Chapter 438: The Little Immortal Herb
Jiang Nannan, showing more resilience, quickly calmed down once she realized she hadn't actually been decapitated. Still, she regarded Ye Wen with a speechless look, and he could only chuckle sheepishly, realizing he may have overdone it.
After delivering her fair share of punches to vent her frustration, Huo Yu´er stormed off to the side, cheeks puffed out in irritation. Ye Wen could only shake his head with a resigned smile, realizing he might have tarnished his image as a mentor.
In truth, Ye Wen never intended to mold these two as mere disciples or tools. To him, the relationship between master and disciple should feel more like family. That was the reason he hadn't taken on any students in thousands of years since his last ten disciples.
"Ahem," he began, turning serious, "You two are still quite weak and can't fully sense my power, so I had to use this rather unconventional method to show you the gap between us."
The two girls returned their attention to him as Ye Wen continued, "I can assure you that I'm a true Level 99 Douluo. You can place your complete trust in me; no one can harm you while you're under my wing. I am your strongest shield."
Most creatures, no matter how strong willed, instinctively seek a sense of security. And though Jiang Nannan and Huo Yu´er were both fiercely independent, Ye Wen's strength reassured them, allowing them to let down their guards.
After a brief pause, Ye Wen turned solemn. "But let me be clear: being my disciple doesn't come with a lot of rules, but there are a few non negotiables. You must never betray your master, use your power to bully others, or engage in any malicious behavior. If you do, I will personally take back everything I've taught you."
The two girls exchanged glances and nodded solemnly.
Jiang Nannan sighed in relief. Although she had been impressed by Ye Wen's power, she also knew that many Level 99 Douluos, unlike the Dragon God Douluo Mu En, were ruthless individuals whose reputations were kept secret from the public. But Ye Wen's presence now brought her a peace she hadn't felt in years.
Ye Wen then pulled something out of his pocket, a small white flower that shimmered with a delicate, ethereal glow.
"Now, as a welcoming gift, I've prepared something to boost your strength and potential," he said with a smile.
The two girls' eyes lit up at the sight of the herb. For soul masters, access to natural treasures was what separated noble born prodigies from equally talented commoners. Herbs and resources like these could make all the difference.
Ye Wen introduced the herb in his hand. "This is known as Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It enhances muscle and bone strength, clears your energy channels, and opens up your meridians. I imagine you've heard of it."
At his words, both Huo Yu´er and Jiang Nannan stared at the delicate white flower in awe. Stories of Tang San and his legendary herbs had spread far and wide across the Douluo Continent over the past ten thousand years. These miraculous herbs, rumored to confer godly potential, were practically myth.
As their eyes gleamed with anticipation, the herb suddenly let out a sharp, desperate cry.
"Nooo! Don't eat me! Don't eat me! I'm not tasty at all!"
Of course, within Ye Wen's domain, the ten thousand year old Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone's pleas fell on deaf ears, unable to affect the girls.
"Quiet down, or I'll really eat you," Ye Wen said calmly.
The Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone froze, its once vibrant petals wilting under Ye Wen's threat.
"Master, is... is it alive?" Huo Yu´er asked cautiously.
Ye Wen rolled his eyes. "What, you've never heard of a talking plant before? It's a ten thousand year old herb spirit. Of course, it's alive."
"A a ten thousand year old spirit!" Huo Yu´er's jaw dropped.
Jiang Nannan, normally composed, couldn't hide her shock either. They both knew that a ten thousand year old spirit beast was a rare treasure for any soul master.
Ye Wen ignored Huo Yu´er's wide eyed amazement. "Sit down, both of you. I'll use the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone's essence to improve your constitution and give you a boost in soul power." He turned pointedly to Huo Yu´er. "Especially you. If you can't keep up in Shrek's classes, I'm not about to teach you the basics myself."
Embarrassed, Huo Yu´er scratched the back of her head. She knew her low soul power was her biggest obstacle at Shrek Academy and smiled sheepishly, grateful for this unexpected help.
Yet the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, on hearing Ye Wen's plan, began to sway in defiance. "You can't eat me! I have powerful friends among the ten thousand year old herbs! They'll avenge me!"
Ye Wen raised an eyebrow. "Oh, are you talking about them?"
With a flicker of light, the domain filled with the presence of several other powerful plants, each one an ancient herb spirit of the highest caliber.
"Ghostly Willow... Frosted Ice..."
The Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone quivered, whispering, "My friends..."
In another world, these spirits might have attempted to negotiate or bargain, but today, they found themselves facing Ye Wen.
Without a hint of pity, Ye Wen said, "You understand your position now, don't you? Cooperate and offer your essence, and I'll let you live. Refuse, and I'll pull out your spirit and roast it for eternity."
To emphasize his point, he gripped the spirit of the herb, holding it aloft in his hand. The Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone stilled in horror, finally understanding the hopelessness of its situation.
Unseen by anyone else, Ye Wen's rapid collection of the herbs had given them no chance to resist. He had even taken the extra step of replicating their ideal growing environment within his domain, keeping them calm and unaware.
By now, Ye Wen's stern warnings made him appear almost villainous, but to Huo Yu´er and Jiang Nannan, his actions painted him as a pillar of strength.
"What an incredible master!" they both thought, thoroughly awed by Ye Wen's unshakable authority.
Under his ruthless intimidation, the once defiant Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone finally gave in, accepting its fate.
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