First Entry into the Academy, Resource Disparity

Morning mist still clung to the air as the gates of Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy came into view.

Lin Fan held Lin Xiaoyu's hand, standing beside the pair of enormous stone lions flanking the main entrance. The lions stood about five meters tall, carved with lifelike detail, their eyes inlaid with some kind of red crystal that glowed faintly in the morning light.

"So big..." Lin Xiaoyu tilted her head back, staring at the six gilded characters reading "Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy" on the gate tower, her small mouth slightly open.

It really was big.

Just the main gate alone was wider than the entire street in the Slum District. Bluestone steps stretched upward, flanked by carved stone pillars engraved with reliefs of martial ancestors. The air carried a faint scent of grass and trees, along with subtle fluctuations of Origin Energy—the academy's spirit-gathering formation at work.

"Halt. Who goes there?"

A guard in gray uniform stepped out from the side gate, sizing up the siblings. He looked about forty, dark-skinned, with sharp eyes and a presence around the 2nd Grade Martial Artist level.

"New student reporting." Lin Fan took out the certificate issued by the academy.

The guard took the certificate, examined it carefully, then relaxed his expression slightly. "Lin Fan? The one who ranked first in the assessment?"

"That's me."

"Mm, go on in." The guard stepped aside. "Follow the main road straight to the 'New Student Registration' desk. Your sister..."

"The academy allows family accompaniment," Lin Fan said. "Approved by the Vice Principal."

"Good, then." The guard nodded, giving Lin Fan another look. "Kid, train hard. A commoner ranking first isn't easy—don't waste your talent."

"Thank you."

Stepping through the academy gates felt like entering another world.

Beneath his feet lay smooth bluestone slabs, flanked by tall plane trees. In the distance, teaching buildings, training towers, and dormitories were arranged in a pleasing layout, with upturned eaves and ancient charm. The concentration of Origin Energy in the air was noticeably higher than outside, each breath refreshing the spirit.

"Brother, the air here feels so nice." Lin Xiaoyu took a deep breath, her small face flushing slightly.

"That's Origin Energy," Lin Fan said, feeling his Basic Breathing Technique activate automatically. "The academy has a spirit-gathering formation, drawing in the ambient Origin Energy from the surroundings."

This was what resources meant.

In the Slum District, absorbing Origin Energy required slow, deliberate breathing. Here, just breathing allowed passive absorption. Over time, the difference in cultivation speed would be like heaven and earth.

Quite a few students were already on the main road.

Some wore the standard uniform, others dressed casually, but all carried the unique spirit of martial artists. They walked in groups of two or three, chatting and laughing, occasionally someone using movement techniques, leaving afterimages on the path.

"Look over there—that's the Genius Class!"

"Where? Where?"

"The east path, heading toward Tianjiao Garden."

A few students who looked like new arrivals gathered excitedly, pointing in one direction.

Lin Fan followed their gaze.

On a small path paved with white jade to the east walked a group of richly dressed youths. Most were sixteen or seventeen, with solid auras—at least 2nd Grade Martial Artists, and the leaders had even reached 3rd Grade.

The most eye-catching were a young man and a young woman.

The man wore a purple brocade robe, a long sword at his waist, handsome features but an arrogant gaze—it was Wang Hao. His followers had changed, two new ones, both stronger than before.

The woman had silver hair that shimmered in the morning light. She wore a moon-white training suit, her posture straight, her face cold as snow. Even from a distance, her "keep away" aura was palpable.

"That's Lin Xue'er, ranked second in the Genius Class," a bespectacled boy nearby whispered. "I heard she's of mixed Chinese and European blood, naturally ice-attuned, and already a 3rd Grade Martial Master before enrollment."

"Wang Hao's in the Genius Class too?"

"No brainer—the Wang Family is one of the four great clans of Jiangnan City. They can buy their way in with resources."

"Sigh, comparing people just kills you. We in the Regular Class get eight-person dorms, and they get standalone villas."

Lin Fan listened silently.

He noticed the direction the Genius Class students were heading led to a quiet, wooded area. Through gaps in the trees, he could see delicate little buildings, each with its own courtyard and even small training grounds.

