After completing the admission procedures, the three of them walked out of the teachers' building together.
The heavy doors closed behind them, and the open plaza of the academy spread out before their eyes.
Tyson suddenly came to a halt.
Lu Tianming and Xiao Ling stopped as well, sensing that he had something to say ever since they stepped outside. Tyson turned to face them, his usually stern expression softening just a little.
"Congratulations," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You've both been admitted into the Soul Master Academy."
A surge of excitement rose in Lu Tianming's chest. He clasped his fists respectfully.
"Thank you, Uncle Tai. Without your help, this would never have been so easy for us."
Xiao Ling quickly followed, bowing slightly as she expressed her gratitude.
Hearing their words, Tyson nodded inwardly. At least my efforts weren't in vain.
However, the warmth on his face faded just as quickly. His gaze sharpened, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice turning serious.
"Listen carefully. Getting into the academy is only the first step. Don't let it make you arrogant. There will always be people stronger than you—people with greater talent, better backgrounds, and deeper foundations."
Both of them straightened unconsciously.
"And remember this," Tyson continued, "you've been admitted as Work-Study students."
Xiao Ling blinked. "Work-Study students? What does that mean?"
Tyson explained patiently, "Work-Study students are those who possess the talent to cultivate and become Soul Masters, but come from poor backgrounds and cannot afford the academy's fees. To ensure such talents aren't wasted, the Spirit Hall proposed this system."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"As Work-Study students, you'll need to work within the academy to cover your expenses. It won't be easy—but if you endure it, you'll earn both your place and your future with your own hands."
After grasping Tyson's meaning, Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"But… we can afford the academy fees. Then why do we still need to be admitted as Work-Study students?" She looked up at him anxiously. "Uncle, can I change it now?"
Tyson was briefly stunned. Then he let out a soft laugh.
"Hahaha… you're still a child," he said, shaking his head lightly. "You don't understand this yet. The earlier you face hardship, the faster you learn to adapt to it. But if you grow up in comfort, habits formed over many years become instinct. When that happens, even the smallest difficulty can feel like hell."
His laughter faded, and his expression turned calm and steady.
"Don't worry. It's not as harsh as you're imagining," Tyson continued. "You'll only need to handle some daily chores within the academy, and you'll even receive payment for your work."
He looked at them seriously, his words carrying weight.
"This will teach you independence—something far more valuable than spirit power alone. After you graduate, that mindset will help you survive in the outside world. As for the money you save by not paying the fees…" A faint smile appeared. "You can use it in the later stages of cultivation, when resources truly matter."
"Oh… so that's how it is. Thank you, Uncle."
After fully understanding both the reason and the benefits, Xiao Ling's doubts finally faded, and she bowed slightly in gratitude.
"Alright, alright." Tyson waved his hand with a relaxed chuckle. "Now that your admission is complete, you won't be able to go home until the holidays. Go to the dormitory first. I'll have the bedding and other necessities sent over."
His tone shifted into that of an elder giving final instructions.
"Prepare yourselves properly. From today onward, you are students of the academy."
Then, as if remembering something important, Tyson looked at them more seriously.
"You're both from the same village. Out there, you'll have no one to rely on except yourselves—and each other. Take care of one another. Do you understand?"
"We understand, Uncle," Lu Tianming and Xiao Ling replied in unison, their voices firm.
"Good." Tyson nodded with satisfaction. "Then go on."
After hearing his final instructions, Lu Tianming and Xiao Ling slowly made their way toward the dormitory area. Their steps were unhurried, as if neither of them was ready to let go of the moment just yet.
Meanwhile, Tyson turned and headed toward the academy's exit. His task here was complete, but his responsibilities were far from over. He still needed to prepare bedding and daily necessities for the two children before sending everything to their dormitory.
Once they parted ways with Tyson, Lu Tianming and Xiao Ling began walking through the academy grounds, moving carefully as they tried to memorize every path, building, and courtyard they passed. The academy was vast—far larger than either of them had imagined—and it quickly became clear that touring the entire place in a single day was impossible, especially when they still needed to locate their dormitory.
After wandering for quite some time without success, they finally approached a senior student for directions.
The senior was kind and patient. Not only did he explain where the dormitory area was located, but he also specifically pointed out the dormitory assigned to Work-Study students.
After expressing their thanks, the two of them followed the indicated direction.
When they finally reached the dormitory area, realization dawned on them at once.
No wonder they hadn't been able to find it earlier.
The dormitories were located behind the teachers' building—an unexpected placement that few newcomers would ever think to check.
"Hah… finally found it." Xiao Ling panted lightly, wiping a trace of sweat from her forehead. "I'm exhausted, Xiao Lu. Let's hurry to our dormitory."
"Hm." Lu Tianming nodded in agreement, his steps subconsciously quickening.
In truth, they were both worn out. They had set out early in the morning, endured several hours in a rattling carriage just to reach the academy, and then spent nearly half an hour wandering around in search of the dormitory. By now, exhaustion had settled deep into their bones.
Not to mention, noon had already passed.
Their stomachs growled in protest, reminding them that they hadn't eaten yet.
Fortunately, Aunt Qing Wei had thoughtfully packed lunch for them before they left. Otherwise, they would have had to worry about food on top of everything else—something neither of them had the energy to deal with at the moment.
With that small comfort in mind, the two quickened their pace and headed toward the dormitory, eager to finally rest and begin their new life at the academy.
After entering the dormitory building, they immediately began searching for the Third House, the one specially assigned to Work-Study students.
They walked down one corridor after another, counting the doors as they passed. After several tense minutes, they finally found it.
A plain wooden door stood before them, clearly marked with two simple words:
Third House
Seeing it, Lu Tianming let out a quiet sigh of relief. At last, the search was over.
Before he could say anything, Xiao Ling had already stepped forward. Impatient and eager to rest, she reached out and pushed the door open.
The wooden door creaked softly as it swung inward.
Then—
both of them froze.
The scene inside the room was completely different from what they had expected.
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Thanks for Everyone's support!!!!!!