Farewell to Friends and Teachers, Setting Out Alone

The next morning, while the sky was still gray with dawn, Ling Yun packed his simple luggage. There was not much to pack, really—the most important things were all stored in his Soul Tool.

He pushed open the dormitory door, only to find Flender, Zhao Wuji, Yu Xiaogang, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and all the other students already waiting in the clearing outside. Even Tang San, who had always kept his distance from him, stood at the edge of the crowd with a complicated expression.

Clearly, they had come to see Ling Yun off.

Flender stepped forward. The usual crooked merchant's smile was gone from his face, replaced by solemnity and reluctance. He handed Ling Yun a heavy money pouch. "Ling Yun, there are five thousand Gold Soul Coins in here. It's the prize money you won at the Soul Fighting Arena during this time. The academy didn't take a single coin. You'll have plenty of expenses while traveling, so take it."

Ling Yun did not refuse and accepted it. "Thank you, Headmaster."

Zhao Wuji patted Ling Yun's shoulder and said gruffly, "Kid, if you get bullied out there, or if some blind fool dares cause you trouble, send word back! I'll take people over there and beat him up for you!"

Though they had not known each other long, Zhao Wuji genuinely admired this little monster whose strength was formidable and whose personality suited his tastes.

Ling Yun nodded. "All right."

Yu Xiaogang stepped forward as well, his expression complicated. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, "Ling Yun, your situation... is very unusual. My theories may truly not apply to you. But the path of a soul master is long and perilous. Remember not to be arrogant or impatient, and build a solid foundation. I hope... we will meet again someday."

Ling Yun bore Yu Xiaogang no ill will. Though this theoretical Master was stubborn, his character was not bad. Ling Yun gave a slight nod. "Take care, Master."

Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Heavy Armor Rhinoceros, and the others also stepped forward to bid him farewell, expressing their respect and blessings for Ling Yun. Though Ling Yun was usually aloof, his strength had earned everyone's respect.

When it was Tang San's turn, he remained where he was. After a moment of silence, he raised his head to look at Ling Yun. His eyes were filled with complicated emotions—jealousy, unwillingness, and a trace of resentment—but deep within them seemed to be a faint fighting spirit that had been stirred awake.

"Ling Yun, this time... you won." Tang San's voice was somewhat hoarse. "But the path of a soul master is long. I won't give up. One day, I'll surpass you!"

This was his declaration of war, and also his way of preserving his dignity.

Ling Yun glanced at Tang San and said blandly, "I'll be waiting."

His tone was calm and unruffled, as though Tang San's challenge was merely a breeze brushing past him, incapable of stirring the slightest ripple. That disregard pierced Tang San's heart like needles.

At last, Ling Yun's gaze fell upon A Qing, who stood at the very back of the crowd with her head lowered and her shoulders trembling faintly.

He walked over to A Qing.

A Qing looked up. Her pure white eyes were red and swollen from crying. Holding back her tears, she pressed a carefully sewn sachet with a faint medicinal fragrance into Ling Yun's hand. Her voice choked as she said, "Ling Yun... this... is for you... It can refresh your mind... You... you must take care of yourself..."

Ling Yun accepted the sachet, still carrying the warmth of the girl's body, and tucked it into his clothes. Looking at A Qing's tear-reddened eyes, he softened his voice for once. "Stop crying. Practice the cultivation technique I gave you properly. If fate wills it, we will meet again."

After saying that, he did not linger. He cupped his hands toward everyone, then turned and strode resolutely out through the entrance of Shrek Academy's shabby village.

The rising sun stretched his shadow long.

He did not look back.

Behind him were Flender and the others' sighs, Dai Mubai and the others' admiring gazes, Tang San's tightly clenched fists, and A Qing's low sobs, which she could no longer suppress.

His days at Shrek Academy had come to an end.

A new journey had officially begun.

Ling Yun's destination was Heaven Dou City, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire. Its powers were deeply intertwined, its resources abundant, and it was also home to the headquarters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, one of the Upper Three Sects. He needed to use the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's wealth and resources to accelerate his growth.

Of course, he knew the road ahead would not be peaceful. Spirit Hall's covetous gaze, the schemes of the mysterious Holy Cult, and the attention of powers across the continent would all come one after another.

But he feared nothing.

The Chaos Dragon God was meant to soar above the nine heavens. How could it be trapped in shallow waters?

Alone, he set foot upon the official road leading to Heaven Dou City. His figure soon vanished at the end of the road, merging into the newly risen sun.

The road stretched beneath his feet. The legend had only just begun to be written.