I Can Recognize Everything, But the Information is Wrong-Chapter 259 - 223: The Toad Wants to Eat Swan Meat

After finishing the meal, Tian Lin returned to his cave mansion and it was already the third watch of the night.

At this moment, he finally realized that Zhou Jin's invitation to dinner was not only to forge a closer relationship, but more importantly, to introduce him to Zhou Mengjiao.

But evidently, his sister did not seem that interested in Tian Lin, or perhaps she did not think highly enough of him.

Tian Lin even felt that after he asked about the Vajra Demon-suppressing Skill, Zhou Jin, while still enthusiastic, did not intend to make him his brother-in-law.

"Without auxiliary elixirs, unless one is a true unparalleled genius, attempting to construct a top-grade Five Elements Dharma Body would require decades of effort. Zhou Jin favors me simply because I am young.

But if I only manage to reach mid-stage Foundation Establishment in my thirties or forties, what potential would I have left? Thus, he thinks that I'm too ambitious and no longer wishes for me to become his brother-in-law."

Although Tian Lin coveted the wealth of the Zhou Family, if he were to be a kept man, he would have to find a situation sturdy enough to support him.

Zhou Mengjiao seemed to have a rather cold nature. Since she didn't look favorably upon him, it would be best for him not to stubbornly pursue her.

The next morning, Tian Lin, who had just been promoted to Class C, was not in a rush to report to his new class.

As usual, he went to see Elder Xue and happened to run into Ju Yunhai who was also there.

Tian Lin greeted Ju Yunhai with a cupped-hand salute. Elder Xue, putting down the horn in his hand, said, "I have heard from your Teaching Elder that you have made rapid progress, having raised the standard of your five subjects to 'top-notch' in just one month."

Before Tian Lin could humbly deflect, Elder Xue continued:

"This might have been your Teaching Elder flattering me, but my true desire is for you to solidly improve your strength so that I can give a satisfactory account to Elder Yu in the future.

So, does your performance in this month's examination truly match your Teaching Elder's evaluation?"

Tian Lin responded: "Disciple's Funeral Science and Array Formation knowledge are probably only at an above-average level, but in Sword Dao, talisman making, and Alchemy, I dare say I'm not inferior to anyone from Class D."

Elder Xue nodded, "I figured that even if your Teaching Elder intended to flatter me, he wouldn't dare exaggerate too much. It seems that you did indeed make great progress last month.

But remember to never become complacent, knowing that there are many more gifted than you. Not to look far, just consider Zhai Xingzi who's a year younger than you; for him to promote to Late-stage Foundation Establishment is a mere flick of the fingers.

Yet, he deliberately suppresses his cultivation, showing that he has great ambitions."

Tian Lin felt a chill in his heart, elder Xue knew that Zhai Xingzi was Tian Lin's 'shadow', and used his name to pressure him.

However, there was no denying that Elder Xue's method was highly effective; Tian Lin indeed was very wary of Zhai Xingzi.

"Now that you have entered Class C, you will move to a new cave mansion, and your monthly salary will also increase. If you intend to climb to Class B, then you must find a way to elevate your cultivation.

Early-stage Foundation Establishment is, after all, too weak."

Tian Lin once again showed his respects while Elder Xue waved his hand to dismiss both him and Ju Yunhai.

Once outside the Daoist Temple, Ju Yunhai was the first to congratulate Tian Lin with a cupped-hand salute, "One must look at a person with fresh eyes even after a mere three days apart. Brother, now you have entered Class C; it seems it won't be long before you join me in Class B to learn together."

"Then I shall take brother's auspicious words to heart."

Tian Lin swiftly changed the subject, "Seeing Elder Xue today, I felt he seemed a decade older, for reasons unbeknownst to me."

Ju Yunhai sighed and explained, "Elder Xue sustained some injuries from a fierce battle with an Evil Spirit in a secret realm while searching for Elder Xue's brother's remains. However, such injuries are minor for the elder and will heal with some rest. It is such a pity for Elder Xue's brother."

Tian Lin didn't know much about this so-called Elder Xue's brother, nor did he wish to learn more from Ju Yunhai's account.

After Ju Yunhai fetched the door token from the utility office, he headed to cave mansion number 43 in Class C.

"The difference between Class D and Class C cave mansions is not significant; the mansion is merely slightly wider and the Alchemy Room and floor heating are better. Once you are able to move into the Class B students' cave mansion, you'll realize what a man-made paradise looks like."

Ju Yunhai wasn't boasting about his dwelling; he was motivating Tian Lin.

However, in truth, Tian Lin didn't need a Spirit Gathering Array for his cultivation, as he directly consumed Jade Liquid, which was a hundred times faster than using the Spirit Gathering Array.

But though Tian Lin did not need it, the sisters Yu'er and Cui'er certainly did.

Their eyes gleaming, they watched Tian Lin walking ahead, already daydreaming about the time when they would move into a Class B cave mansion.

"I've heard that Class A cave mansions have direct access to secret realms."

Zhou Jin laughed, "Little brother, you should focus on advancing to mid-stage Foundation Establishment before contemplating living in a Class A cave mansion. I see you're doing well in cultivating the Heterodox Techniques, but as Elder Xue said, to progress to Class B, you must increase your cultivation.

Dare I ask, how is your Five Elements Dharma Body coming along?"

Tian Lin did not hold back and reiterated the conversation he had with Zhou Jin the previous day.

Ju Yunhai nodded his head, and after ensuring the sisters were settled, he inquired if Tian Lin needed anything else before leaving.

