Teacher by day, Farmer by passion - Chapter 226

Chapter 226: Exit [3] (NEW!)
“Master, I think I have found the way out,” Shan Yifeng called, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Ace’s eyes remained glued to the system screen for a moment longer, the lines of data flickering ominously.

Then, with a quiet sigh, he shook his head.

“Still too weak for this… Heh, would be just my luck if this was what Red I had in mind for me.”

he muttered to himself with a dry chuckle.

Turning his gaze back to Shan Yifeng, he asked, “How long will it take?”

“Just a minute, Master. Trust me.”

With practiced ease, Shan Yifeng reached into his spatial ring and drew out a paintbrush, its handle was wrapped in fine gold, and he also took out a set of talismans shimmering with faint spiritual energy.

Next he took out a spirit stone which he also placed it down carefully at the center of the space before him.

In one fluid motion, he began to draw a formation around it, each brushstroke precise and filled with intent.

The talismans floated upward, suspended midair like leaves caught in a breeze of power.

As he completed the final stroke on the ground, a low hum filled the space, and the air itself trembled.

With a ripple of light, the space cracked open—jagged edges of reality folding inward to reveal a swirling portal.

“Master, it’s ready. Let’s go,” Shan Yifeng said, stepping back.

Ace nodded. “Midas, go in first.”

The black dragon didn’t hesitate. Without a word, he leapt into the portal, vanishing into the swirling rift.

“Shan Yifeng, you next. I’m right behind you.”

With a firm nod, Shan yifeng also stepped through the opening.

Ace tightened his hold around Liu Mei, adjusting her gently in his arms. Her breath was warm against his chest, her sleep unbroken.

“Here we go,” he whispered, and then he jumped.

* * *

They emerged into a vast cavern, the air cool and damp, echoing with distant drips of water.

Ace landed softly, Liu Mei still safe in his arms. His eyes scanned the cavern, lips pressed into a thin line.

Meanwhile at the side.

“Yes!” Shan Yifeng exclaimed, his voice echoing with excitement as he took in the vast cavern. “We made it!”

A soft murmur followed, barely audible over the sound of dripping water.

“Mmm… what zime is zit already?” came a sleepy, adorably groggy voice.

Liu Mei blinked her eyes open, her lashes fluttering as she looked up from Ace’s chest, still nestled securely in his arms.

Her voice was thick with sleep, and her words tumbled out in a sweet, muffled tone that tugged at the heart.

Ace looked down at her and smiled warmly. “Already awake? You should actually rest for a bit longer.”

She gave a little pout, eyes half-lidded as she nuzzled closer. “But I missed hearing your voice, Master… I regret hunting, ahem I mean, I regret searching for junior brother.”

Ace chuckled softly, adjusting his hold as he carried her forward. “You little troublemaker. Just rest a bit more, we’re safely out now.”

Ace turned to Shan Yifeng with a raised brow and a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Now that we’re out of danger, young man, it’s time we had a little chat. What happened to your 50,000 taels of gold bet? More importantly, why did you disappear and how in the world did you end up nearly getting yourself killed?”

Shan Yifeng scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Ahem, well… to begin with, Master, it was all Milson’s fault. He wouldn’t let me skip the tax, and that Pot Black, stingy old man wouldn’t give me my winnings either, said I was too easily fooled. As if I won’t be able to notice that he’s trying to scam me. ”

Ace’s eyes narrowed with mock suspicion. “Go on…”

“So I did what any logical person would do,” Shan Yifeng said proudly. “After I got the money from Pot Black, with help from Milson, I went into hiding. But pot black, the old cockroach wasn’t done—he sent spies after me! They ambushed me out of nowhere. I barely made it out alive! And apparently… there’s a bounty on my head now.”

Midas Touch, who had been lounging nearby in human form, perked up. His golden eyes widened, and he leaned forward with a stunned expression.

“A bounty? On a kid?”

“I know, right? Pretty cool,” Shan Yifeng replied, smirking.

“No, it’s not,” Midas snapped, frowning. “That’s not something to brag about.”

“Meh, my brother says it’s cool. Makes me look like a pirate. He’s got a bounty too.”

Midas narrowed his eyes. “And where exactly is your brother now? The afterlife?”

“Midas!” Liu Mei shouted, shooting up from Ace’s arms with a sharp glare. “That was too far! Unsummon!”

With a flick of her hand, Midas Touch vanished in a shimmer of golden light.

Shan Yifeng blinked, then turned to her. “Whoa, what was that for?”

Liu Mei huffed, folding her arms. “It’s nothing. But junior brother… I never got around to asking you—what formation rank are you now?”

He grinned and wagged a playful finger at her. “You really are a goldfish, Liu Mei. Level 3! I’m already amazing now.”

Liu Mei’s eyes sparkled. “Ooh! Does that mean you can inscribe formations into my weapons now? I have this beautiful dagger—”

“Hehe, I sure can!” Shan Yifeng puffed out his chest. “And since you’ll be my very first customer, I’ll do it for free!”

Ace watched their exchange in silence, a warm smile tugging at his lips. For all the chaos and danger, moments like this made it all feel worth it.

“Pot Black… wasn’t he the professor who was close with Headmaster Amon?” Ace asked, his brow arching. “He came after you?”

“Yes!” Shan Yifeng grinned mischievously. “He even gave me his Level 4 Formation Brush as collateral since the gold he had wasn’t enough.”

Ace tilted his head, amused. “Oh? So he’s going to pay you back?”

Shan Yifeng chuckled darkly. “No, no, Master. What can a dead man even pay?”