The Lin family caravan departed Gengxin City three days after Lin Tianyu's successful awakening ceremony. Their destination was Notting City, where the young spirit master would begin his formal education at Notting Academy. The journey would take approximately two weeks, following well-established trade routes that the family had traveled countless times over the years.
As their wagon rolled along the dusty roads, Lin Tianyu found himself with ample time to experiment with his mysterious Quantum Dimensional Simulator. Each day brought a new simulation point, and he quickly developed a routine of running single-point simulations whenever privacy allowed.
The results were... disappointing.
Lin Tianyu had initially hoped that even low-investment simulations might provide useful benefits, but reality proved far harsher than his expectations. Single-point simulations consistently resulted in what the system classified as F or E-grade performances, usually ending with his simulated self dying in tragically absurd circumstances.
His first simulation after leaving Gengxin City exemplified the pattern perfectly.
[Simulation Beginning...]
[Background: You are born as Lin Tianyu, son of a village hunter in a remote mountain settlement.]
[Age 6: Martial Spirit Awakening. You manifest a Hunting Knife spirit with rank 3 soul power.]
[Age 7: While attempting to hunt your first soul beast, you trip over a root and fall into a ravine, breaking your leg. Unable to escape, you die of exposure three days later.]
[Simulation Complete]
[Performance Rating: F]
[Available Rewards (Select 1):]
[1. Wilderness Survival Instinct (Yellow Talent)]
[2. Broken Leg (Red Physical Debuff)]
[3. Basic Hunting (Yellow Knowledge)]
[4. Soul Power -1 level (Red Debuff)]
[5. Minor Pain Tolerance (Yellow Talent)]
Lin Tianyu stared at the reward options in disbelief. The second option would literally break his leg in reality, while the soul power reduction would actually make him weaker. Even the "positive" rewards were pathetically low-quality yellow-grade abilities.
He reluctantly selected Minor Pain Tolerance, reasoning that it was the least harmful option available.
The second simulation proved equally catastrophic.
[Age 6-10: You train obsessively, pushing your body beyond safe limits to prepare for soul ring absorption.]
[Age 11: The hidden injuries from overtraining erupt during your first soul ring absorption attempt. Your weakened body cannot withstand the spiritual pressure, resulting in cultivation deviation and death.]
[Performance Rating: F]
[Available Rewards (Select 1):]
[1. Minor Burn Resistance (Yellow Talent)]
[2. Hidden Body Injuries (Red Physical Debuff)]
[3. Overtraining Syndrome (Red Mental Debuff)]
[4. Basic Physical Training (Yellow Technique)]
[5. Soul Power +1 level (Green)]
This time, Lin Tianyu chose the soul power increase, hoping to advance his cultivation. However, nothing happened when he selected the reward.
[Soul Power advancement blocked: Host currently at level 10 bottleneck. Soul ring required for further progression.]
The system's explanation made him want to scream in frustration. Even when the simulations offered potentially useful rewards, his current cultivation state prevented him from benefiting.
Day after day, the pattern continued. His simulated selves died in increasingly ridiculous ways: choking on food during a feast, being trampled by spirit beasts while picking flowers, accidentally poisoning themselves while experimenting with herbs, or simply catching fatal illnesses due to poor hygiene practices.
The negative rewards were almost comedically cruel. One simulation where his alternate self died from falling off a cliff resulted in a "Fear of Heights" debuff option. Another where he drowned offered "Hydrophobia" as a reward. The system seemed to take perverse pleasure in offering him the exact problems that had killed his simulated counterparts.
However, not every simulation ended in complete disaster. After nearly a week of failures, Lin Tianyu finally achieved his first E-grade performance.
[Age 6-15: You work as a village cook, developing basic culinary skills through years of practice.]
[Age 16: You die from a kitchen fire when your clothing catches flames while cooking.]
[Performance Rating: E]
[Available Rewards (Select 1):]
[1. Minor Pain Tolerance (Yellow Talent)]
[2. Basic Cooking (Yellow Knowledge)]
[3. Metal Cooking Pot (Green Item)]
[4. Kitchen Management (Yellow Knowledge)]
[5. Soul Power +1 level (Green)]
Finally, a simulation where his alternate self had actually accomplished something before dying! Lin Tianyu selected Basic Cooking Knowledge, gaining practical knowledge about food preparation, seasoning, and basic nutrition. The skill was hardly revolutionary, but it was genuinely useful knowledge he hadn't possessed before.
