CHAPTER 429: CHAPTER 247: THE GAMBLE BEGINS: LITTLE FOX’S SECOND EVOLUTION

From ancient times on Blue Star, whether under the rule of the Demon Race or the Human Race, too many wars have erupted.

The result of war is species extinction and lineage disruption.

This is an unavoidable situation because it is unavoidable.

The extinction of species will also lead to the birth of new species.

"It’s a pity that the Spirit Academy used to have a secret compendium of Spirit Beasts, but unfortunately, it was later reclaimed by the Celestial Capital," the Great Elder said, "otherwise I could have helped you search for it."

"Reclaimed?" Lin Chen asked in confusion, "Why? Was it done by the Dubhe Pavilion?"

"No, it was the National Master’s Institute."

The Great Elder said, "At the time, Zhang Jin said it was the intention of Zhong Nan, without any explanation."

The Great Elder also found it strange that a compendium of extinct creatures should be sealed away by the National Master’s Institute without being released.

"Speaking of the National Master’s Institute..." the Great Elder continued, "the latest news from the Celestial Capital indicates that the candidate for the next National Preceptor is basically confirmed to be Gu Ning."

"Gu Ning?"

Lin Chen was taken aback, recalling his transaction with Zhong Nan, and asked, "Did Bai Ling voluntarily give up?"

"No, according to the information, the Dubhe Pavilion exerted pressure," the Great Elder said.

Upon hearing this news, Lin Chen thought it wasn’t surprising, considering the intricate undercurrents among the Celestial Capital power.

"This is also a good thing for Bai Ling."

In his heart, Lin Chen also felt Bai Ling wasn’t suitable to be a National Preceptor. Besides her character, Bai Ling had no backing, only the National Master’s Institute was supporting her.

As for the Spirit Academy, though it is a force, it cannot partake in these power struggles.

If the Spirit Academy crosses the line, it would be the first to fall.

The two returned to the Mentor Hall, where Liu Gu was astonished by the changes in Lin Chen’s Spirit Beast.

In just half a year’s time, the advancement was remarkable.

Lin Chen intended to showcase Xiaobai’s new abilities to the Great Elder and others, but they both refused.

"From now on, the fewer people who know, the better, including us," the Great Elder chuckled.

Lin Chen was surprised, although he understood this principle; both the Great Elder and Liu Gu were on his trusted list, and their help couldn’t be overlooked in his journey so far.

Liu Gu, however, looked at the Little Fox and said:

"It seems the time for gambling has arrived."

Lin Chen immediately turned to the Great Elder, who rolled his eyes and said:

"You are now at the elder level, and as it’s a new year, you have new benefits. So you currently have 14 items in the medicine repository, and converting to a Legendary Level scheme, it would be calculated as 9 items."

"Thank you, Great Elder."

Lin Chen said joyfully.

The Great Elder rolled his eyes and said, "I’ve given you all I should, so do your best at the Celestial Realm Mountain conference."

"Certainly."

Lin Chen cupped his hands.

....

Celestial Capital

National Master’s Institute

"Greetings, Senior Brother."

Gu Ning approached Zhang Jin’s courtyard and cupped his hands.

Zhang Jin soon came out, looked at Gu Ning, and said, "Do you know why I called you here today?"

"Please enlighten me, Senior Brother."

Gu Ning was actually aware of the situation.

The matter dated back to half a year ago, at the battle of Celestial Beast Island.

At that time, Gu Ning was defeated by Lin Chen, losing the Spirit Egg.

Gu Ning was disheartened, not expecting the Dubhe Pavilion to be more anxious than him.

All along, the Dubhe Pavilion speculated that Bai Ling was Zhong Nan’s first choice, so Lin Chen’s victory attributed some credit to Bai Ling.

Therefore, upon Gu Ning’s return, the Gu Family led a meeting of the four major families, reaching a unanimous agreement to nominate Gu Ning for ascension.

As for the agreements signed between the Gu Family and them, Gu Ning did not know.

However, Gu Ning was aware that the letter from the Dubhe Pavilion had already reached the National Master’s Institute.

But some matters must remain unspoken, and Gu Ning could only feign ignorance.

Zhang Jin was the same; he looked at Gu Ning and said:

"Among these nine people, the teacher believes your capability is the strongest, and thus has the intent to cultivate you as the National Preceptor."

"Thank you, Teacher, thank you, Senior Brother." Gu Ning responded promptly.

"Don’t rejoice too early," Zhang Jin said, "to become a National Preceptor, you need to undergo numerous evaluations, the toughest being the Dragon Vein recognition."

"Although you have a certain level of skill in Dragon Fighting Skill, the Dragon Transformation Skill is different."

"To master the Dragon Transformation Skill, you first need the Dragon Vein’s acknowledgment."

"So starting tomorrow, you will enter the Dragon Vein Land for your Spirit Dragon to undergo the Dragon Vein cleansing..."

Upon hearing this, Gu Ning trembled with excitement.

Zhang Jin’s words were true.

To become a National Preceptor, one must receive the Dragon Vein’s approval.

From another perspective, the Dragon Transformation Skill mastered by a National Preceptor utilizes the power of heaven and earth.

If the Dragon Vein does not recognize you, naturally, you cannot use it.

"Go back and prepare," Zhang Jin waved his hand.

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Gu Ning nodded, and as he was about to leave, Zhang Jin asked, "If you really assume the position of National Preceptor, will you cancel the eight-trigram nine-city plan?"

Gu Ning paused, glanced back at Zhang Jin, and after a moment of thought, he said seriously:

"Senior Brother, that question isn’t quite appropriate for you to ask."

Zhang Jin closed his eyes upon hearing that.

Indeed.

It wasn’t a question he should have asked.

But for the sake of this plan, both he and Zhong Nan had spent a significant amount of essence blood.

He really hoped this plan wouldn’t end in failure.

Zhang Jin had been an orphan since childhood, his parents having died in the chaos of war, and later adopted by Zhong Nan, which led to his current achievements and status.