A day later, Lin Xiu, bracing himself for a severe beating after being caught visiting a pleasure house once more by his future sister-in-law, was utterly surprised when Zhao Lingyin not only spared him but also seemed to be in a rather cheerful mood, humming a tune as she left.

　　The heart of a woman is as fathomable as the depths of the ocean. Lin Xiu could only inwardly curse her as "insane" and proceed toward the Lin residence. He resolved never to visit such a place again. Firstly, he had achieved his purpose and no longer needed to go. Secondly, Zhao Lingyin had warned him that if she caught him there again, she would break his legs. This woman, with her formidable strength and unpredictable nature, genuinely frightened him.

　　...

　　Three days had passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Lin Xiu remained within the confines of the Lin estate, not venturing out once. As a former ordinary man, it took him three days to come to terms with the reality of being struck by a meteor and transmigrating. Simultaneously, he was adapting to his newfound abilities.

　　Lin Xiu now possessed three extraordinary powers: strength, ice, and the ability to communicate with beasts. Newly awakened abilities are often uncontrollable, and in these three days, Lin Xiu had shattered four bowls and seven teacups. Fortunately, as the master of the Lin estate, no servant dared to question him. By now, he had nearly mastered the control of his powers, able to wield them with ease.

　　Yet, another issue weighed on his mind. Awakening these powers was merely the first step; to grow stronger, continuous cultivation was essential. For instance, while both Lin Xiu and Zhao Lingyin possessed the ice ability, Zhao Lingyin could use it in combat, whereas Lin Xiu could only form a thin layer of frost on his hands to cool himself in the sweltering heat.

　　Sun Dalì had taken to staying close to Lin Xiu, relishing the coolness that emanated from him. It was astonishing that Lin Xiu had awakened such a powerful ice ability, though regrettably too late, having missed the optimal age for cultivating extraordinary powers. Had he awakened earlier, he might have become a prodigy like the second miss.

　　Lin Xiu pondered the same. The later one awakens their abilities, the lower their potential. At eighteen, it was unlikely he would achieve much in the path of extraordinary arts, nor would the court consider him worth investing in.

　　In the capital, there existed the Academy of Extraordinary Arts, a place dedicated to nurturing such talents. The academy gathered gifted individuals from across the land, providing specialized instruction to help them understand and enhance their abilities.

　　To receive professional guidance, Lin Xiu's best option was to enter the academy. Not only would it further his strength, but it would also provide opportunities to interact with other ability users, potentially allowing him to acquire more powers. Though the conditions for gaining new abilities were stringent, with ingenuity, he believed there was hope.

　　However, the academy admitted only those who displayed exceptional talent at a young age, like Zhao Lingyin. Lin Xiu was well past the age for entry. If he could reveal his true capabilities, there might be a chance, but such power was too extraordinary and one of his greatest secrets. He decided to keep it hidden.

　　As Lin Xiu grappled with this dilemma, a cool breeze swept by. Zhao Lingyin entered, and Lin Xiu instinctively stepped back, wary. "What do you want? This is my home, Dalì..."

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　　He turned to call for his bodyguard, only to find Sun Dalì had vanished, likely at Zhao Lingyin's arrival. That traitor had betrayed him again without hesitation.

　　Zhao Lingyin glanced at him indifferently and said, "Follow me."

　　...

　　In the capital of Great Xia, the Academy of Extraordinary Arts stood within the imperial city, a gathering place for countless talented individuals and a reservoir of special talents for the court. Most graduates became pillars of the nation, granting the academy a revered status, alongside the Martial Arts Academy and the Imperial College.

　　Standing before the grand gates of the academy, Lin Xiu was bewildered. Why had Zhao Lingyin brought him here?

　　With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, Lin Xiu followed her through the corridors to a two-story building. Zhao Lingyin instructed him to wait outside while she entered.

　　Confused, Lin Xiu waited, overhearing distant whispers.

　　"Is this the son of the Marquis of Peace?"

　　"He is betrothed to the Zhao family's eldest daughter, I hear. Is it true?"

　　"Likely so. Otherwise, why would Miss Lingyin be working so hard to get him into the academy?"

　　"If it were just Miss Lingyin, the chancellor wouldn't make an exception. The Zhao family must be involved, and the chancellor must respect their wishes."

　　"So, the Zhao family is serious about this union. Many geniuses have proposed to the Zhao family, yet they choose to marry their pride and joy to an ordinary man?"

　　"He isn't entirely ordinary; he has awakened an extraordinary ability."

　　"But what good is it if he can't awaken it a second time? The Zhao family's heir has already awakened five times..."

　　"At eighteen? Such talent is truly terrifying..."

　　These words reached Lin Xiu, leaving him stunned. Had Zhao Lingyin been working tirelessly to get him into the academy over the past three days? And did the Zhao family support this?

　　This perplexed Lin Xiu. A prodigy and a late-blooming failure—shouldn't the script involve a broken engagement, leading to a rise from rags to riches? But his story seemed different.

　　If the Zhao family wanted to annul the engagement, they wouldn't treat him so kindly. Perhaps they hoped to offer him benefits so he would relinquish the contract willingly. Lin Xiu hoped so. He had no desire to marry, especially someone with whom he shared no emotional connection, regardless of her beauty or talent.

　　Moreover, the engagement bound him. As long as it existed, he was Zhao Lingyin's nominal future brother-in-law, and any reckless actions would invite her wrath.

　　Lost in thought, Lin Xiu saw Zhao Lingyin emerge from the building. "Come in," she said.

　　Inside, a white-robed elder stood in the hall. Zhao Lingyin introduced him as the chancellor. Lin Xiu bowed respectfully, eager to join the academy despite his reluctance towards the engagement.

　　The elder gazed at Lin Xiu, asking, "I hear you have awakened an extraordinary ability?"

　　Lin Xiu demonstrated, forming a layer of frost on his palm. The elder's eyes betrayed a hint of regret. "Indeed, like Lingyin. Pity, such a waste..."

　　Zhao Lingyin interjected, "Chancellor, you promised!"

　　The elder sighed, "I will not renege. I only lament that had he awakened a decade earlier, he might have become a pillar of the nation..."

　　He looked at Lin Xiu once more, saying, "Your admission is arranged, but your training will rely on Lingyin."

　　Zhao Lingyin nodded, "Thank you, Chancellor. I will teach him well."

　　Exiting the academy, Zhao Lingyin halted. Lin Xiu knew she was about to address the crux of the matter. This was likely a deal between the Zhao family and him, offering him entry into the academy in exchange for dissolving the engagement. Yet, Zhao Lingyin said, "I apologize for my previous actions. The Zhao family keeps its word; the engagement remains unaltered."

　　Lin Xiu was dumbfounded. This was not how it should be! The Zhao family, a rising power, could benefit from marrying their prodigy to another noble family. The engagement was a hindrance. How could they accept a match with a declining noble?

　　Zhao Lingyin continued, "Though your awakening is late, it does not preclude success. Work hard and prove yourself."

　　She turned and left. Lin Xiu, moved by her genuine concern, called out, "Thank you!"

　　Zhao Lingyin waved without turning, leaving a graceful silhouette.