Time Flows Like Water

"What? Mr. Fang Yun is not here?"

After Linley and Yale escorted the sculpture "Dream Awakening" to Stone Sculpture Valley, they only met the two brothers, Doham and Dohar.

"Sigh, if only we had come earlier."

Yale was full of regret, and he felt even more annoyed upon hearing that Fang Yun had left only a short while ago. Having missed the chance to see Fang Yun this time, whether he would ever be able to meet him again was an unknown.

"Right, wait for me a moment."

Doham then returned to the interior of the valley and carried out a long wooden box.

Seeing the wooden box on Doham's shoulder, Linley's breathing involuntarily quickened; he had already guessed what was inside.

Doham held the wooden box with one hand and opened it with the other, revealing a somewhat blood-red battle blade lying quietly inside.

Doham smiled, "Linley, this is the heirloom of your Baruch clan, the battle blade 'Slaughter'. My lord said that once you delivered the sculpture 'Dream Awakening', this blade would be given to you."

As he spoke, Doham handed the wooden box to Linley.

Linley suppressed the excitement in his heart, carefully took the wooden box from Doham's hand, and gently touched the battle blade inside. Father, I have brought back the clan's heirloom blade.

Soon, Linley suppressed the complex emotions in his heart and performed an aristocratic salute to Doham, "Please thank Mr. Fang Yun for me."

"Haha, this is something you and my lord agreed upon. Since my lord gave his word, he will naturally keep it."

Doham smiled.

Linley smiled as well. That's right, Mr. Fang Yun was already a God-level powerhouse; he would naturally not go back on his word.

After obtaining the battle blade "Slaughter", Linley couldn't wait to return to Wushan Town to tell his father the news. Therefore, Linley did not stay in Stone Sculpture Valley for long; he soon left and set off on the road back to Wushan Town.

Following Linley's departure, Dohar also left Stone Sculpture Valley.

With his current strength, as long as he wasn't at an extremely close distance, it was difficult for him to be discovered while secretly tailing Linley.

Moreover, he wasn't really tracking him; it could only be considered occasionally keeping an eye on Linley. Under these circumstances, Linley naturally wouldn't notice Dohar.

Two years later.

Dohar had witnessed Linley's experiences and changes over these two years with his own eyes. If the Linley of the past could only be considered a genius, the current Linley already possessed the aura of a powerhouse.

Dohar had witnessed the deaths of countless people during the Day of Destruction.

During this period, the greatest crisis he saw Linley face was being captured by the Radiant Church. At that time, he had already been considering whether to use his lord's name to rescue Linley.

However, the Day of Destruction occurred shortly after.

By the time he discovered Linley's tracks again, he was already in Hess City. At this time, Dohar was disguised and had blended into a merchant caravan, appearing to be a normal caravan guard.

"To think it's a Violetfire Warrior clan!"

Dohar naturally noticed Vincent Haide, who was helping Linley forge the Black Jade Heavy Sword.

Although none of the members of the Haide clan had fully awakened the bloodline of the Violetfire Warrior, they were, after all, descendants of the Four Ultimate Warriors, and Dohar could not help but feel a surge of excitement in his heart.

Dohar also made up his mind to find an opportunity to get to know Vincent and the others.

"Hm? Special-grade deacons of the Radiant Church?"

In Hess City, Dohar suddenly spotted a few fellows from the Radiant Church and immediately turned his attention to them.

Linley's greatest enemy right now was the Radiant Church; once the two sides met, it would inevitably be a fight to the death.

Thinking of this, Dohar carefully followed them.

Having secretly kept an eye on Linley for these past two years, Dohar had become increasingly confident in his tracking abilities.

"It's Linley!"

Soon, Dohar's expression changed slightly; Linley, who had killed Clayde, was being surrounded by these six men.

Dohar hid carefully in the distance, keeping a close watch on the situation on the field.

Over these years, Linley had encountered too many crises, but he had always managed to overcome them. Therefore, although Dohar was vigilant, he did not make a move immediately.

"This joint attack technique of the Radiant Church is truly powerful."

Watching the six special-grade deacons join forces to execute their secret technique, Dohar felt a sense of gravity in his heart.

In particular, the fact that the battle qi of the six men could fuse together perfectly was too bizarre.

"Linley is in danger."

Dohar was now certain that with Linley's current strength, he likely could not break through such a joint attack.

