After a few days of preparation, Xiao Feng finally successfully refined a special soul-protecting medicinal pill.
It was a Sixth-Rank Medium-Level pill specially designed to protect the soul from attacks and stabilize unstable soul fluctuations.
Not only could it protect against soul attacks from experts below the Peak Mortal Soul Realm at least once—
If the attacker's soul power was weaker, the protection could activate multiple times before fully disappearing.
Even Elder Su Qian and the two Guardian Elders were secretly amazed after hearing its effects.
After all—
Soul-related medicinal pills were among the rarest and hardest pills to refine on the continent.
Inside the courtyard, Xiao Feng handed the jade bottle toward Qing Lin.
"This pill will slowly merge into your soul sea after consumption," Xiao Feng explained seriously.
"It will protect you if someone tries using soul pressure or spiritual attacks against you."
"Your Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils are too special."
"We cannot afford any accidents."
Hearing his careful explanation, Qing Lin obediently nodded.
She did not even hesitate.
Without questioning anything, she directly swallowed the medicinal pill.
Seeing this, Xiao Feng could not help but smile helplessly.
"You trust me that much?"
Qing Lin softly held the corner of his sleeve and nodded innocently.
"Mm."
"Brother Xiao Feng would never harm me."
Hearing such pure trust, even Su Qian sighed emotionally from the side.
This little girl practically worshipped Xiao Feng blindly.
Soon after—
The group finally headed toward the Magical Beast Forest.
The people accompanying them included:
Su Qian.
Guardian Elder Qian Mu.
Guardian Elder Bai Lie.
Xiao Qiao Lin.
Xiao Yi Xian.
Zi Yan.
And four core trusted members of Xiao Feng's faction.
Their destination—
The territory of the Golden Horned Earth Python.
As the group arrived near the massive cave region, a huge pressure slowly spread outward.
Soon—
A gigantic golden python over a hundred meters long slowly emerged from the forest.
Its enormous body radiated terrifying pressure.
The surrounding magical beasts immediately scattered in fear.
The Golden Horned Earth Python respectfully lowered its head slightly toward Xiao Feng and the others.
However—
The moment its gaze landed on Qing Lin—
Its body suddenly stiffened.
A strange oppressive feeling instantly spread through its bloodline.
The Golden Python's pupils shrank violently as it stared at Qing Lin's emerald eyes.
For a brief moment—
Its mind even became dazed.
Only after several breaths did it forcefully regain clarity.
The huge beast immediately retreated half a step instinctively.
"What… what is this pressure?"
Its voice carried visible shock.
"This little girl…"
"Why does her gaze make my bloodline feel suppressed?"
Hearing this, the surrounding elders narrowed their eyes slightly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng calmly stepped forward.
Then he slowly explained Qing Lin's constitution and the terrifying nature of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
After hearing everything—
The Golden Horned Earth Python became completely stunned.
Especially after learning that Qing Lin could potentially control snake-type magical beasts absolutely in the future.
Xiao Feng calmly added,
"Any magical beast willing to stay beside Qing Lin will not be mistreated."
"They will receive medicinal pills regularly."
"Resources will also be provided."
"Although cultivation speed may temporarily slow due to the contract, their future potential and safety will greatly increase."
Hearing this—
Even the Golden Horned Earth Python itself became tempted.
It hesitated briefly before speaking carefully.
"If that is the case…"
"Can I also become her contracted beast?"
The moment those words came out—
Everyone nearby froze slightly.
Even Su Qian looked surprised.
A peak Rank 5 Magical Beast actually volunteering willingly.
However, Xiao Feng immediately shook his head.
"Not now."
"Your rank is currently too high."
"When Qing Lin reaches Dou Grandmaster or Dou Spirit level later, then you can consider becoming her main guardian beast."
Hearing this, the Golden Python felt slightly disappointed but still nodded respectfully.
Then Xiao Feng gave another order.
"Bring me snake-type magical beasts."
"Preferably Rank 4 and below."
"Those with decent bloodlines and growth potential."
