Prodigy Martial Hall, with a personal invitation from the hall master?
Lin Mo gripped his communicator, thoughts racing.
This was undoubtedly a huge opportunity. Prodigy Martial Hall held a transcendent position in Jiang City, and its hall master was a legendary figure—rumored to be at least at the peak of Martial Grandmaster level, possibly even higher.
Getting guidance from such a person would benefit his martial arts journey immeasurably.
"Vice-Director Qin, thank you for your hall's recognition." Lin Mo pondered for a moment before responding. "I'm free tonight."
"Wonderful!" Qin Yajing's voice carried a hint of delight. "Then at seven tonight, I'll send a car to pick you up. Is that alright?"
"No need to trouble yourself. I can come on my own. Please just give me the hall's address."
"Very well. The address is..."
After hanging up, Lin Mo's eyes gleamed with contemplation.
Prodigy Martial Hall taking the initiative to invite him—there had to be a reason. Was it because of his B-rank aptitude? Or had they noticed something else?
Either way, he had to make this trip to Prodigy Martial Hall.
Before going, there were some things to take care of.
He first went to the bank and withdrew part of the million Federation coins, purchasing enough premium "Essence Nourishing Liquid" to last his mother Su Wan a month. This liquid not only regulated the body but also strengthened the foundation—it even had some auxiliary effects for martial arts beginners.
He also bought his mother some new clothes and nutritional supplements. Seeing the genuine smile on his mother's face, Lin Mo felt all his hardships melt away.
"Mo Mo, now that you're successful, I can't hold you back anymore." Su Wan's eyes misted up. "This Essence Nourishing Liquid is too expensive. The regular kind would be fine for me."
"Mom, what are you saying?" Lin Mo said seriously. "Your good health is my greatest wish. Don't worry about money—your son can earn it now."
After settling his mother, Lin Mo made another trip to the black market.
He didn't go to the gambling area but headed straight to Boss Qian's Treasure Pavilion.
"Boss Qian." Lin Mo cupped his hands in greeting.
"Hehe, young friend Lin is here." Boss Qian set down his magnifying glass, his face breaking into a kindly smile. "Seeing you today, you're practically glowing! B-rank aptitude—remarkable, truly remarkable!"
"Boss Qian flatters me." Lin Mo said modestly. "I came today hoping to ask you about something called a 'Spirit-Imbued Jade Pendant.'"
He took out the jade pendant the system had appraised at fifty thousand Federation coins. He wasn't planning to sell it on the black market yet, but he was extremely curious about its origins.
Boss Qian took the jade pendant and examined it carefully for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes. "This pendant is made of extraordinary material and contains a trace of weak spiritual energy—truly a rare treasure. However, its real value probably isn't the jade itself, but this special mark carved on it."
He pointed to an inconspicuous tiny mark in one corner of the pendant.
"I've seen this mark once before in an ancient manuscript fragment. It seems related to some reclusive ancient martial arts sect. Which specific sect, I can't say for certain. If you want to investigate further, young friend, you'd probably need to go to larger cities or seek out experts who specialize in ancient martial ruins."
Ancient martial arts sect?
Lin Mo's heart stirred. It seemed this jade pendant's origins were even more complex than he'd imagined.
"Thank you for your guidance, Boss Qian." Lin Mo put the pendant away.
"Don't mention it, young friend." Boss Qian waved his hand dismissively.
Leaving the Treasure Pavilion, night had quietly fallen.
Following the address Qin Yajing had given him, Lin Mo arrived at a secluded spot at the foot of a mountain in eastern Jiang City.
An elegant, sprawling manor-style building stood quietly in the moonlight, with three large characters written in flowing calligraphy on the entrance plaque—Prodigy Hall.
Unlike the noisy bustle of ordinary martial halls, this place seemed extraordinarily peaceful, even carrying a hint of otherworldly atmosphere.
There were no guards at the entrance, only two palace lanterns casting soft light.
Lin Mo straightened his clothes and walked inside.
The courtyard was deep and winding, with artificial hills, flowing water, and exotic flowers and plants arranged with exquisite taste.
The air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance and... an incredibly dense concentration of heaven and earth elemental energy!
"The elemental energy concentration here is at least three times that of the outside world!" Lin Mo was secretly shocked.
Cultivating in a place like this, rapid progress would be no empty boast.
"Lin Mo, you're here."
Qin Yajing appeared from the depths of the courtyard, wearing white training clothes that accentuated her graceful figure, a warm smile on her face.
"Vice-Director Qin." Lin Mo nodded in acknowledgment.
"Our hall master is already waiting in the tea room. Please follow me."
They walked through several corridors and arrived outside an elegant tea room.
Qin Yajing gently pushed open the wooden door. "Hall Master, Lin Mo has arrived."
Inside the tea room, a middle-aged woman in a simple dress sat brewing tea, her temperament as gentle and refined as jade. This was the hall master of Prodigy Martial Hall—Aunt Qin.
Beside Aunt Qin sat a little girl of about five or six, with a delicate face like carved jade and two little pigtails. She was staring at Lin Mo with curious, bright black eyes.
This little girl, could she be...
Lin Mo suddenly had a strange premonition.
Just then, the system's voice rang in his mind.
[Special destiny target detected—"Heavenly Fate Spirit Eyes" bearer, Ling Ling.]
[Hidden mission triggered: A Meeting of Minds.]
[Mission requirements: Gain initial recognition from "Heavenly Fate Spirit Eyes" bearer Ling Ling (reach Friendly favorability).]
[Note: Heavenly Fate Spirit Eyes can pierce through illusions and see into hearts. Ordinary methods will be ineffective. Mission difficulty: Medium. Time limit: 24 hours.]
[Mission reward: Mental Strength Affinity Dew (small bottle).]
Heavenly Fate Spirit Eyes? Ling Ling?
Lin Mo looked at the little girl who was tilting her head and giving him an innocent smile, and his heart began to race.