Chapter 174: 174

Chapter 174: Just You Wait, Old Ye

Despite being a knowledgeable and steadfast man, Huangfu Ming couldn’t help but gasp at the scene.

‘Since when did evolving beasts to Rank 3 become such a simple feat?’

After all, Rank 3 pet beasts usually served as guardians of small countries and it went without saying that the owner of such a pet beast would be quite the formidable individual.

The weakest ones could easily establish a prominent family while the strongest could form a hermit micro-nation on their own.

A Rank 3 beast could hold the territory’s fort. Even Huangfu Ming’s pet beast was only Rank 3 at the moment.

Although Rank 3 beasts were considered by many to be excellent beings, it was still only a Rank 3.

Still, Rank 3 pet beasts were uncommon, rare even. But here in Lin Jin’s yard, there were two of them.

Lin Jin had no idea what Huangfu Ming was thinking. If he did, he’d be relieved that Goldy wasn’t around the moment. If Huangfu Ming were to see Goldy here alongside these two wolves, his mental state might just shatter.

As expected of a renowned mentor of the Friar Association, Huangfu Ming managed to compose himself and told Lin Jin about the situation at hand.

Upon hearing that an assistant lecturer came looking for him while Lin Jin was helping the shadow wolf evolve, and how Xiao Huo ‘beat’ the guy up, Lin Jin immediately turned to face the culprit.

Sensing that he had done something wrong, Xiao Huo lowered his head, seemingly dejected.

However, what Lin Jin did next raised his spirits.

“Good job, Xiao Huo!” Lin Jin praised, caressing Xiao Huo’s head.

Lin Jin obviously didn’t blame Xiao Huo for his actions because he was the one who gave the order. Even if it had been Huangfu Ming who was stopped outside, much less an assistant lecturer, Lin Jin wouldn’t have reprimanded Xiao Huo.

However, he definitely still had to comfort that unlucky assistant lecturer earlier. Being beaten up by Xiao Huo must have left a psychological scar on the poor fella.

“Lin Jin, if it’s convenient right now, please follow me back to the association. The mentors are awaiting your arrival,” Huangfu Ming said.

He proceeded to explain to Lin Jin about the group wanting to clarify the origins of Lin Jin’s outer imagery. That was why they were looking for him.

As Lin Jin had already told the Spirit Library’s caretaker, Wu Xi, about this, he didn’t think they would still be that adamant.

Lin Jin honestly couldn’t tell them the origin of this method. However, if they insisted, he would just take the method back. That should settle things, right?

During their journey back, Huangfu Ming added, “The association’s number one mentor, Mr. Yuzhou is there as well. He’s Yang Jie’s mentor.”

This was a kind reminder.

Thanks to the power of gossip, everyone knew about Lin Jin’s conflict with Yang Jie. Even Huangfu Ming had heard of it.

Lin Jin’s rise through the ranks was already a threat to Yang Jie’s position anyway, so it’s natural that they saw each other as competition. Just like how Lu Yunhe and Yang Jie did before this.

However, Lu Yunhe couldn’t compare to Yang Jie so there hadn’t been many conflicts. But now, Lin Jin posed a threat to Yang Jie in many aspects, with the former faring better than the latter in some. As the saying goes, ‘if two were to ride on a horse, one must ride behind’, it wasn’t odd for the competition between them to be fierce.

This reminder was given so Lin Jin could be mentally prepared for Ye Yuzhou’s ‘attacks’.

Lin Jin thanked him with a smile.

After all, if the association continued pressuring him for the source of his information, Lin Jin would just choose not to have the book archived into the Spirit Library. They would then go their separate ways.

Upon arrival, Lin Jin immediately noticed Ye Yuzhou from among the crowd of mentors.

This was because he recognized him.

‘Isn’t that Old Ye?’ Lin Jin was startled.

Old Ye was visitor number ten from the Museum of Deadly Beast’s Visitation Hall. When they met during the last visitation opening, Lin Jin had a good impression of this old man. Who knew he was actually living here in Maple City and a mentor of the Friar Association.

Right, his name was Ye Yuzhou, which was probably why he referred to himself as Old Ye.

Lin Jin could finally match the face with a name.

What a coincidence.

To think he would run into one of his Visitation Hall’s visitors in the Friar Association.

Ye Yuzhou wore a stern expression; his demeanor was completely different from Huangfu Ming’s amiable appearance. The former was probably putting on airs right now.

“You’re Lin Jin?” Ye Yuzhou asked.

Lin Jin nodded and bowed. “Greeting, Mr. Yuzhou.”

As he was prejudiced against Lin Jin, he got annoyed no matter how the younger man behaved. However, he wouldn’t simply lash out without rhyme or reason as he had an image to care for so he spoke only about what’s on hand. “We’ll set aside the attack from earlier, for now. Us mentors have been waiting for half an hour here because we’re interested in the outer imagery method. Both the method’s formula and elaboration are impeccable and worthy of entering the Spirit Library’s archives. However, we have to first clarify the method’s origins which is why we’ve called you here for verification.”

For this, Lin Jin could only continue with the nonsense he fabricated before.

That he was taught by an expert.

And Lin Jin definitely couldn’t name this expert because such a person didn’t exist at all.

Initially, this matter need not be pursued. Other than Ye Yuzhou, no one else present seemed to be demanding an answer, and boy was Ye Yuzhou adamant.

