The team from the Shenxia Empire returned, their voices filled with laughter and chatter.
"The people from Sakura Country are so amusing; they were scared off!" one remarked.
"It's hilarious to see how easily they panicked," another added.
"Can you believe it? So many professionals running away from just a few skeletons—it's such a waste."
"That guy could even create nightmare-level dungeons. If he gets desperate, the folks in the Sakura Kingdom will have to bring him food. But if he doesn't escape, he'll be done for."
As they spoke, many cast curious glances at Lin Moyu, who had remained silent, cloaked in an aura of mystery.
Whispers circulated among the group, speculating about his origins.
"Where did he come from?" one asked.
"Surely, he can't be from a top academy," another replied skeptically.
"Why would anyone from a prestigious school come here?" someone chimed in.
"Besides, those top-tier students are usually too busy leveling up and tackling high-level dungeons to be practicing here."
"It's really strange; who is this formidable figure?"
"He doesn't seem to talk much."
"Those who don't speak often are the most ruthless. The way he dispatched that Shikigami was incredibly fierce."
The journey back felt effortless in their lighthearted mood.
Although they hadn't completed the trial task, the experience left Lin Moyu feeling satisfied.
Driving away the Sakura Country participants had been enough of a victory.
As for the trial itself? That was secondary.
Ling Zhen was the only one showing displeasure, stealing glances at Lin Moyu, his eyes filled with both hatred and regret.
If he hadn't bullied Jiang Taotao back then, he might have been among those who completed Trial 02 successfully.
But now...
"We're not done yet," Ling Zhen seethed inwardly.
As the group passed through the light curtain back to the starting point, Jiang Taotao stepped forward, holding the mission stone and Mermaid's Tears aloft. "Let's turn in the mission!"
The mission stone and Mermaid's Tears slowly rose into the air.
At that moment, a phantom of the god Shata materialized above them, and a beam of light shot from the tower, striking Jiang Taotao's items.
A few moments later, a resounding voice echoed through the air.
"The trial mission is complete. Let's return!"
The phantom of Shata gleamed brightly, illuminating everyone.
In an instant, they were teleported back to Qianlong Academy.
"Back already?"
"The trial is over."
"Thank goodness we all made it back alive."
"Come on, it's not easy to have an accident. Every year during trials at various colleges, there are at least a hundred mishaps. When have you heard of anyone dying?"
"Low-level trials won't kill anyone. At those top academies, professionals above level 30 die every year."
"Exactly! For them, our trials are just a joke."
The atmosphere in Qianlong Academy was lively, with students buzzing about the trial.
But the most discussed topic was still Lin Moyu.
Without him, they would have had to face off against the Sakura Country team, and it was uncertain whether they could have snatched the dungeon from them.
After all, their opponents had a high-level Onmyoji.
Ning Yiyi's face paled once more, the long-distance teleportation having left her feeling unwell.
"In the future, we need to pick closer trial locations," she insisted.
"I refuse to go anywhere too far away!"
She slumped over the table, looking as limp as a dead fish.
Jiang Taotao smiled, relieved to be back.
"Thank you, Lin Moyu. This trial meant a lot to me."
Her gratitude was sincere.
Lin Moyu shook his head, dismissing the thanks.
Ning Yiyi finally regained her composure. "Sister Taozi doesn't need to be so polite with Mo Yu. Even though he doesn't talk much, he's genuinely kind."
Although Ning Yiyi hadn't known Lin Moyu for long, she felt an inexplicable trust in him.
Suddenly, a sharp voice broke through the chatter.
"Quiet!"
Everyone looked up to see a figure standing in mid-air.
The person, stepping on nothing, was a level 70, third-rotation professional.
Lin Moyu couldn't help but feel awe.
Once professionals reach level 70 and complete their third rotation, they can step into the void and fly.
This is true for any professional, even those in lifestyle roles.
Some individuals, like Onmyoji, can fly even earlier by borrowing Shikigami.
"This is our dean," Ning Yiyi whispered to Lin Moyu.
Lin Moyu nodded slightly, admiration in his gaze.
Any professional who could complete three rotations was deserving of respect.
According to high school textbooks, the third rotation was exceptionally difficult; less than 3% of professionals achieve it.
