"Mentor, we're not exactly sure about the specific reasons, but I speculate it might be related to the Task Hall."
After pondering for two seconds, Du Chaoping said with a somewhat uncertain expression on his face.
"Task Hall?" Huo Lan was puzzled.
Du Chaoping nodded, "Previously, when we found the blueprints of that secret room, Junior Lin Xiu said he received the task reward after completing a mission."
When Huo Lan's gaze swept over, Han Pu and Qin Zhi nodded like little chickens pecking at grains.
"After coming out of the secret room, we scolded Bai Shan, and were ready to come back. However, the junior brother said there was still a task unfinished, so he asked us to go back first."
Du Chaoping continued, his expression becoming somewhat regretful, "I originally wanted to persuade Junior Brother to come back and take a look at the inner courtyard selection competition, but he refused. He said he won't participate in this session and plans to join the next one."
"Wait!"
Raising his right palm again, Huo Lan signaled Du Chaoping not to speak for now; he needed a moment to digest the information.
In just two short sentences, the amount of information suddenly seemed a bit overwhelming.
"First, tell me what happened with scolding Bai Shan?" Huo Lan asked.
Du Chaoping explained the reason for the enmity, starting from his search for the secret room, being tracked by Bai Shan, and ending up blocked at the cave entrance.
Huo Lan remained calm; he had some understanding of Bai Shan's temperament, finding it not surprising.
"However, when you were blocked, how did you get Lin Xiu to rescue you?" Huo Lan couldn't figure it out.
Last time before he left, Du Chaoping mentioned that Lin Xiu obtained a Black Rank Mid-Level Dou Technique from the Deputy Headmaster, and it was used against the Water Tiger Beast.
However, students are different from Magic Beasts. Although their strength may not be comparable to that of a Second Order Water Tiger Beast, they are adaptable, knowing the optimal moments for both defense and offense.
In theory, facing them, Lin Xiu should be at a disadvantage, so how could he still help Du Chaoping and the others break free?
Du Chaoping replied, "Junior Lin Xiu is very strong. His progress is too rapid. When he appeared, he was already a 7-Star Dou Practitioner.
He also possesses a Secret Technique that, when used, can elevate him to a 9-Star Dou Practitioner. Wang Ming, a 1-Star Dou Master who faced him, couldn't defeat him in a short period."
'7 Stars? Did he say 7 Stars?'
Huo Lan doubted if there was an issue with his ears, or perhaps the timeline in his life and Du Chaoping's were different.
When Lin Xiu was recruited initially, he was only at the Dou Desciple Eighth Stage.
Upon entering the Academy, new students undergo a Dou Practitioner promotion after the freshmen competition.
And it's not even half a month since I left the Academy.
In less than a month, Lin Xiu went from a 1-Star Dou Practitioner to 7 Stars?
Wait!
Suddenly, in his mind flashed the scene of encountering Ge Mu before. Huo Lan suddenly realized why, when he greeted him, the other party ignored him.
You see, Bai Shan is this old guy's proud disciple, carefully nurtured, and planned to be a seeded student aiming for the top five spots in the inner courtyard selection competition.
Now, a newly enrolled student has injured his proud disciple. Where can this old guy put his face?
Excitement surged in Huo Lan's heart, eager to go and talk to Ge Mu about it.
But he restrained himself.
"So..."
Huo Lan looked at his three students, "Is it safe to say that Lin Xiu's shift from fishing to doing tasks in the Task Hall is largely influenced by himself?"
Du Chaoping, Han Pu, and Qin Zhi exchanged glances, nodding in unison.
"Mentor, Junior Brother's strength now is no weaker than the seniors from last year. Even against some Dou Masters, they wouldn't have a chance to defeat him. His speed in footwork is not slow either. When encountering Second Rank Magic Beasts, he can escape without any problem."
Worried that the Mentor might be concerned about Lin Xiu's safety, Du Chaoping added.
