Resolve to Leave, Giving A Qing a Technique

Over the next few days, Shrek Academy appeared peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents churned in secret. Flender strengthened the academy's security, while Zhao Wuji frequently patrolled its surroundings. There were indeed more unfamiliar faces in the city, but they seemed wary of something and did not approach the academy.

Ling Yun's life remained orderly. During the day, he occasionally attended classes, but spent most of his time in the Mimicry Training Ground consolidating his cultivation and attempting to condense the Nine-Heart Begonia Emperor's Second Origin Soul Ring. At night, he went to the Great Soul Arena for a soul fight, maintaining the Dragon Emperor's undefeated legend while earning prize money.

Between him and Tang San, an odd understanding had formed. They did not interfere with one another and behaved like strangers. Xiao Wu tried several times to speak with Ling Yun, only for Tang San to coldly pull her away. Dai Mubai and the others grew increasingly awed by Ling Yun, and aside from necessary exchanges, did not dare disturb him too much.

Only A Qing continued quietly following Ling Yun every day, helping him tidy his dormitory, handing him water when he finished cultivating, and occasionally using her precognitive ability to warn him of subtle dangers—such as when some food had seemed to be tampered with. Her presence gave Ling Yun a rare sense of peace in this unfamiliar world.

That day, Ling Yun successfully condensed the Nine-Heart Begonia Emperor's Second Origin Soul Ring in the Mimicry Training Ground. A more solid emerald-green ring of light emerged around the begonia phantom, and he comprehended its corresponding soul skill—

[Begonia Revival]: Instantly releases powerful life energy to provide potent healing to a single target. It can quickly heal severe injuries and even has a certain effect in reattaching severed limbs (strengthens as the Soul Ring grows).

With group healing and powerful single-target healing combined, his support capabilities had been greatly supplemented.

Feeling the power within him grow stronger once more, Ling Yun knew it was time to leave. Shrek Academy could no longer provide the room for growth and resources he needed. He had to venture into a broader world, seek opportunities, and accelerate his advancement.

At dusk, after finishing his cultivation, Ling Yun did not head straight to the Great Soul Arena. Instead, he said to A Qing beside him, "Take a walk with me."

A Qing froze for a moment, then obediently nodded. "Okay."

The two slowly walked along the small path behind the academy. The lingering glow of the setting sun fell over them, casting long shadows. The surroundings were quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

"I'm preparing to leave Shrek Academy." Ling Yun stopped and looked at the evening clouds on the horizon as he spoke calmly.

A Qing's delicate body trembled slightly. A mist of tears instantly clouded her pure white eyes. She lowered her head, her small hands tightly clutching the hem of her clothes, her voice carrying a trace of a sob. "I... is that so? When are you leaving?"

"In the next few days." Ling Yun turned to look at A Qing. This girl had a pure heart, and her precognitive ability held great potential. He did not dislike her. After spending this time together, they had formed some degree of friendship.

After pondering briefly, he took a thin booklet from Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night—something he had "borrowed" from Tang San to study before later making a more advanced imitation himself—and handed it to A Qing.

"This is for you."

A Qing accepted the booklet in confusion and saw several ancient-looking words written on its cover—Spirit Eye Nourishing Technique.

"This is..." A Qing raised her head and looked at Ling Yun in puzzlement.

"It's a cultivation technique for spiritual power and eye techniques," Ling Yun explained. "Your Precognitive Spirit Eyes martial soul relies at its core on spiritual power and your perception of fate. This technique should help you better control your abilities, reduce the backlash from your martial soul, and perhaps even let you 'see' farther and more clearly."

This Spirit Eye Nourishing Technique was not a product of Douluo Continent. Ling Yun had created it by drawing upon certain spirit-refining methods from his memories of his past life, then simplifying and improving them based on his observations of A Qing's martial soul. Though it could not compare to a true immortal secret art, it was already an invaluable treasure to soul masters of this world.

A Qing held the booklet in both hands, which trembled slightly. She could sense the profound aura contained within it, an aura that held a fatal allure for her. She understood just how precious this gift was.

"Classmate Ling Yun... this... this is too valuable... I..." A Qing's voice choked as she did not know what to say. Since childhood, she had suffered countless cold stares and rejection because of her unusual martial soul and strange eyes. Only Ling Yun had not despised her—and had even helped her so much.

"Take it." Ling Yun's tone was calm. "Your ability has great potential. Don't waste it. Cultivate well; perhaps you'll be able to help me in the future."

Ling Yun had only said that last sentence casually, intending to encourage her. Yet to A Qing, it sounded like a vow. She nodded vigorously and tightly hugged the booklet to her chest. Tears finally streamed from her pure white eyes, but a resolute smile appeared on her face.

"Yes! I'll definitely cultivate diligently! I absolutely won't disappoint you!"

Ling Yun nodded and said no more, continuing onward. A Qing wiped away her tears and hurried after him, silently following behind him. Looking at his back, her heart was filled with reluctance and determination.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long, as though they were about to merge into one.

Just as they were strolling, a burst of commotion suddenly came from the direction of the academy, faintly mixed with angry shouts and the sounds of Soul Power clashing!

Ling Yun frowned, and his Spiritual Sense instantly spread outward. At the academy gate, Flender and Zhao Wuji were confronting a group of people! That group wore uniform clothing and exuded fierce auras. Their leader was an arrogant-looking middle-aged man, with a Spirit Hall deacon's badge pinned to his chest!

The people from Spirit Hall had finally come knocking!

"Let's go back and take a look." Ling Yun spoke to A Qing, then moved and sped toward the academy gate. A Qing hurriedly followed.

What was meant to come had come in the end. And Ling Yun's departure might be sooner than expected.