The Strongest Talent Tree

Chapter 97: Chapter 94: Central Square

The normally quiet Pharmacy Department suddenly became lively with the appearance of two beautiful girls.

Students who usually holed themselves up in their dorms to focus on alchemy all came out. Their reason was simple: the arrival of Xiyue Frost and Man Tiaotiao. To be honest, the Pharmacy Department was small, so they hardly ever saw any girls. If they wanted to see a pretty face, they had to go next door to the Arts Department.

Therefore, the appearance of Xiyue Frost and Man Tiaotiao completely ignited the entire Pharmacy Department!

"Excuse me, juniors. Is there something you need from our Pharmacy Department? If you want to have some alchemy done, I can introduce you to the top ten seniors on the Crystal Stele. Don’t worry about the price." A refined-looking young man took the lead and struck up a conversation.

Xiyue Frost had social anxiety, so she didn’t answer. Her cold gaze just scanned the surroundings.

But Man Tiaotiao had no such reservations. With a flick of her twin ponytails and a tilt of her head, she strode forward and said nonchalantly, "We’re looking for someone. Does anyone know Feng Hao? He’s a new student this year. Looks like a total country bumpkin."

Just then, Instructor Liang arrived from out of nowhere. Huffing and puffing, he shooed the students away.

"Hey, hey, hey! Have you never seen a pretty girl before or what? All of you, get back to your alchemy! And you new students, stop standing around gawking. You’ll get what’s coming to you when class starts this afternoon!"

After the students had dispersed, Instructor Liang put on a smile and looked at Man Tiaotiao. "Junior Sister, what brings you to the Pharmacy Department? And this is...?"

"She’s my roommate, Xiyue Frost. And don’t try to get friendly with me. Just tell me where Feng Hao is!" Man Tiaotiao said arrogantly.

Instructor Liang didn’t get angry. Instead, he sized up Xiyue Frost with a look of amazement, clicking his tongue. "So you’re the young lady who took first place in the entrance exam? Haha, any interest in developing your talents here in our Pharmacy Department?"

"Liang Dong, are you looking for a beating? Trying to swindle my own friend!" Man Tiaotiao said, displeased.

Instructor Liang was instantly mortified. He had been full of passion but ended up assigned to teach martial arts in a godforsaken department like Pharmacy. Only he knew the bitterness in his heart. With a wry smile, he changed the subject. "Um, Junior Sister, why are you looking for Feng Hao?"

"That brat scammed me out of four sets of materials. I’m here to settle the score!" Man Tiaotiao said, grinding her teeth.

"Uh, it’s only the first day of school, isn’t it? How could he have had time to scam you out of materials?" Instructor Liang had a strange expression.

Man Tiaotiao pouted and explained, "That brat is from the Thief God Hall. I posted a commission there."

’Feng Hao is from the Thief God Hall? No wonder he showed up with a recommendation letter for an intern instructor.’ Instructor Liang nodded thoughtfully, then pouted. "Junior Sister, you really are something. If you needed alchemy done, you should have come to your Senior Brother. Why waste money at the Thief God Hall?"

"None of your business! Cut the crap. Where is Feng Hao? Take me to him, now!" Man Tiaotiao said defiantly.

"Um... Feng Hao is the Dean’s hand-picked disciple. Junior Sister, it would be best if you didn’t go looking for trouble with him," Instructor Liang reminded her with a frown. If it had been any other student, he definitely would have stepped in personally to help Man Tiaotiao vent her anger, but Feng Hao was a special case.

The moment Man Tiaotiao heard that, she flew into a rage. She snorted coldly and threatened, "Believe it or not, I can have my dad come over here and give you a three-punch lesson."

"Uh, Master... he’s back?" Instructor Liang asked, surprised and uncertain.

"What do you think?"

Instructor Liang weighed his options for a moment, then could only nod in agreement with a wry smile. "Alright then, follow me."

"That’s more like it." Man Tiaotiao nodded in satisfaction and swaggered after him. Along the way, she regaled Xiyue Frost with tales of Instructor Liang’s dark past, making him blush to the tips of his ears, but there was nothing he could do.

However, when they arrived at the dormitory, Feng Hao had already left for the Celestial Secret Tower with Houhuiyao.

"Where is he?" Man Tiaotiao’s mood soured instantly. She glared at Instructor Liang with suspicion. "Damn you, Liang Dong! You’re not trying to trick me, are you?"

