Deng Qing felt a surge of joy and sat up straight, looking out. He saw a vast plain stretching out like a scroll, surrounded by mountains.
The river flows out from the verdant valley, splitting into several streams that meander through the meadows.
The wind swept across the grass, creating soft green waves, and even the air seemed a little more moist.
Deng Qing looked back at the Cave Entrance entrance and thought to himself, "We've only just passed through a tunnel, yet it feels like we've entered a completely different world."
After flying for a while, numerous crisscrossing ditches appeared, neatly dividing the boundless wheat fields.
Strangely, the wheat in those fields grew exceptionally densely, and upon closer inspection, the plants were remarkably tall.
The large bird continued to fly, and the scenery before Deng Qing's eyes continued to change.
In a valley, countless plump and strong pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep were scattered about, looking like pebbles scattered on the green ground when viewed from above.
After crossing a mountain ridge, there was still an endless line of livestock stretching far along the valley.
Deng Qing exclaimed in surprise, "Where are we? This doesn't seem like the outside world."
"The location of the Qingzhou Martial Dao Lower Court."
Xiao Jinglin said, "To be precise, it is the new site of the Qingzhou Martial Dao Lower Court. It moved here more than ten years ago."
And this place, naturally, is Desolate Soil, Desolate Soil that has undergone a considerable degree of development.
Isn't this vastly different from the barren Desolate Soil we saw in Liangshan?
Deng Qing's eyes sparkled.
"Isn't it amazing? I was just as amazed when I first arrived."
Xiao Jinglin pointed down and said, "With the help of the Desolate Soil, the water, grass, and grains here grow quickly, and livestock are easy to raise."
Of course, the Martial Dao Lower Court has also been conducting research in this area, which is why we have achieved what we have today.
You've probably been to a local Martial Arts Hall, right?
Those Martial Arts Hall are extensions of the Martial Dao Institute; you should have seen the supplies inside.
Deng Qing suddenly recalled the amazing food he had received when he first joined the Martial Arts Hall as a Sword Examiner, with virtually unlimited supply of all kinds of meat.
He thought at the time that even if the Martial Arts Hall was rich, it was strange in itself to supply meat so openly in this world with low productivity.
He remarked at the time that the Martial Arts Hall was incredibly wealthy and powerful.
Looking at the endless fields and pastures beneath my feet, I finally understand where this extravagance comes from.
Xiao Jinglin continued, "Look at those wheat seedlings again, they're all over a meter tall. The fields in this area can yield three harvests a year."
Three harvests a year!
Deng Qing was dumbfounded. " The Martial Dao Institute also studies planting and breeding?"
Xiao Jinglin shook his head, then nodded. "To be precise, the Martial Dao Institute studies the Desolate Soil, and everything related to the Desolate Soil will be included in the research topics."
The results of planting and breeding here can only be considered byproducts.
Deng Qing said, "If we can grow so much grain, why is it still in such chaos outside? So many people are struggling to even fill their stomachs."
Xiao Jinglin lowered his voice and said, "I'm only telling you this. I heard that it's not that the Martial Dao Institute doesn't want to send resources out, but it seems that the Imperial Court won't allow it? The Imperial Court can't do without the Martial Dao Institute, but it also has to guard against the Martial Dao Institute to prevent it from becoming too powerful."
It's very complicated; I'm just giving you a brief overview.
Deng Qing thought to himself, "It's so complicated that the Imperial Court would rather watch the common people suffer and starve to death. Truly, xx overrides everything."
Deng Qing nodded and said, "I don't care about the affairs of the Imperial Court. Tell me again, what exactly is the position of the Military Selection Aide in the Martial Dao Institute?"
After witnessing the capabilities of the Martial Dao Institute, Deng Qing was greatly interested in developing his Martial Dao Institute there.
He had figured out the structure of the Martial Dao Institute: at the state level, there was the Martial Dao Lower Court, and at the Imperial Court level, there was also the Martial Dao Upper Court.
If he focuses on acquiring resources within this system, it should be able to sustain his development for a long time.
Xiao Jinglin said, " Military Selection Aide belong to the teaching staff. Although they are not responsible for teaching students, they are still officially registered members of the academy and have specific duties. The term 'martial selection' is mainly to distinguish them from the hereditary system."
"Hereditary?"
"When you participated in the Liangshan operation as Sword Examiner, you must have met the deacons and administrators of the Martial Dao Institute, right?"
Deng Qing nodded, "I've met you before."
He thought to himself, Xia Daoyu is the steward, and Zheng Bei is the manager.
