However, considering that this was Tang San's stronghold, his story of becoming a disciple must have spread widely. This likely caused some Shrek students who admired the Sea God Tang San to unconsciously mimic such formalities during their own apprenticeship ceremonies, demonstrating their sincerity.
Ye Wen didn't make a big deal out of it and instead gently lifted Jiang Nannan up with his soul power.
"Good—"
"Beast! What are you doing to Nannan?!"
An abrupt, furious voice interrupted the solemnity of the apprenticeship ceremony.
If it weren't for the powerful sect backing him, Jiang Nannan would have long since kicked Xu Sanshi to death for constantly buzzing in her ear every day.
"Shut up, Xu Sanshi!" Jiang Nannan snapped angrily.
As the saying goes, all fear stems from insufficient firepower. Though Xu Sanshi's Xuanming Sect had a Titled Douluo, it was a defensive-type one. While she still didn't know what type her new master was, it was certainly better than being a punching bag.
The humiliation from years ago, combined with years of harassment, had made Jiang Nannan utterly intolerant of Xu Sanshi.
And Ye Wen's appearance had awakened the true self within Jiang Nannan—a strong, independent woman.
At this moment, Xu Sanshi stood frozen in place. Though Jiang Nannan had always shown little interest in him over the years, Xu Sanshi had persistently tried to melt her icy heart with his fiery devotion.
Ye Wen observed the scene with great interest and decided not to continue with the usual spiel about how she was now officially his disciple, followed by a barrage of rules.
As a continent obsessed with romance, though most commoners didn't prioritize chastity, there were still those who did—especially after becoming soul masters.
Love—what a beautiful and pure word.
But the harsh realities of life had already crushed Jiang Nannan, a blossoming young woman, at the tender age of twelve due to financial struggles.
How could such a woman possibly continue to believe in love?
Thinking of this, Ye Wen's gaze toward Xu Sanshi grew more disdainful.
Perhaps this wasn't entirely Xu Sanshi's fault, but the fact that their sect perpetuated such practices was nauseating enough. As a beneficiary of this system, Ye Wen viewed him no differently.
"What a foul-smelling era," Ye Wen thought inwardly.
Ever since arriving in this iteration of the Douluo Continent, Ye Wen had already sentenced this stagnant world to death.
If a race only sought to perpetuate itself out of selfish desires, then that race held no hope for the future.
This was precisely the state of the Douluo Continent now, and Ye Wen's mission was to cultivate revolutionaries.
"Nannan," Xu Sanshi pleaded, sounding like an abandoned puppy.
But Jiang Nannan responded with nothing but utter disgust in her eyes.
"Shut up. I've told you countless times not to address me like that. We're not close, so stop harassing me. I don't want my master to misunderstand."
"We've known each other for so many years. Can't you soften your heart just a little? I truly love you, Nannan," Xu Sanshi tried to salvage the situation.
Watching from the side, Ye Wen felt a bit nauseated. How tiresome this lapdog storyline was. And did Xu Sanshi even know how to court a woman?
But Ye Wen quickly brushed these thoughts aside. Xu Sanshi's love life had nothing to do with him. Without hesitation, Ye Wen released a trace of oppressive aura to subdue Xu Sanshi.
!? Xu Sanshi
"Young man, this isn't how you pursue a girl. My disciple has already clearly rejected you. Your persistent pursuit only makes her find you even more repulsive.
Go back. From now on, your paths will never cross again. Your futures belong to two different worlds. It's best for both of you to leave each other alone."
With that, Ye Wen flung Xu Sanshi a hundred meters away, out of sight, out of mind.
"Thank you, Master," Jiang Nannan said gratefully.
Ye Wen simply waved his hand dismissively. "We're family now. No need to be so formal."
Finally, Ye Wen glanced at the sky and then at the two girls, who looked visibly exhausted after a long day of work. It was clear they weren't in any condition to do anything else.
"Let's call it a day and rest. Tomorrow, remember to take leave from school and come here. I'll help you both improve significantly," Ye Wen said.
Huo Yuer's eyes immediately lit up. Was the massive boost she had been anticipating finally here? Otherwise, with her current performance, she would surely be expelled from Shrek Academy. Her master truly left nothing to chance and had everything planned.
Early the next morning, Huo Yu'er went to the office to request leave.
"Huh? Isn't Old Lady Zhou Yi here? Doesn't she usually stay in the office early in the morning?"
Though Huo Yu'er referred to Zhou Yi as "Old Lady," Zhou Yi was actually a vibrant Soul Emperor-level powerhouse. However, because her stunning beauty failed to intimidate students, she often wore a witch-like mask to instill fear.
"Never mind. I'll wait for her in class."
Though Huo Yu'er had the lowest soul power level, she was undeniably the strongest in Class One, especially with Ye Wen as her support. She didn't fear Zhou Yi's intimidating demeanor.
After all, if Zhou Yi wanted to expel Huo Yu'er, she'd have to first weed out all the other students beneath her—since Huo Yu'er was the strongest in Class One.
"Good morning, Yu'er," Xiao Xiao greeted.
Since Huo Yuer was female, Tang Wutong from the original timeline obviously couldn't disguise herself as a male and share a dormitory with Huo Yu'er. Through the natural evolution of the world, Xiao Xiao became Huo Yu'er's roommate.
Unfortunately, the two weren't on the same wavelength. Xiao Xiao, born into nobility, worked hard in her cultivation but carried an overall air of laziness.
Though Huo Yu'er hadn't focused much on cultivating her soul power before, she had spent the past two months rigorously practicing the six techniques Ye Wen had taught her, barely managing to grasp them.
"Morning," Huo Yu'er replied indifferently.
However, her attention wasn't on Xiao Xiao but rather on Zhou Yi standing at the podium.
Huo Yu'er couldn't help but feel puzzled. It wasn't yet time for class—why was this old witch already here?
Still, it didn't stop Huo Yu'er from requesting leave. She boldly stepped forward and said,
"Teacher Zhou, I'd like to request a day off."
Zhou Yi immediately turned her terrifying witch-like face toward Huo Yu'er.
"Request leave?" Zhou Yi muttered, then sneered disdainfully.
"Huo Yu'er, what do you think Shrek Academy is? With your measly level 12 cultivation, you're not even putting in effort to train, and now you want to take leave?"
Huo Yu'er naturally detected the mocking undertone in Zhou Yi's words but remained unfazed, responding coldly,
"Just tell me whether you approve or not. There isn't a single person in this class who can match me. So what if my soul power cultivation is low? I can still beat them like dogs."
Zhou Yi's behavior was undoubtedly that of a highly controlling woman who hated being contradicted. Enraged, she snapped,
"How dare you speak to me like that, Huo Yu'er! Do you want to get expelled?!"
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