This is also related to Bai Ling's growth experience; her early life was a battle with illness, so although she appears frail on the outside, her inner strength surpasses others.

Because from a young age, she was several times on the brink of leaving this world due to illness.

Thus, when Bai Ling previously said she was willing to trade her life for others, she genuinely meant it.

Bai Ling has experienced life and death, so she does not fear it, yet she also desires to continue living.

Just as her parents once told her, you never know which will come first, tomorrow or an accident.

Therefore, Bai Ling decided she must give it a try.

Although she still has no concept of what a National Preceptor is, she wants to become stronger.

Yet, in Lin Chen's eyes, Bai Ling seemed somewhat unfamiliar, but he said nothing more.

Everyone has their own path; perhaps, in the mysterious workings of fate, Bai Ling's path is precisely what Zhong Nan set.

Like he foresaw Lin Chen needing 11 drops of Phoenix Essence Blood, predicted Bai Ling would be attacked this time, and only Lin Chen would follow, so he gave him the Dragon Transformation Skill.

"Are we heading in the direction of the Spirit Academy now?" Bai Ling asked.

"Yes." Lin Chen nodded and said, "The Spirit Academy should send people over, but to be safe, until we meet someone trustworthy, we should avoid direct contact."

Bai Ling was taken aback, but after understanding, she nodded seriously.

The old Bai Ling seldom thought about such things, but now it's different.

For the first time, Bai Ling felt the oppressive nature of this world, not from illness, but from the law of the jungle here.

As they talked, both made their way towards Ling Mountain.

....

In the blink of an eye, a month passed, and Lin Chen and Bai Ling were still not found.

Liu Gu was extremely anxious, some slumbering elders in the Spirit Academy were awakened, and upon hearing that Zhu Tong and others were attacked, they were furious.

Zhu Tong, the vice-principal, was scolded harshly.

"You knew she was a candidate for National Preceptor, yet acted so carelessly. As for that Lin Chen, one possesses Divine and Demonic Power, and the other has Heart-Burning Fire Control; aren't they future pillars of the academy..." The elder named Yu Xiu, acknowledged as the Great Elder within the academy, retorted.

The Great Elder rarely made appearances; though his rank wasn't as high as Zhu Tong's, he was resilient.

Moreover, Zhu Tong's vice-principal position was handed over by Yu Xiu.

"Great Elder, I didn't know either..." Zhu Tong, seeing an opportunity to pass the blame, pointed at Liu Gu, saying, "It was him, the mentor who knew but didn't report."

Liu Gu stared in disbelief, thinking, "At a time like this, he's still trying to pass the buck to me?"

Unexpectedly, Yu Xiu did not blame Liu Gu. Instead, he said, "Alright, let's first find them. If we haven't found them in a month, we'll search for another month."

"Yes." Zhu Tong and others did not give up the search.

This time, not only were many mentors temporarily reassigned, but numerous students also stepped forward, almost surrounding the region.

After the Great Elder left, Liu Gu stepped forward, sighed, and said, "Principal, it's been so long, could it be..."

"Lin Chen is very smart; he might still survive." Zhu Tong responded.

Liu Gu nodded, yet understood in his heart, this was all they could hope for now.

Meanwhile, his gaze shifted towards the Big White Bear...

When Lin Chen departed that day, the Big White Bear did not follow.

So the Big White Bear stayed, Xiaobai and Xiaohong were taken into the Beast Taming Space.

If only the Big White Bear was contracted to Lin Chen, they could connect via Mind Communication to pinpoint Lin Chen's location.

These days, the Big White Bear was depressed, losing its appetite, and had visibly lost weight.

Heaven knows what would happen if it were confirmed Lin Chen was truly gone, the Big White Bear might collapse entirely.

....

This time, the Spirit Academy's search was so significant, Lin Chen and Bai Ling were bound to notice.

However, Lin Chen investigated and found no familiar faces among the searchers, deciding it was best not to reveal themselves.

In this unpredictable world, who could tell if someone was loyal or treacherous?

Lin Chen took the rural paths, traveling between small towns, often moving alongside merchants.

Thus, their progress was slow.

Based on time estimates, reaching the Spirit Academy could take another two months.

Lin Chen and Bai Ling were not in a rush; Lin Chen had ample time. Traveling did not delay Xiaobai and the others' training, though he worried about Liu Gu and the others being anxious.

As for the Big White Bear, Lin Chen thought about it constantly.

This journey was an enjoyment for Bai Ling.

She grew up confined to hospital rooms, rarely venturing outside; walking these mountain paths offered stunning scenery.

When Lin Chen passed a place called Willow City, he saw many people packing up and leaving. Given his cautious nature, Lin Chen realized there was a disturbance ahead and approached to ask, "Brother, what's happening up ahead?"

"Ah, don't mention it." The brother had stubble covering his face, seemingly a cheerful person, yet his tone was filled with sighs as he explained,

"Didn't they designate a restricted area for the Demon Race before? Our Willow City has been targeted."

"Now all the big families are evacuating from the city; we common folks have no choice but to leave."

"Is the city dangerous now?" Lin Chen asked.

If they had to take another route, it could add half a month to their journey.

"Not dangerous." The brother replied, "Now both Dubhe Pavilion and the Demon Race have allowed three months for evacuation, so those demons don't dare to cause trouble."

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