Fenlai City

Within the Holy Union, the most famous entities are the Radiant Church and the Ernst Institute, which was funded and built by the Radiant Church.

The Ernst Institute is the best magic academy on the Yulan Continent. Even the magic academy of the Yulan Empire is slightly inferior compared to the Ernst Institute.

Those who can enter the Ernst Institute are absolutely geniuses among geniuses.

The back mountain area of the Ernst Institute.

"Linley, your cultivation is truly diligent."

Doehring Cowart's soul floated not far away, watching Linley, who was constantly practicing, and nodded with satisfaction.

Magic cultivation requires not only talent but also perseverance. And Linley lacks neither.

Especially after learning that the first-place winner of the grade tournament would receive a reward of three hundred gold coins, Linley worked even harder. At this moment, he had reached the level of a second-rank magus a week earlier than in the original timeline.

Because of this, apart from Doehring Cowart, no one else knew that Linley had already become a second-rank magus.

Soon, Linley finished his cultivation and found Beibei, preparing to return to Dormitory 1987.

"Linley, with your current strength, no one in the first-year grade tournament will be your opponent."

Doehring Cowart floated beside Linley and said confidently.

Linley is not only a second-rank magus but also a dual-element second-rank magus. Coupled with his mental control, which far exceeds that of his peers, it is impossible for him to lose even when facing other second-rank magi.

Moreover, Linley himself has reached the level of a second-rank warrior. If this is taken into account, even second-year students might not necessarily be Linley's match.

"Grandpa Doehring, there are still more than two months until the grade tournament. I want to learn more second-rank spells."

Linley spoke up.

Among the new batch of students, there are many geniuses with super-grade mental power and elemental affinity. Since he could reach the level of a second-rank magus, others could do the same.

He wants to ensure there are no slip-ups, so he must improve his strength as much as possible. After all, that is three hundred gold coins.

"You have already reached the level of a second-rank magus; you only need to familiarize yourself with the incantations."

Doehring Cowart nodded, but then said, "Actually, this kind of competition is useless for you. It would be better to wait until your strength is stronger and go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range for training."

Linley didn't speak.

Because of the three hundred gold coins, he wanted to participate in the grade tournament, so he naturally learned about the previous tournaments. Only then did he realize that the grade tournament has various rules and restrictions, making it impossible to fully display one's true strength; it can only be considered a showy competition.

There is simply no way to gain experience.

Therefore, this kind of competition is indeed useless, but there is a gold coin reward. Just for this point alone, he would participate.

Just after returning to the dormitory, Yale, George, and Reynolds had already returned.

"Third brother."

Yale saw Linley and smiled, "I heard you signed up for the grade tournament. With your strength, you will definitely be first! You will surely be able to attract many little beauties, especially some little beauties from Wester Academy, hehehe."

Linley's talent is among the very best in the entire grade; only Dixie can surpass Linley by a notch. However, because Dixie is too strong, he is already a third-year student. Even if he participates in a grade tournament, it would be the third-year tournament, so they wouldn't run into him. Therefore, there is no need to worry about Dixie at all.

Linley was a bit speechless. Ignoring Yale's teasing, he asked, "Are you guys not planning to participate in the grade tournament?"

The Ernst Institute is full of geniuses, and they generally don't accept being inferior to others. Even Yale has quite good talent himself.

"For our Dormitory 1987, it's enough to have you and the fourth brother participating."

George smiled.

Reynolds's talent is also very strong, and his strength is not weak either.

"Hehehe, by then, our 1987 will take two of the top three spots!"

Reynolds was also quite confident.

"Haha, by then, our Dormitory 1987 will be famous throughout the entire academy."

Yale also laughed out loud, even starting to imagine how many little beauties they could attract if their dormitory had two of the top three in the grade.

"By the way, today I heard some senior students say that the people from Wester Academy have already arrived."

George changed the subject at this time and spoke up.

He is the most famous socialite among the new students, and even the senior students know him. He is extremely well-informed about the internal news of the academy.

"They arrived? How are they? Are there any good-looking students?"

Yale was the first to ask, unable to hold back.

"Boss Yale, your focus is too skewed."

George couldn't help but feel speechless.

"Hehehe."

Reynolds also laughed.