"Junior Sister, how could your Senior Brother possibly trick you? This is indeed Feng Hao’s dorm. As for why he isn’t here, he probably went for a wander around another department," Liang Dong said with a bitter smile.

"Hmph, that country bumpkin sure runs fast!" Man Tiaotiao cursed under her breath, then turned to Xiyue Frost. "Xiaoshuang, what now?"

"Forget it. We’ll come back tomorrow," Xiyue Frost said calmly.

Man Tiaotiao wasn’t in a hurry either. She already knew Feng Hao’s identity. As the saying goes, he could run, but he couldn’t hide. Coming back later would be just the same. "Fine. Let’s forget about him for now. I’ll take you for a tour of the other departments and introduce you to a few good friends."

At this, Xiyue Frost immediately became flustered. She struggled with herself for a good while before mustering up her courage. "O-Okay."

"Hehe, my friends are dying to meet you," Man Tiaotiao giggled. She turned back and glared at Instructor Liang. "Damn you, Liang Dong! Where’s your Golden Bird? Lend it to me for a few days."

"That’s... not a good idea, is it?" Liang Dong said, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"Hmm? Feeling like you want to taste my dad’s three punches?" Man Tiaotiao’s eyebrow shot up as she threatened him coldly.

Instructor Liang immediately caved. He reluctantly brought out his beloved sports car. Its body was a dark gold, with elegant yet bold lines, resembling a golden bird about to take flight.

Man Tiaotiao laughed in satisfaction. She excitedly pulled Xiyue Frost into the car, expertly started the engine, and vanished with a WHOOSH.

Leaving Instructor Liang behind with a heartbroken expression, staring in the direction the flying car had gone, shaking his head and sighing bitterly.

On the other side of the academy, Feng Hao and Houhuiyao had already reached the Central Square. Unlike last time, they had taken a campus flying vehicle. The reason they hadn’t taken one before was that the campus vehicles only began operating after the school year started.

"Brother Feng, have you learned to drive before? Your skill behind the wheel is amazing!" Houhuiyao asked curiously as they got out of the campus flying vehicle.

"Something like that," Feng Hao said with a slight pout.

He had only meant to give it a try, but to his surprise, the controls for a Magic Energy Flying Vehicle were similar to a car’s on Earth. As someone who had aced all four subjects of the driving test, and with his experience from various racing games, driving a Magic Energy Flying Vehicle was second nature to him.

Houhuiyao didn’t press the matter. The two of them chatted and laughed as they walked toward the Celestial Secret Tower.

The Central Square was no longer as empty as it had been last time. Students from every department came and went in an endless stream across the vast plaza. Every now and then, you could see a few disheveled-looking seniors emerging from the [Origin Node].

As the largest social hub in Five Provinces Academy, the Central Square was divided into four districts, each with a different function.

Centered around the Celestial Secret Tower, the East District was mainly for trading various basic materials. It was the primary trading spot for students returning from expeditions, dealing mostly in magical beast materials, minerals, and medicinal herbs.

The South District was for trading products from secondary professions, while the West District handled equipment and mechanical devices.

Finally, there was the North District, which had the most foot traffic. Because of the [Origin Node], the North District had become a sacred ground for students looking to form parties. All you had to do was put up a sign stating your objective and requirements, and you could find like-minded teammates.

Of course, you could also spend academic credits to hire powerful muscle, but few people would waste their credits like that unless they encountered a particularly difficult quest.

As they walked along the northeast passage, the familiar sounds of vendors hawking their wares and people shouting to form parties filled the air. It felt just like being back in the game "Mage," giving him a strong sense of nostalgia.

"Is it always this crowded here?" Feng Hao couldn’t help but ask.

Houhuiyao grinned. "This is nothing. It’s only the first day of school, after all. Come back in two days, and you’ll see a real sea of people."

"You sure know a lot!"

"Of course. I did plenty of homework before I came," Houhuiyao said with a smug grin.

As they spoke, they arrived at the foot of the Celestial Secret Tower. Unlike last time, the gates on all four sides of the tower were wide open.

PS: They said access would be granted around noon, and it was! These two Chapters are what I got done last night and this morning, so I’m posting them now. Barring any surprises, I should have two more Chapters out tonight. Thank you all for your support, players! :)