Forcible Harvesting

"Then you stay here and wait while I go inside to bid farewell."

The treasurer observed Helian Weiwei's nod and proceeded confidently towards the backyard.

In the study, several hired masters from the academy were engaged in a discussion about the exceptionally talented new students. They were eager to reserve their spots in order to accept these young disciples.

"Brothers, no need to argue. The Supreme hasn't voiced an opinion yet. Your squabbles over this and that, are they even productive?" Tu Tian shook his head, stroked his beard, and took a sip of the hot tea from his cup.

The Supreme leaned back leisurely and said, "I haven't found a satisfactory candidate yet. Carry on, continue!"

"I must say, Supreme, this Helian Jiao'er is quite impressive. She's already reached a top-notch level in martial arts cultivation at such a young age." Someone picked up a scroll and pointed it out to the Supreme.

The Supreme smiled but remained silent, not even bothering to lift his eyelids. It was clear that Helian Jiao'er didn't catch his attention at all.

Just then, an excited voice came from outside the door, breaking the atmosphere: "Supreme Master, Li Feng, the treasurer of the Commercial Academy, requests an audience!"

"Li Feng?" The Supreme couldn't fathom why he would be sought out at this moment. Moreover, the masters were gathered in the study for discussion, so even if it was an important matter, Li Feng shouldn't disturb them at this time. It didn't align with Li Feng's usual style. "You stay here, I'll go out and see what this is about."

With a slight frown, the Supreme rose from his seat and slowly made his way out of the study.

Upon seeing the Supreme, Li Feng's eyes lit up, and he saluted respectfully.

The Supreme waved his hand and cast a lukewarm gaze at him, asking, "What brings you here to bother me at this time?"

"Master, I've obtained a unique ice pole!" Li Feng's eyes sparkled, unable to contain his excitement.

However, the Supreme looked at him dismissively. "Is that all? Receiving ice is a common occurrence in the Commercial Academy. Unlike the outside world, this place is teeming with masters, especially those skilled in martial cultivation. It's safe to say that the most powerful martial arts masters of the Battle Dragon Empire can be found here."

"No, it's not just that." Li Feng struggled to swallow, contemplating his words carefully. "That ice pole..."

"Li Feng," the Supreme interjected, unable to conceal his impatience, "the masters are still in the study. Each of them could easily create an ice rush. Ice is cold, and you simply placed it where it belongs. There's no need to inform me of such matters in the future."

"But the ice pole wasn't made by the masters; it was crafted by a freshman who just joined the academy!" Li Feng mumbled, assuming that the Supreme wouldn't hear him.

Unexpectedly, the Supreme, who was about to take a step forward, turned sharply and stared at him in disbelief. "What did you say?!"

"That's right, Supreme Master. A freshman entered the academy and created an ice pole entirely on her own. She's about fifteen years old and hasn't even become a disciple yet. Although the material may not be top-notch, the ice pole is undeniably excellent." Li Feng briefly explained the chain of events.

The Supreme's eyes widened, and his aged face displayed disbelief.

How could this be?

Fifteen years old?

At such a young age, without any guidance, she created an ice pole?

Even a martial cultivator in their thirties may struggle to achieve such craftsmanship, let alone using ordinary materials!

As if struck by a realization, the Supreme exclaimed, "Bring me the ice pole. I want to see it."

"Certainly." Li Feng raised his hands and handed over the long knife wrapped in black cloth.

The Supreme unwrapped the cloth and ran his fingers gently along the blade. Suddenly, his calm eyes widened, and he shifted his gaze to the stone pier in the corridor. Astonishment overcame him, rendering him speechless. "This isn't Ice Spirit; it's Silver Soul!"

"Gintama?" Li Feng heard the name for the first time. "What's that? Did the master make a mistake?" Is this long knife not good enough?

"No!!!" The Supreme took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming. "This martial cultivation is even more exquisite than Ice Spirit. You must understand that when the Ice Dragon is unsheathed, it can freeze the opponent's movements to some extent. However, the Silver Soul can freeze the opponent's nerves, surpassing the combat prowess of the Ice Ru tenfold!" Hearing this, Li Feng was left astounded. He already thought the girl was impressive, but he never imagined her abilities to be this remarkable.

Recalling his previous oversight, the Supreme grabbed Li Feng's collar and questioned, "Where is that girl? Where can I find her? Did you ask her name? Don't tell me you neglected to gather such crucial information like that old fool Tutian!"

Li Feng was dumbfounded. "I... I forgot to ask her name."

"You! You imbeciles!" The Supreme ground his teeth, frustrated that iron couldn't be forged into steel.

Observing his crestfallen expression, Li Feng swiftly changed the subject. "However, the girl hasn't left yet. I believe she possesses remarkable talent, so I've left someone in the business courtyard. If you wish to meet her, you can..."

Before Li Feng could finish his sentence, the elderly man in front of him turned and, with his robes billowing, hastened towards the business courtyard. The speed at which he moved belied his age, making it hard to believe he was over a hundred years old and highly esteemed...

Bang!

The sudden sound of a door being kicked open startled Helian Weiwei, who was sipping her tea.

Standing at the door was an old man clad in a white holy robe, radiating a warm light and sporting silver hair. On the surface, he appeared somewhat ethereal, but the moment he spoke, all traces of that impression vanished. "Are you the girl who forged the Silver Soul?"

"If the gintama you're referring to is the long knife, then yes, it was me," Helian Weiwei replied, placing her teacup down with indifference.

The Supreme's eyes lit up as he strode toward her, grasping her hand. "Girl, Master Wei has been waiting for you!"

For a mentor? Waiting for her?

Helian Weiwei looked at the old man's behavior, her mouth twitching.

"Haha, young lady, when did you manage to acquire such an enthusiastic mentor?" Yuan Hao, always the provocateur, relished the anticipation of a good fight. Though it was a bit excessive to taunt an old man, this old man seemed to invite it, especially since he believed she had feelings for him every night...

Helian Weiwei gritted her teeth. At times, she truly wished she could crack open Yuan's head and see what was going on inside. Whether it was pursuing women or picking fights, he never failed to deliver. What was even more absurd was his delusion that she had feelings for him every night...