In the green mountains, mist rose. In the early morning of Peace Town, some farmers came out to work, and vendors came out to set up their stalls. Occasionally, a few small dogs and cats passed by, letting out happy cries.
The guard watching the town gate yawned and watched as the law enforcement team added another corpse to the necromancer tree—it was an unlucky fellow who had erupted with killing intent in Peace Town at dawn.
There were always some people who couldn't control their tempers and became unscrupulous when they saw something they wanted.
Although most cultivators in the Black-Corner Region were like this, Peace Town did not tolerate them.
In the mist at the end of the small road, a figure was faintly visible, strolling over.
The guard rubbed his eyes, marveling that someone was here so early.
"Please stop."
The guard blocked Han Feng.
"People coming from outside must abide by the rules of Peace Town..."
Before he could finish his words, he saw the other party take out a token.
"An elder's token!"
The guard was stunned, then immediately bowed in salute.
"Please forgive me, Elder. This lowly one is newly appointed and is not yet familiar with the faces of the elders."
Han Feng smiled gently.
"It's nothing."
"Elder, your name is..."
"Han Feng."
"Oh, oh, Elder Han, I'll help you register this."
The guard fumbled with the registration. Halfway through writing, he suddenly felt that the name Han Feng was a bit familiar, but he couldn't recall it for a moment.
"Can I go in now?"
"Ah, yes, you can!"
The guard came to his senses, nodded repeatedly, and invited Han Feng to enter Peace Town.
"Han Feng?"
The guard looked at the law enforcement team member returning from the necromancer tree and asked, "Do you know Elder Han Feng?"
"Han Feng!"
The law enforcement team member's eyes lit up instantly.
"That's the academy's hero! He saved the Inner Academy back then."
"Right, right, I remember now."
"You're new here. You still need to learn more about the academy's culture."
The law enforcement team member patted the guard's shoulder and walked into the town.
———
After passing through Peace Town, Han Feng spread his Vermilion Bird wings and flew at full speed. It only took him a quarter of an hour to reach the Outer Academy.
He glanced in the direction of the Library Pavilion, and with a flash, he arrived in front of the folded space.
Sensing Han Feng's aura, the folded space slowly opened, and the two elders, Qian and Bai, walked out.
"Elder Han, here to refine pills again?"
"Wait, your cultivation..."
Qian Mu stared at Han Feng and exclaimed.
"A five-star Dou Ancestor!"
"How did you do it?"
It had only been a little over half a year, yet Han Feng had actually broken through from a Dou Emperor to the five-star Dou Ancestor realm.
Even taking pills wouldn't be this fast.
Seeing how surprised the two elders were, Han Feng thought to himself that these two old fellows probably didn't even know when he had left the academy. They must have been fast asleep in the Library Pavilion.
He opened his mouth to explain, "Han left the academy half a year ago to seek opportunities for a breakthrough in the Central Plains. I was lucky enough to advance a few more levels."
The two elders sucked in a cold breath.
This child is terrifying!
"Elder Han's fortune is indeed profound," Qian Mu said with emotion.
That fellow Su Qian had worked hard for so many years just to barely break through to Dou Ancestor, and now he had been entrusted with a heavy responsibility by the headmaster.
But Han Feng, with just one trip, had surpassed the academy's number one authority.
In a few more years, it was likely that even the two of them would not be a match for this young man.
Han Feng had come to see the two elders for no other reason than to greet them as he was passing by after a long absence.
"This is a spirit ore I found during my training in the Central Plains. Its grade is not high, third-grade, just right for a Dou Grandmaster to use. You two seniors can put it in the Library Pavilion as a reward for the Outer Academy students."
"Good, good, Elder Han, you are too kind."
Bai Lie took the spirit ore, examined it a few times, and nodded in praise.
This item was extremely rare and just right for the students. It was most suitable to be placed in the Library Pavilion.
"Mm, according to the academy's rules, Elder Han can go to the Library Pavilion to choose a treasure. If you don't see anything you like, you can also exchange it for contribution points."
Hearing this, Han Feng's heart stirred. Last time, through Elder Su Qian, he had exchanged for a seventh-tier monster core from the Library Pavilion, which was of great value.
"Then I'll go in and try my luck."
"Haha, rest assured, Elder Han. Some of the things in the Library Pavilion, even we old fellows are very envious of."
What Qian Mu said was not false. Many of the items in the Library Pavilion were collected by the headmaster. That was a Dou Venerate expert. How could his taste be ordinary?
Han Feng followed the two elders into the Library Pavilion. Revisiting his old haunts, he looked around and found many spatial nodes.
This Library Pavilion was designed with multiple layers of space. Different treasures were stored in different spaces. When the formation was activated, they would automatically fly out.
Such an ingenious design must have been the work of a Dou Venerate expert.
"Elder Han, there is a time limit after the formation is activated. You must pay attention to your speed."
Han Feng nodded. Then, the two elders activated the formation.
Buzz!
A blue formation pattern lit up under his feet, and something like a timer ring began to turn.
Han Feng stepped off, instantly rising into mid-air.
