Chapter 260 - 186: Teacher? Bestowing Treasures

Chapter 260: Chapter 186: Teacher? Bestowing Treasures

So, after long consideration, he found no way to break the stalemate, despite wracking his brain over his abilities, knowledge, experience, methods, and wisdom. In that case, he figured he might as well just lay his cards on the table and let the chips fall where they may.

He’d copy what needed copying and improve what needed improving. Eat well, drink well, sleep well... actually, no. Cultivating the Star Soul Forging Scripture meant his quality of sleep couldn’t be guaranteed.

If anyone asked, the answer was ’martial intuition.’ He didn’t know a thing.

"Mr. Ye!"

Yu Fei bowed sincerely again. "Would you be considered my martial arts mentor?"

Ye Shuping was taken aback. ’Why is this kid being so direct today? No more beating around the bush? Is he opening up so quickly? I remember the report saying Wind Chasers aren’t like this!’

He mulled over various possibilities, analyzing Yu Fei’s motives, but his expression remained placid as he replied in an even gentler tone, "I’m not."

"Then...?"

"You should call me Teacher!"

"Huh?"

"I drank your tea, so I am taking you as my student. Did I not mention that last time?"

Yu Fei was dumbfounded. Despite his nerve response speed being fifteen times faster than normal, he was still utterly shocked.

’This old man before me is an absolute apex predator in the Martial Arts Extraordinary World, and he’s taking me as his student?’

When he first heard this, Yu Fei was stunned. A mere cup of tea worth 5,000 merit points—most of which he had drunk himself—was enough to be taken as a student? If word of this got out, countless people would probably be willing to kneel and offer priceless teas, begging to be taken as a disciple, even if only in name.

Yu Fei’s mind raced, but he felt no pleasant surprise. It was different with Yan Sea. Mr. Yan had been willing to help him wholeheartedly when he was at his weakest. Even if the excuse he’d painstakingly concocted had a gaping hole in the eyes of a Martial Saint, the sincerity of his heart was true.

The goodwill from Yan Sea was as warm as the sun, but he felt nothing of the sort from Ye Shuping. He instinctively recoiled from the idea of becoming this man’s student. But... could he refuse?

These thoughts flashed through his mind, and Yu Fei’s outward reaction was subconscious.

"Huh? I’m your student? That’s wonderful!"

Then, as if remembering something, he added, "You know Mr. Yan, too. I’m also his student. You don’t mind, do you? Would that be a problem?"

Ye Shuping smiled faintly. "So what? What era do you think this is? We’re not in ancient times with that old-fashioned one-master-one-disciple system. A young man like you needs to be more open-minded. Go on, let me hear you call me Teacher."

’The little fellow still hasn’t opened up,’ he thought. ’His mind works so fast—a reaction speed that would be outstanding even among Grandmasters, and yet here he is, putting on such a deliberate performance. It’s too forced.’ That was his evaluation.

"Hello, Teacher!"

"Ah, good boy."

Ye Shuping responded with a gratified smile, creating a picture of perfect harmony.

"I called you over this time because there are some things I need to tell you..."

As the conversation turned to serious matters, Yu Fei’s expression grew solemn. He listened as Ye Shuping began to speak in a grave tone.

"I have carefully reviewed the Cultivation Techniques of the Tribulation Sword lineage and consulted a vast amount of historical data. I’ve discovered that it’s a demonic technique that made a brief appearance about five thousand years ago, during the Late Antiquity period. We’ll set aside how Sima Hong obtained this technique for now and first discuss its characteristics.

"The Tribulation Sword uses the Primordial Qi Sword Lotus to perform the heaven-defying act of changing one’s fate. It allows a Martial Artist’s aptitude to skyrocket, granting them the characteristics of a top-tier talent. Furthermore, the Formless Sword Qi it produces is incredibly powerful and bizarre. In terms of pure killing power, it would rank among the top ten in the last several thousand years of history. That much must be acknowledged.

"By cross-referencing relevant data and using a super-intelligence for calculations, I’ve deduced that the core of its power lies in using the technique’s methods to cultivate the Tribulation Sea Formless Cutting Intent Scripture in the Inner Qi Realm, thereby smelting the Evil Qi of slaughter into one’s sword.

"However, this Formless Sword Qi is rooted in a Martial Artist’s foundation. When external Evil Qi enters the body, it easily triggers negative emotions and can lead to cultivation deviation. Even if suppressed through various means, once one reaches the Martial Saint realm, the damage is irreversible. They become a lunatic consumed by killing intent."

Yu Fei’s expression turned grave. He knew Ye Shuping wouldn’t lie to him about something like this. But then a thought struck him, and he quickly asked:

"My teacher, Yan Sea, also practices a demonic technique. Lord Honglian previously gifted him two ancient scriptures. Will Teacher also be affected by Evil Qi in the future and suffer cultivation deviation?"

