Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 442 442: Divine Wood Academy

Ye Qingchen didn't try to defend himself. With his low status and meager influence, causing a scene would only make him a laughingstock.

As for the humiliation, misunderstanding, and injustice I've endured today, I will repay it all one day. Clichés like "fortunes change over time" and "never underestimate a poor young man" are meaningless to say aloud anyway.

"Wait a moment!"

Just as Ye Qingchen was about to step into the Teleportation Array, an aged voice interrupted his departure. He turned to see a stooped, filthy old man leaning on a walking stick, hobbling toward him. The old man's gaunt body and slow pace made it seem as if a single gust of mountain wind could blow him away.

What Ye Qingchen failed to notice was that when Wang Tong saw this old man, his expression tightened, revealing a hint of caution and apprehension.

The old man struggled to reach Ye Qingchen and spoke, "Lad, a Seven-Star Willow Wood Martial Soul, and several types of energy that even I can't quite see through. You're quite impressive."

Ye Qingchen gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "What good is that? They say my aptitude is too poor and I'm inherently lazy. No one is willing to recruit me."

Ye Qingchen didn't understand why he was telling the old man all this; it was as if the man exuded a natural, approachable aura just by standing there. However, that feeling was made surreal by the man's disheveled appearance, his dirty clothes, and the foul breath that hit him when he spoke.

The old man cracked a difficult smile on his wrinkled, shriveled face. "What do they know? They're just a bunch of philistines. I am the headmaster of Godwood Academy. Would you be willing to join us?"

Hearing this, Ye Qingchen was overjoyed. He had lost all hope and was about to leave, but now fortune had taken an unexpected turn. The headmaster of Godwood Academy was personally recruiting him.

"Of course, I am willing!" Ye Qingchen agreed at once, barely giving it a second thought. Although he knew nothing of Godwood Academy's standing within Central Celestial Academy, he didn't care as long as he could get in.

The arrival of Godwood Academy's headmaster sent the prospective disciples into a flurry of discussion. "That kid is so lucky! He got recruited by Godwood Academy. But why have I never heard of it before?" "I haven't either, but the name itself sounds impressive. Anything with 'God' in the name must be incredibly powerful." "Damn, I'm suddenly envious of him. I have a Wood Attribute Martial Soul too! Headmaster, why didn't you recruit me?" While they marveled at Ye Qingchen's luck, they were also perplexed, as none of them had ever heard of a Godwood Academy within Central Celestial Academy.

Feng Yuan also frowned and turned to Wang Teng. "Young Master Wang, what's the deal with this Godwood Academy? Aren't we just letting that kid, Ye Qingchen, off easy?"

Wang Teng, caught off guard by the sudden development, replied with annoyance, "I have no idea what Godwood Academy is. But as long as that brat remains at Central Celestial Academy for a single day, I won't pass up any chance to mess with him!"

Wang Tong chuckled and shook his head helplessly. "Teng, if he has offended you, I naturally won't let him have an easy time. But you needn't worry about this. Godwood Academy used to be called the Wood Faction. This old man is Elder Yang, and he came up with the 'Godwood Academy' name himself. The Wood Faction had a few disciples in the past, but they hardly show up anymore. Elder Yang is in his twilight years and will soon step down as headmaster. When he does, Godwood Academy will be dissolved. To be honest, that kid would have a better future leaving Central Celestial Academy than staying there!"

Wang Tong's words lifted Wang Teng's spirits. "I thought the kid had struck dumb luck, but it turns out he was just picked up by some third-rate, rundown academy."

Feng Yuan added with disdain, "And even so, look at that detestable expression on his face. He's acting like he's just found a treasure."

Wang Teng sneered, "He'll have plenty of time to cry once he gets to that so-called Godwood Academy."

At that moment, Elder Yang turned and called out to the high platform, "Vice Principal Wang, this boy has joined my Godwood Academy. You have no objections, I trust?"

Wang Tong snorted. "Since Elder Yang has spoken, he can of course stay at Godwood Academy. However, Ye Qingchen, I must remind you that Godwood Academy is not what you imagine. There are no instructors to teach you, nor will you have any fellow disciples. Elder Yang is of advanced age and will have little time to guide you. I'll let you in on another secret: in a few years, Godwood Academy may not even exist within Central Celestial Academy anymore. You should think this through."

After finishing, Wang Tong gave a slight bow to Elder Yang. "Elder Yang, please don't take offense. As the one in charge of this entrance test, I have an obligation to inform students about the academies they're choosing. I mean no disrespect to you."

Elder Yang waved a dismissive hand. "You're right. Disciples certainly have the right to choose their masters. Lad, what he just said is more or less the truth. I'll ask you one more time: are you willing to join my Godwood Academy?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Ye Qingchen nodded. "I am willing to follow Elder Yang and join Godwood Academy."

Elder Yang burst out laughing and said to Wang Tong, "Did you hear that clearly, Vice Principal Wang? In that case, I'll be taking him with me."

With that, Elder Yang led Ye Qingchen away from the area.

Wang Tong snorted. "Old fool. Taking in a useless disciple like that. He's really scraping the bottom of the barrel."

Wang Teng also sneered, "Uncle, don't mind them. They're both desperate. One will take any disciple he can get, and the other will join any academy that will have him."

Wang Tong waved his hand. "Let's not waste any more energy on them. Continue the tests."

The commotion ended and the tests resumed, but the chatter about Ye Qingchen didn't stop. Everyone had first thought he'd gotten incredibly lucky, only to learn he had ended up in such a predicament. An academy with no future would only ensure its disciples had a bleak one. Those who were once envious of Ye Qingchen were now all gloating over his misfortune.

But what these people don't know is that my reason for coming to Central Celestial Academy was never about my future prospects. As long as I can join an academy—no matter how terrible—and get a chance to compete for a spot in one of the ten great Ancient Clans, I'll be perfectly happy. So, while they all sneer and gloat over my misfortune, I'm actually overjoyed!