As Dohar expected, soon, the black scales on Linley's body shattered for the most part, and a wound on his chest, deep enough to reveal bone, was constantly seeping blood.

It was only because of the Dragonblood Warrior bloodline that Linley had a relatively strong recovery ability, which kept him from immediate life-threatening danger.

Linley's muscles twitched and contracted, struggling to heal, but the wound was simply too large, only allowing it to shrink slightly. However, the massive amount of blood loss caused Linley to feel a wave of dizziness, nearing a state of collapse.

"The next strike will be the moment of your death."

One of the six special-grade deacons said arrogantly, while Beibei leaned against Linley's side in worry. Both Beibei and Linley felt a sense of despair.

"Hmph."

Linley shook his head violently, struggling to keep himself conscious.

However, the excessive blood loss made the scene around Linley appear blurry. Just at this moment, a dreamlike white light flew out, eventually taking the form of an old man with white hair and a white beard, dressed in moon-white robes.

"Grandpa Doehring."

Linley was stunned, not understanding why Grandpa Doehring would appear at a time like this.

Doehring Cowart's appearance at this moment was exactly the same as when Linley had first met him, and he reached out to stroke Linley's head.

"Linley, from now on, you must rely on yourself."

Doehring Cowart said with a doting smile.

As he spoke, Doehring Cowart's soul slowly drifted upward, and a terrifying spiritual energy began to permeate the air.

Doehring Cowart spoke in a casual tone, as if talking to himself, "Over five thousand years ago, I only cared about cultivation, fighting, and killing. I was even so arrogant that I wouldn't allow others to get close to me, and I had no descendants."

"But, after spending over five thousand years inside the Coiling Dragon Ring, my temperament changed. And then, I met you, Linley."

Doehring Cowart looked at Linley, his spiritual energy growing increasingly terrifying, to the point that even the high-level deacons in the distance could feel it.

"Grandpa Doehring, what are you doing?"

Linley had a bad premonition.

Doehring Cowart sighed and did not answer Linley, instead feeling somewhat annoyed with himself, "I always thought I was a genius. Yet, in over five thousand years, I couldn't even figure out the path to becoming a god, wasting five thousand years in vain. Now that I know the path to godhood, I haven't made any progress at all; it truly is laughable."

Afterward, Doehring Cowart looked at Linley, "In my current state, even if I were given another five thousand years, I fear I would never be able to witness the realm of a god. Therefore, Linley, I can only show you the magic of a Saint-level expert once. You won't blame Grandpa Doehring, will you?"

At this point, how could Linley not guess Doehring Cowart's intentions? He suddenly became somewhat frantic, even shouting, "No, Grandpa Doehring, no!"

Doehring Cowart smiled.

His spiritual energy became even more terrifying.

Just as Doehring Cowart prepared to completely burn his soul to let Linley truly witness the power of a Saint-level magus, a scream suddenly rang out.

In an instant, this scream drew the attention of both Linley and Doehring Cowart.

They saw that the joint attack technique formed by the six high-level deacons had already been broken.

Not far from these high-level deacons, a "Tiger-striped Warrior" stood in mid-air, holding a massive battle blade. On the ruins below him lay a high-level deacon who had been cleaved in two by a single strike.

Two years ago, Dohar had already reached the peak of the eighth rank in his human form, and shortly after the Day of Destruction, he had reached the ninth rank. After transforming, he possessed the strength of an early Saint-level expert.

"Is that all?"

Dohar spoke with disdain. His dark golden eyes fixed upon the remaining five high-level deacons.

The reason he had suddenly struck now was that he had sensed Doehring Cowart's terrifying spiritual energy. It was clear that Doehring Cowart intended to risk his life.

Since his master's intention was to save Doehring Cowart, he naturally would no longer hide his strength.

At this moment, he felt even more awe toward Fang Yun.

One had to know, his master had arranged this matter for him two years ago. What kind of ability was this? It was too terrifying!

"Tiger-striped Warrior."

Seeing the white tiger-man, Linley was somewhat shocked.

Even Doehring Cowart was full of surprise at this moment; since Dohar had been following from a distance, he naturally couldn't have detected him. But with him appearing at such close range, he could easily discern Dohar's identity through his perception.

"Linley, it's Dohar!"

Doehring Cowart's voice rang out.

At the same time, Doehring Cowart felt somewhat conflicted in his heart. If he had waited a moment longer, he would have burned his soul. This Dohar had saved his life.

