# Chapter 4: Academy Gates
The journey from Saint Spirit Village to Notting City had taken most of the day, with the trio walking along well-maintained paths that connected the rural communities to the city center. As they approached their destination, the landscape gradually transformed from pastoral farmland to bustling commercial streets filled with merchants, craftsmen, and the general bustle of city life.
Village Chief Jack had maintained a steady pace despite his advanced age, his determination to see his adopted grandson and Tang San safely delivered to the academy overriding any physical discomfort. Throughout the journey, he had shared stories about his own youth and offered advice about academy life, though his knowledge was admittedly limited.
"Remember, boys," Jack said as the imposing walls of Notting City came into view, "this academy represents your future. You must strive to be better than you are today. I hope that when I see you next time, you will have become true Soul Masters, capable of bringing honor to our village."
His voice carried the weight of paternal pride mixed with the anxiety of a grandfather sending his charges into an uncertain world. These two children represented the greatest hope Saint Spirit Village had seen in decades, and the responsibility weighed heavily on the old man's shoulders.
"We will try our best, Grandpa Jack," Chen Sheng replied respectfully, speaking for both himself and Tang San. "We won't disappoint you or the village."
Tang San nodded earnestly in agreement, his young face set with determination that reflected his adult soul's understanding of the opportunity before them.
As the only Soul Master academy in Notting City, Notting Academy was indeed quite impressive when viewed from the street. The institution had been designed to project both academic authority and martial prowess, befitting its role in training the next generation of Soul Masters.
The main gate was a masterpiece of architectural intimidation—more than eight meters wide and over ten meters high, constructed in a grand archway of hard granite that had been quarried from the nearby mountains. The massive doors were forged from fine iron and decorated with intricate engravings depicting famous Soul Masters and legendary battles. Even from a distance, the academy radiated an aura of strength and scholarly excellence that made clear this was no ordinary educational institution.
However, their approach to this impressive entrance was immediately interrupted by an unwelcome obstacle. A young man in his early twenties, wearing the academy's staff uniform, stepped forward to block their path. His posture and expression radiated arrogance as he looked down at the travel-worn trio with obvious disdain.
"What are you doing here?" the guard demanded, his tone dripping with condescension. "Is this the place for country folk like you to come? This is an elite academy, not a charity house for beggars."
Village Chief Jack, despite his fatigue from the long journey, quickly produced the official certificate issued by the Spirit Hall. His voice remained respectful despite the young man's rudeness, reflecting decades of experience in dealing with urban prejudice against rural communities.
"My dear friend, we are from Saint Spirit Village. These two children are work-study students admitted for this year's term," Jack explained patiently, offering the certificate for inspection.
The guard snatched the document and examined it with exaggerated thoroughness, clearly hoping to find some excuse to deny them entry. When he confirmed the certificate's authenticity, his expression soured further. He had obviously been expecting to turn away these "country bumpkins" and was disappointed by their legitimate credentials.
"A fire phoenix flew out of the grass nest," the guard sneered, his voice growing more deliberately insulting. "How can a backwater village like yours possibly produce children with soul power? This one's martial soul is Blue Silver Grass with full innate soul power—obviously a forgery at first glance. Do you people think we're idiots?"
He gestured dismissively at Tang San, his tone becoming increasingly vicious as he continued his verbal assault.
"Saint Spirit Village? I think it's more like Beggar Village based on how you're all dressed."
The change in Village Chief Jack's demeanor was immediate and dramatic. The weathered old man's face flushed red with anger, and his usually gentle eyes blazed with fury. The three words "Saint Spirit Village" represented everything he held sacred—decades of community service, generations of honest hardworking families, and the pride of a leader who had devoted his life to his people's welfare.
"What did you say?" Jack demanded, his voice shaking with righteous indignation. "How dare you insult our village!"