"According to what you said, Lin Xiu has rich experience, knows footwork Dou Techniques, and has a Secret Dou Technique for temporarily boosting his cultivation. Do I need to worry about him?" Huo Lan waved his hand, picked up the water cup again, and took a few big sips.
By the time he put it down, the cup was already empty. Qin Zhi noticed and went to help pour water.
She had a premonition that the Mentor would probably want more water soon.
"Du Chaoping, did Lin Xiu really say he wants to participate in next year's inner courtyard selection competition?" Huo Lan asked again, and a hint of anticipation flashed in his gaze as he looked at Du Chaoping.
If there's an opportunity, he certainly hoped to have students enter the library as soon as possible, helping him fetch things.
"Perhaps I misheard," Du Chaoping shook his head. "At that time, Junior Brother had already walked far away and just replied briefly."
Upon hearing this, Huo Lan's gaze lowered slightly. He felt he might have been too hasty, and excessive concern could lead to confusion.
Entering the second year and participating in the inner courtyard selection competition, was there anyone in the Academy like that?
Yes!
But those were individuals with an S-grade potential assessment during the enrollment ceremony!
"Has Lin Xiu returned? Tell him to come find me," Huo Lan asked.
Du Chaoping shook his head, "Mentor, I'll do my best to keep an eye out. If I see Junior Lin Xiu, I'll notify him to come over immediately."
"Alright then, you can go back for now. Du Chaoping, if you still have matters to attend to in the next few days, handle them first. I will arrange a training plan for you in the coming days."
Calling out to Du Chaoping as he approached the door, Huo Lan gave a reminder and then waved his hand.
Du Chaoping nodded emphatically and left with the other two.
"Senior Brother, congratulations! With Mentor's support, you'll definitely have a chance to advance to the inner courtyard."
"Senior Brother, shall we treat ourselves to a nice meal tonight?"
Just as they stepped out of the door, smiles appeared on the faces of Han Pu and Qin Zhi. They had often received care from Du Chaoping. Now, seeing him finally having the hope of advancing to the inner courtyard, both genuinely congratulated him from the bottom of their hearts.
"Thank you."
Du Chaoping's hidden excitement finally burst out after leaving the Mentor's room. The corners of his mouth couldn't suppress the rising joy. "Let's discuss the meal later, wait until Junior Lin Xiu comes back, how about that?"
"Of course, Junior Lin Xiu is the real hero," Qin Zhi agreed without hesitation.
Han Pu also wore a smile, "Initiating a friendship with Junior Lin Xiu back then was indeed the right choice. Wasn't that sword worth it?"
He winked at Qin Zhi.
Qin Zhi punched him, "Hey, what's that for... I did agree in the end, didn't I?"
The three of them laughed as they walked away.
Inside the room,
"This Lin Xiu has really given me a huge surprise. However, I need to see him in person to confirm the details."
Huo Lan's lips curled up, feeling wonderful. "Let's go, let's turn in the task."
With a heavy pat on his thighs, Huo Lan stood up from his seat, picked up the water cup on the table, and drank all the water inside. His heart finally regained some composure.
...
At the same time,
The Lin Xiu they were discussing quietly returned to the Academy.
He went straight to the lakeside, somewhat unfamiliarly taking out a fishing rod.
"It's been a while since I fished. With my strength improved over the past two months and my Pill stock depleted, let's catch a couple of fish to send over and replenish the Pills."
Lin Xiu didn't rush to turn in the task; after all, it had been two months, and a little more time wouldn't make a difference.
Fishing would take a while, and it was almost time for a meal. Without his help with fishing, Elder Huo probably hadn't eaten many White Carps during this time.
If he brought the fish over during mealtime, in case Elder Huo was in a good mood and gave a couple of Second Grade Pills, it would be a huge gain.
With the bait ready, Lin Xiu cast the fishing hook into the lake.
"Why isn't Headmaster Hu Gan here today? It seems he'll be coming later."
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