Lin Chen's pupils widened upon hearing the news.

What was meant to come has finally arrived.

The old gentleman, needless to say, was naturally Zhong Nan, whom Lin Chen had met a few days ago.

If it were someone else, Lin Chen's emotional reaction wouldn't have been so intense.

But now, it concerned the position of National Preceptor, the future of the Cangling Ancient Country.

"Does the mentor know?" Lin Chen asked.

"I... I haven't told him yet." Bai Ling replied weakly, "I'm afraid to tell him."

"Why?"

"The mentor treats me very well, I'm afraid if I become an apprentice, it will hurt his heart."

"Do you want to?"

"The old gentleman doesn't have much time left, I'm also afraid to hurt his heart."

"So what's your true thought?" Lin Chen understood Bai Ling's character.

Often when she thinks about things, she considers them from the other person's perspective, rarely accounting for her own feelings.

This was a character trait developed during her years of illness.

This kind-hearted nature has both advantages and disadvantages.

Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, Bai Ling seriously contemplated for a moment and finally said, "I can't quite say, when I first met the old gentleman, I just felt he was very familiar, making me feel a sense of closeness."

Lin Chen was startled.

He had previously heard Bai Ling say that she had never left South City since childhood, so how could she have met Zhong Nan?

Could it be that there really was some kind of faint connection between those blessed by fate?

As he pondered, Bai Ling spoke again, "He said he wouldn't delay my time, just teach me for one year."

"So in other words, you want to go?"

"Yes." Bai Ling nodded, "The old man also promised to help Xiu Xiu grow."

"The Calamity-Devouring Beast?!"

Lin Chen was shocked.

He had previously discussed the situation of the Calamity-Devouring Beast with Liu Gu; at the time, they both felt that for the beast to gain combat ability was extremely difficult.

Now it seems Zhong Nan might be able to achieve it.

Lin Chen furrowed his brows.

The Calamity-Devouring Beast taking a step forward was good for Bai Ling.

But if Bai Ling agreed, she would inevitably entangle herself with the National Master's Institute.

Lin Chen was also conflicted because he wasn't sure if his advice was pushing Bai Ling into the fire pit or rescuing her.

"You want to go, don't you?" Lin Chen asked.

Bai Ling nodded.

During this period, her mindset had changed a lot; she also hoped to become stronger, not for herself, but for the Calamity-Devouring Beast.

Among her three Spirit Beasts, the last two required no further discussion, but the Calamity-Devouring Beast's abilities were indeed lacking.

Bai Ling didn't want the Calamity-Devouring Beast to become self-conscious in the future.

"If you want to go, then go boldly." Lin Chen said, "Don't worry about the mentor, he will support you."

Lin Chen believed that Liu Gu undoubtedly knew more about this matter than he did.

Although neither Liu Gu nor Lin Chen wanted Bai Ling to get involved with the National Master's Institute, many things had a mystical element within them.

Zhong Nan had come to see him and entrusted him with the Dragon Transformation Skill.

This indicated...

Zhong Nan might have divined the future from the obscured realm.

How much he had divined, though, was unknown.

"Alright." With Lin Chen's support, Bai Ling's thoughts were solidified. Just as she was about to leave, Lin Chen paused and called her back.

Bai Ling turned around, looking at Lin Chen with a puzzled expression, "What's wrong?"

"If at any time you decide you don't want to stay there, just tell us, and then the mentor and I will come and fetch you." Lin Chen said.

Bai Ling was surprised, then she smiled broadly and nodded firmly.

...

"Mentor..."

In the tavern, Zhong Nan and Zhang Jin had not yet retired for the night, the latter was inquiring about Bai Ling's matter today.

Bai Ling had come to deliver medicine as usual, not expecting Zhong Nan to say he wanted to accept her as his disciple on the spot.

Zhang Jin understood that Zhong Nan intended to bring Bai Ling to the surface.

"Do you think I can't protect her?" Zhong Nan said.

"The student dares not."

Zhang Jin quickly said, "The student simply doesn't understand why Bai Ling was exposed so early."

"Because I don't have much time left." Zhong Nan said.

Zhang Jin fell silent.

"Moreover, for Bai Ling to become National Preceptor, she must enter Celestial Capital." Zhong Nan said.

Zhang Jin nodded.

Although he anticipated Bai Ling could not handle the tangled matters of Celestial Capital.

But since Zhong Nan had chosen Bai Ling, she must take this step.

"What if Bai Ling does not agree?"

"She will agree."

"Why?"

"Because I told her I could help her Calamity-Devouring Beast grow."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jin quickly said, "Teacher, you wouldn't intend to use Dragon Energy to cleanse the Calamity-Devouring Beast?"

"Bai Ling does not have a Spirit Dragon, her Calamity-Devouring Beast... is the Spirit Dragon." Zhong Nan said simply and directly.

Zhang Jin took a deep breath upon hearing this...

To cleanse with Dragon Energy was a privilege only the National Preceptor could enjoy.

This represented Zhong Nan having placed his final wager entirely on Bai Ling.

He thought for a moment, finally asked, "If she agrees, should we announce it to Celestial Capital?"

"Naturally." Zhong Nan said with authority, "My disciple must be announced to the nation."

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Jin remained silent.

Because he knew once Bai Ling's identity was revealed, Celestial Capital would inevitably take action.

He said no more, only stated, "The student will take leave first and come to fetch you tomorrow."

Zhong Nan nodded, and Zhang Jin then exited the room.

....

Bai Ling returned to the tavern to find Liu Gu unexpectedly still awake, writing something at the table.

Bai Ling recalled Lin Chen's words, began to speak but hesitated.

She was someone who greatly considered others' feelings, really afraid that opening her mouth would deeply hurt Liu Gu.

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