The Golden Python immediately roared loudly toward the forest.
Soon—
The Snow Demon Sky Ape and the other transformed magical beasts also scattered throughout the forest to search.
Several hours later—
One magical beast after another returned.
Each of them carried snake-type magical beasts beside them.
Soon, a total of eight snake-type magical beasts gathered before everyone.
Some were fire-attributed.
Some possessed wind attributes.
Others had poison or earth affinity.
Seeing so many choices, even Xiao Feng became slightly conflicted.
Originally, he only planned for Qing Lin to contract a few weaker beasts first and slowly adapt to her abilities.
He did not want her to grow too quickly initially.
After all—
Her future path was already terrifying enough.
Xiao Feng planned for her to mainly cultivate:
Soul strength.
Body refinement.
And survival techniques.
As for direct combat—
The magical beasts would handle most of it for her.
After observing carefully, Xiao Feng selected two Peak Rank 4 snakes personally.
One possessed fire attributes and strong destructive ability.
The other specialized in speed and wind attacks.
"These two are suitable for offense and protection," Xiao Feng explained.
Then he looked toward Qing Lin warmly.
"The remaining choices are yours."
Hearing this, Qing Lin became nervous.
She carefully looked at the remaining magical beasts.
However—
Instead of choosing based on strength—
She simply pointed toward the prettiest-looking snakes.
One had elegant silver scales.
Another possessed beautiful emerald patterns.
And the last had crystal-blue eyes.
Seeing this, Xiao Feng could not help laughing helplessly.
"…As expected of a young girl."
Even Zi Yan burst into laughter nearby.
"She's choosing based on appearance!"
Meanwhile, the Golden Horned Earth Python dismissed the remaining magical beasts before seriously warning the selected snakes.
"You all should behave properly."
"Following her will bring enormous benefits."
"Do not be foolish."
Originally, the selected magical beasts were somewhat reluctant.
After all—
Being controlled by humans naturally made magical beasts uncomfortable.
However, once they learned they would receive medicinal pills, protection, and future opportunities—
Their attitudes immediately changed completely.
Some even became excited.
After all—
Having a terrifying future powerhouse supporting them was a massive opportunity.
Seeing the situation develop smoothly, the elders secretly sighed in relief.
Thankfully—
Things did not need to be solved forcefully.
Soon—
One emerald-scaled snake slowly approached Qing Lin first.
At this moment, Xiao Feng suddenly recalled vague details from the original story.
Thus he softly reminded Qing Lin.
"Look directly into its eyes."
"Do not be afraid."
"Feel the connection naturally."
Hearing Xiao Feng's instructions, Qing Lin gathered her courage and stared directly into the snake's eyes.
The next moment—
A strange energy fluctuation spread outward.
Green triangular flower patterns slowly appeared within Qing Lin's pupils.
The surrounding space instantly became eerily silent.
The emerald-scaled snake trembled violently at first.
Seeing this, everyone almost attacked instinctively.
However—
The violent fluctuation disappeared as quickly as it came.
Then, before everyone's shocked gazes—
Green flower-shaped patterns slowly appeared inside the snake's eyes as well.
Immediately afterward—
The massive snake rapidly shrank.
From several meters long—
To the size of a bracelet.
Then it transformed into a green ray of light and entered the strange pupil space within Qing Lin's eyes.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Everyone stared blankly at the scene.
Even Su Qian and the Guardian Elders showed shocked expressions.
"What terrifying eyes…"
Guardian Elder Bai Lie muttered softly.
Meanwhile, Su Qian slowly nodded with deep satisfaction.
Within those old eyes—
There was excitement impossible to hide.
Because they clearly understood—
If Qing Lin successfully matured—
Canaan Academy would very likely produce a future peak Dou Zun expert.
Possibly even—
A legendary Dou Sheng powerhouse.
Such an existence could completely elevate the academy's reputation throughout the continent.
Soon after—
Qing Lin successfully contracted all five magical snakes one after another.
