The door to the Godwind Academy's conference room was ajar, and afternoon sunlight streamed in through the window lattice, casting long, slanted streaks of light on the long table.
Feng Lingtian sat in the main seat, with a parchment spread out in front of him, covered with names and routes.
There were twelve people sitting at the table: Shui Yue'er, Huo Wu, Huo Wushuang, Zhong Yue, Ji Ning, Lu Qing, Lu Qing Cheng Luo, Lu Hanxiao, Ye Lingling, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Su Mei'er.
Feng Lingtian glanced around, then, without exchanging pleasantries, said directly, "I've called you all here today because I'll be away from the academy for a while, so there are some things I need to arrange before I leave."
He first looked at Shui Yue'er: "I've read through ancient books, and there's a place at sea called Sea God Island. Legend has it that the Sea God's legacy is there."
The ancient text also records that the Spirit Hall once sent several Titled Douluo to attack the island, but they were all wiped out and failed to conquer it. The people on the island are very strong, which proves that the island possesses the legacy of the Sea God.
Shui Yue'er's eyes lit up. " The Sea God?"
"Yes, Sea God," Feng Lingtian said, "Your Martial Soul is the Jade Dolphin, naturally drawn to the ocean. The Sea God's legacy is perfectly suited to you."
He took the deep blue crystal out of the Mustard Seed Storage and placed it on the table, pushing it toward Shui Yue'er: "This is called the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
The Heaven Dou Emperor had previously been poisoned by a rare toxin. Senior Dugu Bo recommended the Pill Pavilion to treat him, and in return, the Pill Pavilion used this poison as payment. After receiving it, the Pill Pavilion handed it over to the academy.
"I've studied ancient texts, and this object should be related to the ocean. Taking it with you on your sea voyage might come in handy. I've already applied to the academy, and they've approved it; you're allowed to take it."
Shui Yue'er took it, and the moment her fingertips touched the crystal, she felt a cool sensation spread from her palm, like water ripples gently spreading across her skin.
Without asking any further questions, she carefully put away the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud and nodded solemnly. "Okay, then I'll lead the team over there."
Once we arrive at Sea God Island, we will work together to pass the assessment and strive for everything we can obtain.
Feng Lingtian then looked at the others. " Yue'er is leading the team. The training on Sea God Island is effective for everyone."
Zhong Yue, Ji Ning, Lu Qing, Cheng Luo, and Lu Hanxiao, the five of you, once you're there, focus on improving your Soul Ring age and combat abilities.
The five people nodded in agreement.
Feng Lingtian turned his gaze to Ye Lingling: "You are Support System. Although the curse of the Nine Heart Begonia has been lifted, your foundation is the weakest among everyone."
The environment of Sea God Island can help you build a solid foundation. Don't rush, take it one step at a time.
Ye Lingling nodded silently.
" Oscar, Ning Rongrong," Feng Lingtian, looking at the two of them, "You two will go too. The Sea God Island assessment is open to both Support System and Food System. What you get depends on your own luck."
Oscar chuckled. "Since I've got nothing better to do anyway, I might as well give it a go."
Ning Rongrong did not object, which was taken as tacit agreement.
After Feng Lingtian finished arranging things on Sea God Island, Shui Yue'er glanced at the list and looked up at Su Mei'er: "Sister Mei'er, aren't you coming with us?"
Su Mei'er shook her head. "I'll stay. My Soul Power is currently at a critical stage of breakthrough, and it's not suitable for long-distance travel. You go first, I'll stay at the academy and wait for you to return."
Shui Yue'er didn't ask any further questions, nodded, and put the list away.
Huo Wu leaned back in her chair and asked, "What about you, Feng Lingtian? Didn't you just say you were leaving too? Where are you planning to go?"
Feng Lingtian didn't answer immediately. After a few breaths of silence, he said, "I need to go to the Slaughter City."
The table fell silent for a moment. Shui Yue'er and Huo Wu exchanged a glance, Zhong Yue's brow twitched, and Ye Lingling slightly raised her eyes.
The Slaughter City —that name is no secret in the Soul Master World. Nine out of ten people who enter alive never come out, but everyone who does emerge possesses a blood-red domain.
Huo Wu frowned. " The Slaughter City? You're going alone?"
"Um."
No one in the room asked any further questions.
