Lin Chen wiped his sweat, suddenly thinking of something, and looked at Liu Gu in inquiry: "Teacher, are you now...."

"You kid still want to surpass me, huh?" Liu Gu laughed and cursed.

"I wouldn't dare." Lin Chen quickly clasped his hands.

He indeed had no such intention, only curiosity.

"It's true, above a mentor is an elder, but I'm not there yet." Liu Gu's gaze showed no sign of envy.

Actually, Spirit Academy set this rule because those who receive guidance from the Tree Ancestor aren't ordinary students. Such students are seen as promising for the future and are given the elder position early, effectively binding them to the academy's influence.

Lin Chen displayed impressive abilities during this Beast Fighting Conference, which is why Spirit Academy made special allowances.

"Teacher, as an elder, can you enter the medicine vault freely?" Lin Chen's eyes were filled with greed.

"Definitely not," Liu Gu said. "You're thinking too nicely; the medicine vault is meant for students. But elders do have privileges, such as taking ten items from the vault each year."

When Lin Chen heard this, he was very pleased and asked, "When can I go there?"

"Wait a little longer," Liu Gu said. "Elder Yu is currently in the Celestial Capital for your matters and needs to communicate with the Tree Ancestor."

"Is the Tree Ancestor an Immortal Beast?" Lin Chen asked curiously.

"Not sure," Liu Gu shook his head and said. "Even if it isn't, it's about the same. Anyway, it's the one protecting your safety at Spirit Academy."

......

This wait lasted for several days, during which Lin Chen returned to his usual cultivation routine.

Due to the Beast Fighting Conference, Lin Chen had become quite a celebrity, and wherever he went, there were greetings, which was also a bit of a hassle.

On the tenth day, Zhu Tong found Lin Chen and informed him that no traces were found at the scene.

"Did we find the wrong place?" Lin Chen asked.

"It was erased; there was a pit, all filled with water," Zhu Tong said.

Lin Chen exhaled, as he had already suspected.

"The Beast Tamer Guild hasn't found any leads either," Zhu Tong said. "For your safety, I'd prefer to investigate this matter silently."

"We'll follow the dean's arrangements."

"Has Elder Yu contacted you?" Zhu Tong asked again.

Lin Chen shook his head.

Zhu Tong then said, "Just wait a little longer, he should be back soon. The people from the National Master's Institute will likely accompany him this time."

Nearly 10 days later, Yu Xiu returned to Spirit Academy, accompanied by Zhang Jin.

Upon arrival, Zhang Jin found Bai Ling and whispered some secret words. As for what was said, Lin Chen and his peers had no way of knowing.

But they saw Bai Ling coming out looking heavy-hearted.

Afterward, Zhang Jin found Lin Chen for another secret conversation.

Lin Chen thought Zhang Jin was asking about the assassination incident but was surprised when Zhang Jin handed him a bottle.

Staring at the swirling blood inside, Lin Chen was rejuvenated.

He knew what the bottle contained.

Phoenix Essence Blood!

"The teacher said you fulfilled the first deal as promised. Here are 11 drops of Phoenix Essence Blood, representing the start of your transaction, so we give you the payment first," Zhang Jin said.

Lin Chen carefully took it, gulping down saliva.

This was Phoenix Essence Blood, something many people never see in their lifetime.

Now, he had 11 drops in his possession.

"Actually, if you don't treat Lee Zhen's arm, it would be sufficient for the Flame Fox's next evolution," Zhang Jin added.

Lin Chen was stunned, then smiled and said, "Not everything can be measured by money."

Zhang Jin said no more, but his gaze toward Lin Chen carried an additional layer of admiration.

If Lin Chen used all 11 drops for evolution, no one would criticize him because many viewed using it on Lee Zhen as wasteful.

Yet Lin Chen felt Lee Zhen's grace was greater than those 11 drops of Phoenix Essence Blood.

"I want to ask a question…" Lin Chen suddenly said.

"Go ahead."

"Was Bai Ling's assassination attempt within the National Preceptor's expectations?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jin smiled and said, "The National Preceptor can foresee certain things but can't be so precise."

Lin Chen was bewildered. He still wanted to ask where the remaining two Dragon Transformation Skills would be used, but it was evident no answers would be found.

After a few minutes, Zhang Jin finally said, "No issues will arise for Bai Ling in the Celestial Capital; no one dares touch her."

Lin Chen said nothing, and when they came out, Bai Ling was already packing her belongings.

Her eyes were red, evidently reluctant to leave.

Yet she understood that going to the Celestial Capital this time was beneficial for her.

The Calamity-Devouring Beast was her First Spirit Beast, and she hoped it could grow.

As for the National Preceptor, she truly had little interest.

After packing, Bai Ling earnestly performed a disciple ceremony with Liu Gu.

Liu Gu merely nodded, although restrained, it was evident he was quite reluctant.

Bai Ling, with low tears, wiped her eyes and said to Lin Chen, "Thank you for taking care of me all this time."

Lin Chen smiled, nodded, and said to Bai Ling, "Among the three Spirit Beasts, Fatty is the most useful. If you can't win, just run, got it?"

"Mm."

Bai Ling nodded heavily, finally showing a hint of a smile.

At last, under the gaze of both, Bai Ling left with Zhang Jin.

Turning to Lin Chen, Liu Gu said, "You should prepare as well. The dean said you'll see the Tree Ancestor tomorrow, make sure to perform well."

"Alright." Lin Chen nodded, simultaneously scanning the empty courtyard, intent on speaking, when Liu Gu remarked, "With you two troublemakers gone, it's good; I can take on new disciples..."

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