Chapter 15: The Permit
Ye Wen noticed Xiao Lie approaching. For this young noble, Ye Wen felt neither liking nor dislike, so he asked plainly, "What do you need?"
Xiao Lie, however, swallowed nervously. The Notting Academy uniform, just a simple cloak, didn't reveal much about a student's physique, but seeing Ye Wen now, shirtless, his muscles defined like chiseled stone and brimming with raw power, Xiao Lie felt their intimidation. Add to that the massive, 800 pound barbell lying at Ye Wen's feet, and the sight left a clear impression.
But Xiao Lie had already made up his mind. Swallowing his fear, he took a deep breath, bowed, and said loudly, "Boss, I've changed. I want to be a strong person too, and I'm here to ask you to teach me how to cultivate!"
Hearing this, Ye Wen furrowed his brow and replied evenly, "If you need guidance with your training, you should be asking the academy instructors, not me. I'm just an 11th level spirit master."
"No, Boss," Xiao Lie insisted. "What I want is to train as you do. I know the academy teachers won't push me the way I need. I'm a level four innate spirit just like you, so I want to become stronger at a faster pace. Teach me what you know."
The other work study students, overhearing this exchange, stopped their training and turned to watch. Many of them had been influenced by Ye Wen to adopt his view on spirit master training, realizing that cultivating the body alongside spirit power was crucial. Those who only relied on spirit techniques, they learned, were merely third rate fighters.
Ye Wen hadn't taught them directly, but his example inspired them to mimic his training, giving them a path to improvement. They were further bolstered by Ye Wen's occasional pointers, invaluable insights that had lit their path forward, deepening their respect and loyalty toward him.
So now, seeing Xiao Lie step forward to request mentorship from their leader, the other students looked on coldly, silently defending Ye Wen's status.
After a brief silence, Ye Wen let out a sigh, evaluating the young noble before him. "So you think you're a natural talent like me?" he thought to himself. "Well, I'm just pretending to be a level four innate spirit."
But more pressing was the decision on whether or not to teach Xiao Lie at all. The boy seemed determined enough to cling like glue, no matter what Ye Wen said.
And there could be benefits. Xiao Lie's status as the city lord's son could open doors.
Finally, after weighing his options, Ye Wen spoke. "For commoners and nobles alike, spirit cultivation methods are guarded secrets. So tell me, why should I teach you?"
Many of the work study students nodded, clearly agreeing with their leader's position.
Xiao Lie, being a noble, knew full well that cultivation techniques were rarely shared beyond one's clan. It had been foolish, even presumptuous, of him to ask, and Ye Wen's words brought him to his senses, igniting an embarrassed flush on his face. But he refused to back down.
"What do you need?" Xiao Lie asked steadily. "If there's something I can do, I'll make it happen. Even if it costs my life, I'll find a way if you'll teach me to grow strong."
Seeing the change in Xiao Lie, Ye Wen sensed that this young noble was sincere. Nodding slightly, he said, "Your life isn't necessary, but I'll need you to promise me something."
"What is it?" Xiao Lie asked immediately.
"I want you to get an official permit to open a primary academy. All I need is the permit itself I'll take care of the land and other requirements on my own. If you can't even manage that, I don't see a reason to help you."
Xiao Lie relaxed, relieved. A permit to start a primary spirit academy was a small thing for a noble to obtain, though it would be challenging for an ordinary spirit master. As a noble, all he needed to do was file an application for approval.
Yet, few nobles ever applied for such permits, seeing little to gain from investing in primary academies, which they considered a burden. Not only were the profits low, but managing such an academy meant dealing with rowdy children from other noble families, potentially inciting conflicts and resentment from both sides.
This aversion was why over ninety percent of primary spirit academies on the continent were government run. Nobles knew better than to meddle too much with these academies, where commoner children could take the first steps toward a spirit path, helping the empire harness a stable, trained force. This arrangement helped maintain a delicate balance of power, with nobles wary of stepping out of line against the masses and relying on the government to manage the academies.
However, Ye Wen's request didn't include construction funds or administrative resources, just a permit. Xiao Lie felt certain he could obtain this from his father, the city lord.
As Ye Wen had anticipated, Xiao Lie successfully acquired the primary academy permit. He then began training alongside Ye Wen, learning about spirit cultivation under his guidance. Ye Wen tailored a training program specifically for Xiao Lie, withholding some of his own secrets but focusing on techniques that best matched the boy's spirit and abilities.
Ye Wen advised him to raise and train a pack of wolf cubs, using them to simulate a suitable training environment that, while basic, offered significant benefits to Xiao Lie's spirit cultivation. His body quickly grew stronger through Ye Wen's methods, and by graduation, Xiao Lie had reached level 15. Ye Wen even developed a unique set of fighting techniques for him based on the characteristics of his Fire Wolf spirit, greatly boosting his combat prowess.
Emboldened by his progress, Xiao Lie boasted that he could now take on ten of his past self in a fight.
However, Xiao Lie's newfound growth couldn't stay hidden for long. Word eventually reached the city lord's main wife, who ordered him to enroll in an intermediate academy immediately after graduation. She evidently intended to halt Xiao Lie's progress by limiting his access to Ye Wen's training.
(End of Chapter)
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