**Chapter 69: Golden Epic Ornament, Xue Wenli Arrives**
"Congratulations on successfully passing the 'Advanced Scholar Exam'! We also welcome you to join the Scholar Temple!"
In the Hall of the Scholar Temple, Sanctuary Mage Alex approached Su Yu with a warm smile, placing a beautifully packaged badge on his chest.
**[Advanced Scholar Badge (Golden Epic)]**
*Type:* Accessory
*Feature 1:* Gain Intelligence = Your current level x 1.
*Feature 2:* Gain Mana = Your current level x 20.
*Feature 3:* Additional Skill [Clear Mind]: Remove a specified control effect with a cooldown of 120 seconds.
*Feature 4:* Additional Skill [See Through (Passive)]: Immune to [Charm], [Charmed], and other negative charms.
The control effects referenced in Feature 3 include knock-up, stun, freezing, and transformation into sheep. Negative statuses such as bleeding and poisoning are not affected.
This accessory is truly remarkable!
Just the first two features alone grant Su Yu an impressive boost of 11 spell power and 220 mana. The mana can be synergized with [Tear of the Goddess], further enhancing his spell strength as he progresses! Features 3 and 4 will significantly improve Su Yu's survivability against control skills, ensuring he won't fall victim to monsters' control effects.
Within the hall, numerous scholars cast envious glances at the badge adorning Su Yu's chest. This is a title of a senior scholar! Most present were junior or intermediate scholars, and for many, passing the "Senior Scholar Assessment" in their lifetime was a lofty ambition. To witness someone so young achieve this was nothing short of astonishing!
Heimleck regarded Su Yu with a complex expression. Initially, upon reading the invitation letter, he assumed Su Yu was merely a wealthy upstart. Now, he realized that Su Yu had accomplished something extraordinary, passing an exam he had prepared for over the years with seemingly little effort!
"Lord Alex, how many questions did Su Yu answer correctly?" Heimleck inquired.
"Twenty-six, far surpassing your initial performance," Alex replied.
"Twenty-six?!" Heimleck's jaw dropped, leaving him momentarily speechless. He had worked hard to answer just 22 questions correctly; Su Yu had outdone him by four!
A wave of astonished exclamations rippled through the hall. Twenty-six questions! It was unlikely that the Temple would see another scholar of Su Yu's caliber for the next twenty years.
"Are all of you adventurers from another world this exceptional?" Heimleck pondered, his mind racing. If adventurers like Su Yu were both knowledgeable and wealthy enough to produce 100 million psionic coins, what future would the locals have?
Responding to Heimleck's question, Sanctuary Mage Alex cast a concerned glance toward Su Yu. "Of course not. I'm just an exception," Su Yu quickly clarified. "Most adventurers are quite similar to you; they're easy to get along with. As long as you issue commissions with fair rewards, they'll enthusiastically assist."
"That's a relief," Heimleck replied, his shoulders relaxing. He stepped closer to Su Yu, bowing slightly. "I apologize for my earlier remarks. I shouldn't have so hastily dismissed you from the temple."
"As a gesture of my apology, I'd like to offer you this. I hope you won't refuse," he continued.
Just then, a notification chimed in Su Yu's mind.
*Ding! You triggered the rare hidden mission: [Heimleck's Apology].*
*Quest Request: Accept Heimleck's apology.*
*Quest Reward: Skill Scroll [Sheep Transformation (Epic)], EXP x100.*
"It's quite alright! If I were in your position, I wouldn't want a bunch of upstarts and wealthy merchants flooding the temple either. I completely understand your perspective. Knowledge and books are our greatest allies!"
Su Yu readily forgave Heimleck in light of the [Sheep Transformation] skill scroll. Moreover, he felt compelled to affirm their shared belief: "You're absolutely right! Knowledge and books are our best weapons! Let those merchants and nobles go to hell!"
Heimleck's expression brightened as if he had found a kindred spirit. He grasped Su Yu's hands tightly.
*Ding! [Heimleck] +10 Favorability.*
Su Yu was taken aback. "???"
"May I ask, are you married?" Su Yu inquired curiously.
"Why do you want to know? I got married ten years ago and have three children," Heimleck responded, puzzled.
Su Yu's expression fell. "Oh."
The favorability points were suddenly confusing!
For the next hour—equivalent to half a day in the game—Su Yu remained in the Scholar Temple. The temple held a grand welcome celebration in his honor, with Sanctuary Mage Alex and other senior scholars coming forward to express their congratulations.
Su Yu's reputation within the [Scholar Temple] skyrocketed, soaring from neutral to revered status.
With his newfound reputation, he could purchase even more rare items.
The ceremony continued for an hour, until Su Yu prepared to meet the princess. Heimleck and the others reluctantly let him depart.
As he left the temple, Su Yu made ready to ride Dima to the palace. However, at that moment, he felt a faint tapping sensation in the palm of his hand.
The tapping triggered Su Yu's instincts. This signal meant someone was reaching out from the real world!
Quickly, he sought out a quiet spot and exited the game.
---
In his real-world rental house, Su Yu removed his helmet and sat up on the bed.
*Knock, knock, knock!*
"Who is it?" he called out.
"Is this Mr. Su Yu? I'm the representative from the relevant department. I need to speak with you," came a cold female voice from outside the door.
Relevant departments? Why would they come so quickly?
Su Yu summoned his magic and opened the door, finding a woman in her mid-twenties, dressed casually. Her beauty was striking, and she exuded a sense of authority.
He scanned the opposite building for any sign of a sniper, feeling relieved when he saw none.
"Just a moment; I'll get ready," Su Yu replied, quickly donning his coat and stashing his laser gun in the closet.
After tidying up, he reached for the doorknob, but just as he was about to open the door, a smirk formed on his lips.
"Miss, if I were you, I'd put the gun away first, or at least show some sincerity for this negotiation."
The woman outside was, of course, Xue Wenli, Zhong Feng's deputy.
Surprised by his observation, she thought, *How did he know? There are no surveillance cameras around, and I didn't make a sound while drawing my gun!*
But she was also decisive.
Xue Wenli dropped the magazine and tossed her pistol onto the ground. "Can we talk now?"
"Of course," Su Yu said, finally opening the door.
---
*(End of this chapter)*