"After tomorrow, I won't be coming back to Tianwei Academy."
Ninth Prince Mo Feng shook his head and smiled. "That's why I revealed my identity today. Soon, I'll go to Nanjiang."
"To Nanjiang?" Ling Feng's eyelids twitched slightly. "Why?"
"The Nanjiang demon domain shows unusual activity. Father wants me to stabilize military morale there while gaining experience and merits." Ninth Prince took a deep breath, his expression serious.
"Demon domain unrest?"
Ling Feng touched his nose, wondering if this related to Qiongqi Demon Emperor's death by Silver Wolf Demon Emperor's hand.
After all, Qiongqi Demon Emperor kept his promise to prevent demon tribes from invading Tianbai Empire's southern borders. Now dead, his subordinates became uncontrolled, and with Silver Wolf Demon Emperor's ambition, unrest was inevitable.
Silver Wolf Demon Emperor killed little Qiongqi's father - making him Ling Feng's enemy too. Whether for Nanjiang's innocent people or personal revenge, that cunning old demon must die!
"It's just minor harassment for now, but if we wait until the demons gain momentum, it'll be too late."
Mo Feng sighed, draining his cup. His Nanjiang assignment wasn't simple - he understood Father's intent: gain achievements to rival Fourth Prince.
Fourth Prince possessed extraordinary talent and matching ambition. But Tianbai Emperor remained in his prime (with 200+ year lifespan) - why pass the throne?
Rather than let Fourth Prince covet the throne, Father would give him a competitor.
From a young age, Ninth Prince Mo Feng had seen through the scheming and power struggles within the royal family and had no desire to compete with his brothers for the throne.
Yet the emperor's decree couldn't be refused.
"Tonight we drink for my brother's departure!" Ling Feng raised his cup, laughing. "Feng Mo, after East Court Sword Team defeats Royal Sword Team, if you're not back, I'll come help in Nanjiang!"
"Thanks, Brother Feng!"
Their cups clinked, smiles conveying unspoken understanding.
After a few more drinks, Mo Feng took his leave, leaving Ling Feng with a warning: "Be wary of the Fourth Prince—the captain of the Royal Sword Team. He's even stronger than Yan Jinghong."
"So the Royal Sword Team isn't just about Yan Jinghong… The others can't be underestimated either," Ling Feng murmured to himself.
Yan Jinghong was their most gifted member—only fifteen years old yet already at the later-stage of Spiritual Element Realm.
However, the rest of the team ranged from their mid-twenties to thirties—renowned martial figures of the empire, all elite experts.
Defeating them meant surpassing not just Yan Jinghong but five of the empire's finest elite.
"In these three months of battle, we must grow stronger!" Ling Feng clenched his fist, his fighting spirit surging. Only by facing formidable opponents could he push his limits!
Entering the backyard, Ling Feng heard sobbing. A drunk man hugged an artificial hill stone pillar, crying.
Ling Feng's forehead darkened. Just who on earth had gotten this drunk?
But when he got a clear look at the man's face, he was stunned—it was none other than the "Devil Instructor" Leng Jianfeng!
"Instructor Leng?" Ling Feng helped him to a pavilion, recalling Leng Jianfeng disappeared during Vice-Director Tong's departure.
Leng Jianfeng, still dazed, caught sight of Ling Feng. He let out a loud gag before doubling over and vomiting uncontrollably. Then, without warning, he clung to Ling Feng's shoulders and wailed.
"This is ridiculous! How could someone as handsome as me get dumped?!"
Ling Feng's lips twitched. "Instructor Leng, when did you even get into a relationship? I never heard of you having a... Dao partner."
"I... confessed to someone and got rejected!" "Pfft—" Seeing Leng Jianfeng's aggrieved expression, Ling Feng nearly burst out laughing. This perverted, bearded muscle man actually...
If Wang Yishan and those other bastards heard about this, they'd probably mock Leng Jianfeng for the rest of his life!
"Instructor Leng, which young lady did you confess to?" Ling Feng asked, barely suppressing his laughter.
"Ling...Ling Feng!" Leng Jianfeng hiccuped. "You're...you're the only one I trust! Don't tell anyone."
"Okay." Ling Feng nodded repeatedly.
"It was just...urp..." Leng Jianfeng vomited violently again before wiping his mouth and slurring, "Mentor...Mentor Su..."
"Mentor Su?" Ling Feng's eyelids twitched slightly, though he wasn't particularly surprised.
Leng Jianfeng may have appeared cold and distant, but deep down, he had a flamboyant streak. And with Su Qingxuan's breathtaking beauty, it was only natural for him to fall for her.
Leng Jianfeng sniffled. "I...I was in a good mood today, so I wanted to ask Mentor Su out to chat...but she...she actually told me she already likes someone else!"
"Uh..." Ling Feng pursed his lips. "People have their own preferences, Instructor Leng. Don't take it too hard!"
"Hmph!" Leng Jianfeng rubbed his beard fiercely. "I, Leng Jianfeng, am handsome, tall and mighty, brilliantly talented..."
He rambled on with a string of self-praises before finally roaring, "I just want to know - what man could possibly be better than me!"
"Instructor Leng, since you're so outstanding, why worry about finding women who like you? If Mentor Su doesn't like you, it's her loss!"
Ling Feng shrugged, speaking against his conscience.
"I don't care anymore! This isn't about whether Mentor Su likes me now! I need to find that damned bastard who stole her heart - and when I do, I'll beat him until even his own mother won't recognize him!"
Leng Jianfeng said viciously before grabbing Ling Feng's arm tearfully. "Ling...Ling Feng, will you help me?"
Ling Feng had no choice but to nod. "When Instructor Leng finds that damned bastard, I'll help you beat him until his own mother won't recognize him! Happy now?"
"Haha! That's my...my good student!"
After making more of a scene, Leng Jianfeng finally fell asleep snoring...
(Author's note: By the way, today is May 20th! So I specially arranged this episode for Leng Jianfeng. The FFF Brigade decrees that all of you shall fail in your confessions just like him! Wahahaha— Also, I can't wait to see when Ling Feng will beat himself until even his own mother won't recognize him!)