After completing two consecutive dungeons over a span of more than 13 hours, Lin indeed felt the toll it took on him.
Under Shu Han's persuasive pitch, Lin purchased six bottles of fatigue potion. Upon consuming one, he immediately felt a surge of vitality, as if soaking in a rejuvenating hot spring. All traces of fatigue vanished, leaving him more refreshed than if he had indulged in a prolonged slumber.
"How about it, the effect is impressive, isn't it?" Shu Han asked, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
"It's truly remarkable," Lin affirmed, appreciating the potion's restorative properties. Shu Han beamed at the confirmation, "See, those 500 points were well spent. Now, you're all set to continue assisting people; look, the queue has grown even longer."
Indeed, the line of individuals awaiting Lin's guidance had extended, with newcomers joining the ranks, enticed by the opportunity to earn 39,000 points for each run—a swift and lucrative endeavor.
Initially, Lin had prioritized entering the university, seeking desert fruits above all else. Yet, driven by the potential to cultivate his skills to their pinnacle, Lin re-entered the dungeon with another 39 participants. Despite their departure, the queue showed no signs of shortening, as those who had completed their tasks began to spread the word, urging friends to seize this fleeting chance.
Meanwhile, news of Lin's endeavors reached Baili Sheng at Baili Academy, who analyzed Lin's skills with a mix of disdain and jealousy. Recognizing the threat Lin posed to his ambitions and the academy's reputation, Baili Sheng contemplated strategies to exploit Lin's perceived weaknesses.
Back in the dungeon hall, Lin wrapped up another session, the fatigue potion proving its worth by leaving him devoid of any weariness. Calculating the time remaining until the opening ceremony, he estimated he could conduct five more rounds, potentially amassing nearly 200,000 points.
With Shu Han having departed, Lin mulled over continuing his efforts, hoping for a chance encounter with a desert fruit amidst the rigorous dungeon runs.
As the opening ceremony approached, Xia Xue, among the new arrivals at Xia Jing Academy, marveled at the institution's grandeur. Reflecting on her limited points and the challenge of earning more, she couldn't help but envy Lin's seemingly abundant resources. Despite this, she looked forward to the ceremony, curious about Lin's current standing.
After enduring several dungeons, Lin contemplated a final run, determined to make the most of the remaining time. The queue outside the dungeon hinted at a last opportunity to aid his fellow students, culminating in an intense session that reaffirmed Lin's exceptional abilities and the unique strategy he employed to conquer the challenges of the Tyrant Desert.
As debates about the school's task system and Lin's unconventional approach to completing them swirled among the faculty, it was clear Lin had not only impacted the lives of his peers but also sparked discussions on potential reforms within the academy's longstanding traditions.
In Bai Yiyuan's tranquil courtyard, Ning Tairan was visibly irate, his beard bristling as he confronted Bai Yiyuan. "The young man you've taken a liking to is causing quite the stir," he declared.
"What seems to be the issue?" Bai Yiyuan queried, puzzled. Lin's demeanor had always been composed; it was hard to imagine him acting impulsively.
Meng Anwen, present in the gathering, offered Ning Tairan a cup of tea, suggesting, "Old Ning, calm down bro. Let's discuss this over tea."
Ning Tairan, hardly mollified, retorted, "This Lin is practically giving dungeon tours in the Tyrant Desert for nothing."
Bai Yiyuan responded, somewhat bemused, "But isn't it standard practice to charge for guiding others through dungeons?"
"He took 39 people with him," Ning Tairan interjected, his frustration evident. "Now, even those who've been stuck on their tasks for years have managed to complete them."
Laughing, Bai Yiyuan remarked, "Clever boy, finding such a novel approach. How else do you propose he charge them? You can't really offer those guys a group discount."
Ning Tairan, exasperated, pointed out, "You're fully aware of the school's intentions behind these tasks."
Indeed, the school had designed these tasks, particularly the challenging dungeon ones, as a means to identify and nurture exceptional talents. Those unable to complete these tasks often faced certain limitations, be it in strength or social skills.
"Clearly, I understand," Bai Yiyuan acknowledged, sipping his tea. "But that changes nothing. The school has set no rules against Lin's approach; he's operating well within the guidelines."
"Perhaps you ought to identify which specific rule Lin has supposedly breached," Bai Yiyuan challenged, leaving Ning Tairan at a loss for words.
"I've long been critical of these tasks," Bai Yiyuan continued. "For years, numerous promising individuals have been hindered not by a lack of ability but by an inability to integrate socially or form teams."
Ning Tairan's frustration reached its peak, yet after three cups of tea, his fury remained unabated. Rising to leave, he accused, "The two of you are conspiring."
Bai Yiyuan, unfazed, quipped, "You've always been known for your fiery temper, old friend. Remember, I've warned you: should you attempt to harm Lin, I'll dismantle the dungeon palace myself."
As Ning Tairan departed in a huff, Meng Anwen couldn't help but chuckle, "Old Ning's temperament is as unchangeable as ever."
"To change a man's nature is a daunting task," Bai Yiyuan mused. "But, in truth, there's only one person in this world who can truly reign him in."
Meng Anwen, well aware of whom Bai Yiyuan referred to, smiled in agreement, acknowledging the depth of their understanding.