Stan never dreamed he would be killed like this, and when his corpse was found in the courtyard accessible only to those at the Saint Domain level, everyone was stunned.

"Who did this?" an old voice rasped, a flush creeping across his withered face.

"It was Chen Feng, a young man we've had a warrant out for two years!" someone explained.

"Chen Feng? You mean that boy who came with the Phoenix Clan girl?" The old voice was already trembling slightly.

"Yes, that's him!"

"Two years ago, he was only a first-level Dou Zun! How could he possibly have killed my brother, Lunstan, now?" the old man roared.

"This... I truly don't know!"

"Chen Feng? I don't care if it's him or not, I will tear you to pieces!" The old man clenched his fists so tightly that his powerful hands produced a sudden boom of compressed air.

"Brian, don't move. Since he could kill Lunstan without a sound, his strength has likely reached the late Saint Domain. I know your cultivation is already at that level, but the opponent must have some backing, so we must approach this carefully!" an elder stated from directly ahead.

Brian seemed intimidated by this elder, and some of his fury subsided: "Yes, sir, you speak wisely, but... I cannot accept this!"

"Accept what? Lunstan was killed in a single strike. In terms of technique and power, he was no match for the other. Being killed is normal; if your skill is inferior, there's nothing to complain about. Of course, since the other party dared to kill someone from our Academy—and has been wanted by the Academy for two years—we cannot let it slide! You, along with Ross and the other, go find this person. Do not engage him in conflict yet; invite him over. If his attitude of repentance is good, and he is willing to work with us against that demon, we will consider sparing him. If he refuses... hmph, then kill him!" the elder instructed.

"Work alongside the murderer of Lunstan? I refuse!" Brian exclaimed anxiously.

"Alas, Brian, you are also quite old. Can you still not see clearly?" The elder shook his head. "Our Tianfeng Academy has suffered the greatest humiliation in its history. If we cannot reclaim this shame, not only will the Four Great Empires look down on the teachers and students of our Academy, but our own students might lose faith in the Academy itself!"

"I understand, but..."

"There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. As long as we offer him sufficient benefits, he will agree. Once we defeat the demon and restore the Academy's honor, whether you want to kill him or not will be up to you?" the elder reasoned.

Brian pondered for a moment, then suppressed the hatred in his heart and agreed, "Fine, I promise. But it is settled: after dealing with the demon, this fellow named Chen Feng will be left to my disposal!"

"No problem, go then!" After speaking, the elder slightly closed his eyes, paying him no further mind.

After Brian walked away, one of the men beside the elder spoke, "Timothy, do you truly believe Chen Feng killed Lunstan?"

"Of course not!" Timothy sighed. "Don't you know what actually happened? It must have been that person who killed him! Chen Feng is just an impulsive youth; even with rapid cultivation advancement, he likely doesn't possess the strength to kill Lunstan!"

The other person inquired, "Since you know Chen Feng's cultivation couldn't be that high, why did you tell Brian not to kill him?"

"I am not leveraging Chen Feng, but the force behind him! Think about it: a first-level Dou Zun two years ago, now at the Saint Domain. How could that happen without powerful backing or an excellent master?" Timothy sighed again.

"Ah, yes, why didn't I think of that?"

"We will find Chen Feng and offer him immense wealth. If he agrees, so be it. If he refuses, we must ensure it is done silently, leaving no evidence. Otherwise, our Academy risks another catastrophe!" Timothy said coolly.

...........................................................

Chen Feng had no idea two factions were already targeting him, and even if he knew, he probably wouldn't care.

The trio flew to the small wooden cabin where Chen Feng and Ling Feng first met. There, the two had spent over two months together, and it was during those two months that Chen Feng managed to break through to the ninth level of Dou Shi.

Recalling the past, the two exchanged a smile, filled with a shared sense of wistfulness.

The stream gurgled gently, and the small cabin was dry and warm. They savored the quiet, leaning against each other while watching the setting sun. Little Tiger, wisely, had long disappeared somewhere, leaving only the two of them sitting on the ground.

"The journey to the Seven God Temples will surely be perilous this time. If you could choose again, would you still go?" Chen Feng asked.

"Yes," Ling Feng nodded. "If you aren't afraid of danger, then of course I am not afraid!"

Chen Feng smiled faintly, drawing her into his embrace, a wave of tenderness rising in his heart: "We will be together forever from now on!"

Ling Feng nodded, burying her head in Chen Feng's chest.

A man and a woman nestled together in the silent mountain forest, the last rays of the setting sun softly bathing them, much like a tranquil landscape painting.

Two days later, the three finally left the place. Time was pressing, and many things still needed to be done.

