SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

Having finally realized the foolishness of his past actions—the truth that the romantic pursuit he treasured could be easily achieved with his resources—made Yan rethink his views. It was akin to a wealthy young man, kept unaware of his family's wealth, putting genuine effort into courting the class beauty, only to have her taken away by a petty thug with a few thousand bucks and deceitful tricks, later realizing he was the boss behind the thug's organization all along.

Yan's emotional defenses were shattered.

He jumped from one extreme to another.

If the wealthy young man shifted from "true love conquers all" to "money is everything, and women are like clothes," Yan transitioned from "true love conquers all" to "I will become a Titled Douluo; women are just distractions."

Thankfully, You Chen intervened in time, preventing Yan from becoming a cultivation fanatic. Instead, Yan became what he is today.

Now, Yan has graduated from being a sycophant, yet he isn't obsessed with cultivation. The difference is that he no longer has an obsessive longing for love. His feelings for Hu Liena are those of a childhood friend, akin to his relationship with Xie Yue.

Even You Chen felt a bit apprehensive and decided never to use such mental techniques on immature children again.

He initially thought it would just make Yan think a little more. Who would have guessed that Yan, perhaps too simple-minded initially, would delve so deeply into thought once his potential was awakened?

Reflecting on all this, You Chen accepted Yan as his disciple when Yan later requested it.

At this moment, although Hu Liena was Yan's childhood friend, he chose to stand by You Chen, expressing anger at Hu Liena's baseless accusations against his teacher.

Watching Yan glare at her, Hu Liena pouted slightly, feeling a bit indignant.

In fact, Hu Liena hadn't noticed Yan's changes for a long time.

It was only after Yan stopped clinging to her that she felt a refreshing sense of freedom.

It wasn't until she once asked (ordered) Yan to buy something from Spirit City and was refused because Yan wanted to consult his teacher that she sensed something was wrong.

Although she never liked Yan, seeing him no longer willing to be her tool made Hu Liena quite unhappy.

She even took the opportunity to have a big argument with Yan.

Yet, she waited and waited, but Yan never came to apologize.

It was Xie Yue who, unable to stand it, forcibly dragged her to apologize to Yan!

Since then, a rift developed between them.

Hmm? As for any storyline where the sycophant's absence makes the girl realize her feelings, leading to a "chase the man" scenario?

Not happening. After all, Yan is pretty ordinary-looking, with muscles all over, not her type!

To outsiders, Yan and Hu Liena's relationship evolved into one of a "tolerant brother" and "rebellious sister."

Childhood friends, without romantic involvement, are akin to non-blood-related siblings.

Due to Hu Liena's willful nature, her reputation declined compared to when Yan was her sycophant.

Naturally, this was because Yan no longer covered for Hu Liena.

But could Hu Liena accept such changes?

Anyone would find it hard to accept emotionally, even if they understood rationally, let alone someone like Hu Liena, whose emotions overshadowed her reason.

Yan's questioning and rebuke only intensified Hu Liena's rebellious instincts.

'Are you trying to say Teacher Bibi Dong is wrong?'

She wanted to refute Yan with the righteousness of "Pope's supremacy."

Just imagining that scene made her tailbone tingle with excitement.

It felt like a mischievous child with a parent's protective shield, forcing older siblings to apologize for "bullying the little sister."

Even Hu Liena knew saying such things might trouble her teacher.

Bibi Dong privately badmouthed You Chen, calling him deceitful and claiming many were fooled by his gentle demeanor. Even if the Pope herself accused You Chen of foul intent, most people wouldn't believe it.

Hu Liena bit her lip, eyes darting as she thought, "Alright, I admit saying he poisoned the candy was a bit much. But... I'm just an eleven-year-old girl, being cautious around a near-Soul King Spirit Elder. What's wrong with that?"

"Uh. Nothing? Is there?"

Yan, hit by Hu Liena's logic bomb, felt something was off but couldn't articulate a rebuttal, even with his limited intellect.

In reality, Hu Liena's statement was flawed from the start, assuming You Chen would harm them. But... the reason? Motive? There was none.

It was all Hu Liena's subjective victim fantasy.

A little thought would reveal that You Chen would be crazy to harm Hu Liena, the Pope's favored disciple, in his own home.

But You Chen knew arguing would be pointless. He had seen enough of such unreasonable women in his past life. Engaging in debate with them was a trap, akin to losing.

As a renowned theorist, he wouldn't lower himself to argue with an eleven-year-old girl, even if she was the Pope's disciple.

So, he quietly started making tea, even pouring a cup for Xie Yue, who wore an apologetic expression.

Then, he spoke calmly, "Hu Liena, regarding your intrusion, the harm to my servants, and the disruption of my banquet... I'll have Grace report the damages to the finance department. Your esteemed teacher, the Pope, might have to approve this expense, right?"

"Gulp!"

Hu Liena instantly dropped her argument with Yan, glaring at You Chen, "You Chen, I heard you're leaving Spirit City. Inviting so many people must be a cover for uniting your evil allies, planning some shady actions once you're gone! I'm upholding justice with noble intent!"

She paused, swallowing hard, "Teacher will surely understand me!"