More E-grade simulations followed sporadically. One where his simulated self worked as a laborer provided Basic Physical Conditioning (Yellow), slightly improving his strength and endurance. Another simulation as a messenger granted Improved Stamina (Yellow), improving his ability to run longer distances without tiring.
The physical fitness improvements were particularly welcome. Although individually small, multiple yellow-grade improvements began to accumulate meaningful effects. His strength, speed, and endurance gradually increased.
Lin Tianyu realized this was actually quite significant. Most six-year-old children possessed the physical capabilities of, well, six-year-old children. But his accumulated improvements had given him the fitness level of a well-trained adult athlete, all while maintaining his young appearance. When combined with his sword training, he was probably physically superior to many adult spirit masters who relied entirely on their martial spirits for improvement.
Still, the success rate remained frustratingly low. For every useful E-grade reward, he endured five or six catastrophic failures that offered nothing but debuffs and useless items or knowledge. The single-point simulations were clearly designed for failure, serving as harsh reminders that meaningful benefits required substantial point investments.
"Tianyu, we're approaching Notting City," his father called from the driver's seat, interrupting his contemplation of the latest simulation disaster.
Lin Tianyu looked up from his meditation to see the familiar walls of Notting City rising in the distance.
The city guards recognized the Lin family caravan immediately, waving them through the gates with friendly greetings and inquiries about trade goods. Lin Qiang had been conducting business in Notting City for over a decade, building relationships that smoothed their passage and secured favorable trading terms.
"Master Lin! Welcome back," called Captain Zhou, the senior guard who had known the family since Lin Tianyu was a toddler. "I see young Tianyu has grown considerably since your last visit. Ready to begin his education, I assume?"
"Indeed," Lin Qiang replied with obvious pride. "He awakened as a spirit master recently, so we're enrolling him at Notting Academy."
"Excellent choice. Master Mo Hen runs a fine institution, though I hear they've become more selective about working students recently."
Lin Qiang reached into his pouch and discretely pressed a few silver coins into Captain Zhou's hand. "Thank you for your continued assistance with our business affairs, Captain."
Captain Zhou accepted the customary tip with practiced ease. "Always a pleasure dealing with honest merchants like your family, Master Lin. Safe travels within the city."
Lin Tianyu listened to the conversation while observing the city's familiar sights. Notting City was substantially larger than Holy Soul Village but still maintained the rustic charm of a frontier settlement. The streets bustled with merchants, craftsmen, and farmers conducting their daily business under the warm afternoon sun.
Their caravan proceeded directly to Notting Academy, located in the city's educational district. The academy buildings were constructed from sturdy stone and timber, designed to withstand both time and the occasional mishaps that occurred when young spirit masters practiced their abilities.
* * *
As they approached the academy gates, Lin Tianyu spotted a familiar figure engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion with one of the gate guards. Tang San stood before the entrance alongside an elderly man with weathered features, holding what looked like an official document while the older man gestured emphatically at the dismissive guard.
The gatekeeper took the proffered certificate, and looked it over from top to bottom, "Spirit is blue silver grass? But still innate full spirit power? Ridiculous, this really is the biggest joke in the world. I have worked as gatekeeper at the academy for four years, and still haven't heard of a student with innate full spirit power. This boy's spirit is blue silver grass, and can still have full spirit power? I think this spirit hall certificate is definitely a forgery."
"You..." Even if Old Jack had a better temperament, at this moment he was already unable to restrain himself. "You are intentionally making things difficult. Very well, you wait and see. I'll go find a Spirit Hall attendant. Little San, we're leaving."
Lin Tianyu quickly dismounted from his family's wagon and approached the confrontation. His expensive merchant clothing and the obvious quality of his soul guide ring immediately caught the guard's attention, causing the man's demeanor to shift from dismissive to obsequious.
