In the depths of his thoughts, Lufeng felt that Songshan was very suitable for cultivating the Vital Energy Control Technique, but he also sensed that something was missing. Unable to figure it out, Lufeng could only continue on the path of leveling up.
The group of six did not linger any longer in the beautiful scenery and quickened their pace. Before long, the full view of Songyang Academy gradually appeared before them.
The entire Songyang Academy was located at the peak of a mountain, resembling a majestic holy place, exuding a unique aura everywhere. Within the academy, precious trees such as Thousand-Year Purple Sandalwood and Welcoming Pine were visible all around.
Upon entering the academy, Lufeng had a sudden burst of inspiration for cultivation but worried about delaying everyone’s leveling progress. He suppressed his impulse and walked toward where Xiao Rang was located.
Soon, Lufeng found Xiao Rang under a large tree. After handing over Solin's calligraphy book to Xiao Rang, this Holy Calligrapher—Xiao Rang—pondered for a moment before slowly saying, “Solin? She might be the niece of my old friend Somra. Let me take a look at her calligraphy.”
Xiao Rang opened Solin's calligraphy book, and his pupils instantly widened in surprise as he exclaimed, “Incredible! This copy of Lantingji Xu is truly outstanding! It looks just like the original! What an amazing piece!”
After completing the task, Lufeng's Experience increased significantly. Seeing that Xiao Rang was still astonished by Solin's calligraphy, Lufeng decided to first complete the task issued by Qin Guan, the Noodle Stall Ghost—finding Chai Jin.
Lufeng checked the coordinates and then let everyone take on their respective tasks. After they accepted their tasks, they agreed to meet at the entrance of Songyang Academy. Lufeng then went alone to where Chai Jin was located and found him in a daze, rambling incoherently. After some effort, he managed to complete the task and awkwardly leveled up to level 20 (310/25488).
“Ding!”
System Notification: Dear Player, congratulations on reaching level 20.
After leveling up to 20, Lufeng was overjoyed; he could now use the Jianghu Universe Bag. He immediately used it and received a Silver Dan Gourd filled with 100,000 health points and a level 30 Jianghu Dry Bag.
Checking its effects, he found that it could instantly restore 1,500 health points each time until it was used up. Lufeng happily attached it to his belt so as not to waste any inventory space.
However, facing the mentally disoriented Chai Jin, Lufeng felt helpless. If he couldn't accept any tasks, he would have to join others in fighting monsters to level up, which would be an incredibly frustrating way to progress.
Lufeng was a bit anxious. Unable to receive a mission, he could only stare blankly, wondering how Royal Beauty managed to get a task while contemplating the Vital Energy Control Technique. He had a premonition that Songyang Academy was an excellent place to practice the Vital Energy Control Technique.
At this moment, Gao Chao and the others received another NPC's mission to head to West Lake. After bidding farewell to Lufeng, Gao Chao, Qin Shou, and Qiu Han set off for West Lake, while Murong Xiaoxiao and Wang Xiaojing returned to Lufeng's side.
With no mission in sight, Lufeng had a sudden idea and took Murong Xiaoxiao and Wang Xiaojing to the back mountain of Songyang Academy, intending to practice the Vital Energy Control Technique there.
The three leaned against a large tree, with Lufeng sitting in the middle and the two girls beside him, creating a unique atmosphere. However, Lufeng was not enjoying the beautiful scenery and lovely company; his mind was tangled with thoughts about the mission.
"I find it strange that Gao Chao and the others can receive missions, but I can't," Lufeng said, feeling frustrated.
Hearing Lufeng's complaint, Murong Xiaoxiao blushed slightly as she gazed at the waterfall in front of her, remaining silent.
"Yeah, I didn't receive a mission either. It's so bizarre. This Songyang Academy can't really be haunted, right? That neurotic Chai Jin keeps saying there are ghosts. Little does he know he seems more like a ghost himself. There's such a huge difference from the old Heavenly Dragon; this is definitely challenging my psychological limits," Wang Xiaojing said, patting her chest. Her face alternated between pale and flushed, making Lufeng's heart race. If it weren't for being in Songshan and having Murong Xiaoxiao beside him, he would have seriously considered pursuing her.
