Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Link seemed to be deep in thought.

But regardless of whether he understood or not, he remained completely calm.

Having dealt with Master Xujing many times, how could Link not know that Master Xujing liked to say mysterious things, leaving people to guess his true intentions?

If I guessed right.

Congratulations! You've learned a big secret or received a great benefit.

If you guess wrong and act according to that wrong guess, you will also do something wrong.

I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I've troubled you.

Therefore, Lin Ke remained silent, simply watching Master Xu Jing quietly, seemingly unmoved.

He didn't think his response would encourage Master Xujing to elaborate further.

As expected, Master Xujing did not elaborate on what he had just said because of Link's reaction.

At this moment, as was his usual habit, Master Xujing would like to pick up a cup of tea and leisurely savor it.

Unfortunately, all I had on hand was a cup of some kind of nonsensical milk tea.

It's sweet and strong, with a milky flavor. Even if you put in the best tea leaves, what kind of tea flavor can you taste?

What a waste of good tea leaves.

"Have you finished your work?"

Seeing that Master Xu Jing was indeed just being deliberately mysterious, as he had expected, Link decisively changed the subject.

"Not yet. I just greeted the five saints of the Supreme Council during the short time you were gone."

Master Xu Jing shook his head slightly, then complained, "I am a person who knows proper etiquette, unlike the five saints of your Supreme Council who went to our side without even saying hello."

"Yeah?"

Link remained noncommittal on this matter.

He didn't take the opportunity to complain, saying something like, "You came into my house tonight without even saying hello."

All crows are black, elder brother, don't laugh at your younger brother.

However, silence can also express emotions.

Master Xu Jing saw through Link's thoughts and explained with a smile, "Actually, I thought I would greet you first before coming in. Firstly, for the reason I just mentioned, I didn't want to disturb you and your daughter's time together; secondly, I wanted to test what abilities you have after advancing to the fifth level of sage."

"Yeah?"

Link remained noncommittal once again, then said, "Master Xu Jing, let's go."

"So soon? Why don't you stay a little longer? You've finally come back, and your two daughters are so adorable."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Master Xu Jing was quite surprised and earnestly advised, "Why don't you stay a couple more days? Anyway, I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere or do anything."

"You're not in a hurry, but I am."

Link replied calmly, his attitude extremely firm.

He was kept in seclusion for more than two years. Although this period was not wasted, it was a time of hibernation.

Now that the decision has been made, many seeds planted over the past two years are waiting to sprout, grow, blossom, and bear fruit.

Always stay with me.

"I see."

Seeing Link's firm stance, Master Xujing did not continue to persuade him and stood up.

Outside the villa, Asander and Renee led "Freedom to Do Anything" and waited quietly.

The few members of the Brothers Group and the Social Anxiety Group who didn't go to serve in the Grand Sage Legion are also here.

In the battle against the Tower of the Great Sage Michel, the combined forces of the four legions suffered casualties exceeding 40% according to post-battle statistics.

Even though the Grand Sage Legion fared somewhat better thanks to the amazing performance of its construct servants, it still suffered casualties of over 30%.

Among the wizards transferred from "Freedom to Do Anything" to the Grand Sage Legion, some were killed and others were seriously injured.

Looking at Link Grand, who stood silently behind Asander and Renee, but whose eyes held no dissatisfaction but rather a deep sorrow, Link suddenly understood a truth that he had been unable to comprehend for a long time in his previous life.

During the Chu-Han Contention, Xiang Yu had the opportunity to cross the river and return to Jiangdong, so why didn't he dare to?

It turns out that facing a gaze that is not critical but sorrowful can cause such heartache!

Link took a deep breath, said nothing, and strode forward resolutely.

Assande and Renee simultaneously turned to the side and each took a step back.

The "Do Whatever You Want" members standing behind the two made way for Asander and Renee as they moved.

As Link walked through the alley, his face remained calm and his steps steady, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Master Xujing followed Link leisurely as they passed through the alley, looking left and right with admiration in his eyes.

As Link walked to the all-weather, all-terrain vehicle parked outside the villa, he heard a noise behind him.

Asander yelled at the top of his lungs, "Link Grand, you have to be completely free to do whatever you want!"

Next up is Renee.

Next are the wizards who are "free to do whatever they want".

