Chapter 52 Lingyu Cream Expired

Speaking of the Eight Tribes, the ones who have come to the Rose Holy Sanctuary in recent years all have incredibly prestigious names. The debate over who is stronger between humans and the Eight Tribes has been a long-standing topic and main theme between the two races.

Anyone who could defeat them in one battle, stepping on the faces of the Eight Tribes to reach the top, would instantly become a celebrated figure across the entire school. Women would become major stars, and men would gain unlimited privileges during their time at school.

Even if they couldn't win, they would still be considered heroes who stood up against an alien race, a story worth telling for years to come.

So ever since the group assignments were finalized, the number of people in the Rose Holy Sanctuary wanting to challenge the Eight Tribes has formed a line from the school gates to the principal's office. Unfortunately, the Eight Tribes rarely accept challenges, and it’s said that only a few of the top-ranked teams have been given this opportunity.

A team like Old Wang's, which is considered weak, wouldn’t even get a chance to challenge them. But these concerns clearly didn't bother Old Wang.

Today's rune class wasn't going to be held in the classroom; Li Sitan had notified everyone yesterday to gather at the entrance of the Rune Academy.

When Old Wang arrived, he immediately spotted the adorable Yin Fu and Mo Tong. He greeted them enthusiastically, "Hey, dear junior brother and sister, I've missed you so much!"

Mo Tong had been eagerly waiting and approached with anticipation, "Wang Feng, did you bring the thing?"

"What thing?"

"..."

What the hell, trying to back out?

"The Lingyu Ointment! My Lingyu Ointment!" Mo Tong's eyes widened, veins popping on his forehead, "You said you'd bring it today!"

"Just a joke, little brother, don't get excited!" Old Wang chuckled as he pulled out the box of Lingyu Ointment from his pocket and handed it over, saying warmly, "How could I forget? As the saying goes, 'borrowing and returning makes borrowing easy.' I'm not that kind of person. Look, after using it, I even washed the box clean for you."

Cleaned... cleaned?

Mo Tong's heart raced as he took the box and opened it.

This was indeed cleaned thoroughly—there wasn't even a hint of ointment scent left!

"Thanks, little brother! But your Lingyu Ointment seems a bit expired; it didn't work very well, so I used it several times." Old Wang patted Mo Tong on the shoulder reassuringly, "It's okay, I understand. Bringing it all the way from the Eight Tribes, it's inevitable that it would expire. What matters is the thought, rest assured, I remember your kindness."

I... I... I...

Mo Tong's mouth gaped open, his face flushed red, knowing it would end up like this!

He was about to explode but heard Wang Feng say enthusiastically, "By the way, my Old Wang Team just got formed and needs an opponent. Mo Tong, Yin Fu, since we're already so familiar, how about a friendly match? Yin Fu, what do you think?"

"Senior, we can't make that decision," Little Yin Fu said hesitantly, "The team decisions are made by Sister Lucky Heaven, but I can try my best to help you..."

"Alright then," Old Wang scratched his head, "If it's too difficult, never mind..."

"Not difficult, not at all!" Mo Tong glared at Old Wang, restraining the urge to punch him, "We'll spar with you! Rest assured, I'll get Princess to agree, staking my honor as Mo Huoluo!"

Old Wang smiled contentedly, relieved to have Mo Tong handle it, "Thank you, Mo Tong."

For the first time, Mo Tong felt a common language with Old Wang.

He had waited a week; a couple more days wouldn't hurt!

You proposed the challenge; I'll make sure to beat you to a pulp!

"Wang Feng is here too," Li Sitan always arrived right on time, beaming when he saw Wang Feng. Today's lesson was different from usual, and he had sent a message to Wang Feng's dorm yesterday, "Follow me."

Rune studies have reached a high level in human hands, far beyond just drawing enhancement spells on bodies.

There are many subjects and applications derived from runes, especially in the mechanical field. Whether it's airships or armored vehicles, these are core technologies that other races envy but cannot replicate. Today, Li Sitan was going to introduce them to one of the ten core human technologies: rune mechanics.

Due to various confidential research, large parts of the Rune Academy are off-limits. Without Li Sitan leading the way, the three of them wouldn't be able to move freely. As they walked through the restricted areas, they discovered a hidden world beneath the old campus of the Rose Holy Sanctuary.

As the flagship of the Rose Holy Sanctuary, advanced sealing arrays were everywhere, isolating each area. The grounds were far more extensive than imagined, with luxurious facilities and buildings.

Old Wang had been to the Judgment Hall, where the Martial Dao Courtyard and the Institute of Potions were located. There were significant differences between the Rose Holy Sanctuary and the Judgment Hall, but in terms of runes, the Rose truly excelled. This was also one reason for the talent drain at the Rose Academy, as resources invested in runes squeezed the development of other faculties.

Passing through layers of restrictions, they entered a spacious factory. This was Li Sitan's dedicated laboratory, bustling with activity.

Several dozen students in rune researcher robes were scattered around, recording data and discussing academic topics. Most looked older than Li Sitan, with a few around forty. They had technical assistants taking notes of their discussions.

There were also some instructors and students from the Foundry, as runes and casting go hand in hand. Top-notch casting often involves top-notch rune skills, and many rune masters eventually switch to casting, as it offers more opportunities and fame.

However, none of the three newcomers were drawn to these people; instead, their attention was captured by the impressive machinery inside the factory.

Inside the two-story-high factory, the ceiling was open, with various rune machines hanging from the suspension equipment—flame-modified motorcycles, disassembled Shin Wind series airships, soul energy superconducting cannons... Many were products of the Nine Gods, with hundreds of rune machines scattered around the lab for analysis and disassembly. This was both an attempt to dissect the core technology of the Nine Gods and to innovate their own designs.

For example, the flame-modified motorcycles used in the League of Blades were the third generation, while the Nine Gods Empire had already reached the fifth generation, indicating a higher level of technological reserve. In this aspect, the Nine Gods were indeed superior.

While the League of Blades didn't lag behind the Nine Gods in hero combat runes, they fell short in civilian applications and rune mechanics. This is why the Nine Gods are widely regarded as the strongest empire.

In fact, the Rose Holy Sanctuary, as the leading rune academy in the League of Blades, invests heavily in this field. After Karida took charge, she raised funds to increase investment here without letting anyone know, under immense pressure, hoping to create real achievements in this area, which would solidify their position. This vision and determination are precisely why the Nine Gods truly fear and respect Karida.

Seeing the room full of motorcycles and various rune machines, Old Wang's eyes turned green.

Each streamlined rune design was a reflection of an era, and the roaring engines amplified the cyberpunk feel to the extreme. Back in the game, many players went bankrupt in real life just to buy limited-edition motorcycles...

In the game, Old Wang had already been obsessed with these things, but the real-life versions were even more visually stunning.

Look at those designs!

Old Wang immediately set his sights on the nearest fourth-generation flame-modified motorcycle.

With thick tires at least 1.4 meters in diameter, it looked incredibly imposing. The blue tire material was extracted from a sea beast, offering better durability and flexibility than rubber. The intricate patterns engraved on the tires indicated that the previous owner was someone with taste.

Mo Tong drooled too, loving the motorcycles, but they were simply too expensive. New models cost at least 150,000 lios and used α-2 grade soul crystals, with high maintenance costs.

All the young people present were extremely interested, especially the students from the Foundry, whose eyes were practically glowing. Youngsters love such testosterone-filled machines.

The expressions of the elderly were much more normal, clearly viewing these things simply as tools. For the elderly, the core technology within was the only thing that truly interested them.