The departure of the five girls left many of the teachers and students at Shrek Academy astonished. After all, the five were considered prominent figures within Shrek.
However, Shrek's rigorous elimination system quickly silenced the idle gossip.
In this city, the only ones still concerned about the five girls were likely those who held them close to their hearts.
On this journey, Ye Wen wasn't in a hurry to reach their destination. Instead, he took the five girls—still in their most innocent years—to witness step by step the sins and decay of the Douluo Continent.
Though Tang Ya's life had been bitter, after witnessing the tragic lives of countless impoverished families, much of her resentment began to dissipate.
"So there are people on the Douluo Continent who starve to death," Tang Ya murmured with a complex gaze as she walked behind the group.
But soon, her attention shifted to Ye Wen, the other four girls, and Electrolux.
Ye Wen and the others wore radiant smiles, resembling a father taking his children on a joyful outing.
This scene, brimming with happiness, stirred memories of Tang Ya's parents.
"If Mom and Dad were still alive, I'd probably be smiling just as happily as they would have."
Soon, the group stopped by a small stream.
After all, they were still ordinary mortals, unlike Ye Wen, whose divine fragment didn't require sustenance.
Now, it was time for Huo the Chef to shine—
Although all five girls had some basic cooking skills, the one who had truly mastered the art was undoubtedly Huo Yu'er.
As Huo Yu'er worked swiftly, the aroma of grilled fish soon wafted through the air. Ye Wen didn't interfere but instead watched the scene with a smile.
There was a reason Huo Yu'er was destined to become the chosen one of this continent. Beyond her natural talent, her character alone far surpassed that of ordinary people.
In Huo Yu'er's heart, Ye Wen was not only her master but also like a father. Thus, the moment the food was ready, she immediately brought it to him.
"Master, try this! The fish from this river is incredibly fragrant when grilled~"
Without an ounce of guilt for "exploiting" the little loli, Ye Wen accepted it with a smile. He then turned to Tang Ya, who was still lost in thought.
"What are you waiting for? Come and eat."
Tang Ya, still immersed in her sorrowful memories, snapped back to reality. However, she was no longer the lively and cheerful girl she once was. Her darkened demeanor now carried a somber and gloomy aura.
Everyone enjoyed the meal heartily, but Ye Wen noticed Xiao Xiao subtly glancing at him from time to time.
Ye Wen chuckled inwardly. This little girl really couldn't hide anything.
At this moment, Xiao Xiao also noticed Ye Wen's smile and blushed slightly. But her inner longing prompted her to ask her question in a slightly coquettish tone.
"Master, when will my parents be resurrected?"
Tang Ya, who had been eating slowly, suddenly froze mid-bite.
Evil soul masters were no longer a rarity in this era, especially since Tang Ya had spent years by Bei Bei's side and knew more than the average soul master.
Thinking of a certain disturbing possibility, Tang Ya felt a chill run down her spine, and a bead of cold sweat trickled down her cheek.
"Surely Master isn't one of those evil soul masters who deceive and enslave others with promises of resurrection and manipulation of souls?"
It was only then that Ye Wen remembered—among those present, Tang Ya was the only one who didn't yet know of his divine identity. Seeing her pale face and cold sweat, it was clear she had imagined something unpleasant. Ye Wen couldn't help but chuckle.
With a wave of his hand, two streaks of white light appeared in his palm.
Though they appeared to be simple beams of light, closer inspection revealed that both were fragmented and on the verge of dissipating.
Though not yet fully manifested, Xiao Xiao's eyes reddened, and tears welled up in her lively gaze. She could sense it—even without seeing human forms like Huo Yuer's mother—the trembling of her martial soul's bloodline confirmed that these souls belonged to her closest kin.
Almost instinctively, Xiao Xiao moved forward, reaching out to touch the souls.
But Ye Wen quickly shifted his right hand away and blocked Xiao Xiao's advance with his left arm.
"Calm down, Xiao Xiao. Your parents' souls were severely shattered during that great battle years ago. It took me a lot of effort to piece them back together, and they're still being repaired. You mustn't disturb them."
Xiao Xiao, initially confused by being stopped, quickly realized her mistake and began apologizing profusely to Ye Wen.
Though soul restoration wasn't Ye Wen's strongest area, with Electrolux's guidance, he had already begun the process. After all, divine power was practically omnipotent on this continent, and repairing fragmented souls was as easy as pie.
After putting Xiao Xiao's parents' souls away, Ye Wen turned to Tang Ya, who remained silent with a pale face.
Even though Tang Ya had darkened, the inherent kindness in her nature hadn't yet driven her to the point of indiscriminate slaughter as depicted in the original story.
Ye Wen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In this romantic world, even a completely darkened Tang Ya could be redeemed—it was absurd. Were the sacrifices of commoners and other soul masters not sacrifices at all?
Indeed, Shrek's double standards were a time-honored tradition.
Hmm, especially in the case of Yu Xiaogang's lineage, which stood out particularly in this regard.
"What's wrong, Tang Ya? Could it be you think I'm an evil soul master?" Ye Wen asked with a smile.
Tang Ya, who already felt like she was chewing on bitterness, found herself completely losing her appetite as Ye Wen bluntly exposed her thoughts.
What to do? A powerful evil soul master was right in front of her, and she had even become his disciple! Urgent help needed, online waiting!
At this moment, Huo Yu'er and the others were surprised to realize that someone still didn't know their master's true identity.
But upon remembering that Tang Ya had joined last-minute, they understood.
Huo Yu'er, as the eldest disciple, wanted to explain things to Tang Ya, who had always been kind to her, but Ye Wen stopped her with a glance.
"I'm asking you, Tang Ya. Do you really think I'm an evil soul master?" Ye Wen asked gently.
But the gentler Ye Wen's tone became, the more frightened Tang Ya grew.
Stay away from me!
Tang Ya hurriedly shook her head, trying to indicate she didn't think so, but Ye Wen burst into hearty laughter. Soon, the others joined in, laughing along with him.
Little Xue Nu didn't understand at first, but seeing everyone laugh so joyfully, she started laughing too.
Amidst the laughter, Tang Ya gradually sensed something amiss.
"Aren't evil soul masters supposed to be madmen? Why do I feel like I've been teased?"
After a while, Ye Wen finally suppressed his laughter and clasped his hands together.
"Domain Expansion—Limitless World—"
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