The Academy of Truth? / A Plot in the Making

You've met?!

"Well, aside from being a bit annoying, I think he's alright. He's calm in the face of trouble, decisive in his actions, and gives people a strong sense of security when he's around."

"To put it nicely, their personality is aloof and taciturn, gentle and quiet, and 'approachable.' To put it bluntly, they are truly cold and ruthless, often speaking bluntly and cutting straight to the point, silencing you and leaving you utterly humiliated!"

At this point, Bai Chuting was already secretly indignant.

Chapter Seventeen: The Truth Academy?

After listening to Bai Chuting recount many more stories about Ling Feng's time at school, Fang Zi couldn't help but feel a little restless.

Looking at Ling Feng now, she really didn't expect that Ling Feng was so popular at school.

Things like drawers overflowing with love letters, classrooms being crammed with students, and even theft of final exam papers and toilet paper—aren't those things only in novels? It's getting more and more outrageous!

Although it wasn't the first time Lin Ruoxi had heard Bai Chuting mention these things, she still felt quite conflicted and a little hesitant to believe it. However, she quickly came to terms with it.

No one is perfect, and nothing is flawless.

There are no perfect people in this world, only unique individuals like yourself.

Lin Ruoxi wondered if she had given Ling Feng too high a tacit evaluation in her mind. Astral Mark Girl was human too.

If such a perfect person truly existed in the world, then their only flaw would be the absence of any flaws!

The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment; sometimes it's best to just let things take their course.

Every coin has two sides; only by always maintaining a humble heart can one improve oneself.

Ling Luoluo followed beside her, her face also beaming with joy. She wanted more; she wanted to know more about her brother's story. How wonderful!

Ling Feng wasn't too far from the girls, and he actually overheard their conversation.

He heard those words—cold-hearted and indifferent—very clearly.

How could he possibly be that kind of person? Ling Feng asked himself this question from the bottom of his heart, and then concluded that it was impossible!

The person who knows you best in life is always yourself.

No matter how well others know you, they can't truly understand every single thought in your heart. They may understand your personality and style, but it's difficult for them to comprehend every single idea you have.

After all, everyone is unique, and everyone's life experiences are different.

Besides, discussing these things seems pointless, doesn't it? Are these people all so bored?

Of course, if you like someone and want to get to know them as a starting point, then disregard what I said.

As Ling Feng was lost in thought, Fang Zi turned around and glanced at him, smiling gently.

For a moment, her smile was radiant and captivating, her small lips curving into a faint arc, even more beautiful than blooming peach blossoms. Ling Feng blushed, secretly calling her a vixen before turning his face away.

Fang Zi found it amusing. After all, Ling Feng was still just a young man experiencing his first love. No matter how he tried to hide it, there would always be clues, and he couldn't fool her, Hall-Tier Mage.

That's kind of cute (//?//)~

The group wasn't satisfied with what they had been doing, so they took a car to Linzhou Ancient City, supposedly to visit the Shangyuan Maid Café to hang out with Lin Danyue and Ye Qingya and catch up with them!

For the time being, Ling Feng really didn't want to go back to that place, so he decisively declined their invitation and decided to stay here for the time being.

With Fang Zi leading the way, Ling Feng had nothing to worry about. She was Hall-Tier Mage, and Ling Feng had only ever seen one like her so far. Who could possibly defeat her?

At first, Ling Luoluo kept calling out "If Brother Ling Feng doesn't go, I won't go either," even though she missed her friends at the maid café. But she felt a little uncomfortable in places without Ling Feng.

She did say that, but Fang Zi launched her sweet talk, she immediately changed her mind.

Is it true? No one can escape the "it's actually pretty good" phenomenon?

But it's all good, this is a good thing for Ling Feng.

He remembered there was a bookstore on the commercial street. He had heard people say that the bookstore had all kinds of books: comics, novels, classics, adult films, fashion magazines, travel, photography, and cookbooks. You could find books on any topic there.

