Chapter 31: Tuition Fully Waived

Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:

patreon.com/ZeroMoney

I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated. 

******

Wang Li passed Elder Ling's test, and naturally, it was Elder Ling who handled his enrollment. The process was straightforward—just filing Wang Li's information and completing registration. The key issue, however, was the tuition fees. Elder Ling explained patiently:

"The basic tuition at the academy is twenty-four gold soul coins per year. This covers a standard eight-person dormitory and courses in spirit development and combat techniques. You're already a soul master, no longer a soul warrior, so if you accidentally damage academy property during training, there's no need to compensate; it's included in the tuition."

"For the advanced package, the tuition is thirty-six gold soul coins annually. You'll stay in a well-appointed four-person dormitory. Other offerings remain the same, but you'll be able to collect a medicinal broth from the cafeteria every three days."

"The premium package costs forty-eight gold soul coins a year, with accommodation in a luxury double room. Everything else is similar, but you'll also have access to a medicinal bath in the bathhouse every three days."

Upon hearing this, Wang Li quickly grasped the primary difference between these options—the medicinal broth and baths. Curiously, he asked, "Elder Ling, what are the benefits of this medicinal broth and these baths?"

Elder Ling gave Wang Li a pointed look before explaining:

"Most students at this academy are in their early teens, some, like you, are even younger—not yet ten. You're all still growing, and frequent combat training can leave hidden injuries. If left untreated, these injuries can accumulate into chronic issues."

"In youth, they may not seem like a problem, but as you enter middle age, they can become serious obstacles, blocking any further advancement in your abilities. The medicinal broths and baths help to stimulate circulation and nurture the bones and core."

"For a soul master, cultivation is a lifelong pursuit, and a solid foundation is crucial. These medicinal treatments differ in efficacy: the broth promotes circulation, while the bath deeply nourishes your bones."

Wang Li was profoundly struck by Elder Ling's words. The academy's holistic approach to mid-level soul master training impressed him. On the other hand, the tuition fees seemed astronomical—forty-eight gold soul coins per year! His current monthly stipend was just one gold soul coin. He'd have to go two years without spending anything to save up for a year's basic tuition and four years for the premium option.

Wang Li's mouth twitched. If he weren't just a soul master rather than a higher-level soul grandmaster, he would have quit to go fight in the Great Spirit Arena. There, he could earn both experience and money.

Then he thought about Shrek Academy, hidden away in a small village south of Suotuo City, where the registration fee alone was ten gold soul coins, and annual tuition was one hundred gold soul coins, which could easily swallow up an entire year's stipend for a grandmaster.

Compared to that, Liega Academy's offerings seemed generous—spirit training, combat skills, medicinal broths, medicinal baths—all for only forty-eight gold soul coins per year.

But since he didn't have even that amount, after thinking it over, he awkwardly rubbed his hands and, with some hesitation, sincerely asked, "Elder Ling... do we have any kind of installment plan for tuition here at the academy?"

Elder Ling responded calmly, knowing full well that not every student's family was affluent. However, once a person became a soul master, opportunities to earn money weren't hard to come by. So, yes, it was possible to pay tuition in installments.

As for students who might try to evade payments, well, the academy's External Affairs Department didn't only assist with spirit ring hunts. Its operations were extensive.

Even after graduation, former students could work for the External Affairs Department for a few years to repay any outstanding tuition.

At this point, Elder Ling smiled warmly and, with a knowing look, said, "Yes, you can pay tuition in installments, but you won't need to. As a talented new student whom I personally recruited, I can offer you a scholarship that covers all tuition and fees. All I ask is that you train diligently and don't waste your potential. I look forward to seeing what level you'll reach by the time you graduate."

Wang Li was overjoyed at first, then reflected on Elder Ling's insight into human nature and skillful handling of relationships, deserving of his role as Director of the Internal Affairs Department.

He couldn't hold back his gratitude and responded immediately, "Thank you, Elder Ling. Thank you, Academy. I promise to train diligently and live up to your expectations."

Elder Ling's face lit up with a smile. "Good, good. Let's first go collect your uniform, arrange your dorm room, and then you can take some time today to get familiar with the campus."

This is how connections are built at the academy! In the world of soul masters, one genius student outweighs a hundred ordinary ones.

Back at Nuoding Academy, students who couldn't meet graduation requirements were encouraged to leave. But those who met the standards received exceptional support, from hunting spirit rings to academy recommendations. The academy's care and resources were fully dedicated to them.

Liega Academy also provides privileges for gifted students. Elder Ling had a discerning eye and could see Wang Li's potential. While his martial spirit wasn't top-notch, his talent was undeniable. If he could break through the thirty-level barrier, his future cultivation journey would be smooth. In his thirties or forties, he might even reach the rank of Soul King, like the academy head. At that point, this friendship would be invaluable—an investment of just a few hundred gold soul coins.

Following Elder Ling, Wang Li received two academy uniforms. Red and white, they were both stylish and practical for combat, made from high-quality materials that were soft, smooth, and surprisingly sturdy.

They then proceeded to the dormitory building. After registering on the first floor, Elder Ling arranged for Wang Li to stay in one of the most luxurious rooms on the top floor.

Reaching the sixth floor, they arrived at Room 603. Elder Ling opened the door, revealing a spotless room with sunlight streaming through the window. Not a speck of dust was visible.

Elder Ling stepped inside, motioning for Wang Li to follow. He explained, "The dormitory is regularly cleaned, so you won't have to worry about that. The bathroom is over here, and the balcony is on that side. All the furniture is custom-made. Any damage caused to academy property in supervised combat will not require compensation. However, if you intentionally damage anything in the dorm or elsewhere, you'll need to pay for it at full price. Be mindful of that going forward…"

As Wang Li took in the room, he noted the pristine furniture—bed, desk, chairs—all polished wood and spotless, adding a touch of luxury.

Elder Ling concluded with a few final words, "For the next two months, the academy is on break, so it's a great time to explore the campus and the city. Of course, you can also return home if you'd like, but remember to come back before classes start. After that, we'll sort students into classes, and from then on, you'll be immersed in your studies."

"The academy's instructors will offer specialized guidance based on your martial spirit and spirit abilities, whether you're aiming for the power-attack, agility-attack, control, or support routes. Judging by your use of martial spirit and abilities in combat, you're skilled at combining them. A team with one power-attack and one agility-attack soul master would be remarkably strong."

(End of Chapter)