The Academy's Unique Tradition  

How is it that you don't know?" Zhang Ping looked at Lin Xi with surprise. 

"Are there lecturers and departments? Does that mean there are also professors?" Lin Xi glanced at the other "local bumpkins," unable to help but voice his thoughts. 

"Indeed," Zhang Ping and Meng Bai nodded, finding Lin Xi's expression rather peculiar. 

"What kind of academy is this, really?" Lin Xi momentarily found himself at a loss for words, merely managing a wry smile as he chewed on the tough beef jerky. 

From his understanding, this was an ancient world, one so steeped in antiquity that modern language was entirely absent from the outside. Therefore, the words he had spoken in Lulin Town were deemed nonsensical, leading the townsfolk to refer to him as Lin Er. In the private schools and academies outside, instructors were simply called teachers or tutors. Yet here at Qingluan Academy, not only were there lecturers and professors, but there were also various departments, which he found quite difficult to accept. 

"When I arrived, I heard that our Yunqin Empire has three major academies. Do all three refer to their instructors as teachers and professors and have distinct departments?" After swallowing a piece of the uniquely aromatic but tough beef jerky, Lin Xi inquired further. 

"Lin Xi, it seems you truly know nothing," the chubby Meng Bai exclaimed, astonished as he regarded Lin Xi. "Aside from our Qingluan Academy, the other two major academies do not use such terminology. It was only after Director Zhang took charge that we adopted these titles." 

"Director Zhang? Is it only Qingluan Academy that is referred to this way?" Lin Xi was taken aback. 

"Meng Bai, you keep saying 'our Qingluan Academy' as if we are already students there, yet we haven't even seen what it looks like," Zhang Ping and Li Kaiyun chuckled in response to Meng Bai's words. 

Meng Bai's freckled face flushed with embarrassment, and the usually quiet Xiang Lin offered a slight smile to Lin Xi, saying, "Originally, we didn't refer to it in this manner. After Director Zhang became the head of Qingluan Academy, he changed the name. Although it may seem odd, due to Director Zhang's accomplishments and prestige, it has been retained to this day and has become a tradition of Qingluan Academy." 

Lin Xi remained in stunned silence for quite some time. 

"I truly know nothing about Qingluan Academy. What departments does it have?" 

"As far as I know, there are six major departments: Tiangong, Yuyao, Zhige, Wenzhi, Neixiang, and Lingji," Meng Bai stated with a serious demeanor as he tore off another piece of beef jerky. 

Lin Xi was intrigued. "What do these six departments study?" 

"Tiangong focuses on the study of weapons and armor, Yuyao delves into pharmacology and medical techniques, including poison application, Zhige trains leaders in military command, tactics, and reconnaissance, Wenzhi emphasizes internal governance, Neixiang explores the mysteries of the body and the unlocking of its potential, while Lingji pertains to astronomy, meteorology, and communication with spirit beasts," Meng Bai elaborated. "Typically, graduates from Tiangong pursue careers in the Ministry of War, those from Yuyao may join the Apothecary Division or become assassins, graduates of Zhige often serve in border forces, while Wenzhi graduates naturally enter civil service. Neixiang graduates either go to other academies or remain here, and those from Lingji become priests." 

"Which department do you think is the best? Which one do you wish to join? Meng Bai, how do you know so much?" Lin Xi asked, observing that while Meng Bai spoke, the other three "local bumpkins" listened attentively without interjecting, clearly indicating that Meng Bai was the most knowledgeable among them. 

"If we're talking about the best, it would undoubtedly be the Zhige department. After all, our Yunqin Empire values military prowess over scholarly pursuits, with military achievements taking precedence. The highest-ranking officials in the Ling and Xing provinces are those who have accrued military merit, and graduates from Zhige tend to rise the fastest and easily attain high positions. However, Zhige is also the most perilous, often involving life-threatening missions. My family has a long lineage of single heirs, and since I can't endure hardship, I would prefer to enter Yuyao or Lingji," Meng Bai replied. "As for how I know so much, I am, in fact, a third-generation 'Golden Spoon.' My grandfather was also a student at Qingluan Academy, in the Yuyao department, back when it was still called the Yuyao Palace." 

"Your grandfather was actually a graduate of Qingluan Academy?" Lin Xi exclaimed in astonishment. "Then why are you still a 'local bumpkin'?" 

Lin Xi's surprise was well-founded, for Liu Bo had informed him along the way that any student emerging from the three major academies was equivalent to holding a position of town supervisor. For a graduate from the three major academies to end up as merely a Ling supervisor would be considered a significant failure. 

"My grandfather passed away early, which is why I am a bumpkin rather than a Golden Spoon," Meng Bai replied, his cheeks reddening as he spoke with a mouthful of jerky. 

"That truly is unfortunate," Lin Xi said sincerely. 

"I wish to enter the Zhige department," Li Kaiyun suddenly declared, his thin frame shining with a glow of honor that commanded respect. 

"I also aspire to join the Zhige department," Xiang Lin added, puffing out his chest earnestly. His eyes sparkled with the fervor of youthful dreams and sacrifices, unrelated to the rapid promotions Meng Bai had mentioned. 

