Everything Is Expected

Director Qiu of the Academic Affairs Office stood respectfully to the side.

On the seat that once belonged to him, Bai Yiyuan lounged with an air of casual confidence.

Upon Lin Moyu's arrival, he was slightly taken aback to see Bai Yiyuan there, though he maintained a neutral expression.

"I greet you, Baishen, and you too, Director Qiu," he said.

Bai Yiyuan grinned and waved at Lin Moyu. "I watched the video of your trial; you performed exceptionally well.

Did you call me here just for this?"

Lin Moyu replied softly, "I merely did what was expected."

The purpose of the trial was to acquire Mermaid Tears, but Lin Moyu remained unaware of their significance. However, he trusted that the school had its reasons for emphasizing their importance.

Bai Yiyuan's smile widened. He was neither boastful in victory nor disheartened by defeat—qualities that marked him as a potential powerhouse.

"Do you know what Mermaid Tears are useful for?" he inquired.

Lin Moyu shook his head, uncertain.

"Actually," Bai Yiyuan continued, "not many know the true value of Mermaid Tears in this trial. There's a significant level gap, making it difficult for most to utilize them."

"Mermaid Tears are tied to the success rate of awakening talents in the second turn."

Lin Moyu's interest piqued. The opportunity to awaken talent at the second turn existed, but the odds were slim. Those who succeeded were rare, like one in a million. He had thought it was merely a matter of luck, unaware that there were items to enhance that probability.

Despite his surprise, Lin Moyu kept his composure, revealing little emotion. Bai Yiyuan noticed the lack of the reaction he had expected, which left him somewhat disappointed.

"Of course, Mermaid Tears aren't the only items that can assist in talent awakening, but they are relatively easier to acquire," Bai Yiyuan added.

"Initially, we calculated the timing and location of Mermaid Island's appearance, but we didn't anticipate that Sakura Country would also have the same calculations, almost sabotaging this trial."

"Fortunately, you were here, and your contribution was significant."

"In the Shenxia Empire, wrongdoers face punishment while those who achieve merit receive rewards. What reward would you like? I'll see to it that you receive it."

Bai Yiyuan's words held importance, and Lin Moyu considered his request carefully. "Can you help me find someone?"

Bai Yiyuan chuckled knowingly. "I suspected you'd bring that up. Did you not inquire at the Academic Affairs Office?"

"Your sister, Lin Mohan, joined the academy last year and entered the Creation Theological Academy earlier this year, so only her blank information is available."

"The profiles of all students in the Creation Seminary are intentionally kept vague."

Lin Moyu felt a rush of shock. "My sister joined the Creation Seminary?"

He understood the immense difficulty of gaining admission to such a prestigious institution; it was notoriously selective. Jiang Taotao aspired to join, as did Ning Yiyi, who had advised him to pursue it if he had the chance.

The Creation Seminary had always held a mysterious allure in his mind, and now his sister had secured a spot before him.

Lin Moyu sensed something unusual. How had his sister managed to join the Creation Theological Academy so quickly, less than half a year after starting at the school? Many, like Jiang Taotao, who had been rigorously trained by the academy, had not achieved that goal.

Bai Yiyuan confirmed, "Yes, Lin Mohan is indeed in the Creation Seminary. Unfortunately, I can't share any details about it due to school rules."

"You'll need to join the Creation Theological Academy yourself to ask her directly."

"You might not see her until you do."

Lin Moyu asked eagerly, "How do I join the Creation Theological Academy?"

Bai Yiyuan had prepared for this question. He operated a few commands on his communicator, and Lin Moyu's device lit up with incoming information.

"I've sent you the requirements to join the Creation Theological Academy. Review them when you have the time."

"Now, about your sister—it was intended as a heads-up, not a reward. Feel free to ask for something else."

Lin Moyu thought for a moment. "I want a cooling amulet."

Director Qiu raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting this request.

