Calm After the Storm and Rising Undercurrents

Lin Kun sprinted all the way to the Dean's office and, embellishing the details (though mostly factual), reported the incident to Director Yinshu.

Upon hearing that Xiao Chenyu was causing trouble again, and that it involved forcibly seizing another's Spirit Beast (which was a more serious offense), Director Yinshu's expression immediately darkened. He had long been displeased with these spoiled brats and saw this as a perfect opportunity to act.

Soon, Xiao Chenyu and his two lackeys were "invited" to the Dean's office. Faced with Director Yinshu's stern questioning and Lin Kun, the "aggrieved party" (clutching the pitiful-looking Little White), Xiao Chenyu, despite his myriad excuses, was ultimately severely punished under the testimony of numerous witnesses: a major demerit, a month of cleaning all the academy's restrooms, and compensation of 10 Golden Spirit Coins for Lin Kun's emotional distress.

This news quickly spread throughout the academy. The work-study students held their heads high, feeling that Lin Kun had avenged them. Xiao Chenyu, on the other hand, became a laughingstock, his hatred for Lin Kun reaching its peak, but he dared not openly cause trouble again in the short term.

However, Lin Kun couldn't feel happy at all.

Little White had used a mental skill in public. Although it was explained as a "Spirit Beast's protective instinct," its rarity and power were bound to attract the attention of more interested parties.

As expected, that evening, the Grandmaster summoned him again, inquiring in detail about the specifics of Little White's skill activation. He attempted to probe Little White once more, but was still repelled by its passive mental ability, which only made the Grandmaster's gaze burn with more intensity.

Ning Rongrong also sent a gift to "calm his nerves," along with a note that read: "The little guy is very interesting, protect it well. If you need help, you can find me." Her tone was friendly, but her intent to recruit was even stronger.

What made Lin Kun more uneasy was that he sensed unfamiliar faces in the academy. Some seemingly ordinary students or laborers would cast fleeting glances at him and Little White. He even vaguely felt a few extremely covert mental probes, but they were all blocked by Little White's passive mental defense and his own vigilance.

"I can't stay here any longer!" Lin Kun made up his mind. Nuoding Academy had become a vortex, and if he stayed, his and Little White's secrets would eventually be exposed.

He had to obtain his first Spirit Ring as soon as possible, then leave this place to find a broader and safer location! Perhaps... Shrek Academy? Although there were many monsters there, at least it wasn't as complicated with intertwined factions as here.

However, obtaining the first Spirit Ring required leaving the academy and heading to the Spirit Beast Forest. With his current strength, venturing there alone carried immense risk. Find teammates? Who? Tang San? Impossible. Other work-study students? Their strength wasn't enough and they might even drag him down.

Just as Lin Kun was worrying about how to obtain a Spirit Ring, an unexpected person approached him.

It was the shy girl who had previously purchased information on Star Pattern Iron and whose mother was ill and needed Moonlight Moss. Her name was Liu Yue.

"Classmate Lin Kun, thank you for the information last time. My mother's condition has improved a lot," Liu Yue said gratefully, then hesitantly added, "I... I heard you were looking for someone to go to the Spirit Hunting Forest with to obtain your first Spirit Ring?"

Lin Kun was taken aback. "How did you know?" He didn't seem to have told anyone.

Liu Yue blushed and said softly, "I... I guessed. Your Spirit Power seems to have reached a bottleneck... and, and my cousin is a two-ring Great Spirit Master. He's on vacation and agreed to accompany me to get my second Spirit Ring. If you don't mind... we could go together... to look out for each other."

Lin Kun's heart stirred! A two-ring Great Spirit Master! This was like finding a pillow when you were sleepy! Although he didn't know the other party's background, Liu Yue didn't seem like a bad person. Moreover, with his Insight Skill and Little White's senses, he should be able to determine if the other party had malicious intent.

This was an opportunity! A great chance to leave Nuoding City, obtain a Spirit Ring, and temporarily escape the attention of various parties!

"Really? That would be wonderful! Thank you!" Lin Kun suppressed his excitement and cautiously asked, "May I ask who your cousin is..."

My cousin's name is Ling Feng. His Martial Soul is the Gale Spear, a level 27 Agile Attack Type Battle Spirit Master. He's a very good person!" Liu Yue quickly replied.

Level 27 Agile Attack Type? Decent strength, fast enough, suitable for hunting Spirit Beasts. Lin Kun quickly weighed the pros and cons.

"Alright! Then I'll trouble you, Classmate Liu Yue, and Brother Ling Feng!" Lin Kun finally made his decision. "When do we depart?"

"My cousin said that if there are no problems, we'll set off first thing in the morning three days from now!" Liu Yue was also very happy that Lin Kun agreed.

After Liu Yue left, Lin Kun's mood was complex. Opportunity and risk coexisted. But no matter what, this was better than being stuck in Nuoding Academy with no solution.

He had to use these three days to make thorough preparations!

A new journey was about to begin. And the various forces in Nuoding City seemed to have sensed his movements, with the undercurrents becoming even more turbulent.