12 Chapter 12.

The story going good?

~~~~~~

"You seem quite excited today, Du Ze," Ning'er remarked, noting the grin on his face.

"Of course, I am excited! Today, I'll finally learn how to cultivate," Du Ze replied, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Ye Ziyun couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, remembering her excitement when she first learned cultivation from her elder brother.

"Unfortunately, some couldn't wait to learn from Teacher Ye," Du Ze murmured, his mood dampened by the absence of some of his friends.

Indeed, the classroom felt emptier with the absence of those who had been expelled. Only Lu Piao and Zhu Xiangjun remained among their close friends.

"You needn't dwell on it," Yizun reassured him. "They've simply chosen a different path within the institute."

Ning'er nodded in agreement. "It was their decision, after all. No one forced them."

"I suppose so," Du Ze replied thoughtfully, his mind still lingering on the departure of his friends.

Similar conversations echoed throughout the classroom until Ye Han's arrival brought silence.

"I'm sure many of you are bursting with excitement today," Ye Han chuckled as he entered. "And honestly, I can't blame you. I was once in your shoes."

His remark elicited laughter from the students.

"A week ago, when I expelled those students, I mentioned teaching cultivation after two weeks. That was merely a ruse," Ye Han explained with a smile.

"Today, we won't delve into theory. Instead, we're going outside to cultivate."

Excitement rippled through the classroom, including among the two heiresses, who had refrained from cultivation since last week out of consideration for their classmates.

"As you know, you need a cultivation method to cultivate spiritual energy safely. So, I've decided to provide each of you with one."

The students erupted into praise, recognizing the rarity and value of such a gift.

"But before I hand them out, I need your promise," Ye Han continued, his tone serious. "You must vow not to share this method with anyone, under any circumstances."

"I promise, Teacher Ye," Du Ze spoke first, eager to seize the opportunity.

"I promise too," Lu Piao echoed, determined to pursue his dreams without hesitation.

Inspired by their classmates' commitment, the others quickly followed suit, eager to embark on their cultivation journey.

"I trust you'll uphold this promise for life," Ye Han said with a smile. "Now, please exit the classroom one by one. I'll distribute the cultivation methods privately to ensure their confidentiality."

Without hesitation, the students filed out of the classroom, anticipation written on their faces.

"Even us, Teacher Ye?" Ning'er asked playfully as they prepared to leave.

"Of course, not," Ziyun replied confidently. "I'm sure my brother won't mind if we stay here."

"Yes, even you two," Ye Han affirmed, prompting playful pouts from the heiresses. "However, you both don't need to wait outside. You can simply go to the training grounds."

With reluctant smiles, Ning'er and Ziyun exited the classroom, shooting one last playful glance at their teacher before departing.

After their departure, Ye Han proceeded to call out the students' names one by one, transferring cultivation knowledge directly into their minds using his memory manipulation ability.

The cultivation techniques he imparted weren't particularly unique; he had gleaned them from Ye Yan's memory and made slight improvements for the students' benefit. These methods, at best, would enable them to attain Legend rank by their thirties—a limitation inherent in the techniques. However, their progress could vary if they encountered favourable circumstances, although Ye Han doubted the likelihood of such occurrences.

Given their lack of connection to the protagonist, destiny was unlikely to favour them.

Upon completing the instruction of the other students, Ye Han then addressed two individuals simultaneously and called them inside the classroom.

"Du Ze and Lu Piao, I'm sure you both have questions," Ye Han said with a smile. "You must be wondering why I called you together."

They exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement.

"I have a proposition for both of you," Ye Han continued, rising from his seat and approaching them. "It could prove highly advantageous, but whether you choose to accept it is up to you."

"What kind of proposition, Teacher Ye?" Du Ze inquired, intrigued.

Though Lu Piao remained silent, he couldn't help but entertain the notion that if his suspicions were correct, he would readily accept.

Aware of the Snow Wind family's history of integrating commoners, such as Ye Mo, into their ranks—the sole Legend-ranked expert in Glory City—Lu Piao hesitated, doubting his potential compared to Lord Ye Mo's.

"Many believe that Legend rank signifies the pinnacle of power," Ye Han stated gravely. "But that notion is fundamentally flawed. What we perceive as the apex of cultivation is merely the beginning."

"There exist ranks beyond Legend that transcend our understanding, residing in realms beyond our own," Ye Han explained. "Beings in those realms possess unfathomable power; a mere gesture could obliterate Glory City. Some can shape worlds, while others hold the ability to resurrect the dead."

As Ye Han finished his explanation, Du Ze and Lu Piao exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Du Ze's eyes widened in astonishment, while Lu Piao's jaw dropped slightly, his mind struggling to comprehend the implications of Ye Han's words.

The mention of ranks beyond Legend, where individuals possessed god-like abilities, left them speechless. Their minds raced with a mixture of awe and trepidation as they tried to grasp the enormity of what Ye Han was revealing.

For Du Ze, who had always harboured dreams of becoming stronger to improve his family's situation, the revelation was both exhilarating and daunting.

Similarly, Lu Piao, who had long admired legends like Ye Mo and dreamed of achieving greatness to become worthy of his love, felt excited.

Du Ze and Lu Piao listened intently as Ye Han continued, his words sinking in slowly.

"I want to take both of you under my command," Ye Han declared, his tone resolute. "I want your absolute loyalty, and in return, I will give you the path to reach the true pinnacle of cultivation."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle upon them before continuing.

