Chapter 21: Master, can you defeat Poison Douluo?
"Poison Douluo's soul power is at level 92, four levels lower than my master," Jian Dao Chenxin replied calmly.
"So, Master can easily defeat Poison Douluo?" Ye Feng asked, feigning curiosity while knowing the answer.
"Naturally," Jian Dao Chenxin affirmed with a nod.
"Master, when I obtain my third soul ring, could you take me to the Sunset Forest?" Ye Feng inquired earnestly, his eyes fixed on Jian Dao Chenxin.
"Why the sudden interest in the Sunset Forest?" Jian Dao Chenxin asked, intrigued.
"I've heard that Poison Douluo occupies a Poison Mountain there, and it is said to contain rare medicinal herbs. A doctor in my village mentioned that such herbs could greatly benefit a soul master's cultivation," Ye Feng explained.
Ye Feng, as a transmigrator, knew the significance of the treasures within Dugu Bo's medicine garden. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, alongside the immortal herbs like the Infernal Delicate Apricot and Star Anise Mysterious Ice Grass, could not only strengthen one's body but also grant immunity to both extreme heat and cold. These were invaluable resources for any soul master aiming to break their limits.
If Ye Feng hadn't acknowledged a Titled Douluo as his master, he might have waited for these treasures to fall into his hands through fate. But now, with Jian Dao Chenxin by his side, he sought to secure these advantages as soon as possible.
"You're saying Poison Douluo has a Poison Mountain in the Sunset Forest?" Jian Dao Chenxin stopped in his tracks, his sharp gaze fixating on Ye Feng.
"Yes, Master. I heard there's even a medicine garden on that mountain," Ye Feng replied confidently.
"Is this information reliable?" Jian Dao Chenxin asked, his tone probing.
Ye Feng hesitated briefly, then answered, "I can't say for certain, Master. I overheard it from a traveling soul master."
"Ye Feng, remember, relying too much on external aids can hinder true strength. Cultivation should focus on steady, internal growth," Jian Dao Chenxin advised sternly, concerned that Ye Feng's eagerness for quick improvement might lead to instability in his foundation.
"I understand, Master. But if this news proves true, I believe the herbs could complement my cultivation," Ye Feng replied, his tone unwavering.
After a moment of thought, Jian Dao Chenxin relented. "Very well. Once we confirm the information, I'll have Fengzhi send someone to investigate. If Poison Mountain exists, I'll take you there myself."
"Thank you, Master!" Ye Feng's face lit up with joy.
"You're my disciple; there's no need for such formality." Jian Dao Chenxin smiled faintly, reaching out to ruffle Ye Feng's hair affectionately.
Five days later, Ye Feng successfully obtained his third soul ring. Together with Jian Dao Chenxin, he departed the Soul Hunting Forest, soaring back to Notting City on the Seven Kill Sword.
Upon reaching the gates of Notting Academy, Jian Dao Chenxin bade Ye Feng farewell, leaving for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, while Ye Feng returned alone to the Seventh Dormitory.
At the dormitory, Ye Feng stumbled upon an unusual scene. Xiao Wu, along with Wang Sheng and the other part-time students, were carrying their belongings out of the building. Buckets filled with daily necessities, along with bedding, were slung over their shoulders.
"Ye Feng, you're finally back!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, her tone carrying a mix of joy and grievance as she approached him.
"What's going on, Xiao Wu?" Ye Feng asked, puzzled by her downtrodden demeanor.
"We've been expelled from the academy," Xiao Wu replied, her head hung low in dejection.
"Expelled?" Ye Feng's expression darkened in disbelief.
"Yes," Xiao Wu nodded. "The academy deemed us unfit to continue after a... confrontation."
"What happened? Why would you be expelled?" Ye Feng pressed, concern evident in his voice.
Xiao Wu hesitated, then explained. "It started when we demanded repayment of the debts owed to us. Xiao Chenyu and his group refused, and things escalated. I defeated him, but his father used his influence to have us expelled."
Ye Feng listened intently as Xiao Wu recounted the events. It was indeed tied to the IOUs he had left with them before departing. Xiao Chenyu's father, leveraging his connections, had convinced the academy's vice-principal to expel the part-time students who dared oppose his son.
"Is that the whole story, Tang San?" Ye Feng turned to his dormmate, who stood silently nearby.
Before Tang San could respond, Wang Sheng interjected coldly, "Don't ask him. He's not with us."
Ye Feng frowned. "What do you mean?"
Through Wang Sheng's explanation, Ye Feng learned that Tang San had not been expelled. Instead, due to Yu Xiaogang's relationship with the academy's principal, Tang San had merely received a probationary punishment, allowing him to stay.
"Different circumstances bring different outcomes," Wang Sheng muttered bitterly, glaring at Tang San.
Ye Feng's gaze turned sharp as he pieced everything together. The situation had spiraled due to Xiao Chenyu's arrogance and his father's protective measures. Just as Ye Feng was about to address the group, a booming voice interrupted them.
"Where is the part-time student who dared to harm my son?"
The voice carried authority and rage, echoing ominously through the courtyard. Before the owner of the voice came into view, the tension in the air was palpable.