I turned my head toward Lu Xiaoran and spoke in a deep voice, trying to imitate a serious teacher's tone. "Boy, I'm going to teach you starting tomorrow, but for today, let's decide what you need to learn."
He looked confused, so I added, "Lu Xiaoran, you need to answer some questions of mine. After that, I'll figure out which subjects you struggle with. Then, I can create a plan for us to follow for the next while."
While saying this, I tried my best to look like a professional teacher. However, Lu Xiaoran still appeared confused, as if he didn't understand me.
The system chimed in, "Host, you're taking the wrong approach. You aren't teaching a student preparing for a college exam. This is a fantasy world with wizards and cultivators. Here, the strongest prevail. Most people chase power; knowledge is just a side quest for them. You need to change your strategy."
"Oh! I get it now. Thanks for the clarification, system. But I'll stick to my subject-focused approach; I'll just adjust the topics for this world."
I cleared my throat and said to Lu Xiaoran, "Disciple, tell me what you desire most."
After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Master, what I want most is power, power to reclaim everything I've lost. Power to take revenge on my enemies. Power to become someone who never finds himself in my current situation."
I shook my head and said, "Wrong. You're mistaken, Lu Xiaoran. What you truly desire is not power, but a chance—a chance to right your wrongs. You want another shot at life to fulfill your desires. Power doesn't come just because you want it; the thirst for power can corrupt you, as it often brings corruption with it. You need to be careful in your pursuit. But don't worry; as your master, I'll guide you so you won't fall into the same traps as many others seeking power."
"Boy, I understand your situation. You were born into a great family with good talent, and you've been expected to carry your family's name to greater heights, even while struggling to stand. The first thing you need to do is let go of that burden. The family you aim to save when you gain power is the same family that abandoned you when you fell."
"Disciple, people often have this mindset: they expect you to achieve great things for them while they sit back and wait for your help. They tend to be with you during good times but vanish when things get tough. However, this can be beneficial. Bad times are eye-opening. They help you see who truly stands by you—those who left were just opportunists, while those still with you are your real friends and family."
"As for your desire to reclaim everything you lost, boy, that's foolishness. You need to learn that lost things remain lost. Even if you become the strongest person and can rewind time, they will still be lost in your memories. Even if you restart your life and succeed in everything, you will always remember what you lost. So, they will always remain lost."
"Now let's discuss your mistakes. Based on your earlier answer, it seems you struggle to understand your desires. So, tell me, Lu Xiaoran, do you know your mistake in pursuing her?"
He clenched his teeth and replied, "Yes, I realize I made a mistake pursuing someone who doesn't like me. I forced my love on her."
"No, boy, you are mistaken again. Think carefully: if pursuing someone who doesn't love you is wrong, how do people in this world pursue each other? People don't always love at first sight. You're experiencing unrequited love, which isn't fulfilled by the other party, and you blame yourself for it. You know, Lu Xiaoran, one-sided love can be a beautiful feeling. Your love for her should not depend on her response. The problem is that you made a big mistake in your pursuit of love. You made yourself too available for her too easily. People often don't value what they get for free; they tend to desire what is harder to achieve and overlook what is right in front of them."
Sighing, I realized this boy is also a failed one-sided lover. I understood why he earned the title "loser in love." He isn't a villain; fate has made him a naive boy with a kind heart.
To encourage him, I said, "There's nothing wrong with your love life aside from your execution of plans. You possess a quality that makes you one of the best people in the world. Do you know what that is?"
After some thought, he said, "I think it's my courage."
I laughed at his answer. "Boy, you're too naive. What makes you special is your strong will. Even in death, you don't lose your will."
"Now let's wrap up this question-and-answer session. I finally understand your weaknesses and strengths."
Confused, he asked, "But master, you didn't ask anything about my talent or bloodline."
I replied, "Those things don't matter. You know, disciple, any teacher can make a talented student successful, but only a true teacher can help an untalented student achieve success. I believe there are no talentless students; only talentless teachers. So, your talent doesn't matter. What really matters is my teaching."
Now let's start by creating a timetable for your study sessions. I need to chart a path for you that will make you stronger.
"So, disciple, let's begin our journey together. I know I'm late, but I look forward to our time together."