The next day—
Lin Ye brought Lin Feng along as they set off for Blazing City to attend the Five Elements Academy gathering.
"Father, who all will be attending this event?"
Lin Feng asked thoughtfully.
"This time, all five deans will be present, along with various elders and top students from each academy."
"I've also heard that Godwind Academy has a new genius—Feng Xiaotian. He's three years older than you and awakened with full innate soul power."
"Not sure if he'll show up, though."
"Why do you ask, Feng'er?"
Lin Ye looked up in thought, puzzled by the question.
"Oh, I just want to know if there'll be any peers to hang out with."
Lin Feng lowered his gaze, his voice a bit heavy as he recalled what he knew about Feng Xiaotian.
Feng Xiaotian… the so-called genius of Godwind Academy?
Innate full soul power? That's a disgrace to the term.
He was dealt a perfect hand, yet played it like a fool.
Lin Feng pressed his lips together in dissatisfaction.
Noticing Lin Feng's silence, Lin Ye finally realized something was off.
Is he feeling threatened by someone with innate full soul power?
That was his first instinct.
But on second thought—
No, that didn't make sense.
His son wasn't the kind of person to get shaken so easily.
Over the past few years, Feng'er had shown incredible talent and had fortuitous encounters that even innate full soul power geniuses might envy.
So what was behind his silence?
Lin Ye couldn't figure it out. A touch of worry crept into his heart.
Could it be... Huo Wu?
He knew Feng'er had dated two girls during his time at the junior academy.
Although he didn't really approve of that behavior, he figured young people should handle their own matters.
Maybe his generation just wasn't cut out to understand anymore.
But Lin Feng's expression—three parts coldness, three parts mockery, and four parts indifference—told a story of its own.
That's it. It has to be Huo Wu.
He remembered that time when Huo Wu visited their home as a child and stole a pine nut candy from Lin Feng.
He's still holding a grudge after all these years!
Lin Ye chuckled, watching his son's stubborn look.
If that's the case, don't worry, Feng'er.
This time, your father will take care of it.
Once I see Fire Dragon, I'll make sure the two of you get betrothed!
Lin Ye looked smug and quite satisfied with his deduction—
Though no one could explain how he'd leapt from "childhood grudge" to "arranged marriage."
Maybe in his mind, kids who fight must actually care deeply for each other.
---
Blazing Academy.
A burly man in crimson robes, with a thick beard and commanding presence, had been waiting at the academy gates for quite some time.
By his side stood two small figures.
As soon as Fire Dragon saw Lin Ye and Lin Feng approaching, he smiled broadly and welcomed them into the academy.
The group settled into the academy's tea room.
"Feng'er's grown so much in just a year or two."
"I remember the last time I saw him, he barely reached my waist."
Though Fire Dragon exchanged pleasantries with Lin Ye, his gaze never left Lin Feng.
Next to him stood two kids—Huo Wu, poised and composed, occasionally glancing at Lin Feng; and Huo Wushuang, curiously staring at him.
"Xiao Feng, would you be willing to join our Blazing Academy?"
"I'm sure your father has mentioned it already."
"If you agree, I'll personally take you as my disciple."
"You'll have access to the academy's top-tier cultivation resources."
Fire Dragon eagerly got up and made the offer.
"No thank you, Uncle Fire Dragon."
"I've already decided to enroll at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
"But I appreciate your kindness."
Lin Feng remained true to his word and his promise to Dugu Yan and the others—he couldn't let them down.
Fire Dragon was taken aback by the rejection.
His academy was clearly more compatible with Lin Feng's abilities, so why refuse?
Suddenly—
A dark suspicion flashed across Fire Dragon's face as he glared at Lin Ye.
Could it be this old bastard's doing?!
Lin Ye widened his eyes and glanced at Lin Feng.
Seriously? The kid made his own choice. What does this have to do with me?!
"Alright, Feng'er."
"How about this—let Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang show you around the academy a bit before you make your final decision."
Fire Dragon smiled cryptically, clearly plotting something.
At his words, the two kids had no choice but to get up and guide Lin Feng out of the tea room.
Once the door shut—
"Talk. You old fox. Is this your doing?"
"What kind of tricks did you pull to make Feng'er reject Blazing Academy?!"
Fire Dragon grabbed Lin Ye by the collar, face full of frustration.
At first, Lin Ye was about to raise both hands in surrender.
But when he heard the accusation, his temper flared.
He shoved Fire Dragon's arm aside.
"Are you sick in the head or something, old man?"
"You wanna fight?"
"What benefit would I get from steering Feng'er away from Blazing Academy?"
"I spent the whole night at home trying to talk him into joining!"
Lin Ye was fuming, venting his bottled-up irritation.
"What benefit?!"
"You're still salty that I forced you to accept that honorary committee seat at Blazing Academy!"
"You're taking it out on me through Feng'er!"
"I told you before—our personal grudges stay between us."
"Don't drag Feng'er's future into this!"
Fire Dragon looked righteously indignant, clearly not buying a word of Lin Ye's explanation.
Lin Ye was speechless.
He stared at Fire Dragon in disbelief.
How could the dignified head of Blazing Academy have such a... stunted brain?
Didn't he realize Lin Ye had only pretended to refuse the committee position to play hard to get?
Truthfully, he was quite pleased with the appointment—it was recognition of his strength.
He'd even bragged to Lin Feng about it!
"Hmph! Silent now, are you?"
"Trying to look deep? You think I can't see through you?"
Fire Dragon grinned triumphantly, wearing a look that screamed, I've exposed you!
"Let me make one thing clear—this year, no matter what, Feng'er is coming to Blazing Academy."
"We didn't even make it past the prelims in the last Continental Elite Tournament!"
"Now, finally, someone from our own circle has produced a monster talent like Feng'er!"
"If you let him get scooped up by another academy—I swear I'll never forgive you, old bastard!"
His words left no room for negotiation.
Lin Ye could only shake his head helplessly.
Feng'er had his own plans. As parents, they couldn't sacrifice their son's future for the sake of a friend's pride.
-----
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