Chapter 47: Incurring Everyone's Wrath . . .
Following Wu Luochen's departure, a stream of well-wishers approached Ye Yuan, extending their congratulations. The success of the recent test solidified Ye Yuan's status as a genius within the academy, ensuring a considerable rise in his position.
Capitalizing on the opportunity to establish amicable relations with a prospective Martial Roll of Honor expert became a priority for many. Ye Yuan's exceptional feat of defeating five Eighth Level Essence Qi Realm fighters at the Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm sparked anticipation about his future strength. The prospect of his breakthrough to the Seventh Level Essence Qi Realm left the imagination reeling at the potential magnitude of his power.
Despite the accolades, those who approached Ye Yuan were predominantly Heaven Rank students. Earth Rank students, destined to remain separate from a genius like Ye Yuan, found little chance to engage with him.
Ye Yuan gracefully handled the gestures of goodwill from the Heaven Rank students, many of whom were accomplished practitioners from the Martial Roll of Honor. As he effortlessly gained favor and connections, Lin Tiancheng, who had earlier disparaged Ye Yuan, felt a deep discomfort. The tables had turned unexpectedly, and Lin Tiancheng found himself lagging behind, struggling to advance to the Heaven Rank.
Amid Ye Yuan's newfound popularity, Lin Tiancheng, feeling like he had eaten a fly, silently withdrew from the crowd. Wan Yuan and Liu Ruoshui, who noticed his departure, intercepted him with curiosity, inquiring about his seemingly preoccupied demeanor.
Meanwhile, a surprising revelation among the onlookers occurred when Teacher Feng Ruoqing was spotted approaching. The murmurs and speculation intensified as the teacher, considered a captivating presence, moved through the crowd.
In a sudden turn of events, Feng Ruoqing's unexpected pursuit of Ye Yuan unfolded. The teacher, usually regarded with admiration, appeared to be seeking Ye Yuan, creating an atmosphere of curiosity and suspense. Ye Yuan, upon recognizing Feng Ruoqing, opted for a hasty retreat, evoking laughter and confusion among the students.
As Feng Ruoqing tried to stop Ye Yuan, he remained indifferent to her threats, continuing his escape. The unfolding scene painted a picture of a teacher chasing after a seemingly reluctant student, prompting bewildered reactions from the surrounding students. Even Huyan Yong, known for his composed demeanor, revealed a curious interest in the unfolding drama.
The sudden shift in perceptions left Ye Yuan with an audience now filled with a mix of envy and hostility. The once admired genius was now viewed with suspicion and disdain, as the students speculated about the mysterious connection between Ye Yuan and the fairy-like Teacher Feng Ruoqing. The situation escalated into a collective disdain for Ye Yuan, who unwittingly found himself at the center of a storm fueled by misinterpretations and assumptions.
"It's not that I lack the will to escape, but the opportunity to do so is absent! Teacher Feng, your compelling influence is truly overwhelming," Ye Yuan replied with a bitter smile, attempting to diffuse the situation.
"Why are you evading me?" Despite her stern expression, Feng Ruoqing couldn't hide a hint of satisfaction as she inquired.
"Me? When did I ever do that? Teacher Feng, you're unfairly accusing me!" Ye Yuan blinked innocently.
"Don't pretend! Why did you just run away then?"
"Suddenly, I recollected an urgent matter and was about to leave. Pure coincidence! It was unquestionably coincidental!"
"Quit trying to deceive me! Come with me at once!"
"Teacher Feng, I truly have a crucial matter to attend to!"
"I don't care how crucial it is! If you refuse, I'll resort to force!"
"No, no! I'll follow you, alright?"
"That's more like it!"
In the gaze of the astonished onlookers, Feng Ruoqing seized Ye Yuan and departed...
Unbeknownst to many, Feng Ruoqing had sought Ye Yuan several times in recent days, but he was consistently found in a state of rest. Lu-er's vigilant presence at the entrance made it awkward for Feng Ruoqing to enter forcefully. Additionally, Ye Yuan had skipped medicinal theory classes, further complicating her search.
From Ye Yuan's perspective, the notion of becoming an assistant held no appeal. Feng Ruoqing's pursuits in Alchemy Dao were child's play compared to his objectives. With the pressing need to enhance his strength, Ye Yuan dismissed the idea of assisting Feng Ruoqing, who lacked the qualifications to be his assistant.
On the fateful day, Ye Yuan aimed to shake off Feng Ruoqing swiftly, unaware that revealing a glimpse of his capabilities would lead to such entanglements. Opting to play a game of cat and mouse upon learning that Feng Ruoqing was seeking him, Ye Yuan found himself caught sooner than expected.
Interestingly, Feng Ruoqing was unaware of Ye Yuan's participation in the test. She chanced upon the Illusionary Spirit Tower when inquiring about the gathering of students. The information she received took her by surprise, learning that Ye Yuan, who recently reached the Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm, boldly undertook three consecutive challenges to become an Earth Rank student.
Feng Ruoqing, having witnessed Ye Yuan's proficiency in Martial Dao during medicinal theory class, admired his understanding of a high-level Tier 2 pill formula despite being a Yellow Rank student. His knowledge extended to the Yin-Yang Separation Flow Technique, prompting her desire to make him an assistant.
However, Ye Yuan's attempts to evade her perplexed Feng Ruoqing. Unaccustomed to rejection, she resolved to capture Ye Yuan and enlist him as her assistant, unaware of the challenges she would face in this pursuit.