Chapter 278 Another Accident

When you're in the world of the rivers and lakes, how can you avoid getting cut? Every aspect must be considered thoroughly.

With the three major treasures prepared, Old Wang still felt insecure and gathered a batch of miscellaneous magic potions—detoxifying ones, life-saving ones... There was a bit of everything, but not much, and the potions were not of high grade. In a real emergency, these low-grade potions wouldn't save lives, but they could at least leave a glimmer of hope.

The inability to refine high-grade potions wasn't mainly due to the lack of materials; it was more about the lack of time. Refining a fourth-grade potion often took three to four hours, and that was without considering the possibility of failure. Just preparing these potions took Old Wang three or four days, which made the Temple Headquarters think that Rose was deliberately delaying her participation. They sent people to urge him twice, and he finally decided to set off the next day. However, on the night before departure, an accident occurred at the Wizard Academy.

"President Wang Feng! President Wang Feng!"

Several disciples from the Wizard Academy ran over in a panic: "Minister Ning had an accident during meditation. He was just saved by Mentor Makar, who asked us to inform you. He's now in the Exorcism Academy's infirmary. Please go and see him quickly."

An accident during meditation? It even alarmed Mentor Makar and required him to be taken to the Exorcism Academy's infirmary. This didn't seem like a minor issue.

Old Wang's heart sank slightly as he put down his work: "Let's go, lead the way."

Outside the infirmary, many people from the Wizard Academy were gathered. When Old Wang arrived, he saw Mentor Makar, looking exhausted, coming out. She was Ning Zhiyuan's master.

"Mentor Makar, how is Ning Zhiyuan?" Old Wang hurried forward.

"Inhaled too much soul energy, his soul power exploded." Mentor Makar shook her head: "He was too eager to break through. The pressure from Dragon City must have been significant."

The cultivation system of soul seeds is quite unique. Most rely on the natural growth of the soul seed, strengthening the body, using soul power, absorbing energy from soul crystals, and the pressure of battle—all of which can stimulate the growth of the soul seed to some extent. These are all normal methods of improvement, but anything in excess will inevitably bring unbearable consequences.

"Luckily, we discovered it early and managed to release the uncontrolled soul power. His soul seed didn't explode, but his body suffered quite a bit. He probably won't be able to go to Dragon City this time..." Concerned for her beloved disciple, Mentor Makar felt a mix of emotions and didn't want to talk much with Wang Feng. She simply waved her hand and said: "Go in and see him."

Ning Zhiyuan's support last time had deeply moved Old Wang. Hearing that his soul seed hadn't exploded, he felt a slight relief. It seemed to be just physical damage, which could be healed with rest. As for Dragon City, it wasn't worth mentioning at this moment.

There was still a faint smell of magic potions in the room. Ning Zhiyuan lay on the bed, eyes closed, looking somewhat pale.

The timely release of the uncontrolled soul power, though damaging his body, had preserved his soul seed. This was already the best possible outcome.

Seemingly hearing footsteps, Ning Zhiyuan opened his eyes and saw Wang Feng. His face, which had already calmed down, turned guilty. He struggled to sit up: "President, I'm sorry, this time in Dragon City..."

"Lie down, lie down, your health is what matters. Don't mention Dragon City right now." Old Wang hurriedly stepped forward and gently pushed him back down, then smiled and said, "I was worried on the way here, but fortunately, Mentor Maka just said that your soul seed hasn't been damaged. With some rest, you'll be fine. Just take it easy at Rose and don't worry about Dragon City."

Ning Zhiyuan managed a weak smile, but he couldn't hide the regret and disappointment on his face. He said with a bitter laugh, "Don't try to comfort me. We're leaving tomorrow, and I have to be out of commission at this critical moment, holding everyone back... Forget it, let's not talk about it."

He paused and asked, "Have you thought of anyone to replace me?"

"We didn't know your condition when we came over, so we didn't think much about it."

"After regaining consciousness, I've been thinking about it all along. Let me share my thoughts for your reference," Ning Zhiyuan smiled and continued, "Our team lacks long-range firepower. There aren't many experts among Rose's gunners. On the Wizard Academy side, Vice President Li An, fourth-year Taks, and Liu Wanxiong... these are the best the Wizard Academy has right now, but to be honest, they fall short of the standards in Dragon City." Old Wang nodded, admitting that this was the level of the Rose Wizard Academy, or rather, the level of Rose itself. It wasn't a coincidence that Rose often finished last in the Hero Tournament. These few were far behind Ning Zhiyuan, and if they went to the Dragon City battlefield, it would almost be like sending them to their deaths, wasting Rose's quota.

