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Ding Sanshi paused for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Dean Lin, have you ever heard of the Academy Alliance?"
"Academy Alliance? What's that?"
Lin Jin set down his cup, clearly surprised. He had never heard the term before.
Ding Sanshi didn't seem surprised by his confusion.
Smiling, he explained calmly, "The so-called Academy Alliance is actually a loose coalition formed by various academies. When there's nothing pressing going on, they organize competitions with neighboring provinces to encourage students to train and grow."
"The Heaven Dou Empire currently has five provinces, and each province has its own Academy Alliance."
"These alliances consist of all the Spirit Master academies within a province. While they aren't official institutions and operate with a fairly relaxed structure, they still hold significant influence. After all, each school has a number of powerful Spirit Master. Together, they form a force that even major factions have to take seriously."
"At the same time… because nearly all Spirit Master Academies are part of the alliance, an unwritten rule has developed."
"What kind of rule?" Lin Jin asked instinctively, eyes lighting up with interest.
The Academy Alliance sounded promising. Getting involved might mean entering a system with structure and recognition — and everyone knows it's easier to succeed within a system.
"Only those Spirit Master Academies recognized by the Academy Alliance are considered true Spirit Master Academies."
"'True' Spirit Master Academies?" Lin Jin frowned and shook his head, clearly disappointed.
Recognition from others didn't mean much to him — at least, not on its own.
Seeing his reaction, Ding Sanshi chuckled.
"Don't be discouraged, Dean Lin. I'm not finished yet."
"Oh? Please, go on." Lin Jin perked up again.
"If I'm not mistaken, your academy is... rather lacking in funds, isn't it?"
Lin Jin didn't bother denying it. The state of the school was immediately apparent.
He raised an eyebrow and replied, "You're right. We're quite poor — no source of income to speak of."
"Director Ding, how about helping us out a little? We're both in Blackstone City. Brothers in arms, right?"
"You're joking, Dean Lin," Ding Sanshi said with a helpless smile.
"But... It's not impossible. I'll send over two thousand gold coins."
Lin Jin blinked, stunned. His expression said it all: pure disbelief.
In Blackstone City, the two academies were technically rivals, and others in the region didn't even come close to their level.
Still, after the events in the Star Dou Forest a few days prior, where Lin Jin had saved them.
Ding Sanshi's attitude toward Tianxing Spirit Master Academy had softened.
Offering a bit of support didn't seem unreasonable anymore.
"Two thousand gold spirit coins?" Lin Jin's eyes widened.
How could there be such a stark difference between Spirit Master academies?
On his side, he was pinching pennies, trying to split a single copper Spirit coin in half.
Meanwhile, the other side tossed around two thousand gold coins as if it were nothing.
"Take it easy, Dean Lin," Ding Sanshi said, chuckling.
"What I want to say next is directly related to that."
"Money?"
"..."
Ding Sanshi nearly choked on his breath. Could you not be so blunt? That kind of talk is downright vulgar.
"Ahem!"
Lin Jin's eyes gleamed brighter than ever.
He picked up the teapot beside him, poured more tea into Ding Sanshi's cup, and said with a warm smile, "Come now, Director Ding, have some tea. No need to rush — let's take our time."
Ding Sanshi stared at him, speechless. Take our time?
With those eager eyes, if I take another breath, you're going to try prying my mouth open.
"Well then… I'll continue."
He paused for a moment, then went on.
"This is still related to the Academy Alliance. Even though it's a loose coalition with no formal binding power, once an organization like that comes together, its influence can't be underestimated. That's why someone in the Heaven Dou Empire has been keeping an eye on the alliance."
"Keeping an eye on it?" Lin Jin raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly. Just like it sounds, their only job is to gather intel — internal movements within the Academy Alliance — to ensure nothing goes against the interests of the Empire."
"And…?" Lin Jin looked puzzled.
"What does that have to do with money?"
Ding Sanshi smiled knowingly. "Did you know the Empire provides annual subsidies to every Spirit Master academy?"
Lin Jin blinked. "What? Seriously?"
"Yes. The amount varies based on the Academy's level. But — and here's the catch — only schools that are part of the Academy Alliance are even considered by the Empire for funding."
"And once they start receiving imperial subsidies," Ding Sanshi continued,
"They become subject to oversight. Things like student records, teacher qualifications, even occasional inspections from imperial officials."
"But…" He paused, then flashed a meaningful smile.
"There's a lot of flexibility in how those things are handled."
"I see now!" Lin Jin's eyes lit up in realization.
It's no wonder those academies are so wealthy. They're receiving handouts from the Empire while still securing private investments!
As for the oversight? Pfft. It's not like the Empire can do much with that info — just trying to keep tabs on the Spirit Master landscape.
And with someone like Ding Sanshi flashing that we-know-the-rules-but-we-bend-them smile, even if there were secrets, they'd be well hidden.
"I dare ask…" Lin Jin leaned in, voice low.
"How much is the Empire's annual subsidy?"
"The base subsidy for a junior Spirit Master academy is 30,000 gold Spirit coins," Ding Sanshi explained.
"For intermediate, it's 100,000. And for senior academies — 500,000. On top of that, each school is graded by potential: D, C, B, A. The base amount corresponds to Grade D. Each grade higher adds 20%."
"Hisss…"
Lin Jin sucked in a breath. "So, if a senior-level academy were rated Grade A… they'd get 800,000 gold spirit coins a year?"
Ding Sanshi chuckled at Lin Jin's stunned face.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Dean Wang. That kind of rating is extremely rare. For senior academies, only the Heaven Dou Royal Spirit Master Academy has an A-grade. And honestly, they don't even care about the subsidy — they've got the Empire backing them already."
"Then how do I get into the Academy Alliance?" Lin Jin asked urgently, eyes glowing.
"There's an evaluation meeting in mid-December, about half a year from now," Ding Sanshi said.
"The process goes like this…"