He had been completely corrupted by Yale. Ever since Yale took him to those special venues a few times, he had felt a different kind of fun.

"Alright, second brother, you go and scout for the third and fourth brother first to see if there are any powerful students in the first year of Wester Academy."

Yale's expression became more serious.

Although he is a bit of a playboy, he is still very good to his brothers. Since Linley and Reynolds are going to participate in the grade tournament, it is best to know these things in advance so they can be prepared.

"Rest assured, I'll let the third and fourth brothers know the moment I hear any news."

George nodded as well, keeping the matter in mind.

After a pause, George continued, "However, it's said that the students arriving from Wester Academy this time are all very strong. They crossed the Magical Beast Mountain Range and apparently even encountered a rank nine magical beast."

"Hiss!"

Reynolds couldn't help but be shocked. "A rank nine magical beast?"

Even Yale and Linley were incredibly astonished. "They encountered a rank nine magical beast?"

A rank nine magical beast—those were extremely powerful entities.

Linley, in particular, recalled the Black Dragon that had appeared in Wushan Town; that was a rank nine magical beast.

George nodded solemnly. "That's not even the most terrifying part. The most terrifying thing is that they didn't suffer a single casualty. Even if their instructors were formidable, these students couldn't be weak either. At the very least, their mental fortitude must be exceptionally strong."

Students who have witnessed a rank nine magical beast naturally possess a different mindset.

Linley clenched his fists secretly at this moment.

He also wanted to go out for training, but Grandpa Doehring had told him that he would only have the qualifications for such training once he reached the strength of a level five magus. Yet, some first-year students from Wester Academy had already crossed the Magical Beast Mountain Range under the guidance of their instructors; in that regard, he had fallen behind.

"Grandpa Doehring, do you think I have a chance if I go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range for training now?"

Linley asked in his heart.

"Linley, going to the Magical Beast Mountain Range alone for training is a very dangerous thing."

Doehring Cowart knew some of Linley's thoughts and spoke in a grave tone. "Wester Academy surely has experts leading them, so the possibility of encountering danger is very small. Moreover, it looks like they were likely led by a rank nine expert. In such a situation, it wouldn't be difficult for them to safely cross the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Even if they could see a rank nine magical beast, it wouldn't count as training for them. It can only be considered an experience."

As he spoke, Doehring Cowart also sounded somewhat disdainful. "Training requires experiencing life-and-death crises. With instructors leading the way, the effect of the training is lost."

Although the students of Wester Academy witnessing a rank nine magical beast did indeed have an impact on their mindset, it absolutely could not be considered training.

"Experiencing life-and-death crises."

Linley slowly calmed down, his gaze becoming a bit more determined. "I understand, Grandpa Doehring. I will redouble my efforts in cultivation. I'll reach the level of a level five magus as soon as possible, and then go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to train alone!"

"Mm, having that thought is the right way to go."

Doehring Cowart was extremely satisfied. "That is true training. Otherwise, it's better not to go at all. Besides, even if they have seen a rank nine magical beast, you have seen one too; there is no difference."

Linley nodded heavily, his heart filled with resolve. After this grade tournament, he would undergo even more arduous training to reach the level of a level five magus as quickly as possible.

Although he had seen a rank nine magical beast, it wasn't in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, but rather one that had been subdued by a Saint-level expert. It was definitely different.

"However, this matter isn't the current hot topic."

George suddenly said in a low voice.

"Hm?"

Even Linley looked toward George once again.

The grade tournament was already considered the most lively annual event at the Ernst Institute; could it be that it wasn't the main topic? Could there be another major event that could overshadow the heat of the grade tournament?

"Second brother, stop keeping us in suspense. Hurry up and tell us, what other gossip do you have?"

Reynolds couldn't help but speak up.

George suppressed the excitement in his heart, glanced at everyone, and then said mysteriously, "This is news regarding a Saint-level expert!"

"What!"

"A Saint-level expert?!"

In an instant, all three were shocked. Even Doehring Cowart floated out from the Coiling Dragon ring to listen; this was a figure of the same rank as him, worthy of attention.

Saint-level experts were the pinnacle existences of the Yulan Continent, capable of easily destroying a kingdom. Such figures were basically legendary.