The direction the Regular Class new students took was a plain bluestone path to the west, ending at a few gray, dusty dormitory buildings.

The gap was laid bare before his eyes.

"Brother..." Lin Xiaoyu tugged at Lin Fan's sleeve, unease in her eyes.

"It's fine." Lin Fan patted her hand. "Let's go."

The New Student Registration area was set up on the east side of the academy square, a row of temporary wooden sheds. A dozen or so staff sat at tables, processing registration for new students.

The Regular Class line stretched long, hundreds of people. The Genius Class side had only a dozen or so, with dedicated attendants—no need to queue at all.

Lin Fan took his sister to the back of the Regular Class line.

While waiting, he observed the new students around him.

Most were like him, plainly dressed, faces uncertain. Some whispered to each other, some fidgeted nervously, others closed their eyes to rest and regulate their breath.

"Did you hear? The one who ranked first in the assessment was specially assigned to the Regular Class."

"Really? Shouldn't first place go to the Genius Class?"

"Word is he's a commoner, no connections. The academy was afraid he'd get bullied in the Genius Class, so they put him in the Regular Class."

"That... that's way too unfair, isn't it?"

"Fair? What fairness is there in this world. On the path of a martial artist, resources, background, and talent are all indispensable. No matter how good your talent, without resources, it's useless."

"That's true. My family sold our house just to support my training. Even if I get into the academy, elixirs, weapons, techniques... which one doesn't cost money?"

The murmuring reached Lin Fan's ears, his expression calm.

Old Man Li and Chen Dashan had already told him all this. Reality was just like this—complaining was meaningless. Only getting stronger mattered.

"Next."

Finally, it was Lin Fan's turn.

The registrar was a female teacher in her thirties, wearing glasses with a stern expression. She took Lin Fan's credentials, verified the information, and pulled out a wooden box from under the desk.

"Lin Fan, Regular Class Three." The female teacher pushed up her glasses. "This is your student ID, uniform, and class schedule. Your dorm is Building 7, Room 203, East District, eight-person room. Monthly basic resources: 50 Academic Credits, free meals in the cafeteria, and access to the Public Training Ground."

"Thank you, teacher." Lin Fan took the items.

Inside the wooden box were a gray uniform, a metal student ID, a course handbook, and a Light Blue crystal card—likely the credit card.

"About your sister's accommodation..." The female teacher glanced at Lin Xiaoyu. "The Family Quarters are in the West District, conditions are a bit basic. Four people per room. Monthly fee is 20 Academic Credits or 1000 Credit Points."

Lin Fan frowned.

20 Academic Credits was equivalent to two First-order Demonic Cores. His entire net worth right now was only the 100 Academic Credits the academy had rewarded him, and he still needed to buy techniques, elixirs...

"I'll pay for one month first." Lin Fan took out the crystal card.

The female teacher swiped it over a device. "Deducted 20 Academic Credits, 80 remaining. Take your sister to Building 12 in the West District to register. A life teacher there will arrange things."

"Alright."

Leaving the registration area, Lin Fan first took Lin Xiaoyu to the West District Family Quarters.

Compared to the teaching area, the Family Quarters were noticeably shabbier. Over a dozen three-story buildings were crammed together, their outer walls mottled, laundry hanging to dry in the courtyard. A few Women were drawing water from a well, and children chased each other in the open space.

"This place... it's just like the Slum District," Lin Xiaoyu whispered.

"At least it's safe." Lin Fan patted her head. "The academy has a protective formation, Demonic Beasts can't get in. And there are doctors here, so you can get your medicine on time."

The life teacher for Building 12 in the West District was a fifty-something auntie named Zhao, loud-voiced but warm-hearted.

"Oh, a new little girl? Pretty thing." Auntie Zhao took Lin Xiaoyu's hand. "Don't worry, treat this place like home. You're in Room 306, the other three are also martial artists' family members, good people."

She handed the key to Lin Xiaoyu, then said to Lin Fan, "Kid, train hard. Your sister's here, this auntie will look after her."

"Thank you, Teacher Zhao."

After settling his sister in, Lin Fan headed alone to the East District dormitory.

