Chapter 192: The abacus clacks loudly, the old man loves to cause a scene

196. Chapter 196: The abacus clacks loudly, the old man loves to cause a scene.

I only have one condition.

Lin Ke ignored Luo Ken's somewhat complex expression and said, "Free trial, but you need to give feedback on the usage effect. If you have any opinions or suggestions, feel free to bring them up."

His tone was calm and peaceful, and what he asked for was purely a reasonable request from a researcher, completely the picture of handling affairs impartially.

There was not the slightest bit of personal grudge, nor any action of kicking someone when they're down.

He appeared very magnanimous.

Hmm.

Luo Ken gave a muffled reply, picked up the box containing the potion, turned and left.

Every extra second he stayed there was another second of torment.

Often, ignoring someone is more powerful than despising them.

For someone as unruly as Luo Ken, Lin Ke's magnanimity would be better spent seizing the chance to harshly criticize him.

Luo Ken could guarantee that he would absolutely spit and let it dry, never retorting on the spot.

Lin Ke could scold however he wanted.

He would never get angry.

But Lin Ke being so "magnanimous," not scolding or harming him, and not making things difficult, instead made Luo Ken extremely embarrassed.

It felt like a bone stuck in his throat, neither up nor down, making it painful to swallow.

This way, if he continues to target that pretty boy in the future, it would be hard to justify.

After all, they've already done this much; what more could they want?

If he continues to target them, how will he explain it to Sister Se Lin?

Truly malicious intent.

Truly a despicable villain!

Luo Ken hated it to the point of his teeth itching, yet could do nothing.

He could only vent his frustration by making his footsteps louder.

Thud, thud, thud, thud...

The heavy footsteps echoed in the corridor, shaking the entire dormitory building slightly.

Dust fell from many rooms, provoking a chorus of curses.

Luo Ken split his mouth wide and let out a muffled roar: "Noisy! Shut up! If you've got the guts, one-on-one!"

His entire body's explosive aura mixed with the pressure of a Senior Level Two Wizard, radiating outward.

In an instant, no one dared to make a sound.

Can't afford to provoke them, and can't even hide?

After venting like that, Luo Ken's mood was no longer so gloomy.

Lin Ke watched Luo Ken's angry retreating back, listened to the commotion, and the corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile.

Is this a smile that settles grudges?

If Luo Ken is willing to let go of his inexplicable hostility and stop targeting Lin Ke,

Lin Ke is willing to reconcile, not hold grudges, not seek revenge.

What's wrong with a smile that settles grudges?

Doing this, the main purpose, aside from bending Luo Ken's waist, is still to obtain the trial feedback and related data for this body-refining potion.

Thus, Lin Ke can better optimize this body-refining potion, preparing for further large-scale trials.

After several rounds of trial, feedback, and optimization, the final version of the body-refining potion suitable for promotion can be obtained.

Although the final version differs greatly from the initial version Lin Ke most wanted, it still has some reference value.

Later, once Lin Ke's understanding of the soul improves, he can perfect the initial version of the potion based on these data;

or, based on the concept of the initial version potion, develop a new potion that can greatly enhance a wizard's aptitude.

Once truly achieved, it can both rake in wealth on a large scale and serve as a "benefit" for core members of his own faction.

And see what the scene will be like then.

After Luo Ken left, Lin Ke returned to his leisurely state of life.

There was nothing for Lin Ke to handle in the work of the rear potions department.

Lin Ke actually didn't want to get involved either; he was too lazy to bother with those troubles.

Keeping to himself, it couldn't be more tranquil.

The "seed" hasn't yet completely devoured the Fairy King's soul; it still needs a considerable amount of time.

It's also inconvenient to look up the problems that might arise from practicing the Water-Wood Mutual Growth Meditation Method based on the "seed".

So, let's wait for Luo Ken's daily usage feedback while focusing on studying the soul-related materials we gathered from Asangde.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last long.

Just after enjoying three days of carefree, half-day leisure life, a notice from the Frontline Command shattered Lin Ke's tranquility.

Paro Sage formally summoned Lin Ke through proper channels.

This indicates that this summons is due to official legion business, not personal relations.

Lin Ke dared not delay; he reported to Old Man Mo Fei, tidied his appearance, and immediately set off for the Fairy World Forward Base.

After several rounds of strict inspection and notification, Lin Ke finally entered the tent where Paro Sage was located.

"Sit."

This time, Paro Sage did not stand before the holographic terrain map, but sat in an armchair, holding a smart brain, seemingly reading a report.

After Lin Ke entered, he didn't even lift his head, casually gesturing for Lin Ke to sit in the chair opposite him.

Thank you, Paro Xianzhe.

Lin Ke thanked him politely, then sat upright and attentive.

In front of the big shot, one's demeanor must be proper, and one must fully show respect for the big shot.

