Encounter

Since there were so many benefits, why was Feng Xinglie still hesitant? Because the risks were too great. Not to mention Tang Hao, the guardian secretly following Tang San, let's talk about the three cornerstones he currently controlled: economy, intelligence, and propaganda. If he were to leave for a long time, these departments would still need to operate, so who would lead them? Naturally, they would be divided between the Pope's Palace and the Worship Hall. Even if he returned with fame and success, whether his power would return was another matter. Without his foundation, Feng Xinglie's influence would be greatly reduced, and he would revert to being the mere nominal "Holy Son."

After pondering for a long time, he finally gritted his teeth and said ruthlessly:

"I'll go all out. If Bibi Dong's problem isn't solved, there's no possibility of easing the internal strife within the Martial Soul Hall. Real power is merely a tool to achieve goals. Since there are better options, then so be it. Although I still wanted to keep the information about the immortal herbs to pave the way for the future, it's not a loss to use it to regain power. At worst, I'll expand my influence with it."

In the days that followed, Feng Xinglie calculated the graduation time for Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy, planned the route from Martial Soul City to Shrek Academy, and confirmed that his previous arrangements were flawless. After completing all the handover work, he arrived at the Pope's Palace:

"Your Excellency the Pope, your subordinate has encountered a bottleneck in cultivation and wishes to travel the continent to seek a breakthrough opportunity and temper my state of mind. I request your permission."

"You may."

The unexpected smoothness surprised Feng Xinglie slightly. He then heard Bibi Dong add:

"However, since it is a trial, you must also experience the hardships of the world. After leaving Martial Soul City, you are not allowed to act as the Holy Son, nor are you allowed to call upon any resources from the Martial Soul Hall. You may only bring one month's worth of food and 30 Gold Soul Coins."

After speaking, she waved her hand, and a Soul Saint-level expert emerged from the shadows:

"As for your safety, Shadow Spider will be responsible. But he will not act unless it is a matter of life and death, do you understand?"

I understand, she's still angry and wants me to suffer a bit outside...

Feng Xinglie cursed her pettiness inwardly. This time, he didn't even let Guimei follow, but replaced him with his absolutely loyal dark guard. But this was for the best; if a Titled Douluo were following him, Tang Hao would probably have discovered him before he even got close to Shrek Academy.

"So, you wish to temporarily lift Ling Yuan's protection over you?"

After accepting all of Bibi Dong's conditions, Feng Xinglie went to the Worship Hall. Using the excuse that he didn't need Titled Douluo protection for the trial to be effective, he prepared to give Ling Yuan a long vacation.

"Yes, I request Master's permission."

Qian Daoliu stared at his only disciple and reminded him:

"Do you know what this journey means?"

"This disciple knows, please rest assured, Master. I have already made arrangements with the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and the newspaper printing will proceed as usual. The financial work within the Martial Soul Hall has also been handed over. The headquarters of the Martial Soul Chamber of Commerce is far away in the Heavenly Dou Empire, and after reaching cooperation with the royal family, the Young Master also has the authority to mobilize and command."

Seeing that Feng Xinglie understood the implications and had made preparations in advance, Qian Daoliu said no more and nodded:

"Since that is the case, then go."

"Thank you, Master. Then this disciple will prepare to depart."

Turning to leave the Worship Hall, Feng Xinglie raised his hand, and a bird slowly landed in his palm. He took the secret letter from the bird's leg, confirmed that all arrangements were in order, and crushed it casually.

"Everything is ready, let's go..."

On the official road, inside the carriage, Feng Xinglie was resting with his eyes closed.

It had been several days since he left Martial Soul City. According to the journey, he would arrive at Suotuo City in less than a day. As dusk fell, the carriage slowly stopped.

"We're here."

The coachman lifted the curtain and spoke two respectful words. Feng Xinglie looked past his shoulder towards the forest, dyed golden-red by the afterglow of the setting sun.

"Yes, thank you for your hard work."

He took out his map to confirm his location, nodded, and got out of the carriage. The coachman behind him bowed to his retreating figure before driving away.

"Tonight, I'll spend the night around here."

Looking around, he chose a spacious spot, set up his tent, lit a campfire, and began preparing dinner. By the time he finished everything, it was completely dark. A faint aroma wafted from the pot on the fire, and that single flame, the only light in the forest, leaped merrily.

Suddenly, a strange noise came from the woods not far away. Listening carefully, he could discern something rapidly approaching. Feng Xinglie remained unmoved, continuing to cook. After a few breaths, a black shadow suddenly darted out from his side and stopped near the campfire. Feng Xinglie turned his head and saw a cold, slender girl in black, with a well-proportioned figure. He gave her a friendly smile:

"Greetings, young lady."

But as soon as the girl saw that Feng Xinglie was just a boy about her age, she frowned and turned to leave. But before she could move, a burst of laughter came from the woods behind her:

"Haha, Second Young Lady, save your strength. Eldest Young Lady ordered me to bring your head back."

In the blink of an eye, five more figures leaped out, surrounding Feng Xinglie and the girl.

The girl looked around, her expression growing more somber. She glanced at Feng Xinglie, who was still adding firewood to the campfire, bit her lip, and said to the leader:

"I'll go with you, but don't involve this person. Our business has nothing to do with him."

As soon as she said this, the men burst into laughter:

"Hahaha, Second Young Lady, what are you joking about? Since we've run into this kid, he can only blame his bad luck. Eldest Young Lady doesn't want any leaks."

Saying that, the spirit rings under the five men's feet lit up simultaneously. They were four Soul Elders and one Soul Ancestor. Facing their gradual approach, the girl wanted to escape, but looking left and right, she couldn't find an opening.

"Friend, are you killing people to silence them and being so arrogant?"

Feng Xinglie, who had been cooking all along, suddenly stood up, holding his ladle, and beckoned to the leader opposite him. This action immediately amused the Soul Ancestor:

"Second Brother, teach this kid a lesson."

"You got it! Brother, just watch!"

A short, stout soul master responded. A monkey phantom behind him merged into his body, and he stomped on his spirit rings, charging towards Feng Xinglie:

"Second Spirit Ability: Sky-Rending Fist!"

"Be careful!"

The girl exclaimed in alarm, wanting to rush forward to help, but as soon as she moved, her already exhausted body twitched from pain and injury, forcing her to stop. Feng Xinglie, facing the approaching fist, was not flustered at all. He dodged slightly to the side while placing the cooking ladle in his hand on the soul master's wrist and gently pulling the handle, deflecting the punch.

"Hey!? You brat..."

The fat soul master was surprised by the never-before-seen move. Just as he was about to curse, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, and then his entire body was bent into a "＞" shape, flying backward.