As the morning sun cast its first light, Ling Zhen found himself the center of attention, his discomfort palpable under the weight of many gazes. "Why would you say that?" a voice challenged him, curiosity tinged with skepticism.
Breaking records was no minor feat, especially in the solitary confines of a dungeon. The air was thick with the anticipation of Ling Zhen's justification.
With a scoff, Ling Zhen dismissed, "Lin is merely an ordinary student fresh from his exams. Through Baishen's favor, he's acquired some potent artifact."
"Preposterous! Since when are ordinary students deemed incapable of greatness?" retorted an angry voice. "Do you dare claim Lin's achievements are solely due to treasures bestowed by Master Baishen? Where lies your proof?"
Identified as Ling Zhen of Qianlong Academy, his elitist stance ignited a firestorm among the gathered. The ordinary students, each a paragon of excellence in their own right, refused to be belittled.
The argument escalated, voices raised in a cacophony of defiance and pride.
Amidst this turmoil, Lin materialized, the quarrel a confusing backdrop to his return. Pulled aside, he was queried about his recent academic triumphs, his reply revealing his status as the nation's top scholar, leaving the crowd in a momentary silence of awe.
Ling Zhen's disdainful retort cut through the hush, "What merit does the title of top scholar carry here among true talents?"
A counter-argument rose from the crowd, challenging the notion that academy students held any inherent superiority.
As Lin assessed the situation, the tension palpable, he fixed Ling Zhen with a glare sharp enough to slice through steel, "Cross me again, and it'll be the last thing you do."
Ling Zhen faltered under Lin's icy stare, a palpable threat hanging between them.
Observers whispered amongst themselves, some speculating on Lin's lethal capabilities, others downplaying the possibility. Yet, Ling Zhen's confidence visibly waned, his bluster fading as quickly as it had appeared.
With a final, hollow threat, Ling Zhen vanished, leaving behind a wave of laughter and whispered judgements.
As Lin stepped once more into the dungeon's shadows, whispers of his record-breaking feats echoed behind him. Returning to the dungeon, Lin's focus remained unwavering, his journey forward marked by the soft glow of impending advancement.
Achieving another milestone, Lin ascended to level 20, his abilities evolving, ready to face the challenges ahead with renewed vigor. The details of his newfound strength lay before him, a testament to his unyielding spirit and indomitable will.
As Lin prepared to delve deeper into the dungeon's heart, the outside world continued to buzz with tales of his exploits, leaving many to wonder about the true extent of his powers and the mysterious depths of his character.