Word Count: 2,796 Words
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The two young women rushed toward Ling Bai. His eyes brimmed with mirth as he spread his arms, ready for a warm, long-awaited embrace.
"Bastard, why didn't you just die in Jialing City!!!"
Wu Feng suddenly ducked her head and launched herself like a human rocket, her legs exploding with force as she drove straight into Ling Bai's chest.
Boom—
The heavy, muffled impact made Ji Juechen's and Jing Ziyan's eyes twitch violently. They secretly wondered if Ling Bai had some vendetta with this girl, considering she greeted him with an iron head technique right off the bat.
Ling Bai glanced down at Wu Feng, who kept drilling into his chest, then met Ning Tian's gaze. Seeing her sapphire eyes struggling to contain their excitement, he smiled and said, "I came to see how you two were doing. Honestly, I was a little worried you might be getting bullied, but it looks like you've become the goddesses of the Sun Moon Imperial Academy instead."
"But of course! The line of people pursuing us could stretch from Mingdu all the way to the Mingdou Mountain Range!"
Wu Feng flicked her crimson ponytail, the flying red strands brushing against Ling Bai's face. The spot on his clothes where she had pressed herself was now slightly damp.
"They're pursuing Xiao Tian, not you."
Ling Bai corrected, then quickly added before Wu Feng could erupt, "The experimental zone has too many prying eyes. Let's go somewhere else to talk."
"Alright."
"You two, we'll take our leave now."
After bidding farewell to Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan, Ling Bai turned and left with Ning Tian and Wu Feng, drawing countless envious and jealous gazes in their wake. Ji Juechen stared longingly at Ling Bai's retreating figure, making Jing Ziyan's expression gradually turn strange.
The Sun Moon Imperial Academy covered an enormous area. The three of them found a secluded path to talk.
The two young women walked on either side of Ling Bai. Wu Feng puffed out her cheeks, her eyes filled with dissatisfaction. "I finally got to spend some quality time alone with Ning Tian, and you ruined it the moment you arrived! Truly a scourge that lasts a thousand years. You should have just died in Jialing City!"
Her overflowing resentment could have sustained ten Evil Spirit Masters.
"Don't listen to Xiao Feng."
Ning Tian winked mischievously, exposing Wu Feng's true colors. "When she heard you went missing, she secretly cried into her blanket."
"Really? That touching?"
Ling Bai turned Wu Feng around, seemingly determined to get to the bottom of this.
"I... I... crying a tiny bit is reasonable, right?"
Wu Feng's face turned bright red as she stubbornly defended herself. "After all... we... we grew up together."
"Is~ that~ so~"
Ling Bai deliberately drew out his tone. Wu Feng instantly turned so red she looked like she was about to emit steam.
"After crying, she even ran out to burn paper money for you." Ning Tian delivered the finishing blow.
"Ahhhhh! Ning Tian, stop talking!"
Wu Feng felt as if her underwear had been stripped away. That vacuum-like cool sensation of shame made her want to dig a hole and crawl into it.
Her feelings toward Ling Bai were complicated. When he was far away, she couldn't help missing him. When he was close, watching Ling Bai and Ning Tian's intimacy made her inexplicably irritated, so she could only awkwardly wedge herself between them.
To prevent Wu Feng from becoming embarrassed enough to launch a physical assault, Ling Bai changed the topic:
"Now that this battle is over, does that mean you've both been admitted to Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
"Yes, and both Xiao Feng and I have the status of Shrek exchange students, enjoying the same treatment as Illustrious Virtue Hall disciples."
A trace of yearning appeared on Ning Tian's pretty face at the mention of Illustrious Virtue Hall. It was the holy land all Spirit Guidance Masters on the Douluo Continent dreamed of.
"Both of you? Wu Feng, you're learning Spirit Guidance Devices?"
Wu Feng looked proud. "I have a talent for Spirit Guidance Devices!"
"Don't underestimate Xiao Feng. She's particularly skilled at forging rare metals."
