Chapter 409: One Big Step

Lin Ke seemed lost in thought.

But no matter whether he gained any insight, his face remained very calm.

Having dealt with Celestial Master Xu Jing many times, Lin Ke naturally knew he liked to speak in mysterious ways, leaving people to guess his true intent.

If guessed correctly.

Congratulations, you have learned a great secret, or obtained a great benefit.

If guessed wrong, and acting according to that wrong guess, you would also do things wrong.

Sorry, my intention was not like this, causing you trouble.

Thus Lin Ke remained silent, just quietly watching Celestial Master Xu Jing, appearing unmoved.

He did not think that responding this way would cause Celestial Master Xu Jing to elaborate further.

Indeed, Celestial Master Xu Jing did not, because of Lin Ke's reaction, give a detailed explanation of what he had just said.

At this moment, following his usual habit, Celestial Master Xu Jing wanted to pick up a cup of clear tea and leisurely enjoy it.

Unfortunately, he only had a cup of meaningless milk tea at hand.

Sweet and strong, with a milky flavor; even if you added the best tea leaves, what tea flavor could you taste?

Wasting good tea leaves in vain.

"Are your affairs finished?"

Seeing that Celestial Master Xu Jing was indeed as he had expected, playing mysterious, Lin Ke decisively changed the subject.

"Not yet; just in the short time you were away, I greeted the Five Saints of the Supreme Council."

Celestial Master Xu Jing slightly shook his head, then complained, "I am a courteous person, unlike you Five Saints of the Supreme Council, who, when you come to our place, don't even say hello."

"Really?"

Lin Ke neither affirmed nor denied.

He also did not seize the chance to complain, saying something like you came to my house tonight and still didn't say hello.

"All crows are black under the sky; elder brother, don't laugh at the younger brother."

Yet silence can also express emotion.

Celestial Master Xu Jing saw what Lin Ke was thinking, smiled and explained: "Actually I had considered greeting first before entering; first, for the reason I just mentioned, not wanting to disturb your father-daughter time; second, I wanted to see what abilities you have after advancing to Fifth-rank Sage."

"Really?"

Lin Ke again neither affirmed nor denied, then said, "Celestial Master Xu Jing, let's go."

"In such a hurry? Won't you stay a little longer? You've finally come back once, and your two daughters are so adorable."

Hearing this, Celestial Master Xu Jing was rather surprised and earnestly advised, "Why not stay two more days? Anyway, I'm not in a rush to go anywhere or do anything."

"You're not in a hurry; I am."

Lin Ke replied lightly, his attitude extremely resolute.

Having been in seclusion for over two years, although this time was not wasted, it was also a period of dormancy.

Now that a decision has been made, many seeds buried over the past two-plus years await sprouting, growth, blooming, and bearing fruit.

Time waits for no one.

"Is that so?"

Seeing Lin Ke's resolute attitude, Celestial Master Xu Jing did not continue to persuade and stood up.

Outside the villa, Asande and Renie led the Do Anything Freely group, waiting quietly.

Several people from the Benevolent Brother Group and the Social Anxiety Group who did not take positions in the Grand Sage Corps were also here.

In the battle against Michelle's Great Sage Tower, the post-battle statistics of the four allied corps showed a casualty rate exceeding forty percent.

Even with the impressive performance of the Constructed Servant Legion, the Grand Sage Corps fared somewhat better, yet still suffered a casualty rate of over thirty percent.

Among the wizards drawn from Do Anything Freely into the Grand Sage Corps, some sacrificed and some were seriously injured.

Looking at those standing behind Asande and Renie, silent, but in their gaze toward Linke Grand, there was no dissatisfaction, only a sorrowful expression; Lin Ke suddenly understood a truth he had failed to grasp for a long time in his previous life.

In the Chu-Han contention, Xiang Yu had the chance to cross the river and return to Jiangdong; why did he not dare?

It turns out that facing a blameless yet sorrowful gaze, the heart feels such pain!

Lin Ke drew a deep breath, said nothing, and stepped forward resolutely.

Asande and Renie tacitly stepped aside simultaneously, each retreating one step.

The members of Do Anything Freely standing behind them, following Asande and Renie's movements, made way.

Walking through the passageway, Lin Ke's face was calm, his steps steady, showing no trace of emotion.

Celestial Master Xu Jing leisurely followed behind Lin Ke; as they walked through the passageway, he glanced left and right, his eyes full of admiration.

When Lin Ke reached the all-weather, all-terrain vehicle parked outside the villa, a commotion came from behind.

Asande shouted at the top of his voice: "Linke Grand, you must Do Anything Freely!"

Then came Renie.

Next were the wizards of Do Anything Freely.

Finally, everyone shouted in unison: "'Do Anything Freely' means we must Do Anything Freely!"