George actually knew news about a Saint-level expert?

Even Linley stared at George without blinking. In his mind, the two Saint-level experts who had appeared in Wushan Town surfaced once again; the rank nine magical beast Black Dragon was the contracted beast of that magus.

That power to destroy the heavens and earth was something he deeply craved in his heart.

Seeing that the three were attracted by his words, George didn't keep them in suspense any longer and said directly, "I just received news that some time ago, a Saint-level expert appeared on the Yulan Continent. In the territory of the Dark Alliance, they fought one against four and defeated the four great Saint-level experts of the Dark Church head-on!"

"Is this true?"

Reynolds couldn't help but ask.

A single Saint-level expert was already powerful enough; to fight one against four and defeat four Saint-level experts? How was that possible?

"One against four?"

Even for Linley, his heart was shaken beyond measure.

In his current impression, the Saint-level was an invincible existence. Uncle Hillman had also said that a Saint-level expert could easily destroy a massive mountain. Just like the Dragonblood Warriors among his family's ancestors, they were powerful Saint-level beings.

Could someone face four such experts alone? It was unimaginable.

"There is also a huge gap in strength between Saint-level experts and other Saint-level experts."

Doehring Cowart spoke at this moment, sounding extremely confident. "If I were facing those at the initial Saint-level, I could have easily handled four at once during my peak."

Hearing Doehring Cowart's words, Linley was even more shocked. "Grandpa Doehring, you could also manage one against four?"

"Haha, that is only natural."

Doehring Cowart stroked his beard, looking extremely proud. "I am a Saint-level Magus of the Pu'ang Empire; how could an ordinary early-stage Saint-level possibly be my match?"

Linley's heart rate accelerated slightly. Was Grandpa Doehring truly that powerful?

"However, for that person to take on four opponents at once, he is quite impressive."

Doehring Cowart finally nodded and added.

Linley also nodded heavily. A Saint-level powerhouse on par with Grandpa Doehring at his peak was absolutely formidable.

"Second brother, is this true? Does the Dark Alliance really have such a powerful expert?"

Yale was also somewhat incredulous. After all, his family's business extended into the Dark Alliance, and he was quite familiar with some of the powerful factions there.

If such a powerhouse truly existed, it was impossible for him not to have heard of it. Yet, he hadn't received any news. Perhaps he could inquire about it the next time someone from his family visited.

"No, this powerhouse is not from the Dark Alliance."

George shook his head and said, "Some say it was an expert who had been cultivating in seclusion in the South Sea and was just passing through the Dark Alliance. No one knows why they started fighting."

"The South Sea?"

Reynolds clicked his tongue.

For them, that was an incredibly vast distance. Only such a powerhouse would have the strength to travel from the South Sea all the way to the Dark Alliance.

"Right now, I imagine the entire Yulan Continent is spreading the story of this expert. Especially in the Holy Union; the rumors there are even more intense."

George nodded and said, "Because many people speculate that this Saint-level expert might not be from the South Sea, but rather an expert from the Holy Union. Of course, no one knows for sure where they are from."

Listening to George's description, the three of them felt their blood start to boil.

After all, stories about Saint-level powerhouses had always been legends to them; this was the first time they had experienced such an event while it was actually happening. Even though they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, it was still something occurring in their own era.

Ernst Institute.

Edita and her group had already settled into the dormitory prepared for them by the Ernst Institute.

After obtaining the scepter, she had left that underground space and found the others shortly thereafter. Their luck had been quite good this time, and they had successfully crossed the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

The rest of the journey was even simpler. It didn't take long for them to arrive at the Ernst Institute.

As for finding the ninth-rank expert who possessed the Ring of Feilan, that would have to be done slowly. A ninth-rank expert who owned an eighth-rank Blood-Veined Great Ape magical beast was not particularly difficult to track down.

Under the arrangements of the Ernst Institute instructors, the students from Wester Academy moved into the designated accommodations. Afterward, Edita and Sorel went to find Delante once more.

"Dean Delante."

Edita performed an aristocratic bow, with Sorel following suit behind her.

"Haha, Edita, the last time I saw you, you were just a little girl. Now you are already an instructor at Wester Academy."

Delante spoke with a hint of emotion.

