Chinese professors at the Wizarding Academy

Gu Chen carefully put the leaf close to his body.

This is like having an extra, uncertain card to play, but it's better than nothing.

Gu Chen understood that when he accepted this token, it meant that he had officially accepted Ysera's request.

To be honest, Gu Chen really wanted to take this thing, slip away, throw it away when he got back to the academy, pretend the whole thing never happened, and then steal Isera's reward.

However, firstly, Gray Tower Academy is right next to the Black Forest, and if something goes wrong in the Dead Wasteland, they won't be able to escape, making it virtually impossible to find materials in the future.

Secondly, or perhaps it's due to the geographical location, if I were to accept the reward from this nature wizard, then I might as well not consider entering the Black Forest in the future.

After much thought, I've decided to just do this job properly.

Isera had no idea what Gu Chen was thinking; he simply continued speaking.

"I think my reward is generous enough, but reward alone is not enough. You are too weak. You need intelligence."

Ysera waved her hand, her fingertips tracing patterns in the air, and a simple map made of dots of light appeared between the two of them.

It is enveloped in a green magic, and the image is extremely clear.

"This is the approximate location of the Sealing Tower and its surrounding path."

Ysera pointed to the map and explained,

"Following the map, you can find the Sealing Tower very easily. Although the area around the Sealing Tower is sealed, which may interfere with your search, don't worry about that. Once you reach the location on the map, I will find a way to help you."

"Of course, if you can solve it on your own, or through some internal means of Gray Tower Academy, that would be good too."

Ysera smiled, then pointed to another area, a distinctly black area that evoked a subconscious sense of dread.

"See that? You need to avoid these grayish-black areas; those are the areas most severely corrupted by the magic of death."

As Gu Chen listened to Isera's words, he had already memorized the map deeply into his mind.

"As for the gray tower's warning and defensive restrictions that exist within the sealing tower itself... I will directly imprint the method to break it into your consciousness."

Iser stretched out her finger and gently touched Gu Chen's brow.

The movement was incredibly light, even gentle, but Gu Chen, who was touched on the center of his forehead, was not as calm as he appeared, because he was completely unable to make any movement!

It can be said that Gu Chen had already lost the ability to move when Iser made his move!

"So this is a third-ring wizard...?"

He couldn't help but feel a little envious. If he had such strength, he wouldn't be in such a predicament, struggling with the pursuit of talent improvement, materials, and a political event in an ordinary human kingdom.

It was at this time that the seeds of ambition were quietly sown.

As Ysera moved, a cool stream of information flowed into Gu Chen's mind. In an instant, he learned several methods for identifying complex energy nodes and the magical characteristics of some key nodes. These magical characteristics were like a lock, and wizards who were familiar with them could create a key that met the requirements.

However, Gu Chen discovered that what Ysera transmitted to his mind was not the complete solution, but rather... a few small holes drilled in a tight lock.

Although he couldn't open the lock like he was holding a key, he could still pry it open by inserting a small wire and constantly fiddling with it.

Gu Chen closed his eyes and digested the information for a moment. He felt a slight headache, but he had indeed memorized the information completely.

"Senior, how long have I had?"

Gu Chen opened his eyes. The other party had saved his life, and the reward offered was quite generous for him at his current level.

For Gu Chen, if something isn't his responsibility, he shouldn't do it.

But if it's something you should do, then you must do it with all your might.

Just like teaching and nurturing students, Gu Chen, as a teacher, will strive to teach his students well. Similarly, to repay someone's life-saving grace, he will also need to do his best to fulfill their request.

With a serious expression, Gu Chen asked the crucial question.

"Ten days."

Isera could see Gu Chen's seriousness, and his tone was equally unquestionable at this moment.

"Return here with the Source Crystal within ten days, or ensure it has been safely transferred."

"If the time limit is exceeded, I will assume the mission has failed or you have died. Also..."

He stared at Gu Chen's right shoulder, looking at that dark gold arm.

"Although you forcibly fused the two completely different magics of life and death together using your own methods."

"However, you did obtain your life magic from the Mother Tree of Life in the Golden Oak Forest..."

