69: Chapter 69: Out on a training expedition, being watched.
Three days later, early in the morning, Lin Yuan finished his cultivation. Upon leaving his room, he discovered Li Yuxuan was still in the upstairs training room.
Recently, that guy seemed to have been spurred on by something, cultivating like crazy, putting in effort many times greater than when he was preparing for the Martial Arts Examination.
It was said he was on the verge of breaking through to become a First-Order Martial Artist these past few days, which explained his exceptionally intense cultivation.
Lin Yuan smiled slightly and, without disturbing him, walked straight towards the door.
After three days of cultivation, Lin Yuan had grown even more familiar with the explosively increased strength within his body, able to wield it with ease.
Just as he stepped out, he received a call from Mu Qianqian.
She informed him that the academy had received a notice from Saint Su. After the start of the school year this year, each Sacred Academy would hold a grand competition for New Students.
After the grand competition, there would also be an exchange tournament for New Students from the Four Great Sacred Academies.
Moda University had recruited a top-tier genius with an S-grade special ability this year, and the other two academies had also admitted some talented disciples. Therefore, Mu Qianqian warned him not to be careless.
"It's time to continue improving. Should I go challenge the Martial God Tower next, or find a place to hunt fierce beasts?"
Just as Lin Yuan was pondering, his phone rang again. He answered; it was Tang Wanrou calling.
"Tang Wanrou, is something the matter?" Lin Yuan spoke first.
"Lin Yuan, can't I call you if nothing's wrong?"
Tang Wanrou's gentle voice came through. Most guys hearing such a voice would be utterly enchanted, instantly transforming into simpering admirers.
Yet, hearing it, Lin Yuan merely frowned. "If you have something to say, say it. I'm very busy."
"Hmph! Lin Yuan, didn't you say you were going to teach me Martial Arts? It's been several days, and you haven't come to find me," Tang Wanrou said in a coquettish tone.
"I said before, I've been busy recently. Wait a few more days. I'm going out today," Lin Yuan replied with a hint of impatience.
Previously, whenever Mu Qianqian mentioned Tang Wanrou, there was always a faint trace of dimness in her eyes. Though well concealed, Lin Yuan could still detect it.
So, unconsciously, he had grown somewhat impatient with Tang Wanrou.
"Lin Yuan, are you annoyed with me?" Tang Wanrou's voice carried a hint of grievance.
"No---it's just that I also need time to improve my strength. Today, I plan to find a Void Rift to kill fierce beasts. I really don't have time to teach you Martial Arts."
They were fellow students, and there was no need to make the relationship so tense. After all, she hadn't done anything to him; he just wanted to distance himself a bit. So, Lin Yuan didn't say anything too harsh.
"You're going to a Void Rift? Perfect. I have membership access to the Silver Pine Forest in the capital. Let's go together. It would probably be difficult for you to enter alone; it's only open to members. It's very suitable for students like us to train there."
Tang Wanrou immediately perked up. She had been worried about not having an excuse to ask Lin Yuan out, and here was the opportunity.
"No need. When I train, I prefer to be alone," Lin Yuan refused.
"Why are you so stubborn? Am I going to eat you? I'm not afraid, and I'm a girl. What are you, a grown man, being so coy about? You don't think I'm interested in you, do you?"
"Uh---Who's being coy? I was worried you might have ulterior motives. Since you're not interested in me, go ahead if you want to come."
Lin Yuan really did think she was interested in him. But since she put it that way, refusing would seem too unreasonable.
"Alright, then let's meet at the Martial God Tower. I'm heading out now."
Tang Wanrou's voice clearly became much more cheerful as she hurriedly hung up.
Lin Yuan shook his head slightly. "Together it is, then. What Tang Wanrou said isn't wrong. I'm a grown man; why should I be afraid of her? It's not like I like her anyway."
Thinking this, Lin Yuan strode towards the Martial God Tower.
The Martial God Tower was also exceptionally lively today. Students waiting to ascend the tower had formed a small queue, including several second-year students about to graduate.