"Thinking it over, I believe Longmoer from the Eight Divisions is the most suitable candidate," Ning Zhiyuan said seriously. "His strength far surpasses mine. If Longmoer agrees to join, both his personal strength and his contribution to the team will be a hundred times better than mine."

Wang Feng pondered for a moment: "I don't have much of a relationship with Longmoer. The Eight Divisions are very cautious about the Dragon City mission. It might be hard to persuade him."

"While the Eight Divisions aren't enthusiastic about Dragon City, there are Black Wu Kai and Mo Tong in our team. If the President can get these two to help persuade him, there might still be a chance," Ning Zhiyuan paused, then sighed, "Rose doesn't have much to offer. If Longmoer doesn't go, I think Brother Wang could ask Princess Yin Fu. Given your relationship, Princess Yin Fu definitely won't refuse."

"我先找龙墨试试看。至于殷拂……到时候再说。" 老王随意地将一瓶绿霖魔法药剂放在桌上。这种药剂能够迅速恢复能量，缓解身体疲劳，并在一定程度上修复身体损伤。这是老王为龙城特意炼制的，幸好他有十瓶，所以送出一瓶也无妨：“好好休息，不要担心。”

Yin Fu was definitely not an option. Although she had the strength, her personality wasn't suited for battle, and Old Wang truly regarded her as a sister. As an older brother, he had to protect her.

As for Longmoer, he had already witnessed his prowess during the first sparring session with the Eight Divisions. Even Winnie's raging bear could be directly suppressed by him, making him a top-tier expert on par with Black Wu Kai. If he were willing to lend a hand, Rose would undoubtedly become much stronger, even invincible.

Honestly, sometimes it felt quite amusing to think about it. Look at the five members of the Eight Divisions; any one of them could be considered the highest combat power among the Holy Sanctuary disciples. If they all agreed to stand up for Rose, a team composed of just these five would likely be called the best in the Holy Sanctuary.

After leaving Ning Zhiyuan's room, Old Wang went straight to the Eight Divisions' dormitory. They were leaving the next day, and both Black Wu Kai and Mo Tong were there. After listening to Old Wang's account of Ning Zhiyuan's situation, they both felt a bit melancholic. But when it came to Longmoer, they exchanged uncertain glances.

"There’s not much of a chance, is there?" Mo Tong said, somewhat exasperatedly: "I’ve never seen Longmoer fight for anyone else, except for the Prince..."

Hei Wu Kai also nodded: "He will definitely refuse; I think it’s a waste of time."

"Since we’re already here, we might as well give it a try. The Rose really has no one else," Old Wang urged: "You two know him better, introduce us!"

It was just next door, a couple of steps away.

In the living room, Longmoer was dressed casually, which explained why his hair was almost gone.

The Eight Guardians were fond of tea ceremonies. As Longmoer brewed tea for everyone, he listened to Wang Feng explain their purpose and then smiled, saying: "No matter what, since I joined the Rose, I am part of it. Fighting for the honor of the Rose is only natural."

Hei Wu Kai and Mo Tong were taken aback, while Old Wang was overjoyed. It sounded promising?

"But..." He paused, pushing the freshly brewed tea to the three of them and smiled: "Our primary goal in joining the Rose is to protect the Prince. If Hei Wu Kai and Mo Tong accompany Brother Wang to Dragon City, and I go as well, who will be responsible for the Prince’s safety?"

"The Rose has Headmistress Karida, Guard Blue Sky, and others stationed here. It’s very safe, and there’s little danger. Besides, the Prince has Yin Fu and two female guards with him."

"Safety is something you can never have too much of, but you can certainly have too little," Longmoer said calmly. "Brother Wang, forgive me, but in my eyes, nothing compares to the safety of Lady Lucky Heaven. So I must decline your request."

With that said, the matter was pretty much settled. Old Wang couldn’t argue, and Hei Wu Kai and Mo Tong remained silent. The room fell quiet.

Longmoer smiled and said: "This is Brother Wang’s first visit to my place, and I should have treated you all better. But since you’re leaving early tomorrow and still need one more person, I think it’s more important to resolve the issue quickly. I won’t keep you any longer."

This was a clear dismissal, which left everyone feeling quite dejected.

Old Wang frowned. In the vast Holy Sanctuary of the Rose, apart from Longmoer and Lady Lucky Heaven, there was truly no one else who could match Hei Wu Kai and Winnie.

As they stepped out of the villa, Old Wang was a bit exasperated: "Old Black, you didn’t even say a word to help just now..."

"There's nothing to talk about; Longmoer is just like that. If he doesn't want to go, even the Heavenly King can't persuade him." Hei Wu Kai shook his head.

"So I said don't waste time!" Mo Tong nodded repeatedly beside him: "We should directly think of others!"