Noticing Murong Xiaoxiao's continued silence, Lufeng thought something might be wrong and asked with concern, "Xiaoxiao, what's wrong? It's okay; it's just that we didn't receive missions. Don't worry; I didn't get one either."
"Me too!" Wang Xiaojing chimed in.
Murong Xiaoxiao's face turned red as she stammered, "I... I..."
Seeing her like this made Lufeng think something was really wrong. "What happened?"
At that moment, Wang Xiaojing felt a bit jealous but also envious of Murong Xiaoxiao for having such a caring 'brother.' This strengthened her resolve to seize her own happiness.
The more Lufeng cared for Murong Xiaoxiao, the more uneasy she felt. After some inner struggle, Murong Xiaoxiao finally spoke the truth: "Brother, I'm sorry. I lied to you. Wuwu~ Can you forgive me?"
Murong Xiaoxiao spoke and tears of sadness streamed down her face. She had a side that was completely different from the cold beauty of her university days. Only in front of those she cared about did she show such sensitivity and vulnerability.
"Don't cry~ What's wrong? Talk to me!"
Lufeng felt a deep sense of pity. The more Murong Xiaoxiao acted this way, the more he couldn't bear to hurt her, to the point that when Murong Xiaoxiao wanted to dedicate herself to him before, he held back.
Seeing Murong Xiaoxiao like this, the clever Wang Xiaojing had a moment of realization and guessed, "Xiaoxiao, did you receive a mission? Is it because Lufeng couldn't get a mission that he didn't go to West Lake with Qin Shou and the others?"
Lufeng pondered for a moment and looked at Murong Xiaoxiao. "Is it as Xiaojing said?"
After some hesitation, Murong Xiaoxiao nodded, tears welling up in her eyes again, her body trembling slightly.
Upon receiving a definite answer, Lufeng was deeply moved. He half-embraced Murong Xiaoxiao, wiped away her tears, and comforted her, saying, "It's okay, it's not a big deal. Don't be sad. I promise you, I'll always be by your side in the future. We'll do missions together, no matter where we are, I'll take you with me. Just smile~"
"Hehe~" Murong Xiaoxiao forced out a smile that was neither fully happy nor sad.
Looking at the adorable Murong Xiaoxiao, Lufeng found it both amusing and frustrating. After a pause, he continued, "It seems like our Free Mode missions are going to be quite troublesome. That damn Zhou Tianshi didn’t give any reminders, causing me to waste time with that Chai Jin."
"Yeah, this game feels too mysterious. Even now, I still feel like I haven't woken up," Wang Xiaojing said with some agreement.
"Haven't woken up? Did you not sleep well last night?" Murong Xiaoxiao said absentmindedly, her thoughts drifting far away as she gazed at the waterfall ahead, half leaning against Lufeng's embrace, afraid that he would leave her.
Lufeng gently patted her back and smiled lightly. "What Xiaojing means is that we are in a dream!"
"Oh!" Murong Xiaoxiao nodded gently.
The three of them chatted casually, each lost in their own thoughts. Murong Xiaoxiao wondered when she could become Lufeng's other half, while Wang Xiaojing stared dreamily at Lufeng's profile. Lufeng, however, focused on absorbing the atmosphere around him.
After a long time without any results, Lufeng stood up and walked to the edge of the cliff, signaling for Murong Xiaoxiao and Wang Xiaojing not to disturb him. He then sat down in a familiar position, closed his eyes as per Zhou Tianshi's teachings, and began to calm his mind.
Watching Lufeng's strange behavior, the two women quietly observed him. Lufeng became the most beautiful scenery in their hearts as they softly shared their thoughts.
"Xiaojing, we are good friends, right?"
"Yes, of course! I made an exception to let Qin Shou and the others join the studio for you."
"Thank you. If I'm not by Lufeng's side in the future, you must take good care of him for me."
"What are you saying? Silly girl, he won't leave you. He has always cherished you. Even if you find someone else, he will still love you and always bless you."
"Xiaojing, you know that I only love Lufeng. No matter how good someone else is to me, it can't compare to how Lufeng is to me. I really don't want to leave him, but I'm so afraid he will leave me."
"Don't think too much."
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