Noble behavior? You Chen's lips twitched slightly. Knowing Bibi Dong's disdain for the Angel Martial Spirit, he couldn't help but find it amusing.
Even if he revealed this truth to Hu Liena, Bibi Dong's ardent follower, she would probably just dismiss it as him slandering Bibi Dong.
Shaking his head internally, he continued, "I don't care if your actions are righteous or not, little girl. If you come here causing trouble without proper authorization, even as the Pope's disciple, I can still throw you out of my house."
Upon hearing this, Hu Liena wasn't angered; instead, a sly look flashed in her eyes.
You Chen's lips curled slightly, "Oh, and if you think that, given your age and status as the Pope's disciple, I wouldn't dare do anything to you, and you plan to keep coming back to cause trouble even if thrown out..."
Slap!
A crisp sound echoed.
Hu Liena jerked upright, her face turning as red as an apple.
"You, you!"
—Did you just spank me!?
Hu Liena didn't say the complete sentence aloud. After all, it was too embarrassing.
Yan was confused, but the more perceptive Xie Yue noticed something off about Hu Liena's movements and quietly lowered his head, pretending not to see anything.
Yet internally, he was shocked.
'Is this the power of Teacher You Chen!?'
Xie Yue's Moon Blade was incredibly fast, and to better control it, he had developed outstanding dynamic vision.
Even without the enhancement typical of beast martial spirits, his dynamic vision was the best among the Golden Generation trio.
As a genius, coupled with his experience in the Soul Arena, Xie Yue was naturally confident in his abilities, believing that even a soul elder's explosive speed couldn't escape his eyes.
However, he only reacted after You Chen's slap landed on Hu Liena.
Xie Yue silently broke into a cold sweat, curbing his subtle disdain for You Chen.
Truth be told, though he outwardly showed You Chen an apologetic demeanor, internally he didn't find Hu Liena's aggressive actions excessive.
After all, he, Yan, and Hu Liena were already soul elders at a young age, while the 35-year-old You Chen was merely a soul elder.
The gap of one major rank could easily be closed in a few years.
Besides, all three had top-tier martial spirits, and You Chen? Rumor had it he only possessed a mid-tier martial spirit?
And wasn't it You Chen himself who taught them about the difference in martial spirit quality?
Xie Yue understood well that in Douluo Continent, strength was paramount. No matter how knowledgeable, it was ultimately in service to combat spirit masters like them.
Perhaps his thoughts weren't wrong.
But at least for now, he had no right to underestimate You Chen.
That terrifying speed and skillful technique proved that You Chen wasn't just an ordinary soul elder with a mid-tier martial spirit.
As a renowned theoretical master, maybe despite his average talent, he had found a unique path through studying his martial spirit?
He couldn't see through You Chen.
For the moment, You Chen remained the stronger party, and he, the weaker.
You Chen would likely become a soul king soon. He needed at least five or six years to reach that level.
Until his strength surpassed You Chen's, he should exhibit the proper respect toward a stronger individual.
Thus, unbeknownst to the other three present, Xie Yue's inherent arrogance quietly subsided.
At this moment, You Chen's focus was entirely on Hu Liena. He smiled kindly, "Even the Pope must have a reason. I'm just teaching a lesson to someone who barges into my home uninvited. Even the Pope can't argue with that."
Truly, those without desires are strong.
He had already gleaned all the knowledge he desired from the Spirit Hall.
Like a government worker not seeking promotions or raises, as long as he followed rules and avoided major mistakes, his job was secure.
The Pope wasn't all-powerful in the Spirit Hall because of Qian Daoliu's presence. Bibi Dong wouldn't dare act rashly against You Chen.
As for salary cuts, job transfers, or exclusion from key projects, You Chen was indifferent.
Why would he fear anything?
The dark times hadn't arrived yet. If You Chen chose to slack off, he'd be untouchable.
Seeing You Chen's fearless demeanor, especially his disregard for her revered mentor, left Hu Liena momentarily speechless, her face alternating between pale and flushed with anger.
"I don't understand why you harbor such resentment against me, but as your former teacher, I hope we can part on good terms."
You Chen's tone was sincere, yet Hu Liena didn't appreciate it and left in a huff.
Xie Yue quickly bowed in apology to You Chen before chasing after her, leaving Yan alone.
"Teacher, I apologize on Nana's behalf."
Yan said, looking conflicted, "I don't know what's gotten into her. She used to be willful occasionally but never to this extent."
You Chen shook his head, thinking, should I tell you this little girl has been brainwashed by our esteemed Pope? That Bibi Dong has been slandering me behind the scenes?
There's no need, truly no need. Bibi Dong might mix personal grudges into teaching, influencing the next generation's worldview, but You Chen wasn't stooping to that level.
When the little ones matured and formed their own views, it wouldn't be too late to reveal the darkness of the adult world.
So, You Chen simply said, "Even if you're childhood friends, family members shouldn't be conflated. If Hu Liena's in the wrong, it's not your place to apologize for her."
Yan nodded, eyes brightening. He admired his teacher's fairness and openness.
In Yan's eyes, You Chen was not only a scholar of unparalleled knowledge but also a caring mentor who would help with both academic and personal issues.
Thus, even though Hu Liena apprenticed under the Pope, Yan never envied her.
Yet, recalling recent rumors and You Chen's comment about parting ways, Yan's gaze darkened.
"Teacher, I heard you're leaving Spirit City soon. Is it true?"