The East District was the male dormitory area—seven six-story buildings lined up in a row. The structures were old, paint peeling off the walls, a stark contrast to the garden villas of the Genius Class.

Building 7, Room 203.

Lin Fan unlocked the door, and a musty smell hit him.

The room was about twenty square meters, with four iron bunk beds arranged inside, eight beds total. By the window was a long table with eight iron lockers on it. The floor was cement, and there were cobwebs in the corners.

Two roommates had already arrived.

One was Chen Dahu, bent over making his bed. The other was a skinny, glasses-wearing boy sitting on his bed reading—it was the information dealer, Zhou Ming.

"Brother Fan!" Chen Dahu grinned wide when he saw Lin Fan. "You're finally here! I saved you the bottom bunk by the window, best spot!"

"Thanks." Lin Fan placed his cloth bag on the bed.

Zhou Ming looked up, pushing his glasses. "Lin Fan, we meet again. Roommates from now on, take care of me—though the consultation fee for info still applies."

"This guy only thinks about money," Chen Dahu grumbled.

"Money's a good thing." Zhou Ming smiled. "By the way, Lin Fan, a heads-up. There are eight of us in this dorm—you, me, Dahu, and the other five are all from ordinary families. But next door in Room 204, three members of the Wang Family's collateral branch live there."

Lin Fan paused mid-motion. "Wang Hao's people?"

"Pretty much." Zhou Ming nodded. "They're just collateral, but they throw the Wang name around and act like bullies in the Regular Class. You slapped Wang Hao's face, so they might come looking for trouble."

"Let them come." Lin Fan said calmly.

His injuries were eighty percent healed now, and his Basic Fist Technique was close to Minor Accomplishment. If it came to a fight, unless it was a 3rd Grade Martial Master, he wasn't afraid of how many ordinary 2nd Grade Martial Artists showed up.

"Confident." Zhou Ming gave a thumbs-up. "But still, be careful. Open attacks are easy to dodge, hidden ones are hard. The Wang Family has deep connections in the academy after years of influence."

As he spoke, the other five roommates arrived one by one.

All were sixteen or seventeen-year-old boys, plainly dressed, looking a bit nervous. After introductions, Lin Fan remembered their names: Li Yan, Zhang Hai, Liu Feng, Zhao Qiang, and Sun Xiaopang.

"Brother Fan, you really got first in the assessment?" Sun Xiaopang leaned in, full of admiration. "I heard you punched with over a thousand jin and blew up the training puppet!"

"Just lucky." Lin Fan smiled.

"Lucky nothing, that's strength!" Li Yan sighed. "For us commoners, just getting into the academy is hard enough. We'll have to rely on you, Brother Fan, to look out for us."

"We look out for each other," Lin Fan said.

After the eight of them finished making their beds, it was already noon.

"Let's go eat!" Chen Dahu's stomach growled. "I heard the academy cafeteria has all-you-can-eat meals, even Demonic Beast meat!"

The cafeteria was next to the main Teaching Building, a three-story structure.

The first floor had regular meals, free of charge. The second floor had medicinal meals, requiring Academic Credits to exchange. The third floor was said to be open only to teachers and the Genius Class.

Most regular class freshmen ate on the first floor.

Lin Fan got a meal: two meat dishes, one vegetable, a bowl of soup, and all the staple food he wanted. The meat dishes did contain demonic beast meat—only 1st Tier, but the flesh was tender and carried faint traces of Origin Energy.

"Damn, this is better than what my family eats for New Year's," Chen Dahu said, wolfing it down.

"The free meal's like this. If you want better, you go to the second floor," Zhou Ming said, eating slowly and methodically. "The medicinal meals there—the cheapest is 5 Academic Credits a serving. Word is, long-term consumption strengthens the body and speeds up cultivation."

"5 Credits? That's highway robbery!" Sun Xiaopang clicked his tongue.

"So you've got to earn Credits." Zhou Ming looked at Lin Fan. "Lin Fan, when are you planning to head to the Mission Hall?"

"This afternoon," Lin Fan said.

