"Help?" A flicker of interest flashed through Lin Yang's eyes, but he remained on guard. The black-clothed figure standing beside him had already shifted into an attacking stance.
"Please speak, Senior Captain Bai He."
Bai He glanced at Bai Chenxiang beside him and let out a soft sigh. "I've heard that young friend Lin Yang is a student at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. The teachers there must think very highly of him."
"Could you tell us more about Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Lin Yang was surprised by the question. Bai Chenxiang's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising several decibels. "Grandpa… you want me to go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
"Eh? You don't want to go?"
Want to go? Of course she did. She had grown up in Bai Family Village. The farthest place she had ever been was Yunlin City. After graduating from the Junior Soul Master Academy, she had always dreamed of seeing the outside world, but family circumstances had made it impossible. Unexpectedly, her grandfather was the one bringing it up now.
After only a brief hesitation, Bai Chenxiang nodded firmly. "I want to go."
Bai He nodded lightly. He understood his granddaughter better than anyone. Previously, the clan had been too poor to give her any other choice but to stay in this small village. But things had changed. He was rich now! With money, fulfilling his granddaughter's small wish was only natural. After all, how could someone blessed with a super-speed martial soul like Needle-Tailed Swift not yearn for a wider sky?
However, Heaven Dou Royal Academy did not accept just anyone. Especially since the Speed Clan's identity was highly confidential, they had asked Lin Yang to act as intermediary.
Lin Yang exhaled in relief. Bai He had no intention of breaking his promise—he simply wanted help getting Bai Chenxiang into the academy.
Lin Yang nodded. "No problem. Senior Bai He, may I ask how old Miss Bai is this year and what her current cultivation level is?"
"She turned ten this year." A faint pride shone in Bai Chenxiang's eyes. "I'm currently level 22—a Great Soul Master with two rings."
Lin Yang nodded. Reaching this level at such a young age clearly showed both talent and diligent daily training.
"Miss Bai is gifted. The academy will be more than happy to accept her as a student."
"But… I heard Heaven Dou Royal Academy only accepts children of nobles."
Bai Chenxiang spoke with visible worry.
Lin Yang smiled lightly. "There is indeed such a rumor, but it only applies to students without talent. Noble status is merely a ticket—a gilded ticket. Our academy does not reject true geniuses. On the contrary, we provide strong support. With your talent, entering will not be difficult."
Joy bloomed on Bai Chenxiang's face. "Really? That's wonderful!"
"However—" Lin Yang paused. Bai Chenxiang's heart jumped.
"However, what?"
"Senior Bai He, Miss Bai, I came this time to hunt my fifth spirit ring. Unfortunately, I cannot escort the two of you to Heaven Dou City."
Bai He burst into loud laughter. "No problem! I have an old friend in Heaven Dou City—he's the patriarch of a powerful clan. I'll take Xiangxiang there myself. When the time comes, just send someone to notify the Li Clan, Lin Yang."
"Understood."
Writing a simple letter of recommendation was nothing difficult for Lin Yang. After agreeing, he did not linger. Together with his skeletal clone, he left Bai Family Village.
After departing, he crossed the border without hesitation and headed for the Star Luo Kingdom. After traversing the entire principality, the group entered Star Luo Province and finally arrived at the Tiger Fury Mountain Range.
It had been a long, tedious journey.
...
Heaven Dou Empire, Eastern Palace.
Xue Qinghe stood by the window, her slender figure looking somewhat frail. Behind her, Snake Spear Douluo She Long was reporting Lin Yang's movements.
"Young Master, latest intelligence indicates Lin Yang has left Bai Family Village and is heading toward the Star Luo Empire. Based on the information gathered, his target is likely the Tiger Roar Mountain Range."
Xue Qinghe waved her hand. "Has the identity of the black-clothed man beside him been confirmed?"
"No." She Long shook his head. "He appeared out of nowhere. There is no information on him whatsoever."
"Could it be Dugu Bo?"
"Absolutely impossible!" She Long said with firm conviction. "Dugu Bo is still in Heaven Dou City."
"Interesting." Xue Qinghe stroked her chin, interest deepening. "The more I learn about Brother Yan, the more mysterious he becomes. What other secrets is he hiding from me?"
She lowered her eyelids and remained silent.
"Rather than guessing, it would be better to go there personally, reveal my identity, and meet him face to face."
She Long understood. The Young Master intended to go herself.
"Young Master, what about matters here in the palace…?"
"Don't worry. Everything has been arranged. There will be no problems departing for now."
"Yes."
...
Half a month later, Lin Yang finally set foot in Star Luo Province of the Star Luo Empire.
Star Luo Province was the core region of the Star Luo Empire, much like the imperial province of Heaven Dou. The terrain resembled a vast basin. To the north lay the Starry Sky Forest; to the south, the Tiger Power, Tiger Fury, and Tiger Roar Mountain Ranges formed a natural triangular barrier separating the region from other principalities.
Star Luo City, the heart of the empire, sat at the center of the province. To guard against sudden beast horde attacks, nearly half the empire's army was stationed here.
After arriving, Lin Yang did not rush straight to Tiger Fury Mountain. He first spent time exploring the surroundings and experiencing the local customs. Compared to the somewhat extravagant Heaven Dou Empire, Star Luo felt far more solemn and orderly. Soldiers patrolled in perfect formation; pedestrians instinctively gave way.
After two days of rest in a small town—sampling local delicacies and purchasing a map of Tiger Fury Mountain—Lin Yang quietly headed south on the third day.
The Tiger Fury Mountain Range lay at the southernmost tip of Star Luo Province, connected to the Tiger Roar and Tiger Might ranges, stretching thousands of miles. It was home to countless spirit beasts, especially tiger-types, and ranked as the second-largest soul beast gathering place in the Star Luo Empire after the Star Dou Great Forest.
Three more days of travel brought Lin Yang to the outermost edge of Tiger Fury Mountain Range. Endless mountains stretched before him, forests ablaze with vibrant colors.
"Finally here."
Lin Yang took a deep breath. The cold air filled his lungs and instantly refreshed him. Without hesitation, he and his skeletal clone stepped into the mountains and forests.
...