"Makes sense. The brute girl's got the strength of an ox."
Ling Bai hit the nail on the head while rubbing his slightly aching chest.
"I'll bash you to death, you jerk!!!"
Wu Feng flew into a rage, but this time Ling Bai anticipated and blocked her bull charge.
While holding Wu Feng back with one hand, he asked Ning Tian, "I heard from Aunt Yu that you've connected with an Illustrious Virtue Hall smuggling line?"
Ning Tian replied lightly, "I spent some money to grease the wheels. The ringleader, through intermediaries, expressed willingness to cooperate and agreed to discuss things in detail with Auntie at Linglong Pavilion."
"Money really does make the world go round..." Ling Bai sighed.
"Absolutely!"
Wu Feng gave up attacking Ling Bai and puffed out her chest proudly. "Any Spirit Guidance Device that catches Ning Tian's eye, she orders a version without self-destruct mechanisms through the network at five times the price to take back and dismantle. Once the exchange program ends, our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's Spirit Guidance Device standards will definitely make a qualitative leap!"
"..."
Ling Bai was speechless. Good heavens, isn't this just a wealthier version of Huo Yuhao!
If Huo Yuhao took a liking to a certain Sun Moon Spirit Guidance Device, he would use his spiritual power to memorize it and then hide in his dormitory sketching blueprints. Ning Tian, on the other hand, would simply wave her hand and buy the finished product for research. Their methods differed, but achieved remarkably similar results.
The three of them chatted for a while. In the afternoon, Ning Tian and Wu Feng had to enter Illustrious Virtue Hall to study Spirit Guidance Device knowledge with their teacher. Ling Bai, being an outsider, naturally wouldn't be allowed into such a top-secret location. The three parted ways after having lunch together in the academy cafeteria.
Suddenly, Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan leaped out from the roadside bushes. Ji Juechen, holding a newly bought Class 6 Spirit Sword, declared that he had gained new insight into Sword Intent and wished to challenge Ling Bai again.
Jing Ziyan: Me too!
After a round of clangs and a solid thrashing, Jing Ziyan collapsed with swirling eyes while Ji Juechen stared at his shattered Spirit Sword, contemplating life. After his contemplation, he sincerely invited Ling Bai to stay at the Sun Moon Imperial Academy for a while so they could spar and improve together.
Ling Bai agreed. Wearing the skin of a Shrek student, whether an exchange student or not, Jing Hongchen couldn't do much to him out of concern for the Hongchen siblings' safety and Meng Hongchen's feelings. He might even need to protect him within academy grounds.
Moreover, four hidden Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters resided within the Sun Moon Imperial Academy. This would make any 'big fish' attracted by the 'small fish' think twice before acting.
Once confirmed that the 'big fish' wouldn't capsize the boat, it would be time for the much-anticipated reeling in of the net.
...
Sun Moon Imperial Academy, Teaching Director's Office.
The documents piled on Lin Jiayi's desk were high enough to bury him. Most concerned the Shrek exchange students. The Sun Moon Imperial Academy had to constantly maintain a delicate balance: not allowing them to be harmed, yet also preventing them from learning core knowledge.
Not long ago, Teacher Xu from the registration office had reported to Jing Hongchen that Shrek's Ling Bai had entered the academy. Jing Hongchen's instructions were clear: pretend not to know for the time being. As long as he didn't approach Illustrious Virtue Hall, he could do whatever he pleased.
Bang—
The door was violently pushed open. The crisp sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed through the office as a tall figure approached Lin Jiayi. She tossed down a form covered in writing and said matter-of-factly:
"These are the Spirit Guidance Devices I want. Approve them for me."
Lin Jiayi was about to lose his temper, but when he saw who it was, he could only sigh. He picked up the form and glanced at it, his pupils instantly shrinking to pinpoints.
A Class 8 soundproofing Spirit Guidance Device activated. Lin Jiayi suppressed his anger and said:
"Lin Jiaran, don't play with fire!
