Bang—!
"Huff~ Damn, I'm exhausted."
At the Spirit Hall City orphanage, Ye Tian pushed open the iron gate and rushed into the courtyard. Supporting himself with his hands on his knees, his youthful face flushed red from exertion as he panted heavily.
His legs were nearly cramping from all the running.
His stomach was also growling like a symphony.
"Ahh!"
Before Ye Tian could catch his breath, he yelped in pain, standing on tiptoe in an awkward posture.
A booming voice roared in his ear.
"Little Ye! Where have you been, you rascal? Lunch distribution ended ages ago!"
Ye Tian's ears were ringing, but he didn't dare delay, quickly explaining to the woman beside him: "W-Wang Ma, I fell asleep in the sandpit."
"Fell asleep outside? I thought you'd forgotten all about your family?!"
The woman Ye Tian called Wang Ma appeared to be around forty years old. With dark eyebrows, a straight nose, slight wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and sturdy limbs visible outside her pink apron, her figure remained relatively well-proportioned against the backdrop of her ample bosom, retaining some fading charm.
She could practically be considered Ye Tian's personal wet nurse.
Clearly, the entire orphanage now knew that Ye Tian had promising prospects.
"Wang Ma! Be gentler, you're going to tear my ear off." Ye Tian made an exaggerated expression, shifting his stance to alleviate the pressure. "How could I forget my roots? Even if I disowned everyone else, I'd still acknowledge you!"
"At least you have some conscience, not wasting all my efforts back when I was nearly drained dry."
Wang Ma finally released his ear, placing her hands on her hips.
"Hmph! You eat like a pig, yet you never seem to gain weight. If not for my own child being plump and healthy, I'd suspect there was something wrong with my milk..."
"..."
Ye Tian stood awkwardly in place.
"Um... Wang Ma, let's not bring up the past for now."
"What? Embarrassed? What are you embarrassed about in front of me? Do you think you still have any secrets from me..."
Wang Ma stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of disdain.
Ye Tian looked utterly flustered, scanning his surroundings. Only when he confirmed no one else was around did he feel slightly relieved.
It was true that he had a big appetite.
After all, if he didn't eat enough and ended up malnourished, leading to low or even nonexistent Innate Soul Power—what would he do then? Ye Tian definitely didn't want that.
Besides.
Larger storage facilities might naturally hold more supplies!
As for other matters...
Who was born knowing how to be perfectly composed?!
Ye Tian had no choice but to endure his embarrassment, broaden his perspective, and bid farewell to open-crotch pants at an early age.
"Alright, stop standing around here. Go clean yourself up—you're covered in sand." Wang Ma patted the back of Ye Tian's head, urging him along.
"Ah, right. Wang Ma, don't worry, I'll repay all you mothers."
Ye Tian smiled as he made his promise.
Though there were many children here, he could still feel the warmth of family.
"Save those words for when you've actually made something of yourself." Wang Ma retorted impatiently, then pulled off Ye Tian's jacket and turned to leave, muttering as she went, "There's nothing special to repay anyway. We're just following orders, trying to make a living. If you kids become important figures someday and let us bask in your glory—that would be the best repayment."
"Remember to take this jacket with you when you leave tomorrow..."
"I will."
Ye Tian responded earnestly, watching Wang Ma's retreating figure, his dark eyes filled with confidence.
That day would definitely come!
"Gurgle~"
The gurgling sound from his intestines instantly shattered the confidence on Ye Tian's face. His entire body slumped into a dejected hunch as he clutched his stomach and trudged toward the dormitory.
"I wonder if those guys saved any food for me."
Soon enough.
Ye Tian reached the dormitory entrance.
The dormitory was spacious with numerous beds, all occupied by older children who could talk and walk. The moment he entered, dozens of envious eyes fell upon him.
"Good afternoon, everyone."
With a faint smile, Ye Tian greeted them softly while making his way to his bed. Having lived under the same roof for so long, everyone was friendly, and many responded in hushed tones.
"Good afternoon, Brother Ye Tian."
Most of them were simple-minded, calling him "Brother Ye Tian" merely because he was slightly older.
After the brief greetings, the dormitory quieted down.
Those curious enough to ask questions feared disturbing others' naps and simply watched him silently.
Ye Tian glanced around; several beds were already empty. Children with Innate Soul Power would gradually move to the Soul Master Academy and, after completing their studies, serve the Spirit Hall.
Those without Soul Power could only be sent to nearby villages.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, three figures quickly dashed to Ye Tian's bedside.
Silver hair, red hair, orange hair...
"Brother Ye Tian~" The orange-haired girl hopped lightly, leaning half her body against the bed, her lively big eyes fixed on Ye Tian as she asked, "Where were you earlier? We didn't see you in the cafeteria."