He could be genuinely serious or was doing it on purpose. But one thing’s for certain. They wanted to know who this expert who taught Lin Jin was.

Lin Jin simply answered, “Mr. Yuzhou, no matter how many times you ask me, my answer will be the same. I cannot tell you.”

Ye Yuzhou’s expression darkened.

The atmosphere was getting awkward and tense.

The other mentors had different opinions on the matter but even Huangfu Ming couldn’t speak up. After all, Ye Yuzhou wasn’t wrong for feeling suspicious. He just didn’t trust Lin Jin.

If he did, they wouldn’t have to go through this much trouble. His suspicion of Lin Jin could be inferred as an assumption that the latter was lying and that this method came through underhanded means.

Simple as.

“Lin Jin, if that’s the case, I’m afraid that this method of yours can’t be recorded into the Spirit Library.”

Ye Yuzhou abruptly exercised his greatest right, the power of veto.

However, he clearly forgot one thing.

It wasn’t Lin Jin’s request to have the method recorded but the Spirit Library’s. Lin Jin couldn’t care less about this matter.

Meanwhile, Lin Jin was greatly annoyed by Ye Yuzhou’s attitude so he casually replied, “That’s up to you then. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave.”

Having said that, he got up and left, ignoring Ye Yuzhou.

Ye Yuzhou was suffocating from anger while Huangfu Ming shook his head. The Spirit Library’s manager sighed.

He suddenly commented, “It was the Spirit Library who approached Lin Jin, wanting to record his cultivation technique.”

This immediately embarrassed Ye Yuzhou. All this while, he assumed it was Lin Jin who requested to have it recorded.

Putting Ye Yuzhou aside, once Lin Jin got out, he nagged under his breath, “Just you wait, Old Ye.”

Lin Jin was obviously infuriated as well.

And he had the tendency to hold grudges.

He couldn’t do anything to Ye Yuzhou now but in the Visitation Hall, he would be the one calling the shots. If memory served him well, the Visitation Hall would be opening again tomorrow. Lin Jin rubbed his hands together in glee, excited for the next opening.

Meanwhile, Ye Yuzhou was completely oblivious as to who he had just offended. He, too, was embarrassed by this incident. He didn’t have to be overly strict on this matter and would usually be lenient on most things, but because of Yang Jie, because Lin Jin didn’t come to them immediately, and because of his pre-existing prejudice, Ye Yuzhou did what he did.

These led to his blunder and humiliation.

Once he got back, Ye Yuzhou took a big gulp of tea to calm his nerves, finally able to compose himself.

‘There’s no need to get angry over such trivial matters. This grudge between the younger generation should be settled among themselves so I better focus on researching my soaring cloud flood dragon’s evolution method. Come to think of it, the curator is indeed an expert among experts. His evolution method definitely works, but it’s just a pity that I’ve come across some troubles during the process. However, since the Visitation Hall will be open tomorrow, I’ll have to seek his guidance.’

Upon reaching this thought, Ye Yuzhou became cheery again. That displeasure from earlier had disappeared without a trace.

“Sigh, dear me. Why did I have to be so strict on a young lad? But it’s not like I’ve done something wrong. Being a little strict is good too. If that Lin Jin’s method came from underhanded means, the Friar Association could’ve gotten into trouble. Although we’ve lost a valuable method, being able to avoid trouble is a good thing too,” Ye Yuzhou muttered to himself.

Suddenly, Yang Jie came in.

It was time for his private lessons with Yang Jie.

“Yang Jie, you’re here!”

Ye Yuzhou was in a good mood.

Yang Jie bowed in salutation, greeting his mentor.

“Soon, it’ll be the disciple’s tournament. How are your preparations coming along?” Ye Yuzhou inquired.

Yang Jie seemed absolutely confident.

“Teacher, I’ve always been number one for the past few years and I’m fairly confident that things will remain that way. No one can possibly challenge my status.”

Ye Yuzhou was satisfied with Yang Jie’s answer.

However, as a mentor, he had to spur him on.

“Yang Jie, even if victory is in your hands, you cannot afford to slack off. Headquarters has offered great rewards for this year’s disciple tournament. That lesser dragon blood pill, in particular, was obtained by one of headquarter’s experts when he discovered an immortal’s cave. If you can seize this prize, together with your pet beast’s evolution method that I will obtain for you, your pet beast will undoubtedly evolve into Rank 4.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Jie was thrilled beyond words.

The anger he felt when Lin Jin ‘snatched’ his lecture session today immediately faded away by Ye Yuzhou’s encouragement.

Once his pet beast evolves into Rank 4, he would become a part of Jade Dragon Kingdom’s elite combat force. Prestige would definitely follow suit! Together with honor and status.

Someone like Lin Jin wouldn’t even be fit to carry his shoes by then.

Ye Yuzhou began his lecture for Yang Jie on spells. But halfway through, a disciple came in and announced that he had a guest.

Ye Yuzhou frowned. But he knew his disciple wouldn’t disturb him if the guest wasn’t of unique status.

“Do you know who it is?” Ye Yuzhou asked.

The disciple quickly answered, “He says his surname is Lu and he’s from Jade Dragon City.”

At this, Ye Yuzhou let out a hearty laugh. “That’s a valuable guest. Yang Jie, come with me to welcome him.”