NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8:
Chapter 8:
“Achoo!”
Lin Liang sneezed lightly, looking a bit puzzled.
Though it was late autumn, and his casual suit wasn’t exactly warm, he shouldn’t have felt cold with the Eight-Nine Mysterious Technique’s power protecting him.
“Could someone be thinking about me?”
He pondered this briefly but couldn’t think of who it might be.
Maybe it was that girl he’d unknowingly charmed?
Shaking his head, he decided to drop the thought.
It was officially “off-duty” time now.
There were no more scenes for his character in today’s plot.
The second-year literature department, where Long Haotian and Li Ruo were, didn’t have any classes today.
Next up in the plotline, Long Haotian would settle into the dorms and meet his soon-to-be brothers, a classic bonding scene.
Li Ruo would temporarily forget this minor incident and focus on her studies.
And since the other heroines hadn’t appeared yet, Lin Liang was completely free!
“Time to go to class!”
Lin Liang made his decision swiftly.
Sure, the protagonist and the plot setting might be brainless, but the knowledge here was genuine!
So rather than spending time with the brainless young master Lin and his equally brainless friends…
Lin Liang figured studying would actually be more relaxing.
In the future, he’d likely have to join in all those mind-numbing gatherings to keep up his character’s persona.
Those gatherings, full of flamboyant, spoiled rich kids, wasting time on vapid displays of wealth…
They’d be just as bad as putting on a show in front of Long Haotian.
Lin Liang would rather study!
Learning made him feel fulfilled.
Plus, in class, he’d be facing professors.
Surely, the professors here had a higher level of intellect than the rest of this world.
And after all, Jiang City University was supposed to be a prestigious institution.
Might as well take advantage of the free education!
In a way, this was Lin Liang’s own form of “compensation,” beyond what the system provided.
But just as Lin Liang took a step toward the classroom…
He was suddenly stopped.
“Lin Liang, wait up!”
A lively, cheerful voice called out from behind him.
It was pleasant, yet unfamiliar.
Curious, Lin Liang turned around.
Just hearing someone call him “Lin Liang” instead of “Young Master Lin” was unusual enough.
Turning, he saw a well-proportioned, pretty girl.
She was a head shorter than him but radiated vitality and energy.
Her features were delicate yet youthful, with a captivating charm that grew the longer you looked.
She had lively almond-shaped eyes and thin lips, and her gaze held a keen edge, as if she were analyzing him.
Even though it was quite chilly, she was dressed in a light, plain white tracksuit.
The white of her outfit matched Lin Liang’s white suit, as if complementing each other.
Lin Liang observed her briefly.
Her posture was straight, and her eyes sharp…
And judging by her controlled breathing after jogging over, Lin Liang quickly recognized her as a martial artist.
In this world, martial arts were divided into Innate and Postnatal stages.
Innate martial artists were further categorized into four realms: Refining Essence into Qi, Refining Qi into Spirit, Refining Spirit into Emptiness, and Union with Dao.
Acquired martial artists, on the other hand, had five levels: Clear Strength, Hidden Strength, Transformation, Dan Jin, and Gang Jin.
Without a complete martial arts lineage, even the most talented individuals would hit their limit at the Golden Core stage.
To reach Gang Jin or even attain Innate status, a complete martial arts lineage was essential!
Lin Liang realized that this girl practiced a legitimate, inherited martial art style.
Since acquiring the basics of the Eight-Nine Mysterious Technique, his eyesight and martial perception had improved as well.
A young girl with complete martial arts training at Jiang City University…
Lin Liang had a sinking suspicion.
Yet he maintained a calm demeanor, feigning curiosity.
“Hello… and you are?”
“Bai Xin, third year in the Philosophy Department at Jiang City University!”
The girl, Bai Xin, answered with cheerful directness.
Hearing the name, Lin Liang immediately felt a twinge of unease.
‘Bai Xin, as expected!’
‘So the second female lead is coming to me of her own accord… but there was no mention of this in the plot!’
‘She hasn’t even met the protagonist yet—why is she approaching me, the villain?’
‘Is this extra work for me?’
Feeling uneasy, Lin Liang decided to find out her intentions.
“Ah, Senior Bai Xin!”
He feigned a look of realization and continued,
“What brings you here, Senior Bai Xin?”
After he asked, Bai Xin’s expression shifted to one of slight hesitation.
She looked like she wanted to speak but kept stopping herself.
Finally, she spoke up, “Lin Liang, you’re quite strong, aren’t you?”
“You must be at least a late-stage Golden Coremaster… or maybe even peak Golden Core Stage!”
Lin Liang blinked in surprise, then quickly understood…
This was likely a butterfly effect from his earlier “fight” with Long Haotian!
Sure enough, Bai Xin’s next words confirmed it.
“I saw you dodge that kick and crash into the pillar on your own…”
“I really admire you!”
As Bai Xin spoke, she took a step back, raising one hand and shifting into a lowered stance.
It was the signature opening move of the Bai family’s martial arts tradition.
“If you don’t mind, Lin Liang, I’d like to spar with you!”
Bai Xin’s request was polite and formal.
Lin Liang looked at her and shook his head without hesitation.
“No, I do mind!”
“Please, Senior, go back. I’m not a Golden Core master, nor do I know any inherited martial arts!”