Evening.
[You have successfully learned a new Ability - Gravel Palm]
Upon seeing the information, Lin Xiu stopped practicing, "I've learned three new Dou Techniques again; let's call it a day for now."
It wasn't early, and it was almost time for dinner.
However, before heading for the meal, Lin Xiu planned to catch a White Carp first.
After examining Lin Dun's injuries yesterday and realizing that delaying wouldn't be a solution, he decided to resolve the issue by exchanging a White Carp for medicine.
"With healing medicine in place, Lin Dun's injuries won't be a problem anymore, and it won't affect my experience grinding."
Walking to the lake shore, Lin Xiu first reeled in the fishing hook, took out the leftover bait from yesterday, and hung it on the hook.
Throughout the whole afternoon, nearly a hundred people gathered by the lake, with some leaving and others joining in the meantime.
On the way, many people caught fish, but not a single one was a White Carp.
"If they continue fishing like this, the White Carp won't be caught, and there might be a large group of fat pigfish appearing in the lake first." Lin Xiu's gaze swept across the lake, full of bait.
These guys were very generous in creating fishing nests.
For the fish in the lake, today was like a New Year's celebration.
Many fish were even too full, floating on the water surface and spitting bubbles.
Just about to cast his fishing rod, Lin Xiu noticed Xiao Ning looking at him. When the latter realized he was discovered, he immediately averted his gaze.
"Do you have any other methods? The sun is about to set." Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling anxious as they still hadn't caught a White Carp.
Because it was almost dinner time, his purpose in catching the White Carp was not to complete a task but to make dinner to give to Xun'er.
"Don't worry; the most important thing in fishing is to have patience. After experimenting all afternoon, I'll find a method soon," the young man signaled Xiao Ning to stay calm.
In order to catch the White Carp, he had tried over a dozen types of bait and fishing methods all afternoon, but unfortunately, none were successful.
What's going on? Why is it so difficult to catch a White Carp? Or is it possible that there aren't any in the lake at all?
The young man stared intently at the lake surface; it was the first time he encountered such a setback in fishing.
At this moment, the young man noticed Xiao Ning looking towards Lin Xiu. Following his gaze, he also saw Lin Xiu's fishing method.
Repeatedly casting out the fishing hook and then reeling it in.
"Don't bother looking; I've considered that method long ago. It's not possible to work," the young man shook his head.
In the realm of fishing, Xiao Ning was a beginner, knowing nothing about it; he didn't argue.
However, just as the young man finished speaking, the fishing line Lin Xiu cast suddenly tightened.
"A fish has taken the bait." Xiao Ning's eyes widened abruptly, staring fixedly at the lake.
As the fishing line was reeled in, the taut line cut through the water like a sharp blade, causing waves to surge on both sides.
Amidst the abundant splashes, a fish, as white as jade, intermittently revealed itself, its tail flapping against the water, engaged in a struggle with the fishing line.
"White Carp! It's a White Carp!"
"Well, finally got to see what a White Carp looks like after a whole afternoon."
"Is this luck or skill? How did he manage to catch it so quickly?"
The people fishing by the lake, their gazes suddenly captivated by the White Carp, expressed astonishment or envy as they looked toward the youth on the shore, calmly reeling in the line without a hint of emotion on his face.
The orange-red sunset cast its glow on the lake, the rippling water shimmering in the evening light, reflecting on Lin Xiu's face and body.
No one could discern any emotional change in him after catching the White Carp.
It seemed like catching a White Carp was an ordinary thing for him.
This scene made everyone present feel uneasy. They had exhausted various methods and used a large amount of bait throughout the afternoon, yet not a trace of the White Carp was seen.
In contrast, Lin Xiu just picked up the fishing rod and cast it a couple of times, and the White Carp took the bait.
As the White Carp approached the shore, Lin Xiu gave the fishing rod a strong pull, and the fish, as white as jade, flew out of the water.
