Chapter 3
Shiyang Academy, the Current Goal!
Half an hour later, around the beginning of the 9-11 AM, Gu Lin arrived at Shiyang Academy.
This academy is the largest school in Shiyang County and is also a government-run academy. Scholars cultivate their character and martial artists practice their skills, all taught by renowned teachers. The tuition fee is thirty taels of silver per year, a huge sum that ordinary families cannot afford.
This year, the Gu family also persevered through gritted teeth, with the father working tirelessly to raise enough money for next year's tuition.
Gu Lin's decision to leave school was a no-brainer!
Having a book of merit, why are you still staying in the academy when you're so full of yourself?
He went to the "Huang" room of the school administration.
The academy has a total of more than 700 students, divided into eight departments: "Heaven and Earth, Black and Yellow, Universe and Vastness," with nearly 100 students in each department.
The top-tier academies are all filled with elite cultivators.
The worst students in the "Huangzifang" school district were all extremely poor in talent.
The despicable Li Qingwu was a student at the "Tian" school.
Gu Lin searched around but couldn't find Teacher Zhao, the instructor of the Wasteland Academy, so he had no choice but to return to the academy to wait.
The vast school was in complete disarray. Some people were sitting cross-legged in meditation, some were practicing martial arts on wooden stakes, some were whispering sweet nothings, and some were fast asleep.
As soon as I entered the building, I was met with ridicule from all around.
"Gu Jingming, I heard Li Qingwu has another loyal dog by her side. He's going to try and steal your bone. Aren't you going to fight him?"
"Can he compare to Gu Jingming? Gu Jingming's backbone is completely in Li Qingwu's hands. Who can be more loyal than Jingming?"
"Gu Lin, courtesy name Jingming, also known as the First Lackey under Qingwu, and also called the Money-Giving Boy."
The sounds of teasing and joking rose and fell.
Gu Lin remained expressionless as he found his seat and sat down.
Why bother?
With the Book of Merit, his future lies not in this small place, but on the most dazzling stage of the Feathered Divine Dynasty!
"Jingming, you seem to have changed." A chubby, fair-skinned boy with no beard approached.
His name was Wang Mu, the only son of Manager Wang, the largest silk shop in Shiyang Courtyard, and one of Gu Lin's few friends.
Wang Mu looked at Gu Lin with a slightly puzzled expression.
In the past, Gu Lin walked with a hunched back and no bearing. This was partly due to his inferiority complex and partly due to his eye disease, which caused him to habitually look down at the road.
Gu Lin now stands tall and slender, strolling leisurely, exuding an extraordinary air!
Gu Lin didn't answer, but instead asked, "Where's Master Zhao?"
He was in a hurry to complete the withdrawal procedures.
The chubby boy replied with a smile:
"You didn't know that? The selection competition is getting closer and closer, and Teacher Zhao is helping out the top-tier academy."
"That's right, your head is only filled with Li Qingwu, you wouldn't pay attention to these things!"
Gu Lin nodded and asked casually:
"What selection competition?"
The chubby boy took a fragrant piece of jerky from the drawer, put it in his mouth, chewed it, and said slowly:
"Of course it's the selection competition for the four holy lands. The top-tier academy is going all out to compete for those ten spots. Li Qingwu has asked you for money again these past few days, hasn't she? Whether she can make it to the top depends on the selection competition in ten days."
The Four Holy Lands?
Upon hearing this title, Gu Lin was filled with awe.
This is not a cultivation sect or a noble clan's treasure land, but one of the four most powerful institutions in the Feathered Divine Dynasty.
First Hall!
First Affiliated Hospital!
One guard!
A temple!
Martial Peak Hall, Literary Academy, Heavenly Profound Guard, East Temple!
The Feathered Divine Dynasty comprises twenty-eight states, each overseen by four major institutions!
Joining one of them brings more than just family honor; it's a leap in social class, a bright future!
Gu Lin became interested and asked in a low voice:
"Of the ten seed slots, how many will actually make it into the Holy Land?"
"How many?" The chubby boy scoffed. He was well-informed and clearly found the question absurd, emphasizing each word as he spoke:
"If even one person joins the faculty, Shiyang Academy will be filled with fanfare, and the dean will throw a grand banquet to celebrate for seven days and seven nights!"
"This year, there are only six spots available in the entire Chuwei Prefecture, which comprises nineteen counties. Do you know how competitive that is?"
"These ten seeds are considered cultivation prodigies at Shiyang Academy, but in the entire Chuwei County, they're not even considered top-tier. Their most realistic ambition is to become ghostwriters!"
Gu Lin continued to stare at the chubby boy, seeking clarification.
