Dark Undercurrents at the Academy, the Team Captain Makes His Move

Dark Undercurrents at the Academy, the Team Captain Makes His Move

By the time Ling Feng and Dugu Yan quietly returned to Heaven Dou City, it was already evening. The setting sun gilded the prosperous imperial capital in gold, yet it could not conceal the undercurrents surging beneath its surface.

The two did not travel together, instead splitting up in tacit understanding to avoid drawing too much attention. Ling Feng headed straight back to Cuiwei Garden. The small courtyard was as tranquil and elegant as ever, but the air seemed to carry an unusual hint of tension. With his powerful Spiritual Power, Ling Feng keenly sensed at least three sets of watchful eyes secretly sweeping over the courtyard from different directions. Some came from within the academy, while others belonged to scouts from outside forces.

He acted as though he had noticed nothing and went straight into the quiet room, activating the simple defensive isolation Soul Tool Ghost Leopard Douluo had set up before leaving. A faint black glow enveloped the room, cutting it off from detection inside and out.

Sitting cross-legged, Ling Feng did not immediately absorb the immortal herbs. Instead, he calmed his mind and carefully examined the changes brought about by his breakthrough.

Soul Power: Level 31, condensed and robust, far surpassing that of an ordinary Soul Elder, carrying the sacred and majestic aura unique to the Judgment Angel.

Spiritual Power: Nourished by the system's permanent enhancement and the Ten-Thousand Year Spirit Ring, its sensory range had expanded severalfold and its clarity had greatly improved. The Eye of Destiny's vague ability to peer into fate also seemed to have strengthened slightly.

Martial Soul: The Judgment Angel's phantom had become more solid. Its three pairs of light wings spread wide, while its aura of holiness and destruction grew more balanced and profound.

Soul Skills:

First Soul Skill: Spear of Judgment (penetrating power and destructive force slightly enhanced)

Second Soul Skill: Ice Flame Judgment (control over ice and fire attributes had become more refined)

Third Soul Skill: Domain of Judgment (core trump card! A domain-type Soul Skill with tremendous growth potential!)

"Domain of Judgment..." Ling Feng's thoughts stirred as he attempted to release it within the quiet room. A golden domain roughly three meters in diameter quietly unfolded. Within it, light elements instantly became active and dense, and Ling Feng felt that his control over light-attributed Soul Power was as natural as moving his own limbs. At the same time, a faint will of "judgment" spread through the space, as though invisibly suppressing everything within the domain. Though its range was small and its effects remained rudimentary, this was only the beginning!

Very good! Ling Feng felt invigorated. With this domain, he was practically invincible against opponents of the same rank! Combined with his first two powerful single-target Soul Skills, his combat strength had soared!

Next came the immortal herb resources! He took out the three immortal herbs Dugu Bo had given him: the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, and the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.

Ding! Top-grade immortal herb resources detected. They can greatly increase the host's strength. Please select the absorption order and method:

Option One: Absorb them one by one (safe, low risk). Reward: Slightly increased absorption efficiency.

Option Two: Use Ice Flame Judgment Soul Power as a guide to refine the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid and Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone simultaneously (strengthens foundation and physique). Reward: Slightly increased Soul Bone affinity.

Option Three: Activate the Domain of Judgment and refine all three immortal herbs simultaneously (highest efficiency, greatest risk). Reward: Soul Power +1 additional level, deeper Soul Skill comprehension. Risk: Energy conflict may damage the meridians.

I choose Option Two! After a brief consideration, Ling Feng made his decision. Refining all three simultaneously was too risky, especially since the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower's fire attribute was too violent. Stabilizing his foundation and strengthening his physique first was the safest course.

He first placed the snow-white Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, which emitted a cool, clear radiance, and the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, which resembled white jade, before him. Guided by Soul Power from his fingertips, icy blue cold flames and crimson hot flames surged from his palms at the same time—the unique trait of Ice Flame Judgment—transforming into two gentle streams of energy that wrapped around the two immortal herbs.

Sizzle, sizzle~

Under the effect of the interwoven ice-and-fire Soul Power, the two immortal herbs rapidly melted into two masses of pure liquid energy—one milky white and warm, the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid; the other lustrous white like jade, the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. Ling Feng opened his mouth and inhaled, swallowing both masses of liquid energy in an instant!

A vast yet gentle torrent of energy exploded within his body! The Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid's energy was like a warm spring, nourishing his meridians, dantian, and soul; consolidating his foundation, eliminating hidden injuries, and increasing the purity of his Soul Power! Meanwhile, the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone's energy was like the finest carving blade, merging into his sinews, bones, blood, and flesh; tempering his physique, increasing his strength, speed, and defense, and making his body feel reborn!

Ling Feng guided the two currents of energy through his body, gradually merging them together. The pain was nowhere near as severe as when he absorbed the ice and fire essences. Instead, a soothing warmth washed over his entire body. His Soul Power steadily rose, his physique rapidly strengthened, and his meridians became tougher and broader!

Several hours later, the two currents of energy had been completely absorbed and refined. Ling Feng opened his eyes, sensing the surging strength within him and his even more condensed Soul Power. The corner of his lips lifted slightly. His Soul Power had risen to Level 33! His physical strength had increased by at least double! His foundation had been reinforced to an incomparably solid degree!

He looked toward the last Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. This immortal herb, which enhanced fire attributes and bloodline, would be more effective if saved for later use in conjunction with the Spear of Judgment.

Just then, a burst of commotion came from outside the quiet room. It seemed that someone was arguing at the entrance to the courtyard.

Ling Feng frowned slightly, removed the Soul Tool's isolation, and extended his Spiritual Power outside.

At the entrance to Cuiwei Garden stood several students wearing Heaven Dou Royal Academy uniforms. The leader was tall and handsome, though his face carried an arrogant air. He wore a special uniform trimmed in gold, and on his chest was a badge symbolizing "Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Captain"! His Soul Power fluctuations had astonishingly reached Level 38! Several people stood behind him, including Huo Yan, whom Ling Feng had crippled earlier. With one arm wrapped in bandages, Huo Yan was glaring venomously at the courtyard gate.

"Ling Feng! Get the hell out here!" Backed by powerful support, Huo Yan shouted arrogantly, "Don't think you can hide inside like a coward and be safe! You injured me, and today you'd better give me an explanation!"

The Team Captain stood with his hands behind his back, staring indifferently at the courtyard gate. His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable authority. "Junior Ling Feng, I am Yu Tianheng, Team Captain of the academy team. Huo Yan's matter has had an extremely negative impact. As a new student, you publicly severely injured a fellow student and disregarded academy rules. You must come with me to the Disciplinary Office for investigation and punishment. Will you come out yourself, or shall I 'invite' you out?"

Yu Tianheng! The Young Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team! He had finally stepped forward!

A cold glint flashed through Ling Feng's eyes. It seemed that after beating the little one, the big one had indeed come. Cuiwei Garden and his identity as the Pope's adopted son had ultimately made certain people unable to sit still. Fine. He could use Yu Tianheng to establish his authority and intimidate the petty schemers!

He slowly rose and pushed the door open. The lingering sunlight fell across him, coating him in a faint golden glow. His Level 33 Soul Power fluctuations burst forth without concealment, carrying the majestic aura unique to the Judgment Angel and instantly suppressing the noise at the gate.

"An explanation?" Ling Feng's calm gaze swept over the venomous Huo Yan before settling on the arrogant Yu Tianheng. A cold curve formed at the corner of his lips. "What explanation do you want? Are you standing up for this trash? Or... do you want to weigh the worth of me, the 'Pope's adopted son'?"