Translator: CinderTL
Finally, they talked about their time at Star City Academy.
When they recalled Lin Ran drinking too much Merit Wine and jumping into the lake to cool off, they couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Those youthful embarrassments transported them back to their younger days.
But that was just a memory after all.
The "Big Three" who used to devour meals in the north corner of the Academy Cafeteria had long since scattered.
Other friends, Lin Ran, Yang Xiaoxin, the monk, and others, had all gone their separate ways.
As they chatted, it was time for dinner.
Following Lin Ran to the Tiger Soul Branch Base's cafeteria, they packed three full trays of food and some drinks, then headed to the rooftop of the base.
The rooftop of the Tiger Soul Research Institute seemed to be a tea area, furnished with numerous tea tables and teaware.
They followed Lin Ran to a tea table and set down their trays.
"Brother Qi, the cafeteria lacks atmosphere. Let's eat here instead, reminisce about old times, and discuss our future plans."
As Lin Ran spoke, he twisted the cap off a wine bottle.
"It's been years since I last drank. Alcohol hinders my Art Magic Research efficiency, but I'm making an exception for you today."
He handed the bottle to Brother Qi, then opened another.
As the bottles clinked together, a smile spread across Lin Ran's face.
"Brother Qi, tell me about your plans after joining the Tiger Soul Research Institute. Would you like me to recommend you for the Cultivation Method Research Group? With your abilities, being a mere cultivation technique test subject would be a waste of your talents."
"You're trying to pull strings for me the moment I arrive?"
"I despise nepotism, but you're different—you're a true talent with genuine ability. As the saying goes, 'promote the worthy regardless of kinship.' I don't want to see such a gem go to waste." Lin Ran said with genuine earnestness.
"Gold will always shine. No need to rush."
"I disagree with that. Gold will indeed shine, but what about the time wasted before it does? If you're determined to make your mark at the Tiger Soul Research Institute, you should be more assertive."
Lin Ran paused, his expression turning somber.
"The Brother Qi I remember was bold and confident. But you... you seem to have lost that fearless momentum."
A pained look crossed Lin Ran's face.
"Don't try to provoke me with that old trick—I've seen through it too many times... But you're right. Help me get recommended to the Cultivation Technique Research Group."
Hearing Feng Qi agree, Lin Ran's sadness vanished, replaced by joy.
"Brother Qi, you're amazing! I hope you form your own Cultivation Technique Research Group soon and poach me for it."
"Don't even think about it. Focus on your art magic research."
"But maybe I have a natural talent for cultivation technique research? How will I know if I don't try?"
Feng Qi found himself genuinely curious at these words.
Given Lin Ran's exceptional talent and accomplishments in Art Magic Research, it should have been reasonable for Tiger Soul's leadership to grant him an opportunity to try Cultivation Technique Research if he strongly requested it.
This thought sparked his curiosity, and he couldn't help but ask:
"Didn't Tiger Soul ever give you a chance?"
"Not once. Even my Art Magic Research had to follow the tasks assigned by the higher-ups, without any room for creative freedom. It was practically stifling my talent."
Feng Qi's heart trembled at these words.
Developing art magic according to assigned tasks?
From his understanding of cultivation studies, both art magic and cultivation techniques require researchers to have creative freedom—it's the prerequisite for innovation.
Throughout the history of cultivation studies, many now-established concepts arose from sparks of inspiration during free exploration.
Stifling creative freedom was, in essence, stifling the progress of cultivation studies itself.
Tiger Soul's leadership restricting Lin Ran's development in this manner seemed highly abnormal.
He couldn't help but wonder: Could it be that the Tiger Soul Research Institute has been taken over by another Domain Force?
This wasn't just a wild guess.
It aligned perfectly with the intelligence he had previously obtained.
One of the most crucial pieces of intelligence regarding the Technology Research Institute was the capture of the werewolf Le Ping'an.
The purpose of Le Ping'an's infiltration of Star City Academy was for the Technology Research Institute to penetrate a certain Domain Force, planting their spy to gather information.
At the time, Le Ping'an studied and cultivated diligently at the academy, particularly focusing on Cultivation Technique Research.
Combined with the later revelation that the Tiger Soul Research Institute had been infiltrated by the Domain Force, he was certain that the Technology Research Institute had arranged for Le Ping'an to study at Star City Academy so he could act as a spy within the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
However, this once-certain hypothesis now seemed riddled with flaws.
Firstly, when Le Ping'an joined Star City Academy, the Lord of the Mist had not yet become a Domain-Transcending Creature. He was still plotting within the Silent Domain Field to resurrect his clansmen and expand the Domain Field's area.
Therefore, the Black Shadow Faction behind the Technology Research Institute could not have been targeting the Lord of the Mist when they planted Le Ping'an in the Tiger Soul Research Institute.