Inside the office of the Vice Dean of the Outer Court of Canaan Academy, a long-absent voice suddenly rang in Vice Dean Hu Qian's ears, causing him to be taken aback.
"Lin Feng?"
Looking at the spirited young man before him, and feeling the powerful aura emanating from him that was not yet stable, Hu Qian couldn't help but sigh. Although he had heard about his changes from time to time from the inner court, seeing it with his own eyes was still unbelievable to Hu Qian.
"Vice Dean Hu Qian, how have you been lately?"
"Hahaha, this old man is still in good health. Especially after learning that Elder Lin Feng had advanced to the sixth-grade alchemist, I even had a big drunken night with Commander Wu."
"Oh?"
"That Wu Tianlang fellow, when he heard that you had advanced to the sixth-grade alchemist, he was even happier than I was. After all, his chances of advancing to the Dou Zong realm are much higher than mine!"
Hu Qian laughed heartily, seemingly recalling Wu Tianlang's drunken state. After chatting and catching up for a while, Hu Qian began to get down to business.
"I certainly remember the promise the academy made to Elder Lin Feng. What business does Elder Lin Feng require the academy's assistance?"
"I wish to request the Vice Dean or Commander Wu Tianlang, along with several elders at the peak of the Dou Wang realm, to return to the Jia Ma Empire with me to seize an unclaimed treasure. What is the academy's opinion?"
Officially stating his request, Lin Feng replied,
"Since it's unclaimed, of course, there's no problem." Lin Feng's statement didn't violate the principles of Canaan Academy, so Hu Qian readily agreed.
"Elder Lin Feng, please wait a moment while I convene the elders' council to discuss the handover of duties."
After their discussion, Lin Feng greeted Hu Qian and headed directly to Little Fairy Doctor's location.
Watching Lin Feng's departing figure, Hu Qian couldn't help but sigh, "Truly a young prodigy! He'll likely surpass me soon."
Meanwhile, on the flower-lined path in the outer courtyard, Lin Feng walked briskly, hoping to see the figure of his heart sooner. Of course, he smiled and nodded in response to the students who greeted him respectfully with excited expressions.
Soon, led by a helpful student, Lin Feng arrived at Instructor Ruolin's classroom. Lin Feng presented the student with a third-grade pill as a token of gratitude, after which the student tactfully withdrew.
As he approached the classroom, Lin Feng slowed his pace, calming himself before preparing to present his best self to Little Fairy Doctor.
"Students, when using combat techniques, it's best to..."
Instructor Ruolin's gentle voice reached Lin Feng's ears first, but his gaze was completely drawn to a serene figure, his eyes unable to see anything else.
"Little Fairy Doctor!"
"Brother Lin Feng!"
Lin Feng had only murmured softly, but unexpectedly, Little Fairy Doctor seemed to sense his presence and suddenly turned around. Seeing the figure he had missed for over half a year, he couldn't help but exclaim with joy.
"Little Fairy Doctor?"
Little Fairy Doctor's actions attracted the attention of everyone in the class, and Instructor Ruolin also asked in confusion.
"Excuse me, I'm disturbing Instructor Ruolin's teaching!"
Since he had been discovered, Lin Feng appeared directly in front of everyone, apologized first, and then opened his arms to the figure that was already running towards him.
"Brother Lin Feng!"
Little Fairy Doctor quickly rushed into Lin Feng's arms, hugging him tightly to express her longing. Lin Feng greeted everyone and then disappeared from their sight.
Inside the courtyard where Little Fairy Doctor lived, the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, a riot of colors. However, the two protagonists paid no heed to this, simply embracing tightly.
After a while, Little Fairy Doctor slowly released her. "Brother Lin Feng, it was Fairy Doctor who lost her composure."
Reaching out to smooth Little Fairy Doctor's slightly disheveled hair, Lin Feng felt a pang of guilt seeing her slightly reddened eyes. He gently kissed her forehead and spoke softly.
"Fairy Doctor, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Little Fairy Doctor, slightly shy, rested her head on Lin Feng's shoulder. Neither of them spoke, cherishing this rare moment of reunion.
For the next three days, Lin Feng accompanied Little Fairy Doctor, who had taken leave, as she explored the entire outer courtyard. He knew that this return to the Jia Ma Empire would inevitably involve a great battle.
Little Fairy Doctor, currently only a mid-level Dou Ling, would be of no help in the fight, so Lin Feng didn't intend to bring her along.
"However, as a person with the Calamity Poison Body, Little Fairy Doctor can safely improve herself under the control of the Five Elements Sealing Technique. She's only at the intermediate-level Battle Spirit stage now. It seems I'll have to find time to take her to that place when I return."
After further reinforcing the Five Elements Sealing Technique within Little Fairy Doctor, Lin Feng bid her farewell and found Vice Dean Hu Qian, who was already prepared. Beside him was the very familiar Elder Hu, who was now smugly showing off to the elders around him.
"Hahaha, back then, it was my discerning eye that allowed Elder Lin Feng to apply to join the academy. That brought such a great change to the academy; even Elder Huo was able to advance to the sixth-grade alchemist realm because of it."
The elders, unaware of the situation, flattered him, making Elder Hu extremely proud, stroking his beard and laughing heartily.
"Elder Hu, how have you been lately?"
Lin Feng first greeted Vice Dean Hu Qian, then approached Elder Hu, an acquaintance. Seeing Elder Hu's smug expression with his back turned, Lin Feng couldn't help but chuckle. "Elder Hu is still the same."
"Master Lin Feng!"
The respectful voices of several elders made Elder Hu realize who it was. He turned around and, seeing Lin Feng, his expression immediately showed a hint of embarrassment.
"Elder Lin Feng, this old man..."
"Elder Hu, there's no need for that. I am truly grateful. Elder Hu was willing to lead me to the academy, and has helped me along the way."
Seemingly to express his gratitude, Lin Feng took out a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Elder Hu.
"Inside is a Spirit-Boosting Pill. I hope it will be of some help to Elder Hu!"
"This... Elder Lin Feng, what I did was merely within my duty. I cannot accept such a generous gift."
A flicker of interest crossed Elder Hu's eyes, but after a moment's hesitation, he still refused.
Lin Feng forcefully placed the jade bottle into Elder Hu's hand. "Elder Hu, if you don't accept it, you're disrespecting me."
"This…" Elder Hu hesitated for a moment, then accepted it. "I accept Elder Lin Feng's kindness. In this operation, I will certainly do my utmost to help Elder Lin Feng obtain that heavenly treasure."
After a brief preparation, Vice Dean Hu Qian summoned a peak fourth-tier griffin, and the elders leaped onto its back. Once everyone was in place, the griffin roared intelligently and took flight.
"Gama Empire, I'm back!"