One treasure after another flew out from different entrances and exits, and then quickly flew into another entrance. Back and forth, it was dazzling.
These treasures were all covered by energy layers of different levels, and Dou Qi could not easily penetrate them.
Han Feng closed his eyes, and his soul power spread out in all directions.
In just an instant, Han Feng's soul power had taken control of the entire pavilion. All the treasures were frozen in place.
The hearts of the two elders skipped a beat. They seemed to have never seen such a situation before.
Han Feng roughly scanned the many treasures in the air.
"Nothing useful."
Some items were of good quality, but for a cultivator of his level, they were completely useless.
Han Feng raised his hand and waved. All the treasures quickly flowed and flew into their respective entrances, and then another batch came out in rotation.
After repeating this cycle more than ten times, Han Feng's eyes finally lit up.
"What a rich wood qi!"
Han Feng reached out and grabbed, and a ball of light flew into his hand.
Crushing the energy shield, what fell into his palm was an emerald-green seed.
"This is..."
Han Feng thought for a moment, but for a short while, he actually didn't recognize what this thing was.
"Whatever. I'll take it back first."
Such a rich wood qi was definitely not an ordinary item.
Han Feng chose his item and landed.
The two elders breathed a sigh of relief.
"Elder Han, this is the first time I've seen someone able to choose a treasure so freely in the Library Pavilion."
"Your soul power is truly extraordinary."
Han Feng smiled.
"I must also thank you two elders for giving me this opportunity. But speaking of which, do you know what this is?"
Han Feng opened his hand to show the seed.
The two elders looked at it and thought for a few seconds.
"Mm, it looks very unusual, but as for what it is, I'm afraid you'll have to ask the headmaster."
"Alright then. I'll take it back and try to plant it first."
Han Feng put away the seed and bid farewell to the two elders.
"Elders, I'll return to the Inner Academy first."
"Mm."
The two elders watched Han Feng leave.
"This kid is getting more and more incomprehensible. I wonder when the headmaster will be back."
———
Han Feng flew all the way to the Inner Academy and opened the space gate.
When Su Qian sensed it, he looked up at the sky.
"He's finally back."
Han Feng first went to the elder's courtyard and knocked on Su Qian's door.
"Please come in."
Su Qian looked at Han Feng with a smile on his face.
"Was your trip successful, Elder Han?"
"I have not disappointed. I have broken through to Dou Ancestor."
Han Feng leaked a trace of his aura. Su Qian's smile froze.
"You... what is your cultivation level now?"
"Five-star Dou Ancestor."
Su Qian's jaw dropped.
"How did you break through so much?"
Han Feng couldn't explain the reason and could only say, "It was due to an opportunity. It was a natural progression."
Su Qian took a long time to recover before letting out a long sigh.
"Alas, you have already surpassed me now."
I surpassed you long ago...
Han Feng thought to himself, but he still put on a good show on the surface.
"It is all thanks to Elder Su Qian's care before. Otherwise, I would not have been able to make such progress."
This was the truth. If Su Qian hadn't made that split-second decision to accept Han Feng back then...
Han Feng probably wouldn't have encountered the many opportunities in Jia Nan Academy.
Even if he could in the future, it would have been delayed for a long time.
"Alright, you haven't been back for half a year. What are your plans next?"
With Han Feng's current strength, it was unrealistic to expect him to stay in Jia Nan Academy peacefully.
Su Qian knew that Han Feng was now at the age to go out and venture.
"I'll probably stay in the academy for a month or two, and then I'll have to set off again."
Su Qian nodded.
"Then take this time to give the students a few more good lessons. They must be eager to hear your story."
Han Feng nodded.
"I will go and prepare."
"Mm, go back and see your family. Zi Yan told me that they have missed you very much during this time."
A smile appeared on Han Feng's face, and he looked in the direction of his home.
Home is where the heart is.
If not for the fact that he had someone he cared about here, Han Feng would not have chosen to rush back.
Returning to the small courtyard, Han Feng quietly did not disturb them. He watched from afar as Ye Qingyun washed clothes in the courtyard, with Qing Lin helping to beat the soapberries.
In the separate training room, Lin Xian'er was cultivating her poison Dou Qi. She had officially broken through to become a Dou Practitioner and had begun cultivating the "Poison Pill Method."
Medusa, Cai'er, and Zi Yan were not in the house. The trio must have gone for a stroll in the forest again.
Han Feng returned to his room. Looking at the bed and desk, which were as clean as new, he felt a little relaxed.
After a while, Ye Qingyun finished washing the clothes and returned to the room with Qing Lin.
Now that Lin Xian'er was cultivating her poison technique, Qing Lin could no longer stick to her sister all the time, so she followed behind her mother.
"Uncle Han!"
When Qing Lin saw Han Feng walk out of his room, she immediately shouted.
"Master?"
Ye Qingyun was also taken aback, her expression very surprised.
"I just got back. I saw you were busy, so I didn't disturb you," Han Feng said with a smile.
Qing Lin rushed into Han Feng's arms, very affectionately.
"Oh? Has Qing Lin also started cultivating?"