Such figures are naturally noteworthy.
And those like Baishen? Even rarer—there are only a few in the entire country.
Dean Hong Shan surveyed the crowd, satisfaction evident on his face.
"This trial has concluded, and we are currently analyzing the process and results. Final scores will be sent to your communicators shortly."
"You must remember that the trial's purpose is not solely about the outcome but about the journey itself."
"Embrace the process, conquer your fears, and maintain your belief in victory. Completing the trial without casualties and returning safely is paramount."
"It has come to my attention that you encountered professionals from Sakura Country during this trial."
"We will review the specifics. Those who excel will naturally have the opportunity to enter top schools."
"Now, take some time to rest."
After Dean Hong Shan finished speaking, he turned and left.
Ning Yiyi sighed, "Every time he delivers the same motivational speech. Can't he come up with something new?"
Jiang Taotao chuckled, as if soothing a child. "Just listen; it's meant to encourage us."
Ning Yiyi scoffed, "Encouragement? What's so special about trying to entice us into top academies?"
Jiang Taotao beamed, "It might not seem special to you, but it's different for us."
Ning Yiyi fell silent, realizing that Jiang Taotao genuinely aspired to attend a top academy.
At Xiajing Academy, there's a significant difference between ordinary students and those from prestigious institutions.
For many, getting into a top school is a point of pride.
Jiang Taotao began dividing the rewards from the dungeon.
Lin Moyu also took out his spoils, insisting that since they were all on the same team, the gains should be shared equally.
After organizing their loot, Ning Yiyi and Lin Moyu headed to the Imperial Exchange together.
Lin Moyu planned to sell his finds for gold coins, as they were of little use to him.
Ning Yiyi, unconcerned with money, offered her share to Lin Moyu.
Her excuse? She claimed she had no space left in her storage.
Only a fool would believe that—her storage space was more than sufficient.
Lin Moyu accepted her generosity without objection.
After this experience, the bond between them had deepened, and some things no longer needed to be addressed.
At the Imperial Exchange, they sold off the useless silver equipment they had acquired.
A silver-level Mermaid Queen dagger had dropped during the dungeon, which Lin Moyu had intended to give to Ning Yiyi.
But she pulled out a superior dagger, waving it in front of him.
Both were silver rank, but hers had better attributes.
The black iron level corresponded to levels 10 and below, while bronze was for levels 10-20.
After level 20, stronger silver-level equipment becomes available.
However, the quality of silver equipment can vary greatly.
The Mermaid Queen, a level 24 boss, had dropped mediocre silver weapons in a level 20 dungeon.
While aesthetically pleasing, they were not particularly powerful.
Silver weapons usually sell for 50,000 to 200,000 gold coins at the exchange, with the Mermaid Queen's priced around 70,000.
Lin Moyu sold the two Mermaid Queen weapons along with the materials they gathered, netting a total of 180,000 gold coins.
"Don't you need a weapon?" Ning Yiyi noticed Lin Moyu was empty-handed.
He had previously possessed a magic book but decided it was too troublesome and sold it.
Lin Moyu shook his head. "It's useless to me."
Although his title included 'Mage,' as a Necromancer, neither staffs nor magic books provided any skill bonuses for him.
He mused that perhaps his profession had its own unique equipment.
That small amount of spiritual bonus was truly insignificant.
Ning Yiyi huffed, "You need to save more money and buy primary skill scrolls."
"Before your second transfer, you should learn all your primary professional skills."
Lin Moyu listened attentively, grateful for her knowledge.
Ning Yiyi transformed into Teacher Ning, teaching him earnestly.
"If you haven't learned all the basic skills, you can only use intermediate skill scrolls after the second transfer."
"Awakening a primary skill at that point would waste an intermediate scroll."
Lin Moyu absorbed this information, realizing the significant price difference.
"This should suffice."
He left with a determination to secure his skills and rise in power.
While scrolling through their rewards, Lin Moyu stumbled upon a simple primary skill scroll.
Its description stated it could grant a random primary skill for necromancers.
Though the odds were low, it offered hope.
Lin Moyu would keep it safe.
After finishing their transactions, they returned to the academy, eager to rest.