Chapter 421: A Young Protagonist
Huo Yu´er was taken aback.
"That's all?"
Ye Wen nodded confidently. "That's all."
"Think about it. With my level of cultivation, of course, I can choose any disciple I want it's all up to me."
He ruffled Huo Yu´er's hair gently and added, "When you stand where I am, you'll understand: for the strong, anything is possible."
It was the first time anyone had said such grand words to her, and Huo Yu´er was deeply moved. Yet, being naturally skeptical, she couldn't help but push back.
"But, Master, my innate soul power is only at level one. There's no way I could reach the rank of titled douluo."
Ye Wen's mouth curled into a confident smile. "And who decided that?"
He continued, "Listen, little one. What determines a soul master's potential isn't their talent, but whether or not they have the drive to push themselves forward."
Huo Yu´er's eyes lit up, suddenly inspired. "I get it now, Master. This must be what Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang meant when he said, 'There are no useless spirits, only useless soul masters,' right? I understand now! I'll work hard!"
Ye Wen's expression darkened. Why did she have to bring up that unfortunate name?
The phrase "there are no useless spirits, only useless soul masters" was hollow without the rare celestial herb that the original Yu Xiaogang had. Without it, Yu Xiaogang would have remained a mediocre soul master his whole life.
Ye Wen sighed, massaging his temples. He had to remind himself that this world was derived from an alternate timeline, which meant the era idolized Shrek Academy and its heroes. Huo Yu´er had likely grown up hearing endless tales of the Shrek Seven Monsters.
Huo Yu´er noticed Ye Wen's troubled expression, falling silent out of habit. Her years in the Duke's Mansion had taught her to read people's faces.
Ye Wen picked up on her unease and cleared his throat, quickly regaining his composure.
"You didn't say anything wrong, child," he reassured her. "In a way, that phrase is true. As long as a soul master has the drive, they'll find ways to improve."
Of course, Yu Xiaogang hadn't done so. His entire life depended on others, and without the support of family, friends, and disciples, reaching even the level of Soul Grandmaster would have been an achievement.
Though Huo Yu´er sensed something amiss, she couldn't pinpoint why. She accepted his words and nodded.
As Ye Wen's disciple, it was only fitting that he helped her obtain her first soul ring. On the journey to the Star Dou Forest, however, he chose not to intervene too much, as her journey truly began here. Any interference on his part might alter things too drastically.
It was clear from the original story that Huo Yun'er and her daughter lived in extreme poverty. Their circumstances had hindered Huo Yu´er's development, just as Tang San's innate talent was masked by the harsh training from his father, Tang Hao, forcing him to cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Technique to build his own strength. But Huo Yu´er had no such advantage, and the technique Tang San passed on in this era was a stripped down version of the original.
Fortunately, Huo Yu´er's spirit was a body spirit. While her innate soul power might have been affected, her spirit itself remained strong. Body spirits were naturally powerful and suppressed themselves to manageable levels for their users. Otherwise, a golden or silver grade body spirit could easily consume its soul master's energy, given the intense power required.
Losing her beloved mother had left Huo Yu´er with an empty heart, but the bond she formed with Ye Wen filled that void. With a powerful titled douluo for a master, she found unprecedented reassurance. So long as she kept out of trouble, Ye Wen's presence guaranteed her a place of respect wherever she went.
During their slow journey, curiosity soon got the better of Huo Yu´er, and she asked about her fellow disciples. Ye Wen shared a few details, explaining their power levels as roughly on par with titled douluo.
Even at that modest estimation, Huo Yu´er was left wide eyed, jaw dropped. In her limited understanding, such power alone was enough to rule the Douluo Continent.
"If I could bring my seniors together, I could get my revenge," she thought briefly before quickly dismissing the idea. In Ye Wen's teachings, she'd learned that a master was like a parent, and her fellow disciples like siblings. How could she exploit her family?
Despite her difficult childhood, Huo Yu´er's values remained intact, and she cherished family above all. She quickly cast aside her earlier thoughts.
Traveling slowly and without money, Ye Wen decided to let Huo Yu´er fend for herself along the way. They lived off the land, eating what Huo Yu´er could catch. Though she often got lost, her map and occasional guidance from Ye Wen kept her on the right path.
"Master, let's set up camp here. At this rate, we should reach the Star Dou Forest by tomorrow," Huo Yu´er said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Ye Wen nodded.
Throughout the journey, he not only taught her soul master skills but also encouraged her independence, helping her overcome the weight of her past. Soon enough, they found a small stream nearby, where Huo Yu´er eagerly began her usual task catching fish.
Thanks to her Spirit Eyes, she moved skillfully, quickly catching ten small fish.
Hardship had taught Huo Yu´er to grow up quickly, and soon enough, she had the fish cooking over a fire. Simple as it was, grilling fish properly still required skill, and her Spirit Eyes gave her an edge.
Before long, the delicious smell of grilled fish wafted through the air.
(Chapter Ends)
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