After everyone else had left the room, the handsome young man sighed deeply. This matter was far more complex than he had anticipated, stretching back over a decade. Having offended the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo once before, he knew that demanding justice again might push that person to literally tear down the Tang Sect headquarters.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he tapped the table. "The Tang Sect needs a thorough cleaning," he murmured.
Six months later...
The past half-year had been relatively peaceful for Lin Xiuran. His health remained excellent, and he had settled into a steady rhythm.
The only real change was his distance from the outer courtyard; he rarely saw Ye Xinglan or Xu Lizhi anymore, as the academic pressure on both sides was immense.
Lin Xiuran spent most of his time within the Spirit Pagoda. His ten-thousand-year soul ring production had become a massive success. In fact, that specific production line now relied entirely on him. These rings weren't usually sold; the Spirit Pagoda used them as high-level "gifts" to build powerful networks.
This, combined with Leng Yaozhu's influence, had elevated Lin Xiuran's status to new heights.
Today, after leaving the Spirit Pagoda, he headed toward the Forgers' Association in Shrek City.
His forging skills had improved dramatically over the last six months.
The awakening of his fifth soul ring had further enhanced his Phoenix bloodline. Interestingly, this soul ring represented the life element and possessed incredible healing powers, but because of his dark attribute, it had undergone a mutation. He couldn't use the life or dark elements normally, but the boost to his physical power was staggering.
It was pure, raw strength—comparable to the Golden Dragon King power that Tang Wulin controlled.
Previously, Lin Xiuran relied on the Phoenix True Fire and Wu Jie's help for forging. Strength had always been his weakness. But now, with his physical power rivaling a power-attack type Soul Master of the same level, his forging had become effortless.
Gu Yuena had assured him that the dark attribute sealed in his ring wouldn't reappear easily. Relieved, he focused on his cultivation, though he noticed Gu Yuena herself was appearing less often, spending most of her time asleep.
At noon, Lin Xiuran tidied his forging station just as Mu Chen arrived.
"Any progress today?" Mu Chen asked with a smile.
"Not bad, Uncle-Master. Just practicing some hammering details," Lin Xiuran replied, putting away his hammer.
Mu Chen laughed. "Your chaotic hammering technique still needs practice?"
"Careful, Uncle-Master. I'm Master's only disciple. Don't make me complain to him about how you treat me!" Lin Xiuran joked.
"You brat, always using your master to intimidate me!" Mu Chen chuckled, waving him off.
Leaving the association, Lin Xiuran returned to Shrek Academy. His life was a cycle of cultivation, forging his battle armor, and practicing spear movements with Na'er's Silver Dragon Spear. But his favorite part of the day was simply relaxing with her.
As he entered the inner courtyard, he saw Na'er waiting at the entrance. She stood with her hands behind her back, her silver hair catching the light, looking energetic and youthful. She had been doing this for six months—stubbornly waiting for him every single day.
Lin Xiuran had told her she didn't need to, but every time those purple eyes smiled at him, he lost all ability to refuse. Who could resist a girl that beautiful acting a little coquettish?
They sat down by the Sea God Lake. Lin Xiuran sat casually while Na'er dipped her bare, white feet into the cool water, swaying them like small carps.
"Brother Xiuran, I heard the outer academy is selecting people for the Star Luo Continent. Aren't you going?" Na'er asked, blinking curiously.
Lin Xiuran paused. "The Star Luo list is for the outer academy disciples. Since I'm in the inner academy, I won't be going this time."
"That's good," Na'er nodded, her smile widening. "Brother Tang Wulin is going, though."
Lin Xiuran felt a sense of relief. Even after recognizing Tang Wulin, Na'er hadn't become overly intimate with him. She truly seemed to treat him just like a respectful older brother, while her heart remained close to Lin Xiuran.
Loving the book so far! Check out 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)