22: layout

He paused, “The rules of the Martial Academy are simple.

First, respect your teachers and value the Dao.

Second, do not harm fellow disciples.

Third, monthly assessments will be held, and those at the bottom will be demoted.

Fourth, Contribution Points are central; they can be exchanged for Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, weapons, instruction time, and all other resources.”

“Ways to obtain Contribution Points:

A basic monthly quota, Grade A receives one hundred points. Additional points can be earned by completing Service Pavilion tasks, winning academy competitions, receiving rewards for Realm Breakthroughs, and making special contributions to the Martial Academy.”

“Starting today, you may use your identity tokens to collect your monthly quota at the Resource Pavilion, as well as the standard Grade A student package: two sets of Qinglan Robes, three bone forging pills, and one common iron weapon of your choice.”

Some students showed delight. bone forging pills are Medicinal Pills that aid Bone Forging Realm Cultivation. They are expensive on the market, and the Martial Academy providing three free ones each month shows the excellent treatment.

Zhao Zhenshan’s tone shifted, “But don’t be happy too soon. Grade A courtyards are not permanent. In the monthly assessment, the five students with the lowest overall scores will move to Class B courtyards, and their resources will be halved.

If you are at the bottom for three consecutive months, you will be directly demoted to a Class B student.”

“Now, go to the Resource Pavilion to collect your items. Tomorrow at chen hour, gather here for the first lesson: Inner Breath refinement and Meridians nourishment.”

Everyone dispersed. Lin Mo collected his supplies and put away the bone forging pills. He had wen yuan powder, which was gentler and more long-lasting, so these Medicinal Pills could be kept as backup or for rewards.

Just as he was about to leave, a tall, sturdy, dark-skinned student blocked his path.

It was Lei Meng, who had just been the subject of discussion.

“You’re Lin Mo?” Lei Meng’s voice was rough. “That cracked stone tablet during the strength test, did you do that?”

Several students nearby heard this and looked over. The matter of the cracked stone tablet at the strength test had already spread among the new students.

Lin Mo nodded calmly, “By luck.”

“Luck?” Lei Meng grinned, “I tried that stone tablet myself; without Inner Breath, a full-force strike would at most make it wobble.

You managed to crack it, hehe, interesting. How about we spar sometime?”

This was a challenge.

Lin Mo glanced at him, “The Martial Academy encourages sparring?”

“Of course, the winner even gets Contribution Points.” Lei Meng’s eyes flashed with Battle Intent. “Well? Are you scared?”

“I don’t have time now.” Lin Mo walked around him and headed out. “If you want to fight, post a task in the Service Pavilion, and I’ll accept it.”

Lei Meng was stunned, then burst into laughter, “Good! That’s straightforward enough! I’ll post a task!”

Lin Mo ignored him and left with Fang Han.

Just as they left the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, they saw Guard Zhao, who was with Steward Wu, standing under a tree not far away, seemingly waiting for someone.

Seeing Lin Mo, Guard Zhao stepped forward, cupped his fists, and whispered, “Young Master Lin, Steward Wu requests your presence for a discussion of important matters in the back courtyard of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.”

Lin Mo’s eyes flickered, “Now?”

“If it is convenient for Young Master.”

“Lead the way.”

In a private room in the back courtyard of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.

Steward Wu dismissed his attendants and personally poured tea for Lin Mo, his expression no longer as composed as usual, carrying a hint of solemnity.

“Young Master Lin, two matters,” Steward Wu said directly. “First, there’s a lead regarding the ancient metals and records of strange patterns you asked me to investigate.”

Lin Mo put down his teacup, “Please tell me.”

“A damaged miscellaneous record in the pavilion mentions that about three hundred years ago—around the time of the Great Qian’s founding—a batch of extraterrestrial meteor iron fell into the Crimson Flame Mountain Range in the northwest.

At that time, many aristocratic families and Sects vied for it, forging a batch of divine Sharp Weapons from the meteor iron. Their characteristic features were naturally formed patterns, the ability to absorb Inner Breath, and long-lasting rust-resistance.”

Three hundred years ago... extraterrestrial meteor iron?

“Where are those divine weapons now?”

