Chapter Twenty-Five: Exploitation

The three major subjects had gone fairly smoothly for Ying Chen. He had also passed a number of minor courses that he felt confident about. Believing he had done all he could, he went to request his evaluation.

After each exam—whether cultivation assessment or one of the three main subjects—he received a talisman slip. Once he handed them all in, all that remained was to quietly await the verdict from the Academy Elder, the “Dean,” who oversaw all examinations.

Ying Chen had not expected that, after only a short wait, instead of his results, a Daoist attendant would approach him. The man smiled politely and said, “Junior Brother, might I trouble you for a private word?”

Ying Chen hesitated briefly but agreed. He followed the attendant to a quiet alcove, where the man finally turned and said, “Your cultivation progress is truly commendable, Junior Brother.”

Ying Chen was unsure of his meaning, so he simply offered his thanks. The attendant waved it off and said, with pointed emphasis, “However, your coursework is a little lacking…”

Ying Chen sensed what was coming and frowned slightly, cupping his hands in respect. “May I ask for your guidance, Senior Brother?”

“How could I presume to instruct you? This is the Dean’s sentiment, not mine.” The attendant smiled. “The Dean believes that with your cultivation, you should easily achieve the highest marks. It would be a shame if your coursework were to hold you back.”

“I understand the Dean’s concern, so I’ve come to offer you a bit of assistance.”

As he spoke, he reached into his sleeve and produced a stack of talisman slips, smiling as he continued, “These are excellent results for twelve subjects—seals, hexes, curses, poisons… With these, you’re sure to secure the highest marks in all your courses.”

Ying Chen could hardly fail to grasp his meaning. With tears of gratitude, he said, “Senior Brother is truly looking out for me. How can I ever repay you?”

The attendant, seeing that Ying Chen understood, was even more pleased. “It pains me to see a talent like you denied your due recognition. There’s no need to talk of repayment for now.”

“However, arranging these wasn’t easy—I had to grease a few palms throughout the various academies. So, you’ll need to cover the cost yourself.”

He tapped the talisman slips. “One spirit stone per subject will suffice.”

Ying Chen’s lips twitched.

One spirit stone per subject—twelve stones for twelve courses. The Academy’s corruption was both brazen and calculated.

After all, the monthly stipend for the highest score was just one spirit stone more than for the next tier, totaling exactly twelve extra stones over the course of a year.

Yet paying these twelve stones was hardly a loss—besides the extra stipend, the highest score came with better privileges, intangible benefits like reputation, status, and so on.

Ying Chen, understanding the game, said, “Thank you for supporting me, Senior Brother.”

The attendant nodded and handed over the slips. “No hurry about the spirit stones. After you pass the minor exam, we can settle the matter. Go and request your evaluation.”

Ying Chen knew the Academy had no fear of him reneging; they were simply giving him time to collect the stones. He could scrape together twelve if he had to, but saw no need for pride. He cupped his hands in thanks and accepted the slips.

The attendant nodded once more, then turned and returned to the main hall without further words.

Ying Chen waited a moment before entering, where he found the attendant’s demeanor had become strictly official. “Are you here for your evaluation, Junior Brother?”

“I am,” Ying Chen replied, bowing and presenting the newly “acquired” slips. The attendant took them with a brief, “Wait here,” and went inside.

Not long after, a cold, distant voice sounded from within: “Outer disciple Ying Chen: remarkable progress, excellent coursework—awarded highest marks.”

At once, the attendant hurried out, beaming. “Congratulations on achieving the top rank, Junior Brother. Three days from now, your name will be posted on the rolls—you’ll surely make a splash!”

Other candidates in the hall watched with undisguised envy, while Ying Chen could barely keep from laughing at the absurdity. Outwardly, he showed only joy, responding gratefully, “Thank you, Senior Brother. Thank you.”

The attendant then produced Ying Chen’s token. “Though your name isn’t posted yet, your evaluation is already inscribed. You can now collect your monthly stipend from the Administrative Hall—and, of course, access the library as usual.”

As he spoke, he escorted Ying Chen outside, stopping only at the entrance to say, “My name is Xiang Feng. If you gather the spirit stones, bring them to me at the Administrative Hall.”

“Yes,” Ying Chen replied, but just then someone called out, “Ying Chen!” He looked up and met a pair of bright, almond-shaped eyes.

Qu Qiao approached with a gentle smile, nodding to Xiang Feng as well. “Senior Brother Xiang.”

“Junior Sister Qu?” Xiang Feng asked in surprise. “What brings you here?”

Qu Qiao smiled. “I had some free time today and thought I’d check on our White Bone Society’s newest recruit—to see how he fared in the exam.”

She turned to Ying Chen. “If Senior Brother Xiang personally escorted you out, you must have achieved the highest marks, yes?”

Xiang Feng replied calmly, “Indeed. Ying Chen’s progress and coursework are exemplary. The highest marks were only his due.”

“No wonder Senior Brother Yu recommended you himself,” Qu Qiao said with a smile. “Congratulations, Junior Brother.”

Ying Chen responded, “Thank you, Senior Sister.”

Qu Qiao nodded, “Before mid-month, come to the White Bone Hall. I’ll go over the Society’s entry matters with you.”

He agreed, and Qu Qiao turned back to Xiang Feng. “I’ve said my piece. It looks like you still have things to discuss, so I’ll leave you to it.” With that, she departed, light-footed as ever.

Ying Chen was surprised by her appearance, but since she came and went so quickly, he repressed his questions and turned to Xiang Feng. “Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I won’t forget the spirit stones. Unless there’s anything else, I’ll take my leave.”

“The spirit stones…” Xiang Feng hesitated, then said, “Since you’re now a member of the White Bone Society, just give me half.”

He nodded politely. “I’ll explain everything to the Dean.”

In that moment, Ying Chen realized why Qu Qiao had said “our” White Bone Society—Xiang Feng was a member as well. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks.

Xiang Feng simply waved him off and returned to the Administrative Hall.

“So, joining the White Bone Society was the right move… At least today, it spared me some extortion.”

Ying Chen let his gaze linger a moment, reflecting that he felt little joy. Instead, a single thought burned ever more fiercely in his mind.

“When… when will I no longer be at others’ mercy?”

Again and again, he turned it over, and found only one answer: it would be when he was strong enough himself—not under anyone’s protection, not owing anything to any person or organization.

After a long moment, he collected himself and strode away from the Administrative Hall, heading straight for the library.

Strength would not come from dreams. If he wanted to grow powerful, he could not afford to stop moving forward.