Bab 23: Chapter 23: Enrollment at East Sea Academy
East Sea Academy was the highest institution of learning in East Sea City, comprising both a junior and a senior division. The junior division, which provided mandatory education, was tuition-free, while the senior division required students to meet certain qualifications for admission.
The junior academy accepted students of the right age from East Sea City and surrounding towns. Admission was guaranteed with a recommendation from a primary academy, and the program lasted six years. Upon graduation, students who achieved a cultivation level of three rings were eligible to continue their studies in the senior division.
Standing outside the administrative office, Tang Wulin watched as the helpful senior Liu Yuxin walked away, thinking that perhaps city people weren't as unfriendly as he'd assumed.
"Excuse me, can you let me through?"
A gentle voice sounded behind him. Tang Wulin instinctively stepped aside, saying, "Oh! Sorry!"
When he looked up, he was surprised to see a boy about his age. He had never seen someone so striking before; it was as though the boy had stepped out of a painting. For the first time, Tang Wulin understood how others felt when they looked at him—this boy was so attractive that even Tang Wulin, who was considered good-looking himself, couldn't help but feel a touch of envy.
The boy glanced at him briefly as he walked by, with a hint of amusement in his gaze. Tang Wulin didn't know it, but this was Jing Shaoyu. Recognizing Tang Wulin was easy—his appearance hadn't changed much over the past three years.
Tang Wulin's presence meant the story had truly begun. Jing Shaoyu felt a thrill of anticipation. With his own presence as a new variable, he couldn't help but wonder how the story would shift.
For now, though, they weren't likely to interact further. Given his talent, Jing Shaoyu would almost certainly be placed in Class One, while Tang Wulin, thanks to his Bluesilver Grass martial soul, would likely end up in Class Five—even if he avoided being penalized for fighting. Bluesilver Grass was still considered a poor martial soul by many, and without the essence of the Golden Dragon King, Tang Wulin's potential would be limited. Even with support from powerful benefactors, he'd be lucky to reach the rank of Titled Douluo.
Jing Shaoyu wasn't looking down on Tang Wulin; he was simply stating the facts.
Ignoring several upperclassmen who attempted to flirt, Jing Shaoyu made his way to the dormitory building. His room was on the third floor, room 301.
Squeezing through the bustling crowd, he finally arrived and let out a sigh of relief. If it hadn't been so conspicuous, he would have used his martial soul to fly straight up.
In room 301, three people were already there, standing as he entered and staring at him with various expressions.
"Hello, I'm Jing Shaoyu," he introduced himself with a friendly smile as he noticed his three roommates' attention on him.
"Hey, nice to meet ya! I'm Wei Dayong, but just call me Big Guy," said a tall, dark-skinned boy with a robust build and a bashful smile. "You're real good-looking, y'know that? Better than any of the girls back at my primary academy—I ain't ever seen anyone as handsome as you!"
Jing Shaoyu found himself smiling at Wei Dayong's straightforward nature. This "Big Guy" seemed a bit simple-minded.
"Big Guy, could you stop embarrassing us from Langhua City?" chided the boy standing beside Wei Dayong. This boy was leaner and fairer, with a sharp look about him. He patted Wei Dayong's arm in exasperation before turning to Jing Shaoyu with a grin. "I'm Duan Xiaopeng. Big Guy and I are from the same town, and we both graduated from Hailang Academy."
Looking at this classic comedic duo, Jing Shaoyu was momentarily unsure how to respond.
The third roommate, who he already recognized, introduced himself in a slightly smug tone. "My name's Wei Xiaofeng. Hmph, good looks don't mean much! Strength is what really matters. And for your information, I'm already a Grand Spirit Master!"
Wei Xiaofeng's revelation startled Wei Dayong and Duan Xiaopeng, who looked at him with newfound respect. Reaching Grand Spirit Master rank at nine years old was undoubtedly the mark of a prodigy.
"Oh, I'll take this bed," Jing Shaoyu replied indifferently, claiming a bottom bunk and beginning to unpack his things.
"You!" Wei Xiaofeng was irked by Jing Shaoyu's nonchalant response. Furious, he reached out to move Jing Shaoyu's belongings, but Jing Shaoyu's reflexes were quicker. He grabbed Wei Xiaofeng's hand, gave it a slight twist, and calmly pushed him back.
Humiliated, Wei Xiaofeng prepared to retaliate, determined to assert his dominance.
Seeing this, Jing Shaoyu straightened up and silently stared at him, an intimidating aura radiating from his taller frame. Standing over 1.5 meters, Jing Shaoyu towered over Wei Xiaofeng, exuding an undeniable pressure that made Wei Xiaofeng instinctively hesitate. A voice in his mind whispered that he was no match, making him want to retreat, but his pride kept him in place, teeth clenched in defiance.
Sensing a potential fight, Wei Dayong stepped in to mediate. "Hey, don't fight, guys. You'll both get in trouble!"
"Hmph!" Wei Xiaofeng seized the excuse, snorted, and added, "Watch yourself!"
"Alright!" Jing Shaoyu responded with an amused grin, flashing a row of pristine white teeth that only made Wei Xiaofeng angrier as he stormed out of the room.
Watching him go, Jing Shaoyu shook his head, and Wei Dayong and Duan Xiaopeng exchanged glances.
"Hey, you should be careful around Wei Xiaofeng," Duan Xiaopeng advised kindly. "If he really is a Grand Spirit Master, you might end up in trouble."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine," Jing Shaoyu replied, warmed by Duan Xiaopeng's concern. Though Duan appeared sharp, he had a good heart. Smiling, Jing Shaoyu added, "Actually, I'm also a Grand Spirit Master."
"For real?" Duan Xiaopeng looked at him in disbelief.
"No way! We've got two Grand Spirit Masters in our room? Dude, that's crazy!" Wei Dayong exclaimed.
"Oh, shut it! Don't say stuff like that!" Duan Xiaopeng playfully scolded him.
Jing Shaoyu enjoyed the company of these two lighthearted roommates. Meanwhile, the mood in dorm room 205 downstairs was anything but lighthearted.
A loud crash rang out from the second floor, prompting students up and down the dorms to peer outside to investigate, including Wei Dayong and Duan Xiaopeng.
"It's a fight! A fight downstairs!" Wei Dayong yelled excitedly.
Having finished unpacking, Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but smile as he heard Wei Dayong's shout. He walked out to see what was happening and soon witnessed a classic scene unfold.
"You city people are so mean!"
Tang Wulin's indignant shout echoed through the hallway, and moments later, a boy went flying, crashing into the wall with enough force to get lodged in it. Many onlookers swallowed nervously at the sight.
The unfortunate victim embedded in the wall was, of course, the seemingly aloof but secretly quirky Xie Xie. Jing Shaoyu mused that it was no wonder Xie Xie ended up with such a playful personality—after a public embarrassment like this on his first day, any attempt to act cool would be hopeless.
"Wow, that was some strength!" Duan Xiaopeng said in awe. "Hey, Big Guy, do you think you could send someone flying like that?"
"No way," Wei Dayong replied honestly. His martial soul, the Mighty Sea Elephant, was known for its strength, especially in water-based combat.
"Oh, alright," Duan Xiaopeng said, sounding disappointed. "I wonder what kind of martial soul that guy has to be so strong. Strength-type Spirit Masters are terrifying!"
Duan Xiaopeng's martial soul, Sea Hawk, specialized in speed and agility, making him naturally wary of strength-type Spirit Masters who could easily counter him.
Soon after,
Tang Wulin and the others were escorted to the dean's office, and the crowd dispersed.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone