Heaven Dou Empire – Barak Kingdom, Notting City
Notting City wasn't exactly a major city in the Barak Kingdom. Positioned near the border between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, it was more of a commercial hub—a transit stop for merchants, travelers, and sometimes, trouble.
"Kai, out of all nine kids, you're the most well-behaved and sensible one. Once I drop you all off at the academy, I'm heading straight back. If anything happens, I'm counting on you to look after the others," Old Jack said as they walked through the bustling streets.
"Got it, Grandpa Jack. But… are you really leaving so soon?" Kai asked, glancing up at the old man.
"Mm. This city ain't for folks like us. The inns here are pricey, and I can't afford to stay overnight," Old Jack replied.
Kai suddenly stopped in front of a towering inn with gold-plated signage. "How about this place?"
"That's the most expensive one in all of Notting City," Old Jack scoffed. "Five gold soul coins a night. That Holt brat from the village blew his savings here once, and bragged about it for a whole month."
Without a word, Kai walked into the inn.
When he came out, he held a room card. Without hesitation, he placed it into Grandpa Jack's hand.
"Kai, what're you doing?" Old Jack asked, stunned.
"It's getting late. By the time you get back, it'll be dark, and the mountain roads are dangerous. You'll rest here tonight and head back in the morning," Kai said firmly.
"I can't accept this! Five gold soul coins for a single night? That's a year's worth of expenses for me!" Old Jack shoved the card back toward Kai, but the boy just kept walking, grinning.
"Too late. I already paid. No refunds."
"Silly kid! Do you know how much meat five gold soul coins could buy? Why waste it like this?" Old Jack tried again.
Kai turned, eyes shining. "I'm a soul master in the making now, remember? I've got innate full soul power. Once I get my first ring, I'll be eligible to earn five gold coins a month from the Spirit Hall. Get a second ring, and that doubles to ten! You raised me for six years, Grandpa Jack. It's time for me to repay you."
Old Jack stared at the boy—his heart full of warmth and pride. When had the child he cradled in his arms become this mature?
Later, they arrived at the gates of Notting Academy.
"Scram, beggars don't belong here," sneered the gatekeeper, pushing the doors shut in their faces.
Old Jack forced a smile. "We're from Holy Soul Village. These nine kids are work-study students for this year. Here's the official certification from Master Su Yuntao of the Spirit Hall."
"Let's see... Broken axe with full soul power? Blue Silver Grass… also with full power?" The guard flipped through the papers, eyebrows arching higher with each one.
"Nine kids? Two with level three soul power, two with level five… and three with innate full soul power?"
He burst out laughing. "Seriously? Three full-power soul kids from the boonies? What's next, one of them is secretly the emperor's son? These are obviously fake. What a joke."
He tossed the papers into the dirt.
"You—!"
Old Jack's face turned red with fury.
A cold voice cut through the air. "Who said the certificates were fake?"
"Master Su Yuntao!" Old Jack exclaimed.
The young guard's face turned white as Su Yuntao strolled over, picked up the discarded papers, and said coolly, "These are legitimate. Issued by me. Got a problem with that?"
"N-no, not at all! My mistake, sir!" The guard bowed so low he might as well have been scrubbing the floor.
"Thank you, Master Su," Old Jack said gratefully.
Su Yuntao waved a hand. "No problem. Just doing my job. I have matters to attend to." And with that, he left.
Now with the path cleared, Kai and the others were finally allowed to enter Notting Academy. After a few directions and some awkward stares from students, they arrived at the registration office.
Ding!Congratulations! Quest completed: "Enroll at Notting Academy."Reward: One 3-Year Spirit Ring (Level 420).
Ding!New quests unlocked!
• Quest 1: Become a disciple of Yu Xiaogang.Reward: Godly Zhuge Crossbow.
• Quest 2: Reject Yu Xiaogang's offer to become his disciple.Reward: 1 drop of Dragon Essence Blood.
• Quest 3: Not only reject Yu Xiaogang's offer, but mock him brutally.Reward: Godly Zhuge Crossbow + 1 drop of Dragon Essence Blood.
Kai's expression froze. Seriously? He's not even here yet, and I'm supposed to pick now?
Wait… maybe my presence shifted the timeline? Has Tang San even met Yu Xiaogang yet?
Ding!System Notice: Host seems conflicted. A fourth option is now available.
• Quest 4: Refuse to accept any of the above options.No penalty. System will suspend new missions for 24 hours.Warning: Repeated refusals will increase mission cooldown periods.
"...Mission Three," Kai muttered after a moment.
The rewards were just too good to pass up. If Yu Xiaogang did show up, he'd just roast the guy then. No big deal.
Later, Kai and the others were sent to the Seventh Dormitory—the infamous Qishe. As they made their way down the hall, someone stepped into their path.
"Nine kids?" the man muttered, counting silently.
Kai squinted.
Sharp eyes, stern face, familiar aura...
Could this guy be… Yu Xiaogang?