A sudden shout rang out across the street.
Turning his head, Shi Mo was surprised to see his father—Shi Lei—walking toward them.
"Dad? What are you doing here?"
Shi Mo and his brother quickly stepped forward, confusion on their faces.
"I had some matters to take care of here. Didn't expect to run into you two," Shi Lei replied with a warm smile.
"Congratulations to Young Master Lin—your clan has been granted the title of Marquis," he added, turning respectfully to Lin Feng.
"You flatter me, Clan Head Shi," Lin Feng responded politely.
"I'd like to speak with Young Master Lin in private, if I may," Shi Lei said, stepping slightly aside as he addressed Lin Feng.
Shi Mo, his brother, and Dugu Yan all looked puzzled.
Why would the Shi Clan suddenly seek Lin Feng out now?
Lin Feng, noting the subtle look in Shi Lei's eyes, began to suspect this wasn't a chance encounter. It seemed more like he had been waiting for him deliberately.
The two moved to a quiet corner nearby, where Shi Lei spoke sincerely.
"Young Master Lin, I'm planning to move our clan to Yuhuo City to develop there. I was hoping you could tell me what the conditions are like."
Lin Feng was taken aback.
Yuhuo City was part of the Lin Clan's fief. If the Shi Clan moved there, they'd have to pay taxes both to the imperial court and the Lin Clan.
This meant the Shi Clan was willingly choosing to become a subordinate force under the Lin Clan.
But Lin Feng was puzzled. The Shi Clan, after all, was an established noble house with the title of Count. Why would they make such a move?
"Sigh… The Shi Clan is declining," Shi Lei said with a bitter smile, as if sensing Lin Feng's doubts. "Without a powerful cultivator to hold the fort, we've become the target of opportunistic jackals."
"If the Lin Clan is willing to take us in, I'm prepared to offer up half of our family's assets."
Shi Lei had heard his sons mention the Lin Clan's inner workings—that nearly all decisions were made by the young master, and once he gave the word, the clan would execute it without question.
It was clear just how much authority Lin Feng held.
Shi Lei didn't know why, but he was sure this was the right person to approach.
"I don't have any objections personally, but you should talk to my Second Uncle," Lin Feng said after a moment's thought.
"Thank you, Young Master Lin. I won't disturb you any further," Shi Lei replied gratefully, feeling inwardly delighted.
The fact that Lin Feng didn't refuse meant implicit approval.
With that, he took his leave.
Back among the others, Shi Mo asked curiously, "What did my dad say to you?"
"He said your clan's moving to Yuhuo City," Lin Feng answered honestly.
"That's great! No more running back and forth!" Shi Mo beamed, clearly thrilled by the news.
With that, Lin Feng led the group onward toward Yuhuo City.
At Monster Academy, the admission standards were extremely strict. Only those with innate spirit power of Rank 7 or above, or those with unique talents, were eligible.
Lin Feng's personal criterion was even more demanding: he only wanted students who possessed purple-tier traits.
This requirement was actually stricter than Shrek Academy's traditional entrance standards.
Even so, many still came to apply.
Including the six who had come with Lin Feng, the academy already had fifteen students.
With individuals like Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and Yu Kuang—who also met the age and talent requirements—Monster Academy would soon have nearly twenty students.
Lin Feng's eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager to see how many students the academy would ultimately recruit by the time it officially opened.
Meanwhile, in a meeting room at Blue Tyrant Academy—
"If any of you want to transfer to Monster Academy, follow me. If not, you're welcome to stay here at Blue Tyrant Academy," said Liu Erlong, standing tall before five students, her gaze calm and steady.
"I'm not going. It's too far and too much trouble," said Tai Long bluntly without hesitation.
"Headmaster, how does their academy compare to ours?" asked Jiang Zhu, her brow slightly furrowed as she spoke softly.
She was a commoner, unlike Tai Long, and couldn't afford to pass up any opportunity to become stronger.
"Monster Academy gathers some of the most monstrous talents you'll ever see," Liu Erlong said coolly. "Once there, you might find yourself at the very bottom—watching others bask in glory while you struggle just to keep up. There won't be anyone pampering you like here at Blue Tyrant."
"That said, the faculty there is excellent. If you work hard, you'll be rewarded with exceptional training."
Tai Long's expression turned sour at the idea of being placed at the bottom. He didn't speak, but it was clear he didn't believe it.
"Our strength… would only place us at the bottom there?"
"What kind of academy is this Monster Academy?" the others asked in surprise.
"I want to go," Jiang Zhu said after a moment of contemplation, her voice resolute.
Liu Erlong gave a slight nod of approval.
"But if we go, what about the next Continental Soul Master Tournament?" asked an older student.
"Even as transfer students at Monster Academy, you'll still be considered part of Blue Tyrant. You can represent our academy in the tournament," Liu Erlong replied calmly.
"We're only thinking of the academy's future, after all."
"Headmaster, aren't you being a bit too indifferent?"
"Yeah, it almost feels like she doesn't care about Blue Tyrant Academy anymore…"
"If that's how it is, why are we still hesitating? We might as well follow her," some of the students murmured.
In the end, out of the five, only Tai Long chose to stay.
"Very well. Tai Long, you'll remain here."
"The rest of you, pack your things. We leave for Yuhuo City shortly."
Liu Erlong's tone was sharp and decisive.
"Yes, ma'am!" the students responded in unison.
Soon after, Liu Erlong set out for Yuhuo City with the four who had chosen to follow.
Back in Yuhuo City, within the Lin Clan's council chamber—
"Clan Head Shi, are you certain you wish to settle here in Yuhuo City?" asked Lin Feng's Second Uncle, seated at the head of the hall with a kind smile.
"I'm certain," Shi Lei replied earnestly and firmly.
"The Shi Clan is an old noble family with the rank of Count. Surely you have no need to fear another Count family?" Second Uncle asked, narrowing his eyes with a knowing smile.
"Our clan has fallen on hard times," Shi Lei sighed. "Without strong cultivators to protect us, we've become an easy target for others."
He deliberately put on a pitiful expression, trying to earn sympathy.
But Second Uncle could see through the act. Shi Lei was clearly showing weakness on purpose, looking to become a vassal to the Lin Clan.
Still, the fact that the Shi Clan was willing to do this only proved how much faith they had in the Lin Clan's future.
"Rest assured, Clan Head Shi," Second Uncle said with a nod and a smile. "As long as your clan settles here in Yuhuo City, I will personally ensure that no one causes you trouble. You can focus on your development without worry."
"Haha! Looks like our Lin Clan is finally becoming a major power. It's all thanks to Feng'er!" Second Uncle laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming with pride as he looked at the deeds and treasures gifted by the Shi Clan.
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