Lin Kun's little business was thriving, with both points and Silver Spirit Coins steadily increasing. Yet the unease in his heart grew heavier and heavier. He had noticed that among the "customers" coming to him, there seemed to be some rather unusual people mixed in.
That day, an unfamiliar man wearing ordinary student clothes but possessing sharp eyes and a steady presence came to the entrance of the Seventh Dormitory and found Lin Kun.
"Student Lin Kun? I'd like to ask about the recent soul beast disturbances in Wind Song Mountain Valley. Do you have any more detailed information? For example, the exact source of those disturbances?" The man spoke calmly, yet there was an unquestionable undertone to his words.
Alarm bells rang wildly in Lin Kun's mind! The source of the disturbances in Wind Song Mountain Valley? Wasn't that where Little White had hatched? Who was this man? Someone sent by the Dean of Sound Message? Someone working for Ning Rongrong? Or... some other faction?
He forced himself to remain calm and laughed it off. "You must be joking, fellow student. I'm just someone who sells information. How would I know such details? It might just be an ordinary soul beast migration, right?"
The man gave Lin Kun a deep look and did not press the matter. He left behind one Silver Spirit Coin and turned to leave. But Lin Kun could feel that the man's gaze had lingered on him for a long time.
Over the next few days, several more people came to ask sensitive questions. They looked ordinary, but they definitely did not feel like students. They asked about unfamiliar soul masters who had recently appeared in Nuoding City, or whether there had been any abnormal spatial fluctuations near the academy.
Lin Kun brushed them all off with "I don't know" or "The price is too high for you to afford." But his mood grew increasingly heavy. He knew that some organizations might already have their eyes on him. His information stall was probably nearing its end.
Sure enough, that afternoon, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang personally came to the entrance of the Seventh Dormitory.
"Lin Kun, come with me." The Grandmaster's tone was as calm as ever, but it carried a trace of authority that could not be refused.
With his heart in turmoil, Lin Kun followed the Grandmaster to his office.
The office was piled high with books and scrolls, filled with the air of a scholar's study. The Grandmaster gestured for Lin Kun to sit, then got straight to the point.
"Lin Kun, your recent 'Intelligence Bureau' has been quite lively."
Lin Kun's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Grandmaster, I was just messing around to earn some living expenses. I definitely haven't broken any academy rules!"
The Grandmaster waved a hand. "Academy rules are a minor matter. That isn't why I called you here. Your Book Spirit seems to possess extraordinary abilities in gathering and sensing information, doesn't it?"
Lin Kun did not dare deny it and could only nod.
"Very good." A glint flashed through the Grandmaster's eyes. "I am currently conducting research on spirit mutations and bloodline inheritance. I require a vast amount of complex and detailed data. Some of that data is difficult to obtain through public channels. Your abilities may be of help."
Lin Kun froze. The Grandmaster was... planning to hire him?
"Of course, I won't have you work for nothing." The Grandmaster took out a small pouch and set it on the table. The pleasant clinking of Golden Spirit Coins came from within. "You will be paid according to the value and accuracy of the information you provide. And I can also grant you access to certain non-core spirit theories."
Lin Kun's heart began pounding uncontrollably. Working for the Grandmaster? This was undoubtedly grabbing onto a much thicker thigh! Not only could he earn money, but he could also gain access to core theoretical knowledge and perhaps even receive the Grandmaster's guidance! This was crucial for understanding his own spirit and planning his future development!
But the risks were just as enormous! Helping the Grandmaster with research meant coming into contact with more secrets and getting drawn deeper into the conflicts of the soul master world. And... it would bring him closer to Tang San. The risk of exposure would increase exponentially!
Should he agree? Or refuse?
Just as Lin Kun was engaged in an intense internal struggle, someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in," the Grandmaster said flatly.
The person who pushed open the door was a middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of a Spirit Hall deacon, with the Spirit Hall emblem pinned to his chest. He wore a smile, but his sharp gaze swept over Lin Kun before he bowed to the Grandmaster. "Grandmaster, forgive my intrusion. This must be Lin Kun, the student at your academy with the special sensory spirit? Quite a promising young man indeed."
Lin Kun's heart shot into his throat! Someone from Spirit Hall! They really had come for him!
The Grandmaster frowned slightly. "Deacon Sol, is there something you need?"
Deacon Sol's smile did not change. "I heard that this young student is quite gifted in information gathering. Spirit Hall has recently been recruiting and training young people with special talents as well. Student Lin Kun, would you be interested in participating in Spirit Hall's preliminary talent selection? The benefits will be generous, and the future limitless."
An invitation from Spirit Hall?!!
Lin Kun felt as though he could barely breathe. On one side was the Grandmaster's offer to become his research assistant, and on the other was Spirit Hall's recruitment? This choice was far too difficult!
He knew that whichever side he chose, he would be stepping onto a road with no turning back. And refusing either side could bring consequences he could not predict.
The Grandmaster's gaze also turned toward Lin Kun, waiting for his answer.
The air in the office seemed to freeze. Lin Kun felt as though he stood at a crossroads in his life, where every choice would lead to an entirely different future.
What should he choose?
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