The chubby boy talked on and on:
"The 'sword-wielders' are departments under the four major power institutions. They can also receive salaries from the imperial court and enjoy the protection of the Divine Land Imperial Court. Their purpose is to run errands for the Holy Land. For example, the Chuzhou Wuji Palace has a 'sword-wielders' office under its jurisdiction. The sword-wielders are only responsible for serving the Wuji Palace and doing dirty and tiring work."
Gu Lin asked again:
"Similar to officials and clerks?"
The chubby boy shook his head:
"Not to mention the vast difference in treatment between the Holy Land's disciples and the ghostwriters, even if an official has outstanding performance, he or she may be promoted to a minor official and enjoy an official's salary. But a ghostwriter can never become a member of the Holy Land, and no matter how great his or her achievements are, the rules will not be broken."
"Officials and clerks? They're superiors and slaves!!"
The chubby boy stopped mid-sentence with a wry smile:
"We call them slaves, but the position of swordsman is something that so many people dream of. Countless geniuses would do anything to become swordsmen, so that they can thrive under the protection of the divine dynasty and the holy land."
"I dream of becoming a ghostwriter, bringing glory to my ancestors and showing off my power."
Gu Lin remained calm on the surface, but inwardly he was in turmoil.
He made a decision instantly.
I'm not dropping out of school!
He wants to participate in the selection process; he wants to compete for one of the top ten spots!
He didn't dream of becoming a ghostwriter.
He's going to join one of the four holy lands!!
The four holy sites are perfectly aligned with one's own merit book. Eliminating evil brings rewards, but eliminating evil single-handedly is slow, carries the risk of retaliation, implicates one's parents, and leaves one living in constant fear.
If someone has a powerful background, I'll kill them if I want; what can you do about it?
The college selection competition is in just ten days, and these ten days are extremely important!
If they can't even make it into the top ten seeds, let alone go to Chuwei County to participate in the selection competition of the four holy lands.
This is the most important goal right now!
"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore." The chubby boy said wearily and nonchalantly.
"This is all fierce competition among the top-tier educational institutions; it has absolutely nothing to do with our seven educational institutions. We can just watch the show."
"Jingming, come on, I'll treat you to roast goose."
After speaking, he left his seat and walked out of the school.
Gu Lin followed.
In the academy's training ground, dozens of people sat cross-legged, practicing the Fire Connection Mind Technique in front of the rising sun.
Meanwhile, in the bamboo grove next door, a group of handsome men and noble ladies were discussing metaphysics and Taoism. All eyes were on the white-robed young master with a folding fan at the head of the group, including Li Qingwu.
She gazed at the noble young man with eyes as deep as autumn water, her gaze filled with extreme tenderness.
They are all elites from the Tianzifang School District!
Not far away, Gu Lin and the chubby Wang Mu watched this scene.
The chubby boy sighed:
"Tsk tsk, the woman you're so infatuated with is fawning over Zhao Qilin like that!"
"I really envy Zhao Qilin. He's the center of attention, able to sleep with whomever he wants. He's also the only promising candidate from our academy with a chance of joining one of the Four Great Holy Lands!"
Zhao Qilin, whose real name is Zhao Yao and whose nickname is Young Master Qilin, is also known as the leader of the academy. He is at the eighth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, far ahead of the entire Tianzifang Academy, and is the top student in every subject!
His father was the county magistrate of Shiyang County, the second-in-command of the county government.
Of course, the Zhao family has even more outstanding figures.
Zhao Can, the eldest son of the county magistrate, stood out three years ago and joined the Chuzhou Martial Arts Hall. He is also the only person from Shiyang County to join the Holy Land in the past six years!
Next month, Prince Qilin will also have a good chance of joining the Holy Land.
He is also the only prodigy who has a chance of being hired by Shiyang Academy.
That means the Zhao family has two supreme rulers!
At that time, the Zhao family will hold absolute power in Shiyang County, controlling everything with their own hands!
Gu Lin was too lazy to look at the bamboo forest. He was thinking about how to quickly gain merit and increase his cultivation level within ten days.
"Do you know?" the chubby boy said as he paced back and forth.
"If you are selected to join the Holy Land, you will have one special privilege: you can freely choose three ghostwriters!"
"This is also why the Imperial Academy is so eager to curry favor with Young Master Qilin. If they lose in the selection competition and don't have the qualifications to be ghostwriters, Young Master Qilin can help them rise to prominence with just a word."
"That's exactly what Li Qingwu was thinking. She's probably already lost her virginity to Young Master Qilin."
After the chubby boy finished speaking, he tested Gu Lin's reaction.