He needed Credits urgently. His little sister's boarding fees, his own cultivation resources, buying techniques... everything cost money.

"I'm coming with you!" Chen Dahu raised his hand.

"Me too," Li Yan said. "More people means more backup."

The others also chimed in, saying they wanted to form a team.

Lin Fan thought it over, then nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's check it out together this afternoon."

After eating, the eight of them didn't return to the dormitory. Instead, they decided to wander the academy and get familiar with the surroundings.

They first went to the Public Training Ground.

It was a wide-open plaza paved with Bluestone Slabs, surrounded by basic training equipment like wooden dummies, stone locks, and sandbags. At that moment, over a hundred people were training, their shouts and yells ringing out without pause.

"So this is the Public Training Ground," Zhang Hai said, a bit disappointed. "There's not even a sunshade."

"This is what you get for free." Zhou Ming spread his hands. "If you want something better, you go to the 'Cultivation Tower.' They have private training rooms there, with Origin Energy density twice the outside, but it costs 10 Credits an hour."

"10 Credits?!" Several of them sucked in cold air.

Lin Fan silently calculated.

At his current cultivation speed, practicing the Basic Fist Technique in the Public Training Ground would net him about 30 proficiency points per hour. In an environment with double the Origin Energy density, his efficiency should improve significantly.

But 10 Credits an hour—too expensive.

"Look over there." Zhou Ming pointed at a nine-story tower in the distance. "That's the Cultivation Tower. The higher you go, the denser the Origin Energy and the steeper the price. Word is, the training rooms on the ninth floor have ten times the outside density, but it costs 100 Credits an hour. Only the Genius Class can afford it."

Ten times density.

Lin Fan's heart stirred.

If he could activate five-times-speed cultivation in that environment, his proficiency growth rate would reach a terrifying level.

But 100 Credits an hour...

He'd have to kill ten 1st Tier Demonic Beasts, or complete a high-difficulty mission.

"Let's go, check out the Library Pavilion," Lin Fan said.

The Library Pavilion stood at the academy's center, a seven-story wooden building with flying eaves and arched rafters, ancient and elegant. A stone tablet at the entrance read, "Store martial arts in the pavilion, nurture talent in the academy."

Regular class freshmen could only enter the first floor.

The first floor was spacious, lined with dozens of bookshelves. The shelves held texts on techniques, martial skills, miscellaneous studies, and more, but most were the most basic Mortal Tier Low Grade; Mid Grade was rare.

Lin Fan saw a few freshmen weaving between the shelves, their faces excited.

For these commoner kids, even a Mortal Tier Low Grade technique was a precious resource they'd never had access to before.

"Lin Fan, aren't you picking a technique?" Li Yan asked.

"I've got one in mind," Lin Fan said.

He walked to the counter at the very back, where a white-haired old man sat dozing off.

"Teacher, I'd like to use my reward voucher to select a technique."

The old man opened his eyes, murky gaze sweeping over Lin Fan. "The voucher."

Lin Fan handed over the voucher stamped with the academy's emblem.

The old man took it, examined it carefully, then nodded. "The reward for first place in the assessment—you can choose any Mortal Tier Mid Grade technique or martial skill. Have you decided what you want?"

"Yes," Lin Fan said. "'Iron Body Skill,' a Mortal Tier Top Grade body-tempering technique."

The old man paused. "Top Grade? That's something Elite Class students can exchange for, requiring 200 Credits. Your voucher only covers Mid Grade."

"I can make up the difference." Lin Fan pulled out his crystal card.

The old man looked at Lin Fan, then at the card. "Kid, 'Iron Body Skill' might be Mortal Tier, but its training process is extremely painful. It requires medicinal baths and huge expenses. Many students who chose it couldn't stick with it. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Lin Fan's tone was firm.

A body-tempering technique was exactly what he needed. Paired with the system's proficiency boost, he could push his physical strength to the limit. As for the pain and cost... the pain he could endure, and the cost he could earn.

"Fine." The old man pulled a thick tome from under the counter. "'Iron Body Skill' original—cannot be taken out of the Library Pavilion. You can copy a transcript here, or buy a printed copy for 10 Credits."