There was even a "storyteller" competition held there, with a substantial prize for the winner, as well as a collector's edition book. Many students from the nearby university town participated to supplement their living expenses!

Although it sounded good, Ling Feng didn't care. He was just here to kill time and didn't have any grand plans.

After about ten minutes, Ling Feng finally found the bookstore in a secluded corner of the commercial street.

Standing at the entrance, looking at the sign above his head with the four large characters "Truth Academy" written in gold ink, Ling Feng instantly fell into deep thought.

"What kind of store name is this?! It looks pretty cool!"

"Why not just call him Nancun Yingxue?"

Unfortunately, it was all for naught. Even though the name sounded high-end and classy, Ling Feng didn't take it seriously. He was just there to find books to read.

If I see something I like, I'll buy it; if not, I'll just browse around to kill time. I just wonder if the shopkeeper will kick me out. (`へ?)

Ling Feng walked into the bookstore and found that it wasn't crowded. It had coffee and desserts, so he could take a break and read a book.

Generally speaking, there should be more people during holidays, right? Why are there fewer? Or is it that not many people want to read during this time of year?

The interior decoration is rather old-fashioned and elegant. The bookstore is about the size of a small library, around 50 square meters, which is quite spacious.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by the unique scent of ink found only in books, which fills Ling Feng with a strange excitement, like a hungry person smelling the aroma of bread.

But what puzzled him was that there wasn't a single person at the bookstore counter. How was he supposed to buy anything then?

As he walked forward, somewhat puzzled, suddenly, an elderly man with white hair stood up from among them.

"Hey young man, are you here to read or to buy books?"

"Damn it, sir, don't just pop out like that! You'll scare people to death!"

Ling Feng regained his senses; he was indeed startled. Was it possible that this old man could pinpoint the location by sound?

The white-haired old man had a kind smile on his face, which was full of wrinkles. He was dressed neatly, and his bright eyes shone with a sharp light, which made Ling Feng feel invigorated.

Great, very energetic!

"Uh... I can go take a look myself, no need to trouble you, sir."

"Alright, young man, go look for it yourself. If you're looking for porn, it's locked in the second-floor cabinet. The combination is six sixes, you know. They're cracking down hard lately. If you find any you want, I'll give you a discount."

"??"

What??

Hearing the white-haired old man's words, Ling Feng's head was buzzing a little. Did he really have all kinds of books?

Although it felt a bit novel, Ling Feng wasn't too surprised. After all, this place was open to all ages, unlike an 18+ store that had a special section for adult books and prohibited minors from entering.

However, even after hearing this, Ling Feng realized what was going on.

That old man isn't a good person either!

Chapter Eighteen: Premeditation

Afterwards, Ling Feng browsed around the first few bookshelves, and he was indeed a little surprised.

This place really does sell all kinds of books, but the categorization is quite good, and the selection is very comprehensive.

Novels similar to "Charlie X", "Battle Through the Nine Heavens", "Index-Finger Monitor", "Astral Mark Girl", and "Little Feng the Night Watchman" are all available.

If you can't find what you want to see, you can even make an appointment with the owner to reserve it for you.

Ling Feng stood in front of a bookshelf, engrossed in a home-style cookbook for over ten minutes before gradually coming to his senses! He seemed to still be wanting more!

"Holy crap, what's going on? I actually thought it looked kind of good just now?" (oo?)

"Never mind, it's probably just my imagination."

After picking up a martial arts novel, Ling Feng found a seat and sat down by himself.

Of course, he bought a library card for a few hours in advance so that he could read books more easily.

Bookstores generally sell new books, so lending new books to readers is indeed somewhat impossible. If bookstores could lend new books to readers, wouldn't many of the books sold in bookstores no longer need to be shrink-wrapped?

This bookstore allows you to browse any book, whether new or used, which is truly commendable. They even sell used books by weight, ten yuan per kilogram, so you can pick whatever you want!

If you want to get a library card, you still need to bring your ID and a 100 yuan deposit, which is a bit of a hassle.

