https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-40-Opening-the-Door-Ceremony-Obligations-and-Rights/13535438/
Chapter 41: Fawning on Power and Throwing Oneself at the Powerful
Chapter 41: Fawning on Power and Throwing Oneself at the Powerful
Luo En finished his shift at the Herbal Medicine Shop, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Madame Ellen had been her usual harsh self today, yet surprisingly patient when guiding him through the preparation of an Antidote Potion.
"Be punctual tomorrow", the old witch snapped as he left. "I have new formulas needing your help with experiments."
Walking back to his dormitory, Luo En's thoughts drifted. It had been some time since he'd become an official elementary apprentice, and while outwardly things seemed unchanged, he could clearly feel the transformation in how others treated him.
"Apprentice Luo En!" A familiar voice pulled him from his reverie.
Turning, he saw Ge Li Gao Li, a candidate apprentice who usually ignored him completely. This merchant's son had always looked down on those with mediocre, even pitiful, talents. Yet now, his attitude had done a complete 180—he was rushing forward with an exaggerated smile plastered across his face.
"Word is you've passed the apprentice qualification? Absolutely astounding!" Ge Li Gao Li gushed.
"What do you want?" Luo En asked coldly.
"Oh, nothing urgent at all!" The man's smile grew even more obsequious. "Just wondering if you might need a capable assistant? I have extensive experience organizing documents and researching archives, not to mention fluency in accounting and the ancient languages of the Three Kingdoms. Whatever your needs..."
Luo En instantly understood—the man was seeking protection, hoping to become his servant. In the Black Mist Jungle, becoming an apprentice's servant at least guaranteed basic survival rights. For hopeless candidates like this, it was a decent fate.
"No thanks. I prefer working alone", Luo En cut him off sharply.
Ge Li Gao Li's smile faltered slightly, but he pressed on. "Should you change your mind, feel free to find me! My room is 34 in the West Wing..."
Luo En turned and walked away before the man could finish. But he hadn't gone far when another voice stopped him.
"Apprentice Luo En~"
A syrupy female voice came from the side. Luo En turned to see Yi Sha Bei La, a candidate apprentice from a noble Southern family, approaching with deliberate grace. Her loose-fitting robe revealed generous swaths of pale skin, her every movement calculated.
"I've heard you're exceptionally talented in alchemy", Yi Sha Bei La purred, batting her eyelashes. "I happen to find that field fascinating! Would you consider giving me some guidance?"
She leaned in dangerously close, her ample curves nearly brushing his arm, her perfume mingling with a more carnal scent. Luo En keenly noted the calculated calculation behind her feigned admiration. His class-advanced perception from 【Wizard Apprentice】clearly detected the unmistakable evidence of her promiscuity—this wasn't some innocent maiden, but a seasoned bedmate.
Before he could sidestep her advances and decline again, several other female candidates surrounded him. Each was dressed provocatively, their words dripping with overt suggestion.
"Apprentice Luo En, I'd do anything for you..."
"My family has connections within the Falu Ke Kingdom, should you ever need..."
"I've studied countless ways to please a man since childhood—I guarantee you'd..."
The words churned Luo En's stomach. He understood their game completely—using their bodies to secure safety by latching onto a rising elementary apprentice. In their eyes, he was just another tool to exploit, to be discarded when no longer useful.
"Enough." Luo En's voice cut through the air like ice, and an imperceptible spirit wave radiated outward.
This was his newly acquired ability as an elementary apprentice—spirit interference. While merely a minor disruption in apprentice-level battles, it was more than sufficient for these candidates.
【Spirit Interference (Introductory) Experience Points +1】
A silent wave spread from him. The surrounding apprentices staggered, their minds clouded with dizziness. Some stumbled backward, others collapsed to the ground in confusion.
"I have no interest in any of you, nor do I need servants", Luo En's voice remained calm but carried a biting chill. "Leave me alone. Otherwise, I won't mind reducing your numbers."
He turned on his heel, leaving the still-reeling candidates staring at each other in stunned silence. Their eyes burned with jealousy and frustration.
Back in his room, he'd barely locked the door when a knock came.
"It's me, Andie."
Opening the door, Luo En found the Thirteenth Prince standing there, his expression unusually serious.
"I heard you gave those candidates quite a lesson in the corridor?" Andie's lips curled, though the smile felt strained.
"News spreads fast", Luo En stepped aside. "Those pests clung like filth under my boots. Got on my nerves."
"Perfectly normal", Andie shrugged. "In the Black Mist Jungle, every ascended apprentice goes through this 'welcome ritual.' Hopeless candidates always scramble to latch onto new power."
Luo En nodded, but noticed Andie's odd expression. That usual elegant confidence remained, yet his eyes betrayed hidden anxiety and inner struggle.
"What's wrong?" Luo En set down his potion-making tools. "You clearly have something on your mind."
Andie sighed, sinking into a chair. "Nothing... Just family matters again."
He forced a smile. "Speaking of which, congratulations on passing the elementary apprentice qualification. How's the school treating you? Haven't been shorted on resources, have they?"
Luo En said nothing, instead pouring two cups of the herbal tea he'd received from Madame Ellen. Handing one to Andie, he finally spoke.
"Thanks." Andie sipped the tea. "Tastes good."
"Ningshencao Herb and Yuejigen Root mixture", Luo En sat opposite him. "Madame Ellen said it relieves spiritual fatigue. Seems you could use it."
Andie's lips twitched—the comment struck a nerve. He stared into the tea, clearly weighing his words carefully.
(End of Chapter)
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