And during the process—
The enormous energy feedback from the contracts directly pushed her cultivation from:
Four-Star Dou Practitioner—
To Eight-Star Dou Practitioner in a single leap.
Seeing Qing Lin's rapidly increasing aura, everyone present became secretly envious of her heaven-defying talent.
Just like that, another month quietly passed inside Canaan Academy.
Everyone gradually settled into their own routines.
Han Yue and Lin Xiuya were busy contacting their families and preparing medicinal ingredients.
Bai Cheng and Jia Yun had already begun their brutal training inside the Magical Beast Forest.
Qing Lin focused on cultivating her soul power and learning how to properly control her contracted snakes.
Xiao Yi Xian continued learning alchemy while stabilizing her Woeful Poison Body.
As for Xiao Feng—
Aside from refining pills and studying formations daily, he occasionally went to the Outer Academy to check on the Xiao Clan members.
This time, after spending some time with Xiao Yu and helping her solve a few cultivation problems, he headed toward Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's residence.
The moment Xiao Feng entered the courtyard, Xiao Li immediately laughed loudly.
"Hahaha! Rare guest!"
"Our great Sixth-Rank Alchemist actually remembered us?"
Xiao Ding also smiled helplessly.
"You disappeared for almost a month again."
"People outside are already calling you the number one genius of the Inner Academy."
Hearing this, Xiao Feng casually waved his hand.
"Those are just meaningless titles."
Then he directly sat down beside them while pouring tea naturally like he owned the place.
Seeing this familiar scene, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li relaxed considerably.
No matter how monstrous Xiao Feng became—
In front of them, he still acted like the same family member from before.
After chatting casually for some time, Xiao Ding's expression slowly became serious.
"Xiao Feng…"
"There is something about Xiao Yan."
Hearing that name, Xiao Feng's eyes flickered slightly.
Then Xiao Ding slowly explained everything.
Recently—
Xiao Yan's cultivation had regressed drastically.
From Four-Star Dou Practitioner—
Directly down to Eight-Star Dou Disciple.
Not only that—
His cultivation continued fluctuating unstably.
Even Xiao Chen and Xiao Mai had already checked his condition personally using alchemical methods.
Yet neither of them found anything wrong.
Hearing this, Xiao Li frowned deeply.
"We originally thought it was some hidden injury."
"But no matter how we checked, nothing abnormal appeared."
"His Dou Qi simply keeps disappearing mysteriously."
Then Xiao Li looked directly at Xiao Feng.
"You're the strongest and most knowledgeable among us now."
"Do you know what's happening?"
The atmosphere instantly quieted slightly.
Xiao Feng calmly drank a mouthful of tea while thinking internally.
Naturally—
He knew the exact reason.
Yao Lao.
The old spirit hidden inside Xiao Yan's ring was currently absorbing Dou Qi while secretly observing Xiao Yan's temperament and character.
This suffering was necessary.
Without this tempering process—
Xiao Yan would never properly develop the mentality needed for the future.
The future him would cultivate the Flame Mantra.
Refine Heavenly Flames.
Fight Hall of Souls.
And eventually stand against Hun Tiandi himself.
That path required terrifying willpower.
Thus—
Even Xiao Feng could not interfere casually.
After a brief silence, Xiao Feng slowly shook his head.
"I can't determine the exact reason either for now."
Hearing this, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li became disappointed slightly.
However, Xiao Feng continued calmly.
"It may be related to unstable foundations from cultivating too quickly previously."
"Sometimes rapid breakthroughs leave hidden problems behind."
"Especially during adolescence."
Then Xiao Feng deliberately created several logical explanations to divert suspicion.
He also added seriously,
"For now, don't pressure Xiao Yan too much."
"He needs support more than anything."
"Tell him to continue training his body and soul instead of focusing purely on Dou Qi."
"He should also study medicinal books and improve his knowledge."
"Sometimes cultivation is not only about strength."
Hearing this, Xiao Ding thoughtfully nodded.
"That actually makes sense."
Xiao Li also sighed.
