NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Excuses and Speculations
Yun Feng wasn't pretending to be a saint; as long as the conditions were met, anyone harboring hostility toward him would be automatically recorded on the Heaven Suppressing Monument. Recently, however, he noticed something peculiar—both Yu Xiaogang's and Tang Hao's names had dimmed considerably on the monument.
This wasn't the same as the faint glow that appeared when hostility lessened. Yun Feng could clearly sense that their animosity and killing intent toward him had almost dissipated. Yet, their names remained etched on the monument.
Although puzzled by this, Yun Feng chose not to dwell on it since it didn't affect his cultivation progress.
Now, a more pressing concern emerged: how to explain his sudden surge in strength to others.
Yun Feng couldn't keep it a secret forever, nor could he treat others as fools. People weren't that gullible. Without any skills for disguise, even if he could fake his identity as a soul master, no one would take the risk of admitting an unregistered person into their ranks.
Furthermore, Yun Feng still sought knowledge. While Yu Xiaogang and the Nuoding Primary Soul Master Academy had provided him with some information, it was far from comprehensive. Not being Yu Xiaogang's formal disciple meant he hadn't received the full breadth of his teachings.
He needed a plausible explanation to mask the reason behind his rapid growth. Since his last verified level was 30 at the Spirit Hall, a sudden leap to level 40 would undoubtedly raise questions. And if anyone discovered that he had absorbed a ten-thousand-year soul bone, it would be game over for him.
Such treasures were coveted even by Title Douluo, let alone ordinary soul masters. A mere 500-year-old soul bone could ignite intense battles. If people learned of Yun Feng's possession, he'd be hunted relentlessly.
More importantly, Tang Hao must never find out about the soul bone. If he did, Yun Feng might as well prepare to start over.
After much deliberation, Yun Feng settled on the excuse of consuming a mysterious, heaven-sent treasure. Though it sounded far-fetched, the existence of miraculous herbs like Immortal Grass in this world made it somewhat believable.
Even if others doubted him, Yun Feng could claim the treasure was already used up. Since he could fabricate its origin, there'd be no way to verify the truth.
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Traveling back was swift. Yun Feng flew low across the mountain range, landing cautiously before reaching populated areas. Drawing too much attention wasn't wise, and Yun Feng understood the value of discretion.
Ah Yin remained in the box, and Yun Feng paid her little mind. He knew any attempt to converse with her would be futile for now. Her hatred and hostility toward him were obvious, though Yun Feng found it curious that her name hadn't appeared on the Heaven Suppressing Monument.
Was she too weak to qualify? That seemed unlikely.
After some thought, Yun Feng reasoned that the Soul Control Imprint within her body must have caused the monument to categorize her as one of his own.
Upon exiting the mountain range, Yun Feng glanced back at the distant peaks and chuckled.
"Ah Yin, what do you think Tang Hao will feel when he finds you gone and reads the note I left?"
A muffled thud came from the box on his back as Ah Yin's branches struck the interior walls in frustration.
Her fury was understandable; no one would want their spouse to believe they'd been unfaithful. But Yun Feng didn't care about her feelings. He allowed her to vent her emotions before using his spiritual power to strengthen the Soul Control Imprint, subtly restricting her movements.
Though the imprint was still weak and required constant reinforcement, it was enough to prevent Ah Yin from acting against him or seeking out Tang San when they reached Shrek Academy.
Ah Yin, realizing her inability to move freely, fell into panic. While she could still exert minimal control, her strength seemed to vanish entirely.
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Yun Feng pressed onward, heading toward Soto City. He briefly considered intercepting Tang San's crystal fragment, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth the effort. Tang San had too much of a head start.
His path led him toward Heaven Dou City, but Yun Feng found himself torn. Both Spirit City and Heaven Dou City offered unique opportunities, and he regretted being unable to pursue both at once.
In his past life, Yun Feng's master had taught him: A cultivator need not be constrained by worldly views. Act in accordance with your heart. Yun Feng was no prude and openly acknowledged his desires.
This world was filled with beauties—Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, Huo Wu, Hu Liena, Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong, Tang Yuehua, Liu Erlong, and the girls of Tianshui Academy. He couldn't help but sigh at the possibilities.
Though many were emotionally driven, Yun Feng relished the idea of them being drawn to him. The thought was exhilarating.
With these musings, Yun Feng stopped to set up camp, kindling a fire to prepare food. This world didn't allow for prolonged fasting, and sustenance was a necessity.
The meat he roasted came from beasts he'd hunted, some of which were soul beasts. Though cumbersome without a storage soul tool, Yun Feng managed by carrying provisions in a pack—one that also held the 200-pound box containing Ah Yin's soul bone.
He intended to repurpose the box's rare materials into a weapon, ideally a knuckle duster. Combined with his Furious Thunder Fist, it would deliver devastating blows. Any leftover materials could be sold.
Sprinkling spices over the meat, Yun Feng took a bite and savored the flavor. Though camping in the wild, he didn't feel u
nsafe. After all, he had already accounted for potential threats.