Xiao Jinglin said, "The fathers and grandfathers of these people all served in the Martial Dao Institute. This tradition has continued from generation to generation, and they have followed the path of hereditary succession."
Deng Qing thought to himself, "So that's how it is."
Xiao Jinglin continued, " Military Selection Aide like you are selected from the bottom up, layer by layer. They are generally powerful individuals with great abilities."
As far as I know, nearly half of your batch of Military Selection Aide are at the Furnace Realm.
Deng Qing clicked his tongue in amazement. Sure enough, once you switch to a higher-level map, it's impossible for the NPCs' combat power not to inflate.
"Brother Deng, don't underestimate this Military Selection Aide. The benefits and treatment are excellent. Of course, even if you're officially registered, it's not all set in stone. The Martial Dao Institute also has an assessment system for Military Selection Aide."
Overall, things are alright. As long as we get through the first phase, things will stabilize afterward.
Xiao Jinglin encouraged him, saying, "Moreover, engaging in this is only the initial stage of the teaching system."
If you make meritorious contributions in the future, you can be promoted to steward, manager, or supervisor. Once you reach the supervisor level, you will have considerable power.
Moreover, different job levels come with different benefits and resources, making it a very promising career path.
In my opinion, they're not much different from the elders of top-tier sects.
Deng Qing's eyes gleamed. He didn't care about rank; as long as he could get resources, he would immediately be very interested.
He thought to himself, "It seems that the path to the Martial Dao Institute is much broader than I originally thought."
The Cloud-Carrying Vulture continued forward, and after crossing a vast field, a city gradually came into view.
The city is nestled against the mountains and overlooks the water, covering a vast area. River through the city, with neat houses built on both banks, and stone bridges spanning the water, bustling with people.
Further away, rows of tall courtyards are nestled among the trees.
Deng Qing originally thought that the Martial Dao Institute was just a large courtyard.
Seeing it with my own eyes now, I realize I underestimated it. This isn't just a courtyard; it's an entire city.
Xiao Jinglin noticed Deng Qing's surprise and explained, "Besides the faculty and students, the Martial Dao Institute also houses many outsiders. Some came to explore the Desolate Soil, while others lost their livelihoods outside and wanted to come here to make a living. They work, trade, and do their own jobs."
"This works?"
"That's natural. Exploring the Desolate Soil requires manpower the most; with people, everything is possible. Of course, they need the Martial Dao Institute's approval to enter."
As they spoke, the Cloud-Carrying Vulture began to descend.
"We're almost there. Let's settle your identity first and get your credentials, then we can explore at our leisure."
Xiao Jinglin sat up and blew another short whistle.
The Cloud-Carrying Vulture adjusted its direction and soon arrived above the city gate.
After circling once in front of the city gate, it landed on a large stone platform. Several other large birds of the same kind were also perched there, and people were loading and unloading cages onto their backs.
Xiao Jinglin handed a token to the guard at the platform, then beckoned Deng Qing to leave.
The two left the stone platform and walked into the city.
As Deng Qing looked around, he saw that the streets were paved with smooth Bluestone and the houses on both sides were neatly arranged.
The streets were bustling with people, and the shops along the street were lively, yet the place didn't appear chaotic.
Deng Qing found it quite pleasing to the eye.
In Everjoy County, the slightly busier streets and alleys were inevitably crowded, polluted, and had a strange smell that never seemed to dissipate.
Xiao Jinglin led him through two long streets to a large hall.
The main hall has a wide entrance, with several stone steps leading to the open main door. A plaque hangs high under the eaves with only two large characters: "Reward Merit".
"Arrive."
Xiao Jinglin said, " The Merit Reward Hall is one of the most important places in the courtyard. You'll be dealing with this place quite often in the future."
The hall was bustling with people, many of whom were waiting at the long table to conduct their business.
The two walked to an empty desk, behind which sat a young man, tall and thin, wearing a neat blue robe, with several notebooks beside him.
Xiao Jinglin gave Deng Qing's name and purpose of visit, and the other party said he would be back in a moment, saying he needed to check some information.
Before long, the man returned and found the corresponding document.
" Deng Qing, Military Selection Aide? This is the first time I've heard of him."
The young man glanced at Deng Qing, then pushed a piece of jade towards him. "Drip blood."
Deng Qing did as instructed.
Blood droplets fell onto the jade, quickly seeping in, and then a halo appeared.
The young man nodded. "Verification successful, please wait a moment."