These are all Spirit Guidance Devices made by Illustrious Virtue Hall Spirit Guidance Masters, and twelve of them are Class 8!
A man's heart is never satisfied; it's like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. You're smuggling Illustrious Virtue Hall Spirit Guidance Devices behind the scenes! Have you forgotten the fate of Xu Cong, the previous Chief Researcher of Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
Lin Jiaran had delicate features. She wore a fitted black teacher's uniform and silver-framed glasses, exuding the intellectual aura of a highly educated person. She replied indifferently:
"You're Jing Hongchen's most trusted subordinate. Approving such a small amount should be easy for you.
Xu Cong set his sights on Class 9 Spirit Guidance Devices. His expulsion was self-inflicted.
Don't worry. I always wear disguises when meeting buyers. No one, including the intermediaries, has seen my real appearance."
"Sigh..."
Lin Jiayi heaved a heavy sigh but still signed the form. He said bitterly:
"You're not even forty, yet you're already Illustrious Virtue Hall's Deputy Chief Researcher and a peak Class 8 Spirit Guidance Master, second only to the four Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters and Chief Xuan Ziwen in the academy... You have such a bright future ahead of you. Why must you risk smuggling!"
"Brother, you should know."
Lin Jiaran sneered. "The higher-ups at Illustrious Virtue Hall are blind. They rejected my 'Crimson Dawn' proposal but approved the Humanoid Spirit Guidance Device instead!
Mass-producing Humanoid Spirit Guidance Devices with actual combat capability would require several Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters to research together for at least twenty years. That's something to be researched after the Douluo Continent enters an era of peace following the war!
The Sun Moon Empire's top priority should be to ensure victory in the continental war. 'Crimson Dawn' is the undisputed choice!"
Lin Jiayi shook his head. "'Crimson Dawn' is just as costly as the Humanoid Spirit Guidance Device project. The academy cannot undertake two super-projects simultaneously..."
"That's why I'm raising the funds myself!" Lin Jiaran declared decisively.
"Coincidentally, a major client has found me, and their generosity is unprecedented.
With their support, my ideals will undoubtedly be realized. I will use facts to show those old fogeys at Illustrious Virtue Hall that I am the right one...
Alright, I have students to teach this afternoon. I won't disturb your work any further."
Lin Jiaran snatched the document and strode out of the office in her high heels. In front of Illustrious Virtue Hall, two graceful figures had been waiting for a long time.
"Teacher Lin."
Ning Tian greeted her proactively. Lin Jiaran was the teacher assigned to her by the Sun Moon Imperial Academy.
"Xiao Tian."
Lin Jiaran smiled gently, then turned to Wu Feng. "Looks like I'll have one more student."
"Teacher Lin."
Wu Feng bowed. Lin Jiaran was known as Illustrious Virtue Hall's 'mobile arsenal,' renowned for her ability to craft all sorts of high-powered Spirit Guidance Devices. Her signature creation was the Class 8 Stationary Spirit Cannon shell named 'Spiritual Storm,' designed to attack a Spirit Master's most vulnerable Spiritual Sea.
Even someone as audacious as Wu Feng dared not provoke this woman.
Illustrious Virtue Hall was located at the core of the Sun Moon Imperial Academy. On the surface, it appeared to be an unremarkable building. However, upon following Lin Jiaran inside, the two young women discovered that Illustrious Virtue Hall's scale was far greater than they had imagined.
A vast hall stretched beyond the limits of sight, with countless experimental tables arranged in neat rows. Behind most of these tables, individuals were bent over, engrossed in their work.
"Xiao Tian, although you're a Shrek exchange student and have been exposed to Shrek Academy's relatively backward Spirit Guidance Device theories, my requirements for you are just as strict as for other students," Lin Jiaran said.
"Since you've chosen a path focused primarily on long-range Spirit Guidance Devices, with Stationary Spirit Guidance Devices as support, you must stick to your original intention and walk this path with determination. From today onward, experimental table number 1888 belongs to you. Xiao Feng will be your work assistant, specializing in the purification and smelting of mixed rare metals.
