In the hushed corridors of the university's Academic Affairs Office, an atmosphere of quiet respect pervaded as Director Qiu stood deferentially to the side. Occupying the chair that was traditionally his, Bai Yiyuan lounged with an air of casual authority, his presence dominating the room. Lin, upon entering, found himself momentarily taken aback by the sight of Bai Yiyuan but quickly masked his surprise with a practiced neutrality.
"Greetings to Master Bai, greetings to Director Qiu," Lin intoned, his voice steady and devoid of any tremor that might betray his inner thoughts.
A chuckle escaped Bai Yiyuan as he gestured Lin to come closer. "Your performance during the trial caught my eye, Lin. Exceptionally well done," he praised, a smile playing on his lips. Lin remained unmoved by the compliment, responding with a modest, "I merely did what was expected of me."
Their conversation meandered through the merits of the trial, with Bai Yiyuan revealing the mystical properties of mermaid tears—a revelation that sparked a flicker of interest in Lin's eyes, though he quickly veiled it with his usual impassiveness. Bai Yiyuan, seeking some reaction, felt a twinge of disappointment at Lin's guarded demeanor.
The room hummed with discussions of talents, trials, and rewards until Bai Yiyuan, cutting to the chase, offered Lin any reward he desired. Lin's request was simple yet profound: "Can you help me find someone?" Bai Yiyuan was not surprised, having anticipated this moment. He informed Lin that his sister, Lin Mohan, had joined the elusive Chuangshen Academy, a place shrouded in mystery and prestige.
Lin's heart raced at the news, his mind reeling with questions and possibilities. How had his sister ascended to such heights in such a short time? Bai Yiyuan's offer of a task in exchange for a coveted cooling talisman presented Lin with a clear path forward: level up to 20, accept the task, and step closer to unraveling the enigma of his sister's success.
As Bai Yiyuan departed, leaving Lin in the company of a beaming Director Qiu, the gears of fate began to turn. Lin, determined and resolute, knew what he must do. The quest for knowledge, power, and family drove him forward, each step echoing with the promise of discovery and challenge.
Outside, the academy buzzed with the aftermath of the trial, Lin's exploits becoming the stuff of whispered legends. Skepticism and admiration intertwined as Lin's peers speculated on his origins and potential. Even Ling Zhen, consumed by bitterness, could not deny the impact of Lin's actions—a thorn in his side, a reminder of paths not taken.
With the cooling talisman within reach and the allure of Chuangshen Academy beckoning, Lin set his sights on the horizon, where dreams and destinies awaited. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but Lin, with the silent strength of a hundred skeletons at his command, was ready to face whatever lay beyond the veil of the known world.
As the sun dipped below the skyline, casting long shadows across the grounds of Xia Jing Academy, Lin's adventure was just beginning—a tale of courage, cunning, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Where this path would lead, none could say, but for Lin, the journey was the reward, the pursuit of greatness an end in itself.