Mo Yuan could no longer muster any irritation after that barrage of flattery. He waved a hand helplessly, cutting him off:
"Enough. I'll go, all right?" He paused, then added, "Tell your master's wife I'm back. I won't be coming in."
Lin Chen readily agreed. "Don't worry, Teacher. Leave it to me."
Mo Yuan nodded without another word, turned, and headed back out through the academy gates. His figure soon vanished at the end of the street.
Watching him disappear into the distance, Lin Chen thought:
That Blue Silver Emperor has been delivered to the Holy Palace, along with the information on Tang Hao and Tang San. I need to find out what the Holy Palace does next—whether they mobilize their forces or hold their position.
He withdrew his gaze and entered the academy with Zhu Zhuqing. They followed the corridors to the training grounds.
When he pushed open the door, he found the training grounds bustling with activity.
Teacher Bai Qingqing and several other teammates had already returned at some point.
Everyone had gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.
Bai Qingqing stood off to one side. Her eyes lit up when she saw Lin Chen enter, and she beckoned to him. "Lin Chen, come here."
Lin Chen walked over, and Bai Qingqing motioned for Bai Ning to join them. Once the three of them were together, Bai Qingqing spoke solemnly:
"Thanks to your immortal herb, Bai Ning's martial soul completed its evolution. The Bai Family will remember this favor."
She paused, then added with equal gravity:
"If you ever need anything in the future, you can ask the Bai Family for help. Our family's strength is nothing to scoff at."
Hearing this, Lin Chen quickly waved his hands and thanked her:
"You're too kind, Teacher Bai. I'm