Both of you must study diligently. I will come here every three days to answer your questions."
"Thank you, Teacher Lin."
High-level Spirit Guidance Masters generally possessed eccentric personalities. They spent their days immersed in the vast ocean of Spirit Guidance Device knowledge and might not even teach once a week. Lin Jiaran was the most responsible among all the teachers, and Ning Tian and Wu Feng were very grateful to her.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Sudden explosions erupted within Illustrious Virtue Hall's experimental base. A terrifying explosive force unleashed destructive shockwaves.
The explosions came without any warning. The Spirit Guidance Masters at the center of the explosion had no time to react. The intense heat vaporized dozens of Illustrious Virtue Hall Spirit Guidance Masters in the initial blast.
Heavy experimental tables were torn apart by the explosions. Metal fragments scattered in all directions. Screams, mingled with the stench of blood, erupted outward like a geyser.
Buzz—
Fortunately, the three of them were relatively far from the explosion and were not heavily impacted. The Spirit Barrier Ning Tian carried was triggered, protecting both herself and Wu Feng in the aftermath of the explosion.
This was a Class 8 Spirit Barrier that Dean Xian Lin Er of the Spirit Guidance Department had specially made for her before her departure. It was thoughtfully equipped with two practical core arrays for charging and triggering.
As a distinguished peak Class 8 Spirit Guidance Master, Lin Jiaran also had her own defensive measures. All three of them remained completely unharmed.
The terrifying explosions caused the ground to shake violently. In the vast underground Spirit Guidance Device manufacturing base, more than a third of the Spirit Guidance Masters were affected by the blast. However, those who actually died were essentially the initial dozens.
Every Spirit Guidance Master in Illustrious Virtue Hall possessed some form of Spirit Barrier, which helped mitigate the destructive power of the explosions as much as possible. Although many were seriously injured, the death toll was kept within a certain limit.
As the explosions subsided, figures emerged from underground one after another. They were dressed in black with their faces covered by black cloth, and they moved with extreme agility. Upon appearing, they immediately fanned out and began an indiscriminate slaughter in all directions.
Not a single one of these black-clad assailants was below the 7-ringed Spirit Saint rank. The moment they appeared, each of them unleashed their seventh spirit skill, Martial Spirit Avatar.
The closest to the three women was a burly Spirit Saint. After releasing his Martial Spirit Avatar, his right arm swelled to ten times its normal size. With a casual slap, he killed a Class 5 Spirit Guidance Master who had just fired a Spirit Cannon shell.
"Body Sect?!"
Lin Jiaran narrowed her eyes. The Body Sect was purely covering their ears while stealing the bell. A group of deformed people. Who couldn't recognize their true identities?
However, Illustrious Virtue Hall and the Body Sect had always kept to themselves, like well water not interfering with river water. What madness had possessed the Body Sect today, that they would dare to attack Illustrious Virtue Hall!
After killing the Class 5 Spirit Guidance Master, that Body Sect Spirit Saint turned his attention to the three women and charged viciously toward them. Lin Jiaran left them with a single warning, 'You two, be careful,' then hefted an exaggeratedly large Spirit Cannon and boldly met the attack.
Battles between powerful experts erupted everywhere. Ning Tian and Wu Feng dared not flee amidst the chaos. They rolled directly under the experimental table in front of them. Curling up, they activated the Class 8 Spirit Barrier. At the same time, Ning Tian lowered her voice and spoke to her Storage Spirit Guidance Device:
"Golden Tortoise, I'm afraid we might need to trouble you to act."
"This old turtle has it covered!"
The confident sound of the Golden Tortoise patting its shell came from within the Storage Spirit Guidance Device.
With news of the Illustrious Virtue Hall attack, countless Spirit Guidance Masters flooded toward the scene. From a dark corner, a pitch-black Spectral Gate began to open slowly...