Chapter 70: Wang Baole's First Experience in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute
"No need for formalities."
Chu Feng had no fondness whatsoever for the chubby boy in front of him who had ruined his mood.
Still, he understood the rule that anyone holding a Wendao Token could enter the Wendao Academy.
This kid had clearly been sent here by the External Affairs Institute because none of the other institutes wanted him.
Upon closer inspection, he was indeed a "three-no" disciple—no talent, no comprehension, no special bloodline.
Steward Bai, afraid that Chu Feng would refuse, quickly said, "Chief Chu, I've brought the person over, so I'll take my leave now."
"Mm."
Chu Feng had no intention of dragging the matter out with this guy.
Once Steward Bai left, Chu Feng turned to Qin Qin and said, "Qin'er, take this chubby boy to the Academic Registry to complete his registration. After that, assign him a courtyard."
"Yes, Master."
Qin Qin didn't feel particularly fond or unfond of this new little junior brother.
Since her master gave the order, she would carry it out.
"Let's go."
"Okay."
Wang Baole had lived under others' roofs for many years. Despite his easy-going appearance earlier, he had long since perfected the skill of reading people and adapting his behavior—speaking one way to people, and another to ghosts.
He could clearly sense that this senior sister and master didn't harbor any malice toward him, nor did they show any deep-seated disdain.
But what he couldn't understand was what he had done to offend the master and make him unhappy.
The two of them walked in silence, leaving the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
Wang Baole was the first to break the silence: "Senior Sister, did I do something wrong just now that upset Master?"
Qin Qin replied without hesitation, "You disturbed him while he was fishing, and you made the fish escape."
"That's it?"
Wang Baole was dumbfounded. So he had just come at the wrong time.
"That's right."
After speaking, Qin Qin returned to her usual cold demeanor.
Wang Baole didn't try to force a conversation or flatter this frosty senior sister.
With these ice-cold beauties, the best way to get along was to say nothing—then they wouldn't dislike you.
The registration process was simple and fast.
The two of them returned to the Miscellaneous Dao Institute in less than half an hour.
Qin Qin assigned Wang Baole a private courtyard.
Looking at the courtyard, Wang Baole asked with a puzzled face, "Senior Sister, is this whole courtyard really just for me?"
"Mm. Everyone in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute lives alone in a courtyard. If you're afraid of being alone, there's nothing to be done, because both the First and Second Senior Brothers are not currently at the institute."
For once, Qin Qin actually offered an explanation.
Wang Baole, being a talkative person, asked instinctively, "Where did they go?"
Qin Qin was brief: "Down the mountain for training."
Upon hearing that, Wang Baole didn't ask any more questions. He would ask Master later when there was time—hopefully without getting glared at again.
By evening, Wang Baole was hungry again, but since it was his first day at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, he had no idea where the kitchen was.
Throughout the whole institute, he had only seen two people. Living a life with meat at every meal seemed like a distant dream now.
"I thought coming to Wendao Academy would be the start of my rise to the peak of life. I didn't expect it'd just be a change of scenery for my suffering.
Still, Master and Senior Sister are pretty nice. At least I won't have to live as humbly as before."
Just as he finished speaking, a cold voice rang out from outside.
"Junior Brother, dinner is ready."
Wang Baole's previously sunken heart instantly leapt with joy.
"I'm coming!"
He jogged to the courtyard gate and saw Qin Qin standing there.
Qin Qin waited for him to come out and said nothing more, simply turning to lead the way.
The two of them, one in front and one behind, quickly arrived at the Chief's private courtyard.
As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Wang Baole caught a whiff of an enticing aroma.
Just the smell alone made his mouth water.
Wang Baole wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and respectfully said to Chu Feng, "Disciple greets Master."
Chu Feng waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Come, sit."
"Thank you, Master."
Wang Baole obediently sat down across from his master.
Qin Qin also took her seat.
Seeing that everyone was present, Chu Feng began eating.
Wang Baole looked at the table full of exquisite dishes, not even knowing which one to pick first.
Watching his master and senior sister eat so elegantly, he felt embarrassed to eat ravenously. He carefully picked up a piece of meat and placed it in his mouth.
Hm???
Wang Baole froze in place. It was too delicious—he had never eaten anything this good in his entire life.
While eating, Chu Feng glanced at the boy from the corner of his eye.
At first glance, he was an ordinary kid—so ordinary he was almost invisible.
But upon second glance, Chu Feng noticed the boy actually had a hidden bloodline. However, it hadn't awakened yet.
Chu Feng still couldn't discern exactly what kind of bloodline it was.
Who would've thought those old fools were so blind, sending a hidden genius straight to his doorstep?
'Looks like my luck is on the rise. Just sitting at home and prodigies walk right in.'
Still, he planned to observe a while longer to see if this kid was worthy of receiving his true teachings.
Before long, Chu Feng froze in surprise.
Wang Baole had started crying while eating.
"What's wrong with you, kid?"
Chu Feng looked confused.
"It's just… it's too delicious, Master. The food here is so good… I've never eaten anything this amazing in my whole life… I couldn't help it."
As Wang Baole spoke, he wiped his tears with his sleeve.
Chu Feng and Qin Qin were both at a loss.
The former, though a master of painting illusions with words, had never seen a disciple cry over a meal.
As for Qin Qin, she didn't know how to comfort people and could only cast a pleading look at Chu Feng.
"Alright, aren't you embarrassed? It's just a meal, why get so emotional? Someone might think I've been abusing you."
Chu Feng grumbled in annoyance.
Wang Baole forced a smile. "Hehe… Master, your disciple lost composure. Please punish me."
Chu Feng waved his hand. "Eat more, talk less."
"Got it!"
Wang Baole replied and continued eating.
But after only a few bites from various dishes on the table, he realized he was full.
What was going on? Did something happen to his stomach?
It had to be an illusion.
Wang Baole kept eating, but soon discovered he truly couldn't fit any more in his stomach.
If he forced it, he'd embarrass himself in front of his master.
All he could do was set down his chopsticks and stare at the delicious food in front of him.
After a while, Chu Feng finally put down his chopsticks and looked at Wang Baole. "Fatty."
"Disciple is here!"
Wang Baole stood up and looked at his master with hopeful eyes.
Chu Feng said slowly, "These dishes were made by your senior sister and me. So the noble task of washing the dishes is yours."
"Huh?"
Wang Baole was momentarily stunned, then laughed and said, "Of course, Master. I'm best at washing dishes!"
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