Lin Moyu didn't expect that Baishen would personally come to visit him.
He poured water for both his guests—simple boiled water.
Lu Yun quickly explained, "My lord, please don't mind. Moyu's sister went to Xiajing Academy last year, and now he lives here alone."
Bai Yiyuan glanced around the room, taking in its modest furnishings. The house was worn down in many places, clearly showing the family's financial difficulties. It was impressive, almost unbelievable, that someone from such a background could rise to the level of genius that Lin Moyu had.
Baishen smiled. "So, Lin Moyu's sister is also in Xiajing Academy?"
Lu Yun immediately chimed in, "Lin Mohan—she was admitted last year."
Although Bai Yiyuan didn't recognize Lin Mohan, her name was now noted in his mind for future reference.
"It's remarkable that both siblings managed to enter Xiajing Academy," Bai Yiyuan said, his gaze now resting on Lin Moyu.
On the way to the house, Lu Yun had already filled him in on Lin Moyu's reserved personality. Now, witnessing it in person, Bai Yiyuan began to understand. Perhaps it was this quiet nature that allowed him to remain so composed and thoughtful, beyond what was typical for someone his age.
"May I see your summoned creature?" Bai Yiyuan asked.
Lin Moyu didn't hesitate. The skeleton warrior appeared quietly in the room, obedient and still.
Bai Yiyuan examined the creature with a curious look. "A four-dimensional attribute of 250—nothing extraordinary. So, how did you manage to perform so well in the battle space?"
At Bai Yiyuan's level, there was no need for a detection spell. His eyes were trained to see what others couldn't.
Lin Moyu realized something in that moment: his talent's bonus attributes weren't visible to others. What they saw were only the basic stats of his skeleton warriors, while their true power came from the hidden enhancements his talent provided.
"And what talent have you awakened?" Bai Yiyuan asked.
Even Lu Yun seemed surprised by the question. "Moyu, have you really awakened your talent?"
Lin Moyu spoke softly, "My talent boosts all skills."
Bai Yiyuan nodded, his expression unsurprised. "I could tell from how you performed in the battle space."
Without delving further into the topic, Bai Yiyuan shifted the conversation. "I'm here for two reasons. First, to present you with your rewards. Normally, you would receive them after arriving at the academy, but since I'm here, I brought them with me."
"And second, to invite you to participate in a trial taking place the day after tomorrow at Xiajing Academy."
Lin Moyu's eyes flickered. "What kind of trial?"
Bai Yiyuan explained, "It's an internal trial at the academy, exclusive to its students. I can't reveal the details unless you agree to join."
The weight of Bai Yiyuan's words sunk in. He was being given a choice—participation wasn't mandatory. Yet, the invitation came with high expectations.
There was something else: the trial was for insiders. Lin Moyu didn't know much about Xiajing Academy, but the term "insiders" clearly had significance. The secrecy surrounding the trial further suggested it was no ordinary challenge.
Caution stirred in Lin Moyu's mind. He had learned that to survive, he needed to remain calm and analytical at all times.
Bai Yiyuan smiled at his hesitation. "I'm pleased to see you're cautious. All I can tell you is that this trial is a rare opportunity. Normally, you wouldn't even qualify for it, but I've arranged for your participation."
With that assurance, Lin Moyu made his decision. "I'll participate."
Refusing would be an affront to Bai Yiyuan, and Lin Moyu wasn't foolish enough to make such an enemy.
"In that case, let's begin with your rewards," Bai Yiyuan said. "As the top scholar in the country, your rewards are significant."
With a flash of light, several items appeared before Lin Moyu. His eyes landed on one familiar object: a skill scroll.
"The first reward is 100,000 points," Bai Yiyuan continued. "This is your national champion prize, in addition to the points you earned in the exam."
Lin Moyu had earned 34,605 points during the exam, and now, with the additional 100,000, he held over 130,000 points.
"These points are stored on this card," Bai Yiyuan said, handing it over. "You'll find that points are more valuable than gold at Xiajing Academy. You'll understand why once you arrive."
"The second reward," Bai Yiyuan continued, "is one basic skill scroll and one intermediate skill scroll."
"And finally, based on your exceptional performance in the battle space, you are granted access to the Tower of Gods."
Lin Moyu had heard of the Tower of Gods, though its details were kept secret. Bai Yiyuan confirmed it. "You'll learn more about it at the academy. But let me emphasize this: your first entry is critical. Be thoroughly prepared."
The seriousness in Bai Yiyuan's tone underscored the importance of the opportunity.
"I understand," Lin Moyu replied.