Edita's talent was immense, and the Ernst Institute had naturally wanted her to join them, but in the end, she had chosen Wester Academy.

Of course, the distance between the two locations had been a significant factor.

Although the Ernst Institute was the best magic academy on the Yulan Continent, most of its students came from the Yulan Empire and the O'Brien Empire surrounding the Holy Union.

Students from the more distant Rhine Empire and Luo'ao Empire rarely came here; most studied within their own empires, or at most traveled to the magic academies of the Yulan Empire, as those were second only to the Ernst Institute and were closer.

Conversely, there were quite a few people from the Far East Prairie who traveled to the Ernst Institute.

The main reason was that the Far East Prairie lacked its own magic academy, so if they wanted to learn magic, they had to travel to other regions. Since they were already leaving their homeland, they naturally chose the best.

In such cases, the Ernst Institute and the Yulan Empire's magic academy were the top choices.

"Not being able to come to the Ernst Institute is my regret," Edita replied.

"With your talent, it would have been the same regardless of where you went."

Delante waved his hand, smiling as he changed the subject. "How is that fellow Potter doing?"

"Dean Potter was just speaking of you recently, guessing that you would reach the Saint-level before him," Edita laughed. "And Dean Potter said he would come to visit you when he has the time."

"That old fellow."

Delante laughed. "Never mind, let's not talk about him. Since your Wester Academy is here for an exchange, do you have any thoughts? If you have any requests, feel free to bring them up."

As the number one magic academy on the Yulan Continent, they had to maintain the demeanor of the best.

"We are mainly here to learn this time, so we will follow whatever arrangements the Ernst Institute makes," Edita said with a smile.

Although they claimed the visit was for an exchange with the Ernst Institute, that was not her primary focus. Therefore, she didn't care much about the exchange itself; even if they lost, it wouldn't matter, as long as she obtained the Ring of Feilan.

Delante nodded and then said, "In another month, the Ernst Institute will hold its annual grade tournament. Why not have your students participate as well? It could serve as an exchange between the students. What do you think?"

"That is acceptable."

Edita nodded. "We shall proceed accordingly."

To avoid raising suspicion about their true intentions, they brought along one or two students from each grade, from first to sixth. Naturally, these were all genius students from Wester Academy.

"Very well, since you have no objections, the grade tournament in a month shall serve as our exchange platform. Furthermore, I will prepare gold coin rewards for the top three students of each grade."

Delante nodded with satisfaction, "During this month, you may allow your students to recover their strength, and they are also welcome to attend classes at Ernst Institute."

"Then we thank you, Dean Delante."

Edita bowed slightly.

Being able to attend classes at Ernst Institute for a month was, for their students, a fortunate opportunity.

When it came to magical instruction, Ernst Institute was significantly superior to Wester Academy.

Fang Yun had by now arrived at the capital of the Fenlai Kingdom, the "Holy Capital" of the Holy Union: Fenlai City.

Ernst Institute was located not far outside of Fenlai City.

"This place and Black Lion City are almost two completely different styles."

After entering the city, Doham could not help but speak up.

Black Lion City was the "Holy Capital" of the Dark Alliance, holding the same status as Fenlai City.

"The Radiant Church and the Dark Church are inherently opposed; every aspect of them is completely contrary to the other."

Fang Yun nodded casually and replied.

Along the way, many people who saw the Doham brothers following behind Fang Yun could not help but take a second look.

Such robust physiques were surely those of experts, likely no lower than the sixth rank. To have such experts as bodyguards, this young man was undoubtedly someone of extremely high status.

Consequently, after Fang Yun entered Fenlai City with the Doham brothers, many of the great clans in Fenlai City received the news.

After all, being able to employ two sixth-rank bodyguards definitely placed one in the ranks of the great clans. It was even possible they belonged to a family possessing a ninth-rank expert.

A ninth-rank expert!

Even the King of the Fenlai Kingdom was only a ninth-rank expert.

Naturally, the "great clans" of Fenlai City were interested in befriending such a family. It was just that no clan had stepped forward to make the first move yet.

"This young master."

Finally, a well-dressed individual intercepted the three of them. This person first bowed to Fang Yun before continuing, "This young master, I am a servant of the Lucas Clan. My patriarch..."

