Back at Shrek Academy's residence.
After a simple examination and bandaging confirmed that the two had merely been "frightened out of their wits" and suffered "superficial injuries," everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Only Flender and Han Yuchen remained in the room.
"Dean, although I nearly lost my life this time, it wasn't entirely without gains."
Seeing that no one else was around, Han Yuchen instantly dropped his half-dead act.
He pulled a cloth bundle from his robes and handed it to Flender.
Flender accepted it suspiciously and opened it.
His eyes instantly widened like brass bells.
"This is... five-hundred-year-old Purple Blood Ginseng? And this... Dragon Beard Grass?"
They were not immortal herbs, but they were still priceless treasures on the market.
They were especially effective at strengthening one's foundation and replenishing vital energy.
"Teacher Leng and I were hiding in a crack in the rocks. We happened to see these growing beside us, so I plucked them."
Han Yuchen made up the lie casually.
"Hehehe, good kid. At least you've got a conscience."
Flender grinned so broadly that his glasses reflected the light as he carefully put away the herbs.
"Now we can nourish Xiao Gang and that brat Tang San's bodies. Get some rest. This time, I'm giving you a major merit!"
Flender left happily.
The room fell quiet again.
It was late at night.
Han Yuchen did not sleep.
He pushed open the window and lightly vaulted onto the roof.
Tonight's sky was beautiful, dotted with countless stars.
He sat cross-legged as the codex that only he could see slowly revolved within his Sea of Consciousness.
After absorbing that Soul Fragment, the Star Map in the codex had gained a clear new vein.
It was a guide.
An intangible sense of connection tugged at his gaze.
He