Su Mei'er sat in the corner, her lips slightly pursed, her gaze fixed on Feng Lingtian's profile. She didn't speak, but her fingers clenched slightly under the table for a moment before relaxing.
The meeting lasted another fifteen minutes, during which Feng Lingtian explained the sea route to Sea God Island, the supply points along the way, and the frequency of using the Yu Feng Token, in detail but without being verbose.
As the meeting adjourned, Shui Yue'er led the group to their feet. Feng Lingtian walked to the door and whispered to Shui Yue'er, "If the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud lights up when we reach the seaside, it means we're on the right track."
Shui Yue'er nodded, asked no further questions, and turned to lead her people out of the conference room.
After everyone left, only Feng Lingtian and Su Mei'er remained in the conference room.
Su Mei'er stood up, walked to him, looked at him quietly for a while, and then reached out to straighten his collar, her movements very gentle, as if to make sure something was still there.
"... came back alive," she said.
Feng Lingtian looked down into her eyes, paused for a moment, and then said, "Wait for me to come back."
Su Mei'er didn't say anything more, withdrew her hand, turned around and walked out of the conference room.
Feng Lingtian stood in the empty conference room for a while, put the parchment on the table into his Mustard Seed Storage, and then pushed open the door and walked out.
He didn't go back to his room, but went straight across the academy square and found Elder Bai He in the side courtyard. Bai He was packing his belongings, and several members of the Speed Clan were counting supplies beside him.
Feng Lingtian handed a Yu Feng Token Sub-Token to Bai He and instructed, "I've already communicated with Blue Silver King through the Yu Feng Token. He knows you're one of our own."
When you arrive, tell him that the Shadow Clan has taken over the patrol of the Blue Silver Forest, and that his people will be safe and sound, so don't worry.
The Pill Pavilion will search for Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in the vicinity to guard that area. You can tell him to settle down at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in peace.
Bai He took the Sub-Token and put it in his pocket. "Alright, I've already scouted my men. We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning and reach Blue Silver Forest within three days."
"Okay." Feng Lingtian didn't say anything more polite and turned to leave.
He returned to his room, closed the door, and looked around the house he had lived in for several years.
The blueprints on the desk were neatly stacked, and there were several unfinished Soul Tool parts in the bedside cabinet. A thin wooden stick stood in the corner, which he usually used to test the Yu Feng Token.
He didn't pack much. His Mustard Seed Storage Ring already contained dry food, a change of clothes, a spare signal module for the Yu Feng Token, some necessary pills, and a few emergency pills.
He paused for a moment at the door, then pushed it open and walked along the college corridor toward the main gate.
Su Mei'er stood at the door.
She didn't come to see him off, nor did she say anything like "come back soon." She just leaned against the doorframe, watching him approach step by step. They looked at each other for a moment.
Su Mei'er said, " Mustard Seed Storage Li gave you a box of Soul Recovery Pill, use them sparingly."
Feng Lingtian looked at her. "... I understand."
Su Mei'er didn't speak again. Feng Lingtian didn't say anything more either. He walked down the steps and took a step westward. After walking a dozen steps, he raised his hand and waved behind him without turning around.
Su Mei'er stood at the door, watching his figure grow smaller and smaller as he walked away. The afternoon sun slanted across the stone path, casting a long shadow of Feng Lingtian that finally disappeared around the corner.
She stood there for a long time, then turned and went back to the college.
Meanwhile, Shui Yue'er had already led her group onto the carriage heading north. Ye Lingling sat by the window, clutching a Clear Heart Pill Dugu Bo had given her before their parting.
Ning Rongrong leaned on Oscar's shoulder and closed her eyes to rest, Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang discussed their Soul Skill combinations in hushed tones, Zhong Yue crossed his arms and closed his eyes to rest, and Ji Ning and Lu Qing were packing their bags.
The carriage traveled north along the official road, heading towards the sea.
In another direction, Elder Bai He and the members of the Speed Clan were already standing on the outskirts of the Blue Silver Forest.
He glanced down at the Yu Feng Token Sub-Token in his hand, then looked up at the direction deep in the forest, before stepping inside.
An hour after Feng Lingtian walked, the sky began to glow with the colors of sunset. He did not look back; the Godwind Academy behind him gradually shrank in the setting sun, eventually disappearing behind the horizon.
All lines are on the way.