"I wish to enter the Tiangong department," Zhang Ping stated. 

"Tiangong?" Meng Bai, Li Kaiyun, and Xiang Lin exchanged bewildered glances. "We thought you would prefer the Wenzhi department." 

"While I have managed a considerable amount of business for my father," Zhang Ping shook his head, "the intricate designs on the spirit weapons captivate me even more. I have been drawn to those unique patterns ever since I first encountered them, and I am determined to pursue the Tiangong department." 

"That's truly unexpected," the other "local bumpkins" exclaimed in unison. 

"Lin Xi, which department piques your interest the most?" Before Lin Xi could even open his mouth to ask a question, Meng Bai patted him on the shoulder, eagerly inquiring. 

"Me?" Lin Xi hesitated, realizing that to the Yunqin Empire, he was merely a traveler. The significant events that occurred felt distant and unfamiliar to him, leaving him devoid of the innate aspirations and sense of honor that these youths possessed. Most importantly, everything about this was novel to him. "Aside from Wenzhi, I suppose I could be interested in any of them..." After a moment's contemplation, he replied. He found all the options appealing, save for Wenzhi, which he deemed somewhat dull. 

"You are quite unpicky," the group of "local bumpkins" erupted in laughter. 

"By the way, what does 'spirit weapon' mean, and what about the patterns on them?" Lin Xi chuckled before posing a question he had been eager to ask. 

"Zhang Ping, show Lin Xi your treasure," Meng Bai and Li Kaiyun urged eagerly. 

"Alright." Zhang Ping carefully unwrapped a bundle from behind him, revealing a black dagger approximately a foot long. 

Lin Xi's gaze was immediately drawn to it, captivated by its allure.

The dagger was slim, sharp, and cold to the touch, quickly enveloped by a thin mist that formed on its surface. The dark, lustrous blade bore intricate patterns resembling undulating waves of varying depths. 

"Lin Xi, are you truly unaware of soul power? It seems that the formidable guardian who brought you here neglected to mention this," Meng Bai remarked, observing the curiosity etched on Lin Xi's face as he encountered such an object for the first time, a hint of sympathy flickering in his eyes. 

"I don't know," Lin Xi replied with a simple nod. 

"You are indeed the epitome of ignorance; among so many, you are the only one uninformed," Meng Bai laughed heartily. "Soul power is the intrinsic strength within each of us. Qingluan Academy primarily teaches us how to cultivate this power. According to the customs of our Yunqin Empire, it is classified into nine levels based on potency. The first level is called Soul Warrior, which allows one to exert soul power to enhance physical strength. The second level is Soul Master, where soul power can envelop the body's surface. The third level is Great Soul Master, where soul power can be infused into weapons. The fourth level is National Scholar, where soul power coalesces into a core. The fifth level is Great National Master, capable of merging souls. The sixth level is Holy Master, where soul power can detach from the body. The seventh level is Great Holy Master, where soul power can solidify into weapons. As for the eighth and ninth levels, there are no specific descriptions; they are simply figures of divine caliber." 

"Wow," Lin Xi exhaled softly. 

Is this the cultivation system of the powerful in this world? Soul power? It sounds rather intriguing... 

"That fellow with the crooked nose... his face radiates light, indicating he possesses soul power at the level of a Soul Master. Your formidable guardian, who effortlessly bent his nose, must be at least a Great Soul Master, strong enough to render him incapable of rising for a time," Zhang Ping affirmed Meng Bai's statement while gesturing with the icy black dagger that seemed to ripple with an unseen wave. "A Great Soul Master can infuse soul power into such a soul weapon." 

"And this soul weapon would possess greater piercing and lethality?" Lin Xi inquired. 

"Indeed," Zhang Ping nodded fervently. "If a Great Soul Master wields this soul weapon, ordinary leather and steel armor would surely be pierced." 

"This must be akin to what we refer to as magical artifacts in our world," Lin Xi remarked with a wry smile, falling silent for a moment before earnestly asking, "What kind of story surrounds Director Zhang? What sort of person is he, and is he still alive?" 

Before departing from Lulin Town, he had felt little enthusiasm for Qingluan Academy. However, now, the various departments and titles within the academy had sparked an intense interest within him. He found himself eager to meet the director who transformed the original "palace" into "departments" and referred to instructors as lecturers and professors. 

"I don't know." 

The group of "local bumpkins" shook their heads, but even Meng Bai's face reflected awe and pride. 

"Such institutions often keep their inner workings concealed from the outside world, and the academy never disseminates information. To learn about Director Zhang, one would likely need to be part of the academy," Li Kaiyun explained to Lin Xi, his voice imbued with reverence as he began to sing softly: "He roams the world accompanied by the Qilin and the Divine Phoenix, traversing deserts unseen by others. He has severed the heads of demons, effortlessly claiming the heads of generals amidst countless troops. His glory at Falling Star Lake is unmatched by anyone..." 

Li Kaiyun's voice began as a solitary melody, but soon others joined in, and the entire camp resonated with solemn and majestic song.