Chapter 0731: Before Departure

After the First Princess and the Little Emperor bade farewell, House Luolan's old manor received a new group of guests.

These guests were familiar faces. With Vice Principal Su Xin at the lead, she had come with Lu Qing'er, Yu Lang, Bai Mengmeng, Bai Doudou, and Zhao Kuo.

They had complicated expressions on their faces when they saw Li Luo. They had already heard of Jiang Qing'e's situation and the pain Li Luo was going through.

Vice Principal Su Xin broke the ice. "Li Luo, I have already visited Southwind Academy and spoken with Dean Wei. Southwind Academy is indeed a decent place to be remodeled and in the future, and it's possible that the Astral Sage College will take root here in the City of Southwind."

However, it was likely that the decision had been made because of Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e. There were countless cities and academies within the southern region of the Xia Kingdom, and there was no need to choose this place specifically.

"Dean Wei must have been delighted to hear this." Li Luo had an elated smile. The Astral Sage College choosing Southwind Academy was a good piece of news. This would mean that the City of Southwind would become the southern region's nexus in the future, which would be beneficial to House Luolan's development. At the same time, if the Others were to show signs of infestation in the surrounding area, the city would be protected by the college.

"Li Luo, you must be planning to leave soon, am I right?" Vice Principal Su Xin sighed as she asked the same question the First Princess had previously asked.

When this sentence was uttered, Lu Qing'er, Yu Lang, Bai Mengmeng, and the rest stared at Li Luo with a mix of emotions.

Li Luo first turned his attention towards them and smiled before nodding calmly. "It will be in a few days. Once House Luolan's affairs have been settled, I will follow Aunt Yun to the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent."

The group fell into a moment of silence.

Vice Principal Su Xin nodded slightly at his decision. "The Xia Kingdom is not the best place for you to cultivate right now. You and Qing'e are destined for a larger stage."

The Astral Sage College had already suffered unprecedented damage. The high-grade Tree of Resonant Power that was the foundation of the college had been destroyed. The reason why the college was originally a great place to cultivate also had much to do with the tree.

The college would have to be rebuilt, and it would require a significant amount of time and investment to regain its previous splendor.

"Things will definitely remain chaotic in the Xia Kingdom. The royal court's schism coupled with the spreading corruption are not an ideal combination. And ultimately, there will be more and more Others spawning... Things will not be peaceful moving forward." Vice Principal Su Xin sighed.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Can't we report this to the Academic Federation? With their mighty power and influence, dispatching a King to the Xia Kingdom can easily resolve the situation," Li Luo asked.

Vice Principal Su Xin shook her head. "The Academic Federation is currently overwhelmed with their own internal issues. You will understand the danger they currently face when you reach the inner divine continents. Even though they are a behemoth when compared to the Xia Kingdom, it will take a long time for a new King Stage expert to be dispatched here."

Even though everyone called the inner divine continents a cultivation holy ground, it was clearly not as peaceful as it seemed on the surface. In a way, it also made sense. The Others from the shadow world were also horrifyingly strong, even when compared against the experts of the Academic Federation. They were probably on par with each other in terms of might. Otherwise, the Others should have already been hunted into extinction after all these years.

"Since they can't dispatch a King Stage expert to assist, is there any hope for a high-grade Tree of Resonant Power? If they were willing to help nurture a new Tree of Resonant Power, the college would truly be able to rise from the ashes," Li Luo continued.

His naïve words caused Vice Principal Su Xin to smile bitterly. "A high-grade Tree of Resonant Power is more precious than you can ever imagine. Even the Academic Federation has to pay a significant price just to nurture one. The high-grade Tree of Resonant Power in the old Astral Sage College was something Principal Pang had to bitterly plead for. That is how the college was established. Based on the Academic Federation's rules, once a high-grade Tree of Resonant Power is destroyed, the entire college is to be reprimanded and punished. If we wish to request for resources from the federation in the future, the difficulty will definitely be higher and we might even be directly rejected. Li Luo, the reason I'm here today is to talk to you about this."