"Tang San!" Lin Tianyu called out cheerfully, as if he had just noticed his friend by coincidence. "What a pleasant surprise to encounter you here. Are you having difficulties with the enrollment process?"
The gate guard's eyes widened as he observed the obvious wealth displayed by Lin Tianyu's attire and accessories. More importantly, the young merchant clearly knew the boy with the questionable certificate, lending credibility to Tang San's claims.
"Young master," the guard said with forced politeness, "I was just explaining to your friend that his certificate appears to have some... irregularities. Surely you understand the academy's need to maintain standards?"
Lin Tianyu examined Tang San's certificate with theatrical concern before nodding approvingly. "This appears completely legitimate to me. The Spirit Hall seal is authentic, the signatures match the proper format, and the spiritual energy residue confirms recent official handling." He paused meaningfully. "Of course, I understand that gate guards must be cautious about potential fraud. Such diligence deserves recognition."
Reaching into his storage ring, Lin Tianyu withdrew a small pouch containing several silver soul coins and pressed it into the guard's hand. "Please accept this small token of appreciation for your careful attention to academy security."
The guard's attitude transformed completely as he felt the weight of the silver coins. "Ah, yes, well, upon closer inspection, this certificate does appear to be in proper order. My apologies for the confusion, young master Tang San. Please, proceed directly to the admissions office."
As they walked through the academy gates, Tang San looked at Lin Tianyu with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you for your help, but I'm confused about what just happened. My certificate was legitimate from the beginning."
"Of course it was," Lin Tianyu replied with a knowing smile. "But that guard wasn't really questioning its authenticity. He was creating a problem that could be solved with a small financial contribution. It's a common practice among gate guards and minor officials - they make difficulties for people who appear unable to afford gratuities, then become remarkably helpful once properly motivated."
Tang San's expression darkened with understanding. "So he was essentially extorting money from students and their families?"
"Exactly. He probably saw your simple clothing and assumed you couldn't afford to 'tip' him for his services. If you had arrived alone, he would have continued making problems until you either paid him or gave up and left."
"That's... corrupt," Tang San said with obvious disgust.
"Welcome to the real world," Lin Tianyu replied pragmatically. "As a merchant's son, I've learned that sometimes a small payment prevents much larger problems. The silver coins I gave him cost less than the time and trouble we would have spent fighting his obstruction through official channels."
Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of a scholarly-looking man in his fifties, wearing the simple robes that marked him as an academy instructor. His pale green hair and intelligent eyes gave him an air of academic authority, though his expression seemed perpetually calculating.
"Excuse me, young gentlemen," the man said with a polite smile. "I couldn't help but notice your discussion about Spirit Hall certificates and martial spirit potential. My name is Yu Xiaogang, though most people know me as the Grandmaster. I serve as a theoretical instructor here at Notting Academy."
Lin Tianyu felt a surge of wariness at the introduction, though he maintained a respectful expression. This was the moment he had been preparing for since his first conversation with Tang San years ago.
"It's an honor to meet you, Master Yu," Lin Tianyu replied with appropriate courtesy. "I've heard your reputation spoken of throughout the continent."
Yu Xiaogang's smile widened at the recognition. "You're too kind. I was observing your interaction with the gate guard and was impressed by both your knowledge of official procedures and your friend's remarkable martial spirit potential. Blue Silver Grass with innate full soul power is extraordinarily rare - perhaps unprecedented in recorded history."
He turned his attention to both boys with obvious interest. "If I may be so bold, I would like to offer both of you the opportunity to become my personal disciples. Your friend's unique martial spirit presents fascinating theoretical possibilities, while your own demonstrated intelligence and resources would make you an excellent student of spirit master theory."
Lin Tianyu had anticipated this moment and prepared his response carefully. "Master Yu, I'm deeply honored by your offer, but I must respectfully decline. My martial spirit is a sword-type weapon spirit, and my family has already made arrangements for me to study under a master swordsman once I reach the appropriate cultivation level. Since your expertise lies in theoretical knowledge rather than practical sword techniques, I don't believe I could benefit fully from your instruction."
