The last sentence, though spoken calmly, sent a clear sense of danger through Xiao Han. This beautiful instructor was no pushover.
Xiao Han remained silent for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts or weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, he raised his head, his eyes showing a hint of "frankness": "Reporting to Master, this disciple did indeed obtain a fragmented ancient inheritance by chance deep within the secret realm."
"Oh? An ancient tradition?" Lin Qingxia's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her interest growing. "What kind of tradition?"
"I can't explain the specifics either. The inheritance seems to be related to my Martial Soul, and it contains some cultivation methods and combat techniques."
Xiao Han said, half-truthfully, attributing everything to the mysterious "inheritance," "It was during the process of absorbing the power of the inheritance that my strength was able to break through. Because I was worried that it would be too shocking and attract unnecessary trouble, I concealed it, not because I intended to deceive my mentor."
As he spoke, seemingly to prove his point, he stopped deliberately suppressing the energy within his body.
A powerful aura, though far less overwhelming than Luo Bing's, was more refined and pure, carrying a hint of darkness and sharpness, slowly emanating from his body.
Martial Master Realm! And a solid Second Level of the Martial Master Realm!
Although this aura was released and then immediately withdrawn, it was enough for Lin Qingxia to clearly perceive it.
Lin Qingxia looked at Xiao Han, her eyes flickering uncertainly. Second Level of the Martial Master Realm... This level, combined with his SSS+ Martial Souls and the possible existence of a mysterious inheritance, makes it somewhat plausible that he could kill Luo Bing, whose foundation wasn't particularly solid, with a single punch.
Although she had a gut feeling that Xiao Han was still holding back, since he had already been "frank" to this extent, pressing him further would only seem petty.
"An ancient tradition..." Lin Qingxia leaned back in her chair, the oppressive pressure dissipating as she regained her languid demeanor, a playful smile playing on her lips. "Looks like your luck is indeed quite good."
She paused, then changed the subject. "However, Xiao Han, you must remember. Luck and fortuitous encounters are ultimately external forces. True strength requires your own efforts and wisdom to control. The Imperial Capital Academy are very complex, teeming with geniuses and prodigies, and the hidden dangers far exceed your imagination. Revealing all your cards too early may not be a good thing."
These words sounded like both a warning and a suggestion.
Xiao Han understood and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I understand."
"Good, I understand." Lin Qingxia waved her hand. "Alright, go back and consolidate your cultivation. The competition in Zero Class will only get fiercer. Don't think you can rest easy just because you defeated Luo Bing."
"Yes, disciple takes his leave."
Xiao Han bowed again, then turned and left the office.
The door closed gently behind me.
Only when the heavy door completely isolated the inside from the outside did Xiao Han exhale the stale air that had been stuck in his chest.
The invisible pressure in the office still felt like it was stuck to his skin, heavy and sluggish, making every nerve in his body tense.
Lin Qingxia.
This mentor is far more troublesome than the "Martial King Realm" identity stated in the information.
Those few words, though seemingly casual, were actually a test of his bottom line.
If he hadn't reacted quickly and shifted the blame entirely to "ancient traditions," his true colors would probably have been exposed by now.
"Martial King Realm... tsk." Xiao Han clicked his tongue lightly, the lingering fear in his heart quickly replaced by another emotion—excitement.
If Imperial Capital Academy were like Luo Bing and Chen Feng, it would be too boring.
That's what makes it powerful.
Inside the office.
The smile on Lin Qingxia's face slowly faded, and her fingertips unconsciously tapped on the smooth tabletop, making soft, tapping sounds.
"An ancient tradition... and it's also related to Twin Martial Souls..."
She repeated Xiao Han's words in a low voice.
"The Chaos Green Lotus, the Eternal Night Monarch..."
These two SSS+ Martial Souls, which have never been recorded in any ancient texts, are themselves mysterious.
Add to that this dubious "inheritance"...
"Xiao Han..."
This student, whom she had taken in on a whim, seemed to harbor far more secrets than she had initially anticipated, and... far more interesting.
Outside the door, Xiao Han had just taken a step to leave.
Click.
The door behind me was pulled open again without warning.
He paused, then turned around.
Lin Qingxia remained reclining in her chair, but her scrutinizing and pondering had lessened, replaced by a more direct appreciation, even tinged with... amusement at the spectacle?
"Wait." Her voice rang out, its tone languid yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.
Xiao Han was slightly surprised. "Does the mentor have any further instructions?"
Lin Qingxia didn't answer directly. Her slender fingers tapped on the table, the soft tapping sound particularly clear in the quiet room.
She just stared at Xiao Han, and it felt like she could see right through him, from his skin to his bones.
"Third Level of the Martial Master Realm..."
She suddenly blurted out these words, her voice low, yet like a needle, piercing precisely into Xiao Han.
"You deliberately suppressed your movements to the second level just now, but judging from your expression, your true strength probably comes from just stabilizing your third level, right?"
"Moreover, your foundation... is quite interesting, much more solid than any other Martial Master Level 3 I've ever seen."
Xiao Han: "..."
Damn! I figured it out!
He had deliberately concealed his cultivation level to avoid frightening people, but his mentor still saw through him at a glance.
This level of perception is simply inhuman!
Seeing that Xiao Han remained silent, but his "embarrassment" at being caught red-handed was quite convincing, Lin Qingxia burst out laughing.
The clear laughter dispelled the previous seriousness in the office, adding a touch of teasing instead.
"Alright, alright, stop looking like you just lost your parents. Everyone has their little secrets. I'm not really interested in digging into people's secrets."
She waved her hand casually, then sat up slightly, her previous languidness dissipating and her expression revealing seriousness.
"Xiao Han, I have to admit, you are much more outstanding than I expected."
"Your talent, your temperament, and this... well, your 'good fortune' all suit my taste."
"Originally, the plan was to put you in Zero Class and observe you there first."
"Now it seems..." she drawled, "That the ordinary Zero Class environment might be limiting you a bit."
Lin Qingxia's tone became serious. "I've decided. From today onwards, I will personally guide your cultivation."
"Furthermore, I will propose to the academy that you be formally transferred to the 'Core Sequence' of Zero Class."
"This means that the academy's top cultivation resources will be prioritized for you."