Chapter 37: The Rich Are Terrified of Dying

In the center of Jianghai City, the Professional Qualification Examination Center.

A black extended limousine with military plates pulled up steadily in front of the main entrance.

The door opened, and a long, slender leg stepped out first.

Ye Hongyu walked to the rear seat, respectfully opened the door, and gently shielded the top frame with her hand.

“Young Master, we’ve arrived.”

Lin Mo yawned and climbed out of the car.

This languid yet aristocratic posture immediately drew many sidelong glances.

“Is that the Lin family’s Young Master? I heard his awakening was a blank slate…”

“Shh, keep it down—he’s the son of Jianghai City’s Commander. Even without an awakening, he’ll live in comfort for life.”

“…“

Ye Hongyu stood beside Lin Mo and whispered:

“Young Master, that’s the output-type profession examination hall ahead. The tank and support halls are on the other side.”

Lin Mo nodded and stretched lazily: “Alright, got it. Thanks, Sister Ye. I’m heading in.”

“Mm. I’ll wait outside for you.”

Ye Hongyu bowed slightly, then stood beside the car, watching Lin Mo walk toward the examination hall entrance.

At the security checkpoint, a long queue had already formed.

But Lin Mo used the VIP lane—no one ahead of him.

Two uniformed staff members, one man and one woman, handled the screening.

“Hello, please show your admission ticket.”

The male staff member extended his hand professionally.

Lin Mo handed over his admission ticket.

“Lin… Lin Mo?”

The staff member glanced at the name and froze.

Hearing the name, the female staff member, who had been organizing documents, immediately rushed over, her eyes scanning Lin Mo up and down.

“Oh my, you’re the Young Master of Commander Lin Tianhao?”

Lin Mo nodded calmly:

“Yes. What, does the photo not look like me?”

“It does! You’re even more handsome in person!”

The female staff member quickly smiled, her tone dripping with flattery.

As they spoke, both, curious by instinct, activated their [Scout Technique].

“Holy… shit?” The male staff member couldn’t hold back, blurting out a curse, “Level 17?!”

In past exams, even a Level 15 was considered extraordinary.

Just moments ago, Level 16 Zhao Yu had already stunned them—now came another Level 17…

They exchanged glances, both seeing shock in each other’s eyes.

Is this what wealth means?

Literally pushing a blank-slate mage to a Level 17 that dominates the entire field?

“Ahem…”

The male staff member, trained in professionalism, quickly wiped off his unrefined expression.

“Young Master Lin, my apologies!”

“No wonder you’re the Commander’s son—like father, like son!”

He pointed to the metal security gate behind him, speaking respectfully:

“Young Master, this is standard security equipment. You just need to stand under the light barrier for five seconds—it’ll be quick.”

Lin Mo took back his admission ticket and nodded:

“Alright, no problem.”

He stepped toward the security gate.

The moment Lin Mo entered the light barrier’s range:

Hum—!

A deep blue beam instantly descended from above.

In that instant:

【‘Earth Shield Spell’: Emergency!】

The next moment, a spherical shield of yellow-brown light enveloped Lin Mo, cutting off all external light.

“…“

“…“

The two staff members exchanged glances.

What’s going on?

It’s just a security check—how cautious can this Young Master be?

“U-um, Young Master, this is just to check for prohibited items and ensure your gear isn’t above Bronze rank…”

Inside the shield:

Lin Mo rubbed his forehead, speechless.

Even a security check triggers this? To outsiders, it’d look like he’s terrified of dying.

“Ahem… sorry.”

Lin Mo cleared his throat awkwardly and deactivated the skill.

“Been training hard lately—mind’s too tense. Overreacted. My apologies.”

After speaking, Lin Mo mentally scolded [Earth Shield Spell]:

“Little Earth, stop jumping at shadows, okay? One day I won’t die from enemies—I’ll die from you scaring me to death.”

【‘Earth Shield Spell’: Whimpering—I’m just looking out for your safety… I’ll be more careful next time…】

Lin Mo rolled his eyes, too lazy to argue with this coward.

“Alright, Young Master, cleared. You may proceed.”

After checking the monitor, the staff granted entry.

Lin Mo nodded and walked into the examination corridor.

The two staff members watched his retreating back and whispered quietly.

“My god, is this how the rich cling to life? Even a security check needs a shield?”

“What’s that? If I were a Lin family heir, I’d be even more paranoid…”

“True.”

…

Through the corridor, Lin Mo stepped into a vast open plaza.

Many examinees had already gathered, clustering in small groups.

His appearance instantly drew numerous stares.

After all, the name Lin Mo was extremely well-known among peers in Jianghai City.

“Lin Mo?”

A familiar voice came from behind.

The crowd parted automatically.

Zhao Yu, surrounded by followers, strode forward, “Level 17… that’s quite a high level, huh.”

Lin Mo turned around, recognized the man, and replied casually:

“Huh? Isn’t that Young Master Zhao? What do you want?”

Zhao Yu chuckled:

“I’m just reminding you—there won’t be any of your father’s men guarding you inside this hall.”

“You… better take it easy once you’re in. If it’s not going well, drop out. A blank-slate mage really doesn’t need to take this exam.”

Other examinees cast suspicious glances, murmuring among themselves.

Lin Mo’s expression didn’t change—he replied coolly:

“Thanks for your concern, Young Master Zhao. But I suggest you worry more about yourself.”

“After all, if I, a blank-slate mage, fail, it’s expected. But you’re an S-rank prodigy—if you don’t get a good score, your father’s face… won’t have anywhere to hide.”

“You—!”

Zhao Yu’s fake smile froze instantly.

He opened his mouth, but couldn’t utter a single word.

The logic… was infuriatingly sound.

Lin Mo didn’t bother with him further. Hands in pockets, he strolled lazily toward a corner of the resting area.

“Young Master Zhao, don’t get upset—it’s not worth it to quarrel with someone like him.”

A henchman stepped forward, fawning to soothe him.

“Lin Mo’s just talking big—we all know how he reached Level 17. Just a waste with empty levels.”

"Exactly, exactly!"

Another henchman chimed in, "Young Master Zhao is a chosen one destined for the Heavenly Dragon Academy in the capital; Lin Mo will probably just scrape by his whole life in Jianghai City."

"They’re not even from the same world—why bother with him?"

Hearing this, Zhao Yu’s expression softened slightly.

He took the water handed to him by his henchman, took a sip, and sneered:

"Heavenly Dragon Academy? Hmph, that’s just the bare minimum. My goal is the Dragon Sequence Class at the Heavenly Dragon Academy!"

"D-Dragon Sequence Class?"

Those around him froze in surprise.

Young Master Zhao, the Dragon Sequence Class is the highest-tier reserve force for our Dragon Nation’s combat power! Will their recruiters even come to Jianghai City?

"I heard the minimum requirement is SS-rank?"

Listening to his subordinates’ murmurs, Zhao Yu tilted his chin upward. "Xu Wenchang, the Xu Lao of the Dragon Sequence Class, has indeed come—and he came specifically for me."

"Whoa..."

"Young Master Zhao, you’re amazing!"

"Young Master Zhao, when you rise to greatness, don’t forget to lift up your brothers!"

Hearing the flattery around him, Zhao Yu’s gloom vanished, and his sense of superiority returned.

Hmph, how can a sparrow understand the ambition of a swan?

Lin Mo, you’re a frog at the bottom of a well—you’ll never know how vast the true world is.