Being arrogant due to favor is not good.

Regarding Luoken Modun's matter, you handled it very well.

Paro Xianzhe did not directly bring up the main topic, but used Luoken Modun as an entry point to expand the conversation: "We are on the same side; if we cannot become friends, we should not become enemies. Resolving the conflict while it is still minor is far better than letting it escalate into hatred later."

Yes, I think the same.

The big shot has spoken; what else can Lin Ke say?

Not to mention that Lin Ke himself has a way to resolve the conflict; even if they cannot get along amicably, they can at least avoid targeting each other.

Even if not, there must be one after the audience ends.

The big shot's will must be carried out!

Hmm.

Paro Xianzhe was relatively satisfied with Lin Ke's answer, finally lifted his head, his gaze fell on Lin Ke, and said:

I called you today for a matter of business.

You have published three papers in the 'Myriad Heavens' magazine, especially the third one, which has certain significance for the Legion's development of the fairy world and can be of considerable help.

The Legion wishes to obtain the usage rights to these results and would like to discuss licensing with you.

No problem; as long as I can help the Legion and help you, everything is what I should do.

Lin Ke answered obediently, and had no intention at all of discussing the licensing specifics with Paro Xianzhe.

Especially negotiating the specific fees.

He put on an attitude of obeying orders, saying he would go east and never west.

Does this small matter require Paro Xianzhe to personally step forward?

Even a random second-rank wizard stepping forward to liaise with Lin Ke would be considered giving him great face.

Perhaps out of respect for Elder Mofi, a department head or deputy could come to handle it.

Paro Xianzhe personally speaking up gives such great face it can be called heavenly.

Just hurry up and agree; there's nothing to hesitate about.

Good, having this awareness is enough; the Legion will not shortchange you, and fees will be given according to standard procedure.

Paro Xianzhe smiled, appreciating and satisfied with Lin Ke's consistent tact.

Of course, he will not let Lin Ke suffer a loss, and may even give extra compensation and rewards.

After all, we are our own people; we must certainly take care of them.

Afterward, Paro Xianzhe stated the main purpose of summoning Lin Ke this time:

Yesterday, the remnants of the rainforest fairies launched a disturbance, polluting about 60,000 fairies.

The Medical Department is short-staffed and also urgently needs to use your perfected plan.

Salosaer proposed to me, wanting to borrow you to help.

What do you think?

This matter is significant, not just personal but also involves inter-departmental relations. Lin Ke did not simply agree as before; after thinking, he probed: "Does Minister Mofi know about this? What is his stance?"

He is aware, and his attitude is to let you decide.

Paro Xianzhe replied, his eyes somewhat smiling.

Hmm...

After pondering for a moment, Lin Ke solemnly said: "If possible, I do not wish to be seconded in my personal capacity, but rather under the name of the Pharmacy Department, to assist the Medical Department in handling this incident."

Heh heh heh...

Upon hearing this, Paro Xianzhe burst into loud laughter, his right index finger pointing vaguely at Lin Ke, teasingly saying, "You, you enjoy the spectacle and don't mind big matters."

Really?

Lin Ke scratched his head, looking utterly confused as to what Paro Xianzhe was saying.

The more honest and simple his expression and demeanor, the better.

As if he harbored no ill intent at all.

He is like a pure white lotus.

As always, Lin Ke is a broad-minded person.

Luoken has bullied him so much, yet he no longer bears a grudge against Luoken, right?

How could he possibly take revenge over such a trifle as the Medical Department's head, Boluo Salosaer the wizard, assigning Luoken Modun to join the Special Forces Unit?

He isn't that narrow-minded, right?

Thinking this, Lin Ke grew more firm in his idea and emphasized:

Minister Mofi has not been stingy with me; I ought to do something for the Pharmacy Department and for Minister Mofi. Only then am I worthy of my position and my salary.

Hmph...

Paro Xianzhe gave a low chuckle twice, agreed to Lin Ke's request, and added a reminder: "You must keep things in proportion, not overdo it, and not let the situation get out of control as last time."

No, certainly not. I dare not cause trouble for Paro Xianzhe.

Lin Ke repeatedly agreed, showing his attitude.

Hmm.

Paro Xianzhe nodded, accepting Lin Ke's stance, then smoothly changed the topic, asking: "The conscription period lasts at most four months, now halfway through; what are your plans? Continue staying with the Legion to fight, or return home to continue studying?"

Lin Ke probed: "Does the Legion have any recent campaign missions?"

Paro Xianzhe smiled and gave no answer.

Lin Ke immediately understood.

Not answering is itself an answer.

The academy had not assigned any near-term campaign missions to the Paro Sage Legion, but the Paro Sage could mobilize the legion to take the initiative and wage war across the heavens.

Lin Ke thought of the abyssal demon that Asande had mentioned.

