Chapter 8: What's Wrong with the Country People?
"Of course not," Tang San responded immediately.
"Lang'er is right, but unfortunately, this disparity in status is an unwritten rule of the world," Old Jack sighed and continued.
"It's relatively easy to graduate from the Junior Soul Master Academy. Once your martial soul reaches level ten, and a teacher helps you obtain your first soul ring, the process is straightforward.
But the Intermediate Soul Master Academy is a different matter. Your martial soul must reach level twenty, and you have to obtain the second soul ring by hunting soul beasts yourself. That is a dangerous endeavor. If you have the support of a prominent family, the risks are significantly reduced."
Old Jack's expression grew heavier as he went on, "Civilians like us have to rely on ourselves. Many of us have lost our lives trying to achieve this goal."
He hesitated, then added, "As for the Advanced Soul Master Academy, graduating requires breaking through to level thirty and obtaining the third soul ring. Very few manage it. Even some nobles fail. The challenges are steep."
"Are graduates from the Advanced Soul Master Academy really so extraordinary?" Tang San asked, his curiosity piqued.
Old Jack nodded. "Yes. Graduates are highly sought after by both the empire and the Spirit Hall. They are often granted noble titles. But..." he paused, "it's not easy. Without connections or family support, it's almost impossible to succeed."
Shen Lang interjected with a faint smile, "In the end, it's all about connections. Isn't that how the world works? Even if I asked you to forge something for me, you'd probably agree because we're from the same village."
Tang San nodded thoughtfully.
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It wasn't far from Holy Soul Village to Notting City. After walking for half a day and eating some dry food along the way, the three travelers reached the city gates by afternoon.
"Grandpa will drop you off at the academy and then head back. Be sure to listen to your teachers and don't leave the academy without permission. I'll come to get you when the semester ends—right around the New Year," Old Jack instructed.
"Grandpa Jack, are you leaving so soon?" Tang San looked at him with a hint of sadness.
Old Jack smiled ruefully. "Staying in the city is expensive for people like us. Focus on your studies and become a soul master as soon as possible."
Following directions from passersby, they finally reached the Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy. A tall archway marked the entrance, with the words "Notting Academy" engraved prominently at the top.
Two large iron gates stood below, and beyond them, a road lined with towering trees led further into the academy grounds.
As the group approached, a disdainful voice rang out.
"What do you think you're doing here? Is this a place for country folk?"
Old Jack, dressed modestly, bristled at the insult but held his temper.
"My good man, we're from Holy Soul Village. These children are work-study students. Here's the certification from Deacon Su Yuntao of the Spirit Hall. Please, have a look," Old Jack said, handing over the document.
The doorman glanced at the certificate, skepticism etched on his face.
"A golden phoenix from a grass nest? Don't make me laugh. Full innate soul power? This certificate must be fake!"
"How dare you!" Old Jack's voice trembled with anger.
The doorman sneered. "Holy Soul Village? More like Beggar Village. Why don't you take your little brats elsewhere to beg?"
That was the last straw. Before Old Jack could respond, Shen Lang stepped forward, his movements swift and precise.
In a flash, the doorman found himself shoved against the iron gate, groaning in pain.
"You...!" the doorman stammered, pointing at Shen Lang.
"What's wrong with me? Didn't expect a commoner to stand up to you? Let me ask you something—what's wrong with being from the countryside?" Shen Lang's voice was calm, but his words carried a sharp edge.
The doorman quailed under his intense gaze.
"Please! Don't hit me again!"
Shen Lang leaned in closer. "Remember this: respect is mutual. Nobility isn't determined by birth but by one's actions."
Old Jack, who had been fuming moments earlier, now felt a surge of pride.
Tang San, meanwhile, was in awe. "Who is Shen Lang, really? His strength, his speed—they're incredible. I can't figure him out," he thought.
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"That's enough," a hoarse voice called out.
A man of medium height with short, graying hair approached. His demeanor was calm yet commanding, his hands clasped behind his back.
The doorman's expression changed instantly. "Master, you're here!" he said, as though expecting salvation.
The man ignored him entirely and turned to Old Jack.
"Sir, may I see the Spirit Hall certification?"
Old Jack handed over the document, sensing the man's authority. After a brief glance, the master nodded approvingly.
"My apologies for the earlier incident. On behalf of the academy, I welcome you," he said.
Old Jack's indignation melted into gratitude. "Thank you, Master. Please, take care of these children. Lang'er, Xiao San, be good and listen to your teachers."
The old man gave them a final, lingering look before turning to leave.
Tang San and Shen Lang watched him go, each silently vowing to make him proud.
The master turned to them. "Come with me. From now on, this will be your home."
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(End of Chapter 8)