It was beautiful and vivid, the petals unfolding layer by layer, as if all the deep affection had reached its Bloom in this single instant.
Everyone was busy studying their own Immortal Herbs, and aside from Furina, almost no one noticed this scene.
Furina walked over, looked down at the blooming red flower in Wang Dong's hand, and a flash of understanding crossed his eyes. He smiled and said in a light tone, "Mhm, it's truly beautiful. It's a fine Immortal Herb indeed, eat it quickly. It will be good for your body and help with your subsequent Cultivation."
He tilted his head slightly, his tone becoming a bit mischievous. "You wouldn't want Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, and the others to leave you far behind, would you?"
That tone sounded just like a 'villain.'
Wang Dong glared at him. "None of your business, I'm going to eat it."
He looked down at the flower that had bloomed for him. That voice in his mind surfaced again—telling him not to eat it, to save it. It said the flower was rare and could be preserved.
But Wang Dong just looked up at Huo Yuhao, who was focused on his book nearby, and then gritted his teeth, putting the petals into his mouth one by one.
An Immortal Herb was an Immortal Herb; no matter how good it looked, it was still an Immortal Herb. Leaving it uneaten would be the real waste. He didn't want to be left in the dust by Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao, only able to look at their backs from afar.
If he wanted to stand beside Huo Yuhao, then his strength would have to be equal to Huo Yuhao's, or even stronger.
As for that voice in his head... he didn't want to care about it anymore.
Why should it command him? Why should it make him do things he didn't like? He had had enough.
Should the Tang Sect have a better choice? Was it really that important whether or not they became an affiliated Sect to someone else? For the Tang Sect, that might indeed be the most suitable choice. spirit tools were the developmental trend of the era, so why did he have to hate them? And why exactly did he cross-dress as a boy to come to school in the first place?
Wang Dong felt he had had enough of these messy thoughts. He didn't want to care about those inexplicable things anymore. He wanted to follow his own heart, do what he wanted to do, and love the person he wanted to love.
The petals entered his mouth one by one, carrying a faint fragrance and a hint of bitterness. Soon, only the bare flower stalk and a plump seed remained in his hand.
Wang Dong carefully tucked the seed away, closed his eyes, and began to meditate to digest the medicinal power of the Immortal Herb.
He wanted to become strong. Stronger than anyone else.
...
Meanwhile, at the Sea Gods Pavilion.
Another meeting was being held.
Elder Mu sat in the main seat, his aged fingers lightly tapping the table, his tone calm but indisputable. "From today onwards, the development of the Soul Tool Department must speed up across the board. Every Inner Court Disciple must be equipped with a tailor-made Flying Spirit Tool and a Defensive Spirit Tool. This is a mandatory requirement."
Yan Shaozhe sat below, his brows furrowed deeply enough to crush a fly.
He wanted to vote against it.
Last time, he had already agreed to mutual learning between the Martial Soul Department and the Soul Tool Department. The cooperation with the Axis Cult was also mainly focused on spirit tools, with very little involved in Artificial Soul Rings and Spirit Bones. As for the research on Martial Souls, they weren't lacking in that, so they hadn't explored it deeply.
The Martial Soul Department had already yielded a lot, and now they had to customize two spirit tools for all Inner Court students. That meant the Martial Soul Department would have to buy them from the Soul Tool Department, and the money would be coming out of his own pocket!
Furthermore, there were many places in the academy that needed reform, requiring money, manpower, and resources everywhere. He was already busy to the point of being overwhelmed, and now he had to continue making concessions to the Soul Tool Department? He couldn't swallow that frustration.
He spoke tentatively, "Elder Mu, this..."
Before he could finish, Elder Mu's gaze swept over. That look was neither fierce nor angry, but it caused the rest of Yan Shaozhe's words to get stuck in his throat.
Elder Mu ignored him and turned to Xian Liner. "Liner, after the Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament is over, send a formal notice to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy in the name of the Soul Tool Department to propose an exchange. Dispatch our Soul Tool Department students to their side for an exchange and study."
Xian Liner was taken aback. "Elder Mu, will they agree? Even if they do, our students might..."
Elder Mu smiled slightly, his smile carrying a hint of shrewdness. "I'm not sending them there to learn things, but to broaden their horizons. At the very least, let them see what the Soul Engineer academy representing the most advanced level on the continent looks like, and what the spirit tools they use are like. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy will agree; they have long proposed that they wish to have an exchange with our Martial Soul Department. Tell them that as long as they agree to let us go for an exchange first, we will allow them to send ten students to our side for an exchange and study."
"Yes." Xian Liner nodded.
Elder Mu's gaze swept across everyone present, his voice deepening. "As for the Axis Cult's side, haven't they established Jianan Academy? We can also send students there for exchange and study. Additionally—"
His tone became heavier. "We need to cooperate more deeply with the Axis Cult. Make this decision and put in some serious effort."
As he spoke, he specifically glanced at Yan Shaozhe.
That one glance blocked the words that had just reached Yan Shaozhe's lips again.
Elder Mu withdrew his gaze, his tone softening slightly. "That girl Furina, I believe he is one who repays every kindness and answers every plea. Don't be stingy, and don't worry about him only taking without giving. Besides—"
His voice lowered. "The fact that so many students were able to return safely this time is all thanks to him."
He was silent for a while, and when he spoke again, his tone carried a hint of severity. "In the future, when clearing out Evil Soul Masters, you must absolutely not underestimate the opponent. Make foolproof preparations; similar incidents must not happen again."
The meeting room became so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard.
Elder Mu slowly sat up straight, his gaze becoming deep and firm. "I haven't made a proposal in a long time. Now, let's hold a vote on my proposal for today..."
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