C14 Entering the School

Today, Dark Night Zhan generously granted Aotian a day off for a special reason—Aotian was set to report to the Black Tortoise Academy and begin his academic journey!

After breakfast, Maria escorted Aotian to the main hall where the Loong family's butler awaited him. Upon entering, Aotian saw his grandfather, father, and Butler Zhang Bo and respectfully greeted each of them.

"Aotian, Butler Zhang will escort you to the academy for registration. You've got all your luggage, right? If you're all set, you can head out with the butler," Loong Ming initiated the conversation.

"Yes, I'm prepared," Aotian replied quickly.

"Butler Zhang, please take Aotian to the academy," Loong Ming instructed Butler Lin.

"Yes, Master," the butler responded.

Following the butler to the door, Aotian studied the man walking ahead of him. Despite his frail appearance, Aotian knew better than to underestimate Butler Zhang. Rumor had it that Uncle Zhang, whose real name was Lin, had been a formidable aide to his grandfather, serving loyally in countless campaigns for over thirty years. When his grandfather was appointed as a commander in the Empire's military, Lin joined the Loong household as the chief steward. His grandfather never treated him as a mere servant but as a brother, earning him a respected status within the family. Lin was also a formidable Level 9 expert, making him one of the family's top martial artists. Aotian's father and eldest uncle had also ascended to the Ninth Grade Emperor Level, reinforcing Aotian's respect for the butler.

Lin, aware of Aotian's scrutiny, remained indifferent. Having been with the Loong family for nearly two decades, he had seen much. Since the old master's return to military service at fifty, Lin had been part of the household. Despite his humble origins, he empathized with the young master's plight and was privately discontent with the family's treatment of Aotian. Yet, as an outsider, he refrained from meddling in the Loong family's internal matters. His role was limited to subtly reminding the old master of the grandson who seemed all but forgotten.

"Come, Young Master, please board the carriage!"

Upon reaching the doorway, he was greeted by the sight of a Loong family carriage. Lin turned to Aotian and beckoned him over.

Aotian climbed aboard and took a seat across from the butler, his gaze intently studying the man's gaunt face. As Aotian scrutinized Lin, Lin was likewise taking in Aotian's appearance.

Lin observed the young man before him: Aotian's refined features, healthy complexion, solid build, piercing gaze, and the fiery-red hair that cascaded over his shoulders. The aura of arrogance and the distinguished air he carried made Lin second-guess his initial impression. This was no mere wastrel as the rumors suggested, but rather a figure of authority, a promising youth with a bright future. Shaking off the thought, Lin redirected his attention outside the window, unwilling to admit that he felt the same reverence for this overlooked young master as he did for Loong Ming. Perhaps he was reading too much into it, Lin reassured himself.

The journey continued in silence until the carriage came to a halt. The coachman drew back the curtain, announcing, "Young Master, Butler Zhang, we've arrived at Black Tortoise Academy."

At the coachman's words, Aotian stepped out of the carriage, his eyes widening at the sight before him.

Two colossal stone lions stood guard at the academy's entrance, their presence commanding respect. The fiery-red gates rose majestically behind them, exuding a timeless grandeur. Above, the name "Black Tortoise Academy" was etched with such vigor and commanding presence that it was said to be the work of the principal, the Empire's preeminent master. Aotian felt a surge of excitement for what lay ahead.

"Little Young Master, we should move on. It's time to check in at the academy," Lin urged, noticing Aotian's awe-struck gaze fixed on the gates.

Pulled from his reverie, Aotian cast a final, lingering look at the inscription before following Butler Zhang into the academy grounds. As they walked, he took in the sights of the Empire's premier institution. The towering trees and the occasional student rushing by spoke of a place steeped in scholarly pursuit. Aotian marveled at the environment; indeed, this was the number one academy, where students seemed to devote every moment to their studies, with scarcely any found idly playing along the pathways.

Crossing the expansive avenue, Aotian and Butler Zhang came to a halt in front of a nondescript white building. It was a simple two-story structure, its white facade occasionally echoing with the faint sounds of students. Encircled by a dense forest, the building stood out, an island of tranquility and prominence.

Upon entering the main hall, they were greeted by three large desks, each manned by two individuals. Signs prominently displayed the offices they represented: one for the Beginner Academy and two for the Advanced Academy Recruitment.

Aotian surmised that this must be the recruitment area for the Black Tortoise Academy. The presence of three offices made sense, given the academy's division into beginner and advanced levels. The existence of two offices for the advanced level was easily understood; after all, anyone over sixteen could sit for the entrance exam, and successful candidates would then advance their studies at the higher level. Those who didn't pass were relegated to continue their training at the beginner level. As the empire's premier institution, Black Tortoise Academy attracted a flood of applicants each year. Despite only offering a thousand spots—double the number of its beginner counterpart—it was hardly surprising that every available slot was coveted.

At the beginner academy's desk, Butler Zhang presented Aotian's admission notice to a seated teacher. The teacher's eyes widened with respect upon reading the name 'Loong Aotian' and then shifted to Aotian himself, revealing a look of understanding. The last day of enrollment had arrived, and most students had already registered. The day was expected to be uneventful until a morning notice from the principal indicated someone special would be registering. Curiosity had piqued about who warranted such personal attention from the principal, but the mystery was solved upon recognizing the name from the esteemed Loong family. The teacher had heard of Loong Aotian, the talk of the Imperial Capital five years prior. Despite the challenge of the Nine Yin Meridian, which would typically preclude academy admission, the teacher realized that the Loong family's standing and contributions to the empire made this exception quite reasonable. With everything in order, the teacher completed the enrollment form with the details provided and handed it to Aotian for his signature.

Catching the teacher's peculiar look, Aotian knew exactly what was up. He accepted the form, filled in his name, and returned it to the teacher's waiting hands.

Once everything was double-checked, the teacher presented Aotian with a handbook and a key, saying, "Alright, Swordsman Class 3! You're now a bona fide member of Black Tortoise Academy, so make sure you commit this handbook to memory! Now, do you prefer a double or single dormitory? A double is 20 gold coins per academic year, while a single will cost you 40 gold coins."

After mulling it over, Aotian decided on a single dormitory. His daily regimen of physical training and secret lessons from his master meant he needed privacy.

"Here's your dorm key, with your room number on it. You can head over shortly. And this is your student ID card, which will also serve as your meal card in the academy's cafeteria. Your tuition and living expenses for the year come to 100 gold coins," the teacher explained, following Aotian's selection.

Aotian took the items and reluctantly handed over the 100 gold coins he'd gotten from his grandfather that morning. Watching the shiny coins slip into the teacher's hand, he felt a pang of loss. His family might be wealthy, but that wealth belonged to the Loong family, not to him directly. He only received a meager allowance of two gold coins per month, and that had only started when he turned eight. Over the years, he'd managed to save a paltry sum of 120 gold coins. He had thought it was a substantial amount, but it was nearly wiped out by one year's school fees—a sum that could comfortably support a family of five for a year!

With a heavy heart but ready to move forward, Aotian, accompanied by Butler Zhang, made his way to his new dormitory. He glanced at the number plate—4 Block 302—and headed straight for the fourth block upon reaching the dorm area.

Navigating through the maze of dorm buildings, Aotian finally located his own in a secluded corner. He climbed the stairs to his room, inserted the key, and stepped into his new living space.

Surveying his bedroom, Aotian gave a satisfied nod. The modestly sized space was furnished with an exquisite bed, a desk, and a chair, complete with a small balcony.

After setting down his luggage, Aotian got ready to organize the cozy abode he would call home for the next three years.