After losing, there is still a chance for resurrection, and that is facing off against the Cangling Ancient Country.

Currently, the Cangling Ancient Country has announced that Ning Tian is absent, leaving only eight members on their team.

This fills Beiming Country with great confidence.

Thus, Lin Chen did not see more of their hidden cards in this match.

He was not disappointed; at this stage of the tournament, every match could be considered the last.

After all, no one knows if they can enter the next round.

Returning to the courtyard, Lin Chen checked on Xiaobai and Xiao Hong, who were both diligently pushing forward.

Suddenly, Xiaobai opened his eyes.

"Did I disturb you?" Lin Chen asked in surprise.

Usually, when Xiaobai was in a state of meditation and sensed Lin Chen approaching, he wouldn't open his eyes.

After a brief moment of bewilderment, Lin Chen thought Xiaobai might have had a breakthrough, but Xiaobai's gaze was not joyful; it was filled with danger and apprehension.

This was the look before danger strikes.

Lin Chen immediately became alert but was puzzled; weren't there many Celestial Shadow Guards outside?

While pondering, two footsteps echoed, and the Little Fox also awakened, with the two Spirit Beasts hurriedly rushing to Lin Chen, staring at the people outside the door.

Quite quickly, in the light of the house, Lin Chen could clearly see the faces of the visitors.

An old man and a middle-aged man.

Lin Chen immediately said, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your late-night visit?"

When Lin Chen got a detailed look at their attire, he swallowed hard.

Though they had never met, based on Zhang Jin's clothing and previous events, Lin Chen had already guessed their identities.

"The... National Preceptor?!"

...

Lin Chen looked incredulously at the old man in front of him.

Though it was speculation, the answer was crystal clear.

Zhong Nan, rather than greeting Lin Chen, first glanced at Xiaobai and said, "Even the Hidden Dragon Skill couldn't evade it, your Spirit Beast's sense of smell is keen indeed."

Lin Chen and Xiaobai didn't know what the Hidden Dragon Skill was, but if the other said so, it meant their entry here went unnoticed by the Celestial Shadow Guards.

After some contemplation, Lin Chen replied, "Both of you... Bai Ling is not with me."

"How did you know I was looking for Bai Ling?"

Naturally, Lin Chen wouldn't expose Liu Gu, but said instead, "I heard from Bai Ling she met an elder gentleman. I suppose that person is you."

"Do you know who I am?"

"No," Lin Chen shook his head.

"I think you do," Zhong Nan said, "You just don't wish to say."

Lin Chen smiled, choosing silence.

Deep down, he had ample respect for Zhong Nan, yet he didn't wish to have excessive contact with him.

Since ancient times, politics has been perilously treacherous. A careless step could lead to irretrievable entanglement.

Throughout this encounter, Zhang Jin remained silent until Zhong Nan said, "A guest has arrived; will you not offer me a cup of tea?"

Upon hearing these words, Lin Chen understood the visitor had come for him.

Since that was the case, there was no point in concealing further. He clasped his hands and said, "Student Lin Chen, greets the National Preceptor."

Zhong Nan squinted with a smile, addressing Zhang Jin, "I told you, he is different from Bai Ling; he should guess my identity."

Zhang Jin could only smile wryly.

Lin Chen invited the two to sit, then began to brew tea.

Deep down, Lin Chen was somewhat tense, as it was his first time interacting with such high-level figures.

After lightly sipping the tea, Zhong Nan finally spoke, "I came to propose a transaction with you."

"A transaction?"

Both Lin Chen and Zhang Jin were taken aback.

Soon after, Zhong Nan said, "Jin'Er, please wait for me outside."

"Yes, teacher."

Zhang Jin was puzzled. He could listen to conversations between him and Bai Ling, so why not hear the conversation with Lin Chen?

However, Zhong Nan's words were commands. Zhang Jin stood up, cast a glance at Lin Chen, and finally closed the door upon leaving.

Once Zhang Jin left, Zhong Nan said, "I wish to leave something in your care."

"Me? Custody?" Lin Chen was bewildered.

At that moment, Zhong Nan waved his hand, causing a rush of air.

Lin Chen felt nothing, but outside, Zhang Jin was utterly astonished.

Lin Chen's courtyard had been sealed by Zhong Nan, tapping into the Dragon Vein's energy; whatever happens inside remains inscrutable to the outside world.

"Can I refuse?" Lin Chen asked again.

Zhong Nan chuckled and replied, "What if I say I have something you can't refuse?"

Lin Chen laughed helplessly.

Indeed.