Vice Principal Su Xin hesitated for a moment before continuing, "You will soon head to the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent, and there is an ancient college there known as the Heavenly Origin Ancient College. It's actually on par with the Hallowed Coruscation Ancient College and is a founding member of the Academic Federation. If you have the opportunity to do so, I would like to request for you to head there and look for someone. Her name is Lan Lingzi, and she is Principal Pang's old friend. I hope you can seek her assistance in excusing the Astral Sage College from punishment. At the same time, we would also like you to seek resources on behalf of the Astral Sage College. We will require cultivation resources in order to rebuild the college. Otherwise, we will only weaken more and more over time... I originally wanted to go and find her myself, but with the current situation of the college, I simply have no time to leave."

Listening to Su Xin's sincere plea caused Li Luo to feel slightly taken back. However, he quickly took note of the name “Lan Lingzi” and memorized it. When she had said this name, he sensed a mixed bag of emotions coming from her.

“Lan Lingzi was the Principal's old friend? Could it actually be his old flame?”

Li Luo swept his gaze past Vice Principal Su Xin. “Ah... it seems she has always harbored feelings for the Principal.

“And now she had to ask the Principal's old friend for help? This makes things slightly complicated.”

"Vice Principal, you can rest assured that as a student of the college, I will never forget the aid rendered to me. So long as I am able to, I will definitely assist the college with all my strength." Li Luo did not hesitate to agree to her request. He had always been grateful towards the college and the help it had rendered him.

When he had blank palaces, Jiang Qing'e had single-handedly stabilized House Luolan's situation. Thanks to the protection of the college, the powers that coveted House Luolan took a step back, fearful of the consequences if they acted against Jiang Qing'e in the dark. Thus, it was the college that had allowed her to flourish and come so far.

During the Housemeet, Chi Chan had acted for them despite the college's neutral stance. How could this have been possible without Vice Principal Su Xin's tacit approval?

The college had graced Li Luo with immense kindness, and now that they needed help, he would naturally not reject.

Seeing Li Luo's quick and firm response brought a smile of gratitude to Vice Principal Su Xin's face. She then glanced at the others before saying to him in a voice only he could hear.

"When you leave, the college will spare no expense to nurture your friends. This will also be a way of giving thanks."

Li Luo's eyes flashed as he knew that this was how she wished to reciprocate the favor. He smiled and nodded as this was indeed a great thing. Yu Lang and Zhao Kuo didn't have influential backgrounds but were resilient and determined. If the college was willing to pay more attention to nurture them, they would definitely be able to travel further on the road of cultivation.

He was about to leave, and his last wish was to ensure that his friends were also well taken care of.

"Alright, I'll let these brats say their farewells."

Vice Principal Su Xin waved her hand, turning to leave. The rest then looked at Li Luo with bitter and gloomy expressions.

"Li Luo! How can you abandon your brothers for greener pastures!? That's not right!" Yu Lang shook his head as he gave him an accusing stare.

Li Luo sighed. "I have no choice. I originally thought that I was just the handsome scion of an ordinary, rich family... Alas, one day this behemoth of a super power popped out of nowhere and told me that I have to return to my clan to recognize my roots because of my ancient bloodline. I'm truly helpless! It is only my destiny!"

Yu Lang's expression froze as he glumly replied, "Brother... don't you think your words are a bit too much?"

Lu Qing'er and Bai Mengmeng, on the other hand, grinned upon hearing his words.

As the two continued to bicker, the atmosphere turned warmer and more comfortable. At this point, Bai Mengmeng with her crystal-clear eyes looked right at Li Luo with her innocent face. "Leader, when will you come back?"

Li Luo paused for a moment. "I'm afraid I will be gone for a few years at least."

A look of unfathomable sadness welled up within her eyes. These youths would be grown up in a few years’ time, and who knew if things would still remain the same? The peaceful and leisurely life she had at the college was something she loved. It was a pity that the times she treasured were even more ethereal than anyone had expected.

"Leader, if I research any new spirit liquid and purifying light refinement methods, I will give it to the Suncreek Villa." Bai Mengmeng lightly promised.

