Chapter 49: Sea God Pavilion, Xian Lin'er's Surprise
When the two arrived at the entrance of the Sea God Pavilion, a white-haired elder was already waiting—Yan Shaozhe.
Although Yan Shaozhe was Ye Chen's teacher, he hadn't actually taught him anything himself.
Because Yan Shaozhe wanted to pair Ye Chen with Ma Xiaotao, he simply passed on the responsibility of tutoring Ye Chen to her and happily took on the role of a hands-off master.
Still, as Ye Chen's teacher, Yan Shaozhe held him in high regard. He might not guide him personally, but he made sure his disciple had the best resources and opportunities available.
Being one of the Sea God Pavilion's senior elders, he had enough influence to make that happen.
"Teacher."
"Teacher~"
Both Ye Chen and Ma Xiaotao greeted Yan Shaozhe respectfully.
Ye Chen bore no ill will toward his master—after all, it was Yan Shaozhe who had brought him to Shrek Academy in the first place.
"Ah, Xiao Tao, Xiao Chen—you've come~" Yan Shaozhe said warmly, his eyes gleaming with approval as they landed on Ye Chen.
He had already read Zhang Lexuan's mission report. Though Ye Chen had only been in charge of the follow-up, his performance had been remarkable—especially that long-range teleportation ability.
Just that one skill alone drastically elevated Ye Chen's potential.
When his gaze shifted to Ma Xiaotao, he noticed at once that the sinister fire within her was greatly reduced, almost negligible now.
Clearly, recruiting Ye Chen as a disciple and pairing him with Ma Xiaotao had been his best decision yet.
A perfect win-win—their futures both bright and boundless.
"Teacher, why are you looking at me like that?" Ma Xiaotao asked nervously, shrinking her shoulders as Yan Shaozhe's amused stare lingered.
She had the peculiar feeling her teacher was imagining something… odd.
"Hehe, just take good care of your junior, Xiao Tao~" Yan Shaozhe said meaningfully.
He had a feeling Zhang Lexuan's glowing praise of Ye Chen wasn't purely professional—perhaps even she had taken a liking to him.
Though it was just a suspicion, he couldn't ignore the possibility.
After all, Ye Chen was far too good-looking—just like his younger self—so it was no surprise he'd draw attention wherever he went.
If Ma Xiaotao didn't keep a close eye on him, another woman might swoop in and "steal the house."
"Don't worry, Teacher, I'll make sure to take good care of him~" Ma Xiaotao said cheerfully, ruffling Ye Chen's hair with a grin.
She didn't notice the double meaning in her teacher's tone—she just assumed it was his way of dodging work again.
...
...
The three entered the Sea God Pavilion together.
Although many of the elders had gathered for the occasion because of Ye Chen, it wasn't an official council meeting, so both Ma Xiaotao and Ye Chen were permitted entry.
The interior looked simple at first glance but exuded understated luxury. Any random item in the room would be worth a fortune—or even priceless—outside.
Following Yan Shaozhe, Ye Chen stepped into a vast hall filled with the elders of Shrek Academy. Among them sat Zhang Lexuan.
At the head of the room, a kindly old man reclined comfortably in his chair—it was none other than the venerable Mu En.
Beside him, an unkempt old man was happily gnawing on a chicken leg and gulping wine with no regard for image, but no one seemed surprised.
Ye Chen hadn't met him before, but even without asking, he knew this was the legendary glutton and troublemaker—Elder Xuan, the First Elder of the Shrek Overseer Corps.
Around them sat other senior elders, most well into their twilight years.
Only one seat stood out—occupied by a stunning mature woman who looked no older than thirty. It was Xian Lin'er.
Despite being the same age as Yan Shaozhe, she maintained the beauty of youth, radiating confidence and pride.
"So that's Xian Lin'er… No wonder they call her the Valkyrie. She really has that aura," Ye Chen thought quietly.
A married woman who still kept an air of purity—that combination was lethal.
He wouldn't dare pursue her—that would be suicide.
But if she took an interest in him... well, it wasn't like he could refuse, could he?
As Ye Chen's gaze swept over her, Xian Lin'er's sharp eyes studied him in turn.
"This boy... such a handsome face. Shame he's not my disciple," she thought, a trace of regret flickering in her mind.
Even if she couldn't "make use" of such a fine student, having someone like Ye Chen around would at least draw attention—and perhaps a few more talented female students to her Soul Tool Department.
Yan Shaozhe really did have ridiculous luck.
First Ma Xiaotao, now Ye Chen—both outstanding talents, perfectly complemented. He had even managed to solve Ma Xiaotao's evil fire problem through Ye Chen's chilling energy.
Together, their potential as future powers was almost frightening.
Rumor had it Ye Chen even possessed the aptitude of an eventual Limit Douluo—whether true or not, it was enough to spark envy among the elders.
Soon, everyone's gaze shifted toward him—full of curiosity, interest, maybe even admiration.
"Alright, since everyone is here, let's begin." Mu En's calm voice silenced the hall.
"Shaozhe, make the announcement."
Yan Shaozhe smiled slightly and turned toward Ye Chen.
"Ye Chen, by unanimous decision of the Sea God Pavilion's elders, you are hereby promoted directly into the inner court. You will receive quintuple the resources of a standard inner court disciple and are designated as the candidate successor for the position of Dean of the Martial Soul Department. Upon reaching Title Douluo rank, you will inherit the title fully."
"In return, you will also bear certain responsibilities for the academy's development…"
He went on at length, though most of it was privileges, not limitations.
When he finished, Yan Shaozhe looked up with a smile. "Ye Chen, this is your reward following your mission assessment. Are you satisfied?"
Ye Chen cupped his hands respectfully. "Thank you, Elders. Thank you, Dean. I am deeply honored and very satisfied with the academy's trust."
Of course he was satisfied.
Even with his talent, he hadn't expected such recognition so quickly—Dean candidate status was beyond imagination.
But Ye Chen wasn't naïve. He quickly pieced it together.
This definitely bore Zhang Lexuan's influence.
Had it not been for her, that position would have surely gone to her instead of him.
Subconsciously, Ye Chen looked toward the corner where she sat.
And at that moment, Zhang Lexuan met his gaze and smiled gently.
Indeed, she had been the one to lobby for him.
She firmly believed he was qualified to inherit that position and had persuaded the other elders to give him this chance—even securing him five times the usual cultivation resources.
She hadn't known Ye Chen for long, but since she had taken him in as her godbrother, she had no hesitation standing behind him fully.
Her eyes were filled with quiet faith.
She trusted that Ye Chen would never let her—or Shrek Academy—down.
(END CHAPTER)
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