Chapter 197 - 184 Hostility

Words : 976 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Chapter 197: Chapter 184 Hostility ... "Don’t worry, the leftovers from the buffet always go to the Martial Arts School managed by my father," Rong Ming said proudly, noticing Yan Xiaobao’s judgmental look. "Children under ten can go to the Martial Arts School, learn how to cultivate, and they get a meal every time they show up," Rong Xing explained. "Father wants to help them learn cultivation so they can help their families make money instead of living in poverty." "But Mr. Wang doesn’t like the Martial Arts School," Rong Ming said in a low voice. "Many poor commoners have gained access to the Royal Art Academy because of it. He thinks teaching Martial Arts to commoners is stupid and undermines ruling them." Yan Xiaobao knew this wasn’t a topic to be discussed at school, but he instantly felt more positively about Lord Rong Liang. "That’s because Elder Wang’s family is part of the "Hundred Great Names,"" Rong Ming grumbled but still kept his voice low, ensuring that the two adults in their discussion couldn’t hear him—or so he thought. Rong Xing sighed. Her twin brother was always blabbering about things he didn’t fully understand, so once again she assumed the role of translator. "The Hundred Great Names are families that can trace their lineage back to the Dark Era. Only one hundred noble families survived. They’re all spread across the three allied nations, so belonging to one of the Hundred Great Names is quite remarkable." Yan Xiaobao nodded. That meant their family histories went back at least four thousand years, truly a legacy for any noble family. He engraved Elder Wang’s name in his memory, deciding he’d tread carefully when dealing with potential issues involving that person. The meal was soon finished, and Rong Ming busied himself telling Yan Xiaobao about some of his friends at the Royal Art Academy. Yan Xiaobao wore some of his usual clothes today. Though they were tattered, they were incredibly comfortable. However, a maid quickly brought him a set of new white garments. They had been cleaned overnight, and the Rong twins insisted he wear them. They wanted to show off their beautiful friend. Letting out a sigh, Yan Xiaobao obliged and swiftly changed into his finest outfit. Secretly, he hoped they could persuade the infamous Elder Wang that Yan Xiaobao was someone worthy of studying at the Royal Art Academy. A carriage was waiting for them outside the manor. It was pulled by four Qilin. Although related to Qilin, these were more elegant. If the Qilin were a mix of horse and dragon, these creatures were more like deer fused with dragon. They were graceful and poised, with lean muscles rippling under sleek hides. Rong Xing explained, "The Royal Art Academy is nestled in the mountains behind the city. It’s not far from us, but we’re expected to take a carriage when heading from the city to the academy." The journey through Liluo City was much like the day before. Yan Xiaobao had no time to examine anything closely, but he consoled himself since he didn’t have the money to enjoy the city’s delights anyway. The city was fun only for the wealthy. The trip to the Royal Art Academy didn’t take long. As soon as the carriage passed beyond the city walls, it picked up speed, almost flying toward a distant mountain peak. Drawn by the Qilin, the carriage reached its destination in just half an hour. The carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain, where numerous children and their entourages congregated. Some children, huddled in groups and looking ragged, made Yan Xiaobao assume they were the commoners whom Mr. Wang despised, while others were accompanied by numerous experts and servants, there to assist them with the examination. Beyond the children and their entourages stood seven elderly figures, lined up in a straight row before the mountain gate. There was exactly three meters between each elder, and in front of them was a small table. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓ On each table lay a book, a pen, and a white stone slab. Standing before the elders were about ten children. One by one, each child stepped forward, stated their name and age, and then placed their hands on the slab. The elder would then instruct them to insert some Qi to activate the slab, which would record the child’s true age and cultivation level. Since the highest-ranking elder among them was a Four-star Duke, while the others were Nine-star Masters, Yan Xiaobao furrowed his brows slightly. "These elders wouldn’t be able to detect the presence of Lan Feng." ’Their skilled experts must be lurking within the academy,’ Lan Feng said, his voice eerily calm. "Oh no," Rong Ming muttered beside him. He had been nervously fretting about being discovered. "Mr. Wang is here. Let’s queue up over here," he continued, grabbing Yan Xiaobao’s arm and pulling him toward a different elder. Yan Xiaobao felt confused. Mr. Wang was supposed to hold a high position in the academy, yet none of these experts posed any real threat to him or Lan Feng. Suddenly, a thought struck Yan Xiaobao, and he narrowed his eyes slightly. "What rank are academy instructors?" he asked. "Uh, most of them are Masters. Some are Master Stars, and we also have a few Duke University-ranked experts," Rong Xing answered after thinking for a moment. Enlightened, Yan Xiaobao felt reassured. After all, this was just the outer disciples’ area. The students here all relied on the Lower Dantian for cultivation, while those who’d opened their Middle Dantian had been transferred to the Capital’s Royal Academy. It made perfect sense that instructors with higher cultivation levels would teach more advanced students. For now, there didn’t seem to be any major issues for Lan Feng or Yan Xiaobao to worry about as they moved through the academy.

Chapter 197 - 184 Hostility

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