If he could establish good relations with the National Preceptor, what wouldn't come to him when desired?

Anything the National Preceptor of the Cangling Ancient Country murmured into existence would be delivered readily.

"You don't have to rush into rejection; first, see what the transaction involves."

"Please feel free to elaborate." Lin Chen clasped his hands.

With words exchanged thus far, he had to listen.

"I will entrust you with the Dragon Transformation Skill of the Spirit Dragon...."

"Dragon... Dragon Transformation Skill?" Lin Chen thought he heard wrong.

The Dragon Transformation Skill is a forbidden technique only mastered by the National Preceptor of the Cangling Ancient Country, never shared externally.

The real reason is:

The Dragon Transformation Skill harnesses the Dragon Vein of the Cangling Ancient Country to augment one's battle prowess.

This level of skill could be deemed an Immortal Technique.

Rumor has it that the Dragon Transformation Skill is a relic from the Era of Spiritual Energy; even today, it's among the few skills Beastmasters can personally use.

"Is this the reward?" Lin Chen was amazed.

"No, this is the transaction," Zhong Nan said, "The item I will leave in your custody."

Lin Chen was a bit taken aback. This Dragon Transformation Skill is precious indeed; even with only three uses, it's undoubtedly a lifesaving measure.

"My mind is a bit chaotic; let me think..." Lin Chen said.

Zhong Nan squinted with a smile.

Confronted with such a windfall, Lin Chen didn't immediately agree but contemplated the underlying crisis.

This Lin Chen's demeanor is even more solid than imagined.

After nearly half a minute of pondering, Lin Chen finally discerned the intention. He looked at Zhong Nan and said, "You want me to protect Bai Ling?"

Zhong Nan wasn't shocked, nodding as he spoke, "I plan to publicly announce that I'll take Bai Ling as a disciple and place her on the list for the next National Preceptor."

Previously, Lin Chen had been privy to some information, yet hearing this from Liu Gu and hearing it from Zhong Nan were distinctly different matters.

Lin Chen took a deep breath, calming the shock from his core, saying, "I think you should consult Bai Ling."

"I will ask her."

"But I don't think she's suited for being the National Preceptor."

"Suitability will be revealed in time." Zhong Nan laughed, "Besides, I didn't say Bai Ling must agree; she can refuse, and she is free to refuse."

Lin Chen, hearing this, finally sighed in relief.

Having known Bai Ling for so long, Lin Chen genuinely couldn't bear to watch her march into the wolf-den of Celestial Capital and meet her demise.

He asked, "Are you afraid that when you announce it, Bai Ling will be in danger?"

"You may consider it so." Zhong Nan said, "Of course, you can choose when crucial moments arise, whether to save or not."

"If you ultimately do nothing, our transaction is void, but the Dragon Transformation Skill can still save you three times."

Lin Chen contemplated.

It seemed this transaction offered nothing but gains for him.

"How about it?" Zhong Nan looked at Lin Chen.

Lin Chen smiled wryly, "My heart was firm initially, but now it seems I have no grounds to refuse."

"Haha."

Zhong Nan laughed, then asked, "What sort of reward would you like?"

"Anything?"

"Certainly not." Zhong Nan replied, "Rewards depend on the difficulty of the task; your current task isn't profoundly challenging."

"But not simple either." Lin Chen's eyes gleamed.

He couldn't afford to waste this chance to request something from the National Preceptor.

He pondered deeply over his desires.

Evolution Materials?

An Immortal Beast pet egg?

Endless wealth?

.....

After extensive contemplation, Lin Chen finally reached a conclusion. He looked at Zhong Nan and said, "If I'm not mistaken, you were the ones who gave Bai Ling and me the half drop of Phoenix Essence Blood, wasn't it?"

Zhong Nan nodded, acknowledging this, asking, "Do you want the Phoenix Essence Blood?"

"Yes."

"How much?"

Lin Chen pondered. The Little Fox's evolution needed it, and Lee Zhen's arm...

"How about 20 drops?"

"Too much." Zhong Nan said, "Do you know what 20 drops of Phoenix Essence Blood equate to?"

Lin Chen exhaled, realizing his greed....

Unexpectedly Zhong Nan spoke again, "20 drops are out of the question, but 11 drops can be arranged."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen quickly raised his head.

His bottom line was indeed 11 drops.

10 drops for Lee Zhen's arm recovery and 1 drop for Little Fox's next evolution.

He fearfully looked at Zhong Nan...

The National Preceptor of the Cangling Ancient Country had seen right through him?!

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