After the Disaster (Seeking Follow-up Reads!!!!)

After the Blue-robed Deacon's true identity was exposed in Bocheng, it was like a boulder crashing into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand waves.

No one could have imagined that the small Bocheng Mu Clan harbored a high-ranking figure from the Black Vatican, who had also orchestrated the Bocheng Disaster.

Not only was Bocheng shaken to its core, but even the high-level authorities in the capital were alerted.

All eyes instantly locked onto the Bocheng Mu Clan, and the Mu Family's main branch suffered the fallout as well.

For a time, every faction was scrambling to deal with this sudden crisis, leaving no one with the energy to pursue the whereabouts of the Sacred Spring.

The Sacred Spring was precious, sure, but for the major powers, it wasn't exactly something impossible to find.

After all, when the Azure Dragon was awakened, no small amount of Sacred Spring was unearthed from the ground.

In truth, even if they investigated, it would be pointless.

In the eyes of organizations like the Magic Association, the Judgment Society, and the military, the Sacred Spring had undoubtedly been seized by the Black Vatican.

The Black Vatican came and went like a ghost—how could anyone track them down?

The upper echelons were tense, with undercurrents churning due to the Black Vatican's emergence.

In Bocheng, the origin of it all, post-disaster reconstruction was underway at full speed.

Since this disaster hadn't dealt a devastating blow to Bocheng, the nation didn't set up dedicated refugee resettlement zones in various cities.

Instead, they allocated a massive amount of resources to repair and reinforce Bocheng's buildings and defenses, while replenishing the stationed military with fresh blood.

The military had suffered the heaviest losses in this disaster, making immense sacrifices to protect Bocheng.

They deserved the highest respect from everyone!

Those who stepped up and defended Bocheng during the catastrophe were all heroes without exception.

Their dedication and bravery deserved to be remembered forever!

When the Bocheng Champion honors were being awarded, according to the Judgment Society's investigation, the Black Vatican had also set up underground arrangements. If those had gone through, they would have dealt a devastating blow to Bocheng.

But for some reason, they were destroyed.

Bocheng also awarded Champion Honor Medals to those unknown individuals who destroyed the underground caves. Since they couldn't be found, the medals were displayed beneath the Champion Monument.

"I'm planning to go to Pearl Institute in Modu." Mo Fan said to Jiang Yuan.

Beside them sat a girl with a serene expression, in a wheelchair—Ye Xin Xia.

The three were discussing their next moves.

Zhang Xiaohou wasn't there; he was currently helping out with the military mages however he could.

"Got it. Then go ahead." Jiang Yuan nodded lightly.

Mo Fan had ultimately chosen to head to Modu.

Seeing that Jiang Yuan had nothing more to say, a flicker of confusion crossed Mo Fan's face. "So where are you planning to go? Don't tell me you're joining the military like Xiaohou?"

"Did a One-eyed Magic Wolf kick your brain into amnesia? I told you ages ago I'm not becoming a soldier." Jiang Yuan shot him a glare and said irritably.

They'd discussed their future paths before, and back then Jiang Yuan had made it clear that military mages had too many restrictions—he wouldn't choose the military.

"Ah, look at my memory. My bad, my bad." Mo Fan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

If both Zhang Xiaohou and Jiang Yuan went to the military, leaving him alone, that would be way too lonely.

He absolutely wouldn't let that happen.

"Brother Mo Fan, Brother Jiang Yuan loves studying magic theory so much—continuing his studies at an academy is naturally the best choice," Ye Xin Xia said sweetly from the side, her voice crisp and lively.

Mo Fan grinned, flashing his white teeth. "Xin Xia's right. Jiang Yuan's definitely going to an academy. Just don't know which one he'll pick."

Jiang Yuan glanced at Mo Fan, his expression odd. "If you've got something to say, just spit it out. Don't beat around the bush or hold back."

When had Mo Fan gotten so coy? Wasn't he usually loud and straightforward?

Maybe he really did get kicked in the head by a Giant-eyed Stinky Rat—he'd need some healing magic for that.

"Alright, I'll just say it straight. Do you want to come with me to Pearl Institute?" Mo Fan didn't hesitate any longer and laid out his idea.

"Pearl Institute works, but I'd actually prefer Imperial Capital Academy," Jiang Yuan said flatly.

"Hey!" Mo Fan grabbed Jiang Yuan's shoulder urgently. "What's so good about Imperial Capital Academy compared to coming with me to Pearl Institute? With our strength, we'd be unmatched at Pearl Institute—who could top us?"

"Think about those gorgeous senior girls, and the cute junior girls who'll enroll later. Doesn't that get you excited?"

Mo Fan painted the picture with animated enthusiasm.

Jiang Yuan curled his lip and ruthlessly called him out. "Sounds like you're the one excited. I'm a gentleman of principle—even if a black-stocking senior, a white-stocking junior, or a flesh-toned-stocking teacher sat in my lap, I'd stay perfectly composed."

"...Black stockings, white stockings, flesh-toned stockings—I like those too!" Mo Fan chuckled, shooting Jiang Yuan a knowing look.

Stockings really did have a unique charm.

Bare legs were just as pleasing to the eye.

Fair, smooth, and delicate skin paired with long, graceful legs—like a fine piece of art.

In ideology class, we learned that everyone has an instinct to pursue beautiful things, and appreciating beauty is only natural.

When you come across a work of art, you ought to take a good look.

If possible, the best thing is to hold it in your hands and toy with it a bit.

Just like Tang Yue always wearing those black stockings—hard not to notice.

Jiang Yuan kept his face blank, turning to Ye Xin Xia.

"Xin Xia, did you see Mo Fan's lecherous expression? Stay away from him in the future, or you might catch it."

Hearing this, Ye Xin Xia covered her mouth with a light laugh, knowing it was a joke, then nodded. "Alright, Brother Jiang Yuan."

"I treat you like a good buddy, and you slander me in front of Xin Xia—that's really heartbreaking." Mo Fan said with feigned pain.

Jiang Yuan let out a cold laugh and raised his middle finger.

In the end, Jiang Yuan agreed to go to Pearl Institute with Mo Fan, but he said he'd head over later and let Mo Fan go first.

It just so happened that while Mo Fan was helping the army clean up the remaining demons in Bocheng, he successfully advanced to a mid-level mage and could head to Modu for his second awakening.

After saying goodbye to Mo Fan and the others, Jiang Yuan went alone to the Demon Wolf Mountain Range outside Bocheng—this was the territory of the Winged Azure Wolf Commander.

As long as he didn't stray too far from Bocheng, safety was still guaranteed.

A beast tide had brought immense disaster to Bocheng, and at the same time, most of the demon wolves in the mountain range had lost their lives in the catastrophe.

Rough estimates put the death toll among the mountain range's demon wolves at least sixty percent.

But if anyone thought the mountain range was safer now, they'd be dead wrong.

In reality, it hadn't become safer—it had become more dangerous.

Without the Winged Azure Wolf's leadership, the surviving demon wolves fought each other ferociously over territory.

Unless a new Commander-level demon took over the mountain range, they would keep fighting until the end.