After Chen Chu left, Ye Tang'er looked at her daughter and began asking in detail about what had happened when she encountered the Evil Soul Masters last night.
When she heard Ye Lingling say that Chen Chu had never let her see what the villains looked like and had protected her well throughout, she felt a little more satisfied with him.
"So your teacher is quite formidable, and rather responsible too." It was not that Ye Tang'er deliberately looked down on him. Evil Soul Masters were extremely strong; ordinary low-level Soul Masters were practically doomed when they encountered them. Even if they saw one, most people would only think of leaving as quickly as possible, unwilling to invite trouble.
"Of course! Teacher Chen is an Imperial Count and a powerful Soul Emperor. He can beat the bad guys in just a few moves."
She knew how formidable Teacher Chen was. Leaving aside the practical combat and killing techniques he taught them every afternoon, they had even seen Teacher Chen spar with the Education Committee. Even the committee had struggled greatly against him, let alone a few Evil Soul Masters.
"What? You said your teacher is a Soul Emperor? How is that possible?"
When Ye Tang'er heard Ye Lingling's words, she had initially dismissed them. What could a little child know? Teachers were quite skilled at fooling children. But when she heard that this young Teacher Chen was a Soul Emperor and had even been granted the title of Count, she found it unbelievable.
How old was he, yet he was already a Soul Emperor? Did that not mean he had the potential for Titled Douluo? A future Titled Douluo was her daughter's teacher and had even come to study at her home. Good heavens, what an immense favor that was.
Ye Tang'er stroked her daughter's hair, her tone full of solemnity. "Lingling, you must study well under Teacher Chen. Your teacher is no ordinary person. It is your good fortune that someone like him is willing to teach you, and it will benefit your future."
"You should go wash up first. Your father will be back soon, and I need to prepare the dinner."
She had originally planned to make do with something simple, but now it seemed she needed to make it more grand and display the Ye Family's proper bearing.
In the guest room, Chen Chu had just finished washing up and was sitting cross-legged on the bed. What Madam Ye had said earlier had caught his attention. Evil Soul Masters were roaming nearby, and Spirit Hall was gathering people to hunt them down. After meeting Mister Ye tonight, as a Soul Emperor, he counted as high-end combat strength here. If they invited him to join them, should he go? This was not Heaven Dou City.
What if Spirit Hall wants to make a move against me? Salas didn't exactly look kindly upon me at that banquet last time, and I can't figure out what Qian Renxue is thinking either. What if he wants to eliminate me, a potential threat from an enemy state, ahead of time and sends powerful experts after me? What should I do then?
"Such a pain. I've taken such a huge risk for these Immortal Herbs. Why don't I have any knowledge about Immortal Herbs in my head? Once I've finished studying the Ye Family's herb texts, even if I have to take risks, I need to hurry up and pack up every last one of those Immortal Herbs and take them away!"
After meditating for a while, night soon fell completely. A Ye Family servant came knocking at the door. "Mister Chen, Madam asks whether you have rested enough. Dinner is ready."
"Understood. I'll be right there." Chen Chu got up, dressed himself, and followed the attendant toward the banquet hall.
As soon as he reached the entrance, he saw a man in a long green-cloth robe standing at the door, mud still clinging to the hem of his robe. He had clearly just hurried back from outside the city. His Soul Power fluctuations were somewhat stronger than Ye Tang'er's; he was a powerful Soul Sage.
"Teacher Chen." Seeing Chen Chu approach, Ye Chunfeng quickly stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting. "I have long heard that Teacher Chen possesses outstanding talent and treats the children with great dedication. It is my honor to meet you today."
"You are too courteous, Mister Ye." Chen Chu nodded with a light smile. "I suddenly came to trouble your household, yet Madam Ye and you have been so warm and welcoming that I feel rather embarrassed."
Ye Tang'er came out from the hall, smiling as she smoothed things over. "What trouble? Come in and sit. We prepared some homemade dishes, though I do not know whether they suit your taste."
The group then took their seats. Over dinner, Chen Chu's herb-study plan was formally decided. Madam Ye would personally guide him, and the Ye Family's relevant texts would also be opened to him.
"Mister Ye, I heard that you and Spirit Hall's experts have been hunting down Evil Soul Masters these past few days. Has there been any progress?" Chen Chu clinked cups with Ye Chunfeng, recalled the matter, and asked.
After taking a sip of wine, Ye Chunfeng sighed. "Those rats are truly good at running. We searched all day today, but it seems those fellows caught wind of something and fled in advance. Still, Brother Chen, rest assured. I have already notified the city lords in the surrounding areas, and they will all strengthen their vigilance."
"Oh, is that so? Then that truly is a pity." Upon hearing that those rats had fled, Chen Chu instead felt relieved. Now he could study herb knowledge in peace.
Ye Chunfeng set down his wine cup, his tone carrying a touch of helplessness. "Those Evil Soul Masters are extremely cunning. They always leave themselves a way out."
Ye Tang'er refilled Chen Chu's cup and said softly, "Teacher Chen, do not worry. As long as everyone is prepared, the Evil Soul Masters will not dare show themselves again. They will certainly be rooted out someday.
"For now, the important thing is for you to focus on studying herb knowledge. The manor's collection is extensive. Tomorrow, I will take you to the library tower."
Chen Chu nodded. "With Mister Ye and Madam Ye making the arrangements, I am naturally at ease. I only wonder whether the Ye Family's texts contain any records about 'Immortal Herbs'?"
At those words, both Ye Chunfeng and Ye Tang'er froze for a moment. Ye Chunfeng put down his chopsticks and looked at Chen Chu. "Brother Chen, are the Immortal Herbs you speak of those miraculous objects that can defy fate and improve a Soul Master's foundation?"
"Precisely." Chen Chu's tone remained calm. "I have heard that Immortal Herbs exist on the continent, but there are very few records of them. Since the Ye Family is a family of physicians and pharmacists, I thought you might have some clues."
After pondering for a moment, Ye Chunfeng said, "The ancient books in the manor do indeed mention them in passing. There is a book called the Hundred Herbs Secret Record that says there are some Blessed Lands on the continent where certain heaven-defying things grow. But these are merely legends. No one has truly seen them."
Sitting nearby, Ye Lingling asked curiously, "Father, can Immortal Herbs really help people defy fate and break through Soul Power bottlenecks?"
"That is what the ancient texts say." Ye Chunfeng rubbed his daughter's head. "But such things can only be encountered by chance, not sought after. Moreover, some herbs have special requirements for consumption. If you take them incorrectly, forget defying fate—you might lose your life. So now you understand why learning herb knowledge is important, right?"
After saying that, he did not forget to lecture his daughter. Ye Lingling pouted and stuck out her tongue.
"Brother Chen, are you very interested in this?" Ye Chunfeng helplessly tapped his daughter's forehead, then turned to Chen Chu and asked.
"Well, who would not be interested in something so miraculous? I am simply curious. If I happen to come across one someday, at least I will not mistake a treasure for ordinary grass."
Ye Chunfeng nodded in understanding. "It is good that Brother Chen thinks this way. With your talent, even without these so-called Immortal Herbs, becoming a Titled Douluo is within reach. When that time comes, this old brother will be counting on you to lend me a hand."
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