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An Academy and an Immortal Herb
"What did you just say?" Dugu Bo's voice was thick with disbelief, a shrewd flicker in his eyes. "You want to start your own academy? And you want me to be the Headmaster?" he asked in a low, deep voice.
Tang Chen nodded, his tone firm. "Exactly. I want to create my own force. With our current strength, we shouldn't always be answering to others. Being subservient means being controlled, and like you, I value my pride and freedom. I'm simply unwilling to be dictated to."
Dugu Bo frowned. He felt a stir of excitement, but he still gave a cold snort. "It's not that I wouldn't want to be the Headmaster," he said.
"However, starting an academy isn't just talk. Besides needing a solid foundation, you need a huge amount of start-up money. In Heaven Dou City, you also need approval from the Imperial Family. I can handle the Imperial Family part, but the money…"
Tang Chen was momentarily stunned by Dugu Bo's words.
Then, an image of a golden figure flashed into his mind.
A slight smile curved his lips as he thought about it. "I can solve the issues of money and the Imperial Family. You just need to relax and be the Headmaster."
Is this kid planning to go find Xue Qinghe? Dugu Bo thought to himself, a shiver running through him. His gaze toward Tang Chen slowly became more complicated.
"It's settled then…" Tang Chen stretched, glancing at Dugu Bo, his tone decisive and slightly forceful.
"Hold on." Dugu Bo cut him off before he could finish.
"The thing I fear most in life is having my freedom restricted. I can be the Headmaster, but you have to promise me one thing. I'll only be an honorary Headmaster, just a name. You'll be the real Headmaster, and you must handle all the academy's affairs yourself. I won't help you."
"You old fellow, you're quite lazy," Tang Chen said exasperatedly. "Fine, I promise you that. You only need to lend your name. And don't worry, no one will restrict your freedom. In a few more years, when I'm older, I'll officially take over the position of Headmaster."
Dugu Bo looked down at Tang Chen, momentarily surprised.
Tang Chen was looking back, his eyes showing an emotion Dugu Bo had never seen before: a blend of expectation and pleading.
"You really won't make me handle all the various affairs of the academy?" Dugu Bo stroked his chin, a skeptical glint in his eyes.
Tang Chen quickly nodded. "Of course not. You're a Titled Douluo; having you deal with administrative stuff would be a waste of your talent. However, Senior, if you ever feel bored and want to help me, I certainly won't object."
Dugu Bo snorted in annoyance, teasing him. "You always talk so nicely, kid. Don't go back on your word later."
"So, you're agreeing?" Tang Chen was overjoyed and pressed for a clear answer.
A smile appeared on Dugu Bo's face. "I, Dugu Bo, always repay kindness. You've helped me and my granddaughter so much; how could I refuse such a small request? Let's go!" he said lightly.
"Go? Where to?" Tang Chen asked, confused.
Dugu Bo grinned. "I never waste time. Didn't you say you're establishing an academy? We'll head back to Heaven Dou City right now to choose a location and see which area is best."
"Wait a minute, I still have something I need to do."
Before the words were fully out, Tang Chen suddenly darted away, heading straight for the meeting point of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
In that spot where the fierce flames and icy currents intertwined, Spiritual Qi surged.
There grew a peculiar, palm-sized, blood-red flower, dripping and enchanting, resembling a peony but completely without leaves. Its stem was rooted to a large, entirely black stone.
Tang Chen slowly crouched down and carefully picked the dripping flower, gently holding it in his palm. Then, he turned and presented it to Xiao Ruier.
"Ruier, this immortal grade herb is called Yearning Heartbroken Red. If you consume it, it grants the power of eternal life, the ability to resurrect the dead, and to regenerate flesh from bones. I conservatively estimate it could directly increase your spirit power by at least ten ranks," Tang Chen explained, a hint of solemnity in his voice.
Xiao Ruier stared blankly at the blood-red flower, her heart slightly trembling.
The flower gave off such an overwhelming sense of sorrow that she almost reached out instinctively, but then she just as quickly pulled her hand back.
Seeing this, Tang Chen's gaze deepened a bit. He continued in a slow voice, "Ruier, picking and consuming it isn't as simple as with ordinary Spirit Medicine."
"As they say, extraordinary flowers choose their masters. When you pick it, you must truly think of the person you love, then spit a mouthful of fresh blood onto the petals. Only then can you pick it, and truly make it yours."
Xiao Ruier's beautiful eyes trembled slightly at his words, and her breathing quickened.
She raised her hand and gently bit her fingertip. Crimson blood immediately welled up on her fair skin.
Staring intently at the enchanting and dripping Yearning Heartbroken Red in Tang Chen's hand, a flicker of determination flashed in Xiao Ruier's eyes. She raised her slender, jade-like hand, and the drops of blood fell onto the petals.
The moment the fresh blood dropped, her mind was instantly filled with a blue figure.
A soft hum escaped the flower, and the petals suddenly trembled. The entire flower branch swayed slightly, as if sensing her emotion. It even let out a low buzzing sound, resonating with something.
The next second, the Yearning Heartbroken Red trembled violently. The whole flower swayed without stopping as if it had suddenly come to life. A surging aura rippled outward from the center of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Crack!
The black stone that had been tightly embedded beneath the Yearning Heartbroken Red suddenly loosened. With a crisp sound, it directly detached and rolled onto the ground, kicking up specks of dust.
"Ruier, this immortal grade medicinal herb is extremely rare; quickly consume it," Tang Chen said in a solemn tone, his eyes flickering slightly at the sight before him.
Xiao Ruier gently shook her head. Her beautiful eyes held a trace of gentleness and determination. "Since this immortal grade has the power to resurrect the dead and regenerate flesh from bones, it shouldn't be wasted casually," she said. "My cultivation can proceed slowly, but if one day you or I face a life-or-death crisis, this Yearning Heartbroken Red will be our true life-saving trump card."
Arrival at the Crown Prince Residence
About half a day later, deep within the Heaven Dou Empire's Imperial City, Tang Chen arrived in front of the majestic Crown Prince Residence.
Two rows of soldiers, clad in sturdy armor and holding long halberds, stood solemnly, their presence imposing.
Tang Chen, looking a bit travel-worn, approached the entrance. Just as he was about to step forward, his path was blocked by crossed halberds.
"This is a vital area of the Crown Prince Residence; unauthorized personnel, halt!" the guard shouted coldly.
Tang Chen's expression shifted slightly, a faint smile on his lips. He reached into his storage Spirit Tool and pulled out a golden token.
The guards' expressions instantly changed dramatically when they saw it; their hearts leaped.
"Please enter, honored Sir!"
They quickly put away their halberds, bowed, and stepped aside. One of them, looking extremely respectful, quickly stepped forward, bowed, and gestured inside.
"Sir, please follow me. His Highness is currently awaiting guests in the manor," he said respectfully as he led Tang Chen forward.
Tang Chen nodded, his gaze deep, allowing the guide to lead him inside.
Following the guard, Tang Chen passed through a long corridor and arrived at the reception hall.
Suddenly, his vision opened up, and a magnificent hall came into view. The surroundings were ornately carved and painted, resplendent and luxurious, exuding the unique majesty and grandeur of the Heaven Dou Empire's Imperial Family.
However, what truly shocked Tang Chen wasn't the opulent decor.
It was the two figures in the center of the hall.
A man and a woman stood side-by-side: none other than Xue Qinghe and a golden-haired woman!