The Cruel First Lesson

"You can rest assured, Young Master Mo, I will meet your expectations."

Inside the teahouse, Ye Shu cupped his hands in a fist salute, a perfectly measured smile on his face, and gave a slight bow. Then he turned to look at the man at his feet, his expression instantly turning icy cold, like a performer changing masks in a Sichuan opera.

"You... do you realize what kind of figure you are insulting!"

The man, staring at the scroll painting trampled underfoot, trembled with rage, his lips quivering uncontrollably.

Hearing this, Ye Shu sneered and deliberately stomped on it once more.

"Hah..."

"So-called unparalleled throughout the ages, the World's Supreme Prodigy—in my eyes, he's nothing but... a dead man."

"Why mourn a corpse?"

"Can he jump out and strike me now? A handful of ashes—is that worth your groveling praise?" Ye Shu stepped on the painting, his cold gaze fixed on the man, a mocking smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Look at you, all resentful and furious in your eyes. Feeling wronged?"

The man said nothing, merely glaring at Ye Shu as if his gaze could kill—if looks could kill, Ye Shu would have died countless times.

Yet Ye Shu was utterly unconcerned.

He gave a cold laugh and said, "Listen up, let me teach you a lesson today!"

"This world has never been about reason. You think a few words can silence others, but even if you shut their mouths, they still have fists and feet to strike you."

"A challenge without backing is nothing but foolishness dressed up as courage."

Ye Shu sneered, cupped his hands again, and waved them slightly in Mo Yu's direction, as cringeworthy as a lackey flaunting his master's authority. "Boy, you're lucky our Young Master Mo is in a good mood today and hasn't ordered your death."

"But while you escape death, you won't escape punishment."

He fumbled in his pocket for a moment, then pulled out ten copper coins, tossing them at the man's feet.

"Let it not be said that the Mo family bullies you!"

"Today, these ten coins are your reward. Take them, curse that so-called World's Supreme Prodigy as 'utter trash,' and if you perform well enough to amuse our young master, perhaps he'll spare your life."

The copper coins hit the floor with a crisp, almost cheerful sound.

Even the onlookers in the teahouse found the scene hard to stomach, a simmering anger rising in their hearts.

Wasn't this pure bullying?

Hitting a man where it hurts most—everyone could see the man's reverence for the figure in the painting, yet this scoundrel still forced him to publicly insult his own idol, and all for ten paltry copper coins, as if tossing scraps to a beggar? It was a deliberate trampling of the man's dignity!

For a proud man.

This was worse than death itself.

The crowd shook their heads in silent protest, cursing Ye Shu as a "lackey" in their hearts.

The man stared at the coins on the ground for a long, stunned moment.

"What's this?" Ye Shu glanced at him. "You think I've given too little? Ten coins are enough for two bowls of noodles."

"Or do you prefer death?"

The final words dripped with undisguised murderous intent.

The man shuddered, lifted his head to look at Ye Shu, and suddenly tears streamed down his face. Trembling, he bent down to pick up the coins, carefully tucking them into his pocket.

"Fine... I'll curse him."

"Ye Shu... is utter trash, no genius of the ages, just... a dead man."

"Now that's more like it."

Ye Shu nodded with satisfaction, a slight smile on his face.

The patrons around watched this scene, their anger nearly boiling over. What could be more chilling than watching a man have his backbone forcibly broken?

The Mo family had gone too far!

But no one dared to speak up, fearing they'd be the next to have their spine crushed.

Still, their rage was not gone.

It was buried deep, like embers hidden under gray ash, waiting for a wind to sweep through and blaze across the sky.

"Alright, get lost."

Ye Shu gave him one last glance, his tone cold.

The man said nothing, silently picking up the badly trampled scroll painting, and walked out of the teahouse without a word.

At the door, he turned and looked deeply at Ye Shu, as if burning his image into memory.

But Ye Shu didn't spare him a second look.

He spun around, instantly donning a fawning, ingratiating expression, scurried back to his seat, rubbed his hands together, and gazed eagerly at Mo Yu, grinning flatteringly. "I hope my performance met with Young Master Mo's approval?"

"Hm, it was indeed passable."

Mo Yu nodded slightly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Seeing this, Ye Shu beamed and quickly added, "Young Master Mo may not know, but I've often heard of the young master's exploits back in the branch family. Meeting you today, I see they don't disappoint."

The Mo family disciples at the same table exchanged glances. They had been itching to step forward earlier, but this guy had beaten them to it.

Now, watching his sycophantic display...

Clearly, bootlicking wasn't something just anyone could do.

"Well then, tell me about my deeds," Mo Yu said, a glint of approval in his eye. "What are they?"

"Heh, if I must name the pinnacle of Young Master Mo's exploits, it's undoubtedly leading the campaign to annihilate the Green Profound Sect, which colluded with the demonic path in the Eastern Wasteland, and cleansing a great scourge for the righteous path!" Ye Shu spoke with fervor, chattering endlessly as if he'd witnessed it all firsthand.

"You know, I've always been Young Master Mo's most loyal supporter."

"I admire you, Young Master Mo!"

After this torrent of flattery, everyone present was impressed.

The common disciples admired his sheer audacity. The main-branch Mo family disciples admired his genius for sycophancy.

Sure enough, Mo Yu burst into hearty laughter.

"Good! Excellent!"

"For this upcoming expedition into the ruins, you'll stay by my side. I've been missing just such a talent as you!"