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"Oh... that Academy..."
Lin Jin's mind raced as the backstory for an Academy yet to be established gradually took shape in his thoughts.
"Its name is Tianxing Spirit Master Academy, inspired by its motto. As for the rest of the details."
(T/N- Tian Xing = Heaven's conduct)
Quietly, Lin Jin opened the system map, locating a village northwest of Blackstone City. Instantly, a plan formed.
"You'll see for yourself. In seven days, head to Yon Village, 30 miles northwest of Blackstone City. That's where Tianxing Academy will begin recruiting students."
"Yon Village?" Dai Mubai repeated, visibly confused. The others in the carriage, however, listened with interest and looked at Lin Jin with curiosity and respect.
The status gap between Spirit Masters and ordinary people was indeed significant.
"Why a village?"
"I'm not sure either. You'd best investigate yourself," Lin Jin replied evasively, feigning ignorance.
As long as the bait was cast, there was no doubt they'd bite.
Outside, the old coachman overheard the entire conversation. He couldn't help but pursed his lips.
Having traveled through every part of the Blackstone City area, he'd never heard of such a Spirit Master Academy.
It seemed more like a "phony Academy," set up to scam people and run off with the money.
Still, it wasn't his place to interfere; no one wanted to offend a Spirit Master. So he pretended as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"Hyah!"
The old coachman cracked his whip, prompting the horses to accelerate towards Blackstone City.
Dai Mubai's interest was piqued by Tianxing Spirit Master Academy—or, more precisely, its motto. Throughout the ride, Lin Jin could hear Dai Mubai muttering to himself, clenching his fist tightly.
Lin Jin could only marvel at his ancestors' cunningness; a mere quote was enough to captivate someone.
Dai Mubai's curiosity grew, and he persistently sought more details from Lin Jin about Tianxing Academy.
But it was all still in its infancy; the more he said, the more inconsistencies might arise, so Lin Jin remained evasive.
"Here we are, Blackstone City, gentlemen! I won't be going in; I'd need to pay an entry fee, and I hope you understand," the coachman called out.
The carriage slowed to a stop, and Lin Jin couldn't have been happier. Dai Mubai's incessant questions had been exhausting.
Now, as if granted a reprieve, Lin Jin sighed with relief and said, "Since we're here, I'll take my leave."
"Wait..." Dai Mubai began, but Lin Jin had already turned, pushing his way out of the carriage.
Once out, he took in the sight of Blackstone City ahead. Though not large, its high walls spoke of solid defenses.
And there was more: Lin Jin could sense that many of the guards at the gate possessed Spirit power.
To shake off Dai Mubai, Lin Jin naturally hurried towards the city gate. Since Blackstone City was a border town, goods and people needed inspection.
Sure enough, Lin Jin was stopped by a city guard, who asked for his identification.
Without an ID—being an "illegal"—Lin Jin knew there was one thing that could solve his problem: Gold coins.
"Brother, please understand. I'm in a bit of a hurry..."
Lin Jin said, slipping two Gold coins into the guard's hand with a smile.
The guard's eyes brightened. He sized Lin Jin up—a young man, likely harmless. Even if he was a Spirit Master, he was too young to wield much power.
Besides, it wasn't uncommon in border towns to encounter people fleeing from the neighboring country, so the guard wasn't surprised.
Seeing Lin Jin's compliance and that he didn't seem like a troublemaker, the guard gave him a small piece of advice:
"You'd better go to the City Lord's mansion and go through the proper process, though it may take a while."
Lin Jin was taken aback but quickly nodded with a smile.
"Thank you, brother."
"Alright, alright. Just go in, and don't call me brother," the guard replied dismissively.
Once inside Blackstone City, Lin Jin checked the map and made his way to the official affairs office at the City Lord's mansion to apply for a "pass," as the guard had suggested.
"It's outrageous!" Lin Jin muttered once he emerged.
Though the guard had warned him, he hadn't expected it to be entirely so corrupt. The pass cost him ten gold coins simply because he lacked an ID.
If it hadn't caused trouble, he would have loved to teach that government official a lesson. He could only imagine how much money the official had pocketed through these shady dealings.
Still, with the pass in hand, traveling freely within the Heaven Dou Empire was now possible.
Lin Jin found a hotel and settled in, then turned his thoughts to establishing the Academy. Since he'd promised Dai Mubai that Tianxing Spirit Master Academy would start recruiting in Yon Village in seven days, he had to set everything up within that timeframe.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he began to plan.
"First, I need to rent a plot in Yon Village. There's plenty of land in this world, sparsely populated as it is, so land should be fine. The villagers likely won't oppose a Spirit Master Academy settling there."
"Next, I need to construct some buildings. Just a few will have to do."
Given his limited finances, Lin Jin couldn't afford anything extravagant.
"There are also students to consider. I can advertise in the surrounding villages. Dai Mubai shouldn't realize that this Academy is being built specifically for him."
This part gave Lin Jin a headache. He had no idea what sort of "misfits and rejects" the Academy might attract.
Spirit Hall would have already claimed the geniuses, and the other schools would have taken the average ones, leaving only the least talented behind.
Still, Lin Jin wasn't too worried about attracting students. Given the opportunity, most parents wouldn't let their children miss out on the chance to become Spirit Masters.
And then...
"I need to find some 'generous donors' to sponsor the Academy."
Lin Jin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Though the system had provided him with 100 gold coins, he had already spent 14.
With all the construction expenses, the remaining funds would only last a short time. Without finding a few "big sponsors," Lin Jin feared he might be left without a penny by the time the Academy opened.