"This is the prototype of the Spiritual Energy preservation device."

In the deputy director's office of the Lian River Countermeasure Bureau, Qiao Muyi picked up an amethyst necklace, examining it carefully. "It's quite beautiful. How long can it preserve Spiritual Energy?"

Yu Kuangtu said, "This necklace can only preserve Spiritual Energy for a maximum of thirty days. The materials for true long-term preservation are also created using awakened spells. They are in short supply, and all of it goes to Sky Capital. The fact that they're willing to allocate even this byproduct to us shows that Lian River has considerable influence."

"So, is it worse than a Blank Tile, a grey-tier piece of equipment?" Qiao Muyi smiled.

"Even if it's grey-tier equipment, we probably won't be able to supply much for a while. Since the necklace can currently only be activated by Spiritual Energy, priority will be given to important Cultivators in Lian River, starting with you captains."

Yu Kuangtu glanced at Qiao Muyi. "Of course, you will definitely be the first to get it—bringing Dong Chengling to Lian River was your accomplishment."

"This Spiritual Energy preservation device also requires Dong Chengling to inject her Spiritual Energy into it. This will provide her with 'coordinates' for 'space teleportation.' Even if only a few people benefit, even if its range is limited to within the city, even if it needs recharging every thirty days... just having it is very good."

"As per our original agreement, I, in my capacity as Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau, grant you third turn privileges. All Third-Tier Magic spells are now accessible to you. This includes the Second Chapter of the 'Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Records,' which I myself only recently acquired."

Qiao Muyi chuckled lightly. "All that time I spent in Sky Capital wasn't in vain."

"You've worked hard," Yu Kuangtu said considerately.

"Yes, advancing to second turn is exhausting. It's said my promotion speed ranks in the top five among all current Cultivators, though I'm not sure if that's true."

Yu Kuangtu said, "...I called you here because I wanted to let you know that the Tactical Bureau will make preparations as soon as possible. But are you sure Dong Chengling will stay in Lian River? Even though Sky Capital doesn't care, if other provinces try to poach her, contracts may not be enough..."

Qiao Muyi stated confidently, "Rest assured, Dong Chengling is a woman of strong principles. This aspect of her character allows her to overcome any thorns on her Cultivation path. She will undoubtedly complete what she sets out to do and fulfills any promises she makes. Ordinary benefits or matters of non-principle will not sway her."

"It sounds like you've become friends with her?" Yu Kuangtu said. "That's great. I'd like to be friends with a Space Awakener too."

"Unfortunately, aside from a certain male, Dong Chengling is probably unwilling to be friends with other men," Qiao Muyi smiled. "She's a very serious and somewhat pedantic person. Since she has already given her heart to someone, she absolutely will not allow other men into her personal life, to avoid any needless misunderstandings."

"A certain male... ah." Yu Kuangtu recalled. "Is it that guy... Tsk, lucky fellow. I'm tempted to dock his pay."

Qiao Muyi continued, "However, gender is indeed a not-insignificant hurdle in making friends. Deputy Director, since you'll be dealing with Cultivators more in the future, why not solve this problem early? I know a hormone Awakener in Sky Capital. They say in just one month, even a macho man can become a god-tier medicine girl. Why don't you try it, Deputy Director? After all, your features are actually quite..."

Before Yu Kuangtu could erupt, Qiao Muyi laughed and slipped out of the office. She pulled out her phone, a subtle smile playing on her lips as she looked at it.

Yao Fei was just about to discuss matters with Yu Kuangtu when she saw Qiao Muyi's expression. Goosebumps immediately prickled her skin—the last time she'd seen the Captain of Team Seven smile like that was when Qiao Muyi had 'thoroughly bullied' her in the changing room.

"Thinking of causing trouble again?" Yao Fei maintained her aloof demeanor, but her composure shattered the next second when Qiao Muyi grabbed her hand, swinging it playfully. Yao Fei then said, a little shyly, "We're at the Bureau, don't embarrass me here."

"Hehe," Qiao Muyi said, pressing Yao Fei's hand to her own cheek and smiling. "It's nothing. Merely giving some advice to a little sister in my capacity as an Intimate Understanding 'big sister'."

"Intimate Understanding 'big sister'..." Yao Fei was speechless. "I have to see the Deputy Director. Let me go."

Then Yao Fei couldn't help but add, "You're already spending so much time on work and Cultivation; do you even have the mental energy for other things?"

"Because it's fun," Qiao Muyi said with a big smile, cheerfully heading back to Team Seven.

However, at that moment, a doubt also crossed Qiao Muyi's mind:

Why am I getting involved in their affairs? Dong Chengling certainly won't leave for emotional reasons, so there's no need for me to...

It must be because it's fun, right? Yes, definitely because it's fun. What other reason could there be?

"I understand the logic, but why go to the neighboring city?"

Sitting on the high-speed train to Fragrance City, Ren Suo stared at Gu Yueyan, utterly bewildered.