“Most were damaged or lost in historical conflicts,” Steward Wu lowered his voice. “But there are rumors that the Imperial Treasury holds a Chixiao Sword, forged primarily from meteor iron, which was the Great Qian’s Grand Ancestor’s personal sword.

Furthermore, among the Qinglan Martial Academy’s treasured artifacts, there is also said to be an item made of meteor iron, though the specifics are unknown.”

The Qinglan Martial Academy also has one?

Lin Mo made a mental note. “The second matter?”

Steward Wu took a deep breath, “The second matter... is a warning.

Recently, disturbing news has come from several places in the Northern Border and Western Frontier. Horse Bandits and roving bandits are frequently active, and even small border army outposts have been attacked.

The imperial court has ordered all prefectures to strengthen their defenses and... has levied an additional defense tax this year.”

The defense tax, which is military expenditure for border defense, is usually levied once every three years, and this year is not a year for a major levy.

“How much is the additional levy?”

“Thirty percent.” Steward Wu smiled bitterly. “The news hasn’t been officially announced yet, but major merchant houses have already caught wind of it. Grain, iron, and medicinal material prices are bound to rise.

My employer asked me to tell Young Master that if there is a need, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion can prioritize supplying you with goods, and prices can be maintained at old rates for three months.”

This was a great favor.

Lin Mo cupped his hands, “Please convey my thanks to your esteemed employer.”

“Furthermore...” Steward Wu’s voice dropped even lower. “My employer asked me to remind Young Master that recently, various forces in Qinglan City have been making frequent moves.

The Black Wolf Gang is backed by Liu Mang, the Deputy Commander of the City Guard, and Liu Mang... seems to have some unusual dealings with the City Lord’s Mansion. Young Master, as you are new here, if you have any grievances with the Black Wolf Gang, you must be cautious.”

City Lord’s Mansion?

Lin Mo’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Thank you for the information.”

Leaving the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Lin Mo walked down the street, seemingly calm, but his mind was rapidly integrating information.

Unrest in the Northern Border, additional defense tax, fluctuating grain prices, the connection between the Black Wolf Gang, the City Guard, and even the City Lord’s Mansion... and the “extraterrestrial meteor iron” from three hundred years ago, possibly related to the rusted sword.

“Young Master, shall we return to the Martial Academy now?” Fang Han asked.

Lin Mo shook his head, “To the Service Pavilion.”

Since Lei Meng wanted to post a challenge task, it would be better to be proactive.

Moreover, he also needed Contribution Points to access deeper resources within the Martial Academy.

More importantly, signs of chaos were already appearing.

Just as he knew from historical patterns before his Transmigration, great disasters and chaos, while devastating to life, were also times for ambitious individuals to rise.

The Death Squad System gave him the ability to control the situation, and the tides of the era would provide him with the best stage.

“Let’s take on a few tasks to get some practice.” Lin Mo looked towards the Martial Academy, his eyes profound.

“And see just how deep the waters of Qinglan City truly are.”

That night, in the secret chamber of the River God Temple.

Candlelight flickered, illuminating the newly drawn map of forces on the wall.

On the map, with Qinglan City at the center, several lines radiated outwards.

The Martial Academy, Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Patrol Inspection Department, City Lord’s Mansion, City Guard, Black Wolf Gang... and the vaguely marked Northern Border unrest and additional defense tax.

Lin Mo stood before the map, behind him stood Death Warrior [Fifty-Five], newly summoned today, whose skill was [Basic Cartography].

“Issue orders to all Death Warriors,” Lin Mo said, his voice echoing in the secret chamber.

“First, accelerate the stockpiling of supplies in Qingyuan Town. Grain, ironware, medicinal materials—collect as much as possible, and ensure concealment.”

“Second, for the new stronghold in Qinglan City, the primary task is to infiltrate the docks, warehouses, and carriage services to gain control of logistics information.”

“Third, within the Martial Academy, collect background information on all Instructors and outstanding students, especially those with connections to various forces in the city.”

“Fourth, from today onwards, every Death Warrior, in addition to Cultivation, must study common knowledge for two hours daily: local customs, social etiquette, and jargon of various industries.”

“Fifth, select five intelligent Death Warriors to begin learning basic business and account management. We need a visible merchant association shell.”

A series of clear and orderly instructions.

Chaos was approaching; he had to plan ahead.