window to see him meditating with closed eyes, and quietly climbed inside.
Lin Beichen had long sensed Hu Yi’s presence but remained silent, understanding if he used a Talisman to expel her, she would still return. Thus, he figured he’d let her stay near if there was no issue.
Successfully entering the room, Hu Yi saw Lin Beichen hadn’t noticed her, then seated herself behind a screen, mimicking meditation with folded legs and hands on thighs, closely observing his actions.
She continuously compared her posture to Lin Beichen’s, noting the similarities and then closed her eyes.
Lin Beichen, using his peripheral vision, continuously glanced at Hu Yi beside him. Though her movements were somewhat stiff, her dedication was commendable.
Unbeknownst to them, several hours passed. Lin Beichen began to waver, feeling respect for her perseverance.
Suddenly, a cough arose, startling Hu Yi into opening her eyes to look at Lin Beichen. It was merely his way of testing if Hu Yi was deeply focused.
Seeing Lin Beichen still with closed eyes, Hu Yi sighed with relief; it was just an ordinary cough. She thought, thankfully Lin Beichen didn’t notice her, or she would’ve been expelled to the temple entrance again.
At that moment, Lin Beichen received a system notification: "This person can be accepted as a direct disciple." Lin Beichen saw no reason to refuse, saying, "Come out."
Hu Yi hadn’t realized Lin Beichen was calling her and was contemplating hiding. Lin Beichen continued, "Stop hiding; I noticed you long ago."
Realizing she’d been discovered, Hu Yi smiled while stepping out from behind the screen, foolishly grinning at Lin Beichen to ease the embarrassment.
She intended to say something, but Lin Beichen interrupted, "I’ll accept you as my apprentice."
