On the way back to the city, nothing unpleasant happened, which made Lin Yu wonder if he was the protagonist.
Didn't protagonists always encounter all sorts of troubles, with ghosts and demons on their heels and the sky and earth cracking apart?
Why was his journey out of the city so quiet and smooth?
Lin Yu pouted, expressing his displeasure, but deep down, he still hoped to return safely.
After all, he wasn't some Dragon King whose slightest smile would bring powerful beings from all realms to his doorstep.
He encountered many pedestrians along the way, some in small groups, others alone, all keeping a good distance from each other.
No one approached to chat or strike up a conversation; everyone maintained an appropriate safe distance.
This was Lin Yu's first time hunting outside the city. Seeing how wary these people were, he decided to follow suit.
He never walked in the middle of the path, kept his attention focused on his innate ability, and was always ready to defend against any crisis.
The ten-mile journey that took him only about ten minutes on the way out took him half an hour on the way back.
Upon reaching the city gate and gazing at the tall city walls, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Phew, I'm finally back!"
At the city gate, he took out his student card and placed it on the detection platform.
Immediately, a mechanical voice from the detection platform sounded.
"Beep, detection passed: San Gao student Lin Yu, welcome back!"
With a click, the blue energy net disappeared, and Lin Yu quickly walked in.
Just as he entered the city, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.
Turning around, he saw a group of students, similarly young, walking towards him, looking exhausted.
Upon reaching the city gate, their faces lit up with excitement as they eagerly presented their identification cards for detection.
As various detection sounds echoed, they cheered and rushed into the city.
Lin Yu glanced at them, shook his head, and mused, "Are they that tired?" before turning towards home.
He had been out all day, and his stomach was rumbling.
As he walked into a plaza in the city center,
a voice suddenly called out to him.
Hearing the voice, he immediately stopped and turned around.
Zhao Ke was waving at him with an excited expression.
"Lin Yu, Lin Yu!!!"
Lin Yu smiled wryly and ran towards Zhao Ke.
Just as he reached Zhao Ke, a boy of similar age behind her quickly turned and walked towards them, asking, "Zhao Ke, who is this..."
Zhao Ke glanced at him coldly and replied, "My classmate!"
His cold tone irked him, but he suppressed his anger.
He extended his hand and said with a smile, "Hello, classmate. My name is Li Yuan! I have an S-class talent, Storm Manipulation. What about you?"
Lin Yu was bewildered.
"Who did I offend to be targeted like this?" he wondered. "Is it the protagonist's halo? Right, as a protagonist, I should have some minor troubles!"
However, looking at the smug expression on the other person's face, he remained expressionless and gave a perfunctory reply, "B-class, Clone!"
Upon hearing that Lin Yu had a B-class talent, Li Yuan immediately felt relieved. He couldn't help but steal a few glances at Zhao Ke.
Seeing that Zhao Ke hadn't looked at him at all, he felt a pang of disappointment.
He had run into Zhao Ke by chance while wandering around today. He had wanted to invite Zhao Ke for a meal or something, but Zhao Ke had maintained a cold demeanor, appearing unapproachable.
This left him feeling very frustrated!
He had an S-class talent, and although it wasn't as good as Zhao Ke's SS-class talent, he was still considered among the top in the school!
He harbored some unspoken feelings for Zhao Ke, who combined beauty and talent.
Not only him, but other male classmates had similar thoughts.
After all, Zhao Ke was the most dazzling pearl in the entire third year.
She had even been admitted early to the Chaos Element Academy, one of the ten major academies, a true prodigy.
How could anyone not be interested? He, with his S-class talent, believed he wasn't much worse than Zhao Ke and might even evolve into an SS-class talent in the future with some good luck during combat.
Looking at Lin Yu, who had a B-class talent, he scoffed internally. "A mere B-class talent, what chance do I have against me?"
Upon hearing that Lin Yu had a B-class talent, he no longer viewed Lin Yu as a rival.
In his mind, Lin Yu was an insignificant figure. Once they entered university, they would be from different worlds.
Zhao Ke would have no further interaction with Lin Yu.
He flashed a brilliant smile and said, "Classmate Lin, if you have any difficulties, feel free to tell me. I still have some influence in our San Gao!"
Lin Yu glanced at him and completely ignored his words.
Seeing Lin Yu's lack of response, he continued, "Your talent is a bit low. The Clone talent is suitable for scouts and reconnaissance. Are you interested in working under me?"
Lin Yu shook his head. "I'm sorry, I'm not interested!"
Zhao Ke said, "How about you come work under me?"
Lin Yu looked at her with surprise, but still shook his head.
Zhao Ke chuckled, "See? Even I can't persuade him. With your mere S-class talent, what right do you have to ask Lin Yu to be your subordinate?"
Li Yuan was somewhat angered by Zhao Ke's taunt, but he managed to maintain a smile.
"Haha, I was just joking. Please don't take it to heart. How about this, it's getting late, why don't we all go out for a meal together?"
Lin Yu shook his head, offering a casual excuse. "I'm sorry, it's getting late, and my family is waiting."
Zhao Ke looked at him in surprise and also said, "If you want to eat, go ahead. We need to go home."
Li Yuan tried to invite them again, but both were ruthlessly rejected.
He finally gave up and bid them farewell. The two left together, leaving Li Yuan standing alone in a daze.
He immediately chased after them, but to his astonishment, their speed was faster than his. They disappeared from sight in a flash!
"This is unbelievable!!!"
After they were long gone, he looked in the direction they had left, his face flushing red.
"You've infuriated me! Lin Yu, is it? You just wait!!!"
...
Under the streetlights.
Lin Yu and Zhao Ke walked together.
Zhao Ke said, "I didn't expect you to be so firm! Aren't you afraid of Li Yuan retaliating?"
After all, he was an S-class talent, and if he really beat someone up, the school would likely turn a blind eye.
In this world, those with powerful talents were inherently superior!
Lin Yu smiled and said, "Don't I still have you to protect me? If he dares to bully me, can you tolerate it?"
Zhao Ke burst into laughter. "That's right. If he causes you trouble, I'll cause him trouble. I'll make him kneel at your feet and sing 'Conquer,' how about that?"
"Then I'll be counting on you. If I get beaten up, it'll be your reputation on the line!" Lin Yu said.
Zhao Ke clenched her small, lightning-crackling fist and said fiercely, "Don't worry, your big sister will protect you!"
"But, you mustn't give up either, understand?"
"You need to cultivate diligently. You still have a chance to reach the pinnacle in the future!"
"The Sword God senior is a prime example!"
Her teacher's instinct kicked in again. Lin Yu listened to her teachings and nodded repeatedly.
He didn't dare to utter a single word of opposition, fearing that if she didn't get it all out of her system, she would keep talking, and he wouldn't be able to get home today!
"Do you understand? Cultivate diligently!"
"Mhm, I understand!"
"Good. It's getting late, goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"