As the saying goes, proximity to vermin makes one red and proximity to ink makes one black; Yao Lao could be considered a relatively well-adjusted and good-natured old man.
From the original work, one could see that his character had no flaws based on how he allowed Xiao Yan to leave behind some roots of precious medicinal herbs for latecomers when harvesting them.
With Yao Lao's guidance, Xiao Yan's character and personality would not veer onto a crooked path.
Otherwise, if another teacher had been suddenly swapped in for him, this fellow's personality might have skewed sideways.
By that time, he would no longer be the person in the original work who bared his heart and soul to his brothers.
"Little fellow, I must say you're quite good, at least somewhat different from the Wind and Lightning Pavilion disciples in my impression."
After receiving a satisfactory disciple, Yao Lao turned his head and nodded slightly toward Qin Yun.
"Actually, besides me, the other disciples aren't completely unreasonable people either.
In this world where the strong prey on the weak, it's hard to survive if you aren't a bit aggressive.
When all is said and done, it's just for the sake of survival.
Actually, I don't have much ambition; I just want the Wind and Lightning Pavilion to be able to develop with peace of mind in the future."
Qin Yun shrugged.
The Battle Through the Heavens World wasn't that easy to get by in either. According to the original work, in about twenty years Hun Tiandi would break through to Dou Di and blood-sacrifice the entire Central Plains.
In other words, he had to reach Dou Di within twenty years, otherwise he would merely be a sacrificial victim.
As for Xiao Yan, he was his own ultimate trump card. If he failed to grow to a level capable of contending with Hun Tiandi twenty years later, he would have to rely on this Child of Destiny.
"Indeed, many ordinary people just want to live. Back then, when I first walked out of the Yao Clan, I only wanted to survive.
I carved my parents' names onto a stone tablet, which was why I cultivated so desperately." Yao Lao couldn't help but recall those vexing matters of his past.
"That's right, Senior Yao Lao, do you still remember your disciple Han Feng? There are many rumors outside now saying that he harmed you,
and even Venerable Feng has grown deeply suspicious of him." Qin Yun gave him a slight opening, leaving the rest of the words for him to say himself.
"Han Feng? That rebellious disciple! Back then, it was he who plunged a poison-stained dagger into my body; otherwise, relying solely on that old fellow Mu Gu, he could never have done a thing to me."
Speaking of this disciple of his, Yao Lao became angry with a rarity, a trace of killing intent appearing in his eyes-completely different from the half-baked killing intent Feng Qing'er had shown earlier.
"Rest assured, Teacher, I will go help you avenge this grudge in the future." Hearing that this newly acknowledged teacher of his had been betrayed by a disciple in the past,
Xiao Yan felt a stirring in his heart as well. Compared to Yao Lao, the betrayal he suffered after turning from a genius into good-for-nothing was simply child's play.
"It's good enough that you have this thought, but that rebellious disciple isn't so easy to deal with. We can discuss this matter another time."
Yao Lao felt a sliver of gratification, yet he also knew some things still needed to be taken slowly; rushing over prematurely would simply be delivering oneself as food.
"Um, may I interrupt? I have a gift here specifically for you, which might be related to that disciple of yours." Qin Yun gave an affected cough as he awaited the other's reply.
"Oh, you couldn't possibly have killed that disciple of mine, could you?" What was originally meant by Yao Lao as a half-joking remark found the other party nodding in all seriousness.
The next moment, Qin Yun executed the Lt. General's Command over Spirits, and the expressionless Soul Body of Han Feng appeared within it.
After all, under the previous effect of the Lt. General's Command over Spirits, everything other than memories related to alchemy had been completely purged from him.
Otherwise, the very first sight of his former teacher would probably have sent him running.
"Han Feng!" Upon seeing the disciple who had personally caused his death, Yao Lao wished he could directly strike him dead with a single palm.
Yet upon seeing that the latter had likewise become a Soul Body, his mood improved slightly as well.
Even so, relying on his rich experience, Yao Lao quickly perceived that Han Feng's soul appeared to have been tampered with.
"Little fellow, this is your handiwork, I presume." Yao Lao stroked his beard and spoke to Qin Yun, his tone so calm that not a single ripple could be heard.
"Yes. When I came over earlier, I made a special trip to the Black-Corner Region,
had other experts shatter his physical body, captured his soul, and deleted some memories."
Qin Yun said very calmly. In his view, Yao Lao was not such an unreasonable person.
Although he had somewhat utilized Han Feng's soul, it could also be considered gradually helping him exact revenge.
What was more, even if he didn't make use of Han Feng's soul, Yao Lao would have directly obliterated him anyway.
Since that was the case, it was better to put waste to good use; after all, this fellow's alchemy skills weren't bad, having stepped half a foot into the seventh grade.
"I suppose I owe you a little favor for this, Little Friend. No matter what, you can be considered to have avenged me. As for this abomination's soul, I'll leave it to you."
True to Qin Yun's expectation, Yao Lao did not say much else,
nor did he ask any inappropriate questions, such as why he knew of Yao Lao's existence, went to the Black-Corner Region in advance,
or what use he had for his disciple's soul.
As an old fox who had lived for several hundred years, Yao Lao naturally knew what should be asked and what shouldn't.
Furthermore, their contact over this period allowed Yao Lao to be certain that the other party harbored no malicious intent.
"That's right, Senior Yao Lao, I wonder if you have any interest in another transaction." Qin Yun suddenly spoke up.
"The terms of the transaction are quite fair: I can provide you with some medicinal ingredients to nourish the soul, while I require some of your experiential notes on alchemy."
Qin Yun wanted the other party's alchemy notes naturally not for his own use, seeing as he possessed the much more convenient Lt. General's Command over Spirits.
His main purpose was to develop the Wind and Lightning Pavilion. The pavilion naturally had some elder alchemists, but their grades were not very high-the highest being merely Seventh-grade Intermediate.
If he could obtain some alchemist notes from Yao Lao here, presenting them later would not only win people's hearts but also allow the Wind and Lightning Pavilion to develop even better in the future.
After all, alchemy was like a layer of window paper; one never knew when a sudden flash of inspiration might lead to a breakthrough.
"Very well, I do indeed need to restore my soul right now." Yao Lao did not refuse this transaction either; after all, mere alchemist notes were of little account to him.
Strength was what mattered most right now, and his current soul was still far too weak, barely able to wield the strength of the Dou Emperor stage-a far cry from his peak.
Once the transaction was struck, Qin Yun immediately produced some soul-nourishing herbs from his Storage Ring while simultaneously acquiring a copied edition of alchemy experience from Yao Lao.
"I wonder what plans the Senior has next? If you wish to return to the Starfall Pavilion now, we might be able to provide an escort." Qin Yun tentatively inquired about Yao Lao's subsequent plans.
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