Chapter 48: I Just Want You . . .
"I'm on the brink of insanity! What in the world is happening between Teacher Feng and Ye Yuan?!"
"Exactly! Their exchange was cryptic. All I could discern was one running and the other chasing."
"Oh heavens! My goddess! If Ye Yuan has the audacity to make a move, I'll personally take him down!"
"Absolutely! We need to unravel this mystery. If Ye Yuan has truly angered men, perhaps even the gods, we must eradicate this loathsome fellow!"
The details of the conversation between Ye Yuan and Feng Ruoqing remained known only to them, leaving everyone else in a state of bewilderment.
In response to this chaos, the 'Protect Ruoqing Alliance' was formally established. This alliance had two primary objectives: uncover the truth behind Ye Yuan and Feng Ruoqing's interaction and, more urgently, deliver a beating if Ye Yuan was found guilty. The plan was to make him rue his actions for the rest of his life.
Despite Ye Yuan's newfound status as an Earth Rank student, he was outnumbered by a multitude of Earth Rank students. The alliance seemed confident in its ability to bring him to justice. While some speculated about a connection to the previous medicinal theory class, others found it implausible that such a minor incident would escalate to this level of public pursuit.
The alliance's investigations aimed to uncover what had truly transpired between Feng Ruoqing and Ye Yuan. Simultaneously, various speculations regarding their interaction circulated among students and even teachers within the Dan Wu Academy.
Ye Yuan, however, had different concerns—how to swiftly rid himself of the persistent Feng Ruoqing. It was evident to him that Feng Ruoqing's passion for alchemy mirrored his past self, making her a challenging individual to handle. Her insatiable curiosity about Alchemy Dao left Ye Yuan contemplating the best approach to address her relentless pursuit.
Walking ahead, Ye Yuan could sense that escape was futile today. Feng Ruoqing, trailing behind, maintained a vigilant watch to prevent him from fleeing.
As Ye Yuan mulled over his predicament, a figure dressed in yellow unexpectedly blocked their path. This individual, named Song Qian, enthusiastically greeted Feng Ruoqing, showcasing an immediate lack of acknowledgment toward Ye Yuan.
Though unfamiliar with Song Qian, Ye Yuan could infer from his attire that he was a teacher at the Dan Wu Academy. Feng Ruoqing, on the other hand, responded with a faint frown, indicating a lack of interest in the man before her.
Observing the scene, Ye Yuan couldn't help but sneer inwardly. It was apparent that Song Qian held an infatuation with Feng Ruoqing, yet the latter seemed uninterested in his advances.
Approximately 25 or 26 years old, Song Qian could be considered a young and talented teacher within the academy. However, Feng Ruoqing's disinterest suggested that an ordinary man might struggle to captivate her attention. The interaction between Feng Ruoqing and Song Qian unfolded as the latter subtly aimed to enter the pill refinement chamber.
As Song Qian directed his attention to Ye Yuan, a sarcastic comment slipped from his lips. "If I'm not mistaken, he isn't even an Alchemy Apprentice. While I may lack in some areas, I'm confident I possess the capabilities to be Teacher Feng's assistant."
Ye Yuan rolled his eyes at the unnecessary remark. Song Qian had finally noticed his presence, and Ye Yuan couldn't help feeling disdain for the man who had previously treated him like air.
Feng Ruoqing clarified that Ye Yuan was her chosen assistant, leading to Song Qian's skeptical scrutiny. "Assistant? If I'm not mistaken, he isn't even an Alchemy Apprentice. While I may lack in some areas, I'm confident I possess the capabilities to be Teacher Feng's assistant."
Song Qian, with the same symbol on his chest as Feng Ruoqing, signifying a Tier 2 Alchemist, openly expressed doubt regarding Ye Yuan's qualifications. However, this prompted Ye Yuan to interject, seizing the opportunity to address Song Qian. "Exactly! Exactly! Teacher Feng, I'm not even an Alchemy Apprentice. How could I possibly assist you? Teacher Song is a distinguished gentleman, and an Alchemy Master at that. With his guidance, any medicinal pill can be refined. Since that's the case, I have no further business here. I'll take my leave."
While Ye Yuan spoke, Song Qian approvingly regarded him. It seemed that Ye Yuan's calculated words had earned the teacher's admiration.
"Teacher Feng, you see..."
Without acknowledging Song Qian, Feng Ruoqing swiftly directed her attention to Ye Yuan, deploying a sudden and precise move. An elusive thread of essence energy coiled around Ye Yuan's ankle, a technique reminiscent of Fei Qingping's Lesser Capturing Hand used in the earlier deathmatch. However, Feng Ruoqing's execution of the move surpassed any comparison.
As if on the verge of escaping, Ye Yuan felt an abrupt heaviness in his legs, causing him to stumble and crash to the ground. The power gap between Feng Ruoqing's and Fei Qingping's application of the same technique was glaringly apparent. Even without exerting much effort, Feng Ruoqing effortlessly brought Ye Yuan down.
Crumpled on the ground, Ye Yuan groaned in pain. The disparity in their abilities was staggering; Feng Ruoqing had subdued him effortlessly.
Without sparing a glance at Song Qian, Feng Ruoqing took a couple of steps forward. Passing by Song Qian, she disregarded him entirely, her focus fixed on Ye Yuan.
Standing over Ye Yuan, Feng Ruoqing frowned and reproached him, "Are you a man? How can you break your promise? I don't need anyone else as my assistant; I want only you! If you attempt to escape again, I won't hesitate to report you to the dean and have you expelled from the academy. I'm confident my words will carry weight."
Her words left Ye Yuan without the will to argue. In the realm of cultivation, disciples from sects undeniably surpassed lone cultivators in strength. As an outer sect of the Tranquil Cloud Sect, the Dan Wu Academy housed an assembly of top-notch geniuses, making it an ideal place for Ye Yuan to enhance his skills.
While the academy's resources held little appeal to Ye Yuan, the opportunity to interact with these exceptional geniuses intrigued him. Yielding to Feng Ruoqing's persistence, he realized that being at the academy offered unique advantages for his personal growth.
Feng Ruoqing, satisfied with her triumph over Ye Yuan, turned to Song Qian and expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Teacher Song. Having Ye Yuan as my assistant is sufficient. As a rising star at the Dan Wu Academy, I'm sure you have many pressing matters. I won't detain you any longer."
With that, she addressed Ye Yuan, signaling him to follow. Although Ye Yuan didn't glance back, he could unmistakably sense malevolent eyes fixated on him, emanating ill intent.