Xia Xue's eyes widened in surprise. "You seriously don't know?"
Then she chuckled mischievously. "So, there are things even you don't know."
Lin Moyu remained silent, quietly watching her. Was this supposed to be funny? He wasn't an encyclopedia, after all. There were many things he didn't know.
Amused by his reaction, Xia Xue smirked. "If you say something nice, maybe I'll tell you."
Lin Moyu turned his head and closed his eyes. If she didn't want to share, fine. But asking him to compliment her? That wasn't going to happen.
Her playful energy quickly deflated. "Ugh, you're impossible. Can't even take a joke."
She glanced at him sideways, frustration evident. "Aren't mages supposed to be clever and quick-witted? You're as stiff as a board. I'm beginning to think you're a fake mage."
Without missing a beat, she continued, "Fine, I'll tell you. It's because I used a Cooling Talisman."
Lin Moyu mentally sifted through his knowledge but found no reference to such an item. He didn't recall learning about this in school.
Xia Xue, sensing his confusion, pulled out a small object and handed it to him. "Here, take a look."
The talisman was about the size of a gemstone, glowing faintly. Its surface was covered in intricate, mysterious runes. Under the scrutiny of Lin Moyu's detection technique, information appeared in his mind.
[Primary Cooling Talisman]
Uses left: 7/10Description: Allows the user to bypass dungeon cooldown times for dungeons below level 20.
Lin Moyu blinked, surprised. He hadn't even known such a thing existed.
Xia Xue grinned, proud of her secret. "That's how I've been able to keep entering dungeons nonstop. Now you understand."
Lin Moyu, considering the possibilities, whispered, "Is it expensive?"
Xia Xue shrugged. "No idea. My dad gave it to me. He did look a little pained when he handed it over, though, so it's probably not cheap."
Her family was well-off, one of the top-ranked in Jiangning Province. If her father found it expensive, Lin Moyu could only imagine the cost. Realizing he had no desire to get one for himself, he pushed the thought away.
Xia Xue stretched lazily. "I've got two days left before the entrance exams. I'll use all my remaining cooldown resets, combine them with the natural cooldown time, and run at least nine more dungeons. That'll get me to level 15, but it's going to be exhausting."
Despite her groaning, she still had the vitality of someone her age. The arrogant, pampered demeanor softened, and for a moment, she was just a girl working hard to achieve her goals.
Lin Moyu thought for a moment before offering, "I could help you. If you team up with me, you'll reach level 15 faster, and you won't have to do much."
Xia Xue's eyes lit up. How had she forgotten about Lin Moyu? Teaming up with him meant she wouldn't have to fight at all, and they'd get more experience by working as a duo. It was a win-win.
The only downside was she wouldn't be able to catch up to his level. But then again, could she have caught up even without his help? Probably not.
After some contemplation, she nodded. "Alright, deal. You take me through the dungeons, and I'll share the talisman with you."
Lin Moyu wasn't surprised by her agreement. It was the smart choice.
With that settled, Xia Xue perked up. "Let's not waste time, then. Let's enter the dungeon now."
Lin Moyu shook his head. "In two hours, my cooldown will end. No need to use up one of the talisman's charges just yet."
Xia Xue quickly did the math and agreed. "Fine, I'll wait. Wake me when it's time." And with that, she lay down and fell asleep almost instantly.
It was dangerous to sleep so carelessly in the wild, but she seemed completely at ease with Lin Moyu nearby. Despite her competitive nature, she trusted him deeply.
As Xia Xue slept, curled up with a faint smile on her lips, Lin Moyu gave his skeleton warriors a silent command to stand guard. Then, he resumed his meditation, allowing his mental strength to recover.
Two hours later, his cooldown ended.
"Wake up," Lin Moyu said, gently nudging her.
Xia Xue rubbed her eyes groggily. "Already?"
She stretched, exposing a slender waist and a graceful figure, her silhouette outlined in the soft light. Standing beside Lin Moyu, who was nearly 1.8 meters tall, they almost looked like a perfect match.
If it weren't for the looming skeleton warriors around them.
After two hours of sleep, Xia Xue seemed re-energized, her fatigue mostly gone. She activated the Primary Cooling Talisman, a soft glow enveloping her as the cooldown time vanished.
"Ready!" she nodded. "Let's do this."
Lin Moyu set the dungeon's difficulty. Nightmare level.
Xia Xue's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, did you choose the wrong—?"
Before she could finish, the two disappeared into the dungeon.
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