บท 52: The Golden Spoon and the Rustic Clod: A Natural Dichotomy
Lin Xi did not encounter Luo Houyuan. He had initially hoped that Luo would provide some explanations regarding those peculiar movements, but instead, a bearded instructor he had never seen before came to assist him in removing his armor and leading him out of the valley.
In a clearing outside the Trial Valley, Lin Xi noticed a gathering of numerous students from various departments.
"Hey, Lin Xi! So, you ventured into the Trial Valley today as well?" As Lin Xi paused, curious to understand the commotion, a familiar voice called out to him in a teasing tone, drawing the attention of many students in the clearing to him.
Lin Xi furrowed his brow slightly. The one who had loudly proclaimed for all to hear was Qiu Lu, whose youthful and charming face belied a cunning and insidious demeanor that seemed at odds with his age.
Perhaps due to the exertion in the Trial Valley, Qiu Lu's complexion was as pale as porcelain, even tinged with a hint of bluishness.
Observing Lin Xi's momentary silence, Qiu Lu chuckled at a similarly attractive student beside him, saying, "Brother Ziyu, this is the so-called prodigy Lin Xi from our department, who consumed a Mingzhen Pill yet could only draw his bow a mere three fingers wide."
The strikingly handsome student, dressed in a gray robe, resembled a young Lin Zhiying and belonged to the Medicinal Herb Department. Hearing Qiu Lu's words, he merely smiled and wiped his forehead with a snow-white silk handkerchief, his hand adorned with a deep green emerald ring that gleamed with genuine opulence.
That single ring alone could likely purchase a substantial portion of the shops in Deer Forest Town. Coupled with Qiu Lu's rare display of humility and his innate air of grandeur, it was evident that he was indeed a true golden spoon.
Lin Xi did not exhibit the inherent animosity typically associated with the rustic clod and golden spoon dichotomy. Ignoring Qiu Lu, he approached calmly, only to notice a makeshift wooden notice board added to the clearing.
He possessed memories that transcended what others in this world could even begin to fathom, and being a few years older than Qiu Lu, he found it beneath him to entangle himself with this "little brat" in his eyes.
During his time in Deer Forest Town, he often watched other youths of similar age, yet markedly less astute, and couldn't help but think: the children of this world are sometimes truly unfortunate… Even listening to a story depends on whether they have a willing storyteller at home. Their means of acquiring knowledge from the outside world are so monotonous; even the most diligent student in a private school can only glean a modicum of knowledge about the world beyond the town from their teacher. Though these teachers often espouse the virtues of reading extensively and traveling widely, how many have genuinely traversed a thousand miles? They pale in comparison to the world known to him and Dean Zhang, a world with televisions, the internet, and the iconic bitten apple of Steve Jobs…
He was a youth, yet he differed significantly from the other youths in this world, which is why many instructors perceived him as somewhat exceptional. In his eyes, Qiu Lu, the golden spoon, was merely a true little brat.
However, his indifferent demeanor only served to provoke Qiu Lu, who felt slighted and inexplicably enraged, shouting at Lin Xi, "Lin Xi, you look like you've been beaten up pretty badly… What are you approaching for? Do you wish to see your name on the board?"
"Hmm?"
Lin Xi politely nodded to several students from other departments near the notice board. At the sound of Qiu Lu's voice, he was momentarily taken aback, discovering that the board displayed the rankings of the top ten achievements from the recent freshman trials in the valley.
"Liu Ying," five stars, three times.
"Lei Mang," five stars, three times.
"Bai Yi Hu," five stars, three times.
"Yin Hu," five stars, two times.
…
In addition to the names marked with black armor, there were clear symbols drawn beside them.
To his surprise, Lin Xi spotted his own code on the board.
Yin Hu, ranked fourth.
"It seems that achieving five consecutive five-star ratings is indeed no simple feat…" Lin Xi murmured to himself, absorbing the surrounding students' discussions and fervent vows. He quickly grasped the purpose behind the academy's establishment of such a notice board.
Many students recognized former adversaries on the list and vowed to seek revenge, determined to end their opponents' winning streaks.
Others who had not yet faced those on the board were also discussing their intentions to challenge these skilled individuals, eager to claim a golden pentagon badge from them, which would undoubtedly be a source of greater glory.
The Trial Valley had been open to freshmen for several days, with the highest achievements being five stars three times. Apart from the top three, the remaining seven had only managed five-star ratings twice. Clearly, Lin Xi's luck was exceptional, for even those with three five-star ratings would lose everything with just one defeat tomorrow and would have to start anew.
"It seems I will be hunted by many starting tomorrow," Lin Xi remarked, a hint of despondency in his tone.
"Well, it appears you will only have the opportunity to admire others' glory," at that moment, Qiu Lu coldly regarded him with disdain, saying, "I could tell you that I am one of them."
Under normal circumstances, Qiu Lu might not have fixated on Lin Xi so intently, but today, with Liu Ziyu present, the stakes felt different.
