Heaven Dou Imperial Academy
Sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy, casting dappled shadows across the desks in the classroom.
"Lin Feng, Dugu Yan, your grandfather is here."
Qin Ming's voice broke the tranquil atmosphere of the classroom.
Standing at the doorway, he called to the two students mid-lesson. Behind him stood Dugu Bo, his long black hair slightly tousled, wearing a warm smile directed at his granddaughter and Lin Feng.
"Grandpa, why are you here?"
The moment she saw him, Dugu Yan's eyes lit up. She rushed forward joyfully and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace.
Lin Feng followed quietly, a gentle smile gracing his face. Watching the affectionate scene between grandfather and granddaughter brought a comforting warmth to his heart.
"Hahaha!"
Dugu Bo let out a hearty laugh and patted Dugu Yan's forehead affectionately.
"Grandpa missed you, so I came to visit."
"Teacher Qin, I need to speak with Feng'er and Yan'er for a bit."
"Of course. Go right ahead."
Dugu Bo led them aside, his expression gradually turning serious.
"Feng'er, Yan'er, have you heard the news that a fire-type Titled Douluo appeared at Spirit Hall?"
He looked at the two with solemn eyes.
"Spirit Hall?"
"Nope!"
The two shook their heads simultaneously, although a flicker of awareness passed through Lin Feng's eyes.
Dugu Yan blinked and then added cheerfully, "But Grandpa, a fire-type Titled Douluo did appear here at our academy recently!"
She excitedly began recounting the fiery spectacle they had witnessed above the training grounds.
"What?!"
"Yan'er, Feng'er—you're both alright, yes?"
Dugu Bo's pupils shrank, and he staggered slightly in alarm, his face full of shock and concern.
"Ah, Grandpa, come on!"
"There's nothing to worry about. That fire Douluo only set off some fireworks in the sky and left."
"Lin Feng and I were in his dorm the entire time."
"That's a relief… a huge relief!"
Dugu Bo's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he exhaled deeply.
But in his mind, a storm of thoughts swirled.
If the Lin Clan was right, and this Limit Douluo was investigating the Fire Crystal incident in Sunset Forest, then even if he fought to the death, he might not be able to protect Yan'er and the others.
Thankfully, the fire Douluo had only made a brief appearance at Heaven Dou Academy, meaning he likely hadn't discovered who took the Firs Crystal yet.
"Poison Grandpa, what's on your mind?"
Lin Feng asked, noticing Dugu Bo's stern expression.
"Ah—nothing."
Dugu Bo shook himself from his thoughts.
"Feng'er, Yan'er."
"From today forward, keep what happened in Sunset Forest—about the Fire Crystal—absolutely secret."
"Tell no one. Do you understand?"
"I suspect this fire-type Titled Douluo named Xiao Yan showing up both here and at Spirit Hall is connected to that incident."
His tone was grave, leaving no room for argument.
"…Got it, Grandpa."
"We won't breathe a word."
Dugu Yan nodded firmly, her expression serious.
"Good girl."
Dugu Bo's heart eased slightly seeing how sensible she was.
Meanwhile, Lin Feng was smiling inwardly.
So the chaos I stirred up at Spirit Hall is already being blamed on 'Titled Douluo Xiao Yan'?
Perfect. If this rumor keeps spreading, I might be able to pull off all sorts of things under that name...
The corner of his lips curled subtly into a grin.
"Lin Feng, did you hear Grandpa?"
Dugu Yan gently nudged him, noticing his silence.
"I heard, don't worry, Grandpa."
Lin Feng nodded in assurance.
Just then, Lin Feng took a booklet out from his soul tool.
On its cover were the bold words: Soul Core Cultivation Method.
"Grandpa, this is something I comprehended while refining the Fire Crystal."
"I've documented the complete method for soul core cultivation in here."
"It should help strengthen your power."
Dugu Bo took the booklet, and after just a few pages, his face broke into an expression of uncontrollable joy.
"This… this is brilliant!"
"Hahahaha! Good boy—you really are a genius!"
"You actually figured this out?"
"Thank you! From now on, if you ever need herbs or medicines, just go to my house."
"There's a bunch of stuff lying around that I don't even sort anymore—take whatever you want. Don't be shy with Grandpa!"
He burst into laughter, brimming with gratitude as he made the promise to Lin Feng.
If he could master this cultivation method, his combat strength would improve dramatically.
Maybe, just maybe, he could one day hold his own against the combined might of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.
Lin Feng nodded lightly.
This old man's got quite the stash, huh?
Next time I visit, I'll have to thoroughly loot that place.
He thought mischievously to himself.
"Grandpa, could I trouble you to let my father take a look at this too?"
"I think it might benefit him as well."
Lin Feng added.
Although Lin Ye wasn't a Titled Douluo yet, he had consumed an immortal herb. His physical strength was far from ordinary—he might be able to cultivate the early form of a soul core.
"Of course."
Dugu Bo readily agreed.
—
After Dugu Bo left—
"Lin Feng, what if that Titled Douluo really finds out it was us who took the Fire Crystal?"
Dugu Yan asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, Yan'er. It'll be fine."
"No one saw us. That fire-type Titled Douluo doesn't suspect a thing—trust me."
He gently pulled her into his arms, speaking softly yet confidently.
"…Okay. I'll trust you, Lin Feng."
Dugu Yan leaned on his shoulder, her voice tender.
—
Several Days Later, Training Ground No. 8 – Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Preparatory Team
"Alright everyone, take a break."
"We have a new team member to introduce today."
Qin Ming's voice rang out as he entered the training ground. Walking behind him was none other than Ye Lingling, who had just returned from her soul beast hunt.
"Ling'er! You're back from your soul hunt!"
Dugu Yan ran over to greet her cheerfully.
Lin Feng gave her a warm smile from behind.
"Yes, and it's all thanks to Lin Feng's immortal herb."
"Not only did I absorb the soul ring smoothly, but my soul power also rose significantly."
Ye Lingling glanced toward Lin Feng, a shy blush blooming on her face.
This man always finds ways to look out for me in the smallest details.
"Wait, isn't that Ye Lingling, the one with the Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul?"
Everyone turned their heads, casting curious glances her way.
"Ahem."
"Everyone, this is our new team member, Ye Lingling."
"Her martial soul is the Nine-Hearted Sacred Begonia. She's a Rank 35 Support-Type Soul Elder."
Qin Ming cleared his throat, proudly introducing her.
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