Ye Shuping paused, then said nonchalantly, "You’re talking about Frenzied Blood Spirit, aren’t you? It’s no big deal. Xiaoming told me that as long as he cultivates those two Buddhist scriptures to the stage of Great Accomplishment, it’ll be enough."

"Then can I also cultivate those two ancient... I mean, Buddhist scriptures?"

Ye Shuping shook his head. "You can’t. Buddhist scriptures are useless for a Martial Saint."

Yu Fei was confused. "But you said they would be useful for Mr. Yan."

"Oh, that’s no contradiction. Yan Sea would be incredibly lucky to even reach the Eighth Realm in his lifetime. He has no chance of becoming a Martial Saint!"

"What?"

Yu Fei never expected such an answer. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Ye Shuping sighed internally. ’It seems Yan Sea is quite important to Yu Fei. This is about his own cultivation path, yet his mind is still on Yan Sea. Could a few mere Vitality Elixirs really mean that much?’

’Don’t ask how he knew that. He could find out anything he wanted to know. And what he didn’t know, no one else could possibly know!’

’Still, I should keep an eye on that fool Yan Sea. Can’t have him practicing himself to death. Ancient Buddhist scriptures are particular about one’s innate disposition, and their true meanings are often hidden in just a few words. A guide is also crucial. That "classmate" Xiaoming doesn’t know the first thing about mentoring someone. Only a genius can achieve enlightenment just by poring over a Cultivation Technique. Is Yan Sea a genius?’

’He’s a stubborn fool.’

’If Yan Sea practices until he turns into an imbecile, it would be no fun at all if this kid ends up blaming me.’

Ye Shuping looked at Yu Fei with a gratified expression, his true thoughts hidden from the world.

"However, the Formless Sword Qi you’ve cultivated is much stronger than that of your predecessors. To have such might at only the Third Realm... I don’t think you should abandon it. I will find a solution within three months."

Ye Shuping delivered this last sentence with exceptional calm, his words carrying a mysterious power that inspired reflexive belief.

’If I can’t find a method within a month,’ he mused, ’I’ll have to subtly persuade Yu Fei to give up the Tribulation Sword. If the little fellow is unwilling, well... I’ll just have to arrange for a little ’accident’ to cripple it for him...’

Yu Fei was momentarily awestruck, a sense of goodwill blooming in his heart. For such a prominent figure to be willing to spend time solving the problem with his Cultivation Technique—it would be a lie to say he wasn’t moved.

Yet, at such close quarters, he thought he detected a hint of chill. It was faint, but it instantly cooled his heart. He bowed deeply and said with apparent delight, "Thank you, Teacher!" The gratitude in his voice was genuine.

Ye Shuping felt a pang of frustration. ’This is exactly why I hate Wind Chasers. Just a moment ago, the little fellow was clearly moved, but in the blink of an eye, he’s put his guard back up. It’s completely baffling. And this acting of his... it’s just awful!’

’So annoying!’

Ye Shuping’s smile grew even more sincere, as if he were looking at his own junior. His tone was earnest as he advised:

"Your foundation is special, so I won’t hide the truth from you. At my age, there is little that I hold dear. Only one thing remains: as long as the foreign races are not quelled, I will not be able to rest in peace even in death. I see the hope for that in you. I’ve taken you as my student because I don’t want to see your talent go to waste. I admit I have a personal stake in this. We have a long road ahead of us. You must work hard."

Yu Fei gave a wry smile. "Teacher, I’ll do my best."

"Good. Now, for the next matter. For your cultivation in the Third Realm, you must push yourself to the absolute limit. I had prepared many rare treasures that can increase one’s Qi Blood, though it seems there are very few you can use now. Still, they can provide an extra boost. Take them with you when you leave."

With that, he took out two exotic treasures and placed them on the table.

One was a small, red fruit. The mere sight of it made his mouth water, and his entire body ached with a powerful craving.

The other was a flame-shaped liquid in a vial; he could feel a sense of affinity with it in his very blood.

Yu Fei suppressed his craving and voiced his question, "Teacher, don’t these treasures need to be processed into medicinal potions?"

Hearing this, Ye Shuping laughed heartily and explained, "The higher the grade of a treasure, the more difficult it is to process. In the later stages of cultivation, one ironically has fewer refined resources to aid their practice.

"It’s actually related to a Martial Artist’s physical capacity and the density of worldly energy. Do you know which realm has the most Martial Artists in our Yu Kingdom?"

Yu Fei thought for a moment before answering hesitantly, "The First Realm?"

"Incorrect..."