"I wonder what Vice-Director Tong Chengtai wants with that rascal Ling Feng?"
Watching Tong Chengtai lead Ling Feng away, Leng Jianfeng furrowed his brow, puzzled about what business such a high-ranking figure could have with Ling Feng.
"He’s probably asking about those students from the West Court who were injured."
Su Qingxuan suggested with a slight smile. She then dismissed the surrounding students before leaving the student living quarters with Leng Jianfeng.
"Since Ling Feng has been taken by the vice-director, we should leave as well."
Gu Tengfeng still had three days of penance to serve in the reflection room and couldn't stay long.
"Mhmm." Seeing that Ling Feng wouldn't return anytime soon, the group decided not to wait any longer and left on their own.
After sending Gu Tengfeng and the others off, Feng Mo sighed softly and muttered to himself, "It seems Mo Lin is determined to ignore my warnings and plans to play tricks on Ling Feng."
Feng Mo frowned. He had left the palace hoping for a life free from power struggles and deceit. Unfortunately, even within the academy, true peace was hard to come by.
This was why he especially valued his friendship with Ling Feng, as it was pure and devoid of any ulterior motives.
"However, Brother Feng is truly remarkable. His handling of the situation was astonishing! Making those men... Haha, only he could come up with something like that!"
Feng Mo had intended to warn Mo Lin again, but it appeared Ling Feng could handle things without his intervention.
Meanwhile, Tong Chengtai brought Ling Feng back to his office. Sitting down, he stared at Ling Feng for a long time without saying a word.
Ling Feng felt a shiver run down his spine under the old man's gaze. Anyone would feel uneasy being stared at for so long.
Finally, Tong Chengtai spoke slowly, asking, "Ling Feng, this seems to be our first time alone together, right?"
"Yes, Vice-Director," Ling Feng replied respectfully.
Tong Chengtai's gaze was deep and unfathomable as he stared at Ling Feng. He then asked, "Can I ask, what exactly is your relationship with Yan Cangtian?"
"You mean Elder Yan...?"
Ling Feng pondered for a moment. Although he hadn't formally apprenticed under him, Elder Yan had taught him martial skills and gifted him the Classic Formula of the Medicine King. In a way, he was like half a teacher to him.
"I'd say he's like half a teacher," Ling Feng replied slowly.
"That's about what I guessed," Tong Chengtai said with a faint smile. "To have earned the favor of that old fellow Yan Cangtian, you're quite fortunate."
Ling Feng pursed his lips. In a sense, Yan Cangtian was fortunate to have met him as well.
Otherwise, Yan Cangtian would still be as crazy as ever and probably wouldn't have many years left to live.
"I used to be curious, but now I understand. No wonder Yan Cangtian holds you in such high regard. You truly are outstanding," Tong Chengtai remarked. "I am aware of the true circumstances of the recent events, so I won’t punish you. Here are 1,000,000 points; 300,000 will offset your penalty, and the remaining 700,000 is a gift from me."
"This..." Ling Feng's eyes widened. Tong Chengtai was being incredibly generous.
While Ling Feng didn't particularly need Tianwei points, it didn't mean that they were useless to him.
Even Yan Cangtian had mentioned that the treasure vault of Tianwei Academy was not to be underestimated.
"Take them," Tong Chengtai said with a faint smile. "Since Yan Cangtian is your teacher and that old fellow is considered my senior brother, I am your senior uncle. Giving you a gift upon our first meeting is only appropriate."
"Alright. Thank you, Senior Uncle." Ling Feng nodded in gratitude. 700,000 Tianwei points were indeed valuable!
It was worth noting that during the last Hunting Competition, Jun Moxie, who took first place among the newly inducted sky-tier students, only received 100,000 points.
"You're welcome." Tong Chengtai coughed dryly and gave a sheepish smile, his expression becoming somewhat ambiguous.
"Um..." Tong Chengtai smiled awkwardly, rubbing his hands in a nervous manner while leaving Ling Feng bewildered.
Why does this guy seem like he has something difficult to say?
Can it be that Elder Yan has told him about my medical skills? Is he seeking treatment for issues with his manhood due to old age?
As Ling Feng's thoughts ran wild, Tong Chengtai finally made a decision and gritted his teeth. "Little Feng!"
"Little Feng...?" Ling Feng’s mouth twitched slightly. Since when have we become so close?
"There was a bit of a misunderstanding between Yan Cangtian and me regarding the rankings in the last Hunting Competition."
Ling Feng understood immediately. It was precisely because of this misunderstanding that Yan Cangtian approached Tong Chengtai, leading to his change in attitude and him granting Ling Feng a spot in the Sword Tower of Wind and Thunder.
"Because of this little misunderstanding, that old fellow made me take a poison pill," Tong Chengtai admitted, blushing slightly as he swallowed nervously. "So, there's really no misunderstanding anymore. Can you tell Yan Cangtian to give me the antidote soon?"
Ling Feng's eyes widened as he examined Tong Chengtai from head to toe. There were no signs of poisoning at all. His breathing was steady, his heartbeat regular, and all his organs were functioning perfectly.
Ling Feng checked three times and could confidently swear on his medical reputation that Tong Chengtai was not poisoned.
The truth was clear: Yan Cangtian had fooled him!
Poor Senior Uncle Tong!
Ling Feng chuckled inwardly. No wonder Tong Chengtai has been so secretly supportive; there was this underlying reason.
He coughed a few times, nodded, and earnestly said, "Yes, Senior Uncle Tong, rest assured. With your kindness towards me, I will certainly repay it. I will speak highly of you to Elder Yan and ensure he gives you the antidote soon."
"Good!" Tong Chengtai felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders and laughed heartily. "Little Feng, with your words, I am relieved. In the future, if there are any tasks with high rewards and low risk, I'll assign them to you first!"
"Thank you, Senior Uncle," Ling Feng replied, inwardly laughing. If Tong Chengtai knew he wasn't actually poisoned, he might be so frustrated he'd spit blood.
However, Ling Feng adhered to the principle of "seeing things through without exposing" and decided to let Tong Chengtai continue worrying. After all, this anxious Tong Chengtai was quite interesting.
"Alright then, you may go back now. As for your conflicts with the West Court sword team, I will handle them for you."
"Thank you, Senior Uncle!"
"By the way, try to avoid trouble in the future. I can't be cleaning up your messes every time... ahem, handling them for you."
"Yes, yes, I will heed your advice, Senior Uncle."
Ling Feng nodded repeatedly. He couldn't help but admire Yan Cangtian. To fool the vice-director of Tianwei Academy so completely, there was no one else like Yan Cangtian.