Although Doehring Cowart wouldn't mind dying to save Linley, he wanted even more to watch Linley grow up with his own eyes, and he also wanted to witness the majesty of the god-level for himself.

He still had too many things he wanted to do.

"Dohar?"

Linley was even more astonished in his heart. This Dohar had become a Saint-level ultimate warrior?!

However, he felt relieved afterward; since Dohar had appeared, Grandpa Doehring and he were safe.

"Boss, we're safe!"

Beibei transmitted his voice, sounding quite excited.

Ever since learning of Doehring Cowart's existence, Beibei had grown extremely fond of this white-bearded old man. He even often asked Linley to help him pass on messages. Linley was more like a messenger; naturally, Linley was extremely happy about this.

"Yes, we're safe."

Linley still felt a lingering fear in his heart.

"Saint-level!"

The expressions of the remaining five high-level deacons changed drastically. Without daring to say a word, they scattered and fled in all directions.

Daring to openly kill deacons of the Radiant Church meant they clearly did not fear the Saint-level experts of the Radiant Church. Staying behind was just waiting for death. Especially since their joint attack technique had been broken, it would be too simple for the opponent to kill them.

"Running?"

Dohar sneered, his figure moving rapidly, as if he had transformed into a streak of white light.

Tiger-striped Warriors were extremely adept at speed; there was no way they could possibly escape.

Soon, Dohar, in his White Tiger human form, arrived before Linley.

"Brother Dohar!"

Linley spoke up.

Dohar smiled. "Those fellows are all dead."

"Thank you for saving my life, Brother Dohar."

Linley expressed his gratitude solemnly.

Beibei also let out a few squeaks.

Dohar waved his hand and looked toward the direction of Doehring Cowart. "If I hadn't stepped in, I'm afraid you would have burned your soul."

In his White Tiger form, he was at the Saint-level. Although he could not see Doehring Cowart, he could still sense his presence.

Doehring Cowart gave a helpless, bitter smile, his soul emitting ripples. "You've seen me at my worst."

Although he possessed a Saint-level soul, at the end of the day, he could do nothing but burn his soul to unleash a single attack.

"Burn his soul?"

Hearing Dohar's words, Linley felt a lingering fear in his heart.

Secretly, he hardened his resolve; he had to become stronger as quickly as possible. Otherwise, if he encountered such a situation again, he wouldn't know what to do.

"Don't be so extreme in the future."

Dohar didn't know what else to say. "Think more about Linley. If you really want to help him, just become a god sooner. By then, all problems will be solved."

Hearing this, Doehring Cowart gave another helpless, bitter smile. Become a god? It was not that easy.

However, he agreed with Dohar's words in his heart. In his current soul state, he really couldn't be of much help to Linley.

"Alright, don't stay here. Let's leave first."

Dohar said directly, "The Radiant Church has lost six high-level deacons; they certainly won't let this go."

In a small courtyard.

After listening to Dohar's account, Linley found it hard to believe. "Brother Dohar, have you been following me for two years?"

Beibei and Doehring Cowart could not help but stare at Dohar.

Dohar waved his hand. "Don't misunderstand, I wasn't stalking you. I was just traveling along your route. Besides, this was the intention of the master."

"Mr. Fang Yun?"

Linley was startled.

Dohar nodded, his tone filled with reverence. "Two years ago, the master told me to follow you, saying that I should save Mr. Doehring if the opportunity arose. Perhaps the master had already guessed that Mr. Doehring would be in danger."

"Mr. Fang Yun asked you to save Grandpa Doehring?"

Linley was truly shocked now.

How could this be possible?

However, Linley did not continue to probe. Regardless of how Mr. Fang Yun foresaw that Grandpa Doehring would be in danger, since he had saved him, it was a debt of immense gratitude.

Before he knew it, he already owed Mr. Fang Yun so much—the Slaughter saber, Grandpa Doehring...

He truly did not know how he would ever repay it.

Doehring Cowart also made up his mind that he must become a god.

After staying with Linley for two days, Dohar officially took his leave.

Once Dohar had departed, Linley said to Doehring Cowart, "Grandpa Doehring, I intend to go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range for bitter training again!"

Doehring Cowart simply nodded without objection. Whether it was Linley or himself, both needed to cultivate diligently. He did not want to leave with any regrets.

Time flowed like water.

Yulan Calendar year 10003.