Yu Xiaogang's expression flickered with disappointment, but he nodded understandingly. "A wise consideration. Weapon spirits do indeed require specialized training that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide. I respect your family's planning in this matter."
He turned expectantly toward Tang San, clearly hoping for a different response from the boy with the remarkable martial spirit.
Tang San appeared to consider the offer seriously before responding with careful diplomacy. "Master Yu, I'm truly grateful for your interest in my development. However, in my family's cultural tradition, accepting someone as a master creates a relationship where 'a master for a day is a father for life.' Given that my actual father is still very much alive and has a rather... intense personality, I fear he might not react well to me suddenly accepting another father figure." Tang San's expression grew slightly nervous. "He would probably kill me if I made such a decision without consulting him first."
Yu Xiaogang blinked in surprise at the unexpected explanation, clearly struggling to formulate a response to such an unusual cultural concern.
"I... see," he said slowly. "Family relationships are indeed sacred, and a father's authority should not be challenged lightly. Perhaps when you're older and more independent, we might revisit this discussion?"
"Perhaps," Tang San agreed noncommittally, though Lin Tianyu could see the subtle relief in his friend's posture.
"Although we can't be your official disciples," Lin Tianyu added diplomatically, "I hope that won't stop you from continuing to offer us advice in the future. Your theoretical knowledge would certainly be valuable to young spirit masters like ourselves."
Yu Xiaogang's expression brightened slightly at Lin Tianyu's diplomatic words. "Of course, young master Lin. I would be happy to share my knowledge with promising students, regardless of formal teacher-student relationships. Please don't hesitate to seek me out if you have questions about cultivation theory or spirit beast studies."
He lingered for a few more moments, clearly still hoping to change their minds about the discipleship, but eventually excused himself with polite farewells and renewed promises to observe their progress with great interest.
Once he was gone, Tang San looked at Lin Tianyu with a meaningful expression. "Your warnings about him proved quite prescient. I could sense something... calculating in his approach. He seemed more interested in what I could provide for his research than in what he could teach me."
"Your instincts are probably spot on," Lin Tianyu replied quietly. "I suspect he's looking for a talented disciple so that when that disciple becomes famous, that fame can transfer to himself as their master."
Their philosophical discussion was interrupted by the arrival of a harried-looking academy administrator who directed them toward the dormitory buildings. Working students, they were informed, would be housed in Room Seven of the eastern dormitory, where they would meet their fellow residents and receive their room assignments.
The dormitory building was a simple but well-maintained structure, designed to house academy students who couldn't afford private accommodations in the city. Room Seven was located on the second floor, marked by a wooden placard and the sound of voices from within.
Lin Tianyu followed Tang San to the door, then stepped back slightly to observe how his friend would handle the social dynamics of their new living situation. Having knowledge of how these events should unfold from the original novel plot, he was content to let things proceed naturally as long as he didn't interfere. Tang San would need to establish his own position among their peers.
Tang San knocked on the door, and the children arguing inside immediately turned their gazes in that direction. Among them an older comparatively large kid looked at Tang San in clothing covered with patches, then walked towards him.
This kid compared to Tang San was nearly two heads taller, and this kid's body could be regarded as comparatively tall and sturdy for his age. Walking up in front of Tang San, he somewhat towered above him and said:
"A newly arrived working student?"
On Tang San's face was a slight good intentioned smile, "Hello, I am a working student from Holy Soul village."
"I am called Wang Sheng, my spirit is a war tiger battle spirit. Also the head of this place. Boy, what's your name? What's your spirit?"
"I'm Tang San, spirit is blue silver grass."
"Blue silver grass spirit? Since when could a blue silver grass spirit cultivate?"
Wang Sheng appeared absolutely startled, the kids in the dormitory all broke out in raucous laughter, looking at Tang San as if he was an idiot.
Tang San was still smiling, "Please let me by, ok?"
Wang Sheng did not comprehend Tang San's words, "Little Third, I'm the boss here, hereafter you listen to me, got it?"
The smile on Tang San's face gradually disappeared, "My name is Tang San, not little Third."
If the seniors called him little San he would not take it to heart, or if it was a good intentioned form of address it was also no matter, but the so called boss before his eyes obviously meant it to be a show of strength towards him.