"I'll buy the printed copy." Lin Fan swiped his card.

After deducting 10 Credits, he had 70 left.

The old man handed Lin Fan a thin booklet—a simplified version of the Iron Body Skill, containing only the first three layers of the mental method and basic training techniques. To obtain the rest, he would need to advance his realm and return to exchange for it.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Lin Fan tucked the booklet away and was about to leave when the old man suddenly said, "Kid, the body-tempering path is the hardest to walk. But if you can see it through, your future will be boundless. Take care of yourself."

"I will."

Stepping out of the Library Pavilion, the setting sun already slanted westward.

"Brother Fan, you really picked the Iron Body Skill?" Chen Dahu scratched his head. "My old man said training that technique is like mutilating yourself."

"It suits me, that's enough," Lin Fan said.

He pulled up his Status Panel and looked at the new entry:

code
[Technique: Iron Body Skill (Mortal Tier Top Grade · Not Started 0/100)]

He'd start training tonight.

"Let's go check out the Mission Hall, then head back to the dorm," Lin Fan said.

The Mission Hall stood at the northwest corner of the academy, a majestic hall. Inside, over a dozen massive jade tablets displayed various mission information in scrolling text.

code
[Clearance Mission: A 1st Tier Demonic Beast "Wind Wolf" has appeared on the academy's back mountain. Kill one for 10 Academic Credits. Requires a team of 3 or more.]
[Collection Mission: Gather "Glow Grass," 5 Academic Credits per plant. Location: Ten Mile Slope west of the academy.]
[Escort Mission: Escort a merchant caravan to Linjiang City, round trip three days, reward 50 Academic Credits. Requirements: 2nd Grade Martial Artist or above, combat experience.]
[Bounty Mission: Kill the wanted criminal "Bloody Hand Zhang San," dead or alive, reward 200 Academic Credits. Warning: Target is a 3rd Grade Martial Master, ruthless and merciless.]

The missions ranged from low to high difficulty, with rewards varying just as widely.

Hundreds of students crowded the hall—some forming teams, some accepting missions, others turning in completed tasks and collecting rewards.

"So many missions," Sun Xiaopang said, eyes gleaming.

"But none of them are easy," Zhou Ming poured cold water. "Clearance missions mean leaving the city—life-threatening. Collection missions take time and effort, and you have to fight others for resources. Escort and bounty missions go without saying—no strength, and you're just walking to your death."

Lin Fan swept his gaze across the jade tablets and finally locked onto one mission:

code
[Hunting Mission: Kill a 2nd Tier Demonic Beast "Ironback Porcupine," obtain intact pelt, reward 30 Academic Credits. Location: Black Pine Forest, fifty li north of the city. Recommendation: Team of 3 2nd Grade Martial Artists.]

A 2nd Tier Demonic Beast was equivalent to a 2nd Grade Martial Artist.

With his current strength, combined with his Basic Fist Technique at Minor Accomplishment Level, a solo fight should be doable. With Chen Dahu supporting, it'd be even safer.

"Take this one," Lin Fan said, pointing at the mission.

"A 2nd Tier Demonic Beast?!" Li Yan jumped in shock. "Brother Fan, we're only 1st Grade!"

"I can handle it," Lin Fan said. "Dahu, you in or not?"

Chen Dahu thumped his chest. "If Brother Fan says fight, then we fight!"

Zhou Ming pushed up his glasses. "Lin Fan, I know you're strong, but a 2nd Tier Demonic Beast isn't the same as a 1st Tier. The Ironback Porcupine's defense is extreme—when it charges, even a 3rd Grade Martial Master has to get out of the way. Just the two of you is too risky."

"What about three?"

"At least three 2nd Grade Martial Artists, or five 1st Grades working in perfect sync," Zhou Ming said. "Tell you what—count me in. I'm at 1st Grade peak, good at scouting and setting traps. The three of us working together, we've got a chance."

Lin Fan looked at Zhou Ming. "You're not scared?"

"Scared?" Zhou Ming grinned. "But high risk, high reward. And I figure sticking with you has a future."

"Good," Lin Fan nodded. "Then it's the three of us. We set out tomorrow morning."

