"Dean Su, it's been a while."
"Xiao Feng! And these two..."
"It's me."
In the office, Su Bei, the dean of the orphanage, put down his pen in surprise and walked over to greet them.
Although Lin Feng's appearance had changed slightly over the years, he was still recognizable.
As for the two stunning women beside him, Dean Su had no recollection of them.
He patted Lin Feng's shoulder and said with pride:
"Back when I saw you studying so diligently in the library, I knew you'd achieve great things.
When I heard you dropped out of the Junior Academy, I was disappointed for a while. But who would've thought you'd go on to research soul theory?
You've really made a name for yourself. The outside world speaks highly of you now."
Lin Feng smiled but didn't dwell on the topic.
"Dean Su, I've come to bring some funds for the orphanage. It's not much—just one million gold soul coins. Consider it my contribution to adding an extra meal for the children."
Dean Su didn't question how Lin Feng could afford such a sum. Instead, he asked:
"With your current status, you could have easily requested the funds directly from the Spirit Hall's higher-ups. Why go through the trouble of coming here yourself?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"This is my personal contribution. I can't mix public and private matters."
Aside from the one million gold soul coins from Qian Daoliu, Lin Feng and the others still had three million gold soul coins from the Nine-Heart Begonia family. Money wasn't an issue.
Su Bei nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes:
"Are you planning a long journey?"
"Yes, something like that."
Su Bei smiled and turned to Ling Yan and Qian Renxue: "In that case, please take good care of Xiao Feng.
And if you ever get tired from your travels, you're always welcome here. My doors are always open."
"Of course."
Before leaving, Qian Renxue lingered with Su Bei for a while, whispering something to him.
Under Su Bei's surprised gaze, she took something from the cabinet.
Lin Feng was curious about why Qian Renxue was so happy but didn't press for details.
After bidding farewell to the dean, Lin Feng decided to visit Dugu Bo.
The last time Dugu Bo had asked him to visit was months ago.
Since Lin Feng couldn't reveal his residence, he had essentially stood Dugu Bo up for quite some time.
As they entered Dugu Bo's mansion, the old man was still playing around with Dugu Yan, chasing her around.
When he saw Lin Feng and the others, he stopped.
"Greetings, Young Master."
Qian Renxue nodded slightly: "Hmm."
When Dugu Bo turned to Lin Feng, his eyebrows raised, and a hint of annoyance flashed across his face:
"You've really made it big now, huh? Too busy with your soul theory research to remember this old man? Or did you just forget about me entirely?"
Lin Feng chuckled awkwardly. Truth be told, he had indeed forgotten about Dugu Bo for a while.
Seeing Lin Feng's expression, Dugu Bo clicked his tongue.
"Never mind. It's not a big deal."
They sat down in the reception hall, with Dugu Yan clinging to Qian Renxue.
The two chatted and laughed, with Dugu Yan's eyes sparkling as she listened, occasionally gasping in amazement.
Dugu Bo glanced at the harmonious scene between Qian Renxue and Dugu Yan, feeling a sense of relief.
"Xiao Feng, I've been practicing the three paths you shared. The results are remarkable.
Are there more paths to come?"
"Most likely, but they're still under research."
Lin Feng's eyes shifted:
"By the way, Grandpa Dugu, our three-year agreement has already passed one year. Have you thought about where you'll go after that?"
Dugu Bo hesitated.
Where would he go? Life was comfortable now. As a guest elder, he even had early access to the remaining two paths.
Why would he leave such a good deal?
Dugu Bo rolled his eyes at Lin Feng:
"You're really something, kid. Fine, I'll be straight with you. Yan Yan will stay here and attend the Junior Academy.
As for me, I'll ask the Grand Worship for an official position.
Consider me formally joining the Spirit Hall. How's that?"
Qian Renxue stopped teasing Dugu Yan and nodded approvingly:
"Grandpa Dugu, you've made a wise decision. On behalf of the Spirit Hall, I welcome your official join."
Dugu Bo waved his hand:
"Young Master, no need for such formalities. I'm not one for too many rules.
Just speak casually."
Qian Renxue was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected Dugu Bo to be so straightforward.
"In that case, Grandpa Dugu, we'll be leaving the Spirit Hall for a while. Before we go, I'd like to give you something."
Lin Feng flipped his hand, and a piece of translucent whale glue appeared.
"This is whale glue. It can enhance a soul master's physical constitution, allowing them to absorb higher years soul rings. This piece can increase the years of the first two soul rings by about 500 years."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened. This was the second time he'd heard of something that could increase soul ring years, aside from immortal herbs.
He took the whale glue and examined it briefly:
"Is this another advance news?"
Lin Feng smiled:
"Of course."
Dugu Bo exhaled deeply:
"You're really playing the long game. With your reputation as a soul theory master, who knows how many more secrets you're hiding.
Just releasing the first path caused quite a stir. If the effects of this whale glue get out, those nobles who've been using it for... other purposes will be kicking themselves."
Lin Feng leaned back comfortably in his chair:
"Well, I don't have too many secrets left, but I do have a few things that might interest even Title Douluo."
Dugu Bo stored the whale glue and smiled:
"Then I'll be looking forward to it."
"Big Sister Xue, are you and Brother Feng going on a trip? When will you be back?
Yan Yan has to play with Grandpa every day here, and it's getting a bit boring. Big Sister Xue, you haven't come to play with me since last time."
Dugu Bo's smile faltered, and his heart twitched. Well, I've been rejected.
Qian Renxue pinched Dugu Yan's soft cheek and smiled:
"Yes, we're going on a journey for a while.
But don't be sad, Yan Yan. In another year, when you awaken your martial soul, you can go to a soul master academy.
There, you'll meet lots of friends your age."
"A soul master academy?"
Dugu Yan tilted her head:
"Will there be people as strong and beautiful as Big Sister Xue and Brother Feng there?"
Qian Renxue's lips curled into a smile:
"Probably not. Your Big Sister Xue and Brother Feng aren't your average soul masters.
But," Qian Renxue gently squeezed Dugu Yan's cheek, "Yan Yan can become the strongest in the academy."
Dugu Yan's eyes lit up: "Can I really?"
Qian Renxue smiled warmly and patted Dugu Yan's head:
"Of course! How about we make a promise? When we come back, you'll be the top student in the academy."
"Okay, okay!"
Dugu Yan excitedly hooked her pinky with Qian Renxue's:
"Yan Yan will definitely become as strong and amazing as Big Sister Xue and Brother Feng!"