A sunny winter afternoon

The sun's rays illuminated the world, and countless golden rays pierced through the treetops, painting the water's surface with a rosy hue.

The sunlight shines on my skin, and I can feel a warm sensation all over my body.

Yanjing Magic Council

After witnessing the extraordinary Martial Arts Tournament in Chongming City, Su Xiaoxiao returned to the Magic Association to further her studies and improve her magic level.

There's no way around it; sadness stems from a lack of strength, and depression from a lack of open-mindedness. All negative emotions originate from one's own weakness. Only by becoming strong can one better protect oneself and safeguard those around them!

Su Xiaoxiao has seen it clearly; she wants to become stronger!

So, she came back!

"No matter what, I'm determined to study magic diligently this time and strive to advance to High Tier as soon as possible! I'll show those Astral Mark Girl that I, Su Xiaoxiao, am not someone to be trifled with!"

Su Xiaoxiao's eyes were like those of a swan, occasionally glancing around, her eyes filled with a childlike gleam, yet revealing her inner determination at all times.

Before she even reached the Magical Girls tactical training building, she spotted a very familiar figure in the distance.

At that moment, a young girl was standing quietly downstairs in the training building.

The girl's features were exquisitely beautiful, like a dreamlike flower, and her stunning figure resembled a fairy who had fallen to earth!

She wore a sky-blue JK uniform, spotless and untouched by dust. Her pink hair accentuated her stunning beauty, yet her serene eyes remained undisturbed. She was like a peerless beauty, pure and unapproachable.

It was only after Su Xiaoxiao walked over that the girl noticed her.

"Xi Yan!"

Hearing the call, Luo Xiyan turned around and smiled sweetly at her. Her soft, arched eyebrows and eyelashes veiled her bright eyes, making her look incredibly beautiful!

However, Su Xiaoxiao wasn't thinking about these things right now. If Luo Xiyan were to personally teach her, her progress would definitely be even faster!

After all, even within the Magic Association, there are only a handful of Hall-tier Magical Girls. Some smaller magic branches don't even have High Tier mages!

This shows just how amazing Luo Xiyan is!

Su Xiaoxiao remembered that she had mastered several Hall-tier spells a few months ago, and she wondered how much she had improved since then.

However, the thought that the two were Magical Girls of the same age, yet she was only at the Middle Tier while the other was already at the Hall-tier, leaving her two major realms behind, was simply unacceptable to Su Xiaoxiao.

Why are there such large differences between people?

Is this (a beaver)?

Su Xiaoxiao's face was filled with an indescribable feeling, like resentment and excitement at the same time, which seemed to be a complex smile.

Luo Xiyan felt a little strange seeing her like this.

What's wrong with me? I just went on a trip, and now I feel like my brain has gone haywire?

"Xiao Xiao, are you busy tonight?"

"No, no, do you need any help? You should have said so earlier, it's nothing!"

Su Xiaoxiao waved her hand, saying nonchalantly.

But given Luo Xiyan's status and strength, she really didn't know what this young lady needed her help with.

However, since they are friends and best friends, Su Xiaoxiao will definitely support Luo Xiyan unconditionally no matter what she wants to do.

"I need Hall-tier magic scroll." Luo Xiyan looked at Su Xiaoxiao calmly, as if she were talking about something trivial.

"Oh! It's nothing! Nothing at all, haha... Uh... wait a minute! Say it again?"

Su Xiaoxiao was originally ready to agree immediately, but when she heard those important words, she suddenly felt a little confused.

Hall-tier magic scroll?

Is this something you can just grab like that?! What is this girl thinking?!

Su Xiaoxiao looked at Luo Xiyan with a complicated expression. Although she really wanted to help her, she really didn't have that thing herself!

A magic scroll of this rank requires at least hundreds of thousands of points, which countless Destiny Engraver might not be able to gather even after countless fierce battles. Moreover, if your rank isn't high enough, you can't learn it, so it's just a piece of waste paper.