Hogg's battle qi surged, and his hands transformed directly into dragon claws.
Then he attacked the rocks on the mountain behind them.
After seeing this attack, Zhao Nan gained a general understanding of Hogg's strength. He then said, "Mr. Hogg, judging by your attack, you should have at least the offensive power of an Eighth-level Warrior.
"If you fully transform into a dragon, you'll definitely have the strength of an Eighth-level Warrior."
Zhao Nan spoke to Hogg.
Then Zhao Nan continued, "However, Mr. Hogg, you and Linley absorbed Sathius's blood, so you're both fast and have decent defenses.
"That also makes you a little faster than your strength after transforming into dragons would suggest."
After saying this, Zhao Nan continued, "Compared with Linley, however, your strength in human form has reached the level of a Seventh-level Warrior.
"If you want to have a voice on the Yulan Continent and restore your Baruch Clan's reputation, you'd best raise your strength in human form to the ninth level. That way, after transforming into a dragon, you'll reach the Saint-level.
"On the Yulan Continent today, where no Deities appear, Saint-level experts already have a voice.
"By then, you won't have to worry about failing, no matter what you want to do!"
Zhao Nan said this to warn Hogg not to rush off to take revenge. His strength wasn't enough yet.
Hogg was taken aback by Zhao Nan's words. Then he gave Zhao Nan a long, searching look. He felt that Zhao Nan must know something, but he didn't ask.
At the same time, he decided to take Zhao Nan's advice and wait until he became a Ninth-level Warrior before seeking revenge.
In the original story, Hogg had gone to seek revenge without hesitation once Linley had come into his own and Wharton was settled. That was because Hogg couldn't awaken his family's Dragonblood Warrior bloodline and thus had no way to grow stronger. His only option was to risk his life.
But now that he could cultivate, Hogg wasn't about to throw his life away.
Zhao Nan naturally saw the change in Hogg's eyes. He then said, "Mr. Hogg, did you know that anyone who dies without becoming a Deity will end up in the Netherworld?
"If you're strong enough, you can rescue relatives or friends who have died from the Netherworld."
Although Zhao Nan had seen the change in Hogg's eyes, he feared that Hogg might act rashly if he thought he was strong enough. So he revealed another secret.
Sure enough, the moment Zhao Nan said this, a gleam flashed in Hogg's eyes. His voice trembling, he asked, "M-Mr. Zhao Nan, is... is that true?"
"Mr. Hogg, I know a little about what you've been through, so I would never lie to you," Zhao Nan replied.
After hearing this, Hogg let out a loud roar.
From Hogg's roar, Zhao Nan heard boundless relief and an equally boundless murderous aura.
But Zhao Nan paid him no mind. Linley, Ace, and the others watched Hogg in confusion, but said nothing.
After a long while, Hogg finally stopped roaring and returned to his calm demeanor. Yet a faint warmth had appeared on his face.
Zhao Nan had read the original story and knew that Hogg had always been a gentle man. It was only the upheaval in his family that had changed his temperament.
But now that he had a solution and a goal, his true nature had naturally returned.
When Zhao Nan saw that Hogg had recovered, he turned to everyone and said, "All right. Now that we've finished testing, let's talk."
After saying this, Zhao Nan didn't go back inside. Sathius was too large to fit through the doorway.
"Teacher, what do you want to talk to us about?" Linley was the first to ask.
At Linley's question, Ace and Barker and the others also turned to look at Zhao Nan.
Zhao Nan looked at Linley and the others. "I plan to have you and Ace test your magical aptitude and apply to the Ernst Institute."
"Teacher, are you abandoning us?
"I don't want to go to the Ernst Institute. I want to stay with you!" Linley hurriedly said.
Ace echoed him. "Yeah, me too!"
Zhao Nan waved a hand and patted them both on the head. Then he said, "Don't overthink it. I'm not abandoning you. You're getting older, and you need friends, too.
"Once you've grown up, you can come back and cultivate under my guidance."
At this, Linley and Ace exchanged a glance and could only nod.
After seeing that Linley and Ace agreed, Zhao Nan turned to Sathius and said, "Sathius, I already told you that your biggest problem isn't understanding the laws—it's your pride.
"Only by letting go of your pride can you truly become a Saint-level expert.
"That's why I still want you to form an Equality Contract with Ace!
"What do you think?"
After Zhao Nan finished speaking, Sathius fell silent.
Sathius had refused before because of his pride. In fact, if Zhao Nan hadn't tempted him with the prospect of becoming a Saint-level expert, he would have rather died than become his disciple.
But after spending this time with Zhao Nan, and learning the Visualization Technique from him, Sathius had come to accept Zhao Nan, Linley, and the other senior disciples.
So this time, Sathius didn't reject the offer outright.
Seeing that Sathius hadn't immediately refused, Zhao Nan didn't press him further. He let him take some time to think it over.
Then Zhao Nan turned to the Bark Five Brothers and said, "Barker, I plan to arrange a place rich in the elements of heaven and earth for you five brothers. You can raise your levels to the ninth level there first.
"What do you think?"
"All right, Teacher!" the Bark Five Brothers replied together.
Just as they finished answering, Hogg spoke up. "Mr. Zhao Nan, since Linley is going to the Ernst Institute, could I take Wharton with me to the place where the Bark Five Brothers will be cultivating?"
Zhao Nan considered this, then replied, "If that's what you want, Mr. Hogg, of course you can."
As soon as Zhao Nan agreed, Hillman and Hiri both asked him, "Mr. Zhao Nan, could we go with Lord Hogg and keep him company?"
But before Zhao Nan could answer, Hogg said, "Hiri, Hillman, you two can't come with me. You still need to look after Wushan Town!
"I want to entrust Wushan Town to you."
Before you continue