The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

From the conversation, it was clear that the old woman, Delilah Goddard, held a significant position within Harmony Clinic. She even called Dickson by his first name without hesitation.

"Has the kid started?" Dickson asked.

"Interesting. It's the first time I've seen you take an interest in pill cultivation. It's not really your style," Delilah replied.

Dickson leaned back, propping his feet on the table. He was about to pick his nose again but stopped when Delilah shot him a sharp glare, forcing him to laugh awkwardly.

"Ordinary cases don't interest me, not even those with Supreme-grade talent. But this kid is different," Dickson said casually.

"Oh?" Delilah's curiosity was piqued. "What's so special about him? Hearing you, of all people, give an opinion on an alchemist is unheard of."

Dickson glanced at the closed door of the room where Felix was working and did not answer directly. Instead, he posed a question of his own, "Delilah, among the alchemists you know or have heard of, who's the strongest martial artist?"

Delilah frowned slightly but answered. "Why do you ask? Obviously, it's Bern Earnhart. You know this. His martial artist rank is at Physical Refinement Realm, and his pill cultivation skills are unmatched. There's no one else like him."

Physical Refinement Realm was a major realm beyond Boneforging. Its level earned respect even in a place like Martial City, where martial artists were plentiful.

Dickson chuckled. "And how old is Bern? Never mind. I'll cut to the chase the kid in there? He's already at Physical Refinement Realm."

"What?" Delilah shot to her feet, her face filled with disbelief. It had been years since she had displayed such shock.

"You're sure about this?" she demanded.

Dickson confirmed, "100%. This kid isn't just strong-he's ridiculously talented. I had to use a forbidden technique to see through his real presence.

"He's definitely mastered some kind of advanced technique to hide his energy. And the scary part? He's so young. Honestly, he's on par with the Top Ten Menaces of Martial City's younger generation."

Delilah paced back and forth, her hands clasped behind her back. It was clear the revelation had shaken her deeply. "This is unbelievable. е Who is he? A disciple or descendant of some hidden master? Either he shuns fame, or he's been in seclusion for years. Otherwise, his

name would already be widely known."

Dickson nodded in agreement. "Exactly my thoughts. That's why we shouldn't spread this around. Martial City still has hidden monsters, and if we go around publicizing this and it clashes with some old master's wishes, we'll be the ones in trouble. Harmony Clinic can't afford that."

He picked up his coffee and took a casual sip, his easygoing nature already brushing off the earlier shock. However, Delilah was not so quick to move on.

She suddenly stopped pacing and looked at Dickson with a serious expression. She declared, "If this kid's talent reaches Supreme grade, I'll take him as my apprentice."

Dickson spat out his coffee, staring at her in shock. "Are you serious?"

Delilah wasn't just anyone. In Martial City's alchemical world, she was second only to Bern. For years, no one had met her exacting standards-not even the

Heaven-grade talent from three net

years ago had impressed her enough to consider taking on a student. But now, she seemed

genuinely moved.

A rare smile crossed Delilah's face. "Yes, I'm serious. I've never been this certain before."noveldrama

Dickson clutched his chest dramatically as if bracing himself.

If Felix's talent turned out to be Supreme grade, Delilah's decision would inevitably lead to something monumental. The apprentice ceremony alone would attract some of Martial City's most prominent figures, turning it into a grand event like no other.