"Don't even think about sneaking away. Although I can't sense you inside Gray Tower Academy, I'll know as soon as you enter the Black Forest."

Ysera glanced at Gu Chen's "Grip of Life and Death" shirt, a smile playing on her lips, her eyes gentle.

However, the blatant threat in his words was already evident.

"it is good."

There's no point in saying more. Gu Chen has to do this. He also understands that if the other party is confident enough to let him do something, they must have their own way of handling breach of contract.

"Haha, don't be nervous, let me remind you one more time."

When Gu Chen said "okay," it meant that the matter had been officially confirmed.

The seriousness, threat, and even the slight air of authority in Isera's eyes completely vanished, replaced by a calm smile. He stepped forward and patted Gu Chen on the shoulder.

"The Soul-Eating Death Qi you fused with has not completely dissipated. It acts like a marker. Although you suppressed and fused it, in the environment of the Dead Wasteland, it may be sensed by a stronger being, or it may be detected by some of the Gray Tower's detection methods. Be careful."

"If only your talent were stronger, your talent far surpasses the first level, but your body is so weak..."

"Once this is over, if you succeed, I will give you a method to improve your talent."

"Blood transfusion is too inefficient."

Upon hearing Isela's words, Gu Chen was startled and subconsciously touched his right shoulder.

It wasn't as simple as I thought; it left me with lingering problems!

As for Ysera... although it sounds like empty promises, if she actually delivers them, it would truly be a timely help.

Although the blood transfusion technique has been successful, it is still only a sixth-level talent at present. If Ysera has a way to help her talent be further improved, that would be great!

"Thank you, Senior Isera!"

Gu Chen took a deep breath.

My thoughts and plans for the future are temporarily suppressed.

The most important thing to do right now is to return to Gray Tower Academy and deal with the matter concerning Jobeck... After all, his life is at stake, and Jim is currently the only channel to obtain analysis points. As for Ken, we don't know where he has gone.

As for the Source Crystal, do your best. If you can obtain it, it will be an opportunity to further improve your talent.

"I accept the mission, but I need to go back to the academy to deal with some urgent matters first. I will return to the Black Forest in two days at most to carry out the mission."

"Okay." Isera nodded.

"But we must hurry, for the expansion of the desolate wasteland will not wait for anyone."

"Remember, within ten days, Source Crystal."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding oak forest barrier silently disappeared, restoring the ordinary woodland landscape.

The tree stool that Gu Chen was sitting on slowly retreated back into the ground, almost causing him to fall on his backside.

Ysera's figure, as if blending into nature, gradually became blurred and transparent, and finally disappeared.

Only one sentence remained, drifting away in the wind:

"Good luck, and I hope that when we meet next time, you'll have transformed from a drop of water into a gushing spring."

At this moment, Gu Chen stood alone beneath the enormous golden-leaf mother tree, feeling the life-and-death power surging within his new arm.

The dewdrop of life shimmered faintly in his hand, illuminating his furrowed brow. Gu Chen felt a complex mix of emotions. A heavy sense of crisis weighed on his heart, but then, as a gentle breeze blew by, his furrowed brow slowly relaxed…

It's hard to say whether it was his strong will that worked, or whether Gu Chen's restless heart was simply yearning for a challenge.

Without further hesitation, he hoisted the massive corpse of the Shadow Serpent onto his back, determined the direction, and strode towards the Gray Tower Academy.

"arrive."

Following the guidance of the permit, Gu Chen activated his Star Gazing Technique on his way back, returning to Gray Tower Academy with even greater caution.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the towering towers of Gray Tower Academy a dark red, like congealed blood. Sometimes Gu Chen would wonder if Gray Tower didn't welcome blood wizards, or if Gray Tower had too many blood wizards?

After all, blood-sucking isn't something only blood sorcerers can do.

Carrying the heavy corpse of the Shadow Serpent on his back, he finally saw his little wooden house located on the outskirts of the academy.

Gu Chen breathed a sigh of relief. His body had recovered most of its strength under the nourishment of the life energy from the Life-or-Death Grip, but he still felt intense mental fatigue and tension.