"Hold on," Zhou Ming said. "Accepting the mission requires a deposit of 10 Academic Credits—non-refundable if we fail. We also need to register the team info and collect the Mission Token."

The three walked to the mission counter.

The staff member was a young woman. When she saw Lin Fan, her eyes lit up. "You're Lin Fan? The one who ranked first in the assessment?"

"That's me."

"You want to take the Ironback Porcupine hunting mission?" She frowned. "A 2nd Tier Demonic Beast is dangerous. The three of you... are your realms sufficient?"

"They are," Lin Fan said.

The woman looked at Lin Fan's steady gaze, then at Chen Dahu and Zhou Ming, and finally nodded. "Fine. Deposit is 10 Academic Credits, mission deadline three days. This is the Mission Token. After completing the mission, bring the beast materials and the token to claim your reward."

Lin Fan swiped his card and took the token.

The token was wooden, engraved with the mission number on the front and the academy emblem on the back.

"Be careful," the woman said quietly. "The Black Pine Forest has been unstable lately—I've heard rumors of demonic beasts mutating. If things go wrong, pull back immediately. Staying alive is what matters."

"Thanks for the warning."

Leaving the Mission Hall, the sky had already darkened.

Lights flickered on across the academy—warm yellow glow spilling from the windows of the Teaching Building and dormitories. In the distance, the garden villa area of the Genius Class was brightly lit, faint sounds of music and strings drifting through the air.

"Looks like they're having a welcome banquet," Zhou Ming said.

"Who cares," Chen Dahu muttered. "We Regular Class guys can't even get enough to eat, let alone banquets."

The three returned to the dorm. Their other five roommates were already there.

When they heard that Lin Fan had accepted a mission to hunt a 2nd Tier Demonic Beast, the few of them were all shocked.

"Brother Fan, you're really going?" Sun Xiaopang said worriedly. "How about... we come help too?"

"No need." Lin Fan shook his head. "Too many people will just cause chaos. You all cultivate well at the academy and wait for us to return."

That night, Lin Fan didn't sleep.

After his roommates were fast asleep, he quietly got up and slipped over to the Public Training Ground.

In the dead of night, the training ground was completely empty. Moonlight spilled across the Bluestone Slabs, casting a silvery-white sheen.

Lin Fan spread into a Boxing Stance and began practicing [Basic Fist Technique].

One punch, two punches, three punches...

The movements weren't fast, but every single punch was poured with full force. Muscles moved, Bones vibrated, and Origin Energy flowed through his meridians.

On the Status Panel, proficiency steadily increased.

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]...

After training for about an hour, Lin Fan stopped and began attempting [Iron Body Skill].

Following the technique's description, he first circulated Origin Energy to cover the surface of his body, then struck various parts of himself in a specific rhythm.

The first punch landed on his chest.

It wasn't skin-deep pain—it was pain that sank deep into the marrow. It felt like countless needles stabbing his meridians, like fire scorching his internal organs.

Lin Fan clenched his teeth and continued.

Second punch, third punch...

Sweat poured like rain, and his body began to tremble. But on the Status Panel, the proficiency for [Iron Body Skill] was jumping:

[Iron Body Skill Proficiency +1]

[Iron Body Skill Proficiency +1]...

Sure enough, the more painful the training, the faster the proficiency grew.

This was the nature of body-tempering techniques—self-torturing cultivation.

A fierce glint flashed in Lin Fan's eyes.

What was pain?

As long as he could grow stronger, as long as he could protect his little sister, he could endure even more.

He activated [Cultivation Acceleration·2x].

Stamina consumption doubled, pain doubled, but proficiency gain also doubled.

Punch after punch, in the silent night, the youth struck his own body alone.

Under the moonlight, his shadow stretched long.

In the distance, atop the Teaching Building, a figure stood quietly.

It was Teacher Zhang.

He adjusted his Gold-rimmed Glasses, watching the madly training youth on the training ground, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.

"Lin Fan... just how far can you go?"

The Night Wind brushed gently, and no one answered.

Only the dull thuds of the youth striking his body echoed across the empty training ground.