The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Ma'am, I'm truly honored by your offer, and I'll never forget your kindness, but I've already sworn allegiance to a mentor. I'm afraid I must decline," Felix said with an apologetic bow.

Delilah had expected as much. Felix's young age and his remarkable attainment of Physical Refinement Realm clearly indicated that he was not self-taught.

"It's fine," she replied with a smile. "Your mentor can't possibly be an expert in every field. The path of learning never ends, and truly talented individuals often have more than one mentor. I would only be guiding you in pill cultivation and nothing more."

Before coming to Martial City, Gerald had mentioned that Felix could consider taking on a mentor for pill cultivation, as Gerald himself was not an expert in the field. However, Felix had too many unknowns to deal with right now and did not dare rush into such a commitment.

"I appreciate your understanding, ma'am," Felix said politely, bowing again.

Delilah felt a pang of regret but decided against pushing further. She had thought about revealing Felix's actual martial artist rank to sway him, but after some consideration, she held back.

She replied, "Very well. Take this token and head downstairs. Someone will guide you from there. Congratulations on joining Harmony Clinic!"

"What a remarkable young man-respectful and grounded! I won't give up on him just yet," Delilah thought.noveldrama

As Felix stood to leave, he paused. "Ma'am, one more question does Harmony Clinic offer any protection for its members?"

Delilah chuckled lightly. "Not under normal circumstances. In the city, violence is rare, and you're relatively safe here.

"However, if you need to leave the city, you can request protection from the clinic if you've made sufficient contributions as a healer or if you're an alchemist with High-grade talent or above."

Felix nodded, inwardly relieved. He had initially thought the clinic might provide constant protection, but this system made sense-there simply were not enough experts to act as bodyguards at all times. Even having protection for trips outside the city was already generous.

"Thank you for clarifying, ma'am," he said before heading to the elevator.

When he reached the elevator, the woman from earlier greeted him with a much brighter expression than before. "Congratulations, sir, on becoming an alchemist!" Felix smiled slightly. "Thank you."

Downstairs, another woman with a similar look of admiration escorted him into a room. This room was. sparsely decorated, but the centerpiece was a bed with a woman reclining on it.

She wore low shorts and a white strapless top that accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her face was stunning radiating a mix of laziness and allure that made her impossibly captivating. She was the epitome of a mature beauty, her presence both magnetic and commanding.

"Finally, an alchemist has come in after three days," the woman drawled, her voice so sultry that it nearly made Felix lose his composure.

Her words carried a teasing edge, and her gaze had a dangerous gleam. She asked, "So, kid, what's your talent grade?"

Felix steadied himself and replied respectfully, "Ma'am, I'm Heaven grade."

In an instant, the woman vanished from the bed, reappearing right before Felix: A fragrant breeze swept over him, and before he could react, she plucked the token Delilah had given him right out of his hand.

"Well, well! Heaven grade, huh? Finally, my luck has turned around!" she exclaimed with a bright laugh.

Then, without warning, she hugged Felix tightly and planted a kiss on his cheek. She grinned and exclaimed, "You're my lucky charm now!"

Felix was stunned by her behavior. What was with this woman? She was way too forward.

But before he could fully process her actions, she did something even more shocking. She wrapped her arms around him and, with surprising ease, carried him toward the bed.

"Heaven grade, huh? Words mean nothing let me convince you," she purred, her voice dripping with mischief. "By the time I'm done, you'll know what choice to make."