Xia Xue was visibly surprised. It was a rare occasion for Lin to speak so extensively. This deviation from his usual reticence hinted at a deeper strategy at play, a characteristic insight Xia Xue had come to associate with Lin over time. Lin's willingness to engage in extended dialogue suggested a significant reason, possibly tied to his contentious history with Ling Zhen.
As Ling Zhen deliberated over Lin's bold challenge, the attention of all present was fixed upon him. Ling Zhen had been the one to initiate the challenge, yet now he seemed hesitant to accept his own proposition. Lin's provocation, "Don't you dare?" pushed Ling Zhen to a corner, prompting him, despite his reservations, to accept the wager, lest he face utter humiliation.
The spectators, including the hidden overseers, were amused by Ling Zhen's predicament. Meng Anwen and Bai Yiyuan dismissed Ling Zhen's rashness as folly, predicting his quick downfall in any real battlefield scenario. Ning Tairan speculated on Lin's substantial point holdings, a topic that sparked surprise and admiration among the onlookers.
As the assembly moved to the competition grounds, anticipation built among the veteran students familiar with the post-ceremony challenges. The arena was set, and as the matches commenced, the disparity in experience between the new and veteran students became apparent. Despite their losses, the new students, including Xia Xue and Zuo Mei, viewed their defeats as learning opportunities, showcasing their resilience and determination to improve.
When the much-anticipated match between Ling Zhen and Lin was announced, the atmosphere was electric. The reveal of Lin's level and accomplishments stirred excitement and respect among the audience. Ling Zhen's derogatory remarks towards Lin, met with Lin's consistent reminder of his superior level, only served to escalate tensions.
"If you weren't in the academy, you would be dead." Lin said coldly as a skeleton warrior appeared next to him.
The skeleton brandished the sword and rushed towards Ling Zhen.
A talisman appeared in Ling Zhen's hand, and then he crushed it.
A breeze blew by, and the skeleton warrior disappeared.
Lin Moyu found that his skills seemed to be sealed.
It cannot be summoned again.
Ling Zhen laughed and said, "You see, this is called the summoning sealing talisman, which is specially used to deal with summoners."
Ling Zhen's use of a summoning sealing talisman, a tactical move aimed at neutralizing Lin's strengths, revealed underhanded preparation possibly backed by hidden adversaries.
Despite Ling Zhen's confident assault, Lin's calm demeanor and the sudden emergence of skeletal armor as his defense hinted at an unanticipated depth to his abilities. The onlookers, including the watching deities, speculated on the outcome, with Bai Yiyuan expressing confidence in Lin's underestimated capabilities.
As flames enveloped Lin, the crowd held its breath, waiting to see if Lin's calmness and strategic foresight would be enough to counter Ling Zhen's aggressive tactics and reveal the true extent of his powers under pressure.