"You don't have to do that. I don't expect House Luolan to develop too much in the future. If you have any new methods, you should give it to your own family." Li Luo smiled. Her refinement methods were critical in the past because the influence of House Luolan directly boosted the power of the defensive ward. Now that the ward had been disassembled and he was going to leave, the Suncreek Villa's success no longer mattered as much.

Bai Mengmeng stubbornly shook her head. "No, this is what we agreed on in the past. I cannot renege!"

Li Luo helplessly nodded in response to her dedicated reply.

He then turned to the quiet Lu Qing'er, who had not said a single word.

She was wearing light green robes that showed off her lithe figure. Her delicate facial features were like a blooming flower, charming and pleasing to the eye. Her slender legs were wrapped in pure-white silk stockings that accentuated them.

When faced with Li Luo's curious gaze, she did not say anything more either, only shooting him a smile.

However, Li Luo could feel that beneath that smile hid a melancholic heart.

Still, no words came to him as he mustered the most reassuring smile he could. He then turned back to the rest. "It's wonderful that all of you came today. Tonight, the house will be throwing a massive feast as a farewell. Please join us!"

A hint of joy could be seen in all their faces.

With Li Luo's instructions, festivities broke out in the old manor.

Yu Lang, Zhao Kuo, and the rest drank till they could no longer.

"Brother Luo, you can go to the inner divine continents to fight without worry. Let those geniuses see how amazing the people from the Astral Sage College truly are! We are no worse compared to them!" Zhao Kuo bellowed with a red, ruddy face.

"Li Luo, I will help rebuild the college and continue to cultivate as hard as I can! When you return, you will find out that my glorious name, Yu Lang, will have already resounded throughout the Xia Kingdom! I will become the hero that will save the kingdom!" Yu Lang's eyes were completely unfocused as he slammed the table and made his declaration. Li Luo grinned and nodded as he toasted both of them yet again.

Lu Qing'er, Bai Mengmeng, and Bai Doudou were more restrained, not drinking as much but idly watching the people who were crying and howling in drunken stupors.

In the deep of night, Li Luo informed some of his servants to drag his two drunk brothers away, whilst Bai Doudou brought Bai Mengmeng home. In the end, he personally escorted Lu Qing'er, who was slightly tipsy, out of the old manor.

Lu Qing'er suddenly came to a halt at the entrance of the old manor, and the candle light washed over her body, enhancing the charm of her beautiful face amidst the dimly lit night.

"Li Luo..." Lu Qing'er stared at Li Luo with her sparkling eyes. "Don't worry, Sister Qing'e will definitely be fine."

They knew of her situation, but no one had mentioned it at all until now.

Li Luo nodded and smiled. "I feel the same way too."

Lu Qing'er's eyes lowered at this point as she could no longer hide the depression within them. "I'm sorry, Li Luo. I wasn't able to help you at all."

Li Luo was taken aback by this sudden apology, only shaking his head. "You've already helped me so much. Without you, Aunt Yu would never have been willing to lend me a hand. If House Luolan needs resources to develop later on, I'm sure the Golden Dragon Bank will facilitate things for us because of you."

Lu Qing'er shook her head. "I'm simply too weak. If I were a Duke, I could stand by your side and help you myself. Actually, I think that I've become too relaxed since I entered the Astral Sage College. I will not let this happen again."

She seemed to be speaking to herself before she sucked in a deep breath. Under the dim candle light, her pristine skin and jade-like bones accentuated her gorgeous beauty.

"Li Luo, please take care of yourself. Geniuses and talents are as common as the clouds in the inner divine continents. However, I believe that no matter where you go, your radiance can never be restrained. I await the day your name resounds throughout the continent."

When she finished speaking, she no longer waited for Li Luo to reply before turning to leave, directly boarding a Golden Dragon Bank carriage that had been waiting for her.

The carriage slowly moved off, drifting away with the night amidst the streets.

Li Luo continued to watch the leaving carriage, and only after a long period of time did he whisper a farewell.

"Take care, Qing'er. I hope that when we next meet, you'll be as beautiful as the first falling of snow. Your beauty is still unparalleled."