Panlong, starting from becoming Lin Lei's golden finger

Finlay Kingdom, Wushan Town.

After six months of renovation, the entire Wushan Town has basically recovered.

In addition to the population lost in the Holy War.

"Hillman," Hogg emerged from the study, his brow furrowed. "Has Linley still not returned?"

"Lord Hogg," Hillman approached Hogg and shook his head slightly, "Still no."

"The magic test is tomorrow." Hogg's hands involuntarily tightened around his trousers. "Linley, my son, where have you been?"

Hogg already had a terrifying answer in his mind.

But Hogg kept this answer to himself and reminded himself that Linley's teacher was at least a powerful level eight mage.

Although, thanks to the Holy See, the Kingdom of Finlay is far more powerful than ordinary kingdoms.

But after all, it's just a kingdom. An eighth-level mage is definitely a big shot in the entire Kingdom of Fenlai.

Even the King of the Kingdom of Fenlai, His Majesty the Golden Lion, would treat an eighth-level mage with respect.

Lin Lei will definitely be safe as long as he stays with his teacher.

Absolutely not!

"Lord Hogg," the butler Ciri hurried to Hogg's side, "Viscount Philip and the other four barons have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Hogg's expression turned cold.

"I'll go check." Hogg took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "Hillman, you wait at the town entrance. Let me know as soon as Linley returns."

Before Hillman could reply, Hogg had already headed towards the front hall.

"Philip, have we recently offended the Baruch family?"

"Yes, Philip, if Hogg's son really was taken as a disciple by an eighth-level wizard."

"I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen to us."

"Relax, gentlemen." Philip stood up, smiling at the four. "Level eight wizards, please, you're not children anymore. Are you really going to believe Hogg's lies like that idiot Locke?"

After Philip finished speaking, no one responded; they all lowered their heads in thought.

"He's just a child, what are you afraid of?" Philip raised his voice. "If we destroy the Baruch family, Wushan Town will be ours. This isn't wartime; opportunities to expand our territory don't come often."

Philip's words calmed the four people who were still somewhat conflicted.

"Philip!" Hogg's voice came from outside the hall. "My dear brother Philip, you've come."

Hogg approached Philip with a smile, opened his arms, and embraced him.

"Oh, my Hogg brothers." Philip was equally delighted. "Where's Linley? He's out on a training trip with his teacher and hasn't come back yet? Tomorrow's the day of the magic test."

"Yes, Hogg, why isn't he back yet?"

"Hogg, you're not lying to everyone, are you?"

"My God, just a few months ago, Hogg, you were all so proud of yourself, saying that your son had become an apprentice of a great wizard."

"..."

The discussion among Philip and the others caused a cold glint to flash across Hogg's face.

Fortunately, Hogg did not lose his mind.

"Whether Linley has become an apprentice of a great magician, Viscount Locke knows better than anyone," Hogg said, his smile still present, though now tinged with a chill. "I wonder what brings you all here today?"

"Of course, Hogg, my brother, don't be so nervous." Philip chuckled and patted Hogg on the shoulder. "We're brothers, you know that, but there are some things that need to be made clear."

As Philip spoke, he pulled several contracts from his pocket.

"Hogg, you've been borrowing money from us for the reconstruction of Wushan Town recently, but it's time to pay it back."

Hogg's face darkened as he looked at the contract Philip handed him.

Although the magic cores brought by Lin Lei provided some relief for a while.

But after all, it is the reconstruction of the entire Wushan Town.

Hogg has spent a lot of gold coins recently.

The gold coins came from Philip and others.

"I will," Hogg said, trying to control his emotions. "I will raise the gold coins to repay you all in the next couple of days."

"Of course, but Brother Hogg, you should be prepared." Philip said with a troubled expression, "It's a six-month period, so we've decided to raise the interest rate a little, not much, just one-tenth."

"Are you insane?" Hogg exclaimed in surprise. "Philip, a tenth of an interest rate, do you know what that means?"

"Of course, of course, Hogg, calm down," Philip quickly interjected. "After all, it's a six-month period. Just because we didn't discuss interest before doesn't mean it's over."

"You're right." Hogg took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. "It'll be as you said, one-tenth interest. I'll have enough gold coins in three days."

Hogg finished speaking and prepared to leave the room.

next moment.

"Hogg, Lord Hogg~"

Hillman's voice rang out from outside the drawing room.

Following Hillman's voice was a slightly immature one.

"Father, I'm home!"

However, upon hearing this voice, Philip and his five companions visibly paled.

All four turned their gazes toward Philip, but Philip himself was already somewhat flustered and no longer cared about his allies.

"Linley!" Hogg looked towards the door with a look of surprise and joy. "My son, it's been half a year, you're finally back."

The next moment, Hogg rushed out the door.

"Father~"

Inside the courtyard, Lin Lei looked at Hogg in front of him, his nose tingling with emotion.

Neither Brother Lin Ke nor Grandpa Delin had a high opinion of their father.

In particular, the two have always felt that their father's attitude towards them was too poor, even putting the family's honor above their own safety.

But Lin Lei knew that his father loved him, it was just that his way of loving was a little hard to accept.

"Quick, Linley, let me see you." Hogg looked at Linley nervously. "Have you been injured in the past six months?"

Hogger carefully examined Linley from head to toe and found no obvious exposed wounds.

In fact, apart from the gruesome scar on his abdomen, Lin Lei didn't have any other wounds on his body.

He always fights in his dragon form, and so far he has not encountered an opponent who can break through Linley's dragon form defense.

"Father," Linley looked up and saw Philip and his four companions emerging from the drawing room, "and who are these gentlemen?"

Lin Lei's tone turned cold.

Upon entering Wushan Town, Uncle Hillman briefly explained the story of Philip and his five companions.

All five of them were local nobles from the surrounding countryside.

Initially, when Viscount Locke spread the word that Linley had become a disciple of a magician, they came to the Baruch family to offer their congratulations.

However, as time went by, rumors began to circulate.

After all, the Baruch family's situation did not improve despite having a magician as their master.

In fact, the Baruch family's life became even more difficult because of their financial support for the townspeople.

So Viscount Locke organized a banquet and raised a considerable amount of gold coins for Hogg.

However, Viscount Philip and his companions went even further, frequently visiting the mansion to inquire about him.

Especially in the last month or so, they've come almost every day.

The purpose was to mock the father.

They were certain that if they were to become apprentices of a magician, they would be below level five.

Because if someone were truly an eighth-level mage, they would never be so stingy.

This did not change the Baruch family's situation at all.

When Linley spoke coldly, Philip and his five companions were already sweating profusely.

However, after Philip looked around, his eyes landed on Linley, and he smiled.

"Linley, right?" Philip took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I heard you apprenticed under an eighth-level mage? So, where is your teacher?"