Departure

Ruo Lin Instructor frowned slightly at Xiao Yan's request, though the gentle smile remained on her lovely face, like warm winter sunlight or spring water, stirring ripples in one's heart.

"Little one, aside from certain designated holidays, new students at the academy aren't allowed to take leave, you know?"

The others were also somewhat puzzled by Xiao Yan's request. Everyone else was eager to enter the academy as soon as possible, cultivate, and gain access to better resources. Yet this fellow wanted to take a year off immediately after joining.

She looked at Lin Feng, then at Xiao Yan. No one from the Xiao Family could be judged by ordinary standards.

Xiao Yan knew that his request put her in a difficult position, so he could only say, "If I can't take leave, then I'll have to give up my place at the academy."

Ruo Lin Instructor said nothing. Instead, she turned to Lin Feng and asked, "Is this little fellow traveling with you?"

Although Lin Feng found Ruo Lin Instructor's sudden question rather baffling, he still nodded. "Yes, he's going out to gain experience with me. And Instructor, he truly has something very important to accomplish."

"The kind of thing he absolutely has to do."

Ruo Lin Instructor pursed her lips in thought, her lovely brows slightly furrowed. Her soft, charming appearance made many people feel reluctant to see her troubled. It was as though such a gentle and beautiful woman should not have to worry over such matters.

After looking at Lin Feng and then Xiao Yan, she finally spoke slowly. "In that case, it isn't impossible. But I have one condition."

Xiao Yan immediately said, "Please say it, Instructor."

"I heard that your good friend is a Tier 3 Alchemist. I hope that when you come to the academy a year from now, your friend will consider becoming a Guest Elder of our academy."

The moment those words were spoken, everyone was stunned.

A Guest Elder position at Jia Nan Academy was an opportunity countless people dreamed of. Yet today, it had been offered to a young man not even eighteen years old—and it was an invitation personally extended by a teacher from Jia Nan Academy.

But upon further thought, it did not seem strange. Lin Feng had already become a Tier 3 Alchemist at such a young age; his talent must have been astonishing. Perhaps he could become a high-tier alchemist in the future. At that time, he would become an honored guest of every major faction.

Xiao Yu's eyes lit up as she looked at Lin Feng with anticipation.

The woman beside her secretly whispered into Xiao Yu's ear, "Y-younger brother is actually this incredible? He's skipping the student rank entirely and becoming a Guest Elder right away. Tsk, tsk. Tell me quickly, does he have a girl he likes?"

Xiao Yu's beautiful eyes flickered, but she did not answer her friend's question. She merely said, "I don't know."

Lin Feng, meanwhile, wore a look of surprise. How had this somehow been dragged onto him too?

Sure enough, being too dazzling is also a mistake.

Xiao Yan was stunned as well, then seemed to think of something. He looked at Lin Feng with a grin, waggling his eyebrows as he asked, "What do you think, Feng Ge? This is a great deal. By then, I'll have to call you Instructor or Elder."

Ruo Lin Instructor gazed at Lin Feng with a smile. Her voice was gentle and carried a trace of pleading, making one's heart feel as though it were being scratched by a kitten's claws.

"What do you say, great genius? The only reason you don't want to join the academy is because you think you won't learn anything and won't have enough freedom. But I truly think highly of you. Becoming a Guest Elder here would be quite nice too—free and unfettered."

She blinked her beautiful eyes, making Lin Feng's heart tremble. "Alright?"

This woman really wasn't someone an ordinary man could resist.

Luckily, I, Lin Feng, am no ordinary man.

Xiao Yan also signaled with his eyes, clearly saying, Feng Ge, look at how much face you have. My leave only depends on a word from you, so stop hesitating.

In truth, Xiao Yan also wanted to go to the academy with Lin Feng. But Lin Feng had no interest in it, believing that he would not learn anything there and that it would instead delay his own cultivation, which was why he did not wish to go. But now that such a good opportunity had appeared, wasn't this perfect?

Once they were done here, the two brothers could go report to the academy together.

Sure, Feng Ge would be an Elder while he would be a student, but at least they would both be in the same academy.

Lin Feng did not speak, seemingly deep in thought. Xiao Yu bit her lip as she looked at him, while Ruo Lin Instructor's beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation.

The academy truly did not want to miss out on such a genius. Moreover, given Lin Feng's talent, he was qualified to serve as a Guest Elder at the academy, especially considering the immense potential he possessed.

In the future, he would surely achieve extraordinary accomplishments not only on the path of the Dou Zhe, but also on the path of alchemy. The academy would not be losing out.

Although there had never been a precedent of someone so young becoming an academy elder, wasn't there one now? She believed that if she reported Lin Feng's circumstances to those above, they would agree as well.

Lin Feng looked at Xiao Yu and Xun Er, then at Ruo Lin Instructor. Her water-like eyes made his heart jolt.

Ah, I'm really not that kind of person.

But they all seemed to want him to go, and the position of Guest Elder truly offered great freedom. On top of that, it concerned Xiao Yan's leave. Could he refuse?

"Since that's the case, then alright. But if I don't do a good job later, Ruo Lin Instructor, please don't blame me."

Ruo Lin Instructor's eyes were full of delight as she hurriedly shook her head. "I won't. I believe you can definitely do it."

See? What pleasant words.

I'm doing this entirely for Xiao Yan and the others, so these guys won't be sad.

When Lin Feng agreed, Xiao Yu's beautiful eyes filled with delight, and Xun Er smiled as well. "That's wonderful. We can be together again then."

Xiao Yan was also very happy that he could go to the academy with Feng Ge. He turned to Lin Feng and called out, "Elder Lin."

Lin Feng shot the fellow an annoyed glare. Xiao Yan chuckled, then turned to Ruo Lin Instructor and said, "Then Ruo Lin Instructor, my leave can be approved now, right?"

Ruo Lin Instructor was in an excellent mood now, and the smile on her face grew even brighter. Her tone was exceptionally gentle. "Go on, little one. Just make sure to stay safe."

Xiao Yan thanked Ruo Lin Instructor, then turned to Xun Er. His eyes were filled with boundless tenderness as he said, "Wait obediently for me at the academy. A year from now, Feng Ge and I will come find you."

Xun Er's eyes held reluctance, but she still nodded obediently. "Mm. Brother Xiao Yan and Feng Ge must stay safe too. Sister Xiao Yu and I will wait for you at the academy."

Xiao Yan nodded and exchanged a glance with Lin Feng. Lin Feng nodded back. "Let's go."

The two turned to leave, but Xiao Yu suddenly called out to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng turned to look at her. The young woman stood gracefully, her long, shapely legs exceptionally eye-catching. Yet her pretty face was filled with hesitation. After a long while, she finally said, "Take care of yourself."

Lin Feng fell silent for a moment. Looking at the young woman who had helped him when they were children, a smile curled onto his lips as he left her with only one sentence.

"Wait for me at the academy."

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