"Yes, yes."
Ling Yu was a bit frightened, quickly nodding: "Master, you are right. The Beast Tide has something to do with each of us. How could it have nothing to do with Jiangnan City? It was my fault, I spoke wrong earlier, my considerations were too shallow. Please don’t be angry, Master."
After speaking, he shrank his neck, cautiously looking at Shi Tao.
Years of interaction told him that the master at this moment was truly angry. The best solution was to apologize sincerely and quickly.
Hearing his words, Shi Tao felt like something was stuck in his chest, even making it hard to breathe.
A strong sense of disappointment appeared in his eyes.
He knew that Ling Yu’s words didn’t come from genuine remorse; he was just afraid of making him angry and thus admitted his mistake.
"Could it be that I really spoiled him too much?"
Shi Tao asked himself inwardly.
Why is there such a big difference between people?
It’s not strength, but character.
During the Beast Tide outbreak, Chen Fan could clearly have left Anshan City immediately and hid at the headquarters, but he didn’t. Instead, he remained, trying to protect Anshan City and the lives of its tens of thousands of people.
As his direct disciple, how did Ling Yu think?
As long as the Beast Tide hasn’t reached Jiangnan City, there’s nothing to worry about. How many people die outside every day has nothing to do with him; he doesn’t care at all.
Actually, these details were hard for him to notice in the past.
But now with the appearance of Chen Fan, the comparison made it hard for him to ignore.
"Maybe, I really spoiled him too much."
Shi Tao looked at Ling Yu, with guilt showing in his eyes.
Once upon a time, Ling Yu, saved by him from the wild, was also a simple and kind-hearted boy, considerate of others, with extremely high talent, and his cultivation realms rose quickly.
He felt naturally gratified and increasingly focused on his cultivation, ultimately only focusing on cultivation and neglecting everything else.
Ling Yu’s character also changed day by day, reaching the current state. It takes time for significant change, like freezing a river over a long period or wearing down rock with dripping water over years.
Similarly, it won’t be easy to correct him overnight. Moreover, with the Beast Tide outbreak and the human race in peril, there isn’t time for such ideological restructuring.
"Master?"
One or two minutes passed, Ling Yu, gathering courage, called out.
Sure, he misspoke, but it shouldn’t be that severe, right?
Shi Tao took a deep breath, speaking slowly: "Xiaoyu, you must remember, Fierce Beasts are the enemies of the whole human race. Whether ordinary people, martial artists, or awakeners, our stance against Fierce Beasts should be united.
True, the Beast Tide hasn’t reached Jiangnan City yet, but you and I both understand that it’s just a matter of time. Instead of waiting, we should weaken them now. When they come, it will be much easier to defend the city."
"Master is right." Ling Yu nodded like a pecking chick.
He’s not an idiot; does this need to be repeated?
Shi Tao sighed inwardly.
Still, he didn’t internalize it.
Not wanting to dwell on the topic further, he continued: "Besides this, I have another very important matter to tell you."
"Very important matter?"
Ling Yu’s eyes brightened with some anticipation: "Master, what is it?"
Seeing this, Shi Tao didn’t know how to start.
Ling Yu likely thought it was good news, but it wasn’t at all.
However, what’s destined to come will come. It’s better to say it earlier.
He took a deep breath, saying: "Xiaoyu, do you remember Chen Fan?"
Ling Yu froze instantly, his expression changing several times before snorting coldly: "Of course I remember. Didn’t he say he wants to compete at the headquarters? Master, has he arrived?"
Though unexpected, he believed he wouldn’t lose.
"No."
Shi Tao shook his head.
"No?"
Ling Yu slightly exhaled in relief, "Then why bring him up? Oh, I see, you worry he might come while you’re away? Don’t worry, Master,"
He straightened, full of confidence: "I have acquired some mastery of the Undying Seal Technique, definitely not being his opponent. You needn’t worry; if I win, I’d keep him here and wait for your return for further arrangements."
In his heart, he sneered.
That guy offended the Song Family; he likely wouldn’t be coming.
Shi Tao quietly listened to his words, hesitated briefly, then said: "Xiaoyu, I have bad news. Chen Fan’s current realm is the Fourth Realm of True Essence."
Ling Yu’s smile gradually froze, eventually turning into horror, stammering: "True, True Essence Realm, Fourth, Fourth Realm?"
He stared at Shi Tao, eyes wide like copper bells, seeming to question: "Master, are you kidding me? A martial artist at the Fourth Realm of True Essence? Your highest realm is only the Third Realm."
"Yes, True Essence Realm, Fourth Realm."
Shi Tao said seriously.
The room’s atmosphere instantly quieted.
Ling Yu sat there dazedly, his mind buzzing.
The higher the True Essence Realm, the more True Qi in the body, which is common knowledge.