Late at night, inside the Flame Dominion Chamber of Commerce.
Once the most influential merchant guild in the region, the Flame Dominion Chamber of Commerce had recently been struggling under the growing pressure of the Lin Clan's rapid expansion.
"Son, don't be so down. It's just a rejection."
"You can always come home and take over the family business."
Guild leader Xu Jin patted his son's shoulder in consolation.
He had hoped to see his son admitted to Monster Academy, but things hadn't gone as planned.
His son, Xu Liang, sat silently beside him, his face full of sorrow.
Just then, a servant rushed in with a report.
"Master, the Lin family's Second Elder, Lin Wuming, is here."
"Oh? Quickly, invite him into the meeting hall!"
Xu Jin straightened up and gave the order without hesitation.
Soon, the two men met. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Wuming got straight to the point.
"Would your son still be willing to attend Monster Academy?"
Xu Jin was momentarily stunned. Then, with a hint of confusion, he asked,
"Wasn't he rejected? Is there still a chance?"
"He can be admitted under special circumstances."
Lin Wuming replied with a light smile.
"What are the conditions?"
Xu Jin asked quickly.
"The condition is simple—your chamber of commerce must change its name. You can no longer call it the Flame Dominion Chamber of Commerce."
As soon as he heard this, Xu Jin was overjoyed. Just that?
He had already been considering a name change due to the Lin family's increasing dominance.
After all, the city of Flame Dominion had effectively become Lin territory. He no longer had the standing to continue using the name.
Now that the Lin Clan had brought it up first, he had no reason to refuse.
"Agreed. I accept the condition."
"Good. Patriarch Xu, your decisiveness is admirable. In that case, I won't stay long."
"Your son can report to the academy tomorrow."
With that, Lin Wuming turned and left, a slight smirk of satisfaction appearing on his face.
Feng'er asked me to maintain ties with these people, but the truth is, our clan has outgrown them. It's they who now wish to connect with us.
If I truly wanted to stay on good terms, I should act the part of a Marquis House now.
Back in Xu Liang's room.
"Son, guess what great news I've brought you?"
Xu Jin entered with a smug grin.
"Father, stop teasing me. I'm still feeling down."
Xu Liang responded gloomily.
"Son, you've been accepted into Monster Academy. You can report in tomorrow."
"What?! Really, Father?"
"Yes. The Second Elder of the Lin family came in person to deliver the news."
Upon hearing this, Xu Liang jumped up with joy, his gloom vanishing in an instant.
Meanwhile, at Godwind Academy's council chamber...
Dean Shenfeng sat on a wooden chair, staring out into the distance with a worried expression.
"Look at them—over a dozen gifted students just at the gate. Their academy is overflowing with talent."
"Our only hope for victory now rests on you, Xiao Tian."
He sighed deeply, his gaze drifting from the horizon to the student beside him, Feng Xiaotian.
"Don't worry, Dean. Anyone who stands in front of me—I'll defeat them!"
Feng Xiaotian replied confidently, chest held high.
"Good! You truly are the pride of our academy's younger generation."
"Just having your determination is enough for me."
The Dean nodded approvingly. Feng Xiaotian, after all, was born with innate full soul power—a true prodigy and beacon of hope.
"Of course... that is, besides Huo Wu."
Just as the Dean was feeling comforted, Feng Xiaotian added cheekily.
"You… go train harder right now!"
The Dean's beard trembled with fury as he bellowed in frustration.
"This is absurd! If Martial Soul mutation were really that easy, wouldn't the continent be overflowing with prodigies by now?!"
The Grand Elder scoffed at the reports of Monster Academy admitting a student with a mutated Martial Soul.
"I think there's more to it than that."
"They accepted several students with Martial Soul mutations but only admitted Xuanzi among them. That boy must be special."
The Second Elder furrowed his brows, responding with a serious tone.
"In that case, send someone to secretly investigate. I want every detail about all of Monster Academy's current students."
The Grand Elder gave a cold sneer and issued his order.
Elsewhere, in a secret chamber within Spirit Hall's branch hall.
"Could our plan have been exposed? Otherwise, why was he the only one to fail?"
The branch hall steward muttered as he glanced at Li Yang, who was kneeling on the floor, trembling in fear.
But the steward quickly dismissed the idea.
I'll just send someone again next time. Maybe it was just a coincidence.
"Li Yang, you may leave for now."
He waved his hand casually.
"Yes. Thank you, Steward, for your mercy!"
Li Yang quickly kowtowed in gratitude and rushed out of the room.
The next day, at Monster Academy.
Inside a bright and spacious office.
Lin Feng sat at his desk, absentmindedly twirling an ornate brush between his fingers, lost in thought.
"Someone, summon Teacher Zhao Wuji."
He raised his head slightly and called out.
Though his voice wasn't loud, it carried an undeniable authority.
Moments later, the burly Zhao Wuji strode into the office.
He cupped his hands in greeting as soon as he entered.
Lin Feng looked him up and down, and once again, Zhao Wuji's profile appeared in his mind:
[Soul Power: Rank 68]
[Innate Soul Power: Rank 8]
I didn't notice last time... he has innate Rank 8 soul power? That's nearly full innate power—his potential is remarkable.
"Teacher Zhao, what do you think of the Lin Clan's students?"
Lin Feng asked with a warm smile.
Zhao Wuji paused for a moment, then gave it some thought before replying:
"They're all very impressive—especially Lin Jian and the others. Their talent is outstanding. They're destined for greatness."
"The reason Lin Jian and the others are so talented is because they've each taken a rare immortal herb."
Lin Feng nodded slightly and explained.
"So that's why their talents and strength are so exceptional."
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened in shock, clearly astonished.
"Teacher Zhao, you're renowned throughout the soul master world as the Unmovable King."
"Have you ever considered—what if you had an immortal herb? Your strength might surpass even theirs."
Lin Feng said calmly, watching Zhao Wuji's reaction with satisfaction.
"Vice-Dean... why are you telling me this?"
Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat, a trace of suspicion flashing in his eyes.
"Hahaha, no need to beat around the bush."
"I want to invite you to join the Lin Clan."
Lin Feng looked directly into his eyes as he spoke, his tone firm.
As he spoke, Lin Feng took a glowing herb from his robe and placed it on the table.
The immortal herb emitted a soft radiance and a fragrant aroma, instantly refreshing the mind.
Zhao Wuji stared at it in stunned silence—delighted, yet conflicted.
Would I really sell myself for this one plant?
This could be a decision that changes the course of my life...
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