The guard, emboldened by what he perceived as the old man's powerlessness, pressed his verbal attack even further. "What? Are you not convinced? Look at yourselves—dressed in rags, smelling like farm animals. You're even worse than common beggars. Our Notting Academy is an elite institution, not a charity for rural trash. Get out of here before I call security to remove you by force!"
This final insult proved to be one step too far.
"Apologize to Grandpa Jack," Chen Sheng said quietly, his voice carrying a dangerous undertone that made everyone present instinctively step back. "Apologize immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite."
As he spoke, Chen Sheng took a single step forward and allowed his enhanced physical power to flow through his leg. His foot struck the ground with devastating force, and the thick bluestone bricks that paved the academy's entrance shattered like eggshells. Spider web cracks radiated outward from the impact point in one meter area, creating a pattern of destruction that spoke of tremendous power barely restrained.
The guard's face went pale as he stared at the destroyed pavement. His mind struggled to process what he had just witnessed—a six-year-old child demonstrating physical strength that exceeded most adult Soul Masters. The implications were terrifying, and his arrogant demeanor evaporated like morning mist.
『DING! DETECTED Guard's Fear emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Village Chief Jack's Pride&Surprise emotions toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Awe emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Three treasure chests from a single demonstration, Chen Sheng noted with satisfaction. Sometimes a show of overwhelming force is the most efficient way to earn rewards.
"I'm warning you, don't cause trouble here," the guard stammered, though his voice had lost all its previous authority. "This is Notting Academy, not some place where you can act recklessly."
Chen Sheng's cold glare intensified, and he took another step forward. "Apologize. Now."
The young man began trembling visibly under the weight of Chen Sheng's intimidating presence. The child's eyes held a depth of menace that seemed far beyond his years, promising consequences that the guard's imagination could barely comprehend.
"Xiao Sheng, perhaps we should let this matter go," Village Chief Jack said gently, placing a restraining hand on Chen Sheng's shoulder. "I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble that might affect your future at the academy."
Just as the confrontation seemed poised to escalate further, a slightly hoarse voice interrupted the tense standoff.
"What happened here?"
The newcomer was a middle-aged man in his fifties, of unremarkable height and build. His short black hair was already showing threads of gray, and he carried himself with the bearing of someone accustomed to quiet authority. His hands were clasped behind his back, giving him the appearance of an ascetic scholar rather than a typical academy administrator.
"Master!" the guard exclaimed, his relief at the interruption obvious in his voice. "You've come at the perfect time!"
However, the man who had been addressed as "Master" barely acknowledged the guard's greeting. Instead, he walked directly to Village Chief Jack with respectful attention, his manner suggesting genuine interest rather than mere politeness.
"Old sir, could you please show me the Spirit Hall's certificate?" he requested.
From the guard's immediate change in attitude, it was clear that this "Master" held significant authority within the academy hierarchy. Village Chief Jack quickly handed over the official documentation, hoping that this new figure would prove more reasonable than the arrogant gatekeeper.
The Master examined the certificate with practiced efficiency, then shifted his gaze to Tang San with an intensity that suggested he was seeing far more than a simple Blue Silver Grass martial soul. His eyes held a gleam of recognition and excitement that he struggled to conceal.
"The certificate is authentic and in perfect order," the Master declared. "I apologize for the inappropriate treatment you've received. Please, leave these two children in my care."
"Wonderful! Thank you so much!" Village Chief Jack replied with evident relief.
However, Chen Sheng was not yet finished with the disrespectful guard. His eyes remained fixed on the trembling young man with unwavering intensity.
"Apologize to Grandpa Jack," Chen Sheng commanded, his voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed. "Do it now."
The guard looked desperately toward the Master for support, but found no sympathy there. The older man examined the shattered pavement at Chen Sheng's feet, then regarded the guard with obvious displeasure.
『DING! DETECTED Guard's Desperation emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"Apologize immediately," the Master said coldly. "I hope this is the last time I need to address your unprofessional behavior. If there's a next time, you won't need to return to work."
