After enduring Wu Dis endless gratitude, Li Wanlong finally managed to leave.

In truth, Ye Zichen intentionally sent Wu Di to thank that bastard Li Wanlong in order to make all this even more painful for him.

As he watched the defeated Li Family members flee, Ye Zichen snorted softly.

Did you see that? You cant indulge this sort of person. The more you give, the more theyll walk all over you. Sometimes, you have to act tough. Thats the only way to make them fear you.

These words were obviously directed at Wu Di, who nodded forcefully and bowed. This junior will remember.

Wu Di knew that, while Li Wanlong was there, Ye Zichen had only played the part of master to help him. That was why hed referred to them as master and apprentice. Now that Li Wanlong, his son, and their followers had all left, there was naturally no need to pretend any longer.

When he heard Wu Di refer to himself as junior, Ye Zichen couldnt help but sigh inwardly.

Wu Di was good in every way. However, he was just a bit too timid. Rather, you could say he had far too strong a sense of propriety and for when to give in. This sort of personality wasnt exactly bad, but..

No problem. It was a piece of cake. Ye Zichen nodded coolly and disappeared. Although he really did intend to take Wu Di as his apprentice, if the kid hadn't realized his true intentions, there was no need to rush.

Junior? Once Ye Zichen had gone, Zheng Yunan looked at Wu Di in surprise. Isnt Senior Ye your master? Why didnt you call yourself apprentice?

How could Wu Di not want this sort of master? However, that was nothing but his one-sided fantasy.

Senior Ye isnt really my teacher. He was just looking out for me. He pretended to be my teacher so I could borrow his status, thats all.

When she heard this explanation, Zheng Yunan was briefly dumbfounded, then she slapped Wu Di hard on the shoulder.

Are you stupid or something? Is the relationship between master and apprentice something you can fake just to lend someone your prestige? If Senior Ye said you were his apprentice, that means he intends to accept you as his disciple! Besides, if it were really just a matter of backing you up, he could have said anything he wanted. So long as he expressed even the slightest concern for you, Li Wanlong and the others wouldnt have dared offend you.

When he heard Zheng Yunans explanation, Wu Dis eyes lit up, but as soon as he recalled how indifferent Ye Zichen had looked when he left, his hopes were immediately dashed.

How is that possible? What kind of existence is Senior Ye? There are undoubtedly tons of geniuses who want him as their master. Im untalented, so how could he possibly take an interest in me? Besides, if he really wanted me as his apprentice, why didnt he react at all when I called myself junior earlier?

Whap.

When she heard Wu Dis self-deprecating tone, Zheng Yunan raised her hand and smacked him on the back.

Are you stupid or something? Well? Are you? You know that Senior Ye is a lofty figure, and know that countless geniuses want him as their master? Given all that, do you really think you calling him senior once would hurt him so much, hed lose control of his emotions and start crying about wailing about wanting you as his apprentice? Wu Di, I hadnt realized you were so brainless!

Then.. What do you think I should do?

Wu Di heard what she was saying, but still had no idea what to do. He naturally wanted Ye Zichen as his master, but he was afraid of pushing his luck.

If you go back in a little while and tell Senior Ye you want to take him as your master, I can guarantee hell absolutely accept you.

Are you certain?

Im certain. She raised her beautiful face. Suddenly, she blushed rosy-red. If Senior Ye refuses you, I.. I can repay you with my body. That should be enough assurance for you!

Zheng Yunan, the two of us cant possibly be together.

Zheng Yunans words werent subtle at all, but Wu Dis response made her freeze up. After a long while, she glared at him disdainfully. Hey, dont overthink things. I just said that to emphasize how good your chances are. Did you really think Id marry you? In my heart, my knight in shining armor is a peerless hero. At the very least, he has to be an existence on the level of Senior Ye. You.. Youd better go home and prepare for the clans grand competition. If you don't make it into the top hundred, you wont just lose face for yourself. Youll lose face for Senior Ye too.

Zheng Yunan waved at Wu Di, then said, hurry home and take him as your master. Trust me, Senior Ye will definitely accept you as his apprentice. I still have to go tell the others about the upcoming grand competition, so I cant stay with you any longer.

Alright, thanks for your hard work.

Even now, Wu Di maintained a suitable distance between them. He saw her off formally, like a scholar.

Zheng Yunan felt a surge of disappointment. She stubbornly looked away, then, without even a single word, gradually disappeared from Wu Dis line of sight.

After a while, Wu Di, who was still bowing in farewell, looked up. As he recalled her promise to guarantee his success with her body, his gaze brimmed over with bitterness.

Youre a chosen daughter of heaven, our top visiting experts beloved granddaughter, while Im nothing but the son of a servant-girl. Within the clan, taking even a single step is like walking through ice. Were from two different worlds. Now I finally have a chance to change my life around. If someday, I really can be like you, then I..

Suddenly, Wu Di came to his senses. He forcefully shook his head, they whapped himself on the ears.

Wu Di, Wu Di, he laughed bitterly, what on earth are you thinking?

By the time Wu Di returned home, it was already late. Although Zheng Yunan had thoroughly analyzed the situation for him and encouraged him, whenever he considered taking this step that could change his life forever, his heart filled with terror and uncertainty.

Hed wandered around town all afternoon. It seemed everyone in Black Ox Town had heard that he was some experts apprentice and hed found that everyone was much friendlier than usual.

This sudden change made him even more uncertain. All of this was because of Ye Zichen..

Could a mighty senior like that really have taken a shine to him?

Hed wandered aimlessly until nightfall, then walked back to the liquor store hed been to earlier. Hed clenched his fists, taken out all of his savings, then bought another gourd of the immortal brew Ye Zichen had liked.

To his surprise, as soon as he stepped through his front door, Wu Di saw Ye Zichen standing in the middle of the courtyard.

Youre back?

Ye Zichens tone was ordinary, but this casual tone made Wu Dis heart race even faster. He gulped, then approached Ye Zichen and passed him the second gourd of immortal brew.

Senior..

You bought another gourd?

When he saw the immortal brew, Ye Zichen broke into a smile. He hadnt been much of a drinker in the past, but in his tenth reincarnation, all those repressed, bitter memories, had led him to love wine almost as much as his own life.

He raised the gourd, then drained it completely. He closed his eyes to savor it, but when he opened them again, he saw that Wu Di was kneeling before him.

What are you doing? If you want to thank me, theres no need. I said it earlier; it was nothing.

No Wu Di shook his head forcefully, then made up his mind. He bit his lip, slammed his head to the ground, and said, Senior, please accept this junior as your apprentice!