"That brat probably feels terrible right now."
"He was praised as a genius since childhood."
"Now many people might be secretly mocking him."
Xiao Feng's expression became slightly cold hearing that.
"Then let them mock."
"The people who laugh today may not even qualify to look up at him in the future."
Hearing Xiao Feng speak with such certainty, both brothers looked slightly surprised.
However, they did not question further.
Soon after—
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li immediately began writing encouraging letters for Xiao Yan.
Watching them, Xiao Feng secretly smiled inwardly.
The Xiao brothers truly cared about family deeply.
After finishing the topic regarding Xiao Yan, Xiao Ding suddenly remembered something.
"Right."
"Why did you suddenly come to the Outer Academy today?"
Hearing this, Xiao Feng finally revealed his actual purpose.
"I found enough experts and guards."
"It's time to begin taking over a city in the Black Corner Region."
The moment those words landed—
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li immediately straightened their backs.
Their expressions turned serious instantly.
Because they knew—
Xiao Feng had been preparing for this plan for a very long time.
Then Xiao Feng calmly asked,
"The suitable city locations I requested before."
"Did you investigate them properly?"
Hearing this, Xiao Ding confidently took out several papers and maps from his storage ring.
"We already prepared everything."
The papers contained detailed information regarding multiple cities near trade routes, transportation paths, nearby factions, resource access, and defensive advantages.
Clearly—
The two brothers had worked extremely hard.
Xiao Feng carefully looked through the information one by one.
The more he read—
The more satisfied he became.
Finally, he nodded approvingly.
"Very good."
"This is exactly why professional matters should be handled by professionals."
Hearing Xiao Feng praise them directly, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li visibly relaxed.
Especially Xiao Li.
He directly laughed proudly.
"Hmph!"
"At least we're useful somewhere unlike certain combat maniacs."
Xiao Ding instantly kicked him lightly.
"Who are you calling combat maniacs?"
The atmosphere immediately became lively again.
Then Xiao Feng revealed another piece of information casually.
"From now on, there will secretly be a Dou Zong expert protecting our faction for five years."
The room instantly became silent.
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li froze completely.
"…What?"
"A… Dou Zong!?"
Seeing their expressions, Xiao Feng calmly nodded.
"He will remain hidden and won't appear publicly."
"Our public strength will only show a Six-Star Dou Huang."
"We can't expose too much too early."
Then Xiao Feng slowly explained his future plans.
The city would first function as:
A medicinal pill trading center.
An intelligence gathering point.
And eventually—
A foundation for their future faction.
"We'll mainly sell Fourth and Fifth-Rank medicinal pills publicly."
"At the same time, we'll slowly establish an information network across the Black Corner Region."
"Money, information, and resources."
"We need all three."
Hearing this, Xiao Ding inhaled deeply.
The scale of Xiao Feng's plans was becoming increasingly terrifying.
Then Xiao Feng suddenly asked,
"What about recruitment?"
"The students from the Outer Academy."
"The orphans and poor students I mentioned previously."
"Especially those with decent character."
Hearing this, Xiao Li immediately answered proudly.
"We already recruited twenty-five people."
"Ten of them are graduating this year."
"The weakest among them is already Mid-Level Dou Master."
"Several reached Dou Grandmaster level."
"The remaining students will graduate next year."
Xiao Feng nodded with satisfaction.
"What about alchemists?"
Hearing this, Xiao Ding smiled slightly.
"That part is even better."
"Because of your reputation, several talented students voluntarily joined us."
"We currently have six people with alchemist talent."
"Two of them already became official First-Rank Alchemists."
"They're currently learning under Third Alchemists. we are thinking of let xiao chen teach them sometime if possible"
"And honestly…"
"They practically worship you."
Hearing this, Xiao Feng finally smiled slightly.
"Good."
"That's enough for now."
"If medicinal pills become insufficient later, we can always request support from the Xiao Clan."
Then Xiao Feng slowly stood up while looking toward the distant Inner Academy direction.
The foundation had finally begun taking shape.