"I fell asleep on the sandpile."
Ye Tian ruffled her silky hair and explained with a smile.
"I told you, Brother Tian always likes to be alone," the red-haired kid said smugly, his tanned skin giving him a sturdy appearance.
Ye Tian had no energy to bother with him. His dark eyes were already locked on the lunchbox held by the silver-haired boy beside him, his stomach growling uncontrollably.
"Pfft, haha..."
Amid the clear, cheerful laughter, though slightly embarrassed, Ye Tian wasn't foolish enough to let pride override comfort. He immediately asked:
"Xie Yue, this is for me, right?"
Yes, the silver-haired boy before Ye Tian was Xie Yue. The other two youngsters were naturally Yan and Hu Liena, who, together with him, were known as the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.
They were three "original stocks" Ye Tian had invested in for nearly two years, just in case.
Hu Liena, the youngest of them, had practically learned to speak and walk from him. For now, he was the absolute majority shareholder!
Xie Yue also smiled lightly and didn't delay, promptly presenting the lunchbox with both hands.
"Brother Ye Tian, please eat quickly."
"Thank you! Huh?"
Ye Tian quickly took it, but as soon as he opened the lunchbox, he was surprised to see not only a chicken drumstick but also a large duck drumstick inside.
"Is it New Year already?"
"No, Brother Ye Tian~ The duck drumstick was specially prepared for you by Mama Wang." Hu Liena tilted her head up, grinning as she sniffed the delightful aroma of meat.
"So that's how it is..." A warm feeling flowed through Ye Tian's heart, and a smile spread across his face as he lifted the lunchbox. "Then I won't stand on ceremony!"
With that, Ye Tian began to eat heartily.
The so-called Golden Generation stared wide-eyed at Ye Tian's meal, swallowing slightly—it smelled absolutely irresistible.
Hu Liena wiped her drool with the hem of her clothes, her gaze fixed on the chicken drumstick Ye Tian had picked up... Unable to resist, she opened her mouth and asked, "Brother Ye Tian, is it true that you've become the Holy Maiden's disciple?"
Over a dozen pairs of ears around them perked up simultaneously.
"Really."
Ye Tian answered without looking up.
"So impressive!"
Hu Liena exclaimed in admiration, but Ye Tian responded indifferently:
"Nothing particularly impressive about it."
"Perhaps after you awaken your Martial Soul, you could become her disciple too."
As he spoke,
Ye Tian looked up and glanced at his future junior sister.
But Hu Liena seemed not to have heard this, instead eagerly asking: "Is the Saintess very beautiful? I heard from Wang Ma and the others slurp~ that the Saintess is the most beautiful woman in Spirit Hall City."
"Huh?"
Ye Tian looked at Hu Liena who kept swallowing saliva, his expression strange.
"Ahaha"
Hu Liena snapped back to reality and smiled sheepishly, her eyes full of anticipation, "Brother Ye Tian, could Nana take a bite of this drumstick of yours?"
Hearing this, Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh, silently offering the drumstick in his hand to Hu Liena.
"Take it. I'll treat you to better food in the future."
"Ah—Thank you, Brother Ye Tian!"
Hu Liena was overjoyed, quickly clutching it in her small hands, turning around and plopping down beside Ye Tian with a kick of her legs. Suddenly she paused, the drumstick in her hand no longer seeming appealing as she sniffed delicately, searching for something.
Yan and Xie Yue looked at the drumstick soaked in broth and couldn't help feeling somewhat envious.
When it came to recruiting followers, Ye Tian wasn't stingy, especially with mere food. With a wave of his hand, he passed the large duck leg over, "Yan, Xie Yue, you two can share this. I have other dishes here."
"This..."
Yan and Xie Yue exchanged glances, somewhat hesitant.
Ye Tian continued with a smile: "Don't worry, take it. From now on I'll be enjoying all kinds of delicacies..."
"Thank you, Brother Ye Tian!"
Without further hesitation, Xie Yue and the others thanked him in unison, and the duck leg ended up in Yan's hands.
Just then.
Hu Liena's small face had pressed close to Ye Tian's collar, and she couldn't help but exclaim: "Brother Ye Tian, you've become so fragrant~"
"Ah—!"
Amid Hu Liena's surprised cry, Ye Tian pushed her small face away with his palm.
"You're about to get drumstick grease on my clothes..."
"..."
The next day.
Amid numerous envious gazes, Ye Tian stored his luggage in the ring given by Qian Xunji, then bid farewell to Wang Ma, Hu Liena and the others before leaving the orphanage.
Alone, he walked in the direction of the Papal Hall.
Bi Bi Dong clearly didn't care much about her male disciple, not even arranging for anyone to pick him up. He could only rely on himself to find someone to show him the way.