As he spoke, he got up and left again. He returned shortly afterward, carrying a large package, and handed it to Deng Qing.
Deng Qing opened it, and inside were two neatly folded blue Brocade Robe, complete with undergarments, shoes, socks, and other accessories.
Deng Qing reached out and touched it; the fabric was smooth and soft, and it turned out to be a fine satin.
The young man then took out a red metal bracelet and handed it over.
The bracelet was engraved with fine patterns, and a small piece of jade was set in the center. The jade was warm and lustrous, and it fit perfectly with the red bracelet.
"Here, too, blood must be shed."
The young man pointed to the jade piece in the center of the bracelet.
Deng Qing squeezed out another drop of blood, which fell onto the surface. In an instant, a flash of light appeared, then dimmed.
The young man handed him the bracelet and told him to put it on.
Deng Qing held it on her wrist, turning it over and over to look at it, but didn't notice anything special about it.
Xiao Jinglin chuckled from the side, "Brother Deng, try concentrating your mind and focusing your attention on it."
Deng Qing did as instructed, and the next moment, words appeared in the jade.
His name, his identity Military Selection Aide, and his affiliation were all clearly listed.
Deng Qing stared at it for a long time before regaining his composure and asking in a low voice, "Was this also developed by the Martial Dao Institute?"
That's all outdated information.
Xiao Jinglin laughed and said, "It's been around for decades and it works very well. This gold ring is both an identity token and a pass for entering and exiting many restricted areas."
From now on, when you take on tasks or receive Merit Points, you'll still need this item.
Deng Qing clicked his tongue twice, then touched his waist again, seemingly still savoring the moment.
Just then, a round-faced young man ran over, waved to the young man who was handling the matter for Deng Qing, and the young man apologized, telling Deng Qing to wait a moment, before leaving.
Xiao Jinglin urged Deng Qing to change his clothes, as clothing here also represented status, and this would save a lot of trouble.
Deng Qing changed his clothes on the spot. After he finished changing, Xiao Jinglin pointed to his shoulder, where there was a metal ring.
Xiao Jinglin said, "Brother Deng, take your Honorary Merit Rank badge off your neck and hang it up."
Deng Qing said, "Won't that be too conspicuous?"
Xiao Jinglin said, "You're overthinking it, Brother Deng. It looks peaceful here, but the Martial Dao Institute's motto includes the word 'struggle.' Your pressure will come soon. Trust me, whatever achievements you make, it's best to show them off. Don't hide your talents. Those who hide their talents often become prey for others. Of course, if you're keen on playing dumb to outsmart others, then disregard what I said."
"I'm bored."
Deng Qing pouted.
Just then, two soft sounds came from Xiao Jinglin's sleeve.
Xiao Jinglin raised his hand, rolled up his sleeve, and a bracelet was revealed on his wrist.
He stared intently at it, then his brow furrowed. He turned to Deng Qing and said, "Brother Deng, I have an urgent matter to attend to and must go there first."
"Go ahead and get busy."
Deng Qing waved the package in her hand. "The person has been delivered here. I can handle the rest myself."
Xiao Jinglin nodded, "I was planning to show you around, but we'll have to do it another day. I'll come find you again once you've settled in."
"Okay, let's talk another day."
Xiao Jinglin nodded and quickly left.
A short while later, the young man returned, and the way he looked at Deng Qing was different now.
Deng Qing asked, "What's wrong? Is something amiss?"
The young man chuckled, "It's not that anything's wrong. It's just that as soon as you activated your bracelet, the system received a message that you still have a Merit Voucher under your name that hasn't been claimed yet."
Deng Qing was taken aback. Could there really be such a good thing? Could it be a scam?
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he remembered what Jian Ruyu had said before.
At that time, he had fixed the Vein Dragon's tail before handing over the quota to Xiao Jinglin.
The Martial Dao Institute would first take a share of the credit for this achievement. At that time, Jian Ruyu told him that she had already secured a benefit for him, which he could receive after he entered the Martial Dao Institute.
Looking back now, the Merit Voucher I was waiting to receive was most likely that benefit.
How many?
Deng Qing asked.
Five thousand.
The young man's voice trembled slightly, "Please give me the bracelet."
Deng Qing didn't know what five thousand Merit Voucher meant, but he still took off his bracelet and handed it over.
The young man took it and placed it next to the jade plaque on the table. After a flash of blue light from the jade face of Deng Qing's bracelet, he returned the bracelet.
Deng Qing took it and focused his attention inside. Sure enough, there was a new record: 5,000 Merit Voucher.