Lin Ke's motion to lift his leg onto the vehicle paused briefly, then returned to normal as he took the driver's seat.

Celestial Master Xu Jing, without needing Linke's greeting, directly took the passenger seat.

The vehicle started up and departed.

During this time, Lin Ke did not look out the window or turn back.

Inside the vehicle, a long silence lasted, finally broken by Celestial Master Xu Jing speaking.

"Where are you headed?"

Gazing at the scenery rapidly receding outside the window, Celestial Master Xu Jing asked casually.

「Go collect a debt—if I don't collect this debt, I won't feel at ease. 」

Lin Ke

none.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master

none.

Lin Ke

「You owe me a life? Then this debt must be reclaimed—it must be reclaimed. 」

Xu Jing Heavenly Master

But Lin Ke knew, these were merely appearances.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master; Lin Ke

Xu Jing Heavenly Master; Lin Ke

transport vehicle (transport vehicle) not name; Ruwo Si Su Academy -> Ruwo Si Su Academy? Actually "Ruwo Si Su Academy" maybe "Ruwo Si Su Academy". We'll translate as "Ruwo Si Su Academy". Also "Advanced College" maybe "Advanced College" but not a proper name. "small and concealed interworld transmission gate" not name.

after reporting (after reporting) not name; Lin Ke and Xu Jing Heavenly Master; Ruwo Si Su Academy Main Campus -> "Ruwo Si Su Academy Main Campus World"? Might be a place name: "Ruwo Si Su Academy Main Campus". We'll treat as "Ruwo Si Su Academy Main Campus".

Xu Jing Heavenly Master's status equals that of a Ninth-Level Grand Sage in the Wizard Civilization.

Third Generation Diomande Family's Rodrigo Diomande and Lysandra Diomande, as well as members of the Fourth Generation Diomande Family, whether they are currently in the main campus world or able to rush back temporarily, all went out to greet together with the Ruwo Grand Sage and the Sisu Grand Sage.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master's august presence graces our academy's main campus; even our humble academy shines with glory, shines with glory!

Ruwo Grand Sage; Celestial Civilization

Sisu Grand Sage leads the remaining Diomande family members, forming two lines to welcome.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master gives plenty of face, paying respects to Ruwo Grand Sage, Sisu Grand Sage, and the entirety of the Third and Fourth Generation Diomande.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master bluntly said: 'Today it's not that I wanted to come; I'm just accompanying a guest, accompanying Linke Grand Wizard together to visit. Linke Grand Wizard is the main character today.'

'Oh? Is that so?'

Ruwo Grand Sage, while speaking, looked at Lin Ke: 'Grand Wizard is an excellent wizard of our academy, one of our own; returning to the main campus is like going home, there's no such thing as being a guest.'

After a pause, Ruwo Grand Sage asked: 'You'd say that, right, Grand Wizard?'

'Of course.'

In front of everyone, Lin Ke must give Ruwo Grand Sage this face.

Moreover, although Ruwo Grand Sage is a bit arrogant and does as he pleases, he has truly never done anything to let Lin Ke down.

Ruwo Si Su Academy indeed provides Lin Ke with considerable shelter and much help.

From all aspects, Lin Ke has no need to strain relations with Ruwo Grand Sage, the Diomande family, or Ruwo Si Su Academy.

Ruwo Grand Sage stared at Lin Ke for a while, then suddenly understood some things from Lin Ke's condition and gaze.

He opened his mouth, about to say something.

Originally standing behind Ruwo Grand Sage, Sisu Grand Sage suddenly stepped forward and tugged at Ruwo Grand Sage's hand.

After many years of marriage, Ruwo Grand Sage and Sisu Grand Sage have long been in tune with each other's hearts.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to continually fight above their rank using their combined secret technique.

It was just a simple small gesture, and Ruwo Grand Sage immediately understood Sisu Grand Sage's meaning, changed his tone, and laughed loudly: 'It's rare for Xu Jing Heavenly Master to visit; this way, we as a couple will accompany Xu Jing Heavenly Master on a tour. The academy still lacks sufficient details about the events happening in the parallel universe; Rodrigo, Lysandra, you two should communicate with the Grand Wizard.'

After saying that, Ruwo Grand Sage didn't give Xu Jing Heavenly Master and Lin Ke a chance to refuse, gesturing with his hand: 'Xu Jing Heavenly Master, please come this way.'

Xu Jing Heavenly Master glanced at Lin Ke, seeing Lin Ke had no reaction, he immediately followed Ruwo Grand Sage's guidance, touring with the accompaniment of Ruwo Grand Sage and Sisu Grand Sage.

Left behind were the entirety of the Third and Fourth Generation Diomande and Lin Ke.

