C7 The Manager's Difficulties

After exchanging names, they became more acquainted with one another.

Chu Lin learned from Yang Hu that Redband was usually governed by the Enforcement Team. Unless there was a significant event, the Martial Academy wouldn't intervene.

The man Chu Lin had just chased away was Hu Zhi, the nephew of the captain of the Southgate Enforcement Squad in Redband.

"We were raised in Redband. The Southgate Enforcement Team captain was my father. But a year ago, he passed away in an accident during a mission, and that's how Hu Zhi's uncle took over as captain," Yang Hu recounted, his expression tinged with sorrow.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiaoxiao's face showed a flicker of anger. She huffed, "If my father hadn't promoted Hu Zhi's uncle, he would never have become the captain of the Southgate Enforcement Team. Yet, Hu Zhi and his uncle have shown no gratitude to my father. Instead, they've repaid his kindness with hostility. Without the two Martial Academy invitations my father left us, we would have no place in Redband."

At her words, Chu Lin's eyebrows lifted subtly, a profound look crossing his eyes. If Hu Zhi's uncle was indeed callous, then the death of Yang Hu's father might not have been accidental.

Chu Lin offered words of comfort to Yang Hu and his sister, and together, they set off for the Martial Academy.

Having grown up in Redband, Yang Hu and his sister were well-acquainted with the location of the Martial Academy. Their guidance made the journey much easier for Chu Lin.

After the trio departed, several figures emerged—Hu Zhi and his companions.

"Young Master Hu Zhi, I didn't expect this guy to be new to the Martial Academy!"

"He may be a newcomer, but his arrogance in crossing us shows he doesn't know who Young Master Hu Zhi is!"

A few Martial Academy disciples muttered curses, while Hu Zhi's expression darkened, venom flashing in his eyes as he hissed, "Those who enter the Martial Academy on admission papers have to start as servant disciples. The supervisor of the servant disciples is on good terms with me. I'll make sure they regret this! One day, I'll have Yang Xiaoxiao, and after I've had my fill, I'll sell her to a brothel to live as a prostitute!"

Nestled deep within the mountains, the Martial Academy's secluded path was eerily quiet, yet the sprawling buildings hidden amongst the peaks exuded an oppressive aura.

As Chu Lin and his two companions made their way, they occasionally crossed paths with young men and women rushing by, all clad in grey robes. Thanks to Yang Hu's explanation, Chu Lin learned that these were the uniforms of the Martial Academy's servant disciples.

The Academy was split into an outer court and an inner court, with the former comprising the bulk of its population. The outer court's management was organized into tiers: the head presbyter, the managing presbyter, and the ordinary presbyters. Disciples were categorized as either outer court disciples or servant disciples, with a rigid hierarchy in place.

Those admitted to the Martial Academy with admission papers, barring any special arrangements by the management, were designated as servant disciples.

After submitting their admission papers, Chu Lin and Yang Hu parted ways with Yang Xiaoxiao due to separate living arrangements for male and female disciples. Each followed a different supervisor to their new quarters.

Having navigated a labyrinth of procedures, it was nearly nightfall by the time Chu Lin and Yang Hu reached their lodgings.

"Kid, make sure you're dressed as a servant disciple whenever you step out. And remember, when you encounter outer court students, you bow to them, whether you know them or not. Got it?" The man who led Chu Lin and Yang Hu to their residence was a gaunt individual, likely in his thirties, lounging on a large chair with his legs crossed. He gave them a sidelong glance and huffed in a scolding tone.

Chu Lin's brow creased slightly at the man's disdainful demeanor, but he quickly offered a respectful bow in response. Having previously endured such scorn at House Mu, he was not about to provoke this overseer.

"Here are the rules. I'm your manager, Lyi Laomu," the thin man said with a smug look, swinging his leg as he spoke. "As servant disciples, you're tasked with the Martial Academy's day-to-day chores—chopping wood, cooking, carrying water, cleaning, and the like. You'll have daily objectives. Complete a month's tasks, and you earn a day off."

Chu Lin acknowledged once more. Yang Hu had already briefed him on these details during their journey.

Servant disciples are essentially those who handle the menial tasks at the Martial Academy. Only through intense and dedicated cultivation can one rise above the rank of servant disciple to join the outer court.

Yet, most servant disciples remain mere mortals, drained from a full day's labor, leaving them with little energy to pursue the path of cultivation.

"I've said all I need to. Your work begins tomorrow, and regarding your assignment..." The thin man was speaking when Yang Hu stepped forward.

"Senior Brother, you've worked hard all day. Here's some top-quality ginseng I purchased in Redband, brought specifically to ease your fatigue." Yang Hu produced a red brocade box, offering it with great respect to the thin man.

"How could I possibly accept such a generous gift?" The thin man glanced at the brocade box, his face lighting up with delight. Despite his words, he took the ginseng and said, "Your task for tomorrow is to chop one hundred catties of firewood. What's your name?"

"I am Yang Hu," he replied with a deferential smile.

No sooner had Yang Hu introduced himself than Lyi Laomu's eyes narrowed, and with a calculating look, he inquired, "You're Yang Hu? The son of Yang Nan from Redband?"

"Yes," Yang Hu confirmed, though clearly perplexed.

Chu Lin felt a twinge of anxiety, sensing trouble brewing.

As expected, Lyi Laomu's demeanor turned cold in an instant. With a malicious smirk, he declared, "Starting tomorrow, each of you will chop one thousand catties of firewood daily. Additionally, you're responsible for tending the herbal garden outside the courtyard. Should any mistakes occur and the presbyters find fault, don't blame me for the consequences."

"What?" Yang Hu's eyes bulged in shock, struggling to grasp Lyi Laomu's sudden change of heart. "Why?" he asked, bewildered.

"Enough talk. You're dismissed. If there's anyone to blame, it's yourselves for crossing the wrong person." Lyi Laomu scoffed with contempt and settled back to meditate, dismissing Chu Lin and Yang Hu without another word.

The ginseng Yang Hu had given to Lyi Laomu was already safely tucked away in Lyi Laomu's pocket.

"It must have been Hu Zhi who put Lyi Laomu up to this!" The only person Yang Hu could think of who had a reason to target him was Hu Zhi. Seething with anger and on the verge of lashing out, he was stopped by Chu Lin. A gentle shake of Chu Lin's head was all it took for Yang Hu to regain his composure.

"I'm sorry, Chu Lin. Not only have I failed to repay your kindness, but I've also dragged you into this mess," Yang Hu expressed remorsefully as they walked away from Lyi Laomu's home.

"It's alright. As long as we continue to train diligently, there will come a day when we can inflict greater harm on those who have hurt us," Chu Lin replied with a slight smile, patting Yang Hu on the shoulder. Yet, a chilling glint betrayed his calm demeanor as he glanced back toward Lyi Laomu's residence.

Lyi Laomu had demanded that both Chu Lin and Yang Hu chop a thousand jin of firewood and irrigate the herbal garden, a clear attempt to exhaust them to their limits.

Chu Lin was not one to initiate conflict, but he was no pushover. If someone chose to bully him, he would not hesitate to retaliate. In this world, power was the ultimate arbiter. Chu Lin's harrowing escape from death had only deepened his understanding of this harsh truth.