Finally, everyone shouted in unison: "'Freedom to do anything' means freedom to do anything!"

Link paused for a moment as he lifted his foot to get into the car, then resumed his normal motion and sat in the driver's seat.

Master Xu Jing didn't need Link's invitation and directly sat in the passenger seat.

The vehicle starts and departs.

During this time, Link did not look out the car window or turn around.

The car remained silent for a long time before Master Xu Jing finally broke the silence.

Where are you going?

Looking at the scenery rushing past the car window, Master Xujing asked casually.

"I need to collect a debt; I won't feel at ease if I don't."

Link replied calmly.

"Collecting debts?"

Master Xu Jing asked curiously, "What kind of debt are you collecting? Does anyone owe you anything?"

You owe me a life.

Link replied casually.

"I owe you a life? Then this debt must be settled, absolutely settled."

Master Xu Jing showed a united front against the enemy, appearing quite indignant on Link's behalf.

But Link knew that these were just appearances.

Lin Ke neither knew nor would he try to guess what Master Xu Jing was thinking.

As long as Celestial Master Xujing is willing to go on this trip with him, that's enough.

Before long, the vehicle arrived at a small and hidden interdimensional portal at the Rivoss Academy's Advanced Institute.

After reporting their arrival, Link and Master Xu Jing arrived at the main world of the Rivosos Academy.

The rank of Celestial Master Xujing is equivalent to that of a ninth-level Great Sage in the Wizarding Civilization.

When he arrived at the main campus of the Rivoss Academy, the Rivoss Sage and the Sothss Sage naturally could not remain indifferent and personally came out to receive him.

Rodrigo Diomand and Lysander Diomand of the third generation of the Diomand family, as well as the fourth generation of the Diomand family members, whether they were in the main world or were able to return temporarily, all came out to greet them along with Great Sage Rivo and Great Sage Soth.

"The presence of Celestial Master Xu Jing at our academy's main campus is an honor to our humble academy!"

When the Great Sage Ruiwo saw Master Xujing from afar, he greeted him warmly in the language and etiquette of the immortal civilization.

The Great Sage Soth led the remaining members of the Demand family, forming two lines to welcome them.

Master Xu Jing gave him great face, and greeted the Great Sage Ruiwo, the Great Sage Sos, and a group of third and fourth generation Diomanders.

After exchanging greetings, Master Xu Jing said bluntly, "I didn't come here today because I wanted to. I'm just accompanying a guest, Link Grand Wizard. Link Grand Wizard is the main character today."

"Oh? Is that so?"

As the Great Sage Rivo spoke, he looked at Link and said, "Grand Wizard is an outstanding wizard in our academy, one of our own. Returning to the main campus is like coming home; there's no question of him being a guest."

After a pause, the Great Sage Rivo asked, "Don't you agree, Wizard Grand?"

"certainly."

In front of everyone, Link had to give Grand Sage Rivo face.

Moreover, although the Great Sage Rivo was a bit arrogant and capricious, he had never actually done anything to wrong Link.

Rivoss Academy did indeed provide Link with considerable shelter and assistance.

From all perspectives, Link had no need to strain relations with the Great Sage Rivo, the Diomand family, or Rivosos Academy.

The Great Sage Rivo stared at Link for a while, and suddenly understood something from Link's state and eyes.

He opened his mouth, as if he was about to say something.

Sage Soth, who was originally standing behind Sage Rivo, suddenly stepped forward and tugged at Sage Rivo's hand.

Having been married for many years, the Great Sage Rivo and the Great Sage Soth had long been in sync.

Otherwise, the two of them wouldn't be able to keep relying on their combined secret techniques to fight against opponents of higher levels.

With just a simple gesture, Great Sage Rivo understood Great Sage Soth's meaning and immediately changed his tune, laughing heartily: "It's rare for Celestial Master Xu Jing to come all this way, so my wife and I will accompany him on a tour. The academy still has some details about what happened in the parallel universe that we don't know enough about. Rodrigo and Lissandra, you two should talk to Wizard Grand."

Having said that, the Great Sage Rivo did not give Celestial Master Xujing and Link a chance to refuse, and gestured, "Celestial Master Xujing, this way please."

Master Xujing glanced at Link, and seeing that Link didn't react, he immediately followed the guidance of Great Sage Rivo and went for a stroll, accompanied by Great Sage Rivo and Great Sage Soth.