Many people from other clans were watching from afar.

"What Lucas Clan?"

Doham stepped forward first, blocking these people who were trying to strike up a conversation.

In the minds of the Doham brothers, let alone a mere clan, even the King of the Fenlai Kingdom was not qualified to have their master pay a visit. Even if the Radiant Pope himself came, whether or not he would be granted an audience depended entirely on their master's mood.

Moreover, they had noticed upon entering the city that many people were observing them from the shadows.

After all, the two of them were seventh-rank experts; even without battle qi, their experience was enough to detect these lurkers. If not for their master's presence, they would have certainly taught these people a lesson.

"Wait."

Fang Yun spoke suddenly. He recalled some details from the original story and looked at the servant with curiosity, "You said you are from the Lucas Clan?"

Facing the oppressive physique of Doham, the servant's face turned pale. He was about to beg for mercy, but upon hearing Fang Yun's words, he hurriedly nodded, "Yes, young master, I am from the Lucas Clan."

"Master."

Doham looked toward Fang Yun.

Fang Yun waved his hand and looked at the servant, "What is your clan patriarch's name?"

Seeing that Fang Yun had some interest in this so-called Lucas Clan, Doham stepped back. He and Dohar stood with tiger-like eyes, glaring at the surroundings, ensuring no one else dared to approach.

Feeling the pressure, the servant spoke cautiously, "The patriarch of our clan for this generation is Jeb Lucas. He is a marquis of the Fenlai Kingdom."

Fang Yun nodded. It seemed his memory was correct; this was the small clan that possessed the heirloom of the Baruch Clan—the war blade "Slaughter."

If he hadn't run into them, Fang Yun wouldn't have cared much.

But since he had encountered them, Fang Yun didn't mind giving Linley a small gift. After all, as the future controller, using a small matter to build rapport was well worth it.

Even in the worst-case scenario, if Linley didn't end up becoming the controller, it would be no loss to him.

However, Fang Yun wouldn't simply give it to Linley. He could wait until Linley had the strength and then sell it to him, effectively replacing the role of the Lucas Clan from the original story.

He believed Linley would be quite "pleasantly surprised" when that time came.

Linley could use his status to suppress the Lucas Clan, but it would be interesting to see what Linley could use to persuade him to "sell" Slaughter.

As for whether he could actually obtain "Slaughter," Fang Yun didn't worry; a small clan couldn't make any waves in his hands.

"And what did Marquis Jeb send you here for?"

Fang Yun asked with a smile, knowing the answer already.

Seeing Fang Yun's attitude, the servant breathed a sigh of relief. He snuck a glance at the Doham brothers, becoming even more certain of Fang Yun's noble status.

The servant then hurriedly said, "My patriarch holds a very high status in all of Fenlai City and enjoys making friends. Upon hearing that you and your guards had arrived in Fenlai City, he sent me to invite you to a banquet."

As he spoke, the servant felt a bit nervous.

"Heh, tell your clan head that I will visit the Lucas Clan in three days."

Fang Yun said casually.

"Yes, yes. I will relay this to my clan head immediately."

Hearing Fang Yun agree, the servant's face was filled with joy, and he hurriedly bowed.

After the servant left, Doham asked with some confusion, "My lord, is there something special about this Lucas Clan?"

Even Prequet, who was lying on the cuff of Doham's sleeve, was curious. Lucas? Could it be some Saint-level expert? In its view, only an invitation from a Saint-level expert would make his lord take a second look.

However, it had never heard of any formidable figures in the Fenlai Kingdom.

"Heh, you'll know when the time comes."

Fang Yun did not explain, then said, "Let's go, let's head to the Proulx Gallery to take a look. I heard it's a famous spot in Fenlai City."

In his past life, Fang Yun had been a sculpture student, so he had some understanding of sculpting, though it could only be considered scratching the surface.

As for after he awakened his memories, he had been focused on cultivation and had no time to pick up sculpting. Now that he had reached this stage, he had some inclination to pick these things back up; it could be considered a way to pass the time.

Following that, the group headed toward the Proulx Gallery.

As the most famous gallery on the Yulan Continent, the Proulx Gallery possessed the largest number of stone sculptures, and they were also the most exquisite.