Chapter 12: Mu En — These Young Folks Sure Know How to Play…
In the end, Ye Chen couldn't resist the enthusiasm of the two girls and followed them toward the dormitory area.
When they entered the residential zone, Ye Chen noticed an elderly man reclining on a chair under the sun, eyes half-closed, basking lazily in the warmth of the afternoon light.
"Good afternoon, Grandpa~"
Ning Tian and Wu Feng greeted politely. They were courteous by nature, and every student in Shrek respected this elder.
"Mm~"
Mu En nodded faintly, smiling kindly.
His days were numbered, and though frail, he often stayed here, watching the young students filled with life and energy. Their liveliness helped him hold off the deathly stillness creeping within him—a little warmth to make life last just a bit longer.
Soon, his wandering gaze settled on Ye Chen. Recognition flashed in his slightly clouded eyes.
Though the old man looked passive, Mu En was well aware of everything happening in the academy. Especially matters concerning Yan Shaozhe's new disciple—he'd been briefed the moment Ye Chen was accepted.
From the reports, Ye Chen's potential was terrifying—surpassing even his own talent.
If properly nurtured, that boy could very well become the one to inherit his mantle someday.
"Good afternoon, Grandpa~"
Ye Chen also smiled warmly at him. After all, this man was the legendary power behind Shrek; showing respect was only proper.
"Mm, what a good child," Mu En replied, nodding approvingly.
Then Ye Chen scratched his cheek and asked, "By the way, Grandpa, is it okay if I go to the girls' dormitory?"
Mu En: "...What?"
"Why are you heading to the girls' dorm?" he asked, utterly dumbfounded.
Hadn't this boy just arrived at the academy? Who started their first day by visiting the girls' dorm?!
"Well, Grandpa," Wu Feng quickly stepped in, "Ye Chen's our classmate. We invited him to visit us."
"No."
Mu En's tone hardened. "Boys are forbidden from entering the girls' dormitory. Anyone caught doing so will be expelled immediately."
"But, Grandpa," Ning Tian chimed in smiling sweetly, "the student handbook says that unauthorized entry leads to expulsion. It doesn't say invited guests aren't allowed. We're inviting him—so it's not breaking the rules~"
Mu En blinked in surprise.
For a moment, he was lost for words. It was true—the rule only mentioned "unauthorized entry."
Apparently, Ning Tian had studied the handbook thoroughly and found a loophole.
He couldn't help but think: he'd lived hundreds of years and never once noticed that clause…
Several centuries alive, and he'd never visited the girls' dorm even once.
Yet this kid Ye Chen was already on his way inside?
Lucky brat.
Before Mu En could reply, Wu Feng had already grabbed Ye Chen's arm and eagerly led him toward the girls' quarters.
Both Wu Feng and Ning Tian were clearly fond of Ye Chen—and not just because of his good looks. They admired his strength most of all.
In the world of soul masters, strength commanded admiration.
The stronger the soul master, the more they naturally attracted others of the same kind.
Girls like Ning Tian and Wu Feng—exceptionally talented prodigies—never spared a glance for men weaker than they were.
Especially Ning Tian, heir to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.
Her duty was heavy, her future predetermined—eventually, she'd have to choose a powerful soul master as her partner, whether love was involved or not.
But now she genuinely felt an attraction toward Ye Chen. He was strong, intelligent, and fit her idea of a perfect companion in every way. She would grasp this opportunity and forge closeness early on.
If developing real feelings followed, even better.
And if Ye Chen someday reached the pinnacle of power—with the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect supporting him—they could rise to glory together.
Moments later, Ye Chen found himself stepping into their shared dorm room.
He was immediately greeted by a soft, fragrant scent.
The room was bright, clean, and far more elegant than he'd imagined. Not at all like the run-down men's quarters.
Everything here was neat, carefully decorated—almost cozy.
Of course, much of that came from the girls' personal handiwork; there was no online shopping or factories in this world. Every ornament was hand-crafted.
Boys would never have the patience for such things.
"The girls' dorm is so nice… way better than the boys'," Ye Chen couldn't help but remark.
"Of course!" Ning Tian smiled, guiding him to sit on the bed to the left. "We're going to live here for years; it has to be perfect~"
Wu Feng followed suit, handing Ye Chen a few packets of snacks and pouring him a drink with care, treating him like an honored guest.
"Ye Chen, since you're so skilled in medicine, do you know how to give massages?" Ning Tian asked curiously, inching closer as her bright eyes blinked mischievously.
"I don't do massages," Ye Chen said with a shrug.
"Ah, too bad…" Ning Tian sighed softly.
She'd been hoping to use that as an excuse for some physical closeness—it would've been a good way to build intimacy.
"However," Ye Chen added with a faint smirk, "I do know acupuncture."
His first martial soul was a needle—while it barely boosted combat ability, it greatly enhanced his medical precision. His first soul skill, Duplication, allowed that needle to split infinitely, making it highly practical for medical use.
Naturally, he understood what Ning Tian was hinting at. And since she didn't seem to mind, he was more than happy to play along.
He couldn't cure every ailment, perhaps, but he could certainly offer… therapeutic benefits.
"Really~?" Ning Tian's eyes sparkled, her excitement returning.
"I've heard acupuncture helps with beauty and vitality too. Is that true?"
"Of course it is," Ye Chen replied with a charming smile. "Though not as miraculous as rumors claim, it's perfect for relaxation."
As he spoke, a gleaming silver needle materialized between his fingers—it was his martial soul in physical form.
"Ah—wait, that's a martial soul! Ye Chen, you have two?!"
Ning Tian gasped, staring in disbelief.
The needle looked ordinary, yet she could clearly sense its spiritual power.
Ye Chen was a Twin Martial Soul user!
"This is my first martial soul—passed down from my father. It's mainly used for acupuncture," Ye Chen said casually, smiling. He didn't bother hiding it.
There was no danger in revealing it—in fact, it only raised his prestige.
A twin martial soul user, blessed with extraordinary talent—it was a combination rarely seen in history.
Ning Tian's eyes sparkled brighter still, her view of Ye Chen instantly transformed.
Perhaps it was just admiration.
Or perhaps, at that moment, admiration began to swell into something warmer.
(END CHAPTER)
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