Han Feng patted Qing Lin's head, sensing that Dou Qi had also been born in her body.
"Yes, I'm cultivating with my mother now."
"That's great," Han Feng praised.
For Xiao Yan to start cultivating Dou Qi at the age of three was already a sign of extraordinary aptitude. This little girl in front of him was even more so. She had entered the first stage of Dou Disciple without his help.
Could it be that she also had a special physique?
Han Feng examined her carefully and found that Qing Lin's soul power was slightly stronger than that of ordinary children. Although she was not as innately gifted as Xiao Yan, her potential was still evident.
This was another little genius.
If she was nurtured well in the future, her achievements would not be low.
After checking the little one, Han Feng continued to check the big one.
In half a year, Ye Qingyun's cultivation had already reached the nine-star Dou Grandmaster level. As her Azure Wood Longevity Body gradually matured, she became more and more gentle and beautiful.
"Tonight, I will teach you the second half of the 'Azure Sun Immortal Scripture.' Have you learned any Dou Skills recently?"
"I've borrowed a few from the Cultivation Technique Pavilion."
"Mm, show them to me later as well."
Han Feng had returned. Ye Qingyun and Qing Lin were very happy. The older one had already gone out to buy groceries, preparing to cook a sumptuous feast tonight to welcome him back.
After another hour or so, Lin Xian'er walked out of the training room. She was much colder, and she had grown taller.
Han Feng sat in the courtyard. When he saw Lin Xian'er, he revealed a smile.
The little girl has grown up.
"Master?"
However, the moment Lin Xian'er saw Han Feng, her cold face instantly broke. She rubbed her eyes, and after confirming that the person in front of her was real, she pounced into Han Feng's arms with a single bound.
Feeling the real touch, Lin Xian'er seemed to have obtained great satisfaction.
"You're back."
Han Feng looked at the ice-silk gloves on Lin Xian'er's hands and her heavily clothed body, sighing in his heart as he patted her head.
"I'm back."
This was a necessary path for the Woeful Poison Body. Only by cultivating the Poison Pill could Lin Xian'er be able to come into contact with others openly.
One by one, tears streamed down Lin Xian'er's cheeks. In the days when Han Feng was not around, she had deliberately kept her distance from others.
Only when Han Feng returned did she dare to hug someone so wantonly.
"Master, if I hug you like this, will you be alright?"
Lin Xian'er blindly worshipped Han Feng, but she still asked.
"Even if you fed me your poison, Master would not be afraid."
"Really?"
Lin Xian'er burst into tears and smiled. Master was exaggerating. Why would he eat her poison for no reason?
Han Feng laughed along.
As a divine object of heaven and earth, a Heavenly Flame naturally had a repulsive effect on poison, but this was only relative.
If the poison entered the body too deeply, even a Heavenly Flame would be helpless.
However, the current Lin Xian'er was only a Dou Practitioner, so what Han Feng said was not false.
"Of course it's true."
Han Feng affectionately tapped Lin Xian'er's nose and said, "It's like this now, and it will be like this in the future. You don't have to worry about hurting me."
"Yes!"
Lin Xian'er firmly believed Han Feng's words, and the feeling of loneliness in her heart lessened a lot.
"Alright, now let Master test your cultivation results from the past six months," Han Feng said with a smile.
The master and disciple began to spar in the courtyard.
Lin Xian'er unleashed her poison Dou Qi, attacking Han Feng with one move after another.
Han Feng easily dodged Lin Xian'er's attacks, giving her pointers from time to time.
Qing Lin sat on the steps. As requested, she did not get too close, but she would clap her hands and cheer for Lin Xian'er.
"Your basic moves are well-practiced. It seems it's time to teach you some Dou Skills."
Poison-attribute Dou Skills were quite rare, but Han Feng had a lot of good things stored in his mind.
He wrote down a copy of "Heavenly Poison Hand," a high-level Xuan-rank Dou Skill, for Lin Xian'er to learn and comprehend.
Time passed bit by bit. Before dinner, the three of them, Medusa, Cai'er, and Zi Yan, finally returned.
When they saw Han Feng in the courtyard, they were all taken aback.
Cai'er reacted the fastest. At a speed that others could hardly follow, she rushed in front of Han Feng, hugged him, and her tone was full of attachment.
"Han Feng, you're back!"
Han Feng gently stroked Cai'er's back. He could sense that her feelings were very pure, like those of a newborn child.
Zi Yan hurried to Han Feng's feet, her hands on her hips, and looked up at the two people hugging.
"Uncle, are you two done hugging? Hurry up and refine pills for me! I've been waiting for you for half a year!"
Han Feng glared at Zi Yan speechlessly.
"All you can think about is me refining pills for you, is that right?"
Zi Yan's neck shrank.
"Not really. I missed you too..."
...missed your pills.
"I'll refine them for you later."
After dismissing Zi Yan, Han Feng looked at Medusa, who was standing with her arms crossed.
After half a year, she had grown much taller and was already in her girl form. Her cultivation had also reached the nine-star Dou King realm.
It seemed she had been eating well for the past six months... Han Feng thought to himself.