The Strongest Talent Tree

Chapter 67: Chapter 65: Leaving the Novice Village

On the way back to the Miao Medicine Tower, Feng Hao happened to pass the turnoff to the City Lord’s Mansion. He paused for a moment, thinking it over, and decided he should go say goodbye to the Old City Lord.

Even though the Old City Lord already knew he was leaving, a proper farewell was still necessary.

The City Lord’s Mansion was as quiet and deserted as ever. If Feng Hao hadn’t known the Old City Lord lived here, he might have mistaken it for an abandoned residence. Inside and out, aside from the overgrown plants, there wasn’t the slightest trace of human life.

Cloaked in the darkness of night, the place had a grim, terrifying feel. The occasional gust of cold wind seemed to seep deep into one’s bones.

"Young man, what brings you to see me so late?" The Old City Lord’s ethereal voice rang out, seeming to come from all directions at once.

A smile touched Feng Hao’s lips as he gently pushed open the old wooden door, which let out a piercing CREAK.

"City Lord, I am departing for the Five Provinces Academy tomorrow morning and came to say goodbye," Feng Hao said respectfully.

The Old City Lord’s expression remained placid, as if he had expected this. "It’s good for you to get out and see the world. Staying in Rongcheng would only limit your potential. Just be sure to remember this little city... and this decrepit old man."

"I would never dare to forget," Feng Hao said with the utmost sincerity.

The Old City Lord nodded in satisfaction and grinned. "I cannot foresee your future. When you’re out there, remember to stay true to yourself. Don’t let the temptations of the wider world lead you astray."

"I will keep that in mind."

"I appreciate the gesture. Now, you should be on your way. I’m getting tired." The Old City Lord let out a weary yawn.

"Then I will take my leave." Feng Hao bowed slightly and turned to go.

Just as he stepped out of the City Lord’s Mansion, the Old City Lord’s gentle voice echoed in his mind. "If you ever face a life-or-death crisis, returning to Rongcheng will guarantee your safety."

"Thank you, Elder!" Feng Hao turned and gave a deep bow before hurrying back to the Miao Medicine Tower, a touch of melancholy in his heart.

The Miao Medicine Tower had now been converted into a covert base for the Thief God Hall. An "Operations Terminal" was installed in the warehouse basement, along with three members sent from a branch of the Hall. They were responsible for the terminal’s routine maintenance and data management.

Of course, on the surface, they were just the Shopkeeper and clerks of the Miao Medicine Tower. Secretly, they collected all sorts of intelligence and handled various contracts.

Using the Thief’s Mark implanted in his palm, Feng Hao could easily detect the signal fluctuations from the Operations Terminal. It was a shame he didn’t have time to grind for mission points; he would have to wait until he was at the Five Provinces Academy.

He spent the night in cultivation, as was his habit. Early the next morning, after giving Miao Feng a few instructions, he headed straight for the Xiyue Mansion.

Everyone was gathered in the rear garden of the Xiyue Mansion. Parked beside them was a silver-and-black Magic Energy Flying Vehicle with a particularly striking design. Chief Black Cat was lounging lazily next to it.

It was time to leave, and the atmosphere was somewhat somber. To Feng Hao’s surprise, West Moon Ridge was going to personally escort them to the Five Provinces Academy.

"All right now, you’re only going to the Five Provinces Academy. It’s not like you’re never coming back," West Moon Ridge said with a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Xiyue Peak, being a man and the head of the family, naturally didn’t show much sadness. But Xi Yueyao was a different story. Seeing that her sister and Feng Hao were about to leave, her eyes were already glistening with tears.

"Sister... Feng Hao... wait for me at the Five Provinces Academy. I’ll come find you soon," Xi Yueyao said, her voice thick with tears.

"There, there, Yaoyao. I’ll come back to see you whenever I have time," Xiyue Frost said, stepping forward to wipe away her sister’s tears.

Feng Hao felt a pang of sadness as well but put on a relaxed air. "Don’t you worry, Yao Girl. We’ll get everything set up at the Five Provinces Academy, so by the time you enroll, you’ll be able to do whatever you want."

"Really?" Xi Yueyao asked, blinking as she let out a few little sobs.

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Feng Hao teased.

Xiyue Frost couldn’t help but frown. "Yaoyao, don’t listen to him," she said coldly. "The Five Provinces Academy isn’t Rongcheng. You can’t just go there and cause trouble."

"Oh," Xi Yueyao mumbled, pouting, clearly not taking her sister’s words to heart.

Facing Xiyue Frost’s warning glare, Feng Hao couldn’t be bothered to argue and simply turned to admire the scenery.

