Huo Yu'er was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.
"Just that?"
Ye Wen nodded firmly. "Just that."
"You should think about my level of cultivation, little one. When I decide to take on a disciple, it's entirely up to my discretion."
After pondering for a moment, Ye Wen ruffled Huo Yuer's head and added:
"When you reach the same height as me, you'll understand—true strength means doing whatever you please."
Such bold words were something Huo Yuer had never heard before, leaving her deeply shaken.
However, being naturally earnest, Huo Yuer couldn't help but raise an objection.
"But Master, my innate soul power is only at level one. It's impossible for me to ever reach the rank of a Titled Douluo."
Ye Wen's lips curled into a confident smile. "Who says such things are set in stone?
Listen, little one. What determines the upper limit of a soul master isn't talent—it's whether they have the heart to strive forward."
After this motivational speech, Huo Yuer's eyes grew even brighter, and she suddenly exclaimed:
"I understand, Master! This is what Master Yu Xiaogang meant when he said there are no useless spirits, only useless soul masters, right? I'll work hard to cultivate from now on!"
Ye Wen's expression darkened slightly. Why did she bring up that unfortunate man?
What nonsense about no useless spirits, only useless soul masters—if not for the Heaven's Grass, Yu Xiaogang would've been a complete failure of a soul master in the original timeline.
Ye Wen pinched the bridge of his nose in discomfort. That's right—this world was derived from the original timeline, meaning it was filled with praise for Shrek Academy and the Shrek Seven. Naturally, Huo Yuer, having grown up listening to their stories, would hold such beliefs.
Seeing Ye Wen's reaction, Huo Yuer thought she had said something wrong. Her years of experience in reading people at the Duke's manor made her hesitant to speak further.
Ye Wen quickly noticed Huo Yuer's unease and coughed twice to regain his composure.
Adult burdens shouldn't be placed on children. At this pure stage of life, any disruption could influence their future.
"Did I say something wrong, Master?" Huo Yuer, sensing Ye Wen's gentleness, cautiously asked.
Ye Wen opened his mouth but didn't say anything. Explaining parallel worlds was far too complicated for someone her age.
"No, that statement is somewhat correct. As long as a soul master has ambition, they'll find every possible way to strengthen themselves," Ye Wen replied.
Unfortunately, Yu Xiaogang hadn't lived up to that ideal. He had spent his entire life relying on others' support. Without the backing of family, friends, or disciples, reaching the rank of Great Soul Master would've been remarkable for him.
Huo Yuer felt something was off, but her limited experience wasn't enough to analyze the reason, so she simply accepted the explanation.
As Ye Wen's disciple, he naturally planned to help Huo Yuer obtain her first spirit ring.
However, on the journey to the Star Dou Forest, Ye Wen didn't intend to interfere much. He knew that Huo Yuer's path of "cheating" began here, and excessive intervention might cause unforeseen consequences.
From the original timeline, it was clear that Huo Yun'er had lived in extreme poverty, unable to even earn wages while being burdened with endless tasks by the Duke's manor, barely keeping herself and her daughter alive.
This harsh environment was precisely why Huo Yuer's innate soul power was so low.
It was similar to how Tang San, despite being born with twin spirits and full innate soul power, needed to train in the Xuan Tian Gong technique to create the illusion of his natural full soul power.
Unfortunately, Huo Yuer didn't have such opportunities, and the version of Xuan Tian Gong in this era had been intentionally weakened by Tang San.
Fortunately, Huo Yuer's spirit was a Body Spirit. While her innate soul power was reduced, her spirit itself wouldn't deteriorate.
The reason for this was simple: Body Spirits were incredibly powerful. Upon awakening, they suppressed themselves to a state usable by the soul master.
Otherwise, an awakened golden- or silver-tier Body Spirit would drain the soul master completely.
Body Spirits were just that domineering.
Having lost her beloved mother, Huo Yuer now formed a new bond with Ye Wen, filling the void in her heart.
Moreover, after learning of Ye Wen's strength, Huo Yuer felt an unprecedented sense of security. With a Titled Douluo as her master, she would be treated as an honored guest wherever she went, as long as she avoided trouble.
During their slow journey, Huo Yuer couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked about her senior disciples.
Ye Wen didn't hide much, simply stating that all his disciples were at the Titled Douluo level.
Even so, Huo Yuer's jaw dropped in astonishment. In her naive understanding, such strength was enough to dominate the Douluo Continent.
"If I can gather my senior disciples, perhaps I can exact revenge."
This thought flashed through Huo Yuer's mind but quickly faded.
Under Ye Wen's teachings, a master wasn't just a teacher—they were like parents. Senior disciples were like siblings. How could she exploit her own family?
Despite her difficult childhood, Huo Yuer's values were surprisingly upright. She cherished her family deeply, even those she had never met. This thought quickly vanished from her mind.
Their journey was slow, partly because Huo Yuer lacked money, and Ye Wen wanted to give her some training. Along the way, they relied on Huo Yuer hunting wild game for sustenance.
This was Huo Yuer's first time traveling alone. Despite following the map, she inevitably took a few wrong turns. However, with guidance from passersby and occasional pointers from Ye Wen, they eventually got back on track.
"Master, let's set up camp here. At this pace, we should reach the Star Dou Forest tomorrow," Huo Yuer said cheerfully.
Ye Wen nodded.
Through their interactions along the way, Ye Wen not only taught Huo Yuer knowledge about soul masters but also nurtured her confidence and independence, helping her break free from her past repression.
There was a small stream nearby, and Huo Yuer immediately put her traditional skill—catching fish—to use.
"Hahaha—"
With the enhancement of her Spiritual Eye spirit, Huo Yuer moved with incredible speed, swiftly spearing over a dozen palm-sized fish.
The hardships of life forced children to grow up quickly. Huo Yuer soon began preparing the meal.
Grilling fish might seem simple, but doing it well tested the skill of even seasoned chefs.
However, with the aid of her Spiritual Eye spirit, Chef Huo displayed astonishing talent in this area.
Soon, the enticing aroma of grilled fish wafted through the air.
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