Chapter 4
With the fog cleared, Wen Linyu finally saw the path ahead.
After diligently attending classes and taking notes, he returned home and immediately began practicing the introductory cultivation techniques. By the end of the day, Wen Linyu felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and ease.
He savored this feeling—fulfillment. He, too, could have such a fulfilling day, free from disturbances, humiliation, and scolding, focused solely on learning. It was wonderful.
He cherished this feeling, studying even harder.
Gu Chi observed him, occasionally offering guidance when he struggled with the techniques. Wen Linyu would try to understand Gu Chi’s instructions, striving to implement them correctly. Then, his eyes would light up: “Teacher, you’re amazing! Thank you so much!”
Every time he heard him call “Teacher” and saw the brightness in his eyes, Gu Chi couldn’t help but smile. Not bad, a bit stiff, but not hopelessly stupid. It turned out that teaching a disciple was quite interesting. No wonder so many enjoyed taking apprentices.
That evening, Wen Linyu proactively informed the butler that he wanted to eat, three meals a day. Although his tone was still slightly apologetic, he had at least voiced his needs. Gu Chi wasn’t entirely satisfied, but refrained from scolding him this time.
One couldn’t rush things.
After several days, he finally had his first meal. Wen Linyu felt embarrassed; he was truly foolish.
He ate very quietly, even his movements when picking up food were minimal. He chewed each bite slowly and deliberately, every action as if confined within certain boundaries. Although his eyes kept glancing at the dish furthest from him, he didn’t reach for it.
Gu Chi frowned again: “You’re the only one here, why are you so tense?”
Only him? Wen Linyu glanced at the butler standing respectfully at a distance: “Butler-uncle is here too.”
Gu Chi’s displeasure grew: “Is there a problem with your comprehension? You’re the only one at the table.”
Wen Linyu’s grip on his chopsticks tightened: “Sorry, I’m used to it.”
“Let me hear you say sorry one more time,” Gu Chi snapped. What was with this habit of constantly apologizing?
“I…” Wen Linyu anxiously picked at the edge of the table with his left hand, unsure how to respond to satisfy his teacher.
Gu Chi clicked his tongue. “You’re truly more of a puppet than a puppet. Who raised you like this?”
Wen Linyu involuntarily lowered his head. Just as Gu Chi’s patience was wearing thin, he softly spoke: “When I was at home, I couldn’t make a sound while eating. The dishes further away were my brother’s favorites, I couldn’t touch them. I couldn’t make large movements because I had to minimize my presence. If they noticed me, it would affect their appetite.”
Both his former home and the one after. He left unsaid that in his former home, any noise or attention would result in a beating. His later home, although free from physical violence, was even more suffocating.
998 couldn’t hold back, blurting out: “Isn’t that just emotional abuse? No wonder you’re so useless, being raised like—”
Before it could finish “that,” it was swatted away. The airborne 998 cried. Stupid beak, why did it have to speak?! He was now the Demon Lord’s apprentice, he didn’t need its commentary!
Gu Chi was extremely annoyed. Looking at Wen Linyu’s pitiful appearance, he wished he had a couple of enemies at hand to slaughter.
“Alright, from now on, eat whatever you want, do whatever you want, no one can tell you otherwise! Understand?” Impatient with hearing any more apologies or timid excuses, Gu Chi continued, “Villains are always unrestrained and do as they please. If you’re so timid, you won’t be able to play this role.”
Wen Linyu nodded seriously: “Teacher, I understand. I’ll do my best!”
He picked up his chopsticks again, reaching for the dish furthest away, the one he had been eyeing. It tasted even better than he imagined.
He then tried many things he had never experienced before: tea, coffee, fruits, seafood. His teacher, somewhat domineering, would have him sample a variety of each, instructing him to discern his preferences.
Wen Linyu, initially hesitant to waste food, finished everything, once again thankful for Gu Chi’s robust constitution.
Through this, he discovered his fondness for crème brûlée, medium-rare steak, the aroma of lattes (though not the bitterness), pearl milk tea, and chocolate cookies. Things he had never known before.
More than anything, he enjoyed cultivation in this world. The tangible feeling of growing stronger each day made him wonder if these methods would work in his own world. Even without reaching Foundation Establishment or Golden Core, achieving Qi Refinement would be sufficient, at least preventing a repeat of his first day here.
Being slapped, then met with a casual apology and a question of forgiveness, to which he could only weakly reply “it’s okay,” fearing escalation and worse consequences.
If it were his teacher, such a situation would never occur, right?
Wen Linyu became busy, maximizing every day. He took online classes, asking his teacher about anything he didn’t understand, finally earning his first praise.
His cultivation speed was “passable.” This simple, almost backhanded compliment made Wen Linyu overjoyed.
It was the first time anyone had praised him. Having a teacher was truly wonderful.
One day, the Xue family came knocking. Gu Chi’s true identity was confidential. They only knew him as an ordinary student with no apparent background, completely unaware of who he truly was.
998 discreetly urged him to follow the plot, which dictated that Gu Chi would annihilate the Xue family.
This time, Wen Linyu still didn’t want to carry out the mission, but not out of fear.
He addressed the butler and the others with an impassive expression: “I’m busy. Take care of it.”
“Yes!” Everyone responded respectfully. The boss had been very unpredictable lately, acting out various roles, even feigning weakness, and now adopting this icy demeanor. Truly unfathomable.
“Expression is part of presence. If you don’t know what to do, then have no expression at all. Let others interpret your intentions. You don’t understand wickedness, but surely you can manage a blank face?”
Yes, maintaining a blank expression was also his teacher’s instruction. Undeniably effective. The same applied to speaking. If afraid of conveying the wrong tone, keep it brief. The result was concise, cold, and emotionless.
Whenever he appeared with his impassive face, even without speaking, those around him would unconsciously lower their voices and movements. This was a boon for Wen Linyu – it meant fewer interruptions to his studies. He would secretly smile whenever he thought about it.
Under Gu Chi’s tutelage, Wen Linyu gradually acquired the demeanor of a villain, becoming more proficient in handling minor matters.
By the time the plot reached the point where the protagonist came to challenge him for the sake of a beauty, Wen Linyu no longer needed his teacher’s guidance.
Sitting in the classroom with a book in hand, he glanced at the protagonist and looked away, indifferently stating: “What are you? You’re not even worthy of my attention.”
998 trembled with excitement. Yes, yes, yes! That’s the spirit!
It hadn’t expected this turnaround!
Waaaaah, the host was learning so well. It had been too loud before, it was at fault! But most importantly…
It glanced at the Demon Lord, sighing in relief at the curve of his lips. Good, good, as long as he remained interested and didn’t cause trouble. Ten years, and it would be free!
But what was with that “proud parent” expression?