Wang Sheng raised his hands to push at Tang San's shoulders, pushing him back several steps, "I'm calling you little Third, so what? Not satisfied?"
Tang San smiled, lightly shaking his head, placing the school uniform in his hands on a bed to the side, while Wang Sheng was somewhat bewildered at whyever for. Suddenly, Tang San vanished from in front of him.
Lin Tianyu watched with interest as the confrontation unfolded exactly as he had expected from the original novel plot. Tang San's superior speed and technique allowed him to easily outmaneuver Wang Sheng in their initial exchanges, using what appeared to be simple movements but were actually sophisticated Tang Sect grappling methods. When Wang Sheng finally activated his War Tiger martial spirit in desperation, the boosted strength proved useless against Tang San's overwhelming physical conditioning and technical superiority.
The fight concluded with Wang Sheng flat on his stomach after an impressive backflip courtesy of Tang San's restraint and precision. The older boy struggled to his feet, clearly shaken by the decisive defeat and the realization that this six-year-old newcomer possessed abilities far beyond his years.
Tang San picked up his school uniform, "Now can you step aside?"
Staring at Tang San walking towards him, Wang Sheng subconsciously got out of his way. Tang San found a bed not far from the doorway and put his school uniform on it.
Wang Sheng asked a probing question, "Little-, oh, no, Tang San, was what you used just now a spirit ability?"
Tang San shook his head, "That was no spirit ability, only a kind of fighting technique, that's all. Don't we have bedding here?"
A student at worst a few years older than Tang San had a gloomy expression in his eyes, "We're just working students, originally exempt from tuition fee, where would bedding come from ah! We all brought these from home. Otherwise, you could use mine for now, right."
Tang San shook his hand and said: "No need, thanks. I can do on my own."
Wang Sheng walked up in front of Tang San, "Why did you show mercy just now?"
He had studied at Notting primary spirit master academy for five years. If Tang San stopped his knee and changed to a kick to avoid serious injury then he could not understand why.
Tang San indifferently said: "We are fellow students, not personal enemies."
A complex light flashed through Wang Sheng's eyes, "I'm sorry for just now. Every working student arriving here must face this. Us working students are looked down on by the other students to begin with, so we have to unite. We only hope you, this newcomer can join with us."
Tang San smiled, and said: "Therefore, you wanted to give me a show of strength?"
Wang Sheng's face blushed, showing a rather simple and honest smiling expression, "It was you who gave us a show of strength in return. However, you truly are ferocious. You should only just be six years old, right."
Tang San nodded.
Wang Sheng pulled back a student in front of the bed, and impolitely sat down by Tang San's side.
"Tang San, you beat me, therefore you are now room seven's boss."
Tang San hurriedly shook his hands, and said: "I've come to study."
Wang Sheng sternly said: "These are the rules, the strongest fist is the boss. You think being boss is good? I'm not being humble with you. Look."
Speaking, he pulled back the two sleeves of his school uniform.
Tang San was shocked at what he saw: on his both arms were no less than seven or eight blue-green and purple bruises.
Wang Sheng said with a wry smile: "This is just since arriving yesterday. Us working students all come from poor households, so the other dormitory students constantly bully us from room seven. The acting dormitory boss must stand up for the younger brothers. I earnestly wish to pass on this duty to you."
The other students all nodded, looking at Tang San, faces showing a faint hopeful light.
A sense of justice is basically a key element to a travelling knight. Protecting the weak is naturally included; Tang San received frequent education on this subject during his years at Tang sect. Having heard what was said he could not decline again.
"Fine then. I can't watch fellow dormitory students be bullied."
Lin Tianyu observed the entire confrontation with interest, noting how Tang San's Tang Sect techniques gave him overwhelming advantages against opponents who relied purely on brute force and basic martial spirit improvement. The demonstration had established Tang San's position in the dormitory hierarchy while showcasing his natural leadership qualities.
He had already accomplished his primary objectives. Tang San had avoided becoming Yu Xiaogang's disciple, demonstrated his capabilities among their peers, and begun developing relationships with their fellow students. The foundation for their future success was being laid one careful step at a time.