Destiny Branch

The seventy-two hours of system upgrade were spent by Lin Kun in anxious anticipation. He familiarized himself with the use of his level 11 Spirit Power and the coordination of the [Information Overload] Spirit Skill, while also cautiously handling the attention, both overt and covert, from various parties.

The Grandmaster sought him out almost daily for "chats," discussing his insights on the Platinum Spirit Ring, always trying to guide him into participating in "small tests." Ning Rongrong maintained her friendly demeanor as an "investor," occasionally sending him snacks or books (with increasingly profound content), subtly probing his future plans. Even Deacon Sol from Spirit Hall "happened" to meet him once, meaningfully reminding him "not to waste Spirit Hall's goodwill."

Lin Kun felt like a coveted pastry being pulled in multiple directions, liable to be torn apart at any moment.

Finally, late on the third night, the system notification in his mind chimed as expected:

[Ding! System upgrade complete!] [New module [Destiny Branch] has been unlocked!] [New module [Exchange Optimization] has been enabled!] [All basic functions are now operational!]

Lin Kun's spirits lifted, and he immediately submerged his consciousness into the system space.

The system interface had indeed been refreshed, becoming more concise and... high-tech? Two new option orbs appeared in the center.

He first clicked on [Exchange Optimization].

[Exchange Optimization: Mall items have been reclassified and repriced according to the host's current world and strength. New "installment payment" function added (interest applies). New "barter" function added (allows exchange of specific items from this world for points). New "limited-time discount" section added (refreshes randomly daily).]

"Installment payments? Bartering? Limited-time discounts?" Lin Kun's eyes lit up! This was a godsend! He quickly checked the mall.

As expected, the item prices seemed to have undergone some adjustments. While still expensive, they were no longer as despair-inducing. For instance, the [Low-Grade Spirit Power Enhancement Potion] now cost only 40 points, and [Basic Movement Technique Mastery] was reduced to 120 points. More importantly, he saw the [Random Weapon Exchange Voucher] on limited-time discount for just 80 points!

Without hesitation, he used his remaining few points (earned through working off his overdraft) and the 5 points he just gained from completing the daily mission, totaling 10 points. He made a 10% down payment and took out a loan for 70 points (with 10% interest), purchasing a [Random Weapon Exchange Voucher]!

[Purchase successful! Use immediately?]

"Use!" Lin Kun silently commanded.

The virtual roulette wheel reappeared, the pointer spinning. This time, perhaps fortune favored him, as the pointer actually stopped in the blue zone!

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Blue Excellent Weapon – "Silent Sleeve Arrow (Improved Version)"!]

A flood of information entered his mind: this wasn't an ordinary sleeve arrow, but a version modified by the system. Its launch was silent, the arrows were retrievable, and it came with a small mechanism allowing for three consecutive shots. It also had an interface for adding other attachments (like poison sacs or grappling hooks). This would be perfect for his Mental Thread to control and retrieve more precisely!

"Good stuff!" Lin Kun rejoiced. This was an excellent tool for ambushing... ah, no, for self-preservation! Although he would have to repay 77 points (70 + 7 interest), it was worth it!

Next, he clicked on the most important module, [Destiny Branch].

The interface unfolded, displaying several "branch bubbles" of different colors, marked with different names and brief descriptions:

[Branch One: Grandmaster's Persistence (Gray)] Description: Cooperate deeply with the Grandmaster's research, exploring the mysteries of Martial Souls and Spirit Rings. Risk: Exposure of core secrets, potential loss of freedom. Reward: Gain the Grandmaster's full support and theoretical knowledge, medium point reward. Current Status: Triggerable (but caution is advised).

[Branch Two: Olive Branch from Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect (Light Blue)] Description: Accept Ning Rongrong's invitation and head to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Risk: Involvement in the disputes of the Upper Three Sects, potential to become a pawn. Reward: Gain massive resource support, high point reward. Current Status: Triggerable.

[Branch Three: Spirit Hall's "Good Will" (Light Gold)] Description: Respond to Spirit Hall's recruitment and join their talent cultivation program. Risk: Branded by Spirit Hall, potential future conflict with the protagonist group, loss of autonomy. Reward: Gain resources from a vast organization, extremely high point reward. Current Status: Triggerable.

[Branch Four: Distant Call (Green - Highlighted)] !!! Description: Leave Nuoding City and head to a wider world (Recommended direction: Soto City). Risk: Unknown journey, loss of current protection. Reward: Escape current predicament, encounter new opportunities, point reward depends on choices. Current Status: Strongly Recommended!!!

[Branch Five: Steadfast Defense of the Coward King (White)] Description: Remain at Nuoding Academy, continue to develop stealthily, and cope with pressure from all sides. Risk: Increasing pressure, escalating risk of secret exposure. Reward: Stable (?), low point reward. Current Status: Triggerable (but not recommended).

Lin Kun's gaze was instantly drawn to the highlighted green branch, [Distant Call]! The system was strongly recommending he leave?!

Looking closer, below the [Distant Call] branch, there was a line of small text: "Detected initial intersection of host's fate lines with multiple key original characters. Risks and rewards of staying in place are not proportional. Recommended to head to Soto City, high probability of triggering [Shrek Academy] related plot, fitting the 'Breakdown' theme, and potential to gain advantage using precognitive information."