"The cabin and the canteen are on the same route, but we can't go back to the cabin yet. We need to hurry and make sure Jim is safe..."

But he couldn't let his guard down; it wasn't time for him to rest yet.

Gu Chen walked very fast and constantly scanned his surroundings with his mind.

"hiss……"

Suddenly, just a few dozen meters from his door, a faint, almost imperceptible, chilling wave swept past the edge of his senses!

The "Grip of Life and Death" reacted as if it had encountered its own kind. The dark golden energy dimmed further, and Gu Chen realized that there was death magic near his wooden house!

This feeling... originates from the same source as the Bound Spirit Shadow Beast, but is more hidden and less distinct!

"Well, that was exactly what I expected."

Gu Chen felt a chill run down his spine, but his heart remained largely unmoved.

Although I haven't met this person named Joe Beck yet, he has already taken several steps ahead of me.

It's obvious that the other party wanted to kill him, so it's perfectly normal for them to set traps at his cabin.

Gu Chen took a deep breath, suppressing his fatigue. He stopped and his mental energy, like the most sophisticated radar, instantly swept across his house and its surroundings using the enhanced "Star Gazing Technique".

Although it had been deliberately cleaned, the lingering scent of death still remained.

This chilling, decaying feeling that penetrated to the very soul could not deceive him. Gu Chen could even tell where the other party had been, with deathly energy lingering under the door cracks and along the edge of the window.

"They climbed in through the window first, and then the door opened from the inside out?"

"You're really taking advantage of me, aren't you?"

Gu Chen's heart sank to the bottom, and his face turned ashen. The other party had not only tracked him to the Black Forest, but had even found his lair!

Is this to confirm his whereabouts? Or is it to set a trap for him to fall into?

Fortunately, I arranged for Jim to stay in the cafeteria. The cafeteria chefs are at the second level of skill, and the magic stone fragments are enough to cover the cost of staying in the cafeteria.

"I need to go find Jim right away!"

But ultimately, whether Jim is alright or not can only be confirmed by seeing it with one's own eyes!

A strong sense of crisis and worry about Jim overwhelmed Gu Chen, accompanied by a deep-seated anger.

What does that mean?

Is he trying his best to kill himself?

Moreover, the methods used were so domineering and despicable that traces of their use were left everywhere.

How much do they despise themselves?

Gu Chen forced a smile, forcing himself to calm down. He focused his mental energy intently, carefully scanning the interior of the house and its surroundings. There were no ambushes, no obvious energy traps; the other party seemed to be merely scouting and leaving marks.

"Once I've confirmed Jim's safety, I'll come and meet you..."

With that thought in mind, Gu Chen started running straight towards the cafeteria.

"Bang!"

As a person wearing tattered boots kicked open the cafeteria door, the uninvited guest appeared to be badly injured, leaving a large pool of blood at the entrance.

It was already early morning, and there weren't many people in the cafeteria.

Gu Chen sensed Jim's mental energy characteristics and then located the private room where he was.

When he arrived at the cafeteria's private room, Jim was huddled in a corner, his small face tense, his eyes filled with unease and fear.

The chef's tentacles appeared at the door right on time.

"for you!"

Gu Chen immediately paid with one magic stone fragment.

"teacher!"

Upon seeing Gu Chen, Jim almost burst into tears.

Where did you go?

"I listen to you very well, but... but, I don't know why, it seems like ever since I woke up, I've felt like someone is watching me!"

"I'm terrified... I feel like someone is watching this place even now!"

Gu Chen had been expressionless, but when facing Jim, he still wore a gentle smile.

"Don't worry, don't worry, the teacher is just away for training, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"I'm back, Jim."

That gentle face and those words were like a spring breeze, but inside, it was as cold as winter.

Gu Chen subtly released his spiritual power, like a spider patrolling its web.

really!

There were at least two pairs of malicious eyes peering out from outside the private room!

"Teacher, you're injured!?"

Jim also noticed his teacher's right arm, which was bleeding profusely!

"No, I'm fine, Jim..."

"I'm just... a little angry."

Gu Chen's expression was gentle, but the connection of magic had already begun to move silently through the pool of blood left at the main entrance.