The White Carp soared in the air, illuminated by the evening sun, shining brightly.
Reaching out to grab the White Carp, Lin Xiu removed the fishing hook, stowed away the fishing rod, and turned to leave.
He could sense those gazes, and the more he felt them, the more he left with precision.
"While they haven't realized it yet, let's slip away quickly. Otherwise, if I get surrounded, dinner time will be delayed again today."
Lin Xiu briskly left the lakeside.
A moment later, the lakeside erupted in chaos; one by one, they imitated Lin Xiu's actions, some inexperienced individuals accidentally getting their fishing rods entangled with others, thinking they had a catch, desperately reeling in their lines.
"I know you're in a hurry, but hold on a moment. That method of his, I mastered it when I was ten," the young man said, seeing Xiao Ning looking at him and taking the initiative to speak.
After retracting the fishing rod, the young man didn't cast it directly. Instead, he made some changes to the fishing hook. Clearly, he had some experience in fishing, understanding the subtle differences between float fishing and casting.
While casting earlier, he also took the time to educate Xiao Ning on the techniques, teaching him how to cast.
For a while, the lakeside was filled with the continuous swooshing sound of the wind, but no one managed to catch a second White Carp.
When the day completely darkened, Xiao Ning couldn't take it anymore. He stowed away his fishing rod and scolded the young man, "Fraud! If you don't have the skill, don't pretend and waste my time."
The young man didn't retort to the scolding; he seemed to be completely bewildered. Muttering phrases like "something's not right," "clearly, he did it like this," and "why can't I catch one," he appeared lost in thought.
...
Back at the dormitory.
Taking the packed dinner handed over by Lin Dun, Lin Xiu casually handed two jade bottles to him.
Looking at the bottles in his hand, Lin Dun showed a puzzled expression.
"These contain healing ointment for external use. Apply it to the wounds on your body; it can help promote blood circulation and dispel stasis," Lin Xiu explained casually, burying himself in his meal.
Elder Huo was originally an alchemy department elder, having taught many students. During regular classes, he would assess their alchemical skills. Hence, Elder Huo possessed a lot of First Grade medicinal items.
A hint of astonishment flashed in Lin Dun's eyes. He hadn't expected Lin Xiu to be so quick. He had just discovered his injury yesterday, and now Lin Xiu was delivering healing ointment.
Wanting to express some grateful words, Lin Dun was interrupted by Lin Xiu before he could speak. Lin Xiu urged him to quickly apply the medicine, emphasizing that recovering sooner would allow him to resume training sooner.
Not long after Lin Xiu finished dinner, Xiao Ning returned.
"Brother Xiu." Xiao Ning's face lit up with a smile. Seeing Lin Xiu with his back turned, he quickly moved to another direction. "Brother Xiu, I was wrong. Please forgive me this time. I was blind to not recognize your worth. Brother Xiu, can you give me another chance?"
"Want to catch White Carp?" Lin Xiu's lips curled slightly.
Xiao Ning nodded eagerly, his eyes filled with longing. The sweet smile Xun'er had when she tasted the White Carp yesterday was still fresh in his memory.
"Practice with me tonight. As long as you can entertain me, I'll catch one for you tomorrow," Lin Xiu said, revealing a smile.
Seeing this smile, Xiao Ning felt a hint of cruelty inexplicably, and his body subconsciously shivered, wanting to refuse.
However, Xun'er's smile quickly flashed in Xiao Ning's mind.
"No problem. I've had enough rest these past few days. Tonight, I'll spar with you to my heart's content," Xiao Ning's gaze became determined.
"Not bad, tomorrow I'll definitely catch the fattest one for you," Lin Xiu nodded in satisfaction.
Lin Dun needed some time to recover from his injuries, and Lin Xiu was concerned about how to make up for a day's worth of experience.
Now, with Xiao Ning around, everything became simpler.
---
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