Ender's knowledge grew slightly, and while he disliked her, he couldn't deny that major clans had far more extensive knowledge than the common folk.
As he walked, keeping an eye on the surrounding soul beasts, he remarked:
"Your knowledge is much better than the common sort."
"Of course. If this had been in the past, you wouldn't even have access to such widespread common knowledge."
Hearing this, Ender realized there might be a story behind it. Since he was rather idle at the moment, he asked:
"Are you saying the things you've given me to read weren't available to ordinary people before? Just how long ago was this?"
"This isn't something from too long ago. A bald man named Tang Shide—who must've had something wrong with his head—compiled something called a cultivation manual. A whole bunch of secrets ended up spreading everywhere as a result."
Hearing this, Ender was taken aback. He said:
"Just how wise must someone be to do something like giving everything away for free? Judging by your tone, he must've done it on his own. What a noble act~"
Seeing him marvel as though praising that bald man, she struck him sharply on the head and said:
"Great commentary! Next time you get such an idea, keep your mouth shut."
While rubbing his head, Ender retorted:
"Wasn't I just talking a bit? Why are you so petty?"
"Hmph! Don't play dumb with me. You clearly know I don't like him, and yet you went and praised him."
Of course, Ender understood what Tang Shide's actions meant for both sides.
For commoners, this was undeniably a great act of kindness, as it helped countless people.
But for the major powers, this act was like kicking over their rice bowl.
Think about it—if people could cultivate on their own, why would they need to join others as subordinates? Wouldn't working for oneself be far more liberating?
In this world, there wasn't some miraculous elixir that only major powers possessed.
Soul bones were incredibly rare, maybe just one in ten thousand people ever seeing one, so they weren't even worth considering.
What ordinary folk sought when joining major powers was knowledge and protection. But usually, no one ever protected cannon fodder.
Now, with someone benevolent openly sharing enough practical knowledge, it was no different from being a living saint to the common people.
"But regardless of everything, you have to admit that while his actions might be despicable, they are undeniably a good thing for ordinary folk. His reputation must be stellar, right?" Ender commented.
Hearing this, she fell silent. She understood that from the perspective of the commoners, it was indeed a good deed.
But from her clan's perspective, it was like smashing their livelihood.
"You're not wrong. Outside, many people respect him and call him a great master, praising his profound knowledge, immense wisdom, and remarkable perseverance. Some even hail him as a living saint… But damn it! If he had actually researched these things himself, I wouldn't say a word. The problem is that he stole books from two major powers, mixed them together, and then slapped his name on them as the author." she said.
Ender was slightly surprised. He had already guessed that this person's behavior wasn't entirely honorable. Otherwise, her attitude wouldn't have been so hostile.
"I knew it! For him to get on your nerves like this, he must be a real scoundrel. Unlike me—someone so virtuous and deserving of far better treatment." he said with mock humility.
Of course, the latter part was nonsense. He was well aware of his lack of virtue.
While he had once been a good leader for centuries, his current self could hardly be called virtuous, as his goal now was the destruction of everything.
Ye Qingyun glanced at him with eyes full of pity, as though she were looking at someone intellectually deficient. She then turned away without saying another word.
Though no sound was made, her actions conveyed a powerful sense of ridicule to someone as smart as Ender.
"Damn it! Say something, will you? What the hell is that attitude supposed to mean?" he yelled.
She suddenly covered his mouth with her hand and said:
"Don't you know it's dangerous to shout in the forest? Soul beasts could be attracted by your voice. A few are manageable, but if you draw an entire pack, how are we supposed to fight them off?"
Ender's expression turned serious as he replied:
"My mistake. I'll be more careful next time."
He wasn't the type of old fool who couldn't admit fault or refused to accept being outdone by younger people.
Wrong was wrong, and right was right. As a scientist, he never believed in half-truths, because the rules of the universe were never ambiguous.
Ye Qingyun was slightly surprised. She said:
"This is rare. I don't often meet older people who admit their mistakes so readily. Usually, old folks are just a bunch of stubborn know-it-alls who think they're always right. Even when they know they're wrong, they refuse to admit it to save face. Oh, but how could I forget—you're shameless."
At first, Ender thought he was about to be praised. Who would've guessed it would end with her calling him shameless?
"Can't you just praise me for once?" he asked.
Hearing this, she rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a moment, then declared:
"When it comes to shamelessness, I'll gladly call you the strongest!"
He understood now. In this lifetime, he shouldn't expect any compliments from her.
Not that their relationship could be considered good, to begin with.
For Ye Qingyun, this relationship was about keeping Ender's life firmly in her grasp.
He had talent and an extraordinary past. To her, controlling someone like him was quite entertaining.
For Ender, he currently had no other choice. However, he could use her arrogance to get some additional support and quickly complete his plans.
"Stop!"
Her sudden command made Ender focus. Looking around, he noticed something massive approaching.
From the bushes, a large figure gradually emerged. When he saw it, Ender was utterly shocked. It was a… fierce capybara.
You heard that right—it wasn't a typical capybara with a chill demeanor. This one had a ferocious expression.
Its body stretched up to five meters long. Even a brown bear on Earth would have no choice but to surrender to this creature.
While Ender was stunned, Ye Qingyun smiled and said:
"Your soul ring has arrived. A 400-year-old capybara. You're lucky—it didn't take long to find one."
Hearing that it was a soul ring, Ender's earlier astonishment vanished instantly. He asked curiously:
"How do you know it's a 400-year-old soul beast?"