Chapter 34

"I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, uncle."

Lian Ye watched Qianshou Feijian's departing back, murmuring softly.

Since he began being instructed by Qianshou Feijian, he could clearly feel that the other was, intentionally or not, instilling in him the idea of loving the village.

If he were an ordinary child, he would have been subtly influenced.

But Lian Ye is different; he has lived two lives, his worldview is already formed and hard to change.

Qianshou Feijian has been subtly telling Lian Ye that for Konoha Village, he can even sacrifice his life at crucial moments.

The safety of the village comes above all else, including one's own life.

But Lian Ye doesn't think so; after all, he is an "outsider" and doesn't have a strong sense of belonging to the village or the clan.

In his view, only staying alive himself is the most important thing.

He constantly strives to become stronger, just so he can survive in future ninja wars.

Lian Ye stood up, gazed into the distance, and said softly: "If I become strong enough in the future, I wouldn't mind helping you protect the village..."

As the saying goes: "When poor, cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, help the world!"

If one has the ability, one naturally wishes to help.

Without ability, taking care of oneself is more important than anything else.

Lian Ye began to continue his arduous training; becoming strong is a long process, unless you're a cheat, otherwise it takes years or even decades.

Yuan Fei Clan Land

The Yuan Fei Clan joined Konoha since its founding, qualifying as an elder-level family of the village.

The clan easily produces ninja proficient in Five Element Ninjutsu, possessing great combat strength; this is an important reason why Senju Hashirama valued and invited them to join.

At this moment, the current clan head of the Yuan Fei Clan, Yuanfei Zuozhu, had an excited, flushed face.

The reason is simple: the younger brother of the First Hokage, who had the best chance of becoming the Second Hokage, Qianshou Feijian, actually came to his house to visit!

"Lord Feijian, I don't know what brings you here this time?" Yuanfei Zuozhu asked cautiously.

Over the years, Qianshou Feijian has only come once, when the Yuan Fei Clan first joined Konoha, together with his elder brother.

As the saying goes, one doesn't visit the Sanbao Hall without reason.

Since Qianshou Feijian has come, there must be some major announcement.

Yuanfei Zuozhu unconsciously rubbed his fingertips, speculating in his heart about Feijian's intentions.

Qianshou Feijian's personality and manner of doing things are vastly different from his elder brother Senju Hashirama.

When dealing with such a person, one must be careful and cautious; it's best not to try to guess his psyche, or one will easily suffer a loss…

Yuanfei Zuozhu dismissed the thought of speculating about Qianshou Feijian's ideas.

Qianshou Feijian did not answer immediately; instead, he picked up the Red Tea on the table and began to sip it slowly.

Yuanfei Zuozhu wasn't in a hurry either; he simply watched quietly.

After a long while, Qianshou Feijian set down the tea cup.

Seeing this, Yuanfei Zuozhu's expression tightened.

Is it coming?

What exactly is the purpose of his visit?

"Clan Chief Zuozhu, I would like to have your son as my disciple; I don't know if you're willing?"

The expression on Yuanfei Zuozhu's face shifted from initial tension to shock, then to delight, and finally to excitement.

"You... you really want to take my son as your disciple?" His voice hoarse, his hands involuntarily trembling.

He couldn't be dreaming, could he?

Lord Feijian actually wants to take Ri Zhan as his disciple!

Given Qianshou Feijian's prestige in Konoha Village, becoming the Second Hokage is a sure thing.

In that case, Ri Zhan would have a Hokage teacher as his backing.

In the future, after I retire and Ri Zhan becomes clan chief, which family in Konoha Village would dare not give the Yuan Fei Clan face?

Under Ri Zhan's leadership, the clan's status will surely rise dramatically.

Perhaps the Yuan Fei Clan could one day become a great clan like the Senju and Uchiha!

The more Yuanfei Zuozhu thought about it, the more excited he became, nearly fainting from happiness.

Don't think this is just a simple acceptance of a disciple; there are many matters involved.

Qianshou Feijian nodded: "Yuanfei Rizhan is an excellent child; I believe with my guidance he will surely become an excellent ninja."

"I thank Lord Feijian on behalf of my son!" Yuanfei Zuozhu bowed deeply, his eyes gleaming.

Whether the Yuan Fei Clan can rise depends on you, Ri Zhan!

At this moment, Yuanfei Rizhan finally arrived late.

He had just been training; upon learning that Lord Feijian wanted to take him as a disciple, he came running without stopping.

Qianshou Feijian noticed the training marks on Ri Zhan's body, nodded almost imperceptibly, and said, "Yuanfei Rizhan, are you willing to be my disciple?"

Yuanfei Rizhan's breathing grew heavy, and he quickly replied:

"I am willing, I am so willing!"

He had always dreamed of becoming Lord Feijian's disciple...

Yesterday they were still fantasizing about being chosen by Lord Feijian; they never expected today's dream to come true, giving him a sense of unreality.

Seeing Ri Zhan agree, Qianshou Feijian said: "Meet at the Training Ground in Konoha Forest tomorrow at the Tiger hour; remember not to be late."

Having said that, he turned and left.

"Understood, Teacher!" Yuanfei Rizhan exclaimed excitedly.

Qianshou Feijian was speechless — this kid changed his tune awfully fast...

Next, he found Uchiha Jing, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, Xiaochun Zhuanqin, and Shuihu Menyan in turn.

Originally Xiaochun Zhuanqin was not within Feijian's consideration, but recalling that she had the potential of a Medical Ninja, he ultimately made an exception and admitted her.

After all, when carrying out missions in the future, the team would always need a Medical Ninja, right?

Furthermore, with a Medical Ninja among his disciples, the training intensity could be pushed a bit higher — anyway, any injuries could receive immediate treatment.

"Heh, this way these brats won't be able to use injuries as an excuse." Qianshou Feijian smiled very deviously.

Having taken in several disciples with decent talent, he was in a very good mood.

He wouldn't study the Uchiha today — he'd study a Forbidden Technique for fun instead.

Slipping Monghan Drug into Lian Ye's milk every day wasn't a sustainable solution either.

As time went on, Lian Ye's drug resistance was growing stronger and stronger; if this kept up, the Monghan Drug would lose its effect.

Qianshou Feijian planned to develop a new type of sleeping drug while researching the Forbidden Technique.

Otherwise, the Monghan Drug matter would sooner or later be exposed for sure.

By then, he would absolutely be slapped with labels like 【pervert】, 【evil scientist】, 【doesn't even spare children】, and the like by that kid Lian Ye.

Just thinking about that scenario made Qianshou Feijian's scalp tingle.

No matter what, this matter absolutely must not be exposed!

Never mind Lian Ye's reaction — if his eldest brother found out he was using Lian Ye for research, he would definitely be beaten to death...

That night, Yuanfei Rizhan and the others were too excited to sleep.

They were all looking forward to what tomorrow's training would be like.

But that night, Lian Ye rarely suffered from insomnia.

"Why can't I fall asleep?"

Having been in the Ninja World for over a year, this was his first bout of insomnia — he didn't even feel the slightest bit drowsy.

Normally he could fall asleep the moment his head hit the pillow, but today he simply could not sleep no matter what.

Lian Ye was utterly baffled.