Heaven Dou City, Xue Qinghe

"Dean, I haven't forgotten about that debt. I'll pay you back the moment I make some money."

Lin Yan was rather surprised that Flender hadn't brought up the loan himself; fearing the man might be playing some clever trick, he decided to bring it up first.

However, to his even greater surprise, Flender merely offered a kind smile upon hearing this and replied with a twinkle in his eye.

"No rush, no rush."

"Just make sure to come back and visit the academy whenever you have the time."

Flender's attitude left Lin Yan feeling a bit confused, but since the matter was settled and the other party clearly held no ill intent, he couldn't be bothered to overthink it.

He then turned his gaze toward Zhao Wuji.

"Teacher Zhao, thank you for helping me obtain my spirit ring during our trip to the Star Dou Forest. I will certainly repay you when I have the chance."

The moment Zhao Wuji heard the word "repay," he let out a hearty laugh.

"Hahaha!"

"You having that kind of heart is the best repayment I could ask for, kid."

It wasn't that he truly expected any benefits from Lin Yan; rather, he was gratified by Lin Yan's character of always returning a favor.

Unlike Flender's, Zhao Wuji's smile was clearly much more sincere.

Lin Yan then looked at Ma Hongjun.

"Fatty, eat a little less, or you'll have a hard time finding a partner later on."

"Also, find some time to practice your spirit skills so you don't keep missing your shots."

Ma Hongjun scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and replied sheepishly.

"Hehe, I got it."

Finally, Lin Yan glanced toward the girls' dormitory not far away.

There was a crack in the worn-out wooden door, and within that sliver of space stood a shadow—it was Wen Ruan, who was hiding in the dormitory, unable to bear the thought of parting with Lin Yan.

Lin Yan couldn't even tell if there was anyone behind that door, but he waved at the empty space regardless.

The others were drawn by his inexplicable gesture and all turned to look at the girls' dormitory.

Lin Yan said, "Once I'm settled, I'll send a letter to the academy."

"When the little senior sister needs to obtain her third spirit ring, you must notify me. I will hunt her spirit ring for her myself."

The group turned back, finally understanding the relationship between the two.

Flender quickly agreed.

"You brat, hahaha..."

"Go on and venture out with peace of mind. With us old folks around to protect your little girlfriend, she won't have any trouble at the academy."

With that promise, Lin Yan felt much more at ease.

Since Wen Ruan wasn't leaving with him, his biggest concern had been her safety.

As for what kind of safety issues she might face, given Wen Ruan's well-behaved nature, it would only ever be during the hunting of spirit rings.

Now that Flender had agreed to protect her, a heavy weight was lifted from Lin Yan's heart.

"Goodbye!"

"I'll be back when Wen Ruan reaches level 30."

Lin Yan waved his hand, and the group shared a smile.

And with that, they parted ways.

Inside the girls' dormitory, Wen Ruan watched the youth's retreating figure and clenched her fists tightly.

"Lin Yan, I'll be waiting for your return..."

One month later.

Heaven Dou City, Crown Prince's Mansion.

"Your Highness, there is a youth outside requesting an audience. He says he has long admired your virtuous reputation and wishes to join your ranks."

In the quiet main hall of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

Beside the desk, a bronze incense burner curled with wisps of smoke. Xue Qinghe was in the middle of reviewing a memorial when he was suddenly interrupted by a guard standing before him.

He frowned slightly, a hint of impatience flickering across his refined and gentle face.

"Why report such a trivial matter? Just send him away."

Xue Qinghe didn't take the matter to heart; instead, he felt the guard lacked common sense, unable to handle such a minor issue without bothering him.

However, to maintain his gentle image as the Crown Prince, he didn't say anything more.

Yet, today, the guard seemed completely oblivious to the mood, and even after Xue Qinghe had finished speaking, he showed no sign of leaving, instead saying hesitantly:

"But..."

The guard did not state the situation directly, instead keeping his head lowered as he observed Xue Qinghe's expression.

Xue Qinghe's brow furrowed even tighter.

"If you have something to say, speak!"

Only then did the guard continue.

"Your Highness, that young boy has been standing before the main gate for an entire afternoon."

"Furthermore, we conducted a spirit power test on him. The boy has a bone age of six, yet the testing crystal displayed that he possesses... sixteen levels of spirit power."

"What?"

On the other side, at the entrance of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

Lin Yan, upholding a respectful attitude toward imperial authority, stood politely to the side of the main gate, awaiting the guard's report.

It should be fine, right?

In the original work, the little angel was famous for being thirsty for talent. With my monstrous innate talent, there is no way she would leave me out in the cold.

He thought to himself, his mind drifting further away.

Over the past month, he had left Shrek Academy and headed straight for Heaven Dou City, his goal being to defect to the side of "Xue Qinghe"—or rather, Qian Renxue.

There was no other reason; the other party's background was strong enough to provide resources and protection for his growth.

Whether she accepted him as the Heaven Dou Crown Prince or recruited him under the identity of Spirit Hall, he would have enough confidence to grow rapidly in the future.

As for why not other factions...

Ning Fengzhi was disgusting, Yu Yuanzhen was too weak, the Clear Sky Sect was impossible to locate, and Bibi Dong...

That crazy woman was mentally ill; there was no telling when she might have an episode triggered by the Rakshasa Divine Power and throw him into a secret chamber.

Lin Yan dared not stay with a lunatic.

"Are you the young friend Lin Yan?"

Just as he was thinking, a very gentle, yet somewhat excited male voice suddenly came from not far away.

Lin Yan looked up, and the figure of a man in pale gold, luxurious robes came into view.

This person was not exceptionally handsome, but his features were very refined. Coupled with the gentle temperament between his brows, it was easy to create the illusion that one wanted to be close to him.

Presumably, this was Xue Qinghe, disguised by Qian Renxue.

Lin Yan felt a surge of joy in his heart, then nodded and bowed slightly, offering a salute.

"Yes, I have met Your Highness."

Xue Qinghe hurriedly reached out to support Lin Yan's shoulders with both hands.

"No need for formalities!"

"It is all the fault of the guards for not knowing the rules and only informing me so late. Otherwise, how could I have let you wait for so long, young friend Lin Yan?"

"You must be exhausted!"

Lin Yan smiled slightly. "Not tired. My physical constitution is very good."

"Hahaha~" Xue Qinghe chuckled. He had a very good first impression of Lin Yan; he was polite, poised, and knew how to conduct himself.

If the boy was truly as the guard had described, then he had truly struck gold this time.

Eager to verify his thoughts, he asked tentatively.

"I heard from the guard that at a bone age of six, your spirit power has already reached level 16?"

"Yes, Your Highness may check as you please."

Lin Yan did not act coy, which suited Xue Qinghe's intentions perfectly.

"Then I shall not stand on ceremony." Xue Qinghe smiled and gestured with his hand. "Someone, bring over a spirit power testing crystal."

The guard from before hurriedly pulled a pre-prepared testing crystal from his robes.

Lin Yan naturally placed his palm upon it.

A white light flashed, and Xue Qinghe's pupils brightened significantly.

"It truly is level 16! Then, young friend, you..."

Lin Yan knew the other party wanted to check his bone age, so he extended his wrist.

"Here~"

Xue Qinghe did not hesitate either, beginning to carefully examine those fair, small hands in front of the numerous guards.

He touched them very thoroughly, fearing the slightest oversight.

Only after checking repeatedly several times did he finally confirm the result, at which point he drew a sharp breath.

"Hiss~"

He looked at Lin Yan with eyes full of shock.

"Young friend, come quickly and enter the mansion with me..."