"All right, all right, time to go!" West Moon Ridge shot them an exasperated look, then turned to pat Chief Black Cat on the head. "Miaomiao, don’t just stand there. How are we supposed to take you when you’re that big?"

"Meeow~!" Chief Black Cat meowed reluctantly, gave its body a few shakes, and instantly shrank to the size of a housecat before hopping into the Magic Energy Flying Vehicle.

Feng Hao watched from the side, completely dumbfounded. ’So the cat can shrink?’

As they spoke, Feng Hao and Xiyue Frost settled into the back seat of the Magic Energy Flying Vehicle. The plush seats were incredibly comfortable.

"Sis, come back and visit when you have time. No matter what, this is still your home," Xiyue Peak couldn’t help but say as he watched West Moon Ridge get in and start the vehicle.

West Moon Ridge was silent for a long moment, then she fought back her own sadness and smiled. "You’re a grown man, but you still act like a little kid. Don’t worry. I’ll be in the Ancient Cang Realm for a long time. I’ll come back to visit whenever I get the chance."

"Okay." Xiyue Peak nodded slowly, tears welling in his eyes.

VMMMM!

The silver-and-black Magic Energy Flying Vehicle powered on and ascended, transforming into a streak of light before quickly vanishing from sight.

Xiyue Peak and his daughter, Xi Yueyao, stood side by side, gazing up at the sky, lost in thought for a long time.

...

Aboard the flying vehicle, Feng Hao looked around curiously. It was his first time riding in a Magic Energy Flying Vehicle, after all, and the experience was quite novel.

He had wanted to look at the scenery outside, but they were moving so fast that everything was just a blur.

The journey was incredibly dull. He had considered teasing Chief Black Cat, but the darn thing was out like a light. Bored, Feng Hao found himself studying Xiyue Frost beside him. Perhaps because her sadness hadn’t yet faded, she kept her head lowered in silence, her frosty face unreadable.

"What are you looking at?" Xiyue Frost soon sensed his gaze and asked coldly.

"Ahem, just bored," Feng Hao said with an awkward, sheepish smile. "What were you thinking about so intently?"

"Nothing. Just thinking about the entrance exam," Xiyue Frost replied icily.

Feng Hao was taken aback. "What’s there to think about? With your strength, are you worried you won’t get in?"

Xiyue Frost shot him a look, her expression impassive. "My aunt expects me to place first in the entrance exam."

"Er, isn’t that a bit intense?" Feng Hao said, speechless.

West Moon Ridge, who had overheard their conversation, said from the pilot’s seat, "Graduating with honors from an Advanced Academy is a huge help later on. If Xiaoshuang can place first in the entrance exam, it will give her a significant advantage when she joins the Holy Hall in the future."

"Can I participate in the combat exam?" Feng Hao asked curiously.

West Moon Ridge glanced back at him and chuckled. "The combat exam is a basic component; candidates from all departments can participate. However, you aren’t qualified to compete if your gene level is below twenty-five."

"The hell? What kind of fucking stupid rule is that," Feng Hao grumbled, annoyed.

West Moon Ridge chuckled, then changed the subject. "By the way, do you have any Tier Three Experience Pills on you?"

"I do," Feng Hao answered honestly.

"Give a few to Xiaoshuang. Let her level up a bit first; it’ll give her a better chance."

"Sure." Feng Hao didn’t hesitate, casually taking out five Tier Three Experience Pills and handing them to Xiyue Frost. "Here. Take these and go win first place for me."

Xiyue Frost frowned slightly. After a moment’s hesitation, she took the Experience Pills. "Thank you."

"No need for thanks between family," Feng Hao said with a small smile.

Xiyue Frost nodded, a peculiar look on her face, and immediately consumed the Experience Pills to begin cultivating.

Finding himself bored again, Feng Hao couldn’t help but strike up a conversation with West Moon Ridge. "Um... Elder Xiyue, if you need Experience Pills, just let me know. I can get some for you."

"I appreciate the thought, but I’ve already taken similar medicines," West Moon Ridge said pleasantly.

"The Holy Hall has similar pills?!" Feng Hao was stunned.

"Not in the Ancient Cang Realm, naturally. But there are many similar medicines outside this realm. I just never expected to see this type of pill in the Ancient Cang Realm after my own return." West Moon Ridge frowned thoughtfully. "Don’t tell me your Thief God Hall also has people who’ve returned from beyond this world?"

"I’m not sure. Maybe," Feng Hao replied casually, reining in his own shock.

"That makes sense. You only just joined the Thief God Hall, so it’s normal that you wouldn’t know."