As they exited the instance, Xia Xue immediately activated the Primary Cooling Talisman.
Just ten seconds later, the two re-entered the nightmare-level Xihai Mine instance.
This time, Xia Xue seemed transformed, radiating excitement as she raced alongside Lin Moyu.
Her enthusiasm struck Lin Moyu as peculiar. Why was she so thrilled?
Wasn't it merely about luring a few monsters and blasting them?
It was just a beginner dungeon after all—not exactly something to get overly excited about.
His puzzled gaze did not go unnoticed.
"What are you staring at? Never seen a beautiful woman before?" Xia Xue retorted, her young lady's pride flaring up.
Lin Moyu had known her for several years and had to admit that she was indeed striking.
In comparing Xia Xue to Ning Yiyi, it was difficult to choose a favorite; both had their unique charms.
One was petite and adorable, while the other was tall and sophisticated—each special in her own way.
But Lin Moyu remained unaffected.
Ning Yiyi was his friend, and Xia Xue was merely his classmate.
Ten minutes later, the formidable nightmare boss, the Goblin King, lay defeated before them once more.
The defiance in its eyes and its defeated posture seemed to linger in the air.
Lin Moyu whispered, "Just four more times."
The two swiftly cleared the dungeon four times in a row, finishing in under an hour.
With each run, Xia Xue had depleted the uses of her talisman, which now appeared dull and lifeless—almost indistinguishable from a common stone.
Only upon closer inspection could one glimpse the faint runes etched within.
"Time to recharge the cooling talisman," Xia Xue announced.
Cooling Talismans weren't single-use items; once their capacity was exhausted, they required recharging.
However, she added, "Recharging is a complex process that needs an advanced alchemist to handle."
She wasn't sure just how advanced.
After their four successful dungeon runs, Xia Xue had reached level 14, with 20% experience gained.
Two more runs, and she would undoubtedly hit level 15.
Meanwhile, Lin Moyu remained at level 15, now boasting 85% experience.
At this level, teaming up to tackle a dungeon yielded only a 26% increase in experience—significantly slower than before.
With a day and a half remaining before the big exam, they had ample time for two more dungeon runs.
Xia Xue's excitement bubbled over. "If I can reach level 15 before the big exam, I'll definitely get into Xia Jing Academy! And Lin nerd, you'll be level 16. This year, the two of us from Xihai City will surely make it into Xia Jing Academy. Principal Lu will be waking up from his dreams with a big smile!"
Being accepted into Xia Jing Academy was a tremendous honor for any high school principal.
Everyone knew just how competitive it was to gain admission.
Only the best of the best could call themselves students of Xia Jing Academy.
The academy only accepted 1,000 students each year across the entire Shenxia Empire, with many spots claimed by elite families from large cities.
For students from smaller towns, competing against the prodigious talents of these families felt almost impossible.
Lin Mohan had gained entry to Xia Jing Academy last year, prompting Lu Yun to celebrate for days.
A few years ago, Su Qianxing's admission had also made waves, with Lu Yun still recalling the day he became known as a genius.
In short, being accepted into Xia Jing Academy was an extraordinary achievement.
They found a spot to rest on the ground, waiting for the cooldown time of the instance to conclude.
"Hey, Lin, do you want to try for the provincial championship?" Xia Xue asked, her eyes sparkling with ambition.
Lin Moyu turned to her, puzzled. "The provincial champion?"
"Yeah!" Xia Xue exclaimed. "If you can secure the championship, you'll earn tons of points, and in Xia Jing Academy, points are incredibly valuable."
"The best part is that you might get the chance to join the School of Creative Theology."
Lin Moyu recalled what Ning Yiyi had said: points were more valuable than gold coins at Xia Jing Academy.
He had also heard mention of the Creation Seminary.
"Do you know much about the Creation Seminary?" Lin Moyu asked, eager for more information.
Ning Yiyi had only hinted at it, leaving him curious for more details.
Xia Xue curled her legs, deep in thought. "I don't know the specifics, just what I've heard my dad mention. It's supposed to be the most prestigious academy in the Shenxia Empire."
"While Xia Jing Academy recruits all the top talents, the Creation Seminary attracts the very best among them."
"My dad once said that getting into the Creation Seminary is incredibly difficult and that I probably won't have a chance."
"But I believe you have a shot! You should go for it."
"I heard that senior Su Qianxing was accepted into the Creation Seminary before—he's the only one from our Xihai City."
Xia Xue gazed at Lin Moyu with wide eyes, genuinely believing he had the potential to succeed.
His exceptional ability to clear the nightmare dungeon had completely reshaped her view of him.
She could no longer compare his achievements to her own.
"If I get the chance, I'll definitely try," Lin Moyu replied earnestly. He was determined to enter Xia Jing Academy, especially with his sister Lin Mohan already there.
If he had a chance, he would also take a shot at the Creation Seminary.
Suddenly, Xia Xue's expression brightened. "Look! Isn't that Gao Yang?"
Indeed, it was Gao Yang, loitering near the dungeon entrance, seemingly searching for a team.
Xia Xue playfully cast a detection spell and giggled, "I can't believe this idiot is already level 11! But being a knight makes it hard for him to find a team."
Brushing through a dungeon required a knight of a certain level, and a level 11 knight was ill-equipped to handle the monsters within.
Even for a basic dungeon, at least a level 13 knight was necessary.
As expected, Gao Yang searched in vain, his face falling with disappointment.
Lin Moyu suggested, "Let's bring him along."
Xia Xue chuckled, "I'm fine with that!"