Master and Disciple Meet for the First Time, Immortal Grass Bestowed Upon a Beauty (Seeking Reads)

Outside the gates of Shrek Academy.

Yi Chen stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the unassuming academy before him.

The walls were gray and weathered, the lintel was crude, and there wasn't even a proper plaque; the words "Shrek Academy" were merely carved crookedly above the door frame.

Had he not known for certain that this was the location of Shrek Academy, he would have thought he had come to the wrong place.

"It truly is an academy that 'only accepts monsters,' even the facade has such personality." Yi Chen chuckled softly and stepped inside.

No sooner had he crossed the threshold than a figure darted out from the gatehouse to block his path.

"Stop! Who are you? What are you doing at our academy?" It was a round-faced youth with striking red hair—none other than the Evil Fire Phoenix, Ma Hongjun. He stood with his hands on his hips, eyeing Yi Chen up and down with a mix of wariness and curiosity.

Yi Chen glanced at him and said indifferently, "I am looking for Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing."

Ma Hongjun blinked. "Looking for those three? Who are you?"

"Their master."

"Master?" Ma Hongjun's eyes widened. "I haven't heard of them taking on a master."

Yi Chen couldn't be bothered to explain further and released a sliver of his aura.

Though the aura was incredibly faint, the moment it landed on Ma Hongjun, he felt as if he were being crushed by a massive mountain. His legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed to his knees on the spot.

"Can you go report it now?" Yi Chen retracted his aura, his tone remaining flat.

Ma Hongjun's face turned deathly pale, and he nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes! I'm going right now!"

With that, he scrambled into the depths of the academy, moving faster than he ever did when skipping class.

Before long, three graceful figures came sprinting out from within the academy.

"Master Yi Chen!" Ning Rongrong ran in the lead, her pretty face flushed with excitement. "You really came!"

Xiao Wu followed close behind, her large eyes sparkling as she looked at Yi Chen with curiosity.

Zhu Zhuqing brought up the rear; although her expression remained cold, there was a faint hint of anticipation in her eyes.

Yi Chen looked at the three vibrant young girls and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "What, no welcome?"

"Welcome, welcome! Of course, you're welcome!" Ning Rongrong nodded repeatedly, then suddenly remembered something and rubbed her hands together in embarrassment.

"Um... Master, my father said in his letter that you wanted to take us as your disciples. Is that true?"

"Why? Are you unwilling?"

"Willing! Of course we are willing!" the three girls replied in unison, then looked at each other and couldn't help but giggle.

Seeing their tacit understanding, Yi Chen felt a sense of gratification. He nodded. "In that case, let us perform a simple apprenticeship ceremony here. We can hold a formal one when there is an opportunity later."

Hearing this, the three girls immediately composed themselves. They stood in a row before Yi Chen, knelt in unison, and respectfully kowtowed three times.

"Disciple Ning Rongrong."

"Disciple Xiao Wu."

"Disciple Zhu Zhuqing."

"Greetings, Master!"

Yi Chen calmly accepted their gesture, then raised his hand in a gesture for them to rise. "Stand up."

The three girls stood, their faces filled with irrepressible joy.

Ning Rongrong, in particular, had eyes curved like crescent moons, and she couldn't hide the smile on her face.

Yi Chen looked at them and took three jade boxes from his storage soul tool, handing one to each of them. "Since you have become my disciples, I must naturally prepare a gift for our first meeting. Open them and see."

The three girls took the jade boxes, exchanged glances, and carefully lifted the lids.

Inside Ning Rongrong's box lay a golden flower with layered petals resembling a pagoda, emitting a warm, soft glow and a refreshing, intoxicating fragrance.

"This is... the Silk Tulip," Yi Chen explained. "After consuming it, it will purify your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, allowing it to evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. At that point, your support capabilities will increase significantly, and you will even be able to support Title Douluo beyond your own rank."

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up instantly. She cradled the jade box in her hands, too excited to speak.

Inside Xiao Wu's box was a blood-red flower with petals as vivid as weeping blood. A faint, blood-colored halo surrounded the bloom, radiating a sorrowful and beautiful aura.

"Love Sickness Heartbroken Red." Yi Chen looked at Xiao Wu, his gaze deep. "This immortal herb has extraordinary significance for you. Consuming it will stabilize your foundation and purify your constitution, making your future path of cultivation much smoother."

(Ps: The protagonist took this herb directly; the original restrictions have been removed, and it can be consumed like a normal immortal herb.)

Xiao Wu held the Love Sickness Heartbroken Red, her eyes slightly reddening. She could feel the power contained within the herb resonating with a certain energy inside her. She looked up at Yi Chen, her eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you, Master!"

Finally, there was Zhu Zhuqing. Her jade box contained a translucent, jade-like orchid with silver, star-like patterns on its leaves, emitting a cold and noble aura.

"Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone," Yi Chen said. "Consuming it will temper your physique, allowing your speed and flexibility to reach new heights. At the same time, it will nourish your martial soul, allowing your Nether Civet to evolve into a more powerful existence."

Zhu Zhuqing held the box; although she still didn't speak, a rare warmth flickered in her cold eyes. She bowed slightly to Yi Chen, expressing her thanks through her actions.

Seeing that all three disciples were satisfied with their gifts, Yi Chen felt quite pleased. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, the gifts have been given. Now, let us discuss business."

The three girls immediately focused, looking at him intently.

"Battle of the Golden Spatula, you have all played it, haven't you?" Yi Chen asked.

"We have!" Ning Rongrong answered first. "It's so much fun! Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, and I often play chess together!"

"That is good." Yi Chen nodded. "Starting tomorrow, I will be staying at Shrek Academy for a period of time to personally instruct you in the advanced techniques of the Golden Spatula. At the same time, I will also impart some of my insights regarding cultivation."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three young women. "However, I will say this plainly beforehand: my training is not easy. If anyone tries to slack off or fails to meet my requirements, do not blame your master for being heartless."

The three women exchanged glances and replied in unison, "We disciples will strictly obey your instructions, Master!"

Yi Chen nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

"Very well. Now, consume your immortal herbs, and I will personally stand guard for you."