"You've been at the Holy Sanctuary for some time now. Have you found anyone suitable to recommend?" Old Wang was troubled, did he have to find Lucky Heaven?

Hei Wu Kai pondered for a moment: "Yue Ningxin from the Soul Beast Academy isn't very strong, but her soul beast is quite good at reconnaissance. How about choosing her?"

Wang Feng shook his head. Reconnaissance? Who could be better at it than his fifty ice bees? It's completely unnecessary.

Mo Tong chattered on the side, recommending several people from the Exorcism Academy, all good friends of Yin Fu, and they were said to be pretty competent...

"Let me think about it again." Old Wang rubbed his forehead. He knew those few from the Exorcism Academy; their so-called 'pretty competent' meant they were ten or eight times worse than Yin Fu. If they really had to take them to Dragon City, it would be a waste of a spot, if not a burden. Mo Tong recommended them purely because he only knew these few who were around Yin Fu: "You guys go back and rest early. We'll discuss it again when we set off tomorrow morning!"

On the way back to the dormitory, Old Wang thought through everyone he knew from all the major divisions of the Rose Holy Sanctuary, but still couldn't find anyone suitable. If it weren't for the age limit, Old Wang would have asked Brother Da to open a back door and get Tai Kun and the others to help, maybe even bring in a powerful beastman temporarily to join the Rose...

Just as he returned to the dormitory, he saw Fantasi squatting by the door, looking deeply troubled. It seemed he had been there for a while. Seeing Wang Feng return, Fantasi stood up, rubbing his hands together with a smile and called out: "Feng."

"What's up, got some good news?" Old Wang fished out his key, opening the door while saying: "Come on, share with your brother. I'm in a bad mood right now. Did Famier agree to you? We need to celebrate with a drink!"

"Damn, wasn't that a sure thing? Not that!" Fantasi swallowed, carefully asking: "Feng, did you go to the Wizard Academy earlier? I heard about it, how's Ning Zhiyuan doing?"

"He's saved, but he'll probably need half a year to recover." Old Wang glanced at him with a smile: "What, do you want to go?"

"Sure, sure!" Fantasi exclaimed with surprise and joy: "That's exactly what I came to talk to Feng about. Look, since there's no one else suitable..."

"Forget it, I said no means no." Old Wang rolled his eyes at him, knowing exactly what he was up to, and cut him off: "Damn, you still need to help me watch the business here..."

"The contact with the Institute of Potions and the beastmen can be handled by Wu Di. They're all beastmen, they won't make it difficult for him."

Old Wang glanced at him and said earnestly, "Axi, Wu Di can't even figure out addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You want me to let him help manage my business... Are you hoping I'll go bankrupt?"

"No worries! Just have Famier keep an eye on things!" Fantasi clearly had his plan ready, resolving all of Old Wang's concerns with one sentence. Then, he confidently continued, "Wang Feng, I really want to go. I..."

Old Wang felt a headache coming on; why couldn't this guy understand a simple thing? "Want to go and get yourself killed?"

"Phew! You're not even as strong as I am, and you dare to go. Why can't I?"

"Is that the same situation? I have Hei Wu Kai and Mo Tong protecting me left and right, Winnie and Kela serving me front and back, and we're all protected by everyone in the Holy Sanctuary," Old Wang said, speechless. "What do you have? A blue dragon on your left and a white tiger on your right?"

Fantasi was momentarily speechless, his face turning red.

Old Wang had cornered him, then patted Fantasi's shoulder and changed to a gentler tone: "Let's be realistic. We're brothers for life. If it were a good opportunity, would I not let you go? Dragon City isn't a place for fun. Listen to me, stay here in Aurora City, make some money, enjoy life, maybe even have a chubby baby before you graduate. What a wonderful life. Don't ruin it because of a moment's impulse..."

"Wang Feng!" Fantasi steadied himself. "You might be right. My strength might lead to my death, but I still want to go. I've thought about it for days. This isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision."

"..."

Fantasi's voice grew steadier. "Don't worry. I know the dangers of Dragon City. My strength is inferior to Hei Wu Kai and Winnie, but I can endure. Even Mo Tong can't match me in that aspect. When the time comes, even if I can't kill the enemy, I can help you hold them off. I won't be a burden to anyone!"

Old Wang sighed, seeing that the fat man was determined: "Why bother..."

Fantasi scratched his head sheepishly, "I just feel that if I don't go this time, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Wang Feng was taken aback, feeling warmth in his heart. He reached out and patted Fantasi's arm, "Alright, what are you still doing here? You're going on a long trip. Don't you need to pack your clothes? Don't you need to tell your family? Don't drag your feet tomorrow morning when we're supposed to leave. I won't wait for you!"