Shortly after Ju Yunhai left, a voice called out from the entrance of the cave mansion: "Is Brother Tian at home?"

Tian Lin picked up the Jade Token, lifting the prohibition at the door, and saw a young man standing outside.

The young man bowed with his hands clasped to Tian Lin: "I am Zhang Zhao, number 74 of Class C, currently advancing my studies in Class C."

Tian Lin hurriedly returned the bow to the young man, then invited him into the house: "My humble abode is rather modest, I hope Brother Zhang finds it acceptable."

Zhang Zhao handed the box he was holding to Cui'er, and then entered the room.

It was only after Yu'er had prepared the tea that he began to speak: "Although I am in Class C, I have already heard of Disciple Tian's reputation. Disciple Tian, are you well acquainted with Elder Jin?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Lin frowned.

The so-called Elder Jin is the Teaching Elder of Class D.

"Elder Jin is my instructing master; there is none in Class D who is not well acquainted with Elder Jin."

Tian Lin said: "Much like how Brother Zhang, you would surely be familiar with Elder Gao, wouldn't you?"

Zhang Zhao let out a hearty laugh, saying: "Disciple Tian jests. Having spent more than two years in Class C, how could I not be familiar with Elder Gao? You must not misunderstand, I am not deriding Disciple Tian for relying on connections.

After all, the path of cultivation hinges on one's background and network. The so-called wealth, companions, teachings, and location are all about background and connections, while talent itself is actually not the most crucial."

Tian Lin felt that Zhang Zhao had come to make an enemy of him, but he realized that Zhang Zhao's words did not carry any intent to mock him.

Clearly, in his heart, Managing to cheat one's way into Class C was seen as a normal and pride-worthy affair.

"Brother, where did you hear that I was well acquainted with Elder Jin? I've only joined the Wendaos Sect for just over a month; I shouldn't have such a big reputation yet."

Zhang Zhao said: "Disciple Tian is a future member of Class C, so naturally, Class C would investigate your background. I, Zhang, heard from other classmates that Disciple Tian comes from a prestigious background, and I couldn't resist my curiosity to pay a visit.

As for who spread those words, I suspect it could be Wang Yanyu?"

Tian Lin was at a loss for words; it seemed that Zhang Zhao explicitly stated that he sought Tian Lin out because of his background.

However, Tian Lin's only background was Elder Yu, with no other connections to speak of.

"Senior Sister Wang should not be one to spread gossip; moreover, my entry into Class C is due to genuine talent, not preferential treatment by Elder Jin."

Tian Lin picked up the teacup and said to Yu'er: "Brother Zhang is drunk, Yu'er, please escort him out of the mansion for me."

Zhang Zhao said: "I had tea, how could I be drunk? Disciple Tian surely has a good sense of humor."

Tian Lin stated coldly: "Wasn't it Brother Zhang who made the first jest? It's one thing to make jokes about me, but joking about Elder Jin's reputation—if the sect investigates later, wouldn't that harm Elder Jin?"

Having made it clear that he was showing the guest out, Zhang Zhao felt insulted, yet still chose to leave the cave mansion.

After Zhang Zhao left, Cui'er couldn't help saying: "Master hasn't even entered Class C yet, and rumors are already spreading. I think it's most likely that Wang Yanyu—she's determined to get into Class C, and never expected Master to surpass her and take her place, so she took her revenge privately."

Tian Lin waved his hand dismissively, thinking it more likely that Zhao Tong was spreading rumors.

It was less about smearing him, and more about taking revenge against Elder Jin.

Given that Zhao Tong had a history of directly confronting Elder Jin in person, he was a true brute.

"Master, do you think the sect will inquire about this matter?"

Yu'er and her sister were somewhat concerned, harboring doubts about Tian Lin's capabilities themselves.

After all, Tian Lin had only been studying for just over a month, and didn't seem like someone who could enter Class C based on natural talent alone.

"The pure will remain pure, and the impure will sully themselves. My inclusion in Class C has been authorized by Elder Xue; if the sect wishes to investigate, they must surely obtain Elder Xue's consent, so there is nothing to fear."

Tian Lin felt that the rumor wouldn't greatly affect him, but it could potentially affect Elder Jin.

It seemed that if Elder Jin wished to advance, unless Tian Lin could achieve some merit in Class C to prove that he wasn't just filling a quota, it would be difficult to clear Elder Jin's name.

The next afternoon, Tian Lin's Heavenly Water Breathing Technique finally reached the Minor Success Realm.

To his surprise, in addition to Zhang Zhao as his neighbor, Zhou Mengjiao turned out to be the owner of cave number 72 in Class C.

They became acquainted due to Zhou Jin, but Zhou Mengjiao had no interest in Tian Lin. After discovering Tian Lin was her neighbor, she first had her sword holder deliver a gift to Tian Lin.

Upon returning from Tian Lin's place, the sword holder couldn't resist sneering: "A toad lusting after a swan's meat—he really has some thick skin."

Zhou Mengjiao asked her sword holder: "What do you mean, did he say anything about me?"

The sword holder shook her head, saying: "He definitely had something on his mind to say, but he held back because he just met Miss. Still, he tried every way to move his cave mansion next to Miss's, isn't that to take advantage of being close to the water tower to win the moon first? I know these men's thoughts all too well."

Zhou Mengjiao was noncommittal, saying:

"Whatever others think, we cannot control; as long as we don't interact with him in the future. After this month is over, I think he will most likely fall back to Class D. By then, he won't have the face to persist in staying in a Class C disciple's cave mansion."

The night passed without words, and early the next day, Tian Lin finally entered the Academy of Class C.