Chapter 367: The Arrogant Zhenlong Academy!

"Thank you for rescuing us. My name is Mo Yao."

Mo Yao expressed her gratitude with a bow to Ling Feng, Gu Tengfeng, and the rest of their group after escaping danger.

The students from Tianwei Academy were all only at the Pulse Formation Realm, yet their strengths far surpassed those in the Transformation Realm like Mo Yao and her team, earning their deep admiration.

Following her lead, the other four members of Mo Yao's team also bowed in unison to Ling Feng and his companions. Without Ling Feng's intervention, their five-member squad would likely have been wiped out.

"You're welcome," Ling Feng responded with a wave of his hand. He might not have helped if he hadn't seen Mo Yao's willingness to sacrifice herself for her teammates.

"We are members of the Shadow Strike Hunting Team. It is truly fortunate to encounter geniuses from Tianwei Academy here."

A middle-aged man with a square face laughed. "Where are you heading? If our destinations align, we could travel together. We may not be top-tier experts, but we are very familiar with this area and could provide some assistance."

Mo Yao nodded. "We've completed our gathering task and are heading back to Beiliang County. If you're going the same way..."

Before Mo Yao could finish, Jiang Xiaofan excitedly interjected, "Beiliang County? We're headed there too!"

Jiang Xiaofan, being simple-minded and without any suspicion, spoke before Ling Feng and Gu Tengfeng could stop him.

"If we're traveling the same route, how about we join forces?" Mo Yao invited again.

"Yes, our benefactors, there's strength in numbers. Let us have a chance to repay your kindness."

Hei Feng said with a respectful smile towards Ling Feng and his group. As free cultivators, their strengths and statuses couldn't compare to the geniuses from Tianwei Academy.

Ling Feng's terrifying strength was evident to them. With Ling Feng and his companions traveling alongside them, the dangers of the latter part of their journey would be significantly reduced.

Ling Feng and Gu Tengfeng exchanged a glance and nodded. Ling Feng then slightly curled his lips and said calmly, "Alright."

"That's great!"

Mo Yao exclaimed with joy. Subconsciously, she began comparing herself to Lin Xian'er, who was standing beside Ling Feng.

Compared to this slender and delicate girl, I seem quite masculine and my attire too manly. How could Mr. Ling ever notice me in this state?

Oh my, what am I thinking?

Mo Yao's face flushed with embarrassment.

Since when did I start caring about how a man viewed me?

Ling Feng noticed Mo Yao's face suddenly blush deeply, leaving him somewhat puzzled. He frowned slightly but chose not to address it.

Due to the uncertain situation regarding Jiang Xiaofan's family, the group pressed on through the night without a moment's delay. By dawn, they finally left the vast wetland and entered a forested area.

At this point, they had at last reached a relatively safe zone.

"Beiliang County is just ahead," Ling Feng reassured Jiang Xiaofan with a pat on the shoulder. "In half a day, we'll be there. Don't worry, Xiaofan, your family will be fine."

"

Mhmm.

" Jiang Xiaofan nodded, but a trace of worry lingered on his face.

Until he was certain of his family's safety, Jiang Xiaofan couldn't truly relax.

"This area is the Misty Hidden Forest. While not as perilous as the God-Burying Swamp, it is home to formidable demonic beasts, so everyone must remain cautious," Gu Tengfeng warned solemnly.

"So, Mr. Gu is also familiar with the terrain here," Mo Yao remarked with a smile. "The climate of the Misty Hidden Forest is quite unique, and it's abundant with treasures. If we're lucky, we might find rare flowers and herbs just by walking around."

Sure enough, they hadn't walked far when Ling Feng spotted a plant hidden among the weeds. The plant was entirely dark blue, emitted a faint glow, and bore five light blue fruits with a delicate fragrance that refreshed the mind.

It was the Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit!

Ling Feng's eyes twitched slightly. The Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit contained pure moon essence that was highly attractive to any body cultivator.

Even for cultivators who did not focus on refining their bodies, the Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit had body-refining benefits that surpassed those of the Dragon Blood Sacred Fruit.

It was unbelievable that they had found such a valuable item just by walking around.

Overjoyed, Ling Feng crouched down and carefully uprooted the plant. He planned to replant it in the Wood Elemental Realm within the Five Elements Heavenly Palace, which would allow the Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit to mature sooner.

"The Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit!"

Mo Yao and the others were knowledgeable individuals and naturally understood the value of the Blue Moon Vermilion Fruit. In an instant, they hurried over, their faces filled with eager anticipation. Especially Hei Feng, whose eyes even emitted a faint green light, couldn't help but swallow hard.

An invaluable treasure capable of refining the body; it would be dishonest to claim they weren't interested. However, since Ling Feng had discovered this treasure, it naturally wasn't theirs to claim.

"Ling Feng, you've got quite the luck!" Gu Tengfeng chuckled loudly, slapping Ling Feng's shoulder with a hint of envy in his heart.

Ling Feng smiled faintly and was about to respond when he suddenly turned to look behind him. He sensed another group rapidly approaching them.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Seven figures swiftly flew over and landed steadily in front of Ling Feng and the others. These martial artists were dressed uniformly, with a four-clawed golden dragon embroidered on the left side of their chests—the unmistakable emblem of Zhenlong Academy. [1]

The leader among them had sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, exuding a proud demeanor as he looked at Ling Feng and the others.

"

Tsk, tsk,

turns out it's people from Tianwei Academy!" The leading Zhenlong Academy student chuckled lightly, his gaze finally settling on Gu Tengfeng. "Who would've thought it was you, Gu Tengfeng!"

A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. "What's this? Tianwei Academy couldn't find anyone else, so they sent out a few kittens and puppies to handle the demon slaying mission?"

Indeed, this group was sent by Zhenlong Academy to carry out the demon slaying mission. There were seven of them, all experts with at least forty-five meridian gates, and three of them were even above fifty meridian gates.

On the other hand, besides Gu Tengfeng, the remaining members from Tianwei Academy...

At a glance, they seemed utterly incapable of putting up a fight.

"Yefan, don't be so arrogant!"

Gu Tengfeng obviously knew the captain from Zhenlong Academy. His gaze turned cold as he said icily, "Since we've both received the same mission, let's rely on our own abilities. There's no need to bark like a mad dog in front of me!"

1. Author's note: Only imperial dragon robes can bear a five-clawed golden dragon; hence Zhenlong Academy's emblem is a four-clawed one. ☜