Villain: You Want Me to Follow the Plot and Die? I’m Done Pretending - Chapter 51:

Chapter 51: Seize This Chance:

Trusting that thing would be foolish.

Gu Feng had a slight smile, but a wild thought had already crossed his mind. If he could somehow turn the system against its creator, could he perhaps reach for the world’s essence that only a higher being could touch?

But the thought vanished as quickly as it came. Right now, he was still far too weak.

“Sir, my father sent me to change your bed linens! Also, here’s some fresh tea for you to try.” Zhang Sanyan appeared with a tray, a bright new teacup perched atop it. The tea’s aroma was faint, but this was clearly the best tea they could offer.

“Just set it there,” Gu Feng replied, his tone kind. He watched the young boy tidying up the room. Though he could easily cast a dust-removal spell, he knew this was the Zhangs’ way of showing their gratitude. He would let them have this opportunity.

Gu Feng took a sip of the tea. The flavor was light.

“Zhang Sanyan,” he said, setting down the cup.

Hearing his name, the boy immediately stopped what he was doing, standing straight and facing Gu Feng, with a hint of eagerness in his eyes.

“You want to become an immortal cultivator?” Gu Feng leaned back, taking in the young boy’s youthful innocence, so full of energy. He was nothing like the older Zhang Sanyan Gu Feng had once faced, who had drawn a sword against him with a steely determination to protect his sworn brother.

This world and its people felt so real. Could any book truly capture it all?

“Yes!” Zhang Sanyan replied with a clear, strong voice. “My father says that as a rogue cultivator, the best you can hope for is to reach the Golden Core stage. Most end up like him, fishing for a living, and maybe dying at sea someday. He hopes I can join a sect, but I…”

He paused, then knelt down and kowtowed to Gu Feng three times. “I wish to become your disciple!”

Gu Feng watched him and did nothing to stop him.

“Have you thought this through?”

“I have!” the boy’s voice rang out, unwavering. He had no idea his decision was about to alter the course of his life.

“Very well.” Gu Feng smiled and rose to his feet. “As my disciple, the first thing we’ll do is get you some new clothes.” Taking Zhang Sanyan’s hand, he led the boy downstairs.

There, Zhang Sanyan’s father was waiting anxiously at the base of the stairs. When he saw Gu Feng holding his son’s hand, he immediately fell to his knees, bowing repeatedly to Gu Feng.

“Get up,” Gu Feng said, waving his hand, and the man found he couldn’t kneel no matter how hard he tried. “You’re truly willing to entrust your son to me?”

“Of course I am.” The man’s face flushed with excitement, and he stumbled over his words, struggling to speak clearly. “I know you wouldn’t take him on for no reason.”

“Good,” Gu Feng replied, summoning his sword. “I’ll be taking him with me, then.”

This fishing village was too isolated to have any suitable shops for buying enchanted clothing. Since he’d accepted the boy as his disciple, he couldn’t let him walk around in rags. None of the items in his system’s storage were suitable for a beginner.

“Let’s go to the Treasure Pavilion.”

…

Standing outside the large storefront, even the female attendants who greeted customers were of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Gu Feng gave a satisfied nod; the place looked respectable enough.

Zhang Sanyan’s eyes were wide with awe as he looked around the opulent surroundings. This was unlike anything he had ever seen.

“Master.” He whispered, sounding nervous.

“You didn’t seem scared when you asked to become my disciple,” Gu Feng chuckled. “There’s no need to fear. As my disciple, you’ll soon have nothing to fear at all.”

“Understood!” Zhang Sanyan nodded fiercely, feeling a little embarrassed by his earlier nerves. He raised his chin, glancing at the attendants, and saw them smiling back at him, not a trace of disdain in their expressions.

“Are you here to choose a magical artifact for the young master?” one of the attendants asked. She’d already noticed that while the boy wore ragged clothes, he carried no hint of spiritual Qi. At twelve, he was still quite young to be an entry-level disciple.

“Yes, the best you have.” Gu Feng replied calmly.

There was a certain air about him, as well as an energy she couldn’t quite discern, that made her bow her head with respect.

“Right this way.” She led them to the third floor. “Our Treasure Pavilion has seven levels. The third level has items suited for cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Realm, perfect for a new disciple.”

She led them into a large room at the top of a staircase, placing her hand against a barrier at the doorway. Light rippled outward, then vanished as the barrier dissolved. She gestured for them to enter but didn’t step in herself.

“Please feel free to choose. I’ll be right here if you need any assistance.”

Gu Feng nodded and entered with Zhang Sanyan by his side. The Treasure Pavilion’s shopping style reminded him of the modern world. He had to admit, it was well done.

As soon as they stepped inside, they saw a young boy, glittering with jewelry from head to toe.