From the fact that the war ended so smoothly, it can be inferred that the abyssal demon the Fairy King's Court had called upon for aid has surely been dealt with by the Paro Sage.

It is likely eight or nine out of ten that it was captured alive, not slain.

According to many precedents in the Wizard World for handling captured abyssal demons,

If the Paro Sage did not use this abyssal demon as bait to fish for the many lower-layer demons in the Abyssal World that are very suitable as "fertilizer," he would surely be laughed to death by his peers.

What a great opportunity; wasting it would be a real shame.

So, the Paro Sage is asking Lin Ke whether he wants to continue participating in this "fishing operation."

If he wants to participate, he must find a way to extend the conscription period.

The legion could not possibly adjust its battle plan and battle time just for Lin Ke alone.

Especially since the Abyssal World is still a super‑civilization world on the same level as the Wizard World and the Gods' World, it is not so easy to deal with.

Wizards countering demons is not something you can do just by having hands; it also requires thorough preparation.

Spending two months to train the legion, devise a battle plan, stockpile battle supplies, and set up battle locations is not an exaggeration at all.

On the contrary, it is rather too tight.

"I feel that my current strength still has many shortcomings. When the conscription period ends, I will either stop following the legion in battle or return to the homeland to strengthen my studies."

After careful consideration, Lin Ke chose to decline politely and said sincerely, "May the Paro Sage have enduring martial fortune and fame across the heavens!"

He still has several matters unfinished on his hands.

Especially the adjustment of the meditation method will certainly require a considerable amount of time and energy.

Continuing to follow the legion in battle is not the best choice.

"Hmm."

The Paro Sage did not feel resentful because of Lin Ke's decision.

Whether following the campaign or returning to study, both are ways of growth.

It's hard to say which is better or worse.

"Peter and Sorlen are no longer in the homeland; when you go back in two months, just raise your vigilance a bit, and you'll basically be fine."

The Paro Sage gave a reminder, then waved his hand and said, "There's nothing else; you may go on your way."

"Thank you, Paro Wizard."

Lin Ke bowed respectfully and exited the tent.

Without stopping, he walked all the way to the teleportation gate, returning from the verdant Fairy World to the withered yellow barren world.

Old Man Mo Fei was actually waiting specially outside the teleportation gate.

It looks like he had been waiting for quite a while.

"Department Head."

Lin Ke overcame the discomfort of consecutive short‑range teleportations, steadied his stance, and then took the initiative to greet him.

"What do you say?"

Old Man Mo Fei directly asked, "Do you agree to the loan?"

"No."

Lin Ke shook his head and said, "I applied to the Paro Sage, in the name of the Potions Department, to assist the Medical Department in handling this incident."

"Ha!"

Old Man Mo Fei's scar‑filled face instantly broke into a twisted grin as he cackled, "I didn't dote on you for nothing, kid."

Upon hearing that, Lin Ke shivered and kept stepping back.

He almost retreated back into the teleportation gate.

No homo!

"You brat!"

Old Man Mo Fei was angered by Lin Ke's undisguised contempt, and he slapped Lin Ke's shoulder hard to vent his anger.

Then he turned first and said, "Come on, let's go back and think it over properly, see how we can do things better than the Medical Department, and give that Salosha'er fellow a piece of our mind."

Lin Ke kept pace, pursed his lips, and reminded him, "The Paro Sage specifically told you to keep things in proportion; don't overdo it."

Upon hearing that, Old Man Mo Fei's motion to sit into the hovercar slowed a bit, and then he said with a slightly embarrassed tone, "Don't worry, I'll pay attention."

Lin Ke said nothing more and quietly got into the vehicle.

The message has been conveyed; how to act is still up to Old Man Mo Fei himself.

I also don't know what grudge or grievance Old Man Mo Fei has with the wizard Salosha'er.

He insists on holding onto it, repeatedly slapping faces over and over.

Inside the hovercar there was complete silence.

All the way back to the Potions Department, the two did not communicate, each lost in thought.

Getting out of the car, entering the door, the two headed straight for the department head's office.

Just as they sat down, the order to dispatch the rear Potions Department to assist the frontline Medical Department had already been issued.

No delay; the sooner the better.

Old Man Mo Fei immediately sprang into action, drafting the core personnel to form a team to "support" the Medical Department.

The captain of the support squad is, of course, Old Man Mo Fei himself.

There are two vice captains, the leaders of the Research Group and the Production Group.

Lin Ke held a leisurely post as a special advisor to the captain, but he had authority higher than that of the two vice-captains.

Having gathered everyone, he looked at the team before him composed of eight pharmaceutical researchers and pharmacists,

Old Man Murphy was full of vigor, without giving a lecture, he waved his hand grandly:

"Let's go, follow me to wreck the medical department's place!"