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Chapter 23 - Job Hunting

The morning after the confrontation with the noble students, the atmosphere around the academy training grounds had shifted noticeably. Tang San and Xiao Wu found themselves at the center of whispered conversations and admiring glances from their fellow students.

"Tang San, Xiao Wu," Mei began, her voice carrying its characteristic melodic quality. "Have you visited the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City for a soul power update and to get your monthly commission?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, met with blank stares from both Tang San and Xiao Wu.

"Monthly... commission?" Xiao Wu repeated, her head tilting like a confused rabbit. "What's that? Do they pay you for having a spirit?"

Mei's eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise before a soft laugh escaped her lips. "You mean you didn't know? All registered Spirit Masters receive a monthly stipend from the Spirit Hall based on their rank. It's how they support the development of talent across the continent."

Tang San, who had been calmly listening, now showed a rare expression of open astonishment. "They pay us? Simply for being spirit masters?"

"Of course," Mei said, as if explaining something obvious. "How else would spirit masters from common backgrounds afford resources for cultivation? The Spirit Hall is the primary patron for spirit masters across the lands."

Xiao Wu's pink eyes had gone round as coins. "You mean we could have been getting money this whole time? Actual money?" The concept clearly delighted her. "How much? How much do we get?"

Mei smiled at her enthusiasm. "For Spirit Masters like us—those who have broken through the first bottleneck but haven't reached the twentieth rank and already have a spirit ring—it's one gold spirit coin per month. It increases as you advance in rank."

The number seemed to stun them both into momentary silence. One gold spirit coin was a substantial sum for academy students—enough to cover all their personal expenses with plenty left over.

Tang San recovered first, his practical mind already working. "So if we update our information now... does that mean..."

"That you'll be paid."Mei finished for him, her smile turning slightly mischievous. "Yeah, but you'll need to update your file in the spirit hall."

Xiao Wu grabbed Tang San's arm, practically vibrating with excitement. "Brother San! We're rich! We have to go! Right now!"

Tang San placed a calming hand over hers, though his own eyes shone with a new light. The financial struggles he had quietly worried about—the cost of materials, the burden on his father—suddenly had a solution he hadn't imagined.

"This changes everything," he said quietly, more to himself than to them. Then, to Mei: "You would truly guide us to the Spirit Hall?"

"Of course," Mei said warmly. "I need to visit the city anyway to replenish my supplies. We can go after the midday meal." Her eyes twinkled. "And perhaps we can use some of your newfound wealth to sample those honey-glored chestnuts from the vendor near the city gates. I've heard they're quite delicious."

Xiao Wu immediately began pulling Tang San toward the cafeteria. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's eat quickly! We have money to collect!"

As Xiao Wu dragged him away, Tang San glanced back at Mei, offering a rare, full smile of genuine gratitude. In that moment, he understood why everyone at the academy seemed to admire Senior Mei—it wasn't just her talent, but her genuine kindness in looking out for others.

Mei watched them go, her own smile softening. Helping them discover this opportunity felt more rewarding than any applause she'd ever received on stage. Their joyful reaction was its own kind of performance, and she was happy to have played a part in it.

Nuoding City buzzed with activity as the trio arrived shortly after noon. The bustling streets offered a stark contrast to the relative tranquility of Nuoding Spirit Master Academy.

Mei, as it turned out, was surprisingly well-known in the city. As they walked, several people called out greetings to her—shopkeepers, street performers, and even city guards nodded respectfully in her direction.

 She pointed toward a distinctive building in the distance, its roof adorned with the emblem of the Spirit Hall. "That's our first destination."

The Spirit Hall stood imposing and grand, constructed of pale stone that gleamed in the afternoon sun. Two spirit masters flanked the entrance.

Mei led them forward without hesitation. "We're here for the spirit power update and assessment," she announced politely.

One of the guards, a man with a badger-like spirit aura, looked them over before his eyes settled on Mei. "Ah, the young songstress from the academy," he said, his stern expression softening slightly. "Proceed to the third desk on the right. The Elder should assist you."

Inside, the Spirit Hall was even more impressive. The vaulted ceiling rose high above them, decorated with intricate murals depicting great spirit masters from history.

At the third desk sat an elderly man with a long white beard. He looked up as they approached, his eyes sharp and intelligent behind thick spectacles.

"Elder," Mei said with a respectful bow that Tang San and Xiao Wu mirrored. "We're here for the spirit power update and assessment."

The old man studied each of them before his gaze settled on Tang San. "First time update?" he asked, pulling a crystal tablet and a peculiar needle-like instrument from his desk.

"Yes, elder," Tang San replied politely.

The process was efficient. Tang San placed his hand on the spirit power crystal, which glowed and settled at spirit power level 13.

The Elder's eyebrows rose in surprise at the reading for someone so young. The age verification via a blood prick confirmed Tang San was exactly as old as he appeared.

Xiao Wu's results showed spirit power level 12, which still earned an appreciative nod from the elder.

In the demonstration chamber, the brilliant yellow light of their hundred-year spirit rings filled the room. The Elder's eyes widened slightly at the quality, but he simply made another note on his scroll.

"Excellent. The update is complete." He handed each of them a metal badge engraved with the Spirit Hall emblem and the Spirit Hall subsidies.

After leaving the Spirit Hall, Mei led them through increasingly narrow streets until they reached a district where the sound of a hammer on metal echoed through the air.

"The blacksmith quarter," she announced. "Iron Hammer Smithy might be looking for apprentices." She pointed toward a modest shop with a sign depicting a hammer striking an anvil.

Through the open doorway, they saw a burly man hammering a glowing piece of metal, his movements economical and precise.

When the man paused, Tang San stepped forward. "Hello? I like to be an apprentice, if you're still looking."

The blacksmith looked Tang San up and down, his expression skeptical. "You're a bit small for smithing work."

"I'm stronger than I look," Tang San said calmly. "And I have good control."

Master Feng humphed. He picked up a roughly forged metal rod and handed it to Tang San along with a hammer. "Show me how you'd straighten this."

Tang San accepted the tools, noting their weight and balance with practiced ease. He laid the bent rod on the anvil, examined it, and began to work.

His first strike was precise. Each subsequent blow followed in a perfect rhythm, moving metal efficiently without wasting energy. Master Feng watched, his initial skepticism giving way to astonishment.

"You've done this before," he stated when Tang San finished.

"I have some experience," Tang San admitted vaguely.

The blacksmith studied him. "Can you start tomorrow after your classes? I'll pay two silver spirit coins a week."

Tang San glanced at Mei, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. "I can start tomorrow," he agreed.

The journey back to the academy was filled with a comfortable silence as the sun began to dip toward the horizon.

Xiao Wu was the first to break the quiet. "That was amazing, Brother San! I didn't know you could work metal like that!"

"There are many things we still don't know about each other," Tang San replied mildly, though his eyes held a pleased glint.

Mei smiled at both of them. "I think today was quite productive. Spirit update, a new job..." She paused, her expression turning more thoughtful. "Also, Xiao Wu, don't you want to look for a job? I believe there are a few jobs you might like."

Xiao Wu looks thoughtfully, then replied," Maybe next time, I don't really need money right now, I'll look around next time and see if there's a job that interests me."

She then increased her pace slightly. "Let's hurry back, all this city air has made me quite hungry!"

As they walked, Tang San glanced at Mei, feeling a surge of gratitude. Not only had she helped them secure financial stability, but she'd also shown them a path to independence. For the first time, he felt truly prepared to face the road ahead—with his newfound companions at his side.

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