Flender strode over, and Yu Xiaogang called Ye Lin over as well.
The four gathered in the courtyard, where Yu Xiaogang briefly explained the situation.
"Tian Heng has broken through to level forty and needs his fourth spirit ring. I just broke through to level fifty as well, so I need my fifth."
"Flender, come with me."
"Ye Lin will come too. Once we have our spirit rings, I'll leave with Tian Heng and Ye Lin. If I have time, I'll come back. If not, we'll meet at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Flender listened, fell silent for a couple of breaths, then nodded.
He did not ask where Yu Xiaogang was going or why he was in such a hurry.
He simply patted Yu Xiaogang on the shoulder. "All right, Xiaogang. I can tell you have a lot on your mind, so I won't pry. Just say the word, and I'll help you even if it costs me this old life."
Yu Xiaogang glanced at him without saying anything, then gave a slight nod.
Nothing more needed to be said.
Flender found Zhao Wuji and gave him a few instructions.
"Old Zhao, hold down the fort at the academy for now. Grandmaster and I are heading out. We'll be back in three to five days."
Zhao Wuji asked no questions and assured him that everything would be fine.
That afternoon, the four set off for Star Dou Forest.
One Soul Sage, one Quasi-Soul King, and two people with Soul Ancestor-level combat strength—such a lineup was already impressive, even in Star Dou Forest.
It was still early when the four entered Star Dou Forest.
Morning light filtered through gaps in the canopy, scattering patches of broken gold across the ground.
Flender led the way, seven spirit rings flickering beneath his