This time, the contemplation lasted much longer than before. During this questioning process, You Chen skillfully used a bit of hypnotic technique, aided by his high mental state.
Of course, there was no malicious intent—just a desire to help Yan better explore his true feelings and provide honest answers.
Otherwise, how could Yan genuinely consider You Chen's scenario instead of merely replying with "I choose Nana" without thinking?
Without the changes over the past two months that lowered Yan's sycophant level, You Chen would have had to delve deeply into hypnosis to get Yan to truly think before answering.
But that would leave too many traces.
You Chen didn't mind lending a hand to his student, but not at the cost of creating trouble for himself.
After a full minute of silence, Yan finally gave a firm answer: "I choose Nana."
Although the answer was the same as it would have been in full sycophant mode, the underlying meaning was entirely different.
Observing Yan's changing expressions, You Chen smiled slightly and continued, "Now let's switch it up: Hu Liena remains your childhood friend, but her talent swaps with that of the girl you mentioned. What would your answer be then?"
Yan's eyes widened with a flicker of struggle.
Nana's talent, becoming like that girl's...
Under You Chen's guidance, a picture quickly formed in Yan's mind.
A less talented Hu Liena, apart from being more attractive, was just one of many ordinary female classmates who admired him.
'No, with Nana's personality, she'd still prefer attractive people. Like some of the girls I've met these past two months, some were quite cold towards me, so...'
They would drift apart.
He would become the next generation's main force, a core member of the Spirit Hall team, winning the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, eventually entering the Spirit Hall's core leadership.
Meanwhile, Hu Liena, lacking enthusiasm for cultivation, wouldn't have the motivation to train once her aptitude diminished and could no longer bring her attention and vanity. As an adult, she would become a yellow-clad deacon as a Spirit Ancestor, with a future ceiling at most as a black-clad bishop...
Hu Liena, however, would prefer to become the wife of a handsome black-clad bishop, living a leisurely life under his care.
As a platinum bishop, he could use his power to take Hu Liena from that black-clad bishop, but he wouldn't ignore her wishes to do such a vile thing.
He... still liked Hu Liena.
But childhood feelings would fade over time, and they would drift apart due to their differing standings.
"Ugh."
The vision ended, and Yan returned to reality.
Raising his head, Yan's face momentarily displayed maturity and seriousness beyond his years: "I think... I'd still choose Nana."
Yet, You Chen wasn't concerned with Yan's resolve, merely nodding and shaking his head: "You're only eight, where does this deep affection come from? Yes, you like Hu Liena now, but to be precise, you like someone who's been with you for a long time and is aesthetically pleasing to you. Other factors, like personality and ability, while not entirely irrelevant, aren't necessary conditions for you—or rather, for the current you."
Yan insisted, "But... that person just happens to be Nana, doesn't it?"
At this moment, Yan's face displayed uncharacteristic confidence and wisdom.
You Chen sighed, covering his face, "In other words, as long as she's pretty, even an ordinary person, you'd likely develop feelings. But Yan, haven't you noticed? No, you must've realized by now, Hu Liena probably won't like you, but with ordinary girls, even some Spirit Masters, it's hardly difficult to win them over. Finding someone as attractive as Hu Liena isn't particularly hard. While there are few Spirit Masters, humans in this world are as numerous as ants."
Yan couldn't help envisioning a girl as beautiful as Hu Liena, lacking talent but quickly charmed by him, his breath quickening.
You Chen was right; did Yan care about Hu Liena's personality or abilities?
It was merely that Hu Liena was pretty, with talent matching his, spending time together, leading to his affection.
"With your destined strength, finding an excellent woman who likes you back is far less difficult than becoming a Titled Douluo. It's no different from choosing Hu Liena. But focusing solely on Hu Liena, the chances are nearly zero, while with others, it's just a matter of time. This girl would lack Hu Liena's temper, be more accommodating, offer you comfort at home, and be a harbor for your soul."
"No! Stop! I don't want to hear anymore, Teacher!"
Yan covered his ears, kneeling on the ground.
He couldn't resist the temptation!
He couldn't deceive himself!
If a more agreeable Nana liked him, he definitely wanted it!
But wouldn't that make his affection shallow?
Wouldn't that make his persistence seem foolish?
Taking the long route for something easily obtained, wasting time, enduring scorn, and sacrificing dignity as a man?
Tears started to fall!
What had he been doing all this time?
You Chen's gaze softened, using his voice to reach Yan, breaking through his mental block.
"Yan, you're only eight. You have a good chance of becoming a Titled Douluo. In the grand scheme, Hu Liena's time with you is less than 3% of your life. If you enjoy the self-inflicted pain of pursuing someone who won't reciprocate, then forget what I said.
But if not, you have countless choices ahead, countless people who could take Hu Liena's place in your life. At your age, your preferences could change entirely.
If so, your current struggles and wasted time are meaningless. Shouldn't you focus on learning and training, then find your dream partner from a stronger position?"
As You Chen spoke, a golden aura seemed to surround him. Oh, it was just the sunset.
"Teacher, I understand!"
Yan raised his head, eyes brightening, "Damn, women will only slow down my training! From now on, I'll cut out unnecessary distractions and, once I'm invincible, I'll take over the world!"
"... Uh, Yan, that's a bit extreme."