. At the outer courtyard of Canaan Academy, many students were chatting idly in small groups after a day of classes, trying to relieve their fatigue.
Suddenly
, two figures darting through the sky caught their attention. Although their speed was too great to discern their appearance, the enormous, roaring energy wings behind them were clearly visible, eliciting gasps of admiration from the students below.
After flying for a while, Elder Hu guided Lin Feng to land in front of an office building. Fortunately, it was already after work hours; otherwise, seeing such a young Dou Wang as Lin Feng would have caused another stir.
"Master Lin Feng, this is the vice-dean's office. Please wait a moment while I explain the situation."
Elder Hu led Lin Feng to a reception room and gestured for him to wait while he explained the situation to Vice-Dean Hu Qian.
Lin Feng acknowledged Elder Hu's greeting and, after he left, began to wander around the reception room.
"Simple and unadorned, yet the material exudes a subtle fragrance, which does match the image of the student I imagined."
"What!"
Just as Lin Feng was passing the time, an incredulous shout suddenly erupted from the top-floor office, as if its owner had heard some extraordinary information.
Fortunately, the office's isolation was quite good, and Lin Feng didn't bother to investigate, otherwise he would have witnessed Vice Dean Hu Qian's dumbfounded expression.
"Elder Hu really didn't lie to this old man? An eighteen-year-old Dou Wang, coupled with a fourth-grade alchemist, how could such a person be born in the Jia Ma Empire? In fact, it's impossible to see one like this even in the entire Northwest Continent."
After regaining his composure, Vice Dean Hu Qian slowly spoke to Elder Hu, observing his expression as if to see if he was possessed.
"Um, Vice Dean, I am, after all, a peak Dou Wang. For someone to be possessed by an evil spirit, it would have to be at least a Dou Wang of the same level, or even a Dou Huang. If someone of that level really intervened, could the admission team have returned safely?"
After confirming that Elder Hu was not talking nonsense, Hu Qian's expression gradually became serious. He stroked his beloved beard and fell into thought.
"Elder Hu, according to what you've said, Lin Feng has achieved so much at such a young age. It's clear that he's not someone that the forces in the Black Corner Region could cultivate. But he must have an extremely powerful teacher behind him, perhaps even a high-level alchemist. Why would he come to Canaan Academy?"
Elder Hu was also puzzled by Hu Qian's question. However, he believed that no matter what his plans were, a mere Dou Wang entering an academy full of powerful individuals couldn't possibly cause any trouble.
Of course, the final decision rested with Vice Dean Hu Qian, so he didn't say anything more.
"Very well! His future path isn't something we can decide just by discussing it here. I'd better go and see this extraordinary young prodigy for myself."
With that, he pushed open the door and headed towards the reception hall, followed closely by Elder Hu.
"Hahaha, no wonder young friend Lin Feng has achieved so much at such a young age. With such diligence, it's really not surprising."
Hu Qian, who had just entered, saw Lin Feng studying some scroll at his seat and couldn't help but sigh. The hard work behind genius was undeniable.
"This must be the academy's vice dean. He certainly has the demeanor of a teacher."
Seeing that the newcomer had slightly gray hair but a ruddy complexion and a cheerful voice, Lin Feng immediately recognized him as Vice Dean Hu Qian. He waved the scroll in his hand and continued.
"I don't deserve such praise from the Vice Dean; it was merely a review."
"Young friend Lin Feng is too modest. I am well aware of the impetuousness of young people; a young man as grounded as you is rare."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hu Qian got to the point.
"But I wonder, with such talent, why does young friend Lin Feng still need to enter Canaan Academy?"
Lin Feng, not intending to keep Hu Qian in suspense, repeated what he had told Yao Chen. Combined with his verifiable background as a native of the Jia Ma Empire, Hu Qian and Elder Hu nodded repeatedly, stroking their beards.
"My master from Zhongzhou taught me in my youth to seek refuge in the Jia Ma Empire."
Lin Feng's words were half-truths, making it difficult to discern the truth. After speaking, he asked Vice Dean Hu Qian,
"I wonder if my status as a Dou Wang and a fourth-grade alchemist is sufficient to secure a place at Canaan Academy?"
"Haha, Elder Lin Feng, you're too kind. How could Canaan Academy dare to refuse such a prodigy?"
After comparing Lin Feng's description with the information he received from Elder Hu, Hu Qian believed him to be 70% certain and immediately agreed to Lin Feng's request to become an elder. As for the remaining 30%, he would find out later by sending spies to investigate the Jia Ma Empire.
"The Vice Dean is very generous. Since that's the case, I have another piece of news that I won't hide from you two."
Seeing that Hu Qian agreed so readily, Lin Feng also planned to reveal a little more, which would help solidify his position in the academy.
"Actually, my alchemist rank has reached the fifth grade, which means I am a Dou Wang and a fifth-grade alchemist."
"What!!!"
As soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, Hu Qian and Elder Hu gasped in disbelief.
Seeing their expressions, Lin Feng understood and, after they calmed down, he spoke.
"Besides seeking protection, I also hope to gain the academy's support to break through to the sixth rank."
Upon hearing this, Vice Dean Hu Qian and Elder Hu exchanged a slightly awkward glance, and finally Hu Qian spoke up.
"Elder Lin Feng, to be honest, the highest-ranking alchemist in the academy is only Elder Huo, a peak fifth-rank. In the Black Corner Region, the highest-ranking alchemist is the Medicine King of Maple City—Han Feng!"
Seeing that the two seemed to have misunderstood something, Lin Feng explained.
"You two misunderstand. What I need is only support in terms of medicinal herbs. As for the sixth-rank alchemy technique, my master passed it down to me."
"Hahaha, this matter is simple. Elder Lin Feng, please rest assured, Elder Huo of the Alchemy Department will handle the handover."
Hearing Lin Feng's words, Vice Dean Hu Qian couldn't stop smiling. If the academy really gained a sixth-rank alchemist because of this... Even at a great cost, it would be worthwhile, let alone something as simple as providing protection and medicinal herbs—it's only what's expected.
"In that case, Elder Hu, please lead Elder Lin Feng to the Alchemy Department first. I believe Elder Huo will be delighted."
After instructing Elder Hu, Hu Qian turned to Lin Feng and said,
"Elder Lin Feng, you need to attend a meeting in a few days. It would be good if the elders and mentors could get to know each other, to avoid any misunderstandings. After all, Elder Lin Feng's youthful appearance makes it hard to believe he has achieved so much."
"Then I will respectfully comply!"
"Elder Lin Feng, please."
Elder Hu, having received the instruction, also rose and led Lin Feng to the Alchemy Department. After greeting Vice Dean Hu Qian, Lin Feng followed him out.
Only Vice Dean Hu Qian, stroking his beard, remained, watching Lin Feng's departing figure, sighing at the young prodigy. Then, he spoke to someone in the shadows.
"Go and investigate Elder Lin Feng's background."
This wasn't out of duplicity, but as the vice dean of the outer academy, the safety of the academy was his top priority.
As for Lin Feng, he had already arrived at a field filled with the rich aroma of medicinal herbs, led by Elder Hu.
Walking slowly through the medicinal field, Lin Feng saw many spiritual herbs suitable for refining third-grade pills, and even occasionally a few auxiliary herbs for refining fourth-grade pills.
As for the higher-grade herbs, they all had strict growth requirements, which couldn't be achieved through large-scale artificial cultivation.
After walking for a while, Lin Feng and Elder Hu finally saw an old man dressed in hemp clothing, bowing as he tended to a medicinal herb.
"Old man Huo, look what I've brought you!"
(End of Chapter)