"Junior Lin, are you here to ascend the tower? We were just hoping to witness Junior Lin's prowess," a second-year senior walked over and said with a smile. Lin Yuan had earned their respect with his strength in the testing space.
"Yes, Junior Lin, give us a demonstration. Let us observe and learn," another senior chimed in.
"Hehe---Seniors, not today. I'm planning to leave the academy for a bit. You go ahead and ascend; I'll come another day," Lin Yuan clasped his hands and smiled at the seniors.
"Ah... That's a real shame. I thought we'd get to see your skills today. I heard you can even reach the fourth floor. That's seriously monstrous, haha---"
"Hehe---You flatter me, Senior. Your strengths are also formidable---"
Just as Lin Yuan and the group of seniors were engaging in mutual flattery, a red Ferrari sports car suddenly pulled up in the Martial God Tower square.
Although the sports car was expensive, it wasn't much for Martial Artists. What truly drew everyone's gaze was that this model and color were surely driven by a girl, and a very confident beauty at that---
The door on Lin Yuan's side suddenly swung upwards, revealing the girl inside. She had long, captivating wavy hair cascading down.
Her face was exquisitely made up, wearing orange sunglasses. Her lips were a faint pink and glossy, her neck snow-white, and her figure perfectly curvaceous—every detail held a fatal allure for men.
Most importantly, the beauty's demeanor was exceptionally gentle and graceful. Paired with her enchanting appearance, it stirred a strong desire for conquest.
"Wow! What a beautiful girl. Do we have such a beauty in our academy?" a second-year senior said, eyes full of admiration.
"Haven't seen her before. So pretty, such great presence."
"Who is such a beautiful girl here for? Who's so lucky to be her boyfriend? Must have accumulated good karma in a past life."
A group of guys chattered excitedly, but Lin Yuan was unimpressed.
"Is she really that pretty? I think she's far from matching Dean Mu," Lin Yuan said, unconvinced.
"Brother, Dean Mu is a true goddess. Beautiful, but only to be admired from afar. This one is different; she seems much more approachable. Look! She seems to be looking at me. Ah, my heart's about to jump out---"
"How could she be looking at you? She's clearly looking at me---"
Another guy tossed his hair, striking a handsome pose.
At that moment, the girl's smile blossomed like a blooming rose, gentle and elegant.
Her pink lips parted, and a soft, sweet voice emerged:
"Lin Yuan, aren't you getting in the car?"
Instantly, the square fell silent. Lin Yuan coughed awkwardly twice:
"Ahem---Everyone, I'll be going now. But let me state clearly, I have no relationship whatsoever with this woman. Don't go spreading any rumors!"
Watching Lin Yuan walk towards the sports car, the crowd suddenly erupted into commotion...
"Damn! And he says he has no relationship with her? Unbelievable! It's bad enough he's so strong, but he's also a master at picking up girls---"
"This Junior Lin is inhuman. So strong, yet still has time for romance. Look at the caliber of his girlfriend—absolutely top-tier. We're already second-years and still a bunch of pathetic single dogs---"
"Comparing people is infuriating, especially with a peerless prodigy like Junior Lin. What's the point?---"
"Right, right, let's not compare ourselves to freaks. Let's climb the tower, climb the tower!"
...
Lin Yuan got into Tang Wanrou's car. Tang Wanrou gave him a sweet smile. "Hehe---What were you all talking about?"
With a Martial Artist's hearing, Tang Wanrou had heard everything clearly, but she asked anyway, wanting to tease Lin Yuan.
"Nothing much. They just said you're pretty," Lin Yuan said awkwardly.
"Then do you think I'm pretty?" Tang Wanrou lifted her chin, leaning a bit closer to Lin Yuan.
Hearing this, Lin Yuan looked out the window. "Hurry up, are we going or not?"
Hearing his reply, Tang Wanrou's lips immediately curled up, and her eyes curved into crescents. She thought to herself, "Just keep being stubborn."
Then she started the car and sped off with a press of the accelerator.
Just after the two of them drove away, a figure appeared on the Martial God Tower square. His face was as dark as water, and he glared at the departing red sports car, grinding his teeth...