Teacher by day, Farmer by passion

Shan Yifeng nudged Liu Mei with his elbow as he took another reluctant bite of the Spirit Apple.

"Junior Brother, don't you want to be strong like me? Keep eating!" he said smugly, puffing out his chest.

Yifeng scowled. "Hey! Unlike you, I don't have a bottomless pit for a stomach!"

Liu Mei giggled, rocking on her heels.

"Nah, Junior Brother, you're just jealous because I'm stronger!" she teased.

"Tch." Yifeng sulked, but still took another bite, chewing begrudgingly.

After a moment, he glanced at Liu Mei. "Hey, who do you think would win? Master or a Legend Rank?"

Liu Mei folded her arms and lifted her chin proudly. "Call me Senior Sister!" she declared. "And obviously, Master would win! He's the strongest!"

Yifeng scrunched his nose. "Then if Master's so strong, why doesn't he just go kill that Xiao Wuzi instead of looking for help?"

Liu Mei huffed, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "This is why you're the Junior Brother! Master doesn't need help—he's helping others!"

Yifeng blinked, processing her words. "Huh?"

She sighed dramatically. "Master isn't just solving his own problems—he's making sure everyone else can stand on their own too. If he went and crushed Xiao Wuzi alone, what happens when another problem shows up? We'd all still be weak, relying on him."

Yifeng furrowed his brows. "So… it's not that he can't do it alone, but that he chooses not to?"

Liu Mei nodded proudly. "Exactly! That's why he's the strongest!"

Yifeng let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Tch. Now I feel dumb for not realizing it sooner."

Liu Mei patted his shoulder with a smug grin. "That's okay, Junior Brother. You'll catch up one day."

Yifeng groaned, shoving another Spirit Apple into his mouth just to keep from arguing back.

Ace stepped into the room, arms crossed as he eyed the two children. "What are you two whispering about? The Spirit Apples won't eat themselves, you know."

Liu Mei nodded enthusiastically, her cheeks still stuffed with fruit. "Mhm! Yes, Master!" she mumbled, barely pausing her chewing.

Meanwhile, Shan Yifeng groaned inwardly

but forced himself to swallow another bite, his expression one of pure suffering.

Ace smirked. "Yifeng, do you realize how valuable these apples are? They help increase your innate talent."

Yifeng blinked. "Really? I thought those rumors about spirit apples were lies."

Ace shook his head. "No, it is real. Your soul power has been increasing rapidly because of all the Spirit Apples you've eaten. Look at Liu Mei—she's been given the exact same resources as you."

Yifeng turned to Liu Mei, who was still munching away happily, her eyes bright with excitement.

Ace continued, his voice steady. "If she surpasses you, it won't be because she's more talented—it'll be because she worked harder. The only thing holding you back is your own laziness."

Yifeng's eyes widened. "Ah! Okay, Master! I'll eat everything!" he declared, grabbing another apple with newfound determination.

Liu Mei giggled, watching as her Junior Brother suddenly devoured the apples like his life depended on it.

"Eat as much as you want. We cultivators don't get sick from overeating," Ace said casually.

Liu Mei paused mid-bite, tilting her head. "That's not true, Master. I got a terrible stomachache once."

Ace smirked. "That's because you eat anything in sight."

Liu Mei pouted but didn't argue. Instead, she took another bite, mumbling between chews, "Master, you're so mean."

Liu Mei munched on another Spirit Apple, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Master, what do I do if I get super strong?"

Ace leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Shan Yifeng, finally catching a break from chewing, jumped in. "She means if she becomes so strong that no one can beat her!" He grinned. "What if one day, even Master can't defeat her?"

Liu Mei puffed out her cheeks. "That's not what I meant! But… if I do get that strong, what should I do?"

Ace chuckled, tossing a Spirit Apple up and catching it effortlessly. "Then you protect the people who can't protect themselves."

Liu Mei considered his words, then nodded seriously. "Like you're doing?"

"Uh... Maybe. Exactly."

Shan Yifeng huffed. "But Master, what if I become stronger than you?"

Ace smirked. "Then I'll just train harder. You think I'd let my disciple surpass me that easily?"

Liu Mei giggled. "Master would never lose! But if I ever get super strong… I'll protect you too, Master!"

Ace ruffled her hair. "I'll hold you to that, Mei'er."

Ace sighed internally. You both are already stronger than me… both of you. But I need my dignity.

Liu Mei's instincts and raw power were terrifying, and Shan Yifeng's talent, despite his lazy nature, was undeniable. If they kept growing at this rate, he'd be left far in the dust.

No way am I letting that happen, he thought, smirking to himself. I'm your master. I'll stay ahead… even if I have to lie a little.

Ace stretched, watching his two disciples bicker with a small smile. But as much as he enjoyed their antics, he still had other responsibilities. Just as he was about to check on Lily, Liu Hong's voice echoed from outside.

"Xiao Zhi? Are you here?" Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire

Ace stepped out, meeting her gaze. "What is it, Aunt Hong?"

"Lily is feeling better," she said with a gentle smile. "She wants to see you."

"I'll be right there."

Turning back to his two disciples, he smirked. "Keep eating. I'm going to check on Lily, alright?"

Inside the dimly lit bedroom, Lily sat upright on the bed, propped up by a few soft pillows.

Though her face was still pale, there was a faint glow in her eyes—she was clearly feeling better. The once heavy atmosphere of the room had lightened, replaced by a quiet warmth.

Ace stepped inside, his gaze scanning her condition. "Lily, how are you feeling?" His voice was steady, but there was a trace of concern underneath.

Lily gave him a small smile. "Much better than before, master," she said, her voice still a little weak but carrying a determined undertone.

He said with a smile. "if you're feeling better, that's good. Anything you need?"

Lily looked up at him. "Actually... I think my situation can be sped up with Spirit Mangoes. If I eat them, I should get better faster."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "Spirit Mangoes, huh? If you believe so." Without hesitation, he opened his system storage, and in an instant, a plump, golden Spirit Mango materialized in his palm.

The fruit radiated a faint, soothing energy, its sweet fragrance filling the room.

He handed it to her. "Here. Eat up."

Lily's eyes widened slightly in surprise before she accepted the fruit with both hands. She bites right through it, reveling in its glistening, juicy flesh.

The moment she took a bite, warmth spread through her body, and a faint shimmer of spiritual energy danced across her skin.

She closed her eyes, savoring the taste. "It's delicious..." she murmured. "And I can already feel the energy working."

Ace watched her quietly. "Good. Just focus on recovering. You'll be up and running in no time."

Lily nodded, determination flickering in her gaze. "I will. And… thank you, master."