After handling the clan's internal affairs, Lin Feng made his way to the volcano.
The scorching magma churned within the volcanic crater, waves of heat billowing outward.
Lin Feng formed hand seals with both hands, chanting under his breath. A moment later, he summoned the dragon corpse from his spatial soul device.
Immediately afterward, he summoned a Soul Spirit.
Unlike Soul Rings, Soul Spirits possessed independent consciousness and could attack on their own.
A streak of light flashed as the Soul Spirit dove into the dragon corpse. In an instant, the once-dried corpse began to stir with lifelike vitality.
This time, Lin Feng summoned the Soul Spirit to serve as a deterrent—just in case the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan sent scouts again.
If needed, the Soul Spirit could control the dragon corpse to charge out of the volcano and put on a show.
That alone should be enough to handle any prying eyes.
---
"Feng'er, are you leaving again?"
Soon, Lin Ye arrived at the crater and, seeing Lin Feng busy at work, asked softly.
"Yes, Father. There are still some important things I need to do."
Lin Feng paused and looked up, nodding firmly.
"You've always been thoughtful and ambitious since childhood. I can't stop you."
"But the world outside is full of danger. You must take care of yourself."
Lin Ye's gaze was filled with affection and reluctant concern as he sighed.
"Don't worry, Father. With Master Xiao Yan by my side, I'll be fine."
Lin Feng felt a wave of warmth in his heart as he looked at his father.
After a brief moment of thought, Lin Ye finally relaxed.
"This time, take Lin Jian and the others with you. The younger generation in our clan needs real-world experience too."
He made the request somewhat hesitantly.
He wasn't sure whether bringing others would burden Feng, but the younger talents truly needed more trials in the outside world.
And now that Lin Jian had gained the favor of a Limit Douluo, traveling with Lin Feng might help him grow even faster.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Feng slowly replied:
"Lin Jian should be focusing on training under his master right now. Taking him along may arouse suspicion."
"I think it's better to bring Lin Shui instead. Her strength is decent, and she could use the experience."
Lin Ye agreed with a nod, thinking Lin Feng made sense.
---
The next morning, sunlight spilled across Flame Valley, where two carriages slowly pulled out of the compound.
Inside the spacious carriage, golden rays filtered through the thin curtains, casting warm shadows.
"We're finally on the road again!"
Dugu Yan excitedly lifted the curtain, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Beside her, Liu Erlong lounged in a relaxed posture, elegantly preparing tea with practiced grace.
As she gently lifted the teapot, a stream of steaming water flowed like silver threads into a cup.
A rich fragrance of tea instantly filled the carriage.
Lin Shui, standing tall outside the carriage, scanned the surroundings with sharp vigilance, not missing a single suspicious detail.
Inside, Lin Feng leaned back against a soft cushion, enjoying the rare moment of leisure.
Every now and then, he would lift a corner of the curtain and gaze at the rapidly passing scenery outside.
---
Meanwhile, back at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the atmosphere was completely different—tense and oppressive.
In the clan leader's hall, the air was so heavy it was hard to breathe.
Ning Fengzhi's face was stormy. He slammed the table with a loud thud, making the teacups jump.
"I never expected so many traitors to be hiding within my clan. The whole sect is practically riddled with holes!"
"Pass my order—execute every last traitor. Leave none alive!"
His voice trembled slightly with rage.
After venting his fury, Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.
At least he had been cautious and hadn't exposed himself in any way.
Today, emissaries from several major powers had come to inquire about Xiao Yan.
He gave them an explanation: that Sword Douluo had privately sought Xiao Yan for a friendly spar, only to be taught a harsh lesson in return.
That should be enough to keep suspicions at bay… right?
Worried thoughts clouded his mind as Ning Fengzhi left the hall.
Just outside, a guard respectfully stood waiting with a tray of food.
He casually asked, "Where's the Madam?"
"The Madam is with the young lady. She personally instructed me to prepare this meal for you, my lord," the guard quickly replied with head bowed.
Warmth welled up in Ning Fengzhi's heart.
He thought back on how little time he'd spent with his wife and daughter recently, being so preoccupied with sect affairs.
A twinge of guilt surfaced.
"My lord, shall I bring this to your room?" the guard asked cautiously.
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand.
"No need. I just stepped out for some air. There's still a pile of matters waiting for me."
With that, he turned and walked back toward the hall.
"The Madam and Lord Ning have such a good relationship," the guard muttered enviously.
---
A few days later.
On a dirt path through the forest, Lin Feng's group traveled at a steady pace.
Ahead, the outline of a city gradually came into view.
"Look! That's Nuoding City!"
Someone shouted excitedly.
Smiles broke across everyone's faces, and the fatigue of their journey seemed to vanish.
"So this is Nuoding City?"
Liu Erlong leaned out the carriage window, gazing at the city with a touch of emotion.
Lin Feng glanced at her, a teasing smile on his lips.
"What's this? Feeling nostalgic now that we're close to Yu Xiaogang?"
"No," Liu Erlong shook her head gently, her gaze still on the city walls. "It's just that… seeing this city, I can somehow feel his personality."
"For someone like him to hide away in such a small city all these years… It only means he's afraid of facing the past. He's a coward who avoids reality."
Lin Feng nodded thoughtfully. "That… does make sense."
The carriages came to a halt at the city gates.
With anticipation, the group stepped into Nuoding City and headed straight for Nuoding Academy.
"We've traveled all this way just to meet some so-called 'Grandmaster'? Tch… I hope this 'master' has enough self-awareness to not get any funny ideas about Sister Liu."
Dugu Yan rested her hands behind her head, speaking lazily.
"I've long stopped caring," Liu Erlong said with a faint smile. "What he thinks has nothing to do with me anymore. If it weren't for the Young Master wanting to meet him, I probably would've never seen him again in this lifetime."
"That's the spirit," Dugu Yan gave her a thumbs-up.
---
Along the roadside, humble shops and simple taverns spoke of the city's remote and modest nature.
It was hard to imagine that this little town would one day be tied to Tang San, Xiao Wu, Tang Hao, and the Grandmaster—four central figures in the main story.
Lin Feng thought of Xiao Wu.
She probably had the Destined Heroine status, right? Would she just fall in love with him at first sight?
He pondered silently.
"Grandmaster! Grandmaster! We've come to see you!"
Before they knew it, they had already arrived at the gates of Nuoding Academy, where Yu Kuang was shouting loudly at the entrance.
----
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