"It's because—I like Fragrance City more! The chances of Awakening are higher there!" Gu Yueyan declared righteously. "According to current Second Awakening theory, going to a place that makes an Awakener happy is most effective!"

Ren Suo's lips twitched. He had promised Gu Yueyan to assist with her Second Awakening.

He had thought Gu Yueyan was preparing for a more drastic Awakening Technique, like self-harming by slashing her wrists—methods often considered 'stealing heavenly secrets.' However, the technique Gu Yueyan proposed was very gentle: doing something one deeply desired but currently couldn't would accelerate the Awakening.

"Most Awakeners who experience sudden mutation Awakenings these days don't do so during crises. Instead, some awaken when their Spirit Veins open, while many others awaken during everyday work or leisure. According to research, 'concentration' and 'happiness' are the best catalysts for Awakening."

"I'm always very focused on my studies, so I can only try to find a way through leisure," she explained.

This wasn't just Gu Yueyan spouting nonsense; Ren Suo himself could find related papers on the internal network. 'Concentration' and 'happiness' were indeed the lowest-risk Awakening methods.

The 'leisure' Gu Yueyan proposed was simply to have fun outdoors. However, she wasn't content with just wandering around Lian River; she insisted on taking a high-speed train to the neighboring Fragrance City. Although the round trip would only take an hour and they could return the same evening, Ren Suo found it incredibly troublesome.

Fortunately, students like Gu Yueyan had finished their exams and were theoretically on vacation, free to leave the school grounds. Of course, many students preferred to remain at school to continue their Cultivation, so very few actually left campus. Still, they were now free to go into the city.

However, Ren Suo had already made a deal with Gu Yueyan. He had also learned his lesson and avoided phrases with strong potential for misinterpretation, like 'letting you sleep.' Instead, he vaguely suggested, "I hope you'll accept one complete treatment session."

At this, Gu Yueyan seemed to recall something. She stared at Ren Suo, shocked, almost reaching for her phone to dial 110. Finally, Ren Suo had to quickly add, "It will be under Dong Chengling's supervision," to placate her.

Just then, Gu Yueyan suddenly sat down next to Ren Suo, playing with her phone. Ren Suo, very deliberately, stood up and moved to the seat opposite her.

"What's wrong?" Gu Yueyan tilted her head, flashing Ren Suo an innocent smile.

"Maintaining distance," Ren Suo said calmly.

"I'm not wearing my school uniform. What's there to be afraid of?"

"But I haven't showered in three days and I'm constipated."

Gu Yueyan was aghast. "You can't be serious! Three days without showering? It's already summer!"

Ren Suo laughed. "Of course, that's not true."

Before Gu Yueyan could breathe a sigh of relief, Ren Suo added, "Of course, I'm not constipated. I eat fruit every day."

Noticing Gu Yueyan looking at him as if he were trash, Ren Suo chuckled. "Anyway, you're still a minor. Even though we've made a deal and I need to be ready to provide First Aid today, let's maintain some distance. It's better for everyone."

Watching Ren Suo put on his earphones and busy himself with his phone, Gu Yueyan clicked her tongue and looked down at her WeChat messages.

Xiao Qiao: "Do your best, but don't let him take advantage of you."

Gu Yan replied: "Don't worry! With his attitude, he has the nerve but not the guts. I'm sure I'll be able to seize an opportunity today!"

Gu Yan swiped her finger, reviewing her chat history with Xiao Qiao from the past few days.

Gu Yan: "Sister Qiao, I don't want Teacher Dong to gradually abandon her ideals because of Ren Suo. What can I do to get rid of him? Should I try to make things so difficult for him at the academy that he has to leave?"

Xiao Qiao: "No, you don't need to deal with Ren Suo directly. Even if he left the academy, as long as Dong Chengling trusts him, she'd follow him to the ends of the earth. What you need to do is make Dong Chengling realize Ren Suo isn't right for her. For example, let her see photos of you and Ren Suo on a 'date'... Even if it doesn't work immediately, once the seed is planted, a rift will eventually form..."

Gu Yan watched Ren Suo sitting opposite her, watching a video, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Her Semi-Awakened state was real, and the Awakening theory was also real—only an unassailable excuse would make a guy like Ren Suo lower his guard. Gu Yan knew from their previous encounters that regardless of any ulterior motives Ren Suo might have, he was as timid as the minuscule beef jerky bits in instant noodles!

Gu Yan was acting in her own interests, and she didn't intend for this scheme to cost Ren Suo his job, which was why she had specifically chosen Fragrance City. This way, no acquaintances would see her with Ren Suo. With the Heavenly Lotus Academy students now on vacation and traveling all over, being seen together in Lian River was too risky.

But at the same time, this also meant Ren Suo would not be able to find any witnesses!

There was still a full day ahead. Gu Yan was confident she'd find plenty of opportunities to take photos that could create a 'misunderstanding' for Dong Chengling.

I will remove this stumbling block from Teacher Dong's path!

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