To everyone's surprise, Gu Lin remained unmoved, showing no anger whatsoever, not even a trace of emotion.
This academy is the largest school in Shiyang County and is also a government-run academy. Scholars cultivate their character and martial artists practice their skills, all taught by renowned teachers. The tuition fee is thirty taels of silver per year, a huge sum that ordinary families cannot afford.
This year, the Gu family also persevered through gritted teeth, with the father working tirelessly to raise enough money for next year's tuition.
Gu Lin's decision to leave school was a no-brainer!
Having a book of merit, why are you still staying in the academy when you're so full of yourself?
He went to the "Huang" room of the school administration.
The academy has a total of more than 700 students, divided into eight departments: "Heaven and Earth, Black and Yellow, Universe and Vastness," with nearly 100 students in each department.
The top-tier academies are all filled with elite cultivators.
The worst students in the "Huangzifang" school district were all extremely poor in talent.
The despicable Li Qingwu was a student at the "Tian" school.
Gu Lin searched around but couldn't find Teacher Zhao, the instructor of the Wasteland Academy, so he had no choice but to return to the academy to wait.
The vast school was in complete disarray. Some people were sitting cross-legged in meditation, some were practicing martial arts on wooden stakes, some were whispering sweet nothings, and some were fast asleep.
As soon as I entered the building, I was met with ridicule from all around.
"Gu Jingming, I heard Li Qingwu has another loyal dog by her side. He's going to try and steal your bone. Aren't you going to fight him?"
"Can he compare to Gu Jingming? Gu Jingming's backbone is completely in Li Qingwu's hands. Who can be more loyal than Jingming?"
"Gu Lin, courtesy name Jingming, also known as the First Lackey under Qingwu, and also called the Money-Giving Boy."
The sounds of teasing and joking rose and fell.
Gu Lin remained expressionless as he found his seat and sat down.
Why bother?
With the Book of Merit, his future lies not in this small place, but on the most dazzling stage of the Feathered Divine Dynasty!
"Jingming, you seem to have changed." A chubby, fair-skinned boy with no beard approached.
His name was Wang Mu, the only son of Manager Wang, the largest silk shop in Shiyang Courtyard, and one of Gu Lin's few friends.
Wang Mu looked at Gu Lin with a slightly puzzled expression.
In the past, Gu Lin walked with a hunched back and no bearing. This was partly due to his inferiority complex and partly due to his eye disease, which caused him to habitually look down at the road.
Gu Lin now stands tall and slender, strolling leisurely, exuding an extraordinary air!
Gu Lin didn't answer, but instead asked, "Where's Master Zhao?"
He was in a hurry to complete the withdrawal procedures.
The chubby boy replied with a smile:
"You didn't know that? The selection competition is getting closer and closer, and Teacher Zhao is helping out the top-tier academy."
"That's right, your head is only filled with Li Qingwu, you wouldn't pay attention to these things!"
Gu Lin nodded and asked casually:
"What selection competition?"
The chubby boy took a fragrant piece of jerky from the drawer, put it in his mouth, chewed it, and said slowly:
"Of course it's the selection competition for the four holy lands. The top-tier academy is going all out to compete for those ten spots. Li Qingwu has asked you for money again these past few days, hasn't she? Whether she can make it to the top depends on the selection competition in ten days."
The Four Holy Lands?
Upon hearing this title, Gu Lin was filled with awe.
This is not a cultivation sect or a noble clan's treasure land, but one of the four most powerful institutions in the Feathered Divine Dynasty.
First Hall!
First Affiliated Hospital!
One guard!
A temple!
Martial Peak Hall, Literary Academy, Heavenly Profound Guard, East Temple!
The Feathered Divine Dynasty comprises twenty-eight states, each overseen by four major institutions!
Joining one of them brings more than just family honor; it's a leap in social class, a bright future!
Gu Lin became interested and asked in a low voice:
"Of the ten seed slots, how many will actually make it into the Holy Land?"
"How many?" The chubby boy scoffed. He was well-informed and clearly found the question absurd, emphasizing each word as he spoke:
"If even one person joins the faculty, Shiyang Academy will be filled with fanfare, and the dean will throw a grand banquet to celebrate for seven days and seven nights!"
"This year, there are only six spots available in the entire Chuwei Prefecture, which comprises nineteen counties. Do you know how competitive that is?"
"These ten seeds are considered cultivation prodigies at Shiyang Academy, but in the entire Chuwei County, they're not even considered top-tier. Their most realistic ambition is to become ghostwriters!"
Gu Lin continued to stare at the chubby boy, seeking clarification.