Rhine Empire.

Edita was currently wearing a light blue mage robe, with a small crimson-gold bird perched on her shoulder. It was none other than the Saint-level magical beast that had descended upon the Yulan Continent from the Blue Star: the Crimson Feather Golden Phoenix.

By now, Edita was already a dual-element Saint-level mage. However, very few people knew this.

Walking into Wester Academy, Edita met with Principal Potter. At this moment, Principal Potter was still only at the ninth rank, standing before a window and quietly watching the scenery outside.

Seeing Edita walk in, Potter let out a deep sigh and revealed a smile. "Sit."

Then, Potter slowly took a small ring inlaid with a special red ornament from his drawer and handed it to Edita. "Here, take it."

"This is?"

Edita frowned slightly.

"The Ring of Feihong."

Potter said directly, his tone tinged with helplessness. "This is a ring treasured in the Rhine Empire's vault. Like the Ring of Feilan, it is a spatial ring. Furthermore, both were left behind by Mr. Wester. It's just that this particular ring was gifted to the royal family by Mr. Wester back then."

Without waiting for Edita to ask further, Potter explained, his voice sounding somewhat desolate. "His Majesty the Emperor has issued the latest order: starting today, Wester Academy will be merged into Kawent Institute. From now on, there will be no more Wester Academy."

Ever since Edita relayed Fang Yun's request to the emperor of the Rhine Empire, Kawent Institute had practically become the national academy of the Rhine Empire.

In just a few years, whether in terms of student body or influence, it had become second to none within the Rhine Empire. It had even begun to gain some fame in other empires as well.

However, since Kawent Institute only recruited ordinary adults, it did not attract too much attention from others.

But now, the emperor of the Rhine Empire was clearly no longer satisfied with the status quo. He was preparing to transform Kawent Institute into a more comprehensive academy.

That meant establishing separate divisions for ordinary students and adult students. Merging Wester Academy into Kawent Institute was the fastest, simplest, and most effective way to achieve this.

Upon hearing this news, Edita fell silent for a moment. Although the root of this matter was Fang Yun, she was the one who had asked the emperor of the Rhine Empire to pass on the message. "I'm sorry."

Potter, however, smiled indifferently, even appearing somewhat relieved. "There is no need for that. Actually, this might not be a bad thing. It is too difficult for Wester Academy to rise on its own. Now that it is merging with Kawent Institute, it is not impossible for it to surpass Ernst Institute in the future."

Following that, Potter directly changed the subject. "This Ring of Feihong will henceforth represent the status of the dean of the ordinary division of Kawent Institute. You should wear it."

"Me?"

Edita was stunned.

Potter smiled. "That's right. From today on, you are the dean of the ordinary division of Kawent Institute."

After Edita left, Potter sat powerlessly in the chair by the window, looking at the scenery of Wester Academy—no, the ordinary division of Kawent Institute—outside the window, and finally revealed a bitter smile.

Not long after, news of Kawent Institute merging with Wester Academy spread across the Yulan Continent.

That year, Linley reached the peak of the eighth rank in his human form, and possessed the strength of a peak Ninth-Rank Grand Magus after transforming; he officially emerged from seclusion and set off on the road to the O'Brien Empire. Doehring Cowart was a Saint-level soul.

In the year 10006 of the Yulan Calendar, Linley reached the ninth rank in his human form, and possessed Saint-level strength after transforming. Doehring Cowart was a Saint-level soul.

In the year 10008 of the Yulan Calendar, Linley's spiritual energy broke through to the ninth rank in the O'Brien Empire, making him a 27-year-old Ninth-Rank Grand Magus. Doehring Cowart was a Saint-level soul.

In the year 10010 of the Yulan Calendar, Linley established the Baruch Kingdom in the Chaotic Territory and married Delia. Doehring Cowart was a Saint-level soul, and that night, Beibei held the Coiling Dragon Ring.

On January 1, 10023 of the Yulan Calendar, the Baruch Empire was established. In the same year, the Necropolis of the Gods opened. Doehring Cowart was a Saint-level soul.

In the year 10033 of the Yulan Calendar, the Saint-level experts finished their training in the Necropolis of the Gods, and Linley became a Saint-level magus. He obtained three godheads from the Necropolis of the Gods and gave the earth-elemental lowgod godhead among them to Doehring Cowart.

Doehring Cowart ultimately chose the path of refining a godhead.