"Xiaoxue!"
Xia Dongyang's voice snapped Xia Xue out of her daze.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised, as she obediently walked toward him.
The usual arrogance in Xia Xue's demeanor seemed to disappear in her father's presence. Xia Dongyang smiled affectionately. "Let's head home," he said, gesturing to his car.
They didn't need to take the school bus; Xia Dongyang had come to pick her up personally. As they settled into the car, Xia Xue couldn't help but steal glances at Lin Moyu in the distance, still meditating. Curiosity gnawed at her. She wanted—no, needed—to understand how he had managed to reach level 7 so quickly.
Xia Dongyang noticed her fixation. "Are you feeling competitive with Lin Moyu?" he asked, amused.
Xia Xue sighed, her bravado deflating. "Yeah... I lost again. That guy is unbelievable."
Her father chuckled. "Want me to step in and—"
"Absolutely not!" she interrupted, her voice firm. "This is my battle, and I'll handle it. I refuse to lose to that idiot forever."
Her fierce determination reignited, and Xia Dongyang smiled proudly at her. "Alright, I won't interfere. But, Xue'er, Lin Moyu killed every level 8 monster in the novice dungeon... and did it two hours ahead of schedule."
Xia Xue blinked, her mind reeling. "He... cleared all the level 8 monsters?"
She had barely reached the area with level 7 monsters and was already proud of being able to fight one at level 5. But Lin Moyu had gone beyond, slaying all the higher-level monsters and emerging victorious hours earlier than anyone else. It stung. Deep down, she wondered if there was truly such a massive gap between them.
Xia Dongyang gently patted her shoulder. "Every profession has its strengths. Some shine early on, others bloom later. You have advantages too, you know."
Xia Xue knew what he meant—her privileged background, resources, access to the best equipment, skills, and props. Lin Moyu, on the other hand, lacked such advantages. No family wealth, no high-level gear, nothing to rely on but his own skill. Yet, he still outpaced her.
"Doesn't matter," Xia Xue muttered under her breath, her frustration giving way to a renewed fire. "I won't give up. I'll surpass him someday, no matter how far ahead he is right now."
Her fighting spirit was back, and Xia Dongyang couldn't have been more pleased. That was his daughter, always ready for the next challenge.
Meanwhile, on the school bus, Gao Yang plopped down next to Lin Moyu with a wide grin. "Level 4! Not bad, right? It was actually kinda fun taking down monsters with my sister. Much better than solo grinding."
Lin Moyu glanced at him, unimpressed by the boasting. Gao Yang, noticing his silence, turned to Lin Moyu with wide eyes. "Wait a minute, you're already level 7?!" His voice shot up in disbelief, loud enough for everyone on the bus to hear.
"Did you seriously clear all the monsters in the dungeon? I struggled to hit level 4 and you're at 7? What are you, some kind of prodigy?"
The bus erupted into murmurs. Everyone now noticed Lin Moyu's rapid ascent. They were in awe. Most of them had only reached level 3, with level 4 being a significant achievement. And here was Lin Moyu—already at level 7.
Even though Lin Moyu's skeleton warriors made some uneasy, the allure of strength was undeniable. Students who had previously kept their distance now wanted to get closer, hoping to gain insight or at least make a connection with the rising star. But Lin Moyu's quiet demeanor and the intimidating presence of his skeletal summons kept them hesitant.
"Enough!" Lu Yun barked from the front of the bus, restoring order. The excited chatter died down almost instantly.
Gao Yang rubbed his head sheepishly. "Sorry, I got carried away. Hey, Lin Moyu, can I tag along with you next time? Help me level up?"
Lin Moyu gave a noncommittal nod. "If there's a chance."
Gao Yang's face lit up. "Awesome, I'll hold you to that."
The next morning, Gao Yang eagerly waited at the school gates, but Lin Moyu was nowhere to be found.
"Teacher Lu, where's Lin Moyu?"
Lu Yun smiled faintly. "He went to the outskirts of Xihai City."
Gao Yang's face fell. "What? That sly dog! No wonder he agreed so easily yesterday." He let out a dramatic groan. "Lin Moyu, you tricked me!"
Meanwhile, Lin Moyu had already arrived at the south gate of Xihai City. Beyond the towering city wall lay the monster-infested wilderness. Unlike the novice dungeon, where monsters maxed out at level 8, the creatures outside the wall started at level 10. They were stronger, more dangerous, but also far more rewarding in terms of experience and loot.
Various shops lined the streets leading to the city wall—blacksmiths, armorers, weapon dealers, and jewellers among them. But the most notable of all was the Shenxia Empire Exchange.
This government-run marketplace was a cornerstone of the economy, present in cities both large and small across the empire. Through it, adventurers could buy and sell equipment, materials, and even take on tasks. Lin Moyu had read about it in books, but seeing it in person was a different experience.
The exchange was a marvel of alchemical engineering, with hundreds of stone pillars embedded with magical crystals. Each pillar acted as a terminal for accessing the exchange's various functions. It was said to be the pinnacle of god
-level alchemy.
Lin Moyu approached one of the stone pillars, placing his hand on the crystal. A faint glow enveloped his fingers as the system began to process.
[Authenticating…]
[Authentication successful: Lin Moyu, citizen of the Shenxia Empire.]
[Access granted to Shenxia Empire Exchange.]
[Contribution points: 0]
[Permission: Level 1]
Lin Moyu's eyes scanned the interface projected by the crystal. With this system, he could now sell any materials or equipment he gathered, purchase items for himself, or consign rare drops for auction. He also noticed a list of available tasks and quests offered by the empire—completing these would earn him contribution points, allowing him access to better gear and opportunities.
This was his first time at the exchange, but he felt an undercurrent of excitement. The wilderness ahead promised danger, but it also offered something far more valuable: the chance to grow stronger. And unlike his classmates, who relied on wealth and family, Lin Moyu would rely solely on his own strength and the power of his necromancy.
The path to greatness lay before him, and he was ready to walk it—alone, if necessary.