'You each go back.'

Rodrigo Diomande lightly waved his hand, dismissing all of the Fourth Generation Diomande.

Compared to the external Frister, the Fourth Generation Diomande are more in awe of the internal Rodrigo.

At the command, the Fourth Generation Diomande vanished swiftly.

'This isn't a place to talk; come with me.'

Rodrigo Diomande, who once was Lin Ke's direct superior, with a solemn expression, led the way out.

Lysandra Diomande remained silent throughout, seeing Lin Ke step forward to follow Rodrigo Diomande's steps, she stayed at the rear.

Not long after, the three arrived at a functional office building and casually entered a spacious, bright reception room.

After everyone sat down, Rodrigo Diomande lightly tapped the side table a few times with his right hand and directly stated: 'Lin Ke, we're all insiders; if you have something to say, just say it outright. We will agree to whatever we can. However, regarding some principled matters, I'll say upfront that we will absolutely not agree to what we cannot.'

Lin Ke remained silent, merely looking at Ms. Lysandra.

This is questioning whether the 'we' that Rodrigo just mentioned includes Ms. Lysandra.

Rodrigo Diomande slightly raised his eyelids, likewise looking at Lysandra.

As the eldest of the Third Generation Diomande and also responsible for internal management of the Diomande family affairs, Rodrigo Diomande has the authority to represent Lysandra in expressing a stance.

However, Lysandra Diomande is not a three-year-old child; she is a True Spirit Wizard and a Sixth-Level Sage.

From all aspects, she must be respected.

Faced with Lin Ke and Rodrigo Diomande's solemnity, Lysandra Diomande lightly opened her lips and spoke calmly: 'My elder brother's words are sufficient to represent my will.'

Having received Lysandra Diomande's clear statement, Rodrigo Diomande turned his head to Lin Ke: 'Now can we discuss the matter?'

'Hmm.'

Lin Ke nodded and said, 'I want Soren Lukia.'

'Who?'

Rodrigo Diomande is somewhat puzzled, seemingly not knowing who Soren Lukia is.

Lysandra, standing nearby, furrowed her brow slightly, lightly tapped her finger, employing a technique of a true spirit witch. Names: Lysandra Diomande.

He explained Suolun. Luqiya's identity, as well as the grudges and grievances between Lin Ke and the Luqiya family and between Lin Ke and Suolun. Luqiya, and in a moment informed Rodrigo of all this.

Having understood the ins and outs of the matter, Rodrigo said: "I can hand over Soren Lucia to you, but I want to know first, what do you intend to do with him?"

As far as Rodrigo himself is concerned, let alone just a Soren Lucia, even handing over the former Lucia family and the current Aqi family in their entirety to Lin Ke would not be a big deal.

However, for Rodrigo, a member of the Diomede Family, some things can be done, some things absolutely cannot be done; otherwise, it would definitely ruin people's hearts.

"Don't worry, I won't kill him outright. I just want to do to him what he initially did to me. If he can preserve his life, then I and Soren Lucia, and the Lucia Family, and..."

Having said that, Lin Ke glanced at Lisandra and continued calmly, "All matters between me and Ms. Lisandra are now settled."

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing this, Rodrigo fell into contemplation.

After a moment, Rodrigo's contemplation reached a conclusion.

"I hope you follow through on your words."

Having said that, Rodrigo got up and left, without even greeting Lisandra.

Only Lin Ke and Lisandra remained in the meeting room.

Lisandra had no intention to speak, merely sitting there in silence.

Lin Ke likewise remained silent.

Just at that moment, when Rodrigo decided to hand over Soren Lucia, Lin Ke's second matter upon returning to the Wizard Civilization had already been completed.

Whether to reenact the scene of Soren Lucia attacking Lin Ke under Lisandra's arrangements and scheming was no longer important to Lin Ke.

What mattered was that the pent-up frustration from this matter had finally smoothed out.

When one's feelings are at ease, heaven and earth feel vast.

Lin Ke had also set down another burden, enabling him to advance further in light gear.

On the road where he had only just taken the first step in daylight, he now advanced another stretch.

Slowly closing his eyes, Lin Ke drew a gentle breath, reopened his eyes, and gazed at Lisandra with an extremely gentle, extremely calm look, saying softly, "Thank you, Ms. Lisandra."

With those words spoken, Lin Ke rose and departed.

On another note, the three who claimed to be out for a leisurely stroll—the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master, Grand Sage Rui Wo, and Grand Sage Suo Si—were actually paying close attention to the happenings here.

The Void Tranquil Heavenly Master immediately congratulated: "Congratulations, congratulations, your academy is truly about to produce a sage embryo."

Grand Sage Rui Wo and Grand Sage Suo Si exchanged glances.