『DING! DETECTED Master's Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Five treasure chests from this single incident, Chen Sheng mused. The Master's surprise at my display of power was particularly valuable.
Sweat poured down the guard's face as he realized the precarious nature of his position. With visible reluctance, he bowed deeply to Village Chief Jack and spoke the words that were clearly painful for his pride to utter.
"I'm... I'm very sorry, sir. Please forgive my rudeness."
"Apology accepted," Jack replied graciously, though his eyes still held traces of anger at the insults to his beloved village.
"Let's proceed into the academy," the Master said, gesturing toward Chen Sheng and Tang San. "There are matters we need to discuss."
As they walked through the impressive main gates, Tang San addressed their guide with genuine gratitude. "Teacher, thank you for your intervention. I was about to..." He paused, his left hand unconsciously clenching as he remembered the hidden weapons he had been prepared to deploy.
"I'm not a teacher at this academy," the Master replied, glancing at Tang San with mild amusement.
"Then you must be an administrator or perhaps the principal?" Tang San persisted, clearly puzzled by the man's authority despite his disclaimer.
"No, you've guessed incorrectly again."
"Then who are you?" Tang San asked, his confusion evident.
"I'm simply someone who eats and drinks for free at the academy," the Master replied with a self-deprecating smile. "You can call me 'Master' as everyone else does. However, remember that 'Master' and 'Teacher' have completely different meanings. Don't confuse the two unless you truly wish to become my disciple."
Tang San's eyes sharpened with interest. "Would you teach me how to cultivate my martial soul?"
The Master stopped walking and stared directly at Tang San with an intensity that seemed to penetrate to the boy's very soul. "Are you willing to accept such instruction?"
Tang San remained silent, his adult wisdom warning him that this moment carried far more significance than it appeared on the surface.
Seeing Tang San's hesitation, the Master smiled approvingly. "You really are a remarkably intelligent child."
Chen Sheng recognized this as his cue to depart. He knew from his knowledge of the original story that the Yu Xiaogang was about to reveal his knowledge of Tang San's twin martial souls. His presence during such a sensitive conversation would be inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
"Master, Xiao San, you two can continue your discussion privately," Chen Sheng said diplomatically. "I should go register for classes and find my dormitory assignment."
"Yes, the Academic Affairs Office is located over there," the Master agreed, pointing toward a building across the main courtyard. "The staff there will handle your registration and dormitory assignment."
"I'll see you later, Xiao San," Chen Sheng said with a friendly wave before jogging toward the indicated building.
The Academic Affairs Office occupied the ground floor of the main teaching building, a imposing structure that reflected the academy's emphasis on both academic excellence and martial training. Behind a polished wooden desk sat a teacher in his sixties who served as the director of student affairs, assisted by two younger colleagues in their thirties.
"Hello, sir," Chen Sheng said respectfully as he approached the desk. "I'm a work-study student from Saint Spirit Village. Here is my Spirit Hall certificate."
Director Su accepted the document and examined it with professional efficiency. His eyebrows rose slightly as he noted the details of Chen Sheng's martial soul and soul power level.
"White Tiger martial soul with level six innate soul power," the director murmured approvingly. "Quite impressive for someone from a rural village. You have considerable potential."
One of the younger teachers stepped forward with a neatly folded uniform and a set of documents. "This is your academy uniform, provided free of charge to all students. As a work-study student, you'll be housed in Building 7 of the dormitory complex. The supervising teacher there will assign you appropriate work duties to help offset your tuition costs."
"Thank you very much," Chen Sheng replied, accepting the uniform and paperwork with a respectful bow.
As he left the Academic Affairs Office with his registration complete, Chen Sheng felt a surge of satisfaction. His entry into Notting Academy had gone exactly according to plan, with the bonus of earning five treasure chests from the confrontation at the gate.
Phase one complete, he thought as he made his way toward the dormitory buildings. Now to establish my position here while staying close enough to Tang San to benefit from many important people emotions.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the academy grounds as Chen Sheng walked toward his staying place.
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