The chubby boy talked on and on:
"The 'sword-wielders' are departments under the four major power institutions. They can also receive salaries from the imperial court and enjoy the protection of the Divine Land Imperial Court. Their purpose is to run errands for the Holy Land. For example, the Chuzhou Wuji Palace has a 'sword-wielders' office under its jurisdiction. The sword-wielders are only responsible for serving the Wuji Palace and doing dirty and tiring work."
Gu Lin asked again:
"Similar to officials and clerks?"
The chubby boy shook his head:
"Not to mention the vast difference in treatment between the Holy Land's disciples and the ghostwriters, even if an official has outstanding performance, he or she may be promoted to a minor official and enjoy an official's salary. But a ghostwriter can never become a member of the Holy Land, and no matter how great his or her achievements are, the rules will not be broken."
"Officials and clerks? They're superiors and slaves!!"
The chubby boy stopped mid-sentence with a wry smile:
"We call them slaves, but the position of swordsman is something that so many people dream of. Countless geniuses would do anything to become swordsmen, so that they can thrive under the protection of the divine dynasty and the holy land."
"I dream of becoming a ghostwriter, bringing glory to my ancestors and showing off my power."
Gu Lin remained calm on the surface, but inwardly he was in turmoil.
He made a decision instantly.
I'm not dropping out of school!
He wants to participate in the selection process; he wants to compete for one of the top ten spots!
He didn't dream of becoming a ghostwriter.
He's going to join one of the four holy lands!!
The four holy sites are perfectly aligned with one's own merit book. Eliminating evil brings rewards, but eliminating evil single-handedly is slow, carries the risk of retaliation, implicates one's parents, and leaves one living in constant fear.
If someone has a powerful background, I'll kill them if I want; what can you do about it?
The college selection competition is in just ten days, and these ten days are extremely important!
If they can't even make it into the top ten seeds, let alone go to Chuwei County to participate in the selection competition of the four holy lands.
This is the most important goal right now!
"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore." The chubby boy said wearily and nonchalantly.
"This is all fierce competition among the top-tier educational institutions; it has absolutely nothing to do with our seven educational institutions. We can just watch the show."
"Jingming, come on, I'll treat you to roast goose."
After speaking, he left his seat and walked out of the school.
Gu Lin followed.
In the academy's training ground, dozens of people sat cross-legged, practicing the Fire Connection Mind Technique in front of the rising sun.
Meanwhile, in the bamboo grove next door, a group of handsome men and noble ladies were discussing metaphysics and Taoism. All eyes were on the white-robed young master with a folding fan at the head of the group, including Li Qingwu.
She gazed at the noble young man with eyes as deep as autumn water, her gaze filled with extreme tenderness.
They are all elites from the Tianzifang School District!
Not far away, Gu Lin and the chubby Wang Mu watched this scene.
The chubby boy sighed:
"Tsk tsk, the woman you're so infatuated with is fawning over Zhao Qilin like that!"
"I really envy Zhao Qilin. He's the center of attention, able to sleep with whomever he wants. He's also the only promising candidate from our academy with a chance of joining one of the Four Great Holy Lands!"
Zhao Qilin, whose real name is Zhao Yao and whose nickname is Young Master Qilin, is also known as the leader of the academy. He is at the eighth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, far ahead of the entire Tianzifang Academy, and is the top student in every subject!
His father was the county magistrate of Shiyang County, the second-in-command of the county government.
Of course, the Zhao family has even more outstanding figures.
Zhao Can, the eldest son of the county magistrate, stood out three years ago and joined the Chuzhou Martial Arts Hall. He is also the only person from Shiyang County to join the Holy Land in the past six years!
Next month, Prince Qilin will also have a good chance of joining the Holy Land.
He is also the only prodigy who has a chance of being hired by Shiyang Academy.
That means the Zhao family has two supreme rulers!
At that time, the Zhao family will hold absolute power in Shiyang County, controlling everything with their own hands!
Gu Lin was too lazy to look at the bamboo forest. He was thinking about how to quickly gain merit and increase his cultivation level within ten days.
"Do you know?" the chubby boy said as he paced back and forth.
"If you are selected to join the Holy Land, you will have one special privilege: you can freely choose three ghostwriters!"
"This is also why the Imperial Academy is so eager to curry favor with Young Master Qilin. If they lose in the selection competition and don't have the qualifications to be ghostwriters, Young Master Qilin can help them rise to prominence with just a word."
"That's exactly what Li Qingwu was thinking. She's probably already lost her virginity to Young Master Qilin."
After the chubby boy finished speaking, he tested Gu Lin's reaction.
To everyone's surprise, Gu Lin remained unmoved, showing no anger whatsoever, not even a trace of emotion.