Liu Ziyu's father, though currently merely the governor of Nanping, was expected to receive a promotion due to his outstanding achievements. According to news from the Liu family in court, by the end of this year, the Zhengwu Division would undoubtedly issue a promotion order, at which point Liu Ziyu's father would become the governor of Shanlu Province.
Once the formal promotion order was issued, Qiu Lu's current status would render him inferior in seeking a connection with Liu Ziyu, creating numerous obstacles.
In this context, establishing a cordial relationship, even if tinged with pretense, would justify the considerable effort it took to obtain this insider information.
The commoner often fears being overshadowed by more influential figures, while the powerful dread being looked down upon by those above them.
"You're one of them?" Qiu Lu's words piqued Lin Xi's interest, and he turned to look at Qiu Lu with mild surprise.
Recalling the warrior who had suffered a humiliating defeat under Liu Bo, Lin Xi quickly deduced that this youthful golden spoon, with his charming visage, had likely undergone considerable training in martial skills at home.
Seeing Lin Xi finally respond, Qiu Lu's expression softened slightly, and he sneered, "Do I need to lie to someone like you, a mere rustic clod?"
Many students around them, especially those from similar rustic backgrounds, frowned instinctively, sensing that Qiu Lu was overly arrogant and discourteous. However, Lin Xi remained unfazed, responding with a peculiar tone, "Even within this context… there's nothing particularly remarkable, is there?"
"Nothing remarkable?" Qiu Lu laughed bitterly in anger, retorting, "You can't even achieve it yourself, yet you dare utter such words and mock others' accomplishments?"
"Lin Xi, do you have no sense of shame? Do you understand what the glory of the Empire and the honor of a warrior truly mean?"
"What a fool…" Lin Xi disregarded Qiu Lu, instead musing calmly to himself that if he could achieve three more five-star ratings before exiting, he would earn a credit reward… Wouldn't that be even swifter than breaking the record for the direct spear formations?
His indifference only served to further infuriate Qiu Lu, who stomped his foot heavily and shouted, "Lin Xi, do you dare to duel me?"
All attention instantly shifted to them, and Liu Ziyu beside Qiu Lu regarded Lin Xi with interest.
The Yunqin Empire was founded on martial prowess, with a strong martial culture; instances of dueling over trivial disputes were commonplace. A coward who disregards honor would be even more despised than an arrogant golden spoon.
"How shall we duel?" Lin Xi, however, did not refuse this time, calmly observing Qiu Lu. "Shall we reveal the marks on our black armor and agree on a location in the Trial Valley?"
"Reveal the marks on our black armor? What if you send Tang Ke to deal with me? I may not be able to handle someone like him." Qiu Lu scoffed, looking at Lin Xi with a cold smile. "If you dare to duel me, we shall meet here tomorrow. Then we can enter the Trial Valley together and decide on a duel location once inside. Moreover, Tang Ke and his group are not allowed to enter the valley tomorrow, to prevent you from secretly coordinating with them. As for the marks on the black armor… I have no intention of letting you know; you may cover them with some mud along the way."
"Cover my black armor's marks… is that permissible?" Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback.
"Covering them in ordinary circumstances would indeed be a sign of cowardice, and no one would do such a thing. However, the Trial Valley imposes no restrictions against it… Since it's a duel and you wish to conceal your marks, a little cover is certainly permissible." Qiu Lu looked at Lin Xi with disdain, sneering, "If you're afraid, just say so; there's no need to concoct excuses."
"Very well." Lin Xi smiled brightly and readily agreed. His willingness took both Qiu Lu and Liu Ziyu by surprise, especially as Qiu Lu momentarily opened his mouth, unable to articulate the venomous words he had prepared. Yet, Lin Xi then shook his head, appearing somewhat distressed as he murmured, "Given my relationship with Tang Ke… he should give me face and not enter the Trial Valley tomorrow, right?"
Liu Ziyu was not only astonished but also perplexed. Was this so-called prodigy from the Zhi Ge department, rumored to possess poor skills and combat ability, truly unconcerned about the upcoming duel, instead worrying about persuading his barbarian friend?
He instinctively felt Lin Xi was feigning composure, yet the tone and slight upward curve of Lin Xi's lips revealed no semblance of pretense… Even those officials he had encountered in court, who displayed no emotion, could not mask their feelings as flawlessly as Lin Xi did, especially considering Lin Xi hailed from the rustic Deer Forest Town.
Amidst his astonishment, Lin Xi, the rustic clod from Deer Forest Town, glanced at him and bluntly stated, "Please step aside; you are blocking my way back to the Freshman Hall." He then forcefully squeezed past Liu Ziyu.
Lin Xi paid no heed to Liu Ziyu's expression. He initially did not believe that being in the company of someone like Qiu Lu, a youthful golden spoon, would be unbearable. However, Liu Ziyu's lack of intervention, instead watching the unfolding drama with amusement, left Lin Xi feeling disappointed in the handsome youth, who bore a striking resemblance to Lin Zhiying. Thus, he felt no need to be overly courteous.
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