Heh heh. His handwriting really had been pretty awful at first, but it was a basic course for princes, and Xu Tianran had made him practice it relentlessly.
The entrance to the academy was packed with ordinary folk. Some held their children, some supported the elderly, and others stood on tiptoe to peer inside. The children crowded at the front, their eyes shining with curiosity and anticipation.
Xu Yanli stood at the academy entrance, looking at the children, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Starting today, New City Academy is officially open." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to everyone's ears. "Any child between the ages of six and twelve can study here, regardless of gender or background. There's no tuition, and we'll provide lunch. But afterward, you'll have only two choices: serve the imperial court or join Xiaoyao Pavilion."
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Some people wept, others laughed, and a few dropped to their knees and kowtowed on the spot. The ragged children gazed up at the golden-haired youth in white before them, their eyes shining brightly.
For commoners, this wasn't some harsh restriction. On the contrary, it was a guarantee.
Xu Yanli looked at the commoners below as a steady stream of Faith Force poured in.
Xu Yanli could feel that his Soul Power had already reached Level 80 when he completed the divine trial. Its total reserves were still increasing, but he was one Soul Ring short, so his Soul Power Level couldn't break through.
He didn't plan to use Snow Empress for this Soul Ring. He wanted the Emerald Swan.
But it would probably be difficult. The Emerald Swan was still far from reaching the end of her lifespan, and although her attitude toward humans was better than Xiong Jun's, she definitely