Chapter 464: Continental Turmoil
Ye Wen gently shook his head, and with a soul power as soothing as a breeze, he helped Huo Yu´er to her feet.
"Stand up; you've done nothing wrong."
"But…" Huo Yu´er, now a graceful young woman, looked up at Ye Wen with tear brimmed eyes, glancing briefly at the little Xue'er nestled in his arms. From the start, Huo Yu´er hadn't wanted to waste time dealing with someone like Dai Huabin. Yet that despicable man had forced her hand by using little Xue'er, that sweet little girl, as leverage. Though Huo Yu´er knew Ye Wen had certainly placed a protective measure on Xue'er, she couldn't shake the feeling that she owed her master too much. Despite her perceived shortcomings, Ye Wen always showed her unconditional support and kindness.
Strong willed as she was, Huo Yu´er hated the thought of troubling Ye Wen over such small matters.
Ye Wen gently rested his free hand on Huo Yu´er's head. "You're family, little Yu´er. Never fear inconveniencing me. I am your master and your family; you should think of me as you would a father. Whatever you want to do, go ahead. So long as it doesn't break the principles I've taught you, I'll be here to support you."
Ye Wen's words of acceptance were exactly what Huo Yu´er needed, bringing tears to her eyes. Growing up in hardship, she was overwhelmed by Ye Wen's boundless patience and care. She stepped forward, clutching his robes, her face hidden as if to avoid showing him her vulnerable side.
Ye Wen patted her head, "Grow stronger, Yu´er. One day, take your revenge. Show everyone who's ever looked down on you that they can't reach the heights you'll achieve."
Huo Yu´er nodded, determination bright in her eyes.
Then, little Xue'er stirred, blinking her sleepy eyes open in Ye Wen's arms. "Hmm? Sister, why are you crying? That's embarrassing!" she teased.
Embarrassed at her own tears, Huo Yu´er playfully nudged Xue'er, the two quickly lost in laughter and play.
Ye Wen watched with a fatherly smile. These girls were like his own daughters each so precious. Gently placing Xue'er on her feet, his soul power form began to dissolve, returning his essence to rest within Xue'er once more. "Pack up, girls. My real self will be back tomorrow."
The following day
As the holy land for all soul masters on the Douluo Continent, Shrek Academy had always enjoyed unrivaled glory and attention. As soon as the previous night's battle erupted on Shrek's commercial street, news spread across the continent like wildfire. Yet with few details and no clear outcome, rumors swirled. Who had fought, and why?
The Poison Lord, current leader of the Body Sect, laughed until tears flowed as he read the report. He held no respect for Shrek Academy, especially after the death of his older brother, and relished in their misfortune.
The royal families of the three original Douluo nations, however, wore grim expressions as they reviewed the report. Though they resented Shrek's interference in their governance, they recognized that Shrek's presence kept the Sun Moon Empire from launching full scale war. If this had been an ordinary attack, Shrek would have exposed the attacker's identity without delay. But this time, it was as if Shrek had suffered a silent defeat.
And once an invincible force shows weakness, that aura of invincibility is shattered. The Douluo Continent now teetered on the brink of upheaval.
However, not everyone reacted with alarm. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Haotian Sect both regarded the incident with indifference. The former was neutral, thriving no matter who ruled. And though Haotian was an isolated sect, the sect's sheer number of Titled Douluos remained a mystery to outsiders.
Those who ruled Haotian now were "beasts" in more than one sense. These ancient soul beasts turned human had no personal stake in Douluo Continent's politics; they were merely here to serve as protectors for Tang Wulin.
As for the Sun Moon Empire, they remained calm. Since suffering a major defeat against Shrek in the last great conflict, they'd been biding their time, preparing resources for the future without letting minor shifts divert their attention.
Oddly, the person most unsettled was Duke Dai Hao, commander of Star Luo's front lines. Obsessed with restoring the White Tiger Clan's former glory, Duke Dai Hao had sacrificed much and schemed endlessly. While he'd fumed at the news of his younger son's reckless behavior at Shrek, he hadn't let his anger consume him. But now, as he read the report in his hand, an ominous feeling gnawed at him. His son had caused trouble just the day before could it possibly be connected to this?
"Surely Huabin hasn't brought disaster upon us again…?" he muttered.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen was leading five young women on the road to Tianhun Empire. Though he could teleport them instantly, he wanted Huo Yu´er and the others to experience the continent firsthand, to open their eyes to the world beyond Shrek. Only by understanding the hardships endured by Douluo's people could they cultivate a genuine vision of peace and justice.
Yet one member of their group kept glancing back over her shoulder. Tang Ya, lost in thought, hesitated frequently.
As they stopped to rest and have lunch, Ye Wen smiled knowingly. "Still thinking about that boy of yours?"
Tang Ya blushed, biting her lip as she said nothing. How could she deny it? That boy had always been devoted to her. But the memory of her bitter defeat and her unyielding vow for revenge hardened her resolve, and her expression turned serious once more.
She shook her head softly, "No. I was just wondering why you took me as a disciple. You know I'm not very talented."
Indeed, Ye Wen had taken Tang Ya under his wing as his fourth disciple, following Xiao Xiao.
Ye Wen chuckled, answering simply, "Because you want revenge."
That was the same reasoning he'd given her when she'd become his student. "If you want revenge, then let me be your master."
Yes, revenge that was the goal she kept buried in her heart, even before her dream of restoring the Tang Sect.
(End of Chapter)
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