Several hours later, Lin cleared the outpost dungeon again, finding himself merely 10% away from reaching level 25. "One more run should do it for me," he remarked, looking at his experience bar.
Ning Yiyi, now at level 23 after the run, couldn't hide her delight. "Grinding with you is just so easy and pleasant," she said, her smile beaming. She couldn't help but recall the struggle of advancing from level 20 to 21, a journey that now seemed arduous by comparison. "I've decided, I'm sticking with you from now on," Ning Yiyi declared, her decision firm.
They gathered the equipment from Luo Gesi and his companions, planning to sell it later for a considerable sum. Lin was acutely aware of his need for funds, especially with the impending requirement for intermediate skill scrolls as he approached level 40.
Exiting the dungeon, they encountered the restless flaming warhorse, its master now gone. The creature's unease was palpable, its low roars filling the air. Lin and Ning Yiyi exchanged a glance, choosing to leave the warhorse be and focusing instead on their next steps.
The decision to remain silent about Luo Gesi's fate, treating it as a dungeon casualty, meant there would be no direct link to them. This approach offered a layer of protection against potential backlash.
As they joined the other professionals outside, conversations flowed freely, the consensus clear: Lin's solo efficiency dwarfed that of Luo Gesi and his team. The discussions ranged from the merits of various professions to dreamy aspirations of surpassing legendary figures like Bai Yiyuan.
Meanwhile, at Xia Jing Academy, Ning Tairan arrived at the Bai Shen Courtyard with a mix of irritation and concern. "What's gotten into Yiyi? Why's my granddaughter grinding with that brat?" he pondered aloud, vexed by the situation.
Bai Yiyuan, always ready with a quip, teased, "Oh, come now, Ning. Surely you don't think Lin needs any encouragement to draw admirers?" The banter between them, though heated, was a familiar dance, masking the deep respect they held for each other.
After their latest dungeon endeavors, Lin and Ning Yiyi took a moment to rest and plan their next move. "It's time to head back to Xia Jing Academy," Lin suggested, thinking of recharging their cooling talismans and possibly embarking on new quests.
Ning Yiyi, ever spirited, agreed, already plotting how she'd confront her Grandpa if he hadn't lined up another mission for her. "He's going to be surprised at my level," she joked, her playful threat making Lin smile.
Their conversation turned to the spoils of their recent victories. The Hell Outpost equipment they'd collected was a treasure trove, potentially worth millions. By consigning these items at the exchange, they could maximize their returns, a strategy Ning Yiyi enthusiastically endorsed.
As they tallied their assets, the true scale of their wealth became apparent. Even the materials and equipment from Luo Gesi's party contributed to their fortune, pushing Lin's resources well into the millions. This newfound wealth was a stark contrast to Lin's previous financial constraints, offering new possibilities and opportunities for advancement.
Ning Yiyi's casual remark about the relative insignificance of their wealth in the grander scheme of things brought perspective. "In the world of top professionals, gold coins are just the beginning. True value lies in materials, skill scrolls, and military merits," she explained, outlining the complexity of the economy among the elite.
Their discussion illuminated the path ahead, filled with challenges, acquisitions, and the pursuit of strength. As they prepared to return to Xia Jing Academy, Lin and Ning Yiyi were not just partners in adventure but allies in the unyielding quest for growth and discovery in the vast world of professionals.