Right now, many kids would ask Yang Zhai one or two questions, when he orders them. They even flare at him sometimes. But, if they get used to obeying Yang Zhai's orders, then they would do everything Yang Zhai tells them to, without hesitation. Everything would seem normal to these kids, even obeying Yang Zhai's orders, after adapting to the situation.
All of the kids were immature. They obeyed elders because they were taught to. Respect toward elders was instilled in their instincts from when they were little. The atmosphere of a place can change a person, even a personality. Like, Yang Zhai's personality had changed because of this world. It was similar to when a person's body automatically adapts to a new atmosphere. A person who lives in a cold place would be able to endure more cold than a person who lives in a hot place. However, they would also be able to endure more cold after adapting to a cold place.
He could slowly make them his puppets.
Thus, Yang Zhai would always punish them for even a little mistake. And Yang Zhai took this opportunity to show everyone that they had to follow Yang Zhai's orders, no matter what.
"What did we do? We only moved because Elder Ren asked us to." One of the five kids was indignant with Yang Zhai punishing them.
He could not accept that they were being punished because they moved on the elder's orders.
Yang Zhai looked at the kid. He knew this kid. In his previous life, this kid had become the clan leader's assistant. After becoming his assistant, this kid began to win the hearts of the clan members, eventually becoming the clan leader. His name was Si Kim.
This kid had long white hair, which extended to his waist. His pupils were also white. His face was pure as jade. This kid's essence water limit was 74 percent. Not just that, but this kid was also ruthless when he became the clan leader. His every action was strict to an extreme point. Si Kim had even tried to forcefully marry Hyun Hae but was faced with a ruthless defeat and beating. Hyun Hae was bent on killing Si Kim, but he was saved by his loyal aides.
Yang Zhai was not surprised that a person with Si Kim personality would obey Yang Zhai without asking any questions.
But, Yang Zhai was not worried about this kid. Right now, he was nothing to Yang Zhai. If Yang Zhai wanted to, he could even beat Si Kim in front of everyone. And Si Kim would not even dare to fight back, as going against the class leader was akin to going against the clan.
After all, if Si Kim could even go against his class leader, then what was the guarantee that he would not go against the clan? If the clan someday punishes Si Kim, then would he try to destroy the clan as well? After all, a leader was chosen to make the kids adapt to accepting orders, to let them become subservient to the clan.
Yang Zhai looked at Si Kim and asked,
"Do you remember what I told you on the first day I became the class leader? Or have you forgotten that?"
"I do, but still…"
"If you do remember it, then why are you asking questions? My orders come first even before the orders of the elders; thus, you were bound to sit even if the elder ordered you." Si Kim was going to say something but was interrupted by Yang Zhai.
"Do you have anything else to say?" Yang Zhai asked.
"No, I am sorry." Si Kim lowered his head indignantly.
"Good, as you five kids did not stand up even after I asked for the kids —who moved— to stand up, you would be giving me 10 essence stones each till tomorrow. And you are to stand up until the night comes up." Yang Zhai said with a casual expression.
His Essence stones were almost coming to an end. After all, he had bought so many things, and he had also been using the essence stones to cultivate. Now, he only had 4 essence stones left. He needed these essence stones to cultivate. But the amount he had was not enough to last him even for two days.
Therefore, he thought of a new way to get essence stones, and that was to obtain them from the kids. This way, he would be able to obtain more essence stones whenever he needed to. He could also get these essence stones from the Moon Bull inn's manager, but he decided not to for now. He would only ask the manager when he needed these essence stones urgently or when he had no other way.
After all, if he came into contact with the Moon Bull inn's owner more often, he may arouse the suspicions of the forces hiding in the shadows. Yang Zhai not for even a second believed that nobody knew about what the manager of the Moon Bull Inn was doing. In the end, the manager was only a normal mortal. If even mortals could fool cultivators, then what was the benefit of becoming a cultivator?
Thus, Yang Zhai decided to extort these kids.
"What? Are you serious? Now we need to give essence stones as well." Si Kim's eyes widened when he heard Yang Zhai. He could not believe that Yang Zhai was asking for Essence Stones as a punishment.
"Well, remember one thing, whoever opposes me or argues with me will have their amount raised to twenty essence stones. Hence, whoever is unsatisfied can question me. But before arguing with me, think twice. So, I will ask again, so is there anyone who thinks that my punishment is wrong?"
When Yang Zhai said this, Si Kim gritted his teeth and lowered his head. He knew that Yang Zhai was not joking; so, it was better to not oppose Yang Zhai. The other four kids also lowered their heads. They were also about to question Yang Zhai's decision of giving ten essence stones to Yang Zhai as a punishment, but after hearing Yang Zhai, they gave up.
Elder Ren silently watched everything. He did not say anything at all. He also did not stand up for the kids who moved on his orders.
There were many reasons for elder Ren to not interfere: First, he knew that Yang Zhai's orders could not be defied by these 27 kids, no matter what, except if the Academy leader or the Clan leader interfered. Second, these kids had to become subservient to accepting orders without asking any questions. Third, he was interested to know what would become of these kids after their studies in the academy were completed under Yang Zhai's command. Fourth, Yang Zhai's methods were different. His ways to punish these kids, his attitude as if he was a natural-born leader, his understanding of the clan rules, his ways to deal with the elders and other matters, and his confidence when he spoke with the elders. Everything was different. As if he was experienced in dealing with these matters.
"This can only mean one thing. He has the talent to lead people. He has the talent to deal with different people. He is no normal boy.": Elder Ren thought. He would always get impressed by Yang Zhai.
"Elder Ren, sorry for taking your time. I ask that you take our class outside today. " Yang Zhai said politely. He asked elder Ren to take their class outside today to show these kids that they had to obey Yang Zhai's orders. This would destroy their remaining hope as well, making it easier for Yang Zhai to control these kids. Even the elders can't help them.
When Elder Ren heard Yang Zhai, he nodded. He did not reject it.
"This Yang Zhai is trying to destroy these kids' last hope as well. He is playing with their minds. And as these kids are only kids, they would be manipulated by him without them realizing it. This Yang Zhai is no normal kid. His planning is even more ruthless. His way to take everything under his control is merciless." Elder Ran thought. He understood Yang Zhai's actions.
Elder Ren was no fool. He could reach this level, not with just a fluke. He had been living in this system for a long time. He knew these tricks. This world taught everything to a person.
But Yang Zhai's tricks were even more profound.
"Pity that he only has 59 percent essence water; Otherwise, I am sure that he would have become the clan leader in the future. But, a person's intelligence is the most dangerous thing a person can have. And Yang Zhai is just a kid. Will he be able to dominate strength with his intelligence? " Elder Ren was lost in thoughts.
In this world, schemes did not matter as long as a person was powerful enough to contend against everything that came at them.
A world of true struggle.
And this was what Yang Zhai wanted to free himself from. Everything in this world was a prison to him, even himself. Yang Zhai was against even himself. A man who stood against the world and himself.
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