Bai Yiyuan laughed heartily, "Old Qiu, did I call it or what?"

Director Qiu chuckled in agreement. "Your Excellency knows his stuff, indeed."

Both of Lin Moyu's requests fell within Bai Yiyuan's expectations.

With a teasing grin, Bai Yiyuan asked, "Do you realize how valuable cooling amulets are? Even basic ones aren't easily obtainable."

Lin Moyu nodded in acknowledgment. It was true; they were unavailable even through the school's exchange.

Bai Yiyuan continued, "You've already received your due rewards for excelling in the national exams. Your performance has been commendable, but this trial merit alone isn't enough for a cooling amulet."

"I have a task for you. If you complete it, I'll arrange for a primary cooling amulet."

Lin Moyu's eyes lit up. "Deal."

Having a cooling amulet would greatly enhance Lin Moyu's convenience in upgrading. He could repeat tasks in a short timeframe, significantly accelerating his progress.

Bai Yiyuan added, "You must reach level 20 to undertake this task. As for how to level up, you can consult Director Qiu—he's an expert in that area."

"Alright, contact me when you reach level 20."

Lin Moyu now had Bai Yiyuan's contact information on his communicator, allowing him to reach out when he achieved his goal.

With ambitions to acquire the cooling amulet, join the Creation Academy, and locate his sister, Lin Moyu set a clear path for himself.

Once Bai Yiyuan departed, Director Qiu resumed his seat, his expression warm as he regarded Lin Moyu.

From Bai Yiyuan's demeanor, it was clear that he held a favorable view of the young man before him.

Director Qiu had witnessed Bai Yiyuan treat few with such kindness; even the top geniuses of the Creation Theological Academy had not escaped his criticisms.

Bai Yiyuan's attitude toward Lin Moyu far exceeded that reserved for other students, prompting Qiu to wonder if Lin Moyu might somehow be Bai Yiyuan's illegitimate son.

With a smile, Director Qiu remarked, "There are numerous ways to level up, but the fastest is undoubtedly through solo dungeons."

"However, soloing dungeons can be quite challenging and risky. Most players can only attempt normal difficulty, and even then, they may not face the final boss due to inability to defeat it."

"In addition to solo dungeons, you might explore elite monster areas or other wild locations, but those spots often attract competition and disputes over territory."

"Lastly, there's the option to hunt wild bosses, which yield substantial experience—more than dungeon bosses—and can drop valuable gear. But be aware that field bosses are typically claimed by major guilds, making their respawn times a mystery to outsiders."

Director Qiu outlined many methods, but aside from the reliable dungeon runs, the rest seemed impractical for Lin Moyu.

While he recognized this, Lin Moyu remained attentive, absorbing knowledge that might prove useful later on.

For instance, Director Qiu shared insights about common anomaly zones between countries that Lin Moyu had never encountered before.

After ten minutes of uninterrupted information, Director Qiu finally noticed Lin Moyu's silence and lost patience.

"Master Baishen, you truly are a man of few words. I concede; I won't jest with you any longer."

"Please hand me your ID card, and I'll process the formalities for you."

Lin Moyu handed over his ID card, and Director Qiu swiftly completed the necessary procedures. He then presented Lin Moyu with a rather unique-looking teleportation stone.

"This is the dungeon hall's teleportation stone. You can use it within the school to teleport into the dungeon hall."

"When you're ready to tackle a dungeon, head there."

"By the way, this teleportation stone is valued at 1,000 points, which has been deducted from your point card."

In this academy, everything was transactional.

If one desired something, they needed to pay the corresponding price—be it through labor, points, or gold coins.

Nothing came without a cost.

After leaving the Academic Affairs Office, Lin Moyu's first thought was to contact Ning Yiyi.

He had promised to help her level up and intended to keep his word.

Just then, his communicator vibrated, alerting him to a message from Ning Yiyi.

"I have something to attend to and will be gone for a few days. I'll reach out when I return."