The third and fourth generation Deomande and Link remained behind.

"Go back to your respective homes."

Rodrigo waved his hand lightly, dismissing all the fourth-generation Diormanders.

Compared to Forrest, who was more respectful of others, the fourth generation Diormand held Rodrigo in greater awe.

At a command, the fourth generation of Deomande vanished in a flash.

"This is not the place to talk. Come with me."

Rodrigo, who had once been Link's boss, left first with a sullen face.

Lisandra remained silent throughout, watching Link follow Rodrigo's steps and then staying behind.

Before long, the three arrived at a functional office building and casually entered a spacious and bright meeting room.

After everyone was seated, Rodrigo tapped the coffee table next to him a few times with his right hand, stating directly, "Link, we're all family here. If you have something to say, just say it. We'll definitely agree to anything we can. But if it involves matters of principle, I'll make it clear beforehand that we absolutely won't agree to anything."

Link didn't say anything, but just looked at Ms. Lisandra.

This is asking whether Rodrigo's use of "we" includes Ms. Lisandra.

Rodrigo raised his eyelids slightly and looked at Lissandra as well.

As the eldest of the three generations of Diormand and responsible for managing the internal affairs of the Diormand family, Rodrigo has the authority to speak on behalf of Lisandra.

However, Lissandra is not a three-year-old child, but a true spirit wizard, a sixth-level sage.

It must be respected from all aspects.

Facing Link and Rodrigo's solid stance, Lissandra parted her red lips slightly and said calmly, "My brother's words are enough to represent my will."

Having received Lissandra's clear affirmation, Rodrigo turned to Link: "Now you can talk business, right?"

"Um."

Link nodded. "I want Soren Lucia."

"Who?"

Rodrigo seemed puzzled, as if he didn't know who Soren Lucia was.

Lissandra, standing to the side, frowned slightly and tapped her finger, using a technique of the True Spirit Wizard.

Rodrigo was instantly informed of everything about Soren Lucia's identity, as well as the grudges and entanglements between Link and Lucia's family, and between Link and Soren Lucia herself.

Having learned the whole story, Rodrigo said, "I can hand Soren Lucia over to you, but I'd like to know first, what do you intend to do with him?"

For Rodrigo personally, let alone just Soren Lucia, even handing over the entire Lucia family, both the former and the current Archie family, to Link wouldn't be a big deal.

However, for Rodrigo, a member of the Diomand family, there are some things he can do and some things he absolutely cannot do, otherwise he would definitely corrupt people's hearts.

"Don't worry, I won't kill him outright. I just want to do to him what he did to me. If he survives, then so be it, for me, for Soren Lucia, for the Lucia family, for..."

At this point, Link glanced at Lissandra and continued calmly, "Everything between us is now in the past."

"Is that so?"

Rodrigo fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

After a moment, Rodrigo's contemplation came to a conclusion.

I hope you'll keep your word.

After saying that, Rodrigo got up and left without inviting Lissandra to come with him.

Link and Lissandra remained in the conference room.

Lisandra didn't say anything, she just sat there in silence.

Link remained silent as well.

Just now, the moment Rodrigo decided to hand over Soren Lucia, Link had already completed the second task upon returning to the wizarding civilization.

Whether or not Link should recreate the scene where Soren Lucia, under Lissandra's arrangement and scheming, attacks him is no longer important.

The important thing is that the frustration I had been holding back about this matter finally started to flow smoothly.

When your heart is at peace, the world is vast and boundless.

Link has shed another burden and can now move forward with a lighter load.

Having only taken the first step during the day, they have now traveled a considerable distance.

Link slowly closed his eyes, took a gentle breath, and reopened them. He looked at Lissandra with an extremely gentle and calm gaze and said softly, "Thank you, Ms. Lissandra."

After saying that, Link got up and left.

Meanwhile, the three ostensibly out for a stroll—Master Xujing, Great Sage Ruiwo, and Great Sage Suosi—were actually keeping a close eye on what was happening here.

Celestial Master Xu Jing immediately offered his congratulations: "Congratulations! Your academy is truly about to produce a Saint in the making."

The Great Sage Rivo and the Great Sage Soth exchanged bewildered glances. (End of Chapter)