Chapter 890: Dongling Immortal Pool

"You little traitor, always siding with outsiders!" Wei Wuyan chuckled wryly. "Ling Feng isn't a disciple of the sacred land, and even this beginner-level manual is priceless in the outside world."

Jiang Biyi pouted, stomping her foot. "You're just stingy! Stingy, stingy!"

"Senior, don't mind her nonsense. I'm already deeply grateful for this gift." Ling Feng clasped his hands respectfully. He genuinely lacked spiritual consciousness cultivation techniques, and even a basic one from the sacred land would be more than enough for now.

"At least someone here understands manners." Wei Wuyan nodded approvingly, eyeing Ling Feng. "It's only been a few months, yet you've already reached this level. Impressive."

"You flatter me." Ling Feng smiled modestly.

Wei Wuyan laughed. "I call it as I see it. With your talent, staying in the Tianbai Empire would be a waste. If you're interested, take this token to the Dongling Immortal Pool someday. I'll personally recommend you to join the sacred land."

He tossed Ling Feng a jade token engraved with the characters "Dongling."

"My thanks, Senior." Ling Feng bowed. "Once I settle some unfinished business, I'll definitely visit."

To pursue the pinnacle of martial arts, he couldn't remain a frog at the bottom of a well. Given his growth rate, leaving the Tianbai Empire for broader horizons was inevitable.

But first, there were loose ends to tie up.

He'd give himself about a year—time enough to deal with the Yan family of the Eastern Capital, the "Blood Sword Heavenly Lord" Li Qingling, the "Demon-Masked Lord" Lin Canglang, and the Silver Wolf Demon Emperor of Nanjiang...

All potential threats needed to be eradicated.

"

Hmm.

With your aptitude, you'll likely become a direct disciple of the sacred land in no time." Wei Wuyan patted Ling Feng's shoulder, clearly optimistic about his future.

Meanwhile, Jiang Biyi bit her lip. "Uncle Wei, do we really have to go back to the Immortal Pool now?"

"Of course. Now that we've retrieved the Jade Void Ring, there's no reason to linger. You've been away long enough—I'm sure master misses you."

"She wouldn't!" Jiang Biyi pouted but knew arguing was pointless. She turned to Ling Feng, eyes glistening. "Hey, bad guy. You better come to the Immortal Pool soon."

"

Uh

..." Ling Feng froze for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."

"And when you get there, you have to find me first!"

"I wouldn't know anyone else there anyway." Ling Feng scratched his head, unnerved by her intense stare.

"Also—"

Jiang Biyi took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. Then, in a flash, she darted forward, stood on tiptoe, and pecked Ling Feng's cheek.

Before he could react, she bolted like a startled rabbit, vanishing into the valley.

"

Hah!

That girl..."

Wei Wuyan stroked his beard, amused. "Work hard, kid."

With that, he vanished after Jiang Biyi in a blur.

Ling Feng stood frozen, the token in his hand suddenly feeling scalding hot.

"What just happened...?" He touched his tingling cheek, sighing. "Can I even go to the Dongling Immortal Pool now?"

"Of course you should go!" Despicable Donkey crossed his hooves smugly. "The Dongling Immortal Pool's been legendary for millennia—it's where all the real geniuses gather in the Dongling Region. Stay in this backwater, and you'll stagnate at Human Emperor level at best."

"I know, but..." Ling Feng's ears burned as Jiang Biyi's kiss replayed in his mind.

Girls these days were way too bold!

"Relax, she won't bite!" Despicable Donkey waggled his eyebrows. "Lucky bastard. One pretty girl after another, each more fiery than the last! Watch your kidneys!"

"Shut it."

Ling Feng rolled his eyes. For now, returning to Qingtian Fortress took priority—he needed to check if Tuoba Yan's Heart-Devouring Red-Dust Gu had flared up during his absence.

Just then, Wang Chuanjia emerged from the valley's depths. Spotting Ling Feng, his jaw dropped.

"G-General Ling? You... you're alive?"

"Heh, what's with that look? You look like you've seen a ghost?" Despicable Donkey shot a glance at Wang Chuanjia. Sure, Wang Chuanjia had bailed at the last moment, but that was understandable. After all, who'd want to be trapped somewhere for three thousand years?

Ling Feng waved it off. "Vice-General Wang, since you're here, let's head back to the fortress together."

Having Wang Chuanjia along would save him the trouble of explaining things to the Northwestern Army.

"Yes, sir!" Wang saluted stiffly. "I'm glad you made it out. I thought you'd miss the deadline."

"Got lucky at the last second." Ling Feng lied smoothly.

Wang nodded, though suspicion lingered. Not that he could fathom any other way to bypass a secret realm's barrier.

"About General Cao and the others, what a shame..."

He sighed. Had Cao Meng heeded Ling Feng's warnings, perhaps he wouldn't have met his end in the Abyss of Death.