"If you choose to accept, I will provide you with a cultivation method tailored specifically for you, one that will guide you towards those higher realms of power."

Ye Han's gaze bore into theirs, his expression unwavering as he laid out the terms of his offer.

"Now, the choice is yours," he concluded, his voice tinged with urgency. "Will you seize this opportunity and embark on a journey to greatness, or will you choose to remain in the realm of the ordinary?"

He let the question hang in the air, knowing that the decision before them was not one to be taken lightly. But he also knew that the potential rewards far outweighed any hesitation they might feel.

"The choice is yours," He repeated, a hint of urgency creeping into his tone. "But remember, opportunities like this are rare, and you may never get another chance like this again."

The idea of achieving such power made both of their eyes gleam in excitement; however, when they thought about the price, a conflicted expression appeared on their faces.

"Teacher Ye, I'm willing to accept your offer, but on one condition," Lu Piao said firmly. "You can't order me to harm my loved ones or to do morally reprehensible things."

"Just because you'll be my subordinates doesn't mean I'll ever ask that of you," Ye Han replied calmly. "And if the situation ever calls for it, I promise I won't involve any of you. I have no intention of causing harm without just cause."

"Do you accept, Lu Piao? Aren't you worried about losing your freedom?" Du Ze asked, eyeing his best friend.

"Lose my freedom? Come on, Du Ze, think about it," Lu Piao responded, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "If 'losing my freedom' means gaining strength beyond what most can dream of and securing a comfortable life for my loved ones, then I'm all for it."

"I understand," Du Ze murmured, a newfound comprehension dawning in his eyes.

Even if it meant sacrificing his freedom, Lu Piao was determined to accept the offer. It was a chance to alter his family's fate and be with the woman he loved.

"And I, too, accept your offer, Teacher Ye, under the same conditions as Lu Piao," Du Ze declared, his tone serious.

"Excellent," Ye Han said, a smile playing on his lips. "Let me impart the cultivation methods I've prepared for both of you."

For Du Ze, he had devised a cultivation method that would ultimately transform him into a heavenly Qilin capable of commanding lightning and fire.

As for Lu Piao, Ye Han had selected a Chaos cultivation method that would grant him control over the chaotic element, perhaps even enabling him to become its avatar.

After receiving the cultivation methods, Lu Piao and Du Ze exchanged stunned yet thankful glances, their astonishment mirrored in each other's eyes.

Their jaws dropped in unison, their expressions a mix of shock and gratitude as they processed the magnitude of what had just been bestowed upon them.

"I am forever grateful to Teacher Ye for giving me such a precious gift," Du Ze expressed with sincerity, bowing respectfully.

Upon witnessing this, Lu Piao quickly followed suit, not wanting to seem unappreciative. "Thank you, Teacher Ye, for providing me with this wonderful opportunity."

"You both needn't bow," Ye Han chuckled. "Let's proceed to meet the other classmates at the training grounds."

The duo nodded in agreement, and together with their teacher, they exited the classroom and made their way to the training grounds.

As they arrived, they noticed their classmates already engaged in meditation, each cultivating with focused determination. There was careful spacing between them, ensuring no interference during their practice.

Even the two heiresses were diligently cultivating, though they remained distanced from the rest of the group.

"Take your seats," Ye Han instructed. "I will be overseeing today's session to ensure everyone progresses safely."

A single misstep in cultivation could have dire consequences, even fatal ones due to the volatile spiritual energy.

Du Ze and Lu Piao quickly complied, settling into their positions, ready to embark on their cultivation journey.

Like their peers, they closed their eyes and began to sense the spiritual energy around them, following the techniques outlined in their cultivation method.

"And thus, the original protagonist group is disbanded…" Ye Han mused with a satisfied grin, acknowledging his strategic reshuffling.

By dispersing the protagonist and his companions to different classes and selecting the most promising individuals for his group, Ye Han ensured a formidable team.

"However, I must also recruit her to solidify his loyalty…" Ye Han contemplated, thinking of the formidable girl who was Lu Piao's love interest.

Shaking off his thoughts, he activated his ability to detect weaknesses and began assisting the students one by one, though their progress ultimately depended on their efforts.

After all, recognizing one's faults is only the first step; correcting them requires dedication and perseverance.

Unable to communicate verbally without disturbing their concentration, Ye Han channelled his soul energy to guide the spiritual energy within each student's body, aiding them one by one. Once satisfied that they no longer required his assistance, he placed multiple inscriptions around them to shield them against external disturbances.

"Young master," a shadow materialised beside him.

"Did you notice anything unusual?" Ye Han inquired, his focus still on his students.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," the shadow replied. "He remained consistent throughout the class."

"Afterward? Any odd questions or behaviour when he met with his friends?" Ye Han pressed, his curiosity piqued.

"No peculiarities, young master," the shadow confirmed.

"Continue to observe him closely. If anything seems amiss, report to me immediately," Ye Han instructed gravely.

"Understood, young master," the shadow vanished once more.

"When will you return, my dear protagonist?" Ye Han pondered with a smile before soaring into the sky.

Aware that the protagonist would eventually regain his future memories, though uncertain when, Ye Han had stationed a shadow guard to monitor him closely, ensuring timely notification upon his awakening.

However, it seems that there is still some time left for that guy to awaken his memories.