Shrek Academy! Just as he suspected!

The system was clearly telling him to run! And going to Soto City, joining (or at least contacting) Shrek Academy, was undoubtedly the best choice right now! It would allow him to escape the quagmire of Nuoding City, continue to piggyback on the protagonist group's "opportunities," and use his foreknowledge to profit!

"System, I choose to trigger the [Distant Call] branch!" Lin Kun no longer hesitated.

[Ding! Destiny Branch [Distant Call] accepted!] [Branch mission issued: Travel to Soto City.] [Mission requirements: Arrive at Soto City successfully within one month.] [Mission rewards: 200 Breakdown Points, a "Soto City Simplified Map."] [Mission hint: It is recommended to travel alone to avoid excessive attention.]

The objective was clear! Lin Kun's mind suddenly became clear, the long-standing confusion and pressure finding an outlet.

Leave! He had to leave!

With the goal set, Lin Kun immediately began secretly planning his departure.

First, travel expenses and identity. He took out all his previous savings (including compensation from Xiao Chenyu and earnings from selling information), then quietly used the "barter" function to exchange the unused [Spirit Nurturing Pills] that Ning Rongrong had given him for system points (surprisingly, they exchanged for 300 points! The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is truly generous!). He then exchanged these for Golden Spirit Coins, accumulating enough for travel expenses and living costs for a period. As for his identity, his student status at Nuoding Academy could still be used for now; he would figure something out once he reached Soto City.

Second, farewells. He couldn't announce his departure and had to do it discreetly.

He found Wang Sheng and other student workers with whom he had decent relationships, using the excuse of "family matters requiring a leave of absence for a period," bid them a simple farewell, and left some notes he had compiled on common Spirit Beasts and herbs as a token of gratitude for their usual care.

For Xiao Wu, he gave her a large bag of carefully selected, sweetest Carrot Fruits: "Sister Xiao Wu, I have to go home for a while, and I might not be back for a long time. Please enjoy these fruits slowly."

Although Xiao Wu was a little reluctant to see the guy who could always get delicious carrots leave, she didn't think much of it and waved, "Come back soon! And remember to bring some specialties from your hometown!"

Most importantly, Tang San. Lin Kun knew that this fellow countryman was meticulous and had to be handled carefully.

He found Tang San, using the same "family matters" excuse, and then solemnly returned the bottle of detoxifying powder that Tang San had given him: "Tang San, thank you for the medicine. I won't need it on this trip back, so I'll leave it with you. You often train outside, so you'll need it more."

Then, he casually mentioned, "By the way, the last time I was in the Spirit Hunting Forest, I seemed to overhear some mercenaries chatting about some place in Soto City... Shrek Academy? Their recruitment standards are very strange, only accepting monsters or something. I don't know if it's true or not."

He said just enough, planting a seed. Given Tang San's personality and the Grandmaster's information-gathering capabilities, they would naturally investigate.

Tang San took the medicine bottle and gave Lin Kun a deep look, seemingly sensing something, but ultimately just nodded: "Take care. Have a safe journey." He vaguely felt that this parting might mean they wouldn't see each other again for a very long time.

Finally, the Grandmaster and Ning Rongrong. He decided not to bid them farewell. Leaving a letter would only cause trouble, so he simply left. By the time they discovered his absence, he would already be thousands of miles away.

Having done all this, on the last day before his departure, Lin Kun did something that surprised everyone – he posted another advertisement for "Kun Kun Information Bureau" on the bulletin board, with the title:

[Farewell Grand Giveaway! The Coward King's Ultimate Secret Manual – How to Effectively Improve Hunting Success Rate!]

The content was a collection of practical tips he had carefully compiled (and slightly refined using his Book Spirit) on Spirit Beast habits, environmental observation, and team coordination. While not profound, it was full of valuable information. And, it was completely free!

This move once again made him the focus of the academy. Students flocked to register as if they had found a treasure. Even some teachers nodded in approval.

"This kid Lin Kun, even though he's leaving, he's done a good deed." "As expected of the European Emperor! Giving benefits before leaving!" "Wuwuwu, Brother Kun, don't go!"

Lin Kun looked at the lively scene and smiled slightly. This way, his persona as the "European Emperor" and "helpful person" would be established, and it could also dilute some of the negative speculation that might arise from his unannounced departure.

Late at night, all was silent.

Lin Kun changed into ordinary clothes, carefully hid Little White in a specially made loose chest pocket (the little guy seemed to know he was going on a long journey and was unusually quiet), slung his backpack over his shoulder, and slipped out of the Seventh Dormitory and Nuoding Academy like a ghost, without a sound.

He looked back at the tranquil silhouette of the academy under the moonlight, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This was the starting point after his transmigration, a place with dangers but also warmth. However, for a brighter future, he had to leave.

"Goodbye, Nuoding Academy. Goodbye, Tang San, Xiao Wu... I hope when we meet next time, we won't be enemies."

He turned around and resolutely embarked on the road to Soto City. The moonlight stretched his shadow very long. Ahead lay an unknown journey and the "monster" academy called "Shrek" that awaited him.

A new chapter officially began! And Lin Kun's journey of "Breakdown" would also enter a brand new stage!