As soon as the trio entered Tianfeng City, people immediately came forward to greet them.

"Are you Chen Feng?" one man said, bowing deeply with utmost courtesy.

"Who are you?" Chen Feng asked.

"Someone asked me to give this to you!" saying this, the man handed over a package.

Chen Feng took it and opened it casually. A glance inside stunned him—it was a garment made from Flying Spirit Beast hide. He had first worn such clothing five years ago on Dragon Summit Mountain, when he had seized Grace, forcing Austin to give it to him out of desperation.

Strangely, this garment closely resembled the one he wore then, and merely looking at it brought back memories of that time.

"Who told you to deliver this? And how do you know me?" Chen Feng questioned.

"I am merely following orders and know nothing more. The person also asked me to relay a message: if Your Excellency remembers old favors, please seek him out for a meeting, but it's fine if you choose not to go!" the messenger concluded.

"Mm," Chen Feng acknowledged, casually placing the wrapped clothing into his water flask. He tossed a few gold coins to the messenger and walked forward with Ling Feng.

"Hoo... I finally waited. I've been waiting here every day for over two years. I didn't expect my patience to pay off; I finally found him! I can finally report back to His Majesty and tell him to recall the 500 brothers scattered across various locations!" the messenger muttered excitedly after Chen Feng had walked away.

"Austin is very thoughtful!" Chen Feng overheard the man's muttering and smiled. He then recounted his encounter with Austin to Ling Feng. Little Tiger, knowing the details best, kept interrupting, complaining that Chen Feng hadn't described him as vivid or exceptionally handsome...

"Did you hear? Teacher Kailin has been arrested. It's said she violated the Academy's rules and is facing punishment. I wonder if it's true!" a student-like figure on the roadside said to the person next to him.

"Teacher Kai, which Teacher Kailin?" The person beside him looked confused.

"The beautiful teacher!" The first person clearly showed dissatisfaction that the other didn't know Teacher Kailin.

"The beautiful teacher? It's her?" The second person suddenly realized, asking in surprise, "What exactly happened?"

"I don't know the details, but the judgment is coming soon. I heard there are two students involved too: Warren, the champion of last year's Fourth Year Competition, and Anliya, a genius girl from the third year!" the first person stated.

"It's the first time the Academy has judged a teacher; I really must go see!" The second person became interested, and the two quickened their pace.

"It seems Tianfeng Academy truly doesn't know what power is. I think it's time they were given a proper lesson!" Chen Feng heard their conversation clearly, his hand under his clothes secretly clenching into a fist, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes.

"Come on, let's hurry!" Chen Feng pulled Ling Feng and Little Tiger along as they hastened towards Tianfeng Academy.

...........................................................

"Kailin, as a teacher, you knowingly sheltered Chen Feng, aware that he is wanted by the Academy. You show no sense of honor for our Academy. Therefore, we can no longer employ you as a teacher here. Starting today, you do not need to come to class anymore!" a voice resonated emotionlessly inside the room.

Teacher Kailin bit her crimson lip, her large eyes rapidly dimming.

"Dean of Academic Affairs, this has nothing to do with Teacher Kailin; I forced her into this. She actually doesn't even know Chen Feng!" a voice interjected from the side—it was Warren.

"It's not your turn to speak yet. Your issue is far more serious!" the Dean coldly stated. "As a student leader, you disregarded the school rules and regulations. Effective immediately, you have been expelled!"

"I object!" Warren roared. "Why expel me outright? Even if Chen Feng is wanted, if it hadn't been for him, we might have been badly injured or killed by the Swift Iron Beasts. You could say he saved us. Is sharing a meal and drinks with one's savior a crime?"

"You don't need to explain; this is the unanimous decision of the Headmaster's Council!" the Dean stated. "From this day forward, you are no longer a member of Tianfeng Academy. Go wherever you need to go!"

"I object!" Warren continued to shout, rising to his feet, his face full of righteous indignation.

"You are no longer a member of the Academy. If you continue to roar, I can charge you with defying Academy authority and have you imprisoned, or even have your cultivation crippled and be exiled to Taku!" the Dean continued to threaten.

"I demand an appeal!" Warren yelled.

"You no longer have the right to appeal!" the Dean replied flatly.

"Is that so? I don't think so," just then, a calm voice sounded from outside the room.

ps: I feel like the writing for these two chapters was very rough; I made mistakes, it's frustrating... It didn't turn out quite as I imagined. Perhaps it's because I spent the whole day out visiting and was anxious about the 12,000-word update. I admit my mistake here!!

But please, I beg you, give me your monthly votes. We are number 